Touch of Time

Chapter 16: The Saving Act

What have you stolen in the governor's office?, asks the jail guard.

I don't know what you are talking about?, replied Andro in a calm voice.

Just tell us the truth immediately if you don't want to get hurt!, said the warden.  I know you're the one who broke in last night.

Why should I do that?  I don't have anything to do on that matter.. answered Andro who starts to lose his temper.

Then, the warden slapped Andro's face and his nose started to bleed, " don't ever answer me with a question asshole.  I'm a hundred percent sure that you're the one who stole the files in there!" 

"Sir, excuse me. Someone's looking for that guy outside and she says she is his wife." said the jail guard who is assigned at the entrance door.

"Let her in so I can interrogate her also."  instructed the warden to the jail guard.

Andro got nervous after hearing that someone's claiming to be his wife.  In a few seconds, a woman, dressed in dark colored dress came in the interrogation room and her head is slightly covered with a see-through veil.  As she saw Andro's condition, she runs immediately to him and made a dramatic scene.  "What have you done to my husband?  Don't you know that he is terribly ill and now your causing him more pain?  He's been coughing up blood for almost a month now and he's still not treated."  The woman said while sobbing and embracing Andro.

Andro got confused at that instance and it left him speechless.  He doesn't know how to react or behave towards the woman, so he just submitted himself to the drama that was going on. Meanwhile, after the warden heard what the woman says, the first thing that came into his mind is tuberculosis.  So, he immediately went out of the room, gets something to cover his nostrils and then returned to the room where Andro was.

  Alright, just let me clear this up.  What's your name wife?  inquired the warden.

 I'm Rina Nieves.  Wife of Marco Nieves.  We recently got married few months ago. 

Is he with you last night?  warden further ask.

Yes, he is sleeping beside me and he doesn't go out late in the evening due to his attacks of cough.  It's been a month already when he's like that and lately, he begins to cough out blood. explained the wife.

The warden had cleared his doubts on Andro and thought he got the wrong person so he ordered the jail guards to release him.  As they were ushered outside, the warden made a warning statement.  Don't ever report to anyone about this.  Just think of it as if it never happened.  Then, Andro and the woman walked away.

The lady is still holding Andro's left arm.  Her hands are shivering and cold.  Then,  Andro puts his left arm around her shoulder.

You're such an actress Ersha.  I couldn't believe you did that for me., said Andro.

That's all I can think of and your parent are confused on what they're going to do for they don't want to blow your identity.

I really wondered whose the person claiming to be my wife so I got a bit nervous but much more excited.  Andro told Ersha in delighted tone.

Why?  Were you enjoying my act in there? ask Ersha.

"Very much.  Those genuine tears that you showed and the warm and tight embrace.  hmmm. Andro cleared his throat.  It's very overwhelming to me.  If it would just last forever."  saying with a smile on his face.

Ersha turned red from blushing and she can't comment on the things Andro is saying to her.  She is also unaware that she's still clinging to him tightly and Andro's arm is still on her shoulder.  After a few minutes, she got conscious about it and slowly distant herself for they were also approaching their house.  As they went inside, Mr. and Mrs. Bandres were still wide awake and they were surprised on how Ersha got Andro back home.  So, the four of them stayed late in the living room and talked about what had happened to Andro and the scene inside the prison.