Chapter 4 IV.

"Mary Cris has grown more beautiful as the years go by," Don Conrad remarked as I finally got to face him.

"Thank you, Don Conrad," I replied politely.

"How's teaching so far?"

"I'm delighted with it, Don Conrad," I said with a smile.

"It's a good thing my grandson is marrying a teacher. Someone will finally teach him a lesson."

My Grandpa and Conrad laughed. I pretended to laugh with them.

"But let me tell you, Conrad. The men from our tribe are tough, and they knew their way in the forest. They won't go easy on your grandson. Anything can happen," Grandpa said.

"But Carson's determination to keep his inheritance will motivate him enough to win." Then Don Conrad called his grandchildren. Three women joined us.

Camya, Don Conrad's second grandchild, was the same age as mine. She's a romance writer. I think she's cool. It's not every day that I get to meet a writer. On the other hand, Chamomile and Calla are still college students, but they are both taller than me, which makes me a little envious of their built. I'm glad they are humble, as their grandfather.

"I like your dress, Cris," Chamomile remarked, smiling.

"R-really?" I said. Unconsciously, I stroke the hemline of my plum dress. "My grandmother made this for me for my last birthday."

"Oh, wow. Cool!" she said, her eyes wide. "Seriously, I like it. It's simple but elegant. I'm going to use that as an inspiration for my next design. I can't wait for you to be a part of our family."

"If she could stand our brother," Calla butts in.

"Hey, you're scaring Mary Cris," Camya retorts.

"Why did you call me for, Grandpa?"

My attention reverted to the tall man who appears behind Don Conrad. My eyes grew wide as I realize that he was the same annoying stranger I met at the falls this morning. The man whom I want to punch so badly!

I saw the shock in his face as our eyes met, but it did not last.

"So, you're a mortal, after all. I thought you were the fairy of that waterfall," he says with a grin.

"And you're that perverted guy," I replied blandly.

"`You know each other?" Camya asks in amusement, looking at his brother and me simultaneously.

"Yes, but not formally," Carson replied in an instant. "She knew my junior, too, actually."

I clench my fist. Until when is he going to ruin everything for me? If not because of the people around us, I could have taught him a lesson already!

"Oh, I thought of something to write just now." Camya was smiling from ear to ear.

"Carson, I'd like you to meet Mary Cris Tuazon, your future wife. Mary Cris, this is Carson, my only grandson and the eldest among my grandchildren," Don Conrad said. "I hope you get along well. Make the bond of our family and their tribe stronger."

The waterfall should have swallowed me beforehand. I don't want to get married to Ruden, but I don't want to marry someone like Carson either! What's going to happen to me? Why did I do to deserve all this bad luck? I can't believe this is happening!

"Mary Cris, huh," he said as if tasting my name in his mouth.

I don't like the smile on Carson's face. He is a handsome devil-in-disguise. He looks like bad news. I'm sure he's just like Ruden that I should not trust.

To my surprise, he suddenly took my hand. He stares at my face as if he was trying to memorize every shape and curve of me. I felt conscious in an instant. No one has ever looked at me before, like the way Carson does-even Ruden. I feel like melting with just his gaze.

"Well, the truth is you're not so bad yourself."

I was about to protest when he squeezed my hand without a word. I swallowed and pulled my hand, shooting him a glare.

What is this feeling? I'm not supposed to feel this way.

"What are we waiting for? Let's start the celebration," Grandpa Mario declared.

I AVOIDED Carson on purpose. I could not accept the fact that I'm going to marry a guy like him. He's the worst!

I decided to join my little students on their table. Everyone from my tribe offered different kinds of dishes, so a supposedly simple celebration turned out to be a feast. These are just a few of those small things I could never find in another place.

"Teacher Cris, we are so happy for you!" Mai and Therese, my co-teachers, greeted me. They are two of the noblest teachers who accepted the challenge of teaching in a place like Bianon. And both of them found their partners here.

"I don't know if I have to thank you, guys," I said.

They laughed.

"You have such a gorgeous fiancé. Don Conrad's grandson is a good catch," Mai said.

"Don Conrad and the rest of his grandchildren are kind and humble. Besides, what more can that man ask for from you? You have everything, Teacher Cris. The man you are going to marry is so lucky," Therese said, grinning at me.

"Thank you for your kind words, guys. I wish I'm that lucky though," I replied. I bid good-bye to them and joined my students.

"Teacher, Mother told me you have a handsome fiancé," eight-year-old Jomel said.

We are sitting at the table near the stage, inside the covered court.

"`You think so, Jomel?" I ask.

"You'll look good together. He's handsome, and you're beautiful."

"And, Teacher, he bought us ice candy and bread from the store this morning," Nicole added.

"Really? All of you?" I asked, amused.

"Yes, Teacher. Because we helped him find the waterfall."

My jaw dropped. So it was these kids who brought him to the waterfall? And gave them a treat in return?

I purse my lips.

"Well, kids, the next time someone asks you for the waterfall, please remind them not to pee in the water so that... no trouble will occur. Okay?"

"Okay, Teacher!" they chorused.

"And for that, you did a great job."