Ever Summer

Chapter Fourteen

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“Bro, I cant believe you turned down the offer of Recto And Associates. You couldn’t have gotten a better deal. This office is one of the bests in architecture business.” Alex blurted in amazement upon learning that his friend decided not to accept the position he had applied for before.”

Gerard just shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

“I would have given my right arm for this opportunity Bro” Alex added.

“I am leaving, Alex. I have decided to follow my parents in America.”

“But why, you have a bright future here Bro. You are top five in the board exam. ”

“Its better this way. There’s nothing for me here.” Gerard answered as if he was talking to himself.

Alex just nodded, he thought it was best to rest his case with his best friend, knowing the reason for his leaving the country.

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California, USA

Circa: late Late 70s – early 80s .

Gerard had been slowly but steadily making a name in architectural design. From his humble start as draftsman in his father’s small office in San Diego City in California. USA, he worked his way to becoming a partner. Eventually, his father who has been in and out of the hospital because of heart problem , decided to retire and entrusted Gerard the full control of their small company.

Through it all, Gerard has practically zero social life. He spent almost all his time working, devoting long hours in the office. He seldom went out. At first, he tried dating women introduced to him by well-meaning relatives. But he just couldn’t bring himself to have a serious relationship.

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Soraya :

Circa 1971-75

The Marcos government has been ruthless in persecuting, hunting down and liquidating suspected communist personalities and their supporters and sympathizers. Most of the marked personalities, the more popular student leaders , especially those from the State University , have gone into hiding in the forested and mountainous areas in the countryside. Others have eventually joined the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in its armed struggle against the government. They engaged government soldiers in a guerilla-type war.

Soraya and Ricky, together with Aida were among those on the run.

They were very lucky . They have already left Manila and went into hiding before martial rule was imposed . They knew it was coming. It was just a matter of time. All the signs were there. They were being shadowed by the military, their activities were being monitored, especially during protest demonstrations . Not a few of their comrades were harassed , picked up and detained, some even went missing. Many have stopped going to school for fear of reprisal from Marcos henchmen. Soraya dropped out of school. So did Ricky and Aida.

Despite this, Soraya and Aida had narrowly escaped. Had they left their boardinghouse a week later, Their fate would have been different. It was said that secret agents visited several rooming establishments in the university belt area, including Soraya’s boarding place. Some of their friends and group mates were not as lucky. . Many were brutally beaten while in detention, others never came out alive. . Some were killed outright in the open.. Many others have been reported missing....never to be seen again .

In the months after leaving Manila, they moved from one place to another.. seldom staying long in one area. They laid low , always fearing for their safety. It was especially difficult for Soraya who was way in the eight month of her pregnancy.

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