CHAPTER 2

Miguel was cleaning his caliber 45 in his hut at their camp. That’s where he would live with the other soldiers. He felt like the gun is already a part of him. It was with him like forever. It was his partner way before he was still starting in the army up until now that he became an officer designated in this province. At the age of 28, he’s already successful with what he has achieved in the army. But he admits that it was not an easy road going to where he is now.

He grew up in Laguna with his younger sister who he sends to college. They became orphans when their parents died in different causes. His father died with complications from diabetes. Her mother followed after a year because of a heart disease.

“Bud, that’s enough. A genie might come out of there. Haha!” joked Rudy, his bestfriend who is also a soldier. “Come with me. Let’s go over to Manong Ben. He owns the store at the corner of this treet. He invited us to hang out there and maybe get some drinks.” He said while smiling.

Since it was a day for them to rest and he had nothing else to do, he agreed to Rudy’s invitation. He would also like to get to know the villagers well.

That afternoon Annabelle and Jenny was running home late because they had to finsh their science project. Every day, they’d go home together. They don’t come with their parents because these were still busy doing work at the school faculty. They walk approximately 500 meters from their school to theirs homes. Their way is pretty much safe that’s why they don’t worry walking.

Annabelle noticed a group of men hanging out on the store they’re approaching. ‘I think they are drinking’ she had thought.

She did not recognize those men, the only familiar one was Manong Ben who is the owner of that store. He noticed that there were five men and two of them stood out because of their body built and height. The one on a side-view had a pale skin. His biceps were revealing with his white sleeveless shirt and he had green walking shorts that was up to his knees. He chats joyfully with the group. The other man was wearing a grey shirt and khaki cargo shorts. It was also obvious that the guys is worked up. He had muscles as of like a swimmer wioth broad shoulders and narrow waist and hips. Even though he was at his back, she knows that the man is tanned. She also noticed that they all had the same hair styles like what policemen have.

“Sis, look at those handsome men!” Jenny hit Annabelle.

“Shhh. Can you behave? They might hear us it’s embarassing,” Annabelle was frustrated.

When they passed throuight the store. Annabelle just walked straight, ignoring what she saw earlier from afar.

“Annabelle, Jenny, why are you home late? It’s six in the afternoon.” Manong Ben just could not ignore the girls.

“Good Evening, Manong Ben,” they recited. “We had to finish a science projust that’s why we came home at this late hour,” continued Annabelle.

“Be careful on your way, there are already lots of men in arms here.”

“Thank you, we’ll always keep that in mind, manong ben,” She quickly responded to immediately cut the conversation.

But on her dismay, He kept on chatting to the group of men “Right we’re at it, does

someone would like to volunteer to keep the girls company as they walk home. I’m not

comfortable with the thought they are alone.“

Annabelle did not expect that the man in the gray shirt would stand up and step forward,

in agreement to Manong Ben. She was schocked and took a step back.

“Uhm. You don’t have to do this. We can carry on and we are almost there already. Don’t

worry, Manong Ben,” she said while stuttering. The soldier stopped.

“Right Jen? We’re fine.” She hit Jen and interrupted her stares at the man.

“Ah. Y-Yes. We’re okay. There’s no need for you to do that sir,” Jenny said with a smirk

while fixing her hair at the back of her ears.

“Ladies, do not worry. These men are soldiers from Manila. They were the group that

was recently assigned here. You’re safe with them.”

“You don’t have to bother. Jen and I are both fine. Thank you and we’ll go ahead! Jen,

let’s go!" Annabelle whispered and grabbed her friend.