When Love Begins in San Antonio (English version)

Chapter 2

April 8, 1942

New groups of Japanese soldiers had arrived in the country. The last attack by the Japanese in Bataan had begun. In their assault, the Filipino and American soldiers were forced to retreat. At the same time, U.S. General Jonathan Wainwright fled to Corregidor with more than two thousand squadrons and battalions. According to witnesses, there were significant damage—

Lianna reached for the radio to turn down the volume while sitting in the living room, leaning back in her chair.

"Is there nothing new in the news? It's always about attacks and explosions in the country."

Lianna Fuentes is the eldest daughter of Don Manuelo and Doña Cecilia. She is twenty-two years old. Her family has long been residing in the town of San Antonio. Their home has been passed down from her father's parents. The family's work involves managing the lands inherited by her father from his own father. They also own the largest rice field in San Antonio, so they don't have much trouble with rice supply because they don't need to buy from the town. One less thing to worry about for the family. 

Lianna possesses such fine beauty. A pure Filipina, but has fairer skin because she rarely goes outside the house. Her gentle face is admired by the people around her. However, she often stays at home, so she doesn't know many people outside their hacienda.

"What else can you expect, Ate?" said Lucas, Lianna's younger brother. He is seventeen years old and, like his sister, also possesses good looks. He is tall and fair-skinned, who enjoys reading books and studying. "We're in the middle of a war. Of course that's what would everyone talk about on the news."

Lianna could only sigh. "Aren't we leaving yet? Where's Mother?" 

"Come on, Let's get going," said Doña Cecilia as she descended the stairs. "Linda, you're in charge here," Doña Cecilia instructed their maid.

"Yes, Señora," Linda replied.

Lucas took a moment to glance upstairs. "Isn't Father coming with us?" 

"Your father has some matters to attend to regarding the hacienda. He'll catch up with us at the market later." Doña Cecilia reached for the straw bag and held it in her right arm. "You two come along now, we do not want to lose daylight." 

.........................

"Thank you very much," said Doña Cecilia to the woman selling vegetables.

"I'll take care of that, Mother," said Lucas, reaching for Doña Cecilia's baskets. "No, Lucas. I prefer carrying something so my body doesn't weaken too quickly."

"That's quite a lot, Mother," Lianna commented, eyeing the items Doña Cecilia was carrying as they walked through the market.

"Your father wants to eat tinola and adobo for dinner tonight," replied Doña Cecilia. "And this is also for our guests tomorrow evening."

Lianna was about to speak when she heard someone call from behind them.

"Sir Lucas! Good morning!" greeted a cheerful young girl. The girl then glanced at Lianna and Doña Cecilia. "Good morning, Miss Lianna and Doña Cecilia!"

"Good morning, dear. Where is your mother?" Doña Cecilia asked.

"My mother is shopping for things to prepare for my upcoming birthday," the girl replied, jumping up and down. She quickly turned her attention back to Lucas. "How are you, Sir Lucas?" the girl asked. Lianna quietly chuckled, knowing that Lucas was annoyed by this little girl.

Her name is Isabella Gomez, the only daughter of their neighbors, Mr and Mrs. Gomez.  A precocious child at only ten, she had long admired Lucas, which was why she always pestered him.