Chapter 63: A Heart for Family
Barely an hour had passed since Romeo bid farewell to Flora at her Manila dorm. After their heartfelt conversation and fleeting moment of connection, he set off for Cavite, his heart heavy with concern for Flora. Despite his demanding role as a general, ensuring the well-being of his cherished "sister" remained a priority. The night's darkness lent a quiet calm to the roads, but inside his car, tension hung thick in the air.
Accompanying him were Abby and Peter, two of his most trusted allies, whom he considered family. As the vehicle hummed along, the engine's soft drone was the only sound breaking the heavy silence among the trio. Abby, ever outspoken and curious, broke the quiet first, her voice laced with both confusion and concern.
"General, I don't understand why you summoned us so suddenly. I thought you were just visiting Flora in Manila?" she asked, her eyes fixed on Romeo, who kept his gaze on the road ahead.
Romeo offered a weary smile, tinged with sadness. "I did visit her," he replied, his voice calm but weighted. "But I didn't stay long. You know Flora—she doesn't want me sleeping over at her place. She says we're too old to share a house anymore."
He reached for a folder beside him and handed it to Peter, seated in the back. Peter, known for his quiet loyalty, opened it immediately. His eyes widened in shock as he read its contents, his face overtaken by disbelief.
"General, what is this?" Peter asked, his voice thick with worry as he awaited Romeo's response.
"It's my last will and testament," Romeo answered, his tone resolute, devoid of hesitation. "I want you to keep it safe, Peter, in case my family contests my decisions."
The document clearly stated that, upon his death, half of his assets—including businesses and fifteen properties across the country—would go to Flora, whom he regarded as his younger sister. The remaining half would be divided among his five siblings. Romeo knew this choice wouldn't sit well with his influential family, who would likely try to alter his wishes, making it crucial to keep the document secret.
Abby reacted swiftly, her voice brimming with protest. "General, why would you even make this? You're too young to think about a will! What's going on with you?" Her words carried both anger and worry, her eyes glistening with emotion.
Romeo sighed, raising a hand to calm her. "I know I'm young, Abby," he said, his voice steady but resolute. "But I want to be prepared. I'm also sorry that Flora gets a larger share. Unlike our other siblings, she's still a student with no job. I know our salaries as envoy soldiers are substantial, so I don't think you need my money."
Abby shook her head, still incredulous. "General, I don't care about the money," she said firmly. "But it feels wrong to think about this now. Why does it sound like you're saying goodbye?"
Romeo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at the dark road ahead, his mind wrestling with thoughts of the future. After a moment, he spoke, his voice firm. "You're wrong, Abby. We need to prepare because I've made my decision. In the next battle, we must capture Martin, no matter what."
His words struck like lightning, plunging the car into a heavy silence. A palpable sadness filled the space. Peter, who had been listening quietly, handed the document to another comrade in the back.
"Sorry, General," Peter said, his voice steady but emotional. "I can't be the one to keep this. I don't believe you'll die young. And if a battle comes, I swear I'll stand by your side, no matter what. I'm ready to give my life for you."
Romeo sighed, his eyes filled with concern as he glanced at Peter in the rearview mirror. "Peter, you don't need to follow me," he said calmly but firmly. "You have more to do in the future. Your life is worth more than mine."
Peter's voice rose with intensity. "General, let me do this!" he shouted, his eyes blazing with determination. "If not for you, I wouldn't be here. My family would be gone. You saved us when we had nothing. Please, let me repay your kindness!"
Romeo shook his head, his expression softening with understanding. "I've told you before," he said sincerely, "if you want to repay me, live happily, the way you want. I didn't help you to sacrifice your lives for me. If I die in battle, don't blame yourselves."
He explained that, as a soldier, he had long accepted the possibility of death. With the Katipunan rebels growing more aggressive, he knew the future was uncertain. His words rang with truth, deepening the sorrow of his companions.
Feeling their heavy emotions, Romeo tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry," he said, his tone slightly lighter. "I have no plans to die young. I won't be careless in battle. As much as possible, I want to grow old with you all."
Despite his attempt at levity, the silence in the car remained heavy. Hours passed as they continued toward Cavite, only to be halted by heavy traffic caused by passengers scrambling for rides home. The air was chilly, hinting at impending rain, and the roads grew chaotic with people vying for transport.
Amid the wait, Romeo spotted a familiar face in the long line of passengers—a woman in a simple jacket and jeans, accompanied by an elderly woman and another young lady. He recognized Adelina, the woman he'd recently met in Cavite.
He instructed the driver to pull over briefly, then opened his window and called out, "Adelina!" His voice carried surprise and warmth. "Look at that, running into you here!"
Adelina's eyes widened in disbelief. She was with her grandmother and a friend named Aries, waiting for a ride back to Kawit. The long line suggested a lengthy wait.
"You'll be here a while before you get a ride," Romeo said, his tone kind but concerned. "It'll be late by the time you get home. Want to ride with us?"
Adelina, known for her stubbornness, snapped back. "Tch, why do you keep showing up? I don't need your help, so leave!" Her voice was sharp, but her eyes betrayed nervousness.
Romeo was puzzled by her reaction. "Why are you so mad? I'm just trying to help," he said, attempting to calm her. Before he could explain further, Aries chimed in, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Whoa! Are you the guy Adelina's always with?" Aries asked, her eyes sparkling. "I thought she was making it up, but you're real!"
Romeo grinned, amused by Aries' enthusiasm. "I'm not sure what you're talking about, but I guess that's me," he replied lightly.
Adelina yanked Aries back, trying to stop her friend. "Enough, Aries! Don't talk to him!" she shouted, her face red with embarrassment. She glared at Romeo. "And you, leave!"
Before Romeo could respond, Adelina's grandmother spoke. "Forgive my granddaughter, sir," she said humbly. "Is it true you're her boyfriend?"
The question stunned everyone. Adelina froze, her cheeks burning. Romeo, quick to recover, played along with a smile. "Boyfriend? Is that what your granddaughter says about me?" he teased.
Adelina hurriedly texted Romeo, and he read: *"I'll explain later, but don't tell my grandma I hang out with you even though we're strangers. Just pretend to be my boyfriend for tonight!"*
Romeo smiled and went along with it. "Yes, ma'am, I'm her boyfriend," he said confidently. "But it's nine o'clock. Why are you still on the road?"
Abby and Peter were shocked. "Wait, really? You're the general's—er, Romeo's girlfriend?" Abby asked, incredulous.
Adelina's grandmother explained they'd come from a hospital due to her asthma attack. They were sent to a distant facility because no free clinics were nearby in Kawit. As they spoke, the drizzle turned into heavy rain.
Romeo opened the car door. "Get in," he urged kindly. "It's not good to wait in the rain."
Adelina protested. "I don't need your help!" she insisted. "We can manage!"
But Aries quickly climbed in to escape the rain. "Adelina, get down!" Adelina shouted. "Aren't you embarrassed?"
"We'll get soaked if we don't!" Aries countered logically. "He offered!"
Romeo stepped out and helped the grandmother into the car. "It wouldn't reflect well on me in your family's eyes if they saw you getting drenched in the rain and me not doing anything about it.." His words were playful, but his eyes showed sincerity.
Adelina blushed and tugged at his clothes, whispering, "I said I'd explain later! Don't mess with me!"
Instead of replying, Romeo scooped her up and placed her in the car. She had no choice but to sit, her face red with embarrassment. Seeing Abby and Peter, she shook her head, feeling even more mortified.
"We could've waited," Adelina muttered. "You didn't have to trouble yourselves."
Romeo countered, "It's not good for your grandma to get wet. She needs rest. Did you know she's sick? It's better if you ride with us."
"Exactly!" Aries agreed. "Lola's sick, so she can't tire herself out. Good thing we ran into your boyfriend!"
"Stop it, Aries!" Adelina snapped, frustrated. "We can't just ask for help and owe them!"
Aries was puzzled. "If he's your boyfriend, it's normal to ask for help!" she said, turning to Romeo. "And he seems nice."
Aries shared that Adelina often left, saying she was going out with a kind boyfriend. At first, Aries didn't believe her, but meeting Romeo delighted her. She explained that their grandmother allowed Adelina to go because she trusted the man she was with.
"Sir, are you truly helping us out of kindness? If not, you can drop us off," aries asked, her voice full of concern.
"Don't worry," Romeo replied. "This is nothing to me. I'm heading to Kawit anyway, so I can give you a ride."
Abby, still skeptical, asked, "Romeo, you really have a girlfriend? You're not the socializing type! How'd you manage to court someone?" Her tone was curious, almost amused.
Romeo grinned. "Abby, you sound like you doubt I could get a girlfriend," he teased. He texted Abby and Peter, and when Abby read it, she smiled. Romeo asked them to keep his identity as a general secret from Adelina's family and not to ask too many questions, promising to explain later.
"By the way," Romeo said to the trio, "this is Abby and Peter, my siblings. And those in the back are my work friends. Don't feel uneasy around them."
As the journey continued, Aries kept chatting with Romeo, making Adelina nervous. Aries asked how they met. "I was shocked Adelina got a boyfriend! She hates Spaniards, so how'd you fall for my tomboy sister?" she asked curiously.
Romeo smiled. "Good question," he said. "Honestly, it happened fast. We met at a bus station, and she yelled at me right away. She's so brave, even when her words don't make sense."
Adelina elbowed him. "Enough!" she shouted. "Aries, stop asking him stuff!"
"We're not saying anything bad!" Aries replied. "We're just worried about you, Adelina. There are many bad people now, especially Spaniards. They're arrogant and abusive because they're rich."
Aries explained they grew up in a place where wealthy, abusive people treated them like slaves. "But Adelina said you're different. So I believe I can talk to you as an equal," she added.
"Don't worry," Romeo said. "I don't care if I'm talking to a Filipino or a Spaniard. I treat people based on how they treat me."
Aries was delighted and asked again, "How'd you fall for Adelina? She's boyish and hates men. She's fought guys who've talked to her!"
Adelina blushed. "Aries, stop!" she yelled. "I can handle myself, so mind your own business!"
Their grandmother apologized. "Forgive my granddaughters, sir," she said. "Though Adelina's rough and bold, she's still a woman. We worry about what she does and who she's with."
She explained that Adelina was hardworking and dedicated, doing everything for the family. "She never shows weakness, even when she's struggling," she said, her voice filled with pride and concern. "Sir, please take care of my granddaughter and don't hurt her."
"Lola!" Adelina protested, her face red. "Don't say that in front of him! It's embarrassing!"
Romeo smiled. "Don't worry," he said. "Even if Adelina's a bit rough, I can handle her mood swings."
The grandmother thanked him, saying her granddaughters were still young. "I'm old and sick, so I can't always watch them. I'd feel better knowing they're with good people," she added.
Aries and Adelina held their grandmother's hands, and Romeo sensed their deep love and concern for their family. "I understand your worry," he said. "Honestly, I don't know much about Adelina's family, and I don't want to meddle. But if I can help, just let me know."
Aries seized the chance. "Seriously, kuya?" she asked hopefully. "Can you give us money?"
Adelina smacked Aries' head. "Aren't you ashamed?" she yelled. "We're not beggars! I won't let us grovel!"
Aries stood her ground. "Adelina, why is your pride more important than the truth that we're poor?" she said, frustrated. "It's been a year since Lola got sick, and we still can't afford her treatment. I feel sorry for our siblings, who can't even take a day off when they're sick!"
Aries explained she didn't want to beg, but they needed help with their debts. "Besides, he offered! If he doesn't want to, I won't force him!" she added.
Their grandmother intervened. "Enough, granddaughters," she said, her voice soft but authoritative. "Don't argue."
Abby stepped in. "I understand your situation," she said. "But fighting won't solve anything. Don't worry—helping with money isn't an issue for Romeo. He's funded charities for years."
"He's always open to helping the poor," Abby added. "If you're deserving, our brother will help you."
Romeo sighed. "I don't help just anyone," he said seriously. "I don't meddle in others' problems, but if there's a good reason, I won't hesitate."
Aries grabbed Romeo's hand, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Kuya, Lola needs an operation," she said, her voice trembling. "She has a lump in her throat, and the doctor says it's getting worse. We don't fully understand the papers, but the doctor said it'll cost a hundred thousand for the surgery and hospital expenses."
"We can't afford it," Aries added sadly. "That's why we're looking for free clinics."
Peter spoke up. "Few hospitals offer free treatment for the poor," he said regretfully. "It's sad there's no free surgery available."
Aries and Adelina grew somber, and Aries bowed to Romeo. "Kuya, I'm willing to do anything to get Lola treated," she said desperately. She shared that their grandmother was a kind woman who took in street children and helped them despite Filipino oppression. "I know it's a lot, but I promise we'll repay you when we can."
Adelina remained silent, her eyes full of sadness. She knew they worked hard, but their earnings weren't enough for the surgery. The grandmother apologized to her granddaughters. "Don't worry about me," she said. "I don't want you suffering because of me."
"Don't say that, Lola," Aries countered, her voice emotional. "We owe our lives to you. You raised us, gave us food and shelter. We won't abandon you."
Romeo gently held the grandmother's hand. "Don't worry," he said, his voice full of promise. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to a doctor to arrange your surgery."
The grandmother's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, sir," she said. "Many children still need my help, but I'm too weak to work. If I recover, I can return to the factory and help my grandchildren again."
"Don't think about work yet," Romeo replied. "Focus on healing for your granddaughters."
He glanced outside, seeing the heavy traffic caused by the rain. "Let's head to my condo," he told the driver. "They can stay there tonight to get to the hospital early tomorrow." He turned to Peter. "Call the office, Peter. Set our meeting for noon tomorrow."
"Thank you," the grandmother said, her voice full of gratitude. "You're truly a good man, as my granddaughter says."
At Romeo's condo, the driver dropped off Abby and Peter, and Romeo reminded them to prepare for the next day. He tidied the living room and offered drinks to the trio. "Sorry, I don't have food here, but I've ordered some, so we'll wait," he said.
Aries marveled at the condo's elegance. "Your place is beautiful, kuya," she said. "But why is it so quiet, like no one lives here?"
"I live alone," Romeo replied. "I only come here for work meetings."
"What about your siblings?" Aries asked.
Romeo explained that he and his siblings didn't live together, each having their own place. Like Adelina, they weren't blood-related, but he considered them family.
Aries playfully grabbed Romeo's arm, joking if she could be his sister too, promising to be a good family member. Suddenly, Adelina pulled Romeo's arm and stormed into a room, slamming the door. Romeo was startled. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Please, don't get too close to Aries," Adelina said, her voice laced with irritation. "I'll pay our debt to you. Don't involve her."
"What do you mean?" Romeo asked. "Why do I seem like such a bad person to you?"
Adelina shook her head. "I don't want to owe Spaniards anything," she said. "We've faced so much abuse because of debts. We've met many rich people in our area who treat us like tools, enslaved to repay what we owe."
Romeo smiled, his expression full of understanding. "Do you think I have bad motives for helping?" he asked. "I don't need repayment. I helped your grandmother, not you."
Adelina shook her head. "I know you're a good person," she said. "But I don't want to owe anyone."
She shared that her siblings worked for wealthy Honorary Spaniards they owed, forced to comply with their demands. "Since we can't pay, my siblings endure shameful treatment," she said, her voice thick with anger.
Romeo felt the pain behind her words. "Is that why you hate Honorary Spaniards?" he asked. "If you want to share more, I'm here to listen."
Adelina fell silent, her eyes filled with hesitation. Romeo approached a cabinet and pulled out an old photo. "You know, I had many problems before," he said. "More than just hopelessness. I was scared, unsure of what to do. I had no one to trust—everyone was ready to use or abandon me. But everything changed when I met my siblings. Though not blood-related, I knew I could rely on them."
"I learned I needed others' help. Asking for help isn't a weakness," he added.
Though his siblings said he helped them greatly, Romeo knew their friendship and family gave him more than wealth ever could.
"I won't force you to trust me, but you don't need to worry about my motives. You owe me nothing," he said.
Adelina sighed, bowing to apologize. She explained they'd trusted others before, only to be hurt, especially Aries. She shared that Aries was too young to face the abuse her other siblings endured. Their grandmother took in street children, and due to their hard life, they took various jobs, often for debt-owing employers running beer houses and nightclubs.
Adelina's anger flared as she recounted how her sisters were forced to work in nightclubs to pay debts, coming home bruised and crying but continuing to work. "It breaks my heart knowing I can't do anything for them," she said.
"We're helpless. They threaten my siblings and say they'll be jailed if they don't comply. They're demons," she added.
"One day, I'll make them pay double for the pain and shame they've caused my family," Adelina vowed.
Romeo grew concerned about her threats, warning that revenge wouldn't help. "It'll only bring more trouble to your family," he said. "Even if you succeed, it won't solve your problem and poverty."
"It's hard living as a Filipino here, so don't make things harder," he added.
He asked if she knew of illegal activities by the abusive Spaniards. While not promising, he said he could help bring them to justice if they broke the law.
"Tch, as if you could stop the drugs and prostitution in Cavite," Adelina scoffed. "They're powerful with the police, and their patrons are Spaniards, so no one can arrest them."
"You're right, they control the law there, and catching them is complicated," Romeo admitted. "But trust me. I know people in the government. Tell me what you know, and I might be able to help."
A knock came at the door. Adelina opened it to find Aries, saying the food had arrived. Romeo handed Adelina money. "Get the food and prepare dinner," he said.
"Why me?" Adelina protested.
Romeo pushed her out gently. After she left, he closed the door and turned to Aries. "There's something you need to do for me," he said seriously.
"Huh? Wait what? "
The next day, Romeo took the grandmother to a private hospital. She was quickly checked and given medication. He spoke to Adelina. "I can't wait for the test results; I have to go to work," he said. "Text me when you're done, and I'll send the driver to take you back to the condo."
Adelina refused. "We can go home ourselves," she said. "We don't need to trouble you."
"Your pride won't help your grandmother's condition," Romeo replied. "I'm rarely this kind, so take this chance for her to get better."
Adelina relented. "Thank you," she said softly. As she watched Romeo walk away, she couldn't help but hesitate. She feared owing anyone, but deep down, she hoped Romeo was different—not an abusive honorary Spaniard, but a genuinely good person.
End of Chapter