Chapter 63: For the Family
Only an hour had passed since Romeo said goodbye to Flora at her dorm in Manila. After their conversation and brief moment of connection, he headed back to Cavite. His heart was full of worry for Flora, but even with his heavy responsibilities as a General, he had to ensure his beloved "sister" was safe and sound.
The darkness of the night brought a stillness to the road as Romeo traveled in his vehicle. Accompanying him were Abby and Peter, two of his most trusted subordinates whom he also considered siblings. Inside the car, the gentle hum of the engine was the only sound, yet the tension among the three was palpable.
Abby, who was older than Romeo, was known for being blunt and inquisitive. She was usually the first to speak up when she sensed a problem within their circle. Her voice carried a hint of confusion and concern. "General, I don't understand why you suddenly called us out in the middle of the night. I thought you were just visiting Flora in Manila?" she asked, her eyes fixed on Romeo, who kept his gaze on the road ahead.
Romeo offered a weary, melancholic smile. "I did visit her," he replied, his voice calm but heavy. "But I didn't need to stay long. You know Flora; she doesn't want me sleeping at her apartment. She says we're too old to be sleeping under the same roof."
He reached for a folder beside him and handed it to Peter in the backseat. Peter opened it immediately, but as he scanned the contents, his eyes widened in shock. "Wait, General, what is the meaning of this?" Peter asked, his voice thick with worry.
"That is my last will and testament," Romeo answered, his tone serious and unwavering. "I want you to keep that, Peter, in case my family objects to my decisions."
The document clearly stated that upon his death, half of his assets—including his businesses and fifteen properties across the country—would be transferred to Flora. The remaining half would be divided among his five other siblings. Romeo knew this wouldn't be easy; his biological family was influential and powerful, and they would surely try to reclaim his wealth. Thus, it was vital that the document remain a secret.
Abby immediately protested. "General, why are you doing this? You're far too young to be thinking about a will! What is happening to you?" Her words were a mix of anger and fear, her eyes glistening with emotion.
Romeo sighed, raising a hand to quiet her. "I know I'm young, Abby," he said gently. "But I want to be prepared. I also apologize to both of you because Flora will receive a larger share. Unlike our other siblings, she has no job and is still a student. I also know that soldiers like us, with the power of a Sugo, earn a high salary, so I don't think you truly need my money."
Abby shook her head in disappointment. "General, I don't care about the money," she said firmly. "But it feels wrong to think about this now. Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye to us?"
Romeo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at the dark road, his mind preoccupied with the future. After a moment, he spoke with emphasis. "No, Abby. We must prepare because I have made my choice. In the next battle, we must capture Martin, no matter what it takes."
His words struck like a bolt of lightning. A sudden silence fell over them, the weight of the situation filling the car. Peter silently handed the document to another operative in the back. "I'm sorry, General," Peter said, his voice brave but emotional. "But I shouldn't be the one to hide this. I refuse to believe you will die young, especially at the hands of someone like Martin. If the battle begins, I swear to stay by your side, no matter what. I am ready to lay down my life to accompany you in this fight."
Romeo sighed, looking at Peter through the rearview mirror. "Peter, you don't have to follow me to the very end," he replied firmly but kindly. "You have much more to do in the future. Your life is more valuable than mine."
Peter's voice rose with intensity. "Please, let me do this!" he shouted, his eyes shining with determination. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. My family would be gone. If you hadn't helped us back then, we would likely be dead. So please, General, let me repay all the kindness you've shown me!"
Romeo shook his head, though his expression showed he understood. "I told you long ago," he said sincerely, "if you want to repay me, live your lives happily, in the way you choose. I didn't help each of you just so you could sacrifice your lives for me. If I die in battle, do not blame yourselves."
He explained that as a soldier, he had long accepted the possibility of death. With the Katipunan rebels becoming more aggressive, he knew he couldn't control the future. Though his words brought deep sadness to his companions, Romeo tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I have no intention of dying early. I won't be careless. As much as possible, I want to grow old with all of you. Ate Abby, Kuya Peter—out of all my siblings, you are the only ones I share my problems with because I know you understand me. You know I don't want to die in battle, so put your minds at ease."
Despite his attempt at a lighter tone, the silence remained heavy. Hours passed as they traveled back to Cavite, until they were stopped by heavy traffic caused by crowds of people trying to get home. The air outside was cold, threatening rain, and the streets were chaotic.
Amidst the wait, Romeo spotted a familiar face in a long line of passengers. It was a woman in a simple jacket and jeans, accompanied by an elderly woman and a young girl. He realized it was Adelina, the woman he had recently met in Cavite. He ordered the driver to pull over.
He rolled down the window. "Adelina!" he called out. "Look at that, we meet again even here!"
Adelina's eyes widened in shock. She was with her grandmother and a twelve-year-old friend named Aries. They were waiting for a ride back to Kawit, but the line was so long they knew they'd be there for hours.
"It looks like it will be a long time before you get a ride," Romeo said with concern. "You'll be home very late if you wait here. Do you want to ride with us?"
True to her stubborn nature, Adelina snapped, "Tch, why do you just keep popping up? I don't need your help, so just leave!" Her voice was full of irritation, but her eyes betrayed her nervousness.
Romeo was puzzled by her tense reaction. "Why are you angry again? I just want to help," he said, trying to calm her. But before he could explain, Aries chimed in excitedly, "Woah! Wait, are you the guy we hear is always with Ate Adelina? I thought she was just imagining things, but you're real!"
Romeo smiled, amused by Aries' energy. "I'm not sure about the stories, but I guess that's me."
Adelina grabbed Aries, trying to stop her. "That's enough, Aries! Don't talk to him!" she shouted, her face flushed with shame. She looked at Romeo and added, "And you, go away!"
But the grandmother spoke up humbly. "Forgive my granddaughter, sir. Tell me, is it true that you are Adelina's boyfriend?" The question was like a bomb that shocked everyone.
Adelina froze, her cheeks burning. Romeo, recovering quickly, decided to play along. "Boyfriend? Is that how Adelina introduced me to you?" he teased, looking at her playfully. "Boyfriend," he added, mocking her slightly.
Adelina quickly pulled out her phone and texted him. Romeo read the message: "I can explain this to you later, but don't tell my grandma that I go with you even though I don't know you. Just pretend to be my boyfriend for tonight!"
Romeo smiled and committed to the act. "That's right, I am your granddaughter's boyfriend," he said confidently. "But wait, it's nine in the evening. Why are you still on the streets?"
Abby and Peter were stunned. "What? Wait, is that true? You have a girlfriend, General—I mean, Romeo?" Abby asked, bewildered. Romeo raised a hand to silence her, whispering that he'd explain later.
The grandmother explained they were coming from the hospital because she had an asthma attack. They had to go to a distant hospital because there were no free clinics near Kawit. As they spoke, the drizzle turned into a heavy downpour.
Romeo opened the car door. "Get in," he said. "It's not good for you to wait here in the rain."
Adelina refused. "I don't need your help! We can manage!"
However, she was caught off guard when Aries hopped into the car to take shelter. "Hey, Aries, get out of there!" Adelina yelled. "Have you no shame?"
"But we'll get soaked if we don't!" Aries argued logically. "He offered!"
Romeo got out and helped the grandmother inside. "Don't be shy," he said. "It would be more shameful for your family if I let my girlfriend get wet in the rain."
Adelina turned beet red at the mention of being his "girlfriend" again. She grabbed Romeo's sleeve and whispered angrily, "I said I'd explain later! Stop messing with me!"
Instead of answering, Romeo suddenly picked Adelina up and forced her into the car. She had no choice but to sit down, her face crimson with embarrassment. She stopped struggling when she saw Abby and Peter inside, shaking her head in further shame. "We could have waited there," Adelina said softly. "You didn't have to go to this trouble."
"It's not good for your grandmother to be in the rain," Romeo countered. "She needs to rest. Don't you know she's sick? It's better if you come with us."
"Right!" Aries added. "Lola is sick; she shouldn't be exhausted. It's a good thing we ran into your boyfriend!"
"Be quiet, Aries!" Adelina snapped in frustration. "We can't just take help from them and be indebted!"
Aries was confused. "If he's your boyfriend, it's normal to ask for help!" she said, looking at Romeo. "And he seems nice."
Aries began to tell them how Adelina often leaves, saying she's going for a walk, which resulted in her missing work at the karinderya (small eatery) several times. Adelina had told them she had a kind boyfriend who took her out. At first, Aries didn't believe it, but seeing Romeo, she felt relieved that the story was true. She explained that their grandmother allowed Adelina to go because she claimed the man she was with was trustworthy; nevertheless, they were still afraid she might be with just anyone.
"Sir, are you truly offering this out of the goodness of your heart? If not, you can just drop us off," the grandmother asked worriedly.
"Don't worry," Romeo replied. "This is a small thing for me. I'm heading to Kawit anyway, so I can take you."
Abby, still in disbelief, asked, "Romeo, is it really true you have a girlfriend? You aren't usually social! How did you even manage to court her?" She almost laughed at the idea.
Romeo smirked. "Ate Abby, you sound like you doubt I could find a girlfriend," he joked. He took his phone and texted the two of them. When Abby read the message, she smiled. Romeo told them to hide his identity as a General and a soldier because Adelina's family shouldn't know. He reiterated that he would explain the situation later, so they shouldn't ask too many questions.
"By the way," Romeo told the three newcomers. "These are Ate Abby and Kuya Peter, my siblings. And those in the back are my work friends. Don't feel uneasy around them."
As they traveled, Aries kept talking to Romeo, making Adelina incredibly nervous. Aries asked how they met. "I was shocked Ate Adelina got a boyfriend! She hates the Hilaw (half-bloods/Spaniards). She's very boyish, so how did you fall for my tomboy sister?"
Irritated, Adelina held Aries' head to stop her. "Just shut up, Aries."
Romeo smiled. "That's a good question. Truthfully, it happened very fast. We first met at a bus station, and she fought me immediately. She's very brave, even when what she's saying makes no sense."
Adelina elbowed Romeo. "That's enough! Aries, stop asking him things!"
"We're not talking about anything bad!" Aries argued. "We're just worried about you, Ate. There are many bad people nowadays, especially the Hilaw. They are arrogant and abusive just because they have money."
Aries explained they grew up in a place where many wealthy, abusive people treated them like slaves and uneducated peasants. "But Adelina said you were different because you respect Filipinos. So I believe I can talk to you as a fellow human being," she added.
"Don't worry," Romeo replied. "I don't care if I'm talking to a Filipino or a Spaniard. I treat people based on how they treat me."
Aries was happy with the answer and asked again, "I want to know, why do you really like Ate Adelina? She's boyish and hates men. She's been in fistfights with men she's talked to!"
Adelina turned red again. "Aries, enough! I can take care of myself!"
Their grandmother apologized. "Forgive my grandchildren, sir. Even though Adelina is rough and brave, she is still a woman. We worry about what she does and who she's with." She explained that Adelina is hardworking and never gives up for the sake of the family. "She never shows weakness, even when she's struggling," she said with pride. "Sir, please take care of my granddaughter and do not hurt her."
"Lola!" Adelina protested, dying of shame. "Don't say things like that in front of him!"
Romeo smiled. "Don't worry. Even if Adelina is a bit violent, I can handle her mood swings."
The grandmother thanked him and noted how young her grandchildren still were. "I am old and ill; I can't look after them forever. I'd be more at peace knowing they are with good people."
Aries and Adelina took their grandmother's hand. Seeing their love for her, Romeo felt a deep connection and concern for their family. "I understand your worry," he said. "The truth is, I don't know much about Adelina's family, and I don't want to meddle in things that aren't my business. But if I can help, just let me know."
Aries jumped in. "Are you serious, sir? If so, can you give us some money?"
Adelina smacked Aries' head. "Have you no shame? We aren't beggars! I won't allow us to beg from others!"
But Aries didn't back down. "Ate Adelina, why is your pride more important than the truth that we are poor?" she asked in frustration. "It's been a year since Lola got sick, but we still can't get her treated. I pity our siblings who can't even take a day off even when they're in pain!"
Aries explained they were buried in debt. "And besides, he offered! If he doesn't want to help, I won't force him!"
Their grandmother stopped the argument. "That's enough, grandchildren. Do not argue in front of others."
Abby stepped into the conversation. "I understand your situation. But you won't solve anything by fighting. Don't worry, helping with money is no problem for Romeo. He's been funding charity works for a long time. He's always open to helping the poor. If you are worthy of help, our brother will surely help you."
Romeo sighed. "I don't just help anyone," he said seriously. "I don't like meddling in others' problems, but if there is a sufficient reason, I won't hesitate."
Aries took Romeo's hand, her eyes full of hope. "Kuya, my grandmother needs an operation. She has a lump in her throat, and the doctor said it's getting worse. But we aren't sure of the details because we don't understand the papers. The doctor said we need two hundred thousand for the operation and hospital supplies. We can't afford that, so we're looking for a free hospital."
Peter joined in. "There are very few free hospitals for the poor. It's sad that there are no hospitals offering free surgery."
Aries and Adelina were crestfallen. Aries suddenly bowed to Romeo. "Kuya, I am ready to do anything to get Lola treated. If you want, I can work for you," she said in desperation. She told him how her grandmother was a good person who adopted street children and helped them despite the abuses against Filipinos. "I know we need a lot, but I promise we will pay you back once we are able."
Adelina remained silent. Though she opposed Aries' actions, she seemed to be hoping someone would help her grandmother. She knew they were working hard, but their savings weren't enough for the surgery.
The grandmother apologized to her grandchildren. "Don't worry about me. I don't want you to suffer because of me."
"Don't talk like that, Lola," Aries said emotionally. "We owe our lives to you. You raised us, fed us, and gave us a place to sleep. We won't abandon you."
Romeo took the old woman's hand. "Don't worry," he said with a caring tone. "Tomorrow, I will take you to a doctor to arrange your surgery."
The grandmother was shocked, her eyes filling with tears of gratitude. "Is that true, sir? Oh, thank you so much! There are many children who still need my help, but I'm too weak to work. If I get well, I can go back to the factory and help my grandchildren again."
"Don't think about working yet," Romeo replied. "Just get well for your grandchildren."
Romeo looked outside and saw the heavy traffic. "Let's go straight to my condo," he told the driver. "Lola can spend the night there so we can go to the hospital early tomorrow." He called Peter to give instructions. "Call the office, Peter. Set the meeting for tomorrow at noon."
"Thank you very much," the old woman said. "You truly are a good man, just as my granddaughter said."
Adelina was speechless. She didn't want to accept the favor, but she knew they needed the help. Upon arriving at the condo, the driver dropped off Abby and Peter. Romeo prepared the living room and drinks for the three of them. "I'm sorry, I don't have food here, but I've ordered some, so let's just wait."
Aries was amazed by the condo. "Your home is so beautiful! You really are rich, but why is it so quiet here, Kuya? Where is everyone?"
"I'm the only one who lives here," Romeo answered. "Truthfully, I only come here for work meetings."
"Wait, what about your siblings who were with us earlier?" Aries asked. Romeo explained that they didn't live together. He mentioned that like Adelina, they weren't blood-related, but they considered each other family.
Aries held Romeo's arm and joked if she could be his sister too, promising to be a good family member. "I'm nice and hardworking."
Suddenly, Adelina pulled Romeo's arm and rushed him into a room, slamming the door. Romeo was shocked. "What are you doing?"
"Can you please not get too close to Aries," Adelina said irritably. "I will be the one to pay our debt to you. Leave her out of this."
"What do you mean?" Romeo asked. "Why do you treat me like I'm such an evil person?"
Adelina shook her head. "I won't accept favors from the Hilaw," she said. "We've suffered so much abuse because of debt. We've met many rich people in our area who treat us like tools to be enslaved as payment for the tiny bits of help they gave."
Romeo smiled with understanding. "Do you think I have a bad motive for helping? I don't need anything in return. To be honest, it's your grandmother I'm helping, not you."
Adelina sighed. "I don't know, maybe you are a good person. But I just don't want to be indebted." She explained that her sisters worked for wealthy Hilaw they owed money to, and they had no choice but to follow orders. "Because we have no way to pay, my sisters endure their vileness," she said, her voice full of rage.
Romeo felt the pain behind her words. "Is that why you hate the Hilaw? If you want to tell me more, I'm ready to listen."
Adelina went quiet. Romeo went to a cabinet and took out an old photo. "You know, I once went through many problems too," he said. "I felt a deep longing and loss of hope. I was afraid, not knowing what to do. I had no one I could trust around me. They were all ready to use me, and I knew they could leave me at any time. But everything changed when I met my siblings. Even if we aren't blood-related, I know I can trust them."
"I realized I needed help from others; it's not a sin to ask for help," Romeo added. He mentioned that while his siblings said he helped them, the friendship and family they gave him were worth more than wealth. "I won't force you if you don't trust me, but you don't need to worry about my motive because you owe me nothing."
Adelina sighed and bowed to apologize. She said they had trusted people before and didn't want the mistake to be repeated, especially with Aries. Aries was too young to experience the abuse their other sisters had. It would be a great shame as an older sister if Aries were abused because she couldn't protect her.
She shared that their grandmother adopted street children, and because of their poverty, her siblings took various jobs. Many of their creditors owned beer houses and nightclubs. Adelina was livid as she described her sisters being forced to work in nightclubs to pay off debts. They would come home with bruises and cry in the corner, yet they still had to go back to work. Her heart broke knowing she could do nothing for them.
"We can't do anything; they threaten my sisters and say they'll be jailed if they don't follow orders. They are demons. Someday I'll get back at them; I'll give them double the pain and shame they caused my family."
Romeo was worried by her threats and said revenge wouldn't help; it would only bring danger to the whole family. He understood her, but didn't think it was good for her to take the wrong actions. He reminded her that even if she got revenge, it wouldn't solve their poverty. "It's hard to live in this country as a Filipino, so don't make things more complicated for yourself."
He asked if she knew of anything illegal the abusive Hilaw were involved in. He didn't promise anything, but he knew he could have them arrested if they were breaking the law.
"Tch, as if you can stop the drugs and prostitution in Cavite. They are powerful with the police and the Spaniards are their patrons, so no one has the ability to catch them."
"You're right, they hold the law in their area, and arresting them will be complicated. However, you must trust me. I know many people in the government. Tell me what you know, and maybe I can do something for you."
A knock on the door interrupted them. Adelina opened it to find Aries saying the food had arrived. Romeo took money and handed it to Adelina. "Take the food and prepare dinner."
"Wait, why me?" Adelina protested. Romeo pushed her out. Once she was gone, he closed the door and looked at Aries.
"There is something you need to do for me," he told the young girl seriously, holding her shoulders.
The next day, Romeo took the grandmother to a private hospital. She had a check-up and was given medicine. A few minutes later, Romeo spoke to Adelina at the door. "I can't wait for the tests; I need to go to work. Text me when you're finished so I can send my driver to take you back to the condo."
Adelina declined. "We can manage to go home. We don't need to bother you anymore."
"Your pride isn't helping your grandmother's condition," Romeo replied. "I'm only this kind once in a while, so take this opportunity for her to get well."
Adelina had no choice but to agree. "Thank you," she said in a small voice.
Watching Romeo walk away, she couldn't help but feel uncertain. She was afraid of being indebted, but in her heart, she hoped Romeo wasn't like other people. She wanted to believe he wasn't just another abusive honorary Spaniard, but a truly good man.
End of Chapter