Chapter 15
1102 Words
CHAPTER 15
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL LADY IN FLORAL RED DRESS, OUR VERY OWN MISS JOANNE FOR HER WONDERFUL INTRODUCTORY SPEECH!!! At Mayor Agapito's word, the crowd suddenly cheered.
ELISE POV
"So, that's Joanne," I murmured, my gaze fixed on her. She was stunning in her simple floral dress, a stark contrast to the vibrant red of her dress in the photo. And Reuben, undeniably handsome in his jeans and plain black t-shirt, was the perfect complement to her. As always, he was wearing a face mask, hiding his features from the crowd.
A pang of hurt stabbed at my heart. I didn't understand why I was feeling this way. What was I even doing here? And, to top it off, I was actually wearing the clothes he had given me. I chuckled, a bitter note in my laugh.
"Mommy, my hands!" Allen whined, his voice tinged with pain.
"Sorry, baby," I said, scooping him up into my arms. I hadn't realized how tightly I had been holding his tiny hands. I gently brought his injured hand to my lips and blew on it. "Is it okay now?" I asked, my voice soft and tender.
"Okay now, mommy. Put me down," he replied. I silently thanked the universe for my nephew's growing weight. With my height and my injured ankle, I couldn't carry him for long.
REUBEN POV
From the stage, I could clearly see Elise. I was glad she was wearing what I had given her. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
"Good afternoon, everyone. We've gathered here at the plaza to witness the enchanting Christmas and Centennial tree lighting. Before we enjoy the spectacle, I'd like to share a few words with everyone." This day was special, a day to mark the official start of the Christmas season. "It is the day when we officially mark the beginning of the Christmas season by lighting up the big Christmas tree and the Centennial Trees." I pointed towards the giant Christmas tree in the center of the plaza and the Centennial trees in the park. "Perhaps many of you are wondering why we are only doing the annual lighting now that the Christmas season is almost over. It's a last-minute decision. You are all aware of the unexpected incident at the Municipality two months ago. I did it for everyone's safety." It's a gamble, but I have to show them that I'm not afraid, that I'm here to lead.
Velasco's men were scattered throughout the crowd, their civilian clothes blending in to avoid panic. I had also requested Velasco to assign someone to watch over Elise for her safety, to prevent another incident like the one that had happened to her the other day. I can't let anything happen to her. Not again. I can't let anything happen to her. Not again.
(“Wen mayor Ammo mi Ken makaawat kami.")
"Yes, mayor, we know and understand," the crowd responded in unison.
(“Agyamanak unay Apo ti pannakaawat yo.")
"Thank you so much," I said, touched by their understanding. Maybe this is the right decision after all to show them that I'm still here for them.
My constituents were a remarkable group, with a broad mindset. "Christmas is a time when we begin to say goodbye to another year and we are looking forward with hope to a new year to come - opportunities for new possibilities, new beginnings, and new lives. Christmas is a time fond of memories, when our cherished memories of past Christmases inspire us to embrace even more fully the joy of spending time with family, friends, and loved ones."
"And so this afternoon, as we light the Christmas tree and our Centennial trees that represent our own respective barangays, we will remember all of the people for whom it is being lit - And, of course, we remember our own families, friends, and neighbors who are such an important part of our own Christmas celebrations." I paused, letting the words sink in. "And finally, I would like to thank you all for coming. And those people who played a big role in making this event successful. I hope you all have a wonderful time here and create another special family memory to share in the coming year. I wish each and every one of you a merry, merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous new year."
Joanne stepped forward, her smile radiant.
(“Alright Kailan iti ili ti Santa Monica, intay ngarud imatangan ti pannakagangat ti Christmas tree Ken ti Centennial trees tayo.” Joanne said. “Iti bilang ti tallo… maysa… dua … tallo…)
"Alright, my fellow Santa Monica-ians, let us now witness the lighting of our giant Christmas tree and our own Centennial trees. On the count of three… one… two… three…"
With her final word, the plaza and the park erupted in a dazzling display of light. The sky above burst into a kaleidoscope of fireworks, painting the night sky with vibrant colors.
The crowd roared, a collective "Merry Christmas!" echoing through the air. Joy was palpable, an infectious energy that spread through the throng.
As the familiar strains of Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas In Our Hearts" filled the air, a warm feeling spread through my chest. It was a feeling of contentment, of community, of shared joy. And in that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people of Santa Monica.
THIRD POV
"What the hell is going on?!" the man roared into the phone, his voice a mix of fury and frustration. "I need an update, and I need it now!"
"Negative, boss. We're completely boxed in, Velasco's people are everywhere," the subordinate stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
"Velasco! That goddamn policeman!" the man spat, his anger rising with each syllable. "Get your act together, tighten the surveillance, and don't give yourselves away."
"Yes, boss," the subordinate mumbled, trying to swallow his fear.
"And what about Bonnet? Do you have any leads?" the man demanded, his voice dripping with impatience.
"Nothing concrete, boss," the subordinate replied. "But I heard some chatter about the police making an arrest the other day," he added, hoping to offer some glimmer of hope.
"What the hell are you waiting for? Confirm if it was Bonnet! If it is, you know what to do, and you better do it before I'm left hanging out to dry by those cops!" the man bellowed, his voice laced with a chilling threat.
"Yes, boss," the subordinate choked out, his voice barely audible.
The call ended...
HAPPY READING ♥️
_TAGAiLoCosNak
- Writer
