I am cooling myself down for few minutes after doing my usual workout when my cellphone rings for a call.
I don't wanna answer the call since I am in a two month vacation so I think it is not work related and I barely don't expect one of my family members to call me because they actually know that I am in the gym right now.
But then my phone didn't stop ringing and it distracts other people inside the gym. I gave the people who's looking at me an apologetic look and went into the corner where I put my phone.
I suddenly felt unconscious for a second when I realized who's calling. Hurriedly, I pick the phone as fast as I could and press the green button.
"First Lieutenant Montreal, good morning," word from the other line.
"Good morning, General del Rosario. My apology for the late response, I am currently doing my-“ he cut me off from speaking.
"Drop the explanation Montreal, it is my fault also why I called you in the middle of your vacation," he said in an apologetic way.
I am just wondering why he called me at this time of the day. It is either there’s a problem in work or maybe he has a favor to ask. Maybe I should choose the latter.
“But... can I ask you a favor for something, Lieutenant?” He continued speaking.
Damn I knew it!
But of course, even with doubtful heart and mind I am still willing to accept whatever favor this could be even though I am in a two month vacation. I am just a Lieutenant, and the General of the Army just called me to do something.
"What is it, General?" I asked him.
"This Wednesday, a model will be coming here in the Philippines to visit and do some errands. He personally requested you to escort him as soon as he arrives. I was told that he’ll be using his own plane on traveling.” He told me.
I can’t seem to grasp the point of that model requesting me to be his escort. Yeah, I know this is normal but “personally requested” and “normal way of escorting” is a different kind of thing. There are persons that we escorted, because that’s normal. But for someone who personally requested me, that’s different.
But the question is, who is this model?
"Is that all, General?” I asked.
"Apparently, yes. Assemble your men so that they can assist you.” He reminded me causing me to nod in the middle of the call.
But still the thought of that model who picked me as an escort can't get off my head! Maybe I should ask General about that model maybe I know him.
"And General, who’s this model you are talking about? Maybe I knew him. Because he can’t just personally requested for me to escort him if he doesn’t know me personally, right?” I ask full of curiosity.
"Montreal, knowing that person ahead of time is no to avail," he said calmly.
Because of his answer, I am more puzzled and confused!
"Wednesday, 13:35 PM is his expected time to land in the Philippine International Airport. He will be traveling from U.S. using his private plane. All you have to do is to welcome him, send him and his staffs to their hotel or wherever they are going to stay and you are capable of giving commands to your men on keeping the safety of that person. Which means, wherever that person go then you and your men will come along,” he explained making my jaw dropped!
God! Why is this artist so demanding? Does he have some sort of gold or diamond on his body that's why we are capable on ensuring his safety. I can't believe this!
"General, is it really necessary for us to follow them wherever they go? I mean, what if they’ll shoo us away?” I replied to what he said earlier referring to the last part he's talking about.
"Of course Montreal, it is really necessary. Me and that man already talked about it.”
I face palmed myself while listening to him. Goodness gracious!
"I'm sure you don't want me to tell you some things to do because I know that you already know what exactly you should do, am I right?" He asked.
"Yes of course General. I will now book a flight here from Cebu to Manila, as soon as possible.” I answered immediately.
Book a flight my ass! I have a freakin' plane! What a wrong move you got there.
"I will count on you, Montreal."
"Sure you will, General."
By that he ended the call. God! So frustrating. Maybe I should go home and tell Mom about having an immediate fly back to Manila.
My mom was shock when I told her that I'm flying back to Luzon. She’s sad because I didn’t even enjoyed my two month vacation because another task has been given.
Now it's Wednesday and I am done doing the calls for the briefings and commands for my men of what we are about to do.
I am changing my clothes from casual wear into a military uniform that has a badge on it means that I have a rank which is, as a First Lieutenant not that high but at least I have. I don't dream either to get high rank in the field of military because I only entered this field to prove myself that I'm strong. Because before I was such a weakling, that’s why people are capable on leaving me that easy. Hey what's that again? Goodness erase! Erase! I'm done with that shit! But seriously I entered military to fulfill my dream. My ultimate dream.
I tied my hair into a bun so that it will look cleaner and of course the usual combat shoes and I am off to go!
But why did I feel strange right now? I feel like something could go wrong. Goodness! Scratch it. Presence of mind. Nothing could go wrong. Just chill.
Now, here I am forcing myself to get back into my senses and positivity.
We arrived in the airport exactly 1PM. I can still do the final call towards my men. Then, I should inform General that we are here already.
I took my phone out from my right pocket and dialed General's number which he immediately answered.
"Good afternoon General, we arrived in the airport at exactly 13:00 PM earlier. I called to inform you this."
"Montreal, whoever you will about to see, don't let that affect your duty." Then he ended the call.
What! That’s strange. Now I am feeling more strange! I held my forehead using my thumb and index finger, gently caressing it as if it would calm me.
Maybe one of my men noticed my action because someone asked me, my right hand on every task.
"Lieutenant, you fine?” He asked with voice full of concern.
"Graciano, if my headache won’t disappear, care to take charge on the task in my behalf.”
It feels like my head will burst because of General’s words!
"Of course, Lieutenant. But I don’t think General will like it. This task is on you. Bear for it a little bit, you’ll be fine,” he said comforting me. “You’ve been into a lot of fights and you won it all. A headache is nothing, okay?”
My senses calmed because of his words. It made me realize something.
When we saw the plane is ready to descend, me and my men started to form a line. I am in front, beside me is my right hand, SMA or Sergeant Major of the Army, Lee A. Graciano.
Men lined up into two lines putting a bigger space between them for the people who’ll going to walk through. I don’t know any certain reason why am I nervous right now. My hands are sweating and cold. My chest is having difficulties in breathing.
As I looked down to my watch it is indeed 1:35 PM the exact calculation of the arrival.
The door of the plane opened and one by one, someone will set foot in the plane’s stairs. Until there’s last one who came out from the door. A man, a grown up man. The hair, brushed backwards is very familiar. But I cannot seem to conclude who because I can’t see his face yet.
When the man already set foot on the ground he directly put his vision on me. Which made me shock. Damn! Those mesmerizing eyes, complimented by his pointed nose, his perfect jaw, thick brows yet has a thin lips.
His body became more mature than before which makes a big difference to the last time I saw him. I still have that shocked face when he smirk at me in a sarcastic way, like he is about to laugh seeing the reaction of my face watching him being amazed yet full of sadness in my eyes.
And what? Did he just licked his lips in front of me?! In front of my men?
FUCK! THIS IS THE MAN WHO BROKE MY HEART 5 YEARS AGO!
