Once Upon A December

In the early days, when the Spanish occupied us, in the town of Misamis (now Ozamiz), a wealthy family lived in a very large house (now the home of former Vice Mayor Elvera Tan), the Santisteban Family. Montague Alonso Santisteban is the leader of the city. Josephina Lucrezia Santisteban is his husband, a loan shark. Both of them are from the rich and were married.

They have only one child. Nicholas Laureano Santisteban. A very handsome man who looked just like his mother; white, high nose, brown, and well=kept hair. He had his mother's face and has a slight resemblance to his father.

In the morning, it is spent with his tutor Diego Fajardo de Oziroch. Because he was the only child in the family, he had many responsibilities and one of these is his studies.

Due to his lavish lifestyle, he did not know of the poor. One of the many poor people was the Consuegra family. Dolores Agustina Consuegra is a laundry lady, his life is dedicated to surviving and doing everything for his son. Vicente Labezares Consuegra. He has a face similar to a prince; charismatic, and owns the most beautiful pair of green eyes in the world. They live off as their own, and every penny counts.

December is nearing and it's time for the annual masquerade ball at The Santisteban Mansion. They give invitations to the rich and certain bourgeoisie only and you cannot enter without an invitation.

"Montague, I'm leaving to send the invitations.", Señora Josephina said

"All right, all I ask is you do not forget Signor Diego's family", replied Señor Montague

Señora Josephina withdrew from his chariot. He went home individually and shared invitations. The news spread that the time was ripe for the annual masquerade ball and that it was spreading especially to the poor who just wanted to experience a luxurious lifestyle for just one night.

They pursued the chariot and in his anguish, many invitations fell and into the hands of the poor. He just kept quiet about it to Señor Montague because he was afraid of what he would do.

Senora Dolores and Vicente are on the river and washing clothes. Vicente was so tired that he came home first. As he traveled, he saw many people quarreling. He didn't know what was happening so he went straight to their little home.

He was surprised to receive an invitation saying they were invited to a banquet at The Santisteban Mansion.

When Senora Dolores returned home, he was surprised by Vicente's glee in greeting his.

“Mom! Mom! Look! There's a party at The Santisteban Mansion and I got an invitation! ”, He said happily as he spoke.
“Huh? You must be lying my son! ”Said, Senora Dolores.
“No Mom! When did I ever lie to you, ”Vicente said.

Vicente presented the parchment and Senora Dolores was filled with joy.

“Son! You should go! You can use your father's clothes, ”says Senora Dolores.

“I'm shy mom! I know you don't want to remember the past.”

Senora Dolores was silent from his son's words. He had no intention of hurting his mother.

“Sorry mom, I'm sorry for what I said.”, He said while sympathizing with his mother.

A tear came from Senora Dolores' eyes. There was only sadness on his face but it disappeared when he saw his son.

“Never mind his son. It has been done. All I ask is for you to go, ”said Senora Dolores.

"All right mom, I'm going.", Vicente surrendered.

Many days and weeks passed and the sun was approaching the masquerade ball. Many poor people came in because they showed invitations.

Señor Montague was shocked as he learned the story. He was angry with his husband, but they could do nothing now that the party had started and they had entered.

At the Consuegra's house, Senora Dolores is still helping his son prepare.

"You have your father's look," says Senora Dolores

“Oh mother, you will cry. "Let's not talk about his anymore," said Vicente.

“Take care! Maybe when you go home, I’ll be a grandmother! ”, joked Senora Dolores.

Vicente laughed but he considered that.

Vicente entered and he was given a mask as he entered, but he didn't seem to want to wear it because he wanted to appreciate what was happening today. He came home to the wealthiest family in Misamis.

Their home is huge and things were made of almost only gold, with the high arches engraved with golden fleurs-de-lis, gorgeous floor designs that had him puzzled whether he should look up or down, orchestra in the living room, Chinese porcelain, and noticing most of their equipment are European of origin, Vicente was simply shocked by this and the wealth the Santisteban's had.

“I heard that the mask was made and purchased in Venice. ”one woman said.

“Where's the family! Their clothing is the limelight of the party! I wonder what’s the newest fashion style!”, another woman said.

At that moment, the room became dark and they were all staring at the stairs. Señora Josephina first appeared. he wears a blue wool gown, engraved with sapphires, and wears a deep red necklace and tear-shaped crystalline agates. Everybody was watching her.

"Is that the latest Paris style?", asked another woman.

Señora Josephina laughed, “Yes. It's only 15,000 ”.

People are talking about her dress.
“Only 15,000! Costly"
“Only 15,000? This one I wear is 20,000 and no compliment to my dress?”

At that moment, their son came out again. Nicholas was wearing a tuxedo made by his tailor. His clothes are beautifully designed; his dress glittered, a black agate lay on his shoulder, and the name Santisteban was embroidered on his clothing.

When he came down the stairs he saw a man. He just stared at his; tall, fit, fine hair, charming, long nose. Nicholas couldn't stop looking at the man.

In the eyes of Vicente, a charming man;  brown, high nose, fine hair, Vicente couldn't help but look.

After everyone had eaten dinner, it was time for what everyone was waiting for, the masquerade ball; all guests will wear masks and dance to music played by the orchestra. This whole moment is beautiful that it is really what everyone is waiting for.

As to Señora Josephina's request, everyone is to find a pair for the dance. Señor Montague paired up with Señora Josephina, and it started when all had found a pair.

The orchestra played and they danced. Vicente learned to dance with his mother when he was a child, and Nicholas learned to dance because of Signor de Oziroch.

"You’ve grown Nicholas!", said one bourgeoisie

Pairs move around and they have a different girl or boy. The whole thing was fine, but when the poor came in and because they weren't skilled at dancing, the dance became a mess.
.
Nicholas turned and waited for his new dance, but what he felt was a muscular hand. Without hesitation, Vicente took his hand and danced with Nicholas. A few minutes passed and he suddenly realized that the man he was playing now was the same man he had seen as he came down the stairs.

During the ecossaise, nothing happened but he stared into his eyes and saw the most beautiful pair of eyes. Such confident tenderness, he could not say what he had to say.

As the dance was about to end, Vicente finished his dance, and there he saw that he was danced by a man. A very attractive one, but he recognized it as the son of the Santisteban Family. He saw white complexion, brown eyes, and he realized that it was the same person he saw.

"I apologize! I’m sorry for what had happened." Vicente said as he trembled.

Without saying anything, he had realized what he saw. Just now, he saw the most beautiful person he had gazed his eyes on. He was silent and just gazed into his eyes

He returned to himself and answered the man who had spoken to him.

"You have done nothing wrong, Lord, the place has become a mess when the poor come in," replied Nicholas.

It is very clear that both are shy with each other's presence,

“Vicente Labezares Consuegra. You? ”, He reached out his hand.

“Nicholas Laureano Santisteban. Welcome to our humble home ”, says Nicholas

Vicente laughed when he said, “Humble? You're kidding me!"

Nicholas laughed, too, now he looked like a tomato.

Silence is upon them as both of them struggled to start a conversation. Nicholas decided that they should go to the balcony and there, they can talk. He grabbed a wine from the cellar and they went to the balcony.

"Beautiful night isn’t i----", Vicente said

"Yes, it is," Nicholas replied very quickly before Vicente could even finish his sentence.

Vicente was stumped and silence came upon them again.

"What business does your family own?"

Vicente laughed at that question, but he saw in Nicholas' eyes that he was not joking. He was the only child of a laundry lady. He didn't want to lie to him and he told the truth.

Nicholas realized what Vicente had said. How could a laundry lady son get into their house? Nicholas asked his story and the smile on his face disappeared and Vicente was silent. Nicholas immediately regretted this question, he was about to speak but was silenced by Vicente.

“My mom.”, he could not bring himself to continue  “her family was destitute. One day, the Governor-General went to their home and picked her to be his wife. ”, Vicente said.

“They love each other. My mother was being honored, he was given an education, he would spoil her with gifts. My mother became pregnant with me, and at that time my father received word that he was no longer Governor-General, and was to be sent back to the Americas.  He did everything he could to bring my mother with him but because my mother was considered Indio, she was not allowed. ”, Vicente, almost into tears.

“And here we are, living in poverty. My mother is a laundry lady. I'm not mad at my dad either. My mom wasn't angry with my dad either, she said it was understandable for someone like him to not be allowed to bring someone as low as his. I just wish I could see my father even for just an hour.”

You see in Vicente's eyes with tears coming out of his green eyes. Nicholas was taken to his stomach and gave him a few pesetas.

“Sir! I simply cannot accept that. ”, Vicente said in a panic.

"No, you can take it," Nicholas said.

Nicholas's heart was beating fast as the pesetas were still in his hands. Vicente took the money and for a moment felt his hand and Nicholas let out a gasp.

At that moment, they felt something strange. He could feel the flow of adrenaline in his heart, sweating him, he looked into his eyes and he calmed down as if all the problems in the world had disappeared. He didn't stop, Nicholas couldn't say what he was feeling. He wanted to hug Vicente, hug him to the end of eternity, and that's what he did.

Vicente didn't even know how he was feeling, but when he put his arms around Nicholas, for a moment he was calm. He could think of nothing but hold Nicholas' hands and dance. Vicente did not know if this was wine or he was taken in by his feelings.

They were seized by feelings of vanity and fear. So distant but it seemed that there is no barrier between them. Whispers and moans and ringing in their ears.

Indeed, they are talented at dancing because their dance shows poise. They move fast and the music comes to an end and they were catching their breath.

A sigh of relief as they laughed as they did. Vicente smiled and Nicholas's heart stopped. he had never experienced this feeling, he lived in a secluded place so he could not talk to anyone other than his tutor. Nicholas's face turned red again and now, Vicente noticed it.

"Nicholas, are you ashamed of me?" Asked Vicente.

Now, Nicholas' face became red and Vicente confirmed it.

He is not new to people who are shy and like him, but because he has feelings for Nicholas, he suddenly realizes that he also likes Nicholas. Not just in the way of friendship but, in the spirit of romance.

Vicente touched Nicholas' chin and at this point, Nicholas breathed. He touched his cheek and said in two forbidden words, "I love you." Nicholas's eyes widened as this word entered his ears.

Nothing happened and they continued to gaze into each other's eyes. Not knowing what to do,

“You are bewitching is all I can say”, Vicente said

Nicholas, at this point, cannot even breathe properly. His large, green, masculine eyes are eyes he could stare until the end of time. He went near and pucked his lips closer to his. Vicente had done the same and both were nearing for a kiss.

Vicente's lips were coming closer and closer to Nicholas. A little distance away and they heard a loud shout.

His father screamed at his and said nothing. he couldn't believe what he saw: his son was hugging and kissing a man. He couldn't understand what he was seeing. He left and was silent.

Vicente left and to Nicholas's grief and went to his room.

Senora Dolores had nothing to say. He had something to say but didn't come out of his lips. he couldn't understand how he was feeling. He does not want to have to deal with his only child. Senora Dolores couldn't think anything so he just hugged his son.

"Son... I am not angry .. If you are, what can I do", he said lovingly.

“Don't even think about it, Vicente. I still love you, hugged Senora Dolores.

After the masquerade ball, Nicholas was called to his father's office and faced a penalty.

“Nicholas, I saw. Something, that I had never seen. I'm not angry, remember that. ”, His father calmly said.

Everyone was quiet and his mother came in. He also confronted his mother and said what they had to say.

"Nicholas, your father and I already know that you are ...", Señora Josephina could not bear to finish what he was saying.

"We're just waiting for the day when you're ready to say it," said his father.

“Nicholas, we love you and your father. You will always remember him. Everything we will do

At that point, Nicholas wept, Only now did he feel the love of his parents. His parents were always occupied and only now Nicholas had felt the love that he has only dreamed of.

Now that he felt the love of his family, he didn't want to end this moment.

In the morning, no one mentioned what happened yesterday. Their breakfast was peaceful. Then, they went to work and Nicholas went outside to wait for Signor de Oziroch.

Nicholas could not get Vicente out of his mind. Vicente would not have lost his mind either.

In Nicholas' life, in the teaching of Signor de Oziroch, he could not erase his mind. He read a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo and thought of Vicente.

“I wonder how he is doing?” He asked himself

In Vicente's life, Nicholas had only Vicente in mind. With every act of his, he thought about what had happened yesterday.

“I wonder how he is doing?” He asked himself.

Months passed and their feelings for each other have increased. Each day, one cannot stop talking about each other. All they wished for is to see each other again but fate does not allow.

The New Year is approaching and everyone only wishes is for them to meet. Even for an hour, this is all they asked for.

Nicholas wrote a letter that he planned to give to Vicente.

My friend Vicente,

How are you? This is Nicholas. I write because my heart cannot help but feel that we are apart. It is not my wish that we will be separated forever. I want to meet you in the New Year. Let's meet in the city center, in case you can't go, I wish for you to at least go to our home so we can meet.

Loving, Nicholas.

He ordered Signor de Oziroch to deliver the letter to the Consuegra's house, saying that their house was at Catadman's. He made sure that this day the letter would be available.

A few days later Nicholas got an answer.

Nicholas,

I'll make sure I get this.

Love, Vicente

Cold, his message is. His quick and simple response hurt him. His letter, too, was messy, he couldn't write well. He ignored it because he could not control his happiness


The night came before the New Year and they met. Vicente wore the same clothes he wore at the masquerade so that Nicholas will not struggle to find him.

Vicente waited a long time and realized that Nicholas had not given the time and place in the center.

He wandered around to find him. All he ever wanted to see Nicholas, would soon be fulfilled.

A few minutes passed and he collided with the man.

"I'm sorry ----", he didn't finish what he said because it was Nicholas.

"Nicholas!", He suddenly hugged Vicente and felt his heartbeat loudly.

Vicente laughed and was happy to see his loved one again. Vicente felt the heartbeat of each other. He would wonder every day if it would finally be him. If it was him that he would want to be with together.

Beneath a moonless sky, Midnight was approaching and the New Year was approaching. Vicente pulled Nicholas away and they went to the center. His cheeks went red and Vicente walked fast.

Vicente pulled Nicholas aside and leaned against the wall and cornered him so he could not escape. Their lips are about an inch way at this point. Their cheeks are hot and… nothing. Vicente lay lifeless on the floor. Due to shock? Due to the lack of air? Nicholas didn't know what to do.

"Help!", Nicholas shouted as he embraced Vicente.

Many people surrounded him and helped Nicholas. They knew him because, of course, he was a Santisteban. They didn't know the man he was helping and it made many people ask. Senora Dolores saw his son and was afraid to see his son.

he ran to him and could not understand what was happening. Because his only son was unconscious on earth. People rushed to bring Vicente's body to Senora Dolores' home. where Nicholas and Senora Dolores met.

"Sir, thank you for helping my son", he felt tears welling up

"No problem.", He kissed Senora Dolores's hand

“Just call me Senora Dolores, ”said the widow

"Nicholas Laureano Santisteban."

He could not speak, this was the Nicholas his son was talking about. "The world is really small," thought Senora Dolores. He couldn't handle his feelings and he embraced Nicholas.

A few hours later the doctor arrived. He could not identify Vicente's illness or the cause of his death. Senora Dolores said that Vicente was always coughing, and at one point he was coughing

The doctor demanded payment and Senora Dolores was scared because they ran out of money. However, Nicholas offered to pay and even gave Senora Dolores extra money.

“Thank you very much, sir. I don't even know what to do. ”, Senora Dolores is grateful

“That, Senora Dolores is nothing. For now, all I want is his recovery ”

“I'll be home, Senora Dolores. My family will be worried, ”he said as he prepared to leave.

“Nicholas! Not now! I'll cook you breakfast! ”

“No need Senora Dolores. You spoiling me in your home is enough for me. ”

Nicholas went home and when he came to his house his parents were having breakfast.

“Nicholas! Where have you been! No matter how long it takes you, ”his mother said, remembering.

“Mother. Vicente was unconscious when we celebrated New Year's. I don't know what happened to his. ”, he said, shaking his head.

"Oh my son!", worried Señora Josephina said

Because of Vicente's memory, Nicholas could not think it right. How is he? Is he doing well? Does he have medicine? All the questions were going through his mind and he could no longer concentrate on his studies.

Two weeks passed and he had heard nothing about Vicente. He went out and read his copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. he read peacefully outside until he heard shouts, cries and a woman crying.

"I plead! Help me! My son is sick! ”. Nicholas couldn't see it but he knew in Senora Dolores' voice.

“Poor thing! You won't pay for it! You can't handle it! ”, Shouted Señora Josephina and broke a vase.

“I'm just a laundry lady! No matter how many you have! I will wash your clothes. I will do it for my son's sake! ”, cried Senora Dolores, now on the floor weeping.

“Get out of here! Our floors will get soiled!” Said Señora Josephina

“Mother! Mother! ”, Nicholas ran to help Senora Dolores.

“Nicholas? You know this … woman? ", Looking at him disgustingly

“Oh no! This is Vicente's mother! Senora Dolores, you're sorry. ",

Señora Josephina was ashamed of what he had shown his to the mother of his son's loved one. “I apologize. I didn't know you were Vicente's son. Nicholas always talks about Vicente, almost every day”.

Nicholas turned red and Senora Dolores just laughed. She accepted her apology and arranged an offer.

Señora Josephina will give Senora Dolores 10,000 pesetas for Vicente's doctor and medicine. He did not have to pay for Señora Josephina's decision but, in his gratitude to the family, provided family service as their laundry. “We will cook your food so you can eat three meals a day. We will bring your child some food too ”, at this point Senora Dolores was very grateful to the family and his tears were never-ending. Senora Dolores thanked the family and left to find a good doctor.

“Ay! No more! I have called our best doctor to find out what your baby is doing. It's free, it's ours. ", Says Señora Josephina

Senora Dolores lost control of his feelings and could not contain his gratitude for the family. He couldn't bear the words. Senora Dolores, Nicholas, and the doctor went to the house to check on Vicente's illness

"Vicente?", Asked Nicholas softly

"Ni-- cho --- las ...", replied Vicente

"Vicente!", He hugged Vicente and explained everything that had happened

“Nicholas! Thank you! Thank you to your family. Thank you, everyone! ”Said, Vicente.

After he said this, Vicente coughed and the blood was clear. When the doctor saw it, he sent everyone out of the room so he could examine Vicente properly. The doctor got the result and learned about Vicente's illness in three days.

Three days later he and Senora Dolores learned that Vicente's disease was tuberculosis. The doctor sadly said that it was incurable and that both Senora Dolores and Nicholas had darkened lives. What we enjoy in their lives will someday disappear.

“I don't know when this will happen, but Senora Dolores, Nicholas. Prepare yourself ”, said the doctor and the two became onions. They were not ready for Vicente's death. Every day they are preparing for this day.

Nicholas did not despair. Day and night, he spends his time in the library so he could see a cure for the pain his loved one suffered.

Three weeks passed and he got a hypothetical solution he saw Senora Dolores and ran to him.

“Senora Dolores! Maybe if we give him or---- ”, Senora Dolores calmed him down

“Nicholas. That's not it. Vicente --- ”, Senora Dolores suddenly cried

"No ...", Nicholas cried again

"Vicente's gone!"

“No! No! No! ”, Shouted Nicholas

"When I woke up in the morning, he was not breathing.", Cried, Senora Dolores.

“No! No! No! ”, Nicholas shouted back

“But, I saw something in his bed. A letter was written. I know that his last wish was to provide you with this letter.

Senora Dolores had just given him a simple letter. He opened the letter and read it;

My Dearest, Nicholas

I apologize for leaving you on such a short notice and have not bid you Adieu. I may have lived a short life but in the few months I got to know you, it is in my power, by words rather than actions, to convince you that I love you. Ever since the day I met you in the masquerade, I knew I was beneath you.

Unclear, it is the idea of love. Who knows when love begins? Who knows what makes it start? One day it’s simply there in your heart. The night I spent with you on the balcony was it. That was when it began. I knew it was alive in my heart. The moment we danced to the music of the night, you were ravishing. I felt something I haven’t felt to others in a long time. It felt like I have found my other half after having been split in two. These words are foolish but true.

Words cannot express how grateful I and mother are for sending the doctor to us. The troubles I have caused you have run me a risk of going to Purgatory for my avarice. I apologize on my behalf for bestowing to you, sorrow. It is not in my wishes for you to lament on my requiem, all I ask of you is to remember.

Think of me when you wake. Think of me as you slumber. Think of all the things we’ve shared and seen. Think of the things we could never do. Think of me fondly when I, at last, say goodbye.

Writing to say that I love you, I wonder if you would find my words cheap. I cannot express into words how much I love you. Every day, I wonder if you think the same. I love you, Nicholas. There, I said it.

After reviewing what I have been feeling, I am ready to ask myself what could have put it into my head to hazard this Jeu de follie. Whom do I want? I want you. I love you and only you. I gave my love to you for love is blind. I want to wake up and see you by my side. I want to spend every waking moment with you. I want to lead you away from solitude and live life with me. I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I’ll love you then.

Every day the world is yours, as am I

Love, Vicente


Nicholas was brought to his senses and he wept, weeping bitterly. Every letter he read struck his heart. Every word Vicente wrote he felt the presence of thee.

He goes to his bedroom and he doesn't come out. He spends his days crying inside his room. He was depressed. He refuses to eat and he goes thin. His family was scared of him because Nicholas was already thin. Nor can it be said that Nicholas's cough never ends. He coughs several times a day and once in a while he even bleeds.

Nicholas contracts tuberculosis too. Nicholas's last request was for both of them to be buried together, and it was so.

Two weeks passed and Death had taken him away. This is the cause of the monthly mourning in the city of Misamis. Everyone put so many flowers outside The Santisteban Mansion and the family told his story. The banned romance of two men. People didn't understand it at first. But, it seemed that the two were destined. Ever since they danced each other in the masquerade to the point of death, destiny has seemed to be in their favor.

At the grave, next to Nicholas' request that they are buried, many people were sympathetic to the family. As head of the city, the likes of Nicholas and Vicente were treated well in the city of Misamis and the person who did not comply with Señor Montague's request could experience impunity. Towards the end of their lives, Nicholas and Vicente were always in their hearts and minds. Their romance, and their story of what they were during the last.