A Bullet of Love Since 1900

The Plan

As Sarah sat in the American camp, she was silent and sad, staring out of the window with tears streaming down her face. She held onto the flower that Miguel had given her, trying to find some solace in its sweet fragrance. Losing the company of her beloved had left her feeling utterly heartbroken.

Amid her sorrow, Mr. Bellings suddenly entered the room, looking worried about his daughter. He immediately rushed to her side and embraced her tightly. Sarah reciprocated the hug, feeling grateful to be in the comforting embrace of her father.

"How are you? Did the Filipinos hurt you?" Mr. Bellings asked in his native tongue, his voice full of concern.

Sarah shook her head, wiping away her tears. "No, father. One of them even saved me. But it was because of me that many people were hurt and injured," she replied in a melancholic tone.

Mr. Bellings reassured his daughter, "Leave it, I will not let you be separated from me. Tomorrow, we will leave and go to Manila again."

Sarah was taken aback by the sudden announcement. "But father, what are we going to do in Manila?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Wars and rebellions are increasing, and the governor-general prefers to bring most of the Americans to the center of Manila for safety reasons," her father explained.

Sarah's heart sank at the revelation. Being further away from Miguel made her even more nervous. She couldn't help but wonder what he was doing and if he was safe.

Until they heard a commotion outside the camp, when they came out they saw American soldiers carrying Filipino soldiers as captives. Sarah immediately looked for Miguel, hoping that he had also been caught, but her beloved was not there.

"General Buns, these are the Filipinos we captured after the battle in the plains. What are we going to do with them?" James said as if he was proud of what he did.

"Lock them up and you'll take care of them," said General Buns.

"Yes! General" replied James.

He approached Sarah and spoke to the woman.

"Watch how I torture these people you consider allies," James said.

One by one, he made the Filipino captives kneel and stripped them of their clothes. After that, he beat them one by one with an iron rod until they could no longer walk.

After finishing, James faced Sarah again with a smile.

"You have no mercy, James," Sarah said seriously.

"Well, this is how war is, you shouldn't feel sorry for anyone, especially if it's your enemies," he replied while smiling.

Miguel found himself in a difficult situation when he decided to leave the camp of the Filipinos. He was immediately seized by the Filipino soldiers on the orders of General Armando. He was detained for a few days before being released, and upon his release, he reunited with his friend Tomas.

"Miguel, you're back!" exclaimed Tomas.

"Tomas, I owe you my life for making that commotion and giving me a chance to escape. Thank you," said Miguel, grateful to his friend.

"Don't mention it. I know what you went through. And what happened to Sarah is heartbreaking," replied Tomas, his voice filled with empathy.

"I don't know if Sarah is still alive or where she is at this time. But I love her, and my heart is searching for her," said Miguel, his tone filled with sadness.

"Let's hope you find her soon and be together again," said Tomas, trying to lift his friend's spirits.

General Armando summoned Miguel to talk to him, but Miguel remained silent, visibly upset about what had transpired.

General Armando spoke to Miguel, acknowledging his distress over the recent events, but insisted that it was the right decision to return the American girl to her country. "I understand that you are upset about what happened, but it was necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our nation. We cannot risk our relationship with America over this," he said.

Miguel, however, was unwilling to let go of the matter and responded with bravery, saying that he would not be able to forget about the person involved. "I know how you feel, but you must understand that your actions have consequences. Due to your negligence, some of our personnel have been captured by the Americans," General Armando replied sternly.

The General then questioned Miguel's loyalty to their country, asking if the captured American girl was more important to him than their nation. This accusation left Miguel speechless and unable to respond.

General Armando had called Miguel to his office. The General seemed serious and composed. "But despite everything that happened, you still contributed a lot to our revolution, that's why I am assigning you to be the leader of the Filipino rebels to fight against the Americans," he said in a calm voice.

Miguel was taken aback by the sudden responsibility he was being given. He asked, "What if I don't agree?" His voice was hesitant.

"That's not a problem, but think about it carefully," replied the General. "You want to retaliate and see that American girl again, right? Do you think they'll just hand that girl over? No. But if you use force, you can get her back."

Miguel was left thinking about his decision until he agreed. He knew that he had to do something to get Sarah back. Miguel became the leader of the Filipino rebels who were striking against the Americans. His domain expanded and his leadership became popular. Since Miguel led the rebels, he won many wars.

But despite the successes, there is still something that makes Miguel sad, it is none other than Sarah. He missed her a lot.

Late at night, Miguel was sitting alone, holding the bullet that Sarah gave him. He still kept it safe with him. While looking at the sky, he remembered his happy memories with Sarah. The thought of her made him emotional, and suddenly his tears flowed.

Tomas, his close friend, who had been watching him from afar, finally came and patted him on the back. "You miss her?" he asked.

"Too much," replied Miguel, his voice choked with emotion.

Tomas hugged his friend to sympathize with him. Miguel felt a sense of relief and comfort in his friend's embrace.

Miguel's leadership of the rebels was not easy, and his struggle continued for a few months. Meanwhile, in the American camp, Sarah and her father were unable to leave for Manila immediately due to the Filipinos' rapid recovery in the surrounding areas. However, they knew they had to take a gamble, even though it was dangerous. Given this, the governor-general ordered the American troops stationed in Guiguinto Bulacan to move to the North Province, where one of the largest American camps was located, beside Manila.

Sarah's father promised her that they would leave for the North the next day, but he was afraid after hearing about the danger. She decided to run away that same night, leaving a letter to his father in which she declared her love for Miguel and her intention to find and be with him.

On the same day August 14, 1900, a plan was hatched by the Filipinos and the rebels to conquer Guiguinto, which was the only place left under American control in the province of Bulacan. This was crucial for Miguel because Sarah was staying there too. Therefore, he was willing to do whatever it took to see his beloved again.

However, unbeknownst to Miguel, Sarah had already fled the American camp to go to him. But before she could reach him, James, who had seen the letter Sarah left on the table, read it and tore it up in a fit of rage. He accused Sarah of being a traitor and was furious at her actions.

He tore up the telegram furiously.

"Sarah!!! You are a traitor!" James said angrily.