"Dear Diary,
Today, A colonel came to our house and will be staying as my father's personal guest. He is very arrogant and flirty if you're going to ask me. There is something about him that is giving me butterflies in my stomach, not in a romantic way. I can't measure his character for now since I've only met him tonight. But I have a feeling that he works for Miong or General Goyo. I have to be careful for the following days, and much to my irritancy, this man wants to marry me! We're in the middle of war, I have no time for courtship and romance. Well, tomorrow's our first date, good luck to me. Maybe I'll just play along until Japok gives me updates."
Carmen finishes writing her entry then kept her diary. She stroked Ragnar who is sleeping on the bed and as she lays down, she wonders what will happen tomorrow. Her hazel brown eyes gleaming across the moonlight. She is tired, she just wants to rest. She closed her eyes and hoped that everything will turn out okay the next day.
Early morning and it was still dark when she heard a knock on her door. Her long lashes fluttering and her messy bed hair all over the place.
"What is it?" She muttered; her voice still fresh from slumber.
"General Alejandrino is looking for you." Said her father's voice. She frowned and rubbed her eyes and stretched. What is the general doing here at this early hour?
She changed her night clothes into a black Maria Clara dress. She did her hair and secured it with a pin. She headed downstairs where General Jose Alejandrino is waiting for her.
"Good morning, General. What brings you here at this early hour?" She asks.
"Can I talk to you, privately?" She nodded and they headed outside.
The sun is rising, an orange hue paints the sky as the town of San Isidro is waking up from night's slumber. Carmen and General Alejandrino are taking a stroll around the plaza.
"You are Tiniente Mariano, right? Under the Tiradores?" Asks the general.
"Yes, I am." She replied shortly.
"I first thought the soldier was your brother, Felix. But when Luna mentioned that you were a woman, I was surprised." He commented. "He told me that you keep your identity to your family because of your status." He added.
"It's true. They're too business-minded to get involved in the war." Carmen stated.
"How about you? Why did you join the revolutionary army? Your life is full of opportunities. There is something that had intrigued the general in recruiting you." General Alejandrino.
"Well, he did find potential in me in terms of military strategy. And I was a little bored. But, the more I get involved, I get to realize the worth of our freedom and love for our motherland. This war changed me in some ways. Felix is more of business-minded person than me and Teodoro.He will do anything for the sake of us, his family, but not this country." Carmen.
"General Luna taught me to follow the principle of patriotism, not our idols. Though, I idolize the general; however I still stick with the principles he taught me." She added
General Alejandrino touched his beard then looked at the young lady. She is just staring from afar, as if thinking deeply of something. It's almost sunrise and Carmen has to meet Andres for their "date."
"Do you know Andres De Nuevo, General?" She asks.
"Ah! Koronel De Nuevo. He's under General Goyo's brigade. They're not close but they've interacted occasionally. Why?"
"Oh, it's nothing. He's my father's personal guest right now, along with two of his soldiers." She said.
She doesn't trust anyone who is siding with President Aguinaldo, now that she's concluding that he's the mastermind of General Luna's death. Now that anyone who is in support of the general is in danger, she has to be extra careful, especially that she has no contact with them for a long time now. Carmen only met Andres yesterday so she's suspicious with the man in her estate. And now that it's obvious lang the man is trying to court her frustrates her. She has no time for love, especially in the middle of war. She'll be training General Alejandrino's soldiers tonight, enough to distract her from her grief.
General Alejandrino nodded and Carmen gave a sad smile.
"Be careful hija, okay? This country needs you. There are only a handful of patriots just like us. No one knows about your affiliation with us in the military. So, yeah… Be safe."
"Thanks, General."
"Oh, by the way, Ortiz and I will be heading to Manila to negotiate with the Americans. Pule and I just had a talk a few weeks ago. If ever President Aguinaldo visits your place, be vigilant, okay? He also doesn't know that you're in the Tiradores and an apprentice of Luna." He said.
"Yes General. Thank you…" Carmen saluted. Alejandrino laughed.
"It's nice finally meeting you, Tiniente. I'll be going now. Send my regards to your father, okay?" he stood up and helped Carmen stand up too then they headed outside the estate. There General Alejandrino left and as soon as he disappears, Carmen leaned against the wall and sighed. It was her first time meeting the general. She didn't met most of the officers due to her identity is hidden. The soldiers only knew her as a soldier in disguise, because she's the only soldier without a uniform.
She headed inside and was greeted by her father.
"Where is General Alejandrino? I've just prepared breakfast for all of us." He said.
"He left early, Papa. He's a very busy man, he just stopped by." Carmen spoke.
"Oh… okay then. Come, breakfast is ready." He ushered his daughter to the dining area.
"Sorry Papa, I have a date with Andres in a moment. He is probably waiting for me. Thank you. Maybe we'll eat later."
"A date? Wow! That was quick. You do have your mother's charms after all." He laughed in delight. Carmen frowned.
"Papa! I have no time for romance. And besides, he's not that good looking"
"Ha? You're at a marrying age, Nak. And what do you mean he's not good looking? Six feet tall and fair skinned? You're so pakipot. Admit it, you like him. You're just denying it." He brushed her hair to the side. "You know, there's nothing wrong in marrying someone, as long as you love them fully. You're a lovely lady, Carmen. It's certain that men will fall for your looks. And, you came from a prominent family. That's why you have to choose wisely. Andres seems like a good person, and good looking too, just like me." He grinned. "Now go, you might get late. Have fun you two!"
Carmen headed to the lake where Andres is sitting on the grass gazing at the beautiful lake, the sun illuminating his hazel eyes. He turned to her.
"You're late."