"Ma'am, dito na po tayo."
The words snapped me out of my daze. Binuksan ni Kuya Real ang van door at agad akong sinalubong ng sikat ng araw at matinding amoy ng jet fuel. I stepped out slowly and deliberately with my chin high, my heels clicked against the pavement as I stepped out, squinting under the midmorning sun.
Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan bakit ako nandito. What I imagined was an etiquette workshop, o kaya'y PR rehabilitation thing na may mga fancy Powerpoint slides at motivational speaker. I never would've thought that I will be brought to a military base.
Villamor was bigger than I imagined. Wide open runways, the faint metallic shine of planes parked in rows, soldiers jogging in cadence. Umaalingawngaw ang boses nila sa buong field. May mga barracks pa sa gilid, low and functional at walang kahit anong trace of luxury. Everything screamed discipline, routine and efficiency.
Yuck. Not my vibe.
I glanced at the guards who escorted me. "So this is the part where you hand me over to my dad's military babysitters?"
Nakayuko lamang ang isa.
Si kuya Real ang sumagot sa akin. He's been my driver ever since I can remember. Nilagay niya sa aking tabi ang aking naglalakihang luggage. "Babalik na po kami sa mansyon. Sila na po ang bahala sa inyo ma'am."
"Okay, fine." sagot ko at tinalikuran na sila. I looked around the base habang abala ang mga tauhan ni dad na kausapin ang dalawang sundalo. Ilang segundo lang ay tuluyan na silang lumakad pabalik ng aming van. Ngayon ay lumapit na sa akin ang dalawang officers.
"Miss Madrigal, follow us please." sabi noong isa.
I sighed and adjusted my sunglasses before tugging my luggage forward. "Lead the way, sir."
"Tulungan ko na po kayo." offer ng isang mas batang officer at kinuha ang dala kong suitcase para siya na ang humila roon.
I smiled. "Thank you."
Tumango lang ang officer at lumakad na. Habang naglalakad kami sa loob ng base, I could feel the curious stares. Siguro dahil halatang halata na isa akong outsider. My white, linen jumpsuit, and designer heels didn't exactly blend with their pressed uniforms and polished boots. Mukha akong magbo-board ng private jet patungong Bali, hindi sa isang military base na puno ng unipormadong lalaki.
Tumigil kami sa harapan ng isang administrative building. Then entered a corrider that smelled faintly of wax and disinfectant. May mga flag sa gilid noon, framed portraits of officials, awards and plaques. The walls whispered: discipline, honor, duty. None of which applied to me.
"Where exactly are we going?" tanong ko sa officer na nauuna.
"Major Velasco's office, ma'am."
Halos matigilan ako sa paglalakad. Major Velasco? Could it be the same Velasco from Basa Air Base? My chest tightened, half because of anxiety and the other half is curiosity.
"Adam Velasco?" I said his name way too fast, parang muscle memory.
"Yes, ma'am. Major Adam Velasco." ngiting sagot noong officer, clueless sa internal chaos na bigla kong naramdaman.
No. Freaking. Way.
Confirmed. The golden boy of the Fifteenth Strike Wing.
For a few seconds, my mind went completely blank. Para akong siraulong ngumisi sa kawalan. What were the odds?
Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad sa loob ng building pero hindi ko mapigilan ang mga ngiti ko. My heart was betraying me. Beating way too fast for someone supposedly being punished. Suddenly, every trace of boredom I had for this program had evaporated. Tingnan mo nga naman? Ang lakas ko yata kay Lord dahil sa plot twist na ibinato niya sa akin. Plot twist na siguradong may abs, a military rank, and a name I'd once said a little too breathlessly.
So, he's an Airforce Major now? Well, ano pa ba ang inasahan ko? He had that whole "I'm-better-than-everyone" energy from the start. Ganoon yata talaga kapag sinuswerte sa genes at sa promotion. At ano kayang reaksyon niya kung makita ako. I giggled at the thought na agad ding nawala dahil napagtanto ko na baka hindi niya na ako naaalala. That was what? A year ago?
We turned to a corner at bumagal ang lakad ng dalawang escort ko. Tumigil kami sa harapan ng isang wooden door. I looked at the polished brass nameplate:
Major Adam Voltaire Velasco
I traced the letters silently with my eyes while my stomach did a little flip. Yep, that's definitely him. Habang nagtatagal ang tingin ko sa nameplate ay lalong lumalaki ang ngisi ko. I couldn't help it. Excitement and anticipation tingled through me like electricity. Kumatok iyong officer at pinihit ang doorknob. Pagbukas ng pinto, agad ko siyang nakita na nakaupo sa desk, reviewing some documents.
Major Velasco looked up slowly, his sharp eyes meeting mine. Isinara niya ang folder ng dokumento na binabasa saka tumayo. He was tall and his shoulders filled out his perfectly pressed uniform. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to calm the stupid thrill that fluttered in my chest.
Tumango siya sa dalawang sundalong katabi ko, then turned those unsettling eyes back to me. Pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang suot ko, mula ulo hanggang paa at umangat ang isang kilay niya. He pursed his lips and I saw his Adam's apple move bago tuluyang nagsalita.
"Clara Concepcion Madrigal." he said flatly.
"The one and only." I gave him my most attractive smile.
"Come in."
I entered and looked around his office. Walang kahit anong personal touch doon, family photos or whatsoever. The walls were lined with perfectly aligned plaques and framed commendations, medals sealed in glass displays. Lahat ay naka-sunod sa sukat na parang may ruler na ginamit sa pag-layout. On one side, may malaking Philippine flag and beside it, the Air Force standard, folded and draped with ceremonial precision.
The desk in front was a sharp, dark wood na halos kasing linis ng isang operating table. Mayroon doong iilan na stacked folders, isang pen holder at digital clock that ticked silently. Everything was crisp, neat and very boring.
"You can sit here."
He gestured towards a chair in front of his desk. Sumunod naman ako at naupo roon saka siya sinundan ng tingin. He just went to close the door at ngayo'y pabalik na sa kanyang sariling upuan.
"Do you remember me?" lakas loob kong tanong.
His jaw ticked and looked at me. "I meet a lot of people, Miss Madrigal." Pagkasabi noon ay nag-iwas siya agad ng tingin at may kinuhang folder. "So here's..."
Damn! How could he not remember me?
I remained my eyes at him. His uniform looked sharper and creased with brutal precision, like every fold had to earn its place. The lines on his face were more defined too, like time and leadership had etched them in deliberately. Gone was the air-show golden boy I first met. This man was steel wrapped in calm precision. Palaban. Tahimik. Walang kahit anong palamuti. And yet, he didn't need any.
Hindi ko maiwasang mapansin ang mga maliliit na pagbabago. Mas lean ang katawan niya ngayon. Then my gaze went and lingered on his face, tracing the sharp bridge of his nose, the slight furrow of concentration sa noo niya, hanggang sa bumaba iyon sa mga labi niya, which moved just as he spoke.
And that voice, dear God. Mas malalim ang boses niya. More anchored. Hindi ito yung klaseng baritone na maririnig mo sa mga interviews or public events. This one had gravel in it, a quiet weight that made everything sound like an order, even if he was just saying good morning.
"Are you even paying attention to me?" he asked.
Napakurap ako, hinila pabalik sa realidad. "Yes, of course!" mabilis kong sagot. "I'm paying a lot of attention... to your... jawline?"
Tumaas ang isang kilay niya, ang bahagyang kurba ng bibig niya parang gustong pigilan ang ngiti.
"I meant... Are you paying attention to what I'm telling you, Miss Madrigal?"
Taas noo akong sumagot. "Yes! The words. Definitely the words." tumango tango ako, trying to convince him that I'm listening.
Tahimik lang siya ng ilang segundo at hindi inalis ang tingin sa akin, then he leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Then, what did I say?"
Napasinghap ako, sabay bagsak ng balikat. "Okay fine. I didn't understand or hear anything you just said. Masyado kasi akong na-distract... sa visuals."
He exhaled sharply, saglit siyang pumikit tapos ay tumingin sa kisame na parang sinusubukang pigilan ang sarili. He licked his lips then spoke. "I'm here to brief you about your immersion for a three-month disaster relief and rehabilitation program in Samar. This folder contains documents I need you to sign." dire-diretso niyang sabi.
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata. Three months? And disaster what?
"What?!"
So ito ang ideya ni dad? Habang ang iba pinapadala sa Europe for character-building, ako ipapadala sa gitna ng kawalan para magbuhat ng ano? Sako ng bigas? What the actual hell, Dad.
"Do you have a problem with that?" masungit niyang tanong.
"Of course I have a problem with that!"
Kunot-noo niya lang akong tiningnan, like he was watching a spoiled brat throw a tantrum. Napapikit ako nang mariin at nagpakawala ng isang buntong hininga.
"I just didn't expect na ganoon katagal! My Dad didn't say anything!"
He raised a brow saka lumipad ang tingin niya sa likuran ko, kung nasaan ang mga luggage ko. "Really? With all that luggage you brought?"
My gaze also darted to the pile of my luggage. It was two suitcases, one hand-carry, and a duffel. Normal naman iyon sa opinyon ko, but apparently in his eyes, it was a mortal sin.
"What's wrong with them? It has all my essentials Major! At sapat lang yan para sa isang buwan!"
A slow, sharp smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, he slightly leaned on his table. "That's more than enough for this mission, Miss Madrigal. Now, if you can just please sign these dahil maiiwan tayo ng eroplano."
Padabog kong kinuha ang isang pen na nasa table at kinuha ang folder na iniabot niya. It has a stack of paper asking for my signature.
"Okay then! This is all fine! Just sign away my life for three months."
His brows furrowed slightly, watching me the entire time. Page after page, I scribbled my signature. Hindi ko na binasa. Why would I?
Pagkatapos kong pirmahan ang huling page, I dropped the pen with a soft clack on the desk.
"You know what? Actually okay din pala ang three months. It's enough time to make sure that you will remember me."
He just ignored what I said and started gathering the papers I signed before standing up.
"Let's go Miss Madrigal, the plane will leave in fifteen minutes."
Tumayo na rin ako, he took some things at dumiretso na sa pinto. I looked at my things that were just by his door.
"Aren't we uh... Getting any help with the bags?"
He turned his head slightly toward me. "You brought them. You carry them."
"Seriously? Ang dami nito!"
"Then you should've packed less." kalmado niyang sagot.
"This is less! Kung alam ko lang na three months ay mas madami pa diyan. You know, most gentlemen—"
"I'm not most gentlemen, Miss Madrigal." he cut in, voice low and firm.
"Fine! Ako na! I'll carry them myself dahil kayang kaya ko ito. Happy?" sarkastiko kong sagot at sinimulang kunin isa isa ang mga gamit ng padabog.
He didn't say anything, pero ramdam ko yung tingin niya habang hinihila ko yung unang maleta palabas. The wheels caught on the floor, ayaw noon gumalaw ng maayos. Pinilit kong hilahin nang mas malakas dahilan para bumagsak sa sahig yung tote bag na nasa balikat ko.
I heard him sigh.
"Unbelievable." he muttered.
And then without a word, kinuha niya yung pinakamabigat na maleta mula sa kamay ko at iyong duffel bag saka isinukbit sa balikat niya.
Nagsimula ulit siyang lumakad kaya nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at sumunod. While we're heading towards the hangar, I can see how the soldiers in the hallway automatically straightened at his presence. Another thing that I noticed were his long and fast strides, na halos mag-jog na ako para lang makasunod, all while pulling my suitcase.
"Major? Can you walk a little slower please, because I don't have military-issued legs?" I asked using the sweetest voice I can muster dahil nananakit na ang mga paa ko just trying to keep up with his pace.
Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at nilingon ako pagilid. "You don't need military-issued legs, ang kailangan mo ay military-issued boots. Bakit kasi iyan ang suot mo?"
I followed his eyes downward, ang mga mata niya ay nasa kinang ng aking designer heels na kumikislap sa liwanag. Napangiwi ako pero agad ding tumuwid.
"Excuse me, Major. These are limited edition. Hindi lahat may privilege na makasuot nito!"
He didn't reply though. Napakasungit naman nitong crush ko!
Nagpatuloy lang siya sa paglalakad, but I noticed na medyo bumagal ang mga hakbang niya kaya't hindi ko na kinailangang magmadali.
By the time we stepped out of the building, sun glare hit me hard again. The whine of engines grew louder, at ramdam ko ang vibration sa ground habang papalapit kami sa hangar. Soldiers moved briskly, passing crates of supplies like a seamless chain. Until finally, we reached the edge of the hangar and the hulking gray transport plane loomed before me, nakababa na ang ramp noon at may mga naglalakad na papasok sa loob.
I rolled my eyes, of course! Anong in-expect mo Cion? That it's gonna be a private jet?
Upon entering the plane, agad kong napansin ang interior. No cushioned seats, no glossy interiors, no stewardess with a practiced smile offering champagne. This one had metal floors, noisy propellers, at mga sundalong nakaupo sa benches sa gilid. Walang armrest, walang cupholder, walang kahit na ano. Just plain straps and bolts. Holy crap! My dad sent me to a prison with wings.
Tiningnan ko ang kabuuan ng plane, and the soldiers in it. Parang extension lang ng katawan nila ang aircraft. At ako? I looked like a piece of misplaced luggage. I smoothed the hem of my linen top, conscious of the way my legs looked ridiculously pale against their camo uniforms.
"Come here." boses ni Major iyon. I followed his hand and found the nearest empty jump seat, naupo ako roon. I buckled myself in, fumbling with the straps like they were alien technology.
Naupo naman siya sa kabilang side, kaharap ko. His knees were bent loosely, arms crossed over his chest like this was just another bus ride. Hindi man lang siya naaapektuhan sa ingay ng makina. Of course not. This guy probably eats turbulence for breakfast.
After what felt like forever, the plane began to descend. At paglapag ng gulong sa runway, nagsimula na silang mag-unbuckle at halos sabay-sabay din sa pagtayo. Their movements were sharp and efficient. I, on the other hand, just sat there like a confused extra in a war movie.
Should I just stand too? I asked myself. I am really lost here. Napatingin ako kay Major Velasco, he was already standing too with a tablet in hand, barking a few short orders na agad namang sinunod. His voice cut clean through the noise, firm and commanding. Kahit hindi ko maintindihan lahat ng sinasabi niya, the authority in his tone made me sit a little straighter.
Maya-maya'y napunta sa akin ang tingin niya. Exactly what I was waiting for.
"Miss Madrigal." he called out over the engine roar. "Get your things, you're coming with me."
Tumayo agad ako, trying to maintain a shred of dignity kahit na halos sabunutan ko na ang sarili dahil sa gulong ng maleta ko na ayaw makisama. The soldiers were already offboarding, stepping neatly down the ramp with their gear. Nag-uunahan sila sa harapan ko, habang pinipilit kong hilahin yung suitcase sa metal flooring.
Nilingon muli ako ni Major, saglit siyang tumitig at naglakad pabalik. Then he just grabbed my suitcase again and walked down the ramp like it weighed nothing. Sumunod ako, one hand shielding my eyes from the blinding sun, and the other clutching my tote bag.
I turned to him, trying to sound casual. "So... where's the spa?" biro ko.
Isang matalim na titig lang ang iginawad niya sa akin bago nagsalita. "Welcome to your three-month immersion, Miss Madrigal." he said coolly.