Mrs. Araneta

Chapter X: Storm ⛈

February 1986

A month after Irene and Greggy's very short Batangas trip, they are facing again another adventure. An adventure that will forever alter the course of their lives forever, they just don't know it yet.

It was the twenty second of February, and the Presidential intel have been receiving reports about Juan Ponce Enrile, the Minister of National Defense and General Fidel Ramos. They apparently joined RAM led by Gringo Honasan in declaring their withdrawal of support to the President.

By ten in the evening, Cardinal Sin through Radio Veritas went on air to ask the support of the people by marching in to the section of EDSA. It's a coup d'état nobody foreseen.

With the continuous hesitation and holding back from her father to allow the military to set up their command and defense, civilians are now advancing to take over the palace. And it is clear that it's not going to be a peaceful one, it'll be hostile.

Fears for the safety of the first family is now evident and Irene can only watch as the situation further unfold.

***
February 23, 1986- Bahay Pangarap

Greggy woke up to see his fiancé packing up their belongings. Confusion is all over him as there hasn't been any directives from the President about any possible evacuation from the palace compound.

GREGGY's POV:

"Love? Hey.. What's wrong? Bakit ka nagpa pack?"
'We can't stay here, Greggy. It's too dangerous. If we move out, Dad will be forced to move out of here as well. Come on, help me here please.'
"Irene.. We can't just do that. Magagalit ang Daddy mo. We have to wait for his instructions, hindi pwede na mauna tayo, love. And where are we going? They are all over. As hard as it is to believe, with the PSG around, mas safe ka dito."

'Safe? We don't even know who to trust anymore! Greggy, halika na. Kahit saan, wag lang dito.'
"I'll call Dad. Okay? Tatawag ako, promise. Sa Forbes muna tayo kung pwede."
'Thank you. And I'm sorry for dragging you in this mess.'

I come to hug her from behind inhaling her scent. It has been a month of constant turmoil from the government's end and it is with conviction from the other party that they are not going to spare anyone from the current administration, including members of the family.

"It's going to be okay. Please don't panic."
'I can't help it, Greggy. I am at my wits end. Paano pag may nasaktan na kila Daddy? Kay Manang? o kay Bonget? Pano kung ikaw? Greggy.. I..'
"Shhh. It is my duty to protect you, not the other way around. I will get you out of this situation safe and sound, I promise."
'Don't leave me, Greggy. Wag mo akong iiwan ha? Hindi ko kaya kapag wala ka.'

I turn around to face her. Her eyes are puffy from crying. Parang last month lang ang saya saya nya pa. Why can't it stay to just be like that all the time?

"Never, baby. I will never leave you. I love you, Irene. Forever."
'Love you. Greggy kahit saan ha? Basta magkasama tayo.'
"Yes love. I love you. Please stop crying."

We stayed in that way for some good five minutes or maybe more. I am not sure who needs it more, If it is Irene or me. I am scared to be honest. But I have to stand on a firm ground for her. Just for her.

IRENE's POV:
I stormed out of the residential area in the palace to look for my Dad. I am done waiting. Even Bonget do not agree with his decision to not fight back.
As noble as it may be, he is putting everyone's life in here in danger. He tried broadcasting message to the people but he was cut mid air. What's next?

These people are out for blood. And us not doing anything basically puts us in the middle of the whole crossfire. Either it's them, or us who's going to die. And I can't! As selfish as it looks, I really still want to build my own family with Greggy. Two months and we are getting married. That's all. Is that too much to ask?