Persona Non Grata

Scene 4 - An Unexpected Reunion

The June afternoon inside the La Venera Hotel was unusually stifling as I sat on the couch near the window of my room overlooking the streets, enjoying a glass of sherry and puffing a thick stream of smoke. For a rural area such as Batangas, the accommodation available in this region is somewhat impressive. Mattresses and pillows are of high quality - European-made, by the looks of it. The richness of the white curtain cloths, the upholstery, even the woodwork, all of them European-made as well.

Well, there is no surprise there since this part of Batangas is a port town. And being so, products coming from foreign countries - especially those that come from Europe gets here first before anywhere else in the country.

I believe that explains why this place has lost it's Filipino touch.

Moments later, a knock sounded on my door, with a woman calling out my name. Her voice was soft, gentle and somewhat familiar. But despite this, I instinctively drew my revolver from my holster and pointed it towards the source of the sound. Seconds later, I called out.

"Who is it?" I asked in Spanish as I carefully and silently motioned towards the wall section of the door's knob side, with my revolver still at the ready.

"It's me, Isagani." answered a woman's voice in Tagalog, muffled. "Don't you remember me?"

By the time the woman said this, I managed to press my back against the wall, ready to throw her off in case she had any ideas of charging in and assaulting me. Oddly enough, her voice did sound familiar, like she's someone I've known a long time ago. As I slowly reached for the knob, I replied, this time in Tagalog. "I don't remember meeting you. What was your name again?"

"It's Paulita." said the woman, now with a clearer and more audible voice, as if she leaned in towards the door to reply.

This took me by surprise. That definitely sounded like Paulita.

Upon hearing this, I immediately holstered my weapon and turned the knob, slowly opening the door.

"I hope I'm not a bother to you at this time of hour." she exclaimed, curiously peeking through the small opening.

For some reason, I started to hesitate for a second before answering. I was somewhat at a loss for a moment, caught off-guard by this unexpected visit.

"Oh, not at all. Please. Come in." I welcomed her as I fully opened the door.

"Thank you." she replied as she started to walk in slowly inside the room - with a red fan covering half of her face.

It was at that moment that I stood there - stunned - at the sight of this heavenly creature. Ten years have passed, and yet she is still as beautiful as the day I left her. Her smooth black hair, her bright eyes, and her smooth milky skin are still exactly the same as I remember. It was as if the long years of motherhood hasn't dulled her appearance.

"I apologize for coming here unannounced." she continued as she lowered her fan and turned to face me.

"A matter of no consequence. But to be honest, I am a bit surprised." I answered passively. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Señora Pelaez?"

"Drop the 'señora', please. All that formality is making me feel awkward." she answered as she slowly broke into a short chuckle.

I replied with a short laugh. "Ahh, yes. I think I should call you 'Doña' instead."

"Isagani!" she smilingly reprimaded, answering with a tone of slight annoyance.

"So," I continued, "can I fix something for you to eat? I can call for the hotel's attendants. Some fruits? Or perhaps a meal? I hear their adobo here is out of this world. Or some wine perhaps?"