A War Away

Chapter 1:Only Four Years

After four years of studying history in Colegio San Vicente in Manila, my work has finally borne its first fruit. A good old friend from my home province, Manuel Mendoza approaches me. Manuel is strict. He always expects you to do your part when the situation calls for it, lest you be chewed out.

Manuel has been my friend since we were in elementary school. His mind is as sharp as a razor, quick to point out mistakes while not paying attention to himself. Met him on the pier of a local fish market, he comes from a poor family, born out of wedlock. He crawled his way up from the dirt and mud which was his home and managed to secure a scholarship here in Manila. Through hard work and determination. He was declared Magna Cum Laude of our batch joins me in my graduation today. In addition he is popular with the ladies and constantly gets asked out for dates. He vehemently denies being in a relationship, even though he can be seen out on the streets with a different girl each week. In the end it always end up that the girl either gets discouraged by his strictness and attitude or he gets bored. 

He tells me "Phew, it has been a long time coming right?"

"Certainly has, Manuel...your mother will be happy to see you again I am certain that she has been waiting a very long time." Manuel looks at the school banner reflecting. "Write me a postcard when you get to Cebu, okay?"

"I expect the same of you Agapito, four years together is not something you should forget about easily"

I look to my right and see the class idiot Carlo Alegre coming towards me. His name literally means happy and his childish smile reflects that. I'd like to scold him for not keeping up. He barely passed the semester by jumping some hoops in the faculty.

"Its unbelievable that clown of a student passed his exams"

"I agree, but he has done a great deal in his time here, aside from his comedy skills if you know what I mean"

"Yeah yeah, same old, same old Alegre. Trying to constantly slip through life without effort" "Hey!!!" He shouts to us in that same tone that I loved and hated. "Are you two going back to Cebu?"

I respond "Yes, Mr. Alegre let's hope that you do better in Bohol than you are right now"Confused he says "What's that supposed to mean?"

I would have given him some "advice" but the bell rang and we proceed to the main hall. The college never spent money on decorating for events. They claim it's a way to "Conserve Resources" but I digress, I must say I have no regrets coming here. If I am given the choice to choose another path, an easier one I would still be standing in the exact spot I am right now.The principal Mr. Almeda steps on stage "I would like to congratulate, all of you, students of the school year 1938-1939 for a successful year with us... I will now be handing out your diplomas, please step on stage when your name is called"

I and Manuel sat next to each other for the last time as students, but I think he knew that the next time we sit together we would be professionals in our own field.

My name is called, I stepped on stage then bowed. The air in the room is half sad and half annoyed. Possibly because our graduation had been delayed due to a mishap by the faculty. I finally snatched my diploma and eagerly ran to my seat, thinking of the days to come. I felt a feeling of bliss knowing that I have accomplished something..

"My bags are packed and ready to go!" I said. "I'm sure we will see each other again Manuel after all we only live 9 hours away from each other.

The day after. I boarded the ship chartered by my father. I was against the idea of a chartered boat, but I couldn't reject such an offer. Not many people have the chance of having a yacht all to themselves. When I first came to Manila I had to ride a large ferry which took twenty-six hours to get there. It was filthy and full of rats.