CHAPTER 5

I have drawn the names of the characters in my story on the ground several times. I am behind the kitchen of Aling Pacing's panticery. Sebastian and the soldiers with him have just left. It is late at night and the full moon is bright. I still can't get what he did earlier out of my mind.

"The general's office opens at six o'clock," he whispered, causing me to freeze in shock because that code is what spies use.

I felt him take a step back, "We'll just come back tomorrow earlier," Sebastian said, which stunned Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro, they must have been nervous thinking the guards were going to arrest them, but they were just going to eat.

I was standing there too, wearing the cloak that Sebastian had placed over my head. At first I didn't understand why he had done that, but when I tried to turn around, the guards who had punished the prisoners with him were also there, sure enough, they would recognize me.

They boarded the carriages waiting outside the Panciteria. When they had left, Mang Pedro could only hold on to the chair next to him, his knees weak from nervousness.

"I've only just caught a glimpse of Don Antonio's son so close, so handsome," Aling Pacing said. Compared to the two couples, Aling Pacing didn't seem to be panicked by the arrival of the soldiers.

"That general is dangerous," said Mang Pedro, still holding his chest.

"Oh, Tanya hija, are you going out?" Aling Pacing asked, causing me to come to my senses. I immediately took off my cloak and shook my head.

"I-is there someone in the bathroom?" I asked, changing the subject, I didn't wait for Aling Pacing's answer, I quickly walked to the bathroom and closed it. I don't know why I was so nervous, I was so confused about Sebastian's character!

I stared at his name that I had written on the ground, I circled it. "Sebastian is an enemy, of course he knows the code of the government spies that are used to hunt down the rebels. But why did he tell me that? Does he think I'm a member of the rebels and wants me to be a spy for the group and tell him everything?" I stood up when that idea entered my brain. Wow! This character is going to make me a traitor, huh!

I threw away the stone I was holding that I had used to draw the character names and erased them with my foot. I looked at the clogs I was wearing, they were also painful to wear every day.

I stopped when I remembered that a piece of my white shoes was missing. I must have left it in prison. Even my sling bag was missing, my denim skirt and white long sleeve shirt with Hope written on it were all I had hidden here.

I bit my finger, a mannerism I always do when I'm thinking well. But I also felt a pang of saliva when I remembered that I had touched the ground earlier. I was about to go back inside the panciteria when suddenly a man quickly jumped into the fence.

He stopped and looked at me in surprise, he probably didn't expect someone to be hanging out here even at midnight. Our eyes met, he was wearing a white chino shirt and a cloack. I couldn't deny how beautiful his posture was, thick eyebrows, round eyes and a pointed nose.

He was the first to look away and lowered his cloak so that I couldn't see his face. But it was too late, I saw him. If I were to go by gut feeling, I had a strong feeling that it was Lorenzo! Finally, I saw the antagonist of my story!

"H-hold on..." I called to him but he quickly jumped back out of the fence and disappeared into the darkness. I was sure it was Lorenzo, he was probably going to ask the couple here for help or maybe he was going to deliver a message.

"CAN I have some hot soup?" a manong asked with his hand raised. It was lunch time, and there were a lot of customers at the Panciteria. I can't count how many times I went back and forth between the kitchen and the dining area to take their orders.

I placed the two hot soups they ordered on the table. There were about eight of them eating at the long table, "Just let me know if you have any orders---Ah, if you need anything else" I smiled at the customers, this way I could at least repay Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro for continuing to serve me for free.

They nodded and asked for water, I immediately took it and gave it to them one by one. "Are you going to Don Florencio's house later?" one of them asked, his mouth still full of rice. It seemed like they were very hungry and were in a hurry to eat.

"We definitely won't be able to go inside. They'll just set up a table outside for poor people like us to line up there. Only families belonging to high society will be allowed to freely enter the celebration," one replied while sipping his soup.

My eyes widened when I remembered that the party was going to be held at the Garza family mansion tonight. That's where Lorenzo and Maria Florencita would first meet! The party would be open to everyone and Lorenzo would be there, pretending to be a musician and sneaking into Don Florencio's office to get some papers. I also had to be there later at the party, that's when I would find out if that man from last night was Lorenzo Cortes.

"give us some water too," I realized when a guy at the other table spoke. I immediately waved at him then quickly got some water and brought it to his table. He had two other guys with him, who were all in a hurry.

"Friends, have you heard? A prisoner escaped the other night," he whispered to his friends, but I still heard him when I put down the glass.

 "According to what I found out, they were bandits. Their members escaped themselves," he added, I nodded to myself, the plot of the novel I wrote was happening. Berning did escape Tadeo and Santino from prison.

I came to my senses when I realized that I was still there at their table, like a friend who was also listening to the gossip. The three of them were looking at me as if they were judging me and calling me a gossip. I just laughed and clapped my hands so they wouldn't suspect anything, "Do you need anything else?" I smiled but they just raised their eyebrows at me.

"Just get out of here,, it's bad to listen to the adults' conversations" a man scolded, I straightened my posture then walked towards the kitchen. When I got to the kitchen, I glanced at them for a moment, get ready, men, I will forbid you from setting foot in Panciteria ala Pacita in this novel. I will also banish you to an isolated island and there you will gossip every day.

I laughed at myself for that idea. Even if it was just one paragraph, I would put them on the island, if my editor wanted to delete it, I would fight to have those bastards punished. I was surprised when someone suddenly grabbed me.

"Someone is looking for you," said Lolita, one of the cooks. She was still a teenager and she and her mother were the ones Aling Pacing trusted the most when it came to cooking.

"Who?" I asked, he must be thinking I was crazy now because she caught me laughing alone while peeking through the door. "You said you bought a book," she replied, making me think carefully, did I buy a book? I don't have any money here.

"I didn't buy anything---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say because Lolita spoke up angrily, "Just face him, he's looking for you" she shouted at me then quickly ran out of the kitchen, wiping her eyes.

The other cooks immediately followed to calm Lolita down. I just frowned, I didn't understand why she broke down like that. I left the kitchen and walked outside the Panciteria, many people were walking outside to their respective destinations. Others were dragging buffaloes and cows.

I looked around, how could I know who she was referring to? It seemed like I had ordered online and was now waiting for delivery. A moment later, a young man approached me.

My eyes widened when I recognized him as the young man at the bookstore where Sebastian and I had locked me up! He immediately motioned for me not to scream and followed him. I found myself following him into an alley. I tried to think of other characters related to Lolita until I remembered her love team.

"You're Eugenio or Niyong!" I said in surprise, pointing at him. I also smiled to myself because I didn't recognize that he was the character who served the Guerrero family.

"How did you know my name?" he asked, surprised and scared.

"You're also popular with readers," I smiled. Aside from the love story of Maria Florencita and Lorenzo. The story also looks forward to the love team of him and Lolita.

My smile disappeared and I stared at him for a moment when I remembered that he would also be doomed in the next chapters.

"I came here, binibini, to deliver my master's message to you," he said, making me flinch.

"Please tell me what he's up to, is he going to catch me or something? Why did he try to protect me last night---Ah, I just don't understand him" I said as if speaking as fast as an Armalite rifle.

"That's what my master wants me to said to you. He's wants you to go to the general's office. He said he'll buy noodles here and you'll be the one to bring them there," said Niyong, causing me to clap and laugh. Wow! Really. This Sebastian is different.

"Please tell your boss, I'm not stupid and I won't follow him. Why is he ordering me around? He's ordering the person who made him? Wow really" I said sarcastically, Niyong's head tilted to the side again, maybe he thinks i'm weird. 

I just sighed, "I'm not going. Why would I do that? What if he hangs me there or hangs me upside down? Nevuh!" I continued while shaking my head.

"If you don't show up, he'll implicate the owner of this Panciteria," my eyes almost popped out at what he said. I'm really irritated to Sebastian!

"Whut? aling pacing doesn't have a fault. How could---Urgh!" I just stamped my feet in annoyance.

"It's clear that you're a member of the bandits, and our master will implicate the owner of this Panciteria because you're staying here now." I just closed my eyes and held my forehead.

"Stress. Leave me alone. Mygawd!" I took a deep breath, Niyong stood in front of me for a few more minutes. He had seen how the author could get stressed out by these rebellious characters.

"Fine. Okay. I'll go" I said then angrily went back inside the Panciteria. I was annoyed because it felt like Sebastian was blackmailing me now. I thought he was concerned about me last night.

I took a deep breath as I looked outside Fort Santiago. There were guards standing outside and at every corner. If I ever offended Sebastian, I would definitely not be able to leave this camp alive.

But I can't do anything, I have no choice. I'll just have to resist what this villain wants to happen. Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro can't get involved now, it will ruin the story.

I walked with my head held high as I approached Fort Santiago, and the guard immediately stopped me. I showed him the pancit I was carrying in the basket. He examined them carefully and then took them from my hand, I can't go in like this. I sighed again and used the spies' code to get inside.

"The general's office opens at six o'clock," I whispered to the guard, his face brightened and he politely ushered me inside. That's right, you should follow me because I'm the author of this story, not Sebatian.

He walked first while I followed him. He was carrying the noodles, he was probably excited to have a snack later. That would be delicious with soft drinks. I hope Sebastian will give me a snack too.

A few more turns left and right before we reached a door. The guard knocked and said something in Spanish. The person inside answered, then the guard opened the door and let me in.

Sebastian's office was nice and clean, with lots of books in every corner and medals hanging on the wall. There was also a large table in the middle where they were developing the plan.

Sebastian was sitting in a big chair reading a newspaper. He didn't look at us, he just gestured to the guard to leave and close the door while still looking at the newspaper.

I'm still standing near the door, this character's snob. After all, that's the role I played for him. A snob and arrogant villain so that Maria Florencita wouldn't like him.

I stood there for a few more minutes, then clear my throat twice. He continued reading the newspaper. And since I was already bored, I walked over to his table and sat down on the empty seat opposite.

"So, what' is it? What's the deal? Why do you need me?" I started, surprised when he suddenly looked at me. I just swallowed, it was like there was something in his eyes that would dig into the personality of anyone who would hit it. The kind that was so captivating.

I shook my head, I shouldn't have thought that. Given that he's really handsome, he's bad in this story. "Do you want to save your life?" he began, then folded the newspaper he was reading. My eyes narrowed, Sebastian, do you also want to save yourself in this story?

I didn't answer, I was still angry that he was making my life difficult here. "I've been eyeing with that couple who own the Panciteria for a long time. I wasn't wrong, just like you, they are also members of the bandits" he continued, stopping me.

When the climax of this story approaches, Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro will also be doomed, but if possible, not now. Sebastian should not catch them.

"What do you want to happen?" I raised my eyebrows at him and leaned back in my chair like a queen. I should be his boss.

"I know you already know what I want to happen. You will be the eyes and mouth of the government against the bandits," he replied, mestizo and handsome how I described in his character. I shouldn't be distracted.

I knew it! he will make me a spy for the rebels. But I have already prepared for this, of course I will not tell him the plans of the organization. I will also confuse him and fake news what I say so that he will be confused and he will just terminate me.

"Okay," I replied.

"The moment you tell us the wrong thing, expect your life and the family of the person you're staying with to be in danger," he added, and I took a deep breath. 

"What else will I gain by helping you? Yes, our lives will be saved but the members of the organization will definitely kill us if they find out I'm a spy" I said, Sebastian thought about it, he probably didn't expect me to think that. He thought he could fool me completely.

"What do you want?" he asked, making me smile a little. This is the real deal.

"I would like a free pass---Ah, I can come in here whenever I want" I started, I needed to be able to come in and out freely so I could follow the story and make sure nothing would be changed or disrupted.

He nodded at what I said, "You use the secret words that spies use," he said.

"Wait. I'm not done yet. I also want to enter your house and the bookstore freely," I continued, grinning as if I were the more villainous than him.

 "Why do you want to come to my home and our bookstore?" he wondered, i was a bit demanding and like a stalker.

"Ah, I just want to make it easier to deliver the news to you. What if I have something important to tell you but your guards don't want me to come in? I also need to read a lot of books so I have a lot of knowledge, right?" I explained with a smile, behind those smiles I really wanted to get information on their family, if they act according to my novel.

I also want to see the book of Salamisim in that shop again, I need to know how I got here and how I can get out. He thought carefully but in the end he just nodded, he was calmer than I thought.

"I also want to have a salary somehow, I need to earn money too" I said while gesturing to the money in my hand. His eyes rolled at what I said, he probably thought I looked like money but there was nothing I could do because he also stuck me in this situation and I also needed to survive.

He nodded and handed me a cloth containing coins. "That's worth five pesos. You'll get your reward every week," he said, I immediately took it and put it in my pocket. Five pesos is a lot of money these days.

I raised my hand again, "Aren't your conditions over yet?" he asked seriously, I didn't flinch and still tried to smile at him to annoy him even more.

"I also wanted to change the secret word used by spies," I smiled, his expression surprised.

"That can't be changed because that's what the other spies already know," he said, looking like a boss who was annoyed and in a few seconds he was going to drag me out.

"We're only going to change the code between the two of us. The code is too common and I would like a new one," I smiled.

"What?" he asked in surprise, probably thinking I was speaking a different dialect. I just need to adapt my language to the time period of this story.

"Sir, what I would like to happen is for us to have a different secret word that I will use whenever I have news to tell you and whenever you have a message to tell me" I grabbed my throat, I said it so long that I could have said Let's change the code.

"What do you suggest?" he asked, I laughed before I could speak. This way I could at least get back at him without messing up the novel.

I adjusted my seat and grinned before I said our new code "Dubidubidiwapwap" he frowned at what I said. But I just laughed out loud until I got tired.

He didn't react, he just looked at me as if he thought I was really out of my mind. "Just that's all you'll say and I'll tell you when we have something to tell each other" I smiled, he didn't move. Instead he stood up and took something out of a drawer.

He placed the trunk in front of me. Will he give me gold? He just leaned against the wall and watched me to see if I would open it or not. And since I didn't need his go signal, I slowly opened it.

"You left those things in prison" he said, I immediately opened my sling bag. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that my things were still there. "You explain what those things are" he said as if giving orders.

This man had so many questions. But okay, I'll answer them. He might even confiscate them. I took out the face powder, blush on, make up and lip tint, "These are the make up's I bought abroad" I replied, I only bought them at the department store.

"What are the papers inside a small container?" Sebastian asked and came closer to me to look inside my bag. "This?" I asked while showing him my wallet.

I opened it, my ATM card, ID, and reward cards were still there. "What is this?" Sebastian asked, pointing to my picture in the wallet. I immediately covered my face, it was my graduation pic.

"Protection from evil" I said, I laughed at myself for what I was saying and it seemed like I was teaching Sebastian. I took the money from my wallet, it was still there but I couldn't use it here. "What are those things?" Sebastian asked, why was he babbling like that now.

"These are my collections. I collect things that I buy in.... In... other countries too" he walked back to his chair, looking convinced by what I said.

"Wait a minute, it seems like something's missing. I left something here, my white shoes," I said, trying to look under his desk to see if he was just hiding them there.

I looked at him, he seemed to have no idea about the shoes I was talking about. "Never mind," that's all I said and stood up. "Don't forget what we talked about, no one else should know about it," he instructed, I just nodded and put on my sling bag.

I turned to him before opening the door. "Aye, Captain!" I replied with a salute, I was about to close the door but I glanced back at the door when I remembered I had something to say, he looked at me, I grinned before speaking, "Dubidubidiwapwap"

I SMILE to myself as I look outside the Garza family mansion. Wealthy families and high-ranking officials arrive one after another. Ordinary people line up outside the mansion, hoping for the food distributed by the gobernadorcillo.

If Lorenzo pretends to be a musician to steal papers from Don Florencio's room. I pretend to be a waitress to follow the story. Security at the mansion is not that tight, there are only a few guards and almost everyone is busy with the celebration.

The wealthy women were scattered around, wearing their elegant clothes. While the men were well-groomed and respectable. The wealthy were inside, busy chatting and laughing with their fellow members of high society.

Don Florencio is at the longest table with his officer friends, next to him is Don Antonio Guerrero, Sebastian's father. I know Sebastian is also here, but I don't care about him. He's not the highlight of this scene. Because at this time, the paths of the two protagonists in my story are about to meet.

I passed by the back of the kitchen, greeted by the blaring music. There were people dancing in the middle, mostly young women and men. I immediately grabbed a bottle of wine and mingled with the people and other waitresses, pouring wine to the guests who were asking and waving their glasses.

A moment later, a man playing the guitar caught my attention, he stood up and switched places with another musician. The man who left was definitely Lorenzo. I secretly followed him, but I couldn't follow right away because a Don was asking for more wine and water.

I quickly grabbed some wine and water from the kitchen and placed them on his table, "Transfer it in my glass," he ordered me, I was running out of time. I had lost sight of Lorenzo because of this lazy old man. "What's the point of your hands if you're not going to use them?" I snapped at him, turning my back.

I was about to leave when suddenly I was grabbed by the arm by that Don who I think was in his forties or older. He was a big man with a round belly, a close-cropped beard and deep eyes. "What right do you have to talk to me like that? You scoundrel!" he shouted, causing everyone to turn their heads towards us and the musicians to stop playing.

I tried to pull my arm away but his grip on me tightened. I looked up at the stairs, I saw Lorenzo coming down the stairs and he had slipped an envelope into his pocket. He had managed to get the papers from Don Florencio's room and this was his chance to escape.

That man I saw jumping over the fence the other night was Lorenzo himself! I smiled because I finally saw him. But I was surprised because the Don pulled me, "Ouch! What is it?!" I shouted at him which made him even angrier and the guests surprised. It was not normal for an ordinary person to respond with insults to an official or a member of the wealthy.

And because I was already getting annoyed with this character, I broke free from his grip on my arm with all my might and looked at him sharply. "I'll gouge out your eyes!" the Don shouted, I was about to run away from him to follow Lorenzo to the garden because that's where he would meet Maria Florencita crying alone but I was surprised when the Don suddenly took a glass and broke it on the next table then hit me with the sharp piece he was holding.

A hand stopped him and he stabbed it with the sharp piece of glass. My eyes widened as I saw how his blood dripped when the glass that the Don was about to throw at my face blocked it. The Don immediately backed away in shock and dropped the sharp glass himself, "I-I'm sorry, General Sebastian Guerrero"

........