"HOW is your son? When will he be back here?" Don Antonio began as he opened the door to his office. There was a small crack in the closet so I could see them enter. Don Severino was following him.
"According to his letter, perhaps the ship will finally land at the end of the month," he replied, taking a puff of tobacco. Don Antonio sat down in his chair and motioned for his friend Don to sit down. Don Severino's son was Roberto, who was also a General. I came to my senses when Sebastian gasped softly. I didn't realize that he couldn't breathe properly because of the tightness of my embrace with him.
I let go of him in surprise but he suddenly lost his balance so I quickly hugged him again causing the closet we were hiding in to rattle a little. I saw the two Dons turn to the cabinet. They looked at each other but suddenly Don Antonio's pet cat jumped from the top of the closet so they just laughed.
"What are you trying to tell me that no one else should hear?" Don Antonio asked Don Severino, the entire office now covered in smoke from their simultaneous smoking of tobacco.
Don Severnio laughed before speaking, "I just wanted to inform you about Sebastian's actions. As a father, I ask that you talk to your son."
"What do you mean?"
Don Severino laughed again and blew out the smoke, "It's no secret to you that there was a bad misunderstanding between the two of us when he sided with a waitress. Honestly, I don't care who he favors but only mine, I can't accept that he managed to humiliate me and tarnish my reputation in front of the public." he said, slowly making me look up at Sebastian. He was just staring at the wall of the closet and listening carefully to Don Severino's complaint.
Don Antonio took a deep breath then put down his tobacco, "Don't worry, friend, I'll talk to my son." Don Severino smiled because it seemed like his friend had sided with him.
"Please also tell him to release my men. It's not good for our alliance for him to capture my people. You know what I want to happen, don't you, friend?" Don Severino grinned again, Don Antonio stared at him for a moment, but soon joined in the laughter.
Don Severino stood up, accompanied by Don Antonio, they walked out of the office together, but before he opened the door, Don Severino turned around again, "By the way, if possible, talk to Don Florencio about his waitress" he smiled, my eyes widened at what I heard. Was he referring to me?
"Who's the waitress?" Don Antonio asked in surprise, Don Severino laughed out loud again and patted his friend on the shoulder. "The woman Sebastian sided with" Don Antonio just nodded and their laughter reigned again as they left the office.
When we were sure they were gone, I slowly let go of Sebastian. He also carefully climbed down from the closet backwards and when he got down, he didn't know if he should put his palm out in front of me or if he should lift me up like before. In the end, he just chose to put his palm out to help me get down from the high closet.
Sebastian immediately peeked through the door, "You need to get out of here. I'll call niyong to take you to your place" he said then closed the door and turned to me. I only noticed now that he was sweating, it wasn't that hot inside the closet earlier.
"It's okay. I can go home. Lolita is with me," Sebastian walked to a table and took something from the drawer then came back to me. He placed a thin black blanket over my head.
"I'll call niyong" he said, I was about to speak but he had already opened the door and nodded for me to follow him out. "Just stay here" he ordered then quickly went down the stairs.
I just held my heart in my hand. I don't know why it was beating so fast. Maybe it was because I was nervous now that someone might see me here, but besides that, I couldn't get what Don Severino said earlier out of my mind.
A moment later, I heard three knocks on the door. I immediately went there and opened it, Niyong appeared. "Binibini, Señor Sebastian sent me."
"Where is he?"
"He needs to join Don Florencio and Señorita Maria Florencita at the table. They've been looking for him for a while now."
I bit my lower lip hard. I need to talk to Sebastian to find out what he's planning on Don Severino's men. I'd like to punish them all, but I can't because that would just mess up the story.
Niyong and I quickly left the mansion, the number of guests inside increased so much that no one noticed us. Even in the kitchen, which was shrouded in smoke from the fireplace, no one bothered to ask who we were.
When I got back outside where ordinary citizens were falling inline for food arranged on long tables. I caught up with Aling Pacing and Aling Lucia along with other mothers dancing to the beat of the music. I looked for Lolita, and found her in a corner, eating alone.
"Lolita!" I called, she stood up while holding the piece of apple. "Sis Tanya, where did you go? You suddenly disappeared earlier" she looked at my side, her smile disappeared when she saw Niyong.
"Ah, I was just taking care of something" I replied, immediately clinging to Lolita. We need to get out of here or I might run into Don Severino on the way. "W-where are we going, sis?"
"Let's go home"
"But you haven't done eating yet"
"I'm still full"
"But how about mom and aling pacing?"
"They said earlier that when we want to go home, we can just ask Mang Pedro to take us home," I replied, causing Lolita to turn around as I dragged her out of the land occupied by the Guerrero family. The people we were now meeting continued to arrive.
"But Mang Pedro is not with us"
"Niyong is here" Lolita looked back again, Niyong was indeed following us. She immediately looked away from the young man and started walking with me.
"Anyway. I want to sleep now. I've been bored with the celebration for a while now" she said, the panciteria wasn't far from the mansion. We could already see it in the distance.
I turned to Niyong and widened my eyes at him. A signal that he should greet Lolita. Niyong immediately stood up properly and walked with us. I was between the two of them.
"G-good evening, binibini" Niyong greeted as he took off his hat and placed it on his chest. Lolita just raised an eyebrow then sat back in the chair, "What's good about the evening?" Niyong asked, seemingly surprised by Lolita's reaction.
I immediately touch Niyong that he was almost peeing with nervousness. It seemed like he wasn't used to talking to women. After all, I made his character as an innocent and clumsy teenager. Lolita, on the other hand, was completely in love with him and was the one who was trying to get them closer.
I widened my eyes at him again, in situations like this he should know how to soften a woman's heart, I gestured to him what to say. He immediately nodded when he understood, Lolita wasn't looking at us, she was just looking straight at the road.
"Y-you're even more beautiful than the night, binibini?" Niyong said, I just held my forehead, his tone was like a question. Lolita didn't say anything, the three of us just continued walking slowly. I saw Lolita's face was also surprised because Niyong seemed unsure of what he said.
I need to take a action, it looks like Niyong is going to miss it. "And since you guys already know each other, the three of us will go out next week. Let's go boating on the river!" I smiled then turned to face the two of them, they stopped walking.
One of the scenes between the two of them in the novel is when they are boating on the river and there Niyong gradually falls in love with Lolita, who he knows has a crush on him.
But the situation is different now, Lolita doesn't like him anymore so she doesn't try to get Niyong's attention anymore. But I still hope that they will still be close to each other if I still insist on making their planned scenes happen.
"I don't like boating, sister," Lolita said,
"I have work to do too, binibini," Niyong said, I took a deep breath and then hold my waist in front of them.
"We're going to the river on Sunday, you dont have a work on Sunday," I pointed out to him, he just scratched his head. I turned to Lolita, "And you, Lolita, I know you enjoy riding in the boat" Lolita just smirked, it was obvious she only said that to avoid Niyong.
"So, lets go on sunday?" I smiled then my eyes moved between the two of them who now had a trace on their faces that they were unsure. "One question, one answer. Yes? or Yes?" I continued, they both looked at each other and simultaneously looked away from each other.
Niyong nodded first, Lolita did nothing but nod as well. I clapped my hands in joy and then held on to both of their arms. "I'll look forward to that, let's go for a walk on Sunday!" I smiled and laughed, they didn't do anything but agree with what I wanted. Aside from being older than them, I'm also the author so I'll be the one to follow.
THE NEXT MORNING, I took a deep breath as soon as I got off the carriage. I stared at Fort Santiago for a moment, it was only ten in the morning, Sebastian was definitely there. Carrying a bowl of noodles, I walked bravely towards the entrance. A guard immediately recognized me and invited me inside.
The guard accompanied me to the general's office. The door to Sebastian's office was open, we found him standing in front of the bookshelf and reading something. "Heneral, usted tiene un visitante (General, you have a visitor)" the guard said, Sebastian turned to us. He looked at me, I immediately turned my eyes to the ceiling because I couldn't look him straight in the eyes.
The guard nodded at me and then went back outside, leaving me standing in front of the door. I didn't know if Sebastian had agreed to receive a visitor or if I should follow the guard and just go outside.
He walked to the table and placed the book he was holding there, I was going to wait for him to sit on the chair before I entered but I was surprised because he just stood there then looked at me again, "Why?" he asked, I just took a deep breath then walked into his office. I was going to close the door but I remembered that it would be more awkward so I just left it open.
I placed the noodles on his table, "Ah, noodles by the way. They're special because they have a lot of vegetables and meat. They're a best-seller," I started, he looked at the noodles. "What are these for?" he asked then looked at me again. Did he think I was bribing him? I suddenly laughed at that idea.
"I-I should have thanked you, because you saved me from Don Severino. That's three times, so here it is," I said, then pointed to the noodles. He didn't say anything, I knew he was just doing it as a loyal general defending the country and its people.
"Also... I'll take my salary too," I continued with a smile. I don't care if I look like money in this world. I'm the one who determined their wealth so I have the right to ask. Besides that, I also need a budget for Lolita and Niyong's date this week so I really need money.
He took the money from the drawer and placed it on the table, I smiled widely, I was about to take it but he held it as if he didn't want to give it to me, I looked at him in surprise. "Why did you do that?" he said using his serious tone. I told him that something seemed wrong with him now, did I think we were friends? He was joking last night.
"Huh? Which one?" I wondered, did I do something wrong? My eyes widened when I remembered that I had let Lorenzo and Berning escape last night. Did he find out that there were papers missing from his father's office? Was he blaming me?
I swallowed nervously, he looked away and stared at the money. "W-why did you hug me" he said as if he was embarrassed, he didn't even ask a question. He reminded me of what happened. I just closed my eyes in shame, but I couldn't explain to him why I did that.
But shouldn't he have gotten it by now that I hugged him so he wouldn't lose his balance? He didn't even ask that night. After all, we were in a hurry to get out of there, afraid that Don Antonio would come back.
In situations like this, I have to show him that I'm not affected so he doesn't think anything of it. "Ah, because you almost fell while we were hiding, I hugged you so you wouldn't fall" I explained with a smile, hoping he wouldn't notice that my lips were trembling while smiling. Just smile, go Faye, you can do it!
"But what you did was wrong," he said, then adjusted the buttons on his collar. I could tell he wasn't comfortable talking about this either. I felt like I had done a huge sin and had defiled his manhood.
"Why would I let you fall there, then they caught us? Maybe they'll think otherwise. Besides, the closet is so high, you'll definitely break your back if you fall there," I said, waving my hand to explain to him that I really had no intention of touching him. Why does it seem like our situation is reversed?
He just nodded then stood up and faced the window, he was now watching the soldiers rehearse. He took something from a drawer, lit tobacco and smoked a cigarette. "He's a smoker too" I whispered to myself, he turned to me because it seemed like he heard. I wanted to say cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health but he might have to translate that again, our conversation would be longer.
I took the money from the table and put it in my pocket, then stood up and bowed to him. I was about to leave when I remembered that I had something else to ask him.
"Ah, General Sebastian, what will happen to Don Severino's men?" I'm not used to calling him general, but I have to, otherwise I'll end up in jail again. He walked back to the table and put down the tobacco. There was so much smoke, I even waved my hand in the air because of the thickness of the smoke. I even coughed because I'm really not used to the smell and smoke of cigarettes.
"They will face the appropriate punishment" he replied, I sat back in the chair, I couldn't help but cough, when the smoke cleared I saw that he had been looking at me for a while. "you are not used to it?" he asked, the smoke also hurt my eyes, I smelled of cigarettes.
"That's probably burning the lungs. Don't you have a smoking area---Oh, forget about it. I want to know what punishment you're going to impose on them?" I continued, he took the tobacco then extinguished it and put it back in the case. He also waved his hand in the air to clear the smoke that was enveloping his office.
"That depends on the court," he replied, standing up and opening the window wide to let the smoke out.
"Can't you just let them go?" I asked, I had to convince him, Don Severino would definitely be angry if his men were punished. That would be the signal for a fight between them.
"Are you afraid of what you heard Don Severino say?" he asked then turned to me, standing in front of the window again.
"Me? Afraid of that Don?" I said with a laugh, why would I be afraid? I was the one who raised them, so they should be afraid of me.
"Then, just let what comes out of his lips," Sebastian said, the simultaneous shouts of soldiers practicing with their swords echoing from outside. I just held my head, how can I force Sebastian to stop bothering Don Severino? The story keeps getting sidetracked.
I stood up and walked towards him, "We don't know how small Don Severino's brain is, he might do something. He could involve Panciteria and my friends. He might blow up your house too. So, think carefully, wouldn't it be happier to live without enemies?" I smiled, holding both my palms as if praying and begging him to agree to what I wanted to happen.
He slowly turned to me, staring at me for a few seconds, as if he was reading my eyes. I just hoped he wouldn't notice that my lips were really trembling. "I can feel you're scared," he said, and I just bowed. Do I have to admit that I'm scared?
I was surprised when he took a step closer to me, "Why are you afraid? Don't you trust me?" he continued, I looked up at him in surprise, and at that moment I felt my heart beating nervously again.
I felt my knees suddenly weaken, I almost lost my balance, he almost grabbed me but we were both shocked because that was not possible. "Ah, I'm leaving" I quickly said goodbye to him then quickly left the general's office.
I was wiping the table at the Panciteria, I really had to find a way to maket Sebastian and Don Severino in good terms. General Roberto, Don Severino's son, was also arriving soon. They couldn't be enemies. I stopped and sat down on the chair when I remembered that they would end up being enemies too.
A moment later, I came to my senses when I heard someone enter the Panciteria, it was five in the afternoon. There were hardly any people there now because lunch was over, and it was rare for people to eat snacks here. Most people were having snacks at their homes.
I was stunned when I saw Lorenzo, he was standing in front of the door, he took off his straw hat and placed it on his chest. He was wearing a white chino shirt and red pants. "Good afternoon, binibini" he greeted me, I stood up and nodded to him.
"Wait a minute, I'll just call Aling---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because he had already spoken. "The truth is, Aling Pacing wasn't my intention," he said then put his hat back on. It looked like he had just come from work. I wasn't used to seeing him this morning.
"I wanna talk to you," he continued, making me point at myself. "Me? Why?" I suddenly felt nervous, had I done something offensive to the group?
He scratched his head, "I wanted to thank you for what you did the other night. Thank you for helping us" he said, I breathed a sigh of relief, I thought I had another case. If I don't end up in prison, I'll be thrown into the middle of the forest. I'm not really safe in this novel.
"Ah, nothing. I just did my duty," I said with a smile. I felt like I saved the entire country. He was about to speak when Aling Pacing suddenly appeared, "Oh, hijo, what are you doing here?" Aling Pacing asked, holding a bowl of noodles.
Lorenzo looked at me, I knew he knew he shouldn't have left me, since I was also a member of the group. "I just passed by, aling Pacing, I'm leaving now," Lorenzo smiled, the hero in my novel was also really handsome. His stance was very Filipino.
"Oh, be careful, hijo," said Aling Pacing, then handed me the noodles. "Tanya, can you take this to Aling Lucia's house? It's their youngest child's birthday, I'm giving this to them," smiled Aling Pacing, I nodded and took the noodles.
Lorenzo went out first, I went up to the room to bring some money. I might want to eat something on the way home later. I picked up the bilao and left the Panciteria. I was surprised to see Lorenzo, he was standing by the door.
"Aren't you going home yet?" I asked, he immediately joined me in walking, "I'll just walk with you" he said then took the bilao from my hand. "It's okay, I can---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because he was already carrying the bilao.
"It's really heavy," he said with a smile. I just nodded to myself, readers will really like him because the protagonist in my novel is kind, patient, principled, handsome, and above all, a gentleman.
We also met many people walking along, most of them were vendors carrying their cows or buffaloes, pulling their goods. "I also wanted to apologize for kidnapping you and scaring you," he said, and I just smiled.
"No, that's nothing. I understand that you shouldn't just let members into the organization," I said, also happy that they no longer see me as an enemy.
"I'm sorry if I mistook you for the general's spy. It's clear to me who your loyalties are," he continued, causing me to stop walking and turn to look at him.
I don't know why I suddenly remembered Sebastian when he said that. I felt a sudden pang of pity for Sebastian's situation, he had now given me his trust but I still chose to help the rebels.
"W-why?" I came to my senses when Lorenzo spoke. I didn't realize I was staring at him. I just couldn't help but remember the big difference between him and Sebastian. He even mentioned loyalty. Shouldn't I be loyal to the hero of the story?
I just smiled, "Nothing. I just remembered the purpose of the organization. Freedom and justice are what we are fighting for" I said then continued walking, he immediately joined me. I was surprised when he suddenly held out his palm in front of me, "Lorenzo... Lorenzo Cortes is my name" he said, I stared at his hand in surprise.
He cannot tell anyone his real name because he is the grandson of Don Imo, who was convicted of being a traitor to the people. Only three people know his true identity, Santino, Tadeo and Berning. And now, why did he tell me the truth?
"WHEN are you going back to Bulacan, ate Tanya?" Lolita asked, she was holding onto my arm and we were walking home now. We had come from a hill, and aling Pacing had sent us home because she said she would be praying there all night.
The night was dark but Lolita and I were used to walking. We also walked home a few nights because we didn't have a carriage. I was saving my money here for their date on Sunday. With four days left until Sunday, the two of us had been doing nothing but deliveries to Panciteria these past few days.
"It depends, when I save up," I replied, even if I make millions here, if I still can't find a way out of this story, I still won't be able to go home.
"You must be missing your parents and siblings," she said, then leaned on my shoulder as we continued walking.
We each had a bag containing malunggay leaves. Aling Pacing had picked them earlier in the owner's yard where there was a hill. "Yes, I'm excited to see them," I sighed.
A moment later, we turned around when we heard the arrival of the chariot. The rich people wouldn't let us ride either, so we just continued walking. We stopped when the chariot suddenly stopped next to us.
Niyong immediately took off his hat, he was the driver of the chariot. Lolita's eyes widened when she saw him.
I was about to ask Niyong if we could ride together when suddenly the curtain of the carriage opened and Sebastian appeared in front of us, riding in it.
Sebastian got off the carriage carrying a lamp. "Can I talk to you?" he asked, I looked at him from head to toe in surprise. He was sweating profusely and wearing a white polo shirt that, as usual, looked like he had just woken up from a nap.
"In fact, we are going to your home, binibini," Niyong replied, causing Lolita and I to turn to him.
"Can I? Even just for a moment," Sebastian repeated, looking very tired, as if he had run several kilometers even though he was riding in a chariot.
I just nodded in response to him, Lolita was surprised when Sebastian grabbed my wrist and led me away from the carriage.
When we got away from them, he stopped and faced me. "Why? What happened to you?" I don't know why he was sweating profusely, as if he had been chased from afar.
"Can't you see what's going to happen in the future?" he said, making me turn to Lolita and Niyong who were standing next to the kalesa. We were a few meters away from them so I'm sure they couldn't hear us.
"I had a dream again," Sebastian continued, causing me to look at him. Why was he bothered by the events that were set to happen in this novel?
"I will still be taken away from my life in that cell. But..." the wind blew, causing the trees around us to dance. Dead leaves fell. I looked at the lamp he was holding, the wind was also dancing with the fire it lit. My eyes widened when I recognized that lamp!
"But before I could breathe my last, I saw Roberto enter the cell with a man I didn't know," he said, the wind getting stronger, even the dusty dirt road was being blown away by the wind along with the dead leaves.
"I have a strong feeling that those two are involved in my death," he continued, his eyes reflecting the nightmare that his death brought. Who wouldn't be scared when you know how you're going to die?
I couldn't take my eyes off his eyes filled with fear. I didn't know why I couldn't tell him that Roberto and Lorenzo didn't kill him. Because the truth was that I myself had arranged his death.
At that moment, the fire inside the lamp he was holding completely died out. And with it, darkness reigned over the entire environment once again.
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