The procession moved slowly. Sebastian and I were silent as we moved along with the flow of people. Our arms touched several times but he did not move it away or move away a little.
I was almost staring at the candle I was holding. When I turned off the light of the magical lamp, I couldn't get out of the story. I don't know how I'll get out now. If I'll ever see that lamp again or what its connection is to Sebastian.
I can't help but wonder if I should continue this? If I save all the characters who die in this story, am I ready to see my novel Salamisim fall apart?
I spent almost a year writing it. I spent sleepless nights, sweat, and time to complete the story. And now, I'm the one who's going to ruin it all.
"Aren't we going home yet?" I asked Sebastian, the procession and mass were over. We were just standing outside the church. People were already walking home. Preparing for the happy celebration of the fiesta tomorrow.
Sebastian paid for the rental of the carriage, he looked at me then held out his palm in front of me. "What is your next plan for Amalia? In war, we need to have another plan in case the first one doesn't succeed. Isn't it?" he said, I looked at his palm. I seemed to feel relieved because he didn't give up easily.
I held his hand and smiled a little. I wanted to tell him that I was grateful because his thoughts as part of the army now exist. The strategies and alternative plans that generals like him have developed. "What do you suggest, general?" I climbed into the chariot with his help and he followed.
"It is unacceptable for a civil guard to abandon his sworn duty to serve and defend the people..." he began, the chariot slowly moving forward.
"But, what about Amalia? I can't let her go... Even just now, I beg you if you can close your eyes to the situation between the two of them" I pleaded, Sebastian just bowed. I built him up as brave and upholding the law and orders from the government. It wouldn't be difficult for him to kill if it was in accordance with the people's policies.
"I know you are loyal to the government and you will not be able to violate army policy. I will not force you to help me. All I ask is that even just now, if possible, close your eyes, cover your ears and keep your mouth shut. I need to save Amalia. I do not want Aling Pacing and Mang Pedro to get hurt and suffer."
Sebastian took a deep breath. "How does it feel to be able to see the future? Is it as complicated as the deaths I see in my dreams?" he asked, then looked at me. I couldn't speak. If only he knew that I didn't just know what would happen. I set them up myself.
"If this is the only way to make someone who can see the future feel better. I won't just close my eyes, cover my ears or keep my mouth shut. I will also extend my palm to you" I was stunned by what he said. I couldn't believe that I could make Sebastian break the law.
************
It was nine o'clock at night when we arrived at the convent again. Sebastian's hired carriage was waiting at the side. He was standing behind me when I knocked on the large door of the convent.
"Good evening---" I couldn't finish what I was going to say when Father Emmanuel appeared in front of us with other Church servants who were cleaning up the items used in the procession earlier.
I was stunned by him, he just looked at me and when he looked at Sebastian, he only spoke, "Here you are, General Sebastian" to start with, Sebastian took off his hat and placed it on his chest.
"Good evening, Father Emmanuel," he replied, the priest opened the door and invited us in. "Sorry, it's a bit chaotic here. We're also preparing for the first mass tomorrow morning," said Father Emmanuel, there were the young sacristans on the way and the other priests who were handling the party.
We walked for a while until we reached a room filled with many books and long tables. Father Emmanuel turned on the lights in every corner. "Sorry to bother you, but we just wanted to talk to Amalia, who is one of the convent students," I said, Father Emmanuel stopped and turned to me.
"What is your purpose with the head nun's students?" she asked, I looked at Sebastian. I forgot to introduce myself. "I-I'm Tanya. I'm a waitress at the panciteria owned by Amalia's parents. I-I just want to give her something" I said, swallowing nervously. I didn't think I would see the mysterious priest here.
"The beateryo is in the other house. This is the only main door but it is still covered by the church" said Father Emmanuel, Sebastian and I just nodded. We didn't know that the beateryo and the back of the church only had one door.
"Tanya, hija" continued Father Emmanuel, he continued to turn on the lights on the lamp again. "Do you really need to come this far? You're not looking for the way out. Instead, you're just leading yourself further astray" he continued without looking at me. I looked at Sebastian who was now also following the priest's gaze in surprise.
"Sir? What do you mean?" Father Emmanuel paused at what I said, now he was just staring at the last lamp he had lit.
"I think you are gradually becoming enlightened. But despite the dazzling light. There will come a time when you will prefer to destroy it before you are completely swallowed up by emptiness and returned to your origin" at that time I was speechless. I felt nervous about what he said. Does Father Emmanuel really know anything?
I was about to speak but he turned to face us. "You must have traveled a long way. Just a moment, I'll call Amalia," he said and walked out of the room. I was stunned for a moment. I felt like Father Emmanuel knew something, that everything that was happening now was in line with the novel I had written.
I looked at Sebastian, he was now playing with his watch necklace. "Aren't you puzzled by what Father Emmanuel is saying?" I asked him, it was quiet inside the church library but we could hear the jokes and chatter of the sacristans outside preparing for tomorrow.
"I've known Father Emmanuel for a long time, we're used to his metaphorical speech," he replied, and I leaned back in my chair. I felt that it wasn't just a metaphor. He really wanted to convey something to me.
Not long after, Amalia arrived. Compared to yesterday, I could see that she was more anxious and nervous today. Maybe it was because she was afraid of what would happen to her and her boyfriend or because someone already knew about their plan.
I stood up and immediately greeted her. She didn't move when I held her hand. Shee stopped when she saw Sebastian. "Are you here to have the general arrest us?" she said seriously, which surprised me. She was about to leave but I didn't let go of her hand.
"No. Don't worry. Sebastian is on our side" I said, Amalia looked back at Sebastian who was now just looking at his watch necklace but I knew he was listening to our conversation. "We are here to help you" I continued, Amalia looked at me in surprise. I noticed the depth of her eyes filled with worry and nervousness.
She didn't realize that I had already made her sit on a chair while still holding her hands tightly. "If possible, give us your trust. You won't be able to escape on your own. I also don't want to stop your happiness... But if your parents know that you escaped safely and are living happily in a faraway place. I think they will accept it more" I explained to her, she looked at me almost without blinking as tears welled up in her eyes.
I took from my pocket a large piece of paper where Sebastian and I had drawn the plan earlier in the carriage before we arrived here. "You will leave at noon. Follow the route to a river. Don't go through the forest, go through the rice fields there. When you get to the river, there will be a small boat waiting for you" I continued then showed her the map that Sebastian and I had made and planned.
I folded it then held it in her hand. "Tell your boyfriend that this is the only way you will follow. We will wait for you at the river and we will make sure that you can leave safely" I added, Amalia bowed and immediately hugged me tightly.
"T-thank you very much. T-thank you for understanding my decision" Amalia sobbed. I gently patted her back. I looked at Sebastian who was now looking at me. He just bowed when our eyes met.
******
I couldn't sleep and I couldn't breathe properly. I couldn't count how many times I tossed and turned in bed. The only gas lamp on the small table was lit. I glanced again at Sebastian and Niyong sleeping side by side on the floor. The two women who managed the inn had provided a mat and blanket.
I wondered if Sebastian was used to sleeping on the floor? Niyong didn't have a problem because he was already sleeping soundly and was even snoring softly. I remembered that Sebastian was just a general. He was definitely used to these kinds of situations.
I was surprised when Sebastian suddenly got up. I immediately lay down straight and closed my eyes but opened them a little then followed him with a look towards the door. He put on his coat.
He slowly opened the door but before he went out he turned to me. I was surprised when he nodded at me as if he was telling me to follow him. I didn't realize that I suddenly got up. I didn't even realize that I was walking carefully to the door to follow him.
We were out of the room. He went down the stairs first. I followed him carefully as if we were going to meet tonight. I didn't realize that I smiled to myself at that thought.
I just followed Sebastian until we reached the outside of the inn. There was a long bench outside where the coachmen often waited. He stopped in front of it and looked at me, he pointed to it as if he was telling us to sit there.
I nodded and sat there first. "This is how a woman who met someone at night felt during the Spanish era" I said then touched my cheek. I suddenly came to my senses when he looked at me. I didn't realize that earlier I had been smiling in front of him like a big lunatic.
I immediately sat down properly. "Ah, a-what I mean is... I just read a scene like that in a story" I continued then waved my hand in the air to make him believe that I didn't mean anything else than what I said earlier.
"It seems like almost everything you've been teaching has something to do with a story or a book. You also like reading" he said, I nodded at what he said. I didn't think he would notice all those little details about me.
"If you don't mind... I'm a writer" I smiled, I touched my cheek to reduce my crazy smile. "What I mean is I'm a writer. I also write stories" I continued. What I said made him think.
"That's why you were able to easily connect the story we heard earlier" he said, I nodded at what he said. He must have wondered why I had interfered with the story earlier about the salesman selling books.
We were silent for a moment. The air was fresh tonight. It's almost Christmas so the breeze is cold. "Where's your hood?" Sebastian asked. I looked at him. Did he mean a jacket?
"Ah, I left it upstairs. I was shocked when you went out so I didn't get it" I replied. It's not cold outside. After all, this is what I would consider a good climate with no air pollution that itches your nose and makes you feel warm.
I stopped when Sebastian put his black coat on my shoulder. I didn't realize that he had already taken it off. He was now wearing a white shirt with long sleeves. "I-I'm okay. I'm not cold---" I didn't finish what I was going to say because he was just looking at me.
I don't know if it was because of what he thought that made me stay silent or because my heart couldn't stop beating so loudly right now. "T-thank you" was all I could say then I looked away from him.
Silence reigned between us again. It was also beautiful to look at the surroundings even though the road was not yet paved. There were no electric poles and cables in each house. The distance between the houses was also far. Each house had a fence where there were plants and flowers.
The night was quiet, the sound of crickets added to the peace. Even the sky was clear. The moon was bright and there were many stars. "Do you know what my favorite shape of the moon is?" I began while looking up at the sky.
Sebastian also looked up at the moon. "Crescent moon. Not yet full and not yet half but even though it is not complete... It does not disappoint the sky with the light it can give" I raised my hand and imitated the shape of the crescent moon with my finger.
"The little things that make up the big events. The beginnings are the reason why we get to the end. All those little details are important. Well, in a novel, the little details and events are important," I said.
"Before. I always valued the main characters in the story. I didn't think too much about the situation of the other characters. It's true that other characters had to sacrifice themselves for the development of the story and for the protagonists in the novel to have a change in perspective"
"But now... I can't belittle the characters who have a small role in the story. It's hard to be a writer. It's hard to be fair to everyone" I lowered my hand and took a deep breath.
I looked at Sebastian who was now listening carefully to me while looking up at the moon. "If you were to be a character in a story... What would you like to play?" I asked him. I knew he was smart but I knew he couldn't imagine that he was just inside the story. Even I sometimes forget that it's not real because everything that happens around me and that I feel here seems real.
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, "Whatever" he replied.
"Don't you want to be the protagonist? The main character in a novel"
"Main character or not. The perspective of the story changes according to the narrator. What the writer is telling. That is what is considered the main character by the writer and the readers of his work. For me, all characters in a novel are main characters because the story doesn't just revolve around the writer's eyes" I was stunned by what he said.
I just fell silent. I couldn't match Sebastian's intelligence. I wanted to tell him that he should thank me for making him a smart character.
"Why did you call me out here?" I asked him, he was just leaning comfortably on the chair. I was also comfortable next to him even though we were a foot away from each other. Maybe because I was wearing his coat now.
"You can't sleep either" he said as if he was reminding me that I really can't sleep.
I just smiled then looked up at the sky again, "You know, I enjoy our late night talks" I said, he looked at me. "Those conversations we have in the middle of the night and under the moon" I continued, he just bowed then smiled a little.
"Then you smile like that too" I added, my big smile couldn't leave my lips. It was just a happy feeling to see Sebastian Guerrero smile even a little.
"I'm also happy because we're partners in crime" I continued, he looked back. It was clear on his face that he didn't understand what I said but because I was smiling he knew what I said was good.
"We should have a code name. Hmm... I'm Agent 143" I said, then turned to face him to explain the process of becoming a detective.
"One, Four, Three" I repeated, he just looked at me as if he thought I was teaching him something stupid again. "So when you call me, you'll say Wanfortri" I smiled, if only he knew what 143 meant he would definitely be surprised.
"And you're Agent 007" I said then imitated James Bond's iconic pose with a gun in hand. "Double-O, Seven... Bang! Bang!" I continued then pretended to shoot him.
He just shook his head to himself then stood up. "I'm going to sleep" he said then walked into the inn.
"Wait! Tell me our code name first" I chased after him but he ignored me. He just kept walking until we got back to the room and he lay straight down on the mat then closed his eyes as if he was telling me not to involve him in my madness.
**********
The next day, before lunchtime, we were waiting at the river. We left Niyong in the rice fields. He had no idea that we were going to help Amalia escape. I couldn't help but feel nervous, since this morning while we were traveling here, my nervousness had not subsided.
We chose to escape them at noon because it was dangerous at night, especially with the guards roaming around. Besides, most of the people were busy playing games at the fiesta in the plaza. "They'll come" I realized when Sebastian spoke. We were now hiding behind a large tree. I didn't realize that I had been biting my nails earlier, which I always did whenever I was nervous.
"I hope they don't encounter any officers," I said, then forced myself to peek behind the tree. A moment later, we saw two people wearing shirts and straw hats arrive. Amalia was wearing men's clothes, her boyfriend was helping her get into the boat.
Sebastian and I immediately came out of hiding. They were surprised but Amalia smiled when she recognized us. "Tanya" she said while hugging me. "Thank you for your help" she smiled and when she looked at Sebastian she immediately paid her respects.
"Thank you very much, señor. We will be forever indebted to you for your kindness to us" Amalia continued.
Sebastian looked at his guardia civil boyfriend. The guardia immediately fell to the ground, "F-forgive me for what I will do. Forgive me for abandoning our sworn duty" Sebastian just bowed and I heard his deep sigh.
"Be careful and make sure that you live peacefully and far from this place" Sebastian said, the two bowed repeatedly and thanked each other. They got on the boat. For the last time Amalia turned to me while her eyes were filled with tears. She nodded at me and smiled.
"May you be happy together," I said, then wiped away my tears. I felt a mixture of joy and sadness. Happy because we successfully escaped them both. Sad because I won't see her again. At least I'm happy because this is how Amalia's character will end.
******
It was getting dark. The three of us were about to leave the inn to look at the plaza when suddenly the two women who were managing the inn blocked Sebastian's way.
"Señor, would you like us to come with you? If you allow us," smiled one of them, I and niyong's already in front of the door while the two of them blocked Sebastian.
"Excuse me but—" Sebastian couldn't finish what he was going to say because one of the two women showed him some bags and baskets. "I also know almost all the market owners in town. If you want, I'll go shopping with you" smiled one of them and her eyes widened in front of Sebastian.
I just closed my eyes in annoyance because our time with them was running out. I raised my sleeves a little then walked between them. "We're leaving. We don't need your package tour now" I started, I raised my eyebrows at them. They didn't flinch, I even saw how their eyes rolled.
"Don't you have any connections? Who are you to lead him?" one with thin eyebrows turned around, causing my head to heat up even more.
"We don't have a label but you don't care about that anymore!" I insisted then pulled Sebastian out. They were surprised because I grabbed him by the arm. Even Niyong was also stunned by what I did. I let go of Sebastian when we got out.
I looked at him and felt embarrassed "Get on" I said, he was surprised by my serious tone. I knew he knew I wasn't happy anymore now.
"You go first" he said, he was going to help me get on the carriage but it was obvious on his face that he was hesitant to do so because of my serious words. "Sebastian, you can't flirt and fling with those girls" I said, I couldn't stand it anymore.
Niyong walked towards me. "I understand that they are the ones who are getting closer to you. But you should know how to say no. Stop talking to them and entertaining their flirting. It's obvious that they want to be cute with you" both of them and Niyong looked surprised. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders at the same time.
"Ate Tanya, it seems like you are jealous" Niyong said, causing me to realize. My eyes widened at what he said and I pointed to myself, "Me? Jealous? Wow!" my heart beat faster.
"M-my point is just this... Sebastian is set to marry Maria Florecita, right? What would other people say if they saw him with women who were like leeches if they stuck to him and beat him up? I was just thinking about the reputation of our brave general," I said, looking at Sebastian.
I got on the carriage. Sebastian didn't say anything. Meanwhile, Niyong looked at us a few times and then laughed to himself like a big lunatic like me.
Not long after, we reached the town of Bulakan. Everyone was very cheerful. I seemed to forget my temper earlier when I saw how happy their fiesta was now. Niyong had put the carriage aside next to the church and the three of us walked to the market.
I pointed out to Niyong the kind of hats and clothes. Sebastian was behind us and sometimes he would also try on a hat and then look at me as if he was waiting for me to notice what he was wearing.
I pulled Niyong to a store full of women's jewelry. "Niyong, buy Lolita something," I said, then picked out some hair accessories and jewelry. "I don't have enough money, ate Tanya," Niyong replied. I asked the price of each piece of jewelry I chose for Lolita and I just put it back neatly in its place when I knew the price.
I turned to Sebastian who was standing behind us, "Uhm, can u give me a cash advance?" I asked him. I knew it was rude of me to give a cash advance but I didn't want to waste this opportunity for lolita to fall in love with niyong again.
Sebastian didn't say anything, instead he just walked over to the merchandise and looked around at the jewelry. I wanted to tell him to buy it for Maria Florencita too, but I remembered that he couldn't possibly like it. Lorenzo had to help me get a good shot of Maria Florencita.
I whispered to Niyong, "You just go and ask for cash advance to Sebastian. He seems like a bad shot to me because I fought him earlier" Niyong was surprised by what I said, "Bad shot... He seems annoyed with me" I continued, Niyong looked at Sebastian.
He was about to speak but the old salesman suddenly spoke, "Do you want some unique jewelry or ornaments for your beloved, sir?" the old man, thin and with a thick mustache, grinned.
He and Niyong ignored us because it seemed like we had nothing to buy, so the salesman was now talking to Sebastian. The old man took a small trunk from under the table and opened it in front of Sebastian.
Niyong and I immediately approached and looked at the contents of the trunk. My eyes widened at the amount of jewelry there, but the only thing that caught my attention was the necklace with a Crescent moon pendant. "How much is this, manong?" I asked the salesman and took the necklace.
"Seven pesos" he replied. I looked at Sebastian, "Loan please" I tried to smile at him but he just looked at me without reacting. I showed him the necklace I was holding.
"This is what I'm telling you, my favorite moon shape." I explained to him then gestured with the letter C with my finger like the shape of this moon.
"Crescent?" Niyong asked in surprise then looked at it closely. "I've seen that shape in the alphabet" he said, I nodded then smiled. "You're really smart, Niyong!" I told Niyong and whispered if he could lend me money but it seemed like he really didn't have any money.
"That moon shape symbolizes new hope. It's also related to a person's goal to be realistic or to be realized" I was stunned by what the old man said. He was smiling and looking straight at me now. I noticed that he also looked at Sebastian as if he wanted to make us understand something.
I don't know why I suddenly felt scared and nervous in the old man's presence. It seemed like the old witch spoke like him. I just put the necklace back in the trunk. "I-I think the show in the plaza is about to start. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience" I said and left first.
Niyong immediately followed me, "Ate Tanya, let's eat some merienda first" she said after him.
*****
We were watching a short show in the plaza. An instrument was playing in the middle of the stage. Niyong and I were clapping along with the amazing music along with the people clapping and dancing with the music.
I looked at Sebastian who was just standing there like a statue. "Clap along... That's it," I said, then showed him how to clap, which seemed to be out of his vocabulary.
"Hep-hep? Hooray!" I continued as if I were part of a game show today. I repeated it three times but I failed to get Sebastian to obey. He just looked at me as if he was thinking about how crazy I had become.
"It's up to you," I said, ignoring him. Niyong and I continued clapping along with the music. The adults started to stand up and were the first to dance in the middle.
Other girls and boys followed, happily dancing in the middle. It was fun to watch their smiles and traditional gestures. Niyong and I wanted to join in, but Sebastian suddenly walked away so we wouldn't have to drag him.
"Baste!" I called after him and chased after him. He stopped then turned to me, "Come on! Don't be shy to show off your damoves there" I said then pointed at Niyong who was now dancing with a grandma.
"What did you call me?" he asked, I just smiled. "Ah, Sebastian is so long. I'll just call you Baste or maybe you want Basty? Baby Basty..." I insisted but he just turned his back on me. He must still be sulking because I scolded him earlier.
"Wait! Just a moment! What a waste of a party they had there oh" I chased after him, I pulled his coat. We stopped when something suddenly fell out of his coat pocket.
I was able to pick it up before he did, "This is the crescent moon!" I said while staring at that necklace. I looked at him, but he looked away.
"That's yours" he said softly. I blinked twice. The pendant of the crescent moon necklace was bronze. "C-can't you give this to Maria Florencita?" I just swallowed. I didn't want to think about anything. Besides, maybe he was embarrassed to give it to Maria Florencita.
He just looked at me, "Maria Florencita isn't the one who wants that thing" he said then turned around and continued walking. I was stunned by what he said and looked at the necklace again.
It was dark now but colorful lights were scattered around from lamps of different colors. Some were hanging from the openings of shops and banners. The number of people in the middle of the road was almost uncountable because of the happy celebration today in the plaza.
I'm happy with the good things happening today. I'm also happy because we were able to save Amalia and her boyfriend from danger.
I watched his back again as he walked towards the chaotic market. It felt like the pace of the surroundings had slowed down. I don't know, but along with my heart beating faster, it crossed my mind that maybe it's time to try writing a story with a happy ending.
And I want to start that with Sebastian.