Memories From Last Year-Part 1

Maya's POV

I still can't believe I slapped Adonis so hard. For a long time, he always mocked and teased me, but I ignored it all because of my undying love for him.

What happened today made me realize I ran out of patience. I can no longer control myself for so many years I remained dumb and deaf by his insults and mockery. At this moment, I stand up and show him I am not afraid of him anymore, even though he is rich and the heir to Don Monleon's properties and wealth.

Out of anger at Adonis, I sat on the rock and looked at the clean river. What he had done a while ago brought back my memories of what happened last year. It was Don Miguel's birthday, and Ariana invited me.

To be honest, I didn't want to show up since all their visitors were from wealthy families from our place and prominent people from all over the country, and I knew I didn't belong and I didn't have any right to attend such a glamorous party.

"Maya, I need you there, and if you don't attend, I will not either." She spoke, and she pouted her lips.

"Look, Ariana, that party is for your grandfather's guests only. I am only the granddaughter of your farmhand. Besides, I don't have a dress to wear for such kind of event." I answered.

"Maya, you are my best friend. Besides, my grandfather knows you. I already bought a gown for you." She insisted, and I knew she would never stop bothering me until I said yes.

"Okay, fine, I will go with you, but please don't let me mingle with your rich friends," I replied.

"Yes!" She yelled and embraced me, and I couldn't help myself but smile. I always love Ariana because she differs from all the young madams in our place. She asked her chauffeur to pick me up on the afternoon of his grandfather's birthday last year.

"Maya, someone is looking for you outside," Mary said, and when I got out of our house, I realized it was Max, Ariana's driver. Ariana wants to drive her car, but her mother insists that she should have a chauffeur when she attends social gatherings.

"Good day! Maya, Young Madam Ariana sent me to pick you up. She told me to bring my sister with you. And don't worry about your gowns since she already prepared them for both of you." The driver said.

"And she hired some makeup artists and hairdressers from the city. They came this morning to do your hair and makeup." He added, and I felt excited and worried.

I am enthusiastic about meeting his handsome twin brother again. Adonis Monleon is the one I was dreaming of, and he has been my crush since I was in elementary.

I was about to return to the house, but I was astounded to find my sister at the door bringing her overnight bag.

"Maya, please don't tell me you will refuse your best friend's request. Not all in our town can attend the Monleon party, Maya. Besides, I prepared everything I needed last night."

My sister said.

"I knew Ariana would invite me to this marvelous dinner at the Monleon Hacienda, so please, my dear sister, don't change your mind." She added with puppy eyes, and she couldn't hide her excitement.

As much as I wish to disregard Ariana's invitation, I can't break my sister's heart. Her excitement makes me realize I must attend the party for her sake. I love Mary, and since I can't shower her with material things, I prayed for her dream to come true, and one of her dreams is to make friends with rich kids. I was praying she would never get hurt.

We said goodbye to my grandparents before getting into Ariana's fancy car. We were making our way to the mansion of the Monleons, and I could not stop the rapid beating of my heart. I feared what might happen that night, and my intuitions have been so correct. And how I wish I didn't show up at that party.

We entered the arch of Hacienda Monleon, and I still can't quite imagine how rich they are. We saw the big Mansion even though we were nevertheless far away. I love watching the trees beside the driveway and the beautiful flowers blossoming in the extensive garden before our eyes.

The landscape of the estate is breathtaking, and I can see the staff busy running around the place while the caterer's crew was arranging the tables and chairs while putting on white linen and colorful tulle. The long tables were decorated with centerpieces and adorned with fresh flowers.

Ariana was waiting for us in the parlor of the mansion, and when she saw her car approaching the parking area, she ran towards us and she hugged us both the moment we climbed out of her car.

"Maya, Mary! I am overjoyed you both came. I thought you were going to change your mind, Maya." She spoke, but I could tell she was happy to see us both.

"You know I can't say no to you, Ariana and no one can," I replied, and she grabbed my hand, and we got inside the estate together.

I am glad Adonis is not around, though, in my heart, I wish to look at his handsome face. I know he will only ruin my day with his comments and sarcasm.

Ariana took us to one of the guest rooms. My sister's eyes widened as Ariana opened the room. It was so big and spacious, and I could tell our entire house could be put inside the guest room we occupied. The extra king-size bed looked so inviting, and the mattress was so soft that I craved to nap.

"This would be your chamber, and I don't want you to go home tonight; we will dance until morning." She said, and I saw how thrilled my sister was.

I wonder why she likes fancy and material things. Her eyes glow whenever she sees new gadgets, jewelry, shoes, and dresses. Our guest room was so big, and she wasted no time. She put her bag in the wardrobe cabinet, turned around, and hit her body on the bed's surface.

She looked so innocent, and I wanted her to have all the luxuries in life, but being an orphan and poor by birth, I knew we couldn't have those things; that is why I studied hard and earned the spot of being the Class Valedictorian, it allowed me to achieve my goal to have a full scholarship for my college education.

My class adviser during my senior year, Mrs. Enriquez, gave me all the support, and I will forever be grateful for her kindness.

"Maya! It seems you are daydreaming again; what are you thinking?" Mary's voice startled me. And I saw her lying in the bed, and I could tell she was having a good time.

The makeup artists and hairstylists arrived in our room, and they started their routine while we were both seated on a vanity chair. Mary looked beautiful with her makeup, and she was stunning; they claimed I looked like my mother; maybe it was Mary who inherited my father's physical appearance. We don't have any resemblance that we are sisters, but I am so thankful that I have her in my life, and I am sure we share the same parents.

"Wow! You looked so lovely, Mary." I said after she put on her dress.

"Come on, Maya, I know I am not matched to you; you have a perfect beauty and gorgeous body figure, and I wish we had exact physical features," Mary replied.

"Are you related?" The artist who did my makeup asked, and we both nodded.

"Wow, you are both beautiful, but I cannot tell you are siblings. you are both beautiful, but you really have distinguished appearance from each other." She said and smiled at me.

"Yes, that's what people say, especially our neighbors," I responded.

"You are Maya, right?" She asked me again, and I just nodded.

"Don't you have any plans to enter a beauty pageant?" She sought me, and it made me laugh.

"Are you kidding? I don't think I will win if I join any beauty pageant since I am not that beautiful." I answered.

"Are you being serious? Can't you see your face in the mirror? You can enter any pageant since you have the beauty, and I heard you are smart. I know someone who can help you train the basics to become a beauty holder." She added.

"Thank you, but I don't have time to attend such kind of spectacle. I don't have the guts, and I perceive it is not for me." I said, and I got shy.

"Okay, but it's a pity because you are beautiful and talented; anyway, if you change your mind, just contact me, and here is my calling card." She spoke while she handed me her card, and I received it. I felt happy that some individuals find me fascinating.

"Don't expect her to call you. Many people have asked her to enter a beauty contest, and I even encourage her and give her full encouragement, but she always turns down the invitation." Mary spoke, and I felt guilty about her unending care for me.

"Wow! You looked fantastic! Both of you." Declared Ariana when she went back to our room, and she looked so beautiful. Her backless maxi dress looks so elegant on her slender body.

"Thank you for the gowns, and you are mesmerizing. You looked like a princess, Ariana." I responded, and I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Maya; that gown compliments your skin tone, and it emphasizes your hourglass figure." She said.

"I think we better go downstairs now, or we will be late for the opening program. I want my grandfather to look at me before the party starts." She added and turned towards the door.

Mary and I stood up from the chair and walked to the door. I can't control my nervousness since I know my mortal enemy will be there, and I don't understand myself. No matter how I hate Adonis, he always makes me feel excited and happy to see him.