Prying Eyes of Men

In the afternoon, most of them woke up and met again under the tamarind tree. Interestingly, Baldur had spoke to all soldiers and guerrillas and instructed them about the guest inside the bahay-kubo, next to Henry's. It was just difficult, however, to have such kind of guest around without the company of any family members. Likewise, Baldur also had shared to them a story behind the rescue and on how the lieutenant had found her in the angst of danger. George drew closer and whispered to him that the guest may stay in the wooden house, but Baldur sighed.

" Probably it's a good idea George but...we're still all men around." Baldur said.

" At least there's an assurance that she can be safe. The bahay-kubo she's staying right now is already dilapidated. What do you think." George whispered.

" Hmm...alright, I got it. She may stay upstairs. Me and Albrecht will move down and bring our beds inside Dad and Sr. Sibal's room. I guess this is helping her, but how about our secret. Magee's not around. We're trying to protect her identity and whereabouts." Baldur sheepishly uttered.

" Absolutely, it's helping. Just orient her that my wife seldom gets out and a shy-type. George smirked while he entered inside the wooden house after he informed everyone to keep an eye with the daily exercises and farming activities. So when the meeting was dismissed, Baldur pressed his head and moved closer to Henry.

" Henry, the lieutenant ordered to transfer Mayumi in the wooden house, what do you think."

" Well, that's a good idea. I'll just help her with her stuffs." Henry replied and left him still puzzled.

He was not yet contented and went to Edward.

" Dad...is it just alright for you that the kay guest will stay with us, upstairs. It was George's suggestion. What do you think?"

" What's wrong with that. The more it would be okay so we can protect her well." The Captain smiled while looking at him so worried.

" Dad...she's..."

" I don''t care. Its wartime. She has to live like us though she have special needs that we must address at times.

" Oh Dad. Its not that. I mean, I'm married and Albrecht has a fiancee and that woman is entirely attractive, Dad." He whispered. But all of the sudden Edward laughed out loud and Baldur covered his Dad's mouth.

" Hahaha, so be it. There's nothing wrong with that. You are a goodhearted person, if you fall for her then fine! anyway, I've already declared you all dead in the headquarters before the death march. Life - Baldur, is not all about if who's being right or wrong. Its all about being genuine to what you feel, who do you live for, and how you want things to happen. You and Amanda were married but can you explain the man inside your house when we returned a year ago, you caught her on act. You saw them. I mean..."

" But Dad, we're married. I...I must understand and forgive her."

" In my point of view, you may forgive her, why not? but please, have a little respect to your self, son. She cheated you several times, she's a user. She got all your salary. She choked and bribed George once, she's ...a freak!"

"Shh, Dad...I've also sinned. Marrying to her was the only solution in order to give way to George and Magee on their pre-arrangement. It was a decision."

" But you're not happy, do you?"

" Huh! Dad...its not important anymore."

" Being happy in a relationship is still very important, you're already a fallen soldier in my report and it gives you a total freedom." Then Edward tapped his shoulder.

" Dad... " Then Baldur was teary eyed and hugged him.

" Oh dear! haha! you're already dead back to our place. So live a long life to someone you love here soon. Baldur, follow your heart when the right time comes. Don't get a jumbled thought but drive your happiness like crazy, haha!" Then Edward laughed out loud again and Baldur was laughing at him.

" You have full of plans Dad. Indeed, but I'll wait for my time to shine, in God's time."

" Haha! okay, alright. Just keep on movin', son. You're so blessed. Someone out there might see you shine around, haha! my eyes are open 24/7, I see things clearly. But just a piece of advice, go grab chances. That's my order!" Then Edward left, heading to his room.

" Huh! my head hurts. Then he saw Mayumi walked along with Henry, approaching him.

" Huh, that's a bit heavy." Baldur rushed to assist Mayumi while carrying just a small stuff without noticing Henry's heavily burdened luggage, containing gifts that the soldiers and guerrillas have given for Mayumi.

" Ah, its okay Sir. This is nothing." Mayumi said. But Baldur insisted to take it away from her arms and led her upstairs. Henry then proceeded to the kitchen to drop by the "duma," fruits and vegetables that were given to Mayumi by her new friends from the bunk houses. Meanwhile, at the second floor, Mayumi had seated by the edge of the bed, eyeing on the map hanged on the wall in front of her and curiously stare at it while removing the cover on her face. Interestingly, Baldur saw her and got stuck with what he was arranging at the corner. He was such hit by a stray bullet whose spirit has died in a second, then boom! he had seated lifelessly on the floor while continuously looking at her like tattooing her face in his mind. Such a glance he knew was one in a million, considering that she hides herself from the others. Yes, he was just lucky to have seen her face at daytime but still querying why she'd trusted him. Confused.

In a while, she turned her head to him and asked.

" By the way, thank you, Sir."

" Ah! haha! just call me Baldur."

" Hmm...thank you Baldur. I like this room. May I ask, if, where is the lieutenant's wife? is she staying in here too?" She asked.

" Yes, she's sick but sometimes she meets us around. She's my sister, her name is Magee."

" I see. Hope I could make friends with her. I seemed the only female resident around. But Baldur, anything? I noticed you keep looking at me, ah...the cover?"

"Yes, you...you showed to me your face."

" Hmm, when we were traveling going here right after you rescued me when I slid and fell on our way. You're...behind me that time, and..."

" I'm ...very sorry. It was instinctually acted, hope you won't mind it. For all you know...I'm married and I mean nothing to that accident."

" Yes I got it, there's no problem with it. I was supposed to explain that people who have touched my hand could see my face, they're trusted and where I owe my life. Its what I mean. I'm not proposing of any malicious intentions nor interested of you. But anyway, thank you for assisting me. You may get out - now." She smiled at him.

" But...Mayumi, its not what I mean." He tried to explain but Mayumi slowly pushed him outside while he gently moved towards the door as she closed it, waving her hand to him.