Rainbow Connections [feat. RaMen]

Chapter Twelve

A week later. On the hot last day of June, people from all walks of life were gathered at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila. The rest of the nation was settled in their houses to watch the live telecast. On the other hand, president-elect, Lui Sandoval was nervous as hell as she breathes deeply, waiting for her name to be called upon. It was Inauguration Day.

"Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, president-elect, Margaux Cassidy Louise Estrella Sandoval accompanied by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and parents," the emcee announced, earning thunderous applause from the attendees as they all stood up to welcome Lui and her family.

Lui wore a gorgeous red Filipiniana for this special occasion. She walked the red carpet with her family but have entered stage right alone to be where she was meant to seat. She was to sit beside former presidents of the country still excluding former president Sotto from the count.

"May we please request everyone to remain standing for the singing of the Philippine national anthem," the emcee once again announced. Page Torres, a good friend of Lui's, took center stage and lead the anthem acapella. After the anthem finished the emcee spoke again, "please keep standing for the ecumenical prayer."

After the prayer was done, the emcee once again spoke, "At this point, may we call on the stage, Miss Ellie Rae Martinez for a special musical number."

Ellie sang an original composition of hers. It was entitled "A Maiden in Charge" (Inspired by It's Quiet Uptown by Lin-Manuel Miranda from Hamilton).

There are moments that the words don't reach
There is suffering too terrible to name
You'll save the nation to the best that you can
And push away the unimaginable
The moments when you're in so deep
It feels easier to just swim down

You are now the maiden in charge
You're in charge
To some that's unimaginable

You spent hours on deciding
On how you'd make us proud
You're now the maiden in charge
The nation's just right by your side

You worship God and go to church on Sundays
A sign of the cross at the door, and you pray
It would help ease the duty for you

If we you see in the streets
Walking by yourself, talking to yourself
We shall have pity

Lui, you're the maiden in charge
You're the maiden in charge
We'll be working through the unimaginable

Even when your hair had gone gray, you're still pretty
Lui, you have won, and we're so happy
You're that strong, never fall apart
Can you imagine?

Look at where we are
Look at where we started
We know we don't deserve you, Cassidy
But hear us out, that would be enough

Now you'd spare us time
Now you'd trade your time for us
You are standing here right now
Hope you'd always smile, that would be enough

We don't pretend to know
The challenges you're facing
We know there's no replacing what we've lost
And you need time

But we're not afraid
We know you're now in charge
Just let us stay here by your side
That would be enough

If we you see in the streets
Walking by yourself, talking to yourself
We shall have pity

Lui, you're the maiden in charge
You're the maiden in charge
We'll try and work through the unimaginable

We'll see you walking in the park, long after dark
Taking in the sight of the city