SCARRED SOLDIER

“LADIES and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you,” voiced over on the plane as it took off. "Finally, I’m back." Annabelle whispered with a smile as she hides a little pain in her chest. She looked outside her window and leaned on her arm rest. Watching from up above, she stared blankly at people who looked like ants and the buildings and houses that looked like toys. She fathomed, she’s home. Seven years. It had been seven years since she left for the states and stayed with her aunt. With those long years she only went back home in the Philippines once – when her father passed away. It was even only for a week. As much as s

Jenny and Annabelle are preparing for their report to be presented in class. They sat on a round table at the students’ park. “Good afternoon, girls!” greeted Fred. He was Annabelle’s very persuasive suitor. He might have been sun bathing when the Lord showered the world with perseverance. No matter how many times Annabelle turns him down, he never gives up and would still keep on courting her. He was their schoolmate but he was taking a different class. Like the girls, he was also on his third year in college. He’s a son of a councilor who’s a very good old pal of Annabelle’s father. That’s why she also considered him to be her childhood friend. Fred was seemingly good looking and also intelligent but he’s slender and quite short. He’s almost at the same height as Annabelle. He is basically just not her type. She’s more attracted to men with big body builds; tall and muscular

IT'S lunch break. Anna and Jenny rushed to the cafeteria to grab some decent meal but got stucked in an everlasting line."Anna, Jen, I'll join you. It's too boring to eat alone. Will that be alright?""Of course! You're free to join here," said Jenny."Before everything else, are both of you coming to the disco this Sunday? I hear the town captain got a new sound system, bet it will be awesome! Many of our neigboring town’s people will also join!" he said."Oh yeah! Let's go there , sis. How about cutting this monotonous school –home, home-school pattern? Sounds great, yes?""A, I'll try. You know, Dad would..." She’s sure as the sun set that her father will forbid her to go to such place. Her family’s what you call conservative."Don’t be such a killjoy! We can make a way. They say grab the beer while still full!' You know what I mean? Life is short, just like you!" Jenny said wit

While Annabelle is seated in the dining table.“Annabelle, It has come to my knowledge that Miguel frequently fetches you from school.” The girl was left unguarded with her father’s sudden interrogation. Even though she expected them to know about those things, she could not stop feeling startled.“Y-yes,” she answered in a lowly manner. Nervous that he might get angry and yell at her. She's a daddy's girl but her father can be as strict as a dictator sometimes.Silence ruled around the kitchen breaking in only the clanging of their silverwares. Mrs. Cora was even left unuttered.“Well, that’s nice to hear!” surprisingly, said her father. Annabelle looked up, totally shocked. Her mother had raised her brows even.“Oh, what’s with you two? That is actually good. My daughter now has a bodyguard, and on top of that, he’s an army official!” He proudly said with joy.“You’re...not mad, D

Miguel continued his gestures to Annabelle. He still fetched Annabelle from school but this time he was more caring, sweeter and especially more protective. There were times that he got too strict particularly with the way she dressed but instead of Annabelle getting mad, she actually finds this cute and felt giddy with the idea.He also made sure to court Annabelle formally, and that matter started that night.Miguel looked dashing with his light blue jeans and black polo shirt. Traditionally, like what he promised too, he brought a bouquet of flowers and a huge teddy bear. Annabelle does not like sweets that’s why he didn’t bother bringing chocolates. Sometimes not only Annabelles gets something when he visits, her parents gets presents as well. Her parents warmly welcomed him because they liked him very well especially her father. Some days, it looked like Miguel is courting Annabelle’s father because both men spend the whole night chatting. He really fanci