Bound by Duty

CHAPTER 4

Disclaimer:
Purely authors imagination. None of this really happens in real life.

A: We're still in community gala po. Might be the last part na din. Enjoy!

Mayor Alice Pov

After I finished eating, I scanned the entire plaza and was taken aback by the scene before me.

It wasn't just the prominent politicians who were present; it felt like nearly half of Tarlac's population had gathered here.

'Malamang Alice, Community Gala nga eh.'

The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as families, friends, and community members mingled, creating a vibrant tapestry of conversations and laughter.

The table for those in positions of authority was set apart, while the rest of the area was open to everyone who came.

"Mayora," Ate Gee called out to me, and I immediately turned to her. "They want you to give a short speech. Your boyfriend will call you—" I playfully nudged Ate Gee's side to stop her from finishing her sentence, and gives her a mock glare.

She burst into laughter as if there is no tomorrow. Only the two of us could hear her, as she whispered it, and the three others looked at us in confusion.

Baliw talaga si ate Gee, buti nalang sanay na ako.

Hindi ko boyfriend yon ha, manliligaw lang pero ayaw kong sagutin dahil mukha na siyang lolo para sa tulad ko. Tsaka hindi pa ako handa ulit. XDDD.

"Now na po," she added and signaled that she would return to where she came from. I just nodded and turned my gaze back to my companions.

A little while later, Mayor Dong Calugay spoke up, "Magandang gabi po sa ating lahat,"

The crowd cheered while the politicians just clapped. "This wonderful evening wouldn't be possible without a very special person on this earth." He continued, prompting cheers from the crowd. I couldn't help but laugh because he was referring to me.

I glanced at my three companions at the table. Senator Leni had a big smile on her face, her gaze fixed on Mayor Dong. Attorney Nograles was also looking at him, and when my eyes met Ms. Risa's, there was a moment of connection.

Jusko day, nakatitig siya sa akin!!!

Iniwas ko ang tingin at binalik muli sa unahan matapos kong maramdaman ang pag-init ng aking pisngi.

'Sen, nasa unahan po ang nagsasalita. Doon ang tingin!'

"Siya po ang taong nandyan lagi para sa atin sa tuwing may dumadaang pagsubok sa ating kumunidad at ngayong siya naman ang may pinagdadaanan, nawa po ay atin rin siyang suportahan at ipaglaban. Mga kababayan, Mayora Alice Leal Guo ng Bamban, Tarlac!" Nabingi ako sa lakas ng hiyawan ng lahat ng nandito.

"Tara sa stage, aming pinaka-artistahing mayora!" Malanding ani ng host na ikinatawa ko muli ng malakas ganun din ang mga nandito.

I glanced back at the three of them, and to my delight, they were all smiling at me. Attorney Nograles reached out and took my hand, which caught me off guard for a moment, but I quickly composed myself.

It was just a simple, familiar gesture meant to convey encouragement, like saying, 'you've got this!' Nothing too serious, really!

'Wag delulu mga anak, ha.'