A Twist Of Time

five

Have you ever done something really really stupid and regret it about 0.2 seconds later? It's obvious I did. I didn't go to the meeting Sergio planned last night and there I was, secluded in my room, deciding whether or not to open the door for the unknown person who's been knocking for nearly a minute.

And so my brain finally concluded that it was probably Margaux at the door, since she was the only person who ever had the energy to wake up at 7:54 AM just to scold me or advise me. Standing up, I lazily walked to the door and opened it. I wasn't paying attention as I was looking at the floor. It seemed more interesting than half of the people in this mansion nowadays. And it hasn't even been a week. When I looked up, needless to say, I was half shocked and half not.

"Good morning, Miss. Lovely day, is it?" Sergio—of course—asked without a trace of sadness nor anger sprawled on his face. "I'd say it is."

"Yeah, it is," I replied breathily and sarcastically.

"Would you mind letting me in? I have some important matters to discuss with you. Dahil pinaasa mo ako kagabi na pupunta ka." (Because you made me count on the fact that you were coming last night.)

I swallowed a breath and nodded, opening the door slowly. He made his way in like it was his house—oh wait, it was.

"Let's see, I was making things easier for you but you chose not to. I'm starting to wonder if you're mad or if you need me to bring you to a hospital myself." His hands were intertwined with each other behind his back as he kept a strict stare on me. I nodded for some reason. "You are?"

"I'm not, I was just really busy and I was doubting—"

"You were doubting me? You thought I had other intentions? Miss, you're a pretty girl, but I wouldn't do such a thing."

I sighed. "I didn't think of that, I was playing safe!"

" 'Playing safe' you say. What were you hiding from? Wolves? Elves? Santa Clause?" I sighed and thought, no, the Japanese people outside who wants to take over the country. "Have fun facing the investigator in front of the police because I will not offer my help to you anymore if you're going to act like this."

After that, he exited the room and slammed the door shut. That's when I started to realize that the bullshit that came out of my mouth will actually get me in trouble at least once; Sergio proving that it could get me in trouble nearly everyday.

Why didn't I just go last night? Then I wouldn't have to face the damn investigator. Then I wouldn't be embarrassed in front of the Philippine vice president.

And with that, a stupid idea hit my head.

I ran to the direction of the door, but I stupidly knocked my head on the hard wood in the process. Touching the aching spot, I opened the door and headed to none other than Manuel L. Quezon's office.

That was when I noticed that there were so many hallways that I had to go through in order to get to the door I once saw while wandering around the mansion once; a polished door that had a bronze doorknob on it and a golden plate screwed on the wall beared the name "President Manuel Luis Quezon."

Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing. It just seemed like the right idea.

"Miss," a guard that was standing in front of Quezon's door started while I was out of breath. "Sa tingin ko hindi ka dapat narito. Paalis na ang Pangulo at marami ang hinahanda nila." (I don't think you should be here. The President's going to leave and they're preparing a lot.)

My eyes widened. "Saan siya pupunta?" (Where's he going?)

"Sa Australia. Sinabihan siya ni Heneral McArthur na pumunta doon." (Australia. General McArthur told him to go there.)

"Para saan?" (For what?)

Suddenly, as if on cue, a group of guards started heading towards our direction. They were carrying bags and different luggages; and behind them was the man I was looking for.

"President! President! I need a word with you!" I screamed as the noisy guards passed by. The guard I was originally talking to glared at me.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo? Baliw ka ba?" (What are you doing? Are you insane?) he hissed. But I ignored him. I kept waving at Quezon to get his attention until he finally stopped and looked around, catching sight of my hand in the process. He whispered somethig at a nearby guard that took my hand and dragged me to Quezon.

"I saw that you were calling. Is there anything you need?" he asked kindly. It shocked me how he could stay likes this in the midst of being in a war. But another thing that shocked me was that I was personally talking to the president we have been discussing in History class for years.

"Yes. I do. I'm the girl from the formal event who just barged in and nearly ruined the occasion. There's this certain case that I need help with and I know that I'm in the right," I replied quickly.

"In this case you say, are there any more people who are involved in it?"

"I'm going to sound mad when I say this, but it's about your vice president."

He chuckled in disbelief. "Sergio? Him? You're the girl who he's describing as Raven Turner?" I nodded. "You don't look like her in any way. How many doses of his medicine did he take to see you looking like Raven Turner? If this is about him accusing you of being Turner then I think I can help you. You're against him, right?"

"Of course I am."

"Then I'll help you with it. I'll call him about it as soon as I finish this one task I have left." He stopped and took a quick check at his escorts. "Anyway, I need to leave now, so goodbye!"

Quezon walked away, leaving me relieved. I couldn't believe that the president of the Philippines himself was agreeing with me. He was actually going to help me with my case.

I strolled back to my room in a carefree manner. The halls were empty since all of the guards in the palace seemed to be with Manuel going to Australia. I didn't see Margaux nor Sergio anywhere; not even Jane nor Barbara, but did I care? No. It's because I was leaving this place soon enough that I didn't have to remember their names. I was actually going back home.