Chapter 29: Daunting
Somehow, I was more nervous the second time.
While I waited in the silence of the anteroom, my legs wouldn't stop shaking. Maybe because I didn't expect to be returning so soon, and my mind hadn't yet transitioned from the stress-free days I spent in Calumpit. Or maybe because I knew I would be heartbroken if my request was denied—even if I myself considered it already a lost cause.
It didn't help that I was there alone. Trivino had decided he would go back with me to Marinduque and so wanted to spend more time with his parents while we were in Bulacan. Dimalanta accompanied me to the doorstep of the convent right before a captain took him away for an errand. Colonel Ola was there to welcome me back again, but he too was busy and only entertained me for a few minutes.
In fact, the whole of Malolos was busy. You could see the sense of urgency in the increased number of soldiers on the streets and in the barracks, and the faster, thicker traffic of supply wagons and workers. On my way to the Barasoain Church, I caught a few conversations openly talking about an incoming war. Youthful soldiers were throwing around casual jokes about wanting to slaughter Americans.
There was another spirit that had taken hold of the town, and it made me uneasy.
My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I heard a door creak open. I immediately looked in the direction of the president's office. One of the Kawit guards gave me a puzzled look—it was the door to the corridor that had opened.
I was expecting Colonel Ola, but who arrived was someone better.
Paz Tiongson carried a small platter containing a cup and a plate of cookies. She scanned the room until her eyes found me. Like a butterfly hovering down to a flower, a smile descended on her pink lips.
My heart was beating more wildly now, even though I suddenly felt more comfortable. I suspected it was because it had been a while since I had seen a pretty lady. Trivino's village, although it was in many ways charming, was lacking in that department.