PROLOGUE
Billy is trying to hold his tears as he ran out to the garden. His back is to the rough wall of the gardener's hut made smooth by his constant leaning on it whenever he talks with Ashie. Today, he felt numb and so heartbroken. His beloved dad just passed away leaving him in-charge of their company. He couldn't believe it, after happily celebrating his 11th birthday two weeks before.
Suddenly, he felt a comforting arm draped over his shoulders. He knew who it was before he turned his head. Ashie just gave him her sweetest, most comforting smile. Ashie in her usual tattered jeans and worn, mud-splattered shirt. She is their neighborhood's famous tomboy and his bestfriend.
"Sir Nathan is now in a safer, pain-free world," she said while squeezing his shoulders. Billy is so thankful that she never mentioned the tears silently running down his cheeks. That is when he knew his feelings for her run deeper than that of a friend.
"If you need someone to talk to budz, am always here," Ashie said. Billy nodded his head and just hugged her tight. "Oww, watch it Budz! You sure do can crack a rib with your bear hug, " exclaimed Ashie. "Come on Ashie," replied Billy. "I don't wanna be a chatterbox, I need a comfy pillow." "A comfy pillow you say? Well, you're in luck, Betsy is just around here somewhere," Ashie retorted grabbing a chubby piglet and shoving it towards Billy's head. "Oi, you hoyden!" exclaimed Billy pushing the piglet away which started struggling and managing to topple them all on the muddy ground. They both started laughing so hard that Billy forgot why he was in the garden in the first place. Without realizing it, they grabbed each other's hand and started walking back to the grand house, hands interlocked like lovers.
Chapter 1
"Are you sure about this outfit?", Myrna asked Ashie. "What is wrong with it, it's a dress for pete's sake!", cried Ashie. "Since when did you start wearing dresses?", asked Myrna. "Ahhhmm, this morning when I woke up", said Ashie smiling mischievously. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but for as long as I can remember, you never wore dresses nor skirts for that matter. Hello! Are you sure you are my cousin Ashie?", replied Myrna. "Ashie, Ashie where are you!?" she cried. "Shush!", said Ashie. "You will alert the whole neighborhood with your hollering. Billy's mom is hosting a masquerade party and she wants him to find a wife. I want to surprise Billy and inspect the candidates his mom has chosen for him. Now, will you help me dress up and look pretty like you, my dear beauty pageant veteran cousin?" Myrna couldn't believe her ears, her tomboy cousin in a dress, all made up? That sure is something. Far be it for her to deny her, Myrna proceeded to help Ashie out of her usual garb. "Do tell me you showered first Ashie," she reminded her cousin. "Duh, seriously! What do you take me for, a guttersnipe? Of course I always shower. I may be a hoyden but I do not forget what my mom used to tell me, observe cleanliness all the time. My clothes might look old and tattered, but have you ever noticed me smelling putridly? I think not!", Ashie stated strongly. "Alright, alright!" cried Myrna. "Turn around so I can zip you up. Wow! How did I not notice it before? ", She asked raising an eyebrow. "Noticed what?", asked Ashie in an alarmed tone. "Does it not fit me, do I look horrible, ugly?"Myrna smiled knowingly. "You look gorgeous, yours is a body shape most girls will die for. Thank goodness you are always covered properly, otherwise I will have no chance at beauty pageants.With your pretty face and gorgeous body, you sure will give those girls a run for their money." "Pish posh," cried Ashie, am too short, how can I be gorgeous?" "That my dear," said Myrna is easily remedied. I hope you don't plan on wearing sneakers to the party." "Of course not," said Ashie. "That reminds me, you have to guide me on how to walk these ridiculous heels. " "Put them on and show me,"said Myrna."I never thought wearing heels is a skill," complained Ashie.
"Don't walk like a gorilla nor a duck, try getting the feel of it and glide," advised Myrna.
After a few falls, Ashie managed to walk comfortably and confidently. Myrna gave a sigh of relief but was shortlived when she saw Ashie inhaling and exhaling quite noisily. "What's wrong Ashie," she enquired with a puzzled look. "It's the party, it will start soon and you have not nade me up yet, " cried Ashie. Myrna looked at her cousin's smooth and glowing face and said, "You do not need a lot of make up. You only need some powder on your face, some tweaking of your eyebrows and a dash of lipstick and then you are done. I say, am I invited too?"
"Of course you are, you silly goose!" ,Ashie blurted. Why do you think there is an extra dress on my bed?" Come on let us hurry, I do not want to be late. Am so nervous, I hope I won't make a mess of myself."
After almost an hour of primping up, the two ladies were ready. As they were ascending the Zaragosa's grand manor, most of the people were guessing who the beautiful woman is beside Myrna Montecillo, the reigning city muse. Indeed with her sparkling mini black dress, Ashie was a sight to behold. She was walking with elegance and grace, not a trace of her slouchy demeanor in her usual rags she calls clothes.
Inside, Billy was jittery. He doesn't know if Ashie will be coming as his mom said, she invited all eligible ladies. Ashie counts as a lady, does she not? Lady or gentleman? "I sure hope she finds a dress to wear, doesn't matter if it is branded or not. What matters is she comes." Beside him his mom raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Were you saying something, son?", she asked.
Billy was about to answer when something, or someone got his attention. He didn't even hear his mom exclaim, "Well, I'll be damned!"
