Perfectly Imperfect

Chapter 5

*Maria Camilla*

Me getting to the rebels' camp was successful using the secret route Paulo showed me yesterday.
"Mateo," I greeted him first before Felipe came into view and at the back of him was a middle aged man, walking casually.

He looked like a gentleman but what was he doing here?
"You must be Maria Camilla," my eyes scanned his features from head to toe. I can tell he's an important person in society but what could bring him here?

"Yes." I answered almost bitterly and irritated. "Felipe told me about you so, are you going to help us or not?" His hands traveled into his pockets. Every move of his, I watched strictly.

"I'll help only if you agree to my terms and conditions," I said confidently without fear or hesitation.
Somehow I feel safe here that they won't do anything bad to me because I've known them since....

"What are they?" He asked, stepping in front of Felipe.
"I'll help you get out of here and live a normal life inside the country only if you agree to not call for war and that you will not cause any form of Violence or Chaos once you enter the country,"this is a huge risk I'm taking, I know. If anyone finds out about this, then I'll be dismissed from post and detained. 

"That's it?..... That's all?" He chuckled and I gave him a stare that confirmed it.
"We have a deal then," his hand extended towards me and I shook it.

"I have a plan."

Behind the closed doors, Felipe, the man I came know, Santino, and I, discussed about the plan I had in mind.

"You people will lay low for as long as the military is here. If they are not willing to move then step forward in peace. Ask for materials, food and medicines. Stuff for survival if they ask why you attacked. They'll surely give you that and then make peace. Declare a celebration here and let them see. Then they'll be convinced that you're not in for war and then they'll retreat. Of course there will be a celebration at the barracks for getting the case under control. Wait for my signal to get to the other side of the border," I explained in detail.

"I can offer the vehicles that will take us all from here after we make it to the other side. I'll make sure to get that done," Santino said and Felipe looked at me.

"Wouldn't you get in trouble if they find out you were behind our escape?" He asked tapping his index finger on the table and his right leg on the wooden floor.
"Let's hope I don't get caught. I'm doing this for my country and my friends. You're also spinards, you deserve to live your lives fully."

The day I get caught, I won't be sorry because my conscious is clear. "I'll leave now. Do as I said if you want to leave here." Putting my cap back on, I exit the camp.

"Mateo!"
"Camilla, thanks for your help," we walked together on the route.
"We're really grateful," said Paulo.
"You don't have to thank me. We're buddies remember even when we use to beat the shit out of each other," Mateo's contaminating laugh made Paulo and I laugh too.

"What do you guys plan to do when you return home?" They should have a plan for after they leave this place.
"I'll go stay at my province. I still have my relatives and friends there," Paulo gave a half hearted smile before Mateo took over.

"For me, I'll go back to grandma Karine that is if she's still alive," the atmosphere became thick at the sense of sadness.
"Remember, as long as there's life, there's hope," I placed a hand on his shoulder and he smiled in appreciation.

"So, I'll see you guys when I see you," stepping in front, it was time to leave. I wonder when I'll see them again.
Sad, I hugged them both trying to keep myself from staying here with them like this.