The Girl Who travelled Back To 1898 - EN-01

 

The Girl Who travelled Back To 1898

The Characters

Gabbi Garcia as Maria Lana Baldivia

Kent Gonzales as Juanito "Jay" Baldivia

Marlo Mortel as General Antonio Del Mundo

Khalil Ramos as Joshua Espinoza

Nadine Lustre as Nadia Sarmionte

Chapter 1: It's like I'm Inside a Boring Documentary Movie

CHAPTER 1: It's like I'm inside a boring documentary movie

The local jail is the last thing I want to go but then here I am, sitting behind the bars for something stupid. I mean, this isn't my first time to be here and I don't miss this damn place not even a little bit.

I smelled my clothes. Jeez, I totally reek of alcohol and cigarettes. I couldn't even collect my memories on why I ended up here. I just know that I did something stupid but I can't recall why.

Joshua went inside the local jail. He looked so concern to see her old friend behind bars. We locked in each other's eyes until I looked away. I somehow felt embarrassed of what I did.

Joshua Miguel Espinosa will always be my life saver. He would do anything to save me from self-destruction. Even though he doesn't want to admit it, but I know he has feelings for me. I am very well aware.

"I'm here to bail Maria Lana Baldivia." Joshua said.

He talked to the police officer who caught me. They were talking for a solid ten minutes.

"Hey, you can go now." The police officer said. "That isn't locked." She chuckled.

"Really..." I scoffed. "You find this amusing?" I looked at the police office. She looked so amused. I can't believe that I am behind bars for five hours and it wasn't even locked.

"Let's go, Lana." Joshua said. I followed behind him.

"Hey..." I looked at Joshua. He really looked so pissed at me that it's making me feel bad for calling him at 6 am. He's the only person that I can rely on. "Thank you for bailing me."

"No more fights, okay?" Joshua said. He messed my already messy hair and I lightly punched his arm.

"Don't test me, Josh." I warned him but he just laughed at me.

Joshua and I went out from the horrible local jail and I saw Jay standing beside his old Honda car.

"I told you not to call Jay!" I told Joshua.

"I had to call her, Lana." Joshua calmly said. "He's your brother after all... Regardless of how reckless he can be."

Jay is my twin brother. We are both a disgrace in our family and I can never rely on him. He tends to tell my parents about all the stupid things I do thus getting me into trouble.

It brings joy to Jay's life that I get scolded for doing stupid things.

"Hey, sis." Jay grinned. "What did you do this time?"

"She punched a woman at a bar and to Lana's surprise, she owns the bar." Joshua said. I was flirting with a guy and I didn't know that he's married. His wife approached me and poured tequila all over my clothes before I can even explain. So, I punched her. I am not going down without a fight.

"Ooh... You're so violent, sister." Jay said.

"Are you going to tell mom about what I did, Jay?" I annoyingly said.

"I have more important things to do than tell mom about the stupid shit that you did." Jay crossed his arms. "We have to go to our grandma's house right now."

Right... I forgot about that.

Our grandma recently passed away and it's about damn time for our family to properly store her valuables. Our mom volunteered us to do it since we don't have things to do with our lives.

I mean, Jay is repeating his fourth year in college for the third time and I just recently got fired from my job.

"Our birth giver is expecting us to be at grandma's house at 7:30 am. So, we better go now." Jay said.

"Hey, Josh..." I approached Joshua and I hugged him. "Thanks again."

***
Grandma's heritage house is located in Carcar city. It's a two hour drive from Cebu City.

Alas, after two hours and thirty minutes (thanks to traffic), we finally arrived to our destination.

Mom welcomed us by pinching our ears. We both groaned in pain.

"Stop it, birth-giver!" Jay pleaded.

"Don't call me birth giver, Juanito!" Mom scolded him. Despite our mom's wrath, I couldn't help but laugh every time mom calls him Juanito. I mean, it is his name but he despised it. "And you reek of alcohol, Maria Lana!"

"I had a few drinks with my college friends, ma!" I lied. I was drinking alone because being an adult sucks when you're fired.

She finally let go of our ears. Jay and I are both relief because our ears didn't fall off.

"You two start packing your grandma's things." Mom said.

Our mom couldn't wait for grandma's things to be stored in the bodega so that she can proudly display her stuff. Our parents' annulment was recently finalized and they bid each other good riddance.

Dad decided that he'll give my grandmother's heritage house to my mom as a goodbye present to their twenty five years of (failed) marriage.

Nobody wants my grandmother's heritage house anyway.

Where's our dad? He's probably with his mistress but he'll never admit it.

After eating our breakfast, Jay and I started packing grandma's stuff. All of her stuff are artifacts and probably costs a fortune if we try to sell it.

"Maybe I can sell this worth fifty thousand pesos?" Jay showed me a painted picture of our grandparents. "I mean, this is considered as an artifact, right?"

I glared at him.

"Why would you even sell a picture?" I stared at my grandfather's portrait. Does he really look like this in real life?

"It can be historical evidence?" Jay asked. I rolled my eyes at him. He's such a dumb ass.

Jay and I worked our asses off for three long hours while our beloved mother is busy gossiping to her new neighbor.

We both sat down in relief. The house is pretty much empty now except for one room.

Grandpa's room.

It has been locked since the 80's and grandma warned us not to go inside the room if we don't want to end up like him.

"You know, I always wondered what's inside that room." Jay said. I looked at him. I guess I'm not the only one who's curious. "Grandma rarely mentioned our grandfather and yet she didn't throw his stuff away. All his stuff is on that room."

"Are we going to pack all the things in that room?" I asked. Jay and I looked at one another. We didn't really bother including grandpa's room until now. "I mean, mom did say that we should pack all the things in here."

"You're just curious aren't you?" Jay asked.

"Well aren't you curious too?"

"Hell yeah I am." He enthusiastically said.

Jay and I are now standing in front of the locked door. He brought a screw driver to unscrew the door knob.

I let him do his thing and in just two minutes, the door knob fell off.

"Well... that was easy." Jay said. "Now you go inside the room, sis."

"Why does it have to be me?!" I said. I am not going inside that room alone.

"I unscrewed the door knob, Lana and you absolutely did nothing." Jay nonchalantly said. "Now prove to me how bad ass you are and go inside that damn room."

Before I can even protest, Jay grabbed my wrist and he pushed me inside the room.

"Jay!" I shouted.

"Don't be a pussy, Lana. I'll follow you after I return the screw driver from my car."

"You better be!"

"Pussy." He muttered and left.

I turned on the flashlight on my phone. I looked around my grandpa's room and his stuff is filled with cob webs.

I looked at the certificate hanging on the wall.

Prof. Juanito Baldivia

Now I know why Jay is named Juanito.

There were a lot of files and cables around his room. Grandpa's table is filled with formulas and computations. Most of them were marked 'X'

A note that was taped on the wall caught my attention. It wasn't just a note that has algorithms and formulas on it. Grandpa wrote more than that.

Is time travel really possible?

I shook my head. He must have turned insane in between computing this brain frying computations.

I mean... Time travel? That's impossible.

I ignored the note and I continue to look around grandpa's room. It's a big room to my surprise.

I looked at my watch. It's been seven minutes and Jay didn't follow me here. I took a peek from the window and I saw him flirting with some random girl in the street. I rolled my eyes at him.

Thanks for forgetting me, brother.

I was about to leave the room until I saw a thing that was covered with white cloth. I looked at the floor and the cables led to this thing.

I wonder what it is.

I grabbed the white cloth and it fell down the floor. My eyes widen as I saw the thing that was behind the white cloth.

A PAC-MAN ARCADE MACHINE!

I haven't played this game. I always wanted to play it but the arcade places in Cebu don't have PAC-Man.

Oh, man... Jay will totally freak out once I tell him that grandpa has PAC-Man.

I have to play this game! Now where's the outlet plug?

I looked around the outlet plug until I saw it. I plugged the socket plug in and the screen brightened.

Where's the PAC-Man logo? The screen is just white. I think this thing is broken.

I kicked on the arcade machine and its screen turned black.

Suddenly, the blackness started to fade away and the empty screen started to have colors.

"What the hell?" I looked at the screen. Grandpa's room appeared in it. The room wasn't filled with cob webs and I am certain that it wasn't abandoned. It was the exact opposite of this room.

Out of my curiosity, I touched the screen and I instantly regret it.

The screen started to suck me in. I tried my best to pull myself away but the force is too strong.

"Jay! Mom! Help!" I cried for help.

My right hand is already sucked in and my face is about to go next. I closed my eyes and started to accept that I am probably going to die because of my curiosity.

I will haunt Jay.

***
I opened my eyes and I started to breath heavily. Did I just die? Is this the afterlife?

I looked around the surroundings. This is the place I just saw on the screen before I got sucked in.

Hold on a minute....

Why grandpa's room is suddenly all cleaned up?

Realization suddenly hit me. Am I inside the arcade machine?!

I stood up but I felt dizzy.

"You should rest for a bit." I looked around and I saw an old man sitting at the corner of the room. "Time travel can be very tiring."

"What is going on?" I looked at the window and my eyes widened.

Where is Jay?!

Why is there a lot kalesa?!

Why are the women in the street wearing baro't saya?!

It's like I'm Inside a Boring Documentary Movie!

I looked at the old man and I pointed at him. "Who are you and what have you done to this place?!"

"I should be asking the questions, child." He grabbed his cane and he stood up. "Clearly you aren't from this time. Now, tell me, who are you and how did you found about my time machine?"

"Time machine?" Realization suddenly hit me. The arcade machine wasn't just an arcade machine. It was a freaking time machine! "What year am I in?"

"1898."

What the actual fu-

***

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Kalesa Illustraion by Owen Ballesteros

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The clothing during the Spanish Era.
Credits to the owner, Xela :)

Chapter 2: He's The General Hottie In Philippine History

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Baro't Saya aka Maria Clara dress
Credits to the awesome owner!

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Bahay na bato
Credits to the owner

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Cathedral church (this isn't from year 1898)
Credits to the owner

***

CHAPTER 2: He's the general hottie in Philippine history.

I'm in 1898?!

"Seriously..." I scoffed. "Did I die?"

The old man looked at me dumbfounded. Wait; is he really serious? Am I really in Philippines circa 1898?!

"You got sucked by the time machine, didn't you?" He asked.

"I thought it was an arcade machine." I said. Little did I know, it was a time machine? The saying must be true that curiosity killed the cat but in my case, the cat travelled back to time. "I think you don't know what I'm talking about."

"Of course I know, child." I bluntly said. "I owned the arcade machine."

What?! Isn't he too dead to even witness the first ever arcade machine being invented? I mean, he can even barely walk with a cane right now.

"Right..." I muttered.

"How'd you find out about my time machine?" He looked so dead ass serious right now and it's kind of frightening.

"Your time machine?" I scoffed. "I found the 'time machine' at my grandpa's old room." I air quoted because to be honest, all of this feels like I'm in a bad movie. Like come on, I time travelled?

He looked surprised and I wondered why.

"Who's your grandfather?" He asked.

"Not like you care but his name is Juanito Baldivia."I nonchalantly said.

"Well shit." He gasped. I didn't know people at this time know how to cuss. He reached something from his table and he gave it to me. It was a painted picture of my grandparents. "Is this your grandfather?"

"Yeah... How'd you got it?" I asked. I mean, the painted picture was made on 1976. I looked at him again. Somehow, he looked familiar. "Who are you by the way?"

"I'm your..." He took a deep breath. "Grandfather"

"No..." I laughed. "My great grandfather isn't born at this time so I'm pretty aware that my grandfather isn't born yet."

"You found the time machine in a room, didn't you?" He asked and I nodded. "I made it and I travelled back to this time."

My eyes widen. I suddenly realized that everything made sense. I never saw my grandfather and my grandmother never told us how he left her. "Am I going to be stuck in here?" The thought of getting stuck on this time made me terrified.

"No, child. You're going back to your own time." He said. I looked at the roasted time machine. How the hell do I go back to 2019?! "I'm going to fix this but as for now... Don't do anything stupid that will change the timeline." He warned me.

"Alright... I'm stuck in 1898."

Cool, cool, cool, No doubt.

"Whose daughter are you by the way?" I asked. "As I recall, I have seven children with your grandmother." He's a very hardworking lad if you know what I mean.

"Mariano Baldivia" The least handsome child of his and yet, he's my father.

"Ah, my least favorite child." He chuckled. "So what's your name my dear grandchild?"

"I'm Maria Lana." I said. So should I shake his hand or should I hug him? I mean, he is my grandfather. This is too awkward and too messed up. I mean, why did he decide to stay here in 1898?

"Well, Lana... you're going home. You can't stay here especially on a time like this." Well, no shit. I am stuck in a time period wherein war is frequent.

An old woman went inside the room. She looked at me from head to toe and I am guessing she is judging me for my choice of clothing. The evolution of clothes of a Filipino woman went from being conservative to barely getting covered.

But we're still not asking for it.

Maybe this is the worst time period to wear tattered jeans and a black cropped top because I look like a sack.

She approached my grandpa and kissed him on the cheek.

What is going on?

"You have some explaining to do, Ernesto." She calmly said. I'm surprised that she isn't surprised when she saw me and did she just addressed my grandfather as Ernesto?

"I will but my love, can you take her to our room and lend her your clothes?" Grandpa asked her. "She's going to attract the commoners."

Did she just called her 'my love'?

"You better explain later." Old woman said. She grabbed my hand and literally dragged me to their room.

***

"Can I cut this skirt?" I asked. The long skirt reached my toenails and its fabric is very itchy.

"Do you want to show your legs?" She glared at me. She'd be surprised if she finds out that in 2019, nobody wears baro't saya anymore unless it's August.

"Can I just please take off this stupid camisa?" I whined. The camisa blouse is made from the pineapple plant and it's very uncomfortable to wear.

"Do you want everyone to know that you're not from this time?" She asked.

Wait; she knows about the time machine?

"So you know that I'm not from this time?" I asked.

"Judging by your lack of clothing, I am well aware that you aren't from here." She said. "And I also know that my husband isn't from this time as well."

"Did you just call him husband?" So, let me get this straight... Did my grandfather have an affair with a woman who isn't from his own time? Did he just leave my grandmother to be with this woman?

Oh, man... This is a whole new level of cheating.

"I called him husband didn't I?" She raised an eyebrow at me. "Ernesto has weird hobbies that I don't fully understand but I still love him unconditionally."

She just called him Ernesto again. The last time I checked, my grandfather's name is Juanito Baldivia.

I. Need. Answers.

"Well, I guess you're done." She said. I looked at myself in the mirror and this is my first time that I'm fully clothed.

"I didn't ask you this before but what's your name?" I asked.

"Maria Clara Espinosa." She said.

Hold on a minute... did she just say Espinosa?

I gasped as I realized that this woman is probably Joshua's great, great, great grandmother and if that's the case, chances are, my grandfather is related to Joshua.

Therefore, am I related to Joshua?

I am mind blown right now.

"Do you want to explore this town with me?" She asked.

***

Clara and I walked around the town as I clear my thoughts.

I am stuck in 1898 and I just found out that my grandfather is here and he's married to a woman who isn't my grandmother and that woman is most likely related to Joshua. How do I process all of this?

As we walked around town, I realized how beautiful the infrastructures are. The Philippine architecture was dominated by Spanish influence since our country has been ruled by Spanish colonization for 333 years.

And this year is the end of Spanish colonization.

There are only a few bahay na bato found in 2019 and most of it is converted into museums to preserve its historical items.

"What year are you from?" Clara asked.

"2019" I said.

"Are we still colonized by the Spaniards?"

"No." I said. "But our country isn't doing well." There are a lot of corrupt politicians, extrajudicial killings, and poverty. Those are just a few things that Philippines 2019 is facing.

"Tell me more about your time."  Clara and I talked about the changes of Philippines. She wasn't in favor of women wearing revealing clothes and tattoos but hey, I can't judge her opinion. I mean, she is on an era where women's rights and freedom are hardly getting listened to.

She is glad to hear though that we had presidents who are women.

"How old are you?"

"I'm twenty five." I said.

"And you aren't married yet?" She gasped. "Women around your age in this era are already considered as an old maid. Young women tend to get married at the age of fifteen."

Filipino girls getting married at the age of fifteen? Ugh, no thank you.

"Well women around my age in my time are too busy building their careers." I said. Except for me though. I just got fired. "Men are just a distraction to success."

"I like your opinion about men." Clara said. I have to admit, I am surprisingly getting along with her. She is so interested of my time and it's kind of refreshing to hear someone else's opinion. Clara doesn't get easily offended by my opinion when it comes to women on this era.

A man who was riding a brown horse blocked our way.

"Hey, what's your problem?!" I yelled. Who the hell is he? The audacity of him to block our way like he owns this place.

"That's not how a woman should act on this era, Lana." Clara warned me.

The man went down from his horse. Judging from his appearance, he must be a general. He was wearing a simple gray rayadillo jacket with folds on the chest.

He approached us and Clara bowed down to him but I didn't. I don't even know him.

"Clara, is your husband around?" He asked.

"My husband is at home as usual." Clara said. He seemed pretty intimidating with his general uniform. He didn't even bother to look at me. Am I not interesting enough?

I looked closely at him. Why does he look so familiar? It feels like I've seen him already but I don't know where. I tried to recollect my thoughts until I realize his true identity.

"General Antonio Del Mundo?!" I gasped. Clara's eyes widen as I mentioned his name proudly.

"Do I know you?" He asked.

"No... But I know you!" I squealed in excitement. I am being such a fan girl at him right now.

General Antonio Del Mundo is one of the national heroes who led the Philippine revolution on 1898.

All of my friends in high school had a big crush on him because he looked attractive on his pictures on our history book and let me tell you, our book isn't lying at all.

I mean, he's the general hottie in Philippine history! Every girl wants him to be their daddy!

Okay, that sounded weird.

But yeah, my friends wanted him to be the father of their imaginary children.

"Is she your daughter?" Antonio asked Clara.

"She is certainly not my daughter." Clara assured him.

"She has a loud voice for a woman." Antonio smiled. His smile figuratively melted my heart. I feel like I'm blushing right now because he really is attractive.

"I really admired you on how you sacrificed yourself during the last battle of the Philippine revolution. I mean, it was pretty heroic." I said. Clara and Antonio looked surprised. I slapped my mouth. Why the hell did I say that?!

Oh, shit... I spoiled him on his own death. I was too excited on meeting him that I forgot that he doesn't have any idea how his life is about to end.

"Lana!" Clara yelled at me. As soon as the words came out from my mouth, I instantly regretted it. Antonio looked horrified.

I hope I'm not changing the timeline because I think I already messed up.

***

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General Del Mundo's uniform.
Credits to the awesome owner <3

Chapter 3: What A Messed Up Family Tree We Got Here

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From: Goyo, Ang Batang Heneral Movie (Goyo, The Young General)

***

CHAPTER 3: What a messed up family tree we got here

General Antonio Del Mundo barged in to my grandfather's study room without any hesitation. My grandfather looked surprised.

Antonio grabbed my hand and my grandfather glared at me like I'm in deep trouble. I think he's already aware that I did something stupid.

"This woman proudly said to me that I'm going to die. Is it true, Ernesto?" Antonio asked.

"What else did she say?" Grandpa annoyingly asked.

"She said that she wasn't from our era. What does that even mean?" Okay, maybe I spilled more than his heroic death. I panicked... So, I told him that I'm from the future. "You are my strategy consultant on winning this war and this woman claimed that I'm going to die?!"

Antonio let me go but I can still feel his tight grip warming up on my skin.

Grandpa looked at me in frustration. His attention then shifted to the furious general.

"General Del Mundo, let's talk in private." Grandpa said.

He slammed the door right in front of my face. I looked at Clara who was equally disappointed at me. Even at this era, I am a disappointment.

"You had one job, Lana." Clara slapped her forehead. I sheepishly smiled at her.

"I would really like to go home." I said.

"We both want you to go home too, Lana." Clara said. She left me alone as I rethink about what I did and say a while ago.

I sat at the edge of the stair as I patiently wait for my grandfather and Antonio to come out from his study room. It's been five hours already but they're still not coming out. I guess my grandfather is explaining a lot of things to him. I mean it's time travel... It's pretty hard to explain to a man who doesn't even know what that means.

Alas, Antonio went out from the study room. I stood up and we were locked in each other's eyes for a solid five seconds. He looked away first and I took a deep sigh. I took the courage to approach him.

"I don't want to talk to you." Antonio snapped.

"I'm sorry." I do feel bad.

"What do you get from telling me about my tragic death? Are you amused by it?" He annoyingly asked.

"No!" I shouted and Antonio looked surprised. "It's just, I really do admire you for being heroic and that's why I couldn't help but tell you about it but then I realized that I shouldn't have said it."

The deadly glare in Antonio's eyes slowly disappeared and his body started to relax. He looked so tense ever since he barged into the study room.

Maybe my admiration for his heroic act gave him an assurance that it's going to be okay? But I don't know... He is already aware about his tragic death.

"Lana!" Grandpa called me and I startled. Well, it's time to face the wrath of my long lost grandfather.

"Well, hell is calling me." I nervously said. "I guess I'll see you around? Bye!"

"You'll see me around?" I didn't have a chance to look at Antonio's reaction because I hurriedly ran towards the study room.

A furious Juanito Baldivia was waiting for me on his study room. I sat down across him. He pressed his temple and I just awkwardly smiled at him to ease the tension between us.

"Do you even know what you did, Maria Lana?" Grandpa asked. Oh, great... He just called me by my complete name which means... He really is pissed. "I had to explain to Antonio from the very beginning and he did not handle it well. He was furious and that's all thanks to you." He sarcastically said.

"All thanks to me?" I snarled. "If it wasn't your stupid arcade machine, I wouldn't be here at the first place!" I yelled at grandpa and he looked surprised.

"Lana..."

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have yelled at you, grandpa." I apologetically said. "I did mess up and I admit it but you need to explain to me what is going on? I mean, people addressed you as Ernesto and you're married? How did that even happen?!"

"I do owe you an explanation." Grandpa said. "And an apology for leaving your grandmother behind."

My grandfather explained to me how he built a time machine in 1980. He was a frustrated scientist and during his time, the Philippine government doesn't want to invest their money when it comes to science and technology (they still don't). He badly wants to win a novelty price so he did something impossible... He made a time machine. He did a lot of attempts before he successfully made a working time machine. So, he travelled back to 1858 where he met Clara.

For the sake of the Baldivia clan to not cease to exist, he changed his name to Ernesto Espinosa and everyone just thought that my grandpa left my grandma for a mistress which is somehow true. Therefore, in the present time, Juanito Baldivia's records and documents still exist.

"I still don't get the family situation." I said. Grandpa looked at me dumbfounded. I mean, I can't blame him though. I am not a genius. It is still hard to process all these information.

"What you did in the present will not affect the future but what you did in the past will affect your present." He took a deep sigh. "How is that hard to understand?"

"Your explanation is very vague." I said.

"I have two existing families on the present time, okay? They're the Espinosa family. Clara and I have two children."

There you have it, folks... I am indeed related to Joshua Espinosa because his great, great, great, grandfather is my grandfather.

What a messed up family tree we got here.

"So you ghosted my grandmother to a woman born during the Spanish colonization." I said. I am not going to deny it but my grandfather is a total douche.

"Ghosted? What do you mean by that?" He asked.

"Don't bother asking because it's a hard word to explain to an oldie like you." I casually said. "I really want to go back to my own time, grandpa." I mean, I don't know how long I can tolerate wearing baro't saya because it's really itchy and hot.

It's too conservative too.

"Aside from Clara, there must be another reason why you never went back to the present time and as your grandchild, I deserve to know." I said. I mean, he invented a working time machine. If my grandfather went back to the present time, there's no doubt that he will become a well-respected scientist but he chose to stay.

"I did go back, Lana." Grandpa sighed. "For a brief moment I went back to bid goodbye to your grandmother and to clear my thoughts, I went to Museo Sugbo. It was there I saw an image of myself along with General Del Mundo and his troops before the final battle during the Philippine revolution. What surprised me wasn't an image of me, Lana. I was surprised because of my name. It wasn't Juanito Baldivia... I was addressed as a strategic consultant named Ernesto Espinosa. It was then I realized that I was meant to go back in time."

So, he isn't really a douche. I misjudged him.

Everything that happened to him and my family led to this moment.

"So you were meant to stay here..." I looked at my grandfather's weary eyes. It must have been a tough decision to leave my grandmother behind but it wasn't his choice to make... Fate put him on this era because he was meant stay here. "I'm sorry..." I stood up from my seat and I hugged him real tight.

Grandpa pulled away and he smiled at me.

"But I promise to you, Lana... You will go back to the present time because you are not meant to stay here." He said.

"I believe you." I said.

"Give me three days to fix the time machine but promise me, Lana... Don't get into trouble if you still want to go back to the present time just the way it is before you left."

"I make no promises." I smiled but Grandpa glared at me. Okay, he's too serious and he can't take a simple joke but I can't blame him though.

***

I went out from the study room and I stretched my arm. My conversation with my grandfather is a roller coaster of emotion. I mean, who would have thought that I get to meet my grandfather in 1898.

I'll make sure when I go back to my own time, I'll tell everyone about my grandfather's invention so that everything he did will be acknowledged.

"Lana..." I looked around and I saw Antonio standing beside the window. Did he just call me? Antonio approached me and he stretched his arm out. "I know that you are aware who I am but I'd like to formally introduce myself... I'm General Antonio Del Mundo."

"You seemed to be in a good mood." I questioned his motive on why he's being kind to me but I'll accept his bait. "I'm Maria Lana Baldivia."

We both shake hands.

"Maria is a frequent name in our time." He said. "You have a beautiful name."

"Well, I wanted my name to be Britney but it's too toxic." I laughed. Antonio looked at me, confused. Okay, I'm the only one who understood that reference. I forgot that I was talking to a man way behind my time. "So, were you waiting for me?"

"Ah, yes... I want to take you to dinner." Antonio said.

"What's your intention, General?" I moved a step closer to him and he moved a step backward. "I mean, you were furious a while ago and now you're taking me to dinner?"

"I just want to know more about your time and the Philippine history." Ah, so he finally confessed his true intention.

"I'm not sure if I can do that..." I said. Honestly, I'm just playing hard to get. One of Philippines' national heroes is taking me out for dinner. I mean, it's a good story to tell to my future grand kids and it's also a one of kind experience.

"I already put myself into a lot of trouble and I don't want to be on my grandpa's bad side." I dramatically said.

"Well don't tell him." Antonio winked at me. He grabbed my hand and he took me out of the house. "Let's walk."

"Ugh, why isn't car invented at this time yet?" I complained.

"What's a car?" Antonio asked.

"It's like kalesa but without a horse." I said.

Antonio and I talked about cars as we walked our way to the restaurant. To my surprise, he was really interested about cars. Too bad the closest thing he can get to a car at this moment is a kalesa.

Who would have thought that I am talking to the one and only General Antonio Del Mundo?

Chapter 4: Flirting, The 1898 Way

Hello, readers :)

Please play the music video because it's really important. It'll give you a glimpse of what the characters' clothes look like in 1898 and also, the music video is my inspiration on writing this story.

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Cariñosa Dance
Illustration by: japicasso, 2018

***

CHAPTER 4: Flirting, the 1898 Way

Everyone looked at me like I don't belong here. Well, technically I am from the present but they don't need to know that. Some of these young women are glaring at me while they hide their faces with their fan. Are they trying to intimidate me?

I suddenly remembered about a chapter on my history book on how the famous General Antonio Del Mundo attracted all the hearts of young women in every town he visits.

And yet, he never courted a girl.

"These girls are giving me death glares." I said.

"Why would they do that?" Antonio asked.

"Are you really not aware how charming you can be?" I blushed. Well, it was not the word I was going to say but it's too late for me to take it back now. Antonio smiled at me and I couldn't help but blush a little more.

"I'm aware now all thanks to you." Antonio said. He pulled back the chair and I sat on it. He pushed it forward with just enough space for me to move my feet under the table. "So what do you want to eat?"

"I would like a burger and some fries too." I said. Antonio looked confused and I laughed at him. It feels really nice to tease him. "Any food will do."

Antonio ordered tinolang manok (chicken) and caldereta. It's a food that still exists in my time but it's my least favorite Filipino food.

The young women made it very obvious that they were attracted to Antonio. I mean, they transferred to another table that was closer to us.

"What is up with these women and why are they all attracted to you?" I annoyingly asked.

Antonio looked at these young women and he flashed a smile at them. Their cheeks turned bright red.

"They seem lovely." Antonio said.

"And they all want you to father their child." I sarcastically said. Antonio laughed at me and I realized that I sound a little jealous.

"Do you want me to father your child?" He asked. I can feel that he's quite amused by me.

"I don't want kids." I spat. Kids are annoying and a financial drain. I really don't want that in my life. "They suck all the life out of you."

Antonio laughed but it soon faded away. His laughter was replaced by worry.

"Well, I guess I'll never have a child or a family of my own."

Ah, shit. I made him sad.

I awkwardly pat his back. I'm not good at comforting people when they're down. I'm only good at making them feel bad about themselves.

"If it makes you feel better, a lot of couples in my time named their child after you." Well, Anthony is a common name but it's close to Antonio anyway.

"Thanks." He mumbled.

Why do I feel like I made it worse? Damn it, self. You're such an idiot.

The food is finally served and I attacked on it without any hesitation. I am famished.

Three young women near our table judged me by the amount of rice I ate and my lack of table manners.

Well, excuse me... I don't have a stupid fan to cover my face while I eat.

Antonio looked amused by my big appetite. He couldn't even continue eating his food because he's too amused by the way I eat.

"This is too good." I said while I stuffed another piece of chicken inside my mouth. "Do you want some?"

"I'm fine." Antonio smiled. He leaned his hand close to me and of all the young and attractive women at this place; his eyes were only glued to me.

I burped and Antonio laughed. Women in this time are suppressed and forced to be lady-like.

Living with Jay forced me to act like a man instead of a lady.

"I'm glad that you liked the food." Antonio said.

A woman, who was dressed like she belongs to a rich Filipino family, approached our table.

"General Del Mundo." Her cheeks turned red and she looked away as she gave the letter to Antonio. "I am expressing my feelings towards you through that letter. I do hope you'll consider my feelings."

My jaws dropped and my eyes widen. I didn't know that women in this era are also capable to be so straight forward.

"I will." Antonio accepted the letter. The woman gleefully left our table.

Did they just...flirt?

Flirting, the 1898 way.

"I'll never understand this era's courtship." I said.

"Tell me, Lana... How do men court women in your time?" He asked.

"Well... In my time, only a few men court women. Almost everyone is into one night stands and no strings attached relationship."

"Have you tried that?" He asked and I choked. Did he just ask that? "I don't know what those words mean but I assumed that you have tried it already?"

"I...don't talk about my private life to anyone." I drank my glass of water and I refrained from looking at Antonio. I don't want him to get curious. "Okay, maybe you should walk me home now."

"I'm not going to take you home yet." Antonio said. "The band is just about to play a song."

The band started playing and every guy in here approached a girl they like. They walked their way to the middle of the room and they danced.

Some women are still sitting on their seat because they are desperately hoping for Antonio to approach them.

No guy tried to approach me even though they tried to steal a glimpse of me. I'd like to think that they are too intimidated but not to me. They're intimidated by the guy sitting beside me.

I'd like to believe that Antonio is cock blocking me with my chance on dancing with a man on this era.

"So what are they dancing?" I asked.

"Cariñosa." Antonio said.

"Isn't that a dance of courtship?"

Cariñosa is a Spanish term that means 'the affectionate one'. It is a dance that portrays love and courtship in a romantic view. It is a way of showing affection without inappropriate actions.

"I'm surprised that you know that." Antonio said.

"Let's just say that I don't suck in my Filipino class." I said.

"Do you know how to dance it?" He asked.

"No..." I sheepishly said. "I actually failed on my practical test."

"Come on..." He held my hand and I can feel the envy of every woman who was putting their hopes up on Antonio. "I'll show you how."

Carinosa is similar to waltz.

I followed the girls as their hold their skirt with one hand. They swayed the fabric of their skirt at the side while they move around as they sway to the side with their left foot and then stepping to the right.

Antonio couldn't help but laugh on how I badly sucked at Carinosa. I am very much confused about the dance step.

To my surprise, Antonio equally sucked.

Guys are supposed to refrain from touching girls but their steps should show their interests.

As for Antonio, he couldn't help but hold my hand. He pulled me closer to him. We rebelled as we sway together in each other's arms.

We officially suck at Carinosa.

"What's with the fan and handkerchief?" I asked. All of the girls were bringing a fan and the guys were bringing a handkerchief.

Antonio and I don't have those items.

"I pretty much want to be excluded from Cariñosa." I said.

"Then let's not dance to Cariñosa." He said.

The girls are fanning themselves while dancing to the beat and then they glanced with each other from the handkerchief like they were playing hide and seek. They were exchanging flirtatious waves and gestures. Suddenly, the girls kneeled down with one knee and fanned its self while the guys danced around the other.

"I definitely don't want to kneel down in front of you." I said. It feels like it's giving a wrong message but hey, I live in the 21st century and when a girl kneels down...well, you know.

The Carinosa dance ended and everyone danced to the new beat of music.

"Alright! This is what I like! Freestyle!" I did the moonwalk dance move and Antonio's jaws literally dropped.

"How are you doing that?!" He asked.

"I'll teach you how!" I taught Antonio how to moonwalk but he just couldn't do it. The dance move was too hard for him.

We were both enjoying each other's company until someone grazed my butt.

What the hell? I'm already wearing a full conservative dress and some guy has the audacity to graze my butt.

"Hey, are you okay?" Antonio looked concerned.

"No." I snapped.

I looked at my behind and I saw a guy who was grazing another woman. To my disappointment, she didn't do anything.

I approached the guy while Antonio was following me.

"Hey, you!" I yelled. The guy stopped what he was doing and he looked at me. He smiled at me like nothing happened.

"What do you want, sweetheart?" He asked. Without any hesitation, I punched him in the face.

I caught everyone's attention.

The guy fell down on the floor. He was surprised just like everyone else.

"What the hell are you doing?!" He was furious but so am I.

I bruised his face and I don't feel bad at all.

"Weren't you taught by your mother not to touch a woman without their consent?!" I angrily said. I crossed my arms at him and gave him death glares.

The guy stood up and he was about to punch me back but Antonio got to hold a grip of his punch before it can even land on my face.

"If you don't want to be in trouble, get out." Antonio said to the guy.

The guy didn't fight back. Antonio let him go and he immediately left the place out of fear towards Antonio.

I can't believe that even on this era there are perverts! This is supposed to be an era where harana and making ligaw (courtship) is a thing! This is supposed to be the era where men are patiently waiting for a woman's answer.

I stormed out from the restaurant and Antonio ran towards me.

"Hey!" He grabbed my hand and he looked surprised that I'm crying. "Come here." He hugged me tightly as I continue to cry.

"I'm just furious because on my era, I always get catcalled and inappropriately touched by men inside a jeepney but I always fight back but I couldn't help but feel sad about the women on your era because they cannot say a word or even fight back because they're too scared!"

"Hey..." Antonio softly cupped my face. I looked at him and I can see the sincerity in your eyes. "You already know that better days will come for women and as a consolation, I think those men inside already know what they're going to get when they lay a finger at any woman."

"You really think so?" I asked.

"I honestly got frightened by you." Antonio said. I laughed at him. I can't believe I made a national hero frightened by a millennial. "I'll walk you home."

After minutes of walking (and endless complains on why we're walking), we finally arrived at my grandfather's house.

"Well, I should go inside now." I said.

"Yeah..." He shrugged. "You should get some sleep."

"You too." I smiled. Antonio was just looking at me and I am a bit hesitant to go inside the house. "You should leave now."

"I'm just waiting for you to go inside the house and then I'll leave." He said. What a gentleman, I thought.

I approached Antonio and I planted a kiss on his cheek. He looked surprised and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed by my recent action.

"Thanks...for tonight." Before he can even say a word, I ran inside the house like that coward that I am.

I took a peek at the window and Antonio was still standing in front of the house.

A smiled appeared on his face and he walked his way home.

Chapter 5: Hallelujah Indeed

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The guy is wearing Camisa De Chino (correct me if I'm wrong)

Credits to the awesome owner ^^

***

CHAPTER 5: Hallelujah indeed

"Can you just shut up?!" I yelled at the shameless rooster who was making such a noise just outside my room. I got up from my bed and I opened the window. There I saw the rooster staring back at me. "I will cook you into a fried chicken." I said through gritted teeth.

"Good morning to you too, Lana." Clara was standing near the mango tree and she saw me yelling at their pet rooster. She was holding a basket full of mangoes. "How was your sleep?"

"It's fine. I had a good night sleep." I lied. I tried to convince myself that I had a good sleep but I didn't. Mosquitoes couldn't stop sucking the blood out of me and my room was hot.

"Well, you woke up just in time for church." Clara said. "Are you catholic?"

You see, the Spaniards were the ones who introduced Christianity in the Philippines. They built churches and cathedrals that were made out of stones. Even up to the present time, they are still standing and Filipinos are still very much religious.

"Isn't it too early for church?" I asked. Clara glared at me and I regret asking her that question.

"Lana, don't ever ask that question out loud again." Clara said. I apologetically looked at her. I forgot that most of the people in 1898 are religious. Maybe I should not tell her that I don't go to church or that I am somehow an atheist. "I already picked the clothes you're going to wear today. You can find it in our room."

"Great...another day wearing the national costume." I sarcastically said. "I'm so excited."

I went inside their room and I saw the clothes lying on the bed. I touched it and even its fabric is undeniably rough to touch. I looked around the room and I saw a pair of scissors. I stared at it blankly until I realized that I can cut my long skirt.

Grandpa said that I shouldn't get myself into trouble if I want to go back to my time just the way I left it but a little fashion change won't harm nobody.

Clara called my name as it was time to eat breakfast. I went to the dining room where she and grandpa were waiting for me. As I stepped inside the dining room, their eyes immediately landed on the skirt that I altered. They both looked at me in disbelief.

The long skirt is now an above the knee skirt.

"It's either this skirt or the tattered jeans." I said.

"Don't even bother altering the camisa, Lana." Clara warnes me. I have no intentions on altering it anyway. I just want my legs to be exposed and not my fat arms.

"Eat your breakfast, Lana. We don't want to miss church." Grandpa said. He tried not to be bothered but we all know he's the most bothered between the two of them. My skirt is short in this era's standard and I am much aware that I will gain everyone's attention especially at church but I don't care. Long skirts suck the liberated soul out of me.

"So, how's the time machine doing?" I asked. Staying another day in this era is already driving me insane. Everything about this era is inconvenient.

"Don't worry about it." Grandpa said. "I'll make sure you'll be back in 2019. I don't want you to be stuck in the 60's because God knows what kind of stunt you're going to pull off that will change the time frame."

I am slightly offended by that but I can't blame him.

We continued eating our breakfast in utter silence but it wasn't awkward at all. I refrained from asking those questions and so are they. We really are just trying our best to get through the day. They badly want me to leave and the feeling is mutual.

And I realized something... My grandfather isn't a big fan on me.

***

We arrived at church just in time and I am internally screaming. It has been years since I attended a mass and I just hope that once I stepped into the church, I don't get burned. We sat right in front of the altar and I can sense that some women are staring at me for my bold choice of skirt. Okay, maybe wearing a short skirt inside the church is a bad idea. It might add up to the sins that I have done in my life.

The mass has started and I am trying my best to not fall asleep right in front of the priest. I looked around and everyone seems to take the mass seriously. I tried pinching myself so that I don't close my eyes but every word that is coming out from the priest's mouth is making me sleepy.

I am slowly closing my eyes and my head is banging back and forth. My head is rested on a person's shoulder. Huh, I'm pretty sure that no one was sitting beside me. I opened my eyes and Antonio is right beside me.

"I hope I didn't wake you up from your nap." He said.

I straightened my posture and I kept my distance from him. I couldn't help but recall what I did last night. I freaking kissed him on the cheek and I ran inside the house like there was no tomorrow.

"Good morning." I muttered. Why is he at church? "Please refrain from talking to me because we're at church." But the truth is; I just want to avoid him.

"I'll talk to you later then." He smiled. Great...

The mass reached to the point where everyone hold hands and sing the 'Our Father' song.

Before I can even react, Antonio held my hand.

I blushed as I realized that this is probably the only time he's going to hold my hand. His hand is warm and mine is sweaty. I felt intimidated that his hand is warmer than mine. He gently pressed my hand and I looked at him. There was a smile plastered on his face. He probably waited for this time to hold my hand.

Praise the Lord for having Antonio beside me.

Hallelujah Indeed.

After an hour of trying not to sleep, the mass has finally ended. We are about to leave the church but Antonio approached me. Grandpa looked at me like he wants me to not interact with Antonio but he is persistent and so am I.

"It's good to see you, Lana." Antonio said. I looked around and there are still young women who couldn't mind their own business. I think this time they aren't bothered by the length of my skirt. I think they are bothered because Antonio's attention was on me.

"Same." I smiled. Where's a fan when I need one? I want to cover my face because I don't want him to see me getting flustered.

"I want to take you to my favorite place in this town." He said. Is he...asking me out on a date?

"Ah-"

"We're going to leave now, General Del Mundo." Grandpa cut me off before I can even say a word. "I suggest you leave too."

"Well, maybe I'll see you later, Lana." Antonio sound disappointed. He went out of the church and I only took a glimpse of his back side.

"Are you trying to change history, Lana?" Grandpa furiously asked. What did I do this time?

"I didn't do anything!" I scoffed. Aside from altering the skirt, I'm pretty much innocent.

"Can't you see? He's attracted to you." He said. What the hell?

"He was just being friendly!" I defended him. Can a man just be friendly without a romantic intention and besides, he barely knows me.

"I know what a man looks like when he likes a girl and I'll tell you this... If his feelings for you will be a hindrance of him fighting in battle, your time will face the consequences."

Grandpa and Clara left me to think about all the decisions that I have made ever since I got stuck on this time. Does my every move and interactions can really change history? Antonio was just trying to be my friend and nothing else but maybe he sees me more than a friend? I shook my head. He barely knows me.

I went out from the church and it was crowded. They all gathered around and were looking at something but I don't know what. So, I got curious and I joined the crowd.

There were corpses lying on the ground. Judging from their clothing, they were Filipino soldiers. They must have gotten themselves in a battle against the Spaniards. Some were crying and mourning for their deaths. I couldn't help but feel sorry that they are stuck in a war they never wanted.

Every day, Filipinos soldiers are dying for our country's freedom but they aren't aware that after the Philippine revolution, the Spaniards will surrender and then we'll be colonized by the Americans.

After the American colonization, we'll be colonized by the Japanese and then, the Second World War will happen.

Antonio saw the corpses lying around the ground. He looked horrified that his soldiers passed away. I wanted to comfort him but I remembered what my grandfather told me a while ago. I shouldn't be involved.

I took a glimpse at Antonio before I left.

***

Five days have passed and I'm still stuck in 1898. Grandpa promised me that he can fix the time machine in just three days but he miscalculated. I have been trying to blend in to the crowd as I try my best not to misbehave and not alter another skirt (or any clothing to be exact).

It has also been five days since I last saw Antonio. I heard that he went to Batanes to avenge his fallen soldiers. I never heard any news about him but it didn't bother me because I know he's going to be fine until the Philippine revolution.

The sun is about to set and I helped Clara set the table. I have been mingling with her and I found out that her sons are now married. Her sons are named Ernesto Jr. and Clarito and they didn't bother to visit her and grandpa. I assured her that in the present time, her family is family oriented and she has a great, great, great, grandson who knows how to respect women.

After eating dinner, grandpa went back to his study room to continue fixing the almost finished time machine. I helped Clara washed the dishes and I admit, I will miss her. I wasn't close to my grandmother because she hates me for being such a rebel.

Clara went upstairs to their room as she was about to sleep and take note... It's still seven in the evening. I went out from the house and I sat under the mango tree. I looked at the stars to clear my thoughts... I will never see such a clear view of the stars ever again. I can barely see the stars in the present time because the sky is too polluted. I'm going to miss this kind of view.

"Hey, Lana..." I looked around and I saw Antonio. He wasn't wearing his usual military uniform. He was wearing camisa de chino and slacked pants. "Why are you outside? It's already late at night."

I smiled.

Antonio's back.

"I just want to clear my thoughts." I said. Antonio sat beside me and he looked up at the sky.

Antonio looked at me. I can see it in his eyes that he's tired from fighting this war. I admit that I am going to miss him and the next time that I'm going to see him, it'll be on his grave stone. I shook my head... I don't want to think about his death.

"The stars are beautiful, isn't it?" Antonio asked. He looked at the stars in the sky and I looked at him.

"Yeah it is." I smiled. This is beautiful.

Chapter 6: I'll See You In My History Book, General

CHAPTER 6: I'll see you in my history book, General

"Do you want to guess her name?" Antonio asked. He decided to take me to his favorite place tonight. It was still early in the evening and I don't mind doing rendezvous on this era.

"Is her name Maria?" I asked. His horse neighed. "I guessed it wrong then."

"Her name is Josefina." Antonio caressed the back of his horse and it stopped neighing. "I guess she doesn't like you that much."

"And you expected me to ride on her back?" I asked.

To my surprise, Antonio brought his horse and he wanted me to climb on Josefina even though I preferred walking.

"She doesn't hate you, Lana." Antonio assured me but I doubted it. He climbed on Josefina's back and he stretched his arm at me. "Come on."

"What if I fall?" I asked. I fear that I might get stomped by his horse. I don't want to leave this era with a horseshoe mark stamped on my face.

"I'll catch you." He said. I rolled my eyes at him. How can he catch me if he's riding on his horse's back? "Do you trust me?"

"Honestly, no." I said. I crossed my arms. I don't want to ride on Josefina's back.

"You're going to wake your grandpa up with all your complaints." He said. I looked at the window on grandpa's room. I don't want him to know that I am with Antonio.

Grandpa already warned me to stay away from Antonio but I couldn't do it.

Am I really risking the present time for a night with Antonio?

Maybe the present time won't change that much.

"Alright...." I grumbled.

Antonio and I rode on the back of his horse. I hugged his back in fear of falling down and getting stomped on. I got terrified at first but I eventually conquered it.

I can sense that Antonio is all tensed up. He took a deep breath. Am I affecting him?

Riding his horse felt like forever but in reality, it has only been ten minutes.

"We're almost there." He said. I sighed in relief. Antonio's horse kept on neighing at me. Josefina isn't a big fan of me. "Can you close your eyes?"

"Do I have to?" I complained.

"Come on now, Lana." He insisted.

"Fine..." I muttered.

I closed my eyes. The cold air touched my skin and I shivered. I heard the sound of crickets nearby and the sound of flowing water. Where are we anyway?

"Open your eyes, Lana."

I opened my eyes and I instantly fell in love with the place. It made sense that this is Antonio's favorite place in town.

He took me to a nearby river where fireflies are around.

The river is crystal clear to the point that I can see fishes swimming around.

The fireflies were flying around and it felt like Christmas came early for me. It was beautiful.

Despite the ongoing war, Antonio found a place to find peace and I'm glad he took me here.

"This place is beautiful." I said in awe.

"Yeah it is." I realized that Antonio was looking at me. I blushed when I realized that he wasn't talking about the place. He was talking about me.

The moon tonight is bright that it made me see Antonio's face clearly despite the lack of light. I smiled. I couldn't help but adore how good looking he can be.

Antonio has been a gentleman. He helped me come down from his horse's back.

We walked around the river for a while. I captured some fireflies and then released them afterwards. I ran around the field too and the fireflies would fly away from me.

I lied down on the ground and Antonio lied down beside me. We look at the fireflies flying around us.

"How'd you find this place?" I asked.

"I am a wanderer, Lana." Antonio said. "When I can't sleep, I wander around town. All my wandering paid off when I discovered this place."

"I bet you bring a lot of girls in here." I said.

"It's only you, Lana..." He smiled and I looked away. I don't want him to see me blushed. I can't believe that he made my heart flustered.

"Smooth words, general." I casually said. I can hear my own heart beating out loud.

Please, heart... Not Antonio.

"I heard that the other town has a bioluminescent bay." Antonio said. "I'll take you there next time."

So, there's a next time? My heart broke a little when I realized that there will never be a next time. The time machine can be done any day by now.

Maybe grandpa is right... I shouldn't have entertained Antonio but I realized that it wasn't for the sake of time...but for the sake of my heart.

We both looked at one another. His eyes were filled with joy but mine were filled with sadness. A part of me wanted to stay in this era but what would my future look like?

I hugged Antonio which caught him by surprise. He hugged me back.

We were lying on the ground with our hands wrapped around one another.

"I'm glad that I met you, Antonio." I said. I closed my eyes and hold him tight. I don't want to let go but I have to. I have to let go of this era and him.

This is a perfect moment to say goodbye but I couldn't.

"I didn't know that you can be emotional, Lana." He chuckled.

"Shut up." I mumbled.

I don't want to say this out loud but Antonio, I wish you a longer life. I know that your death is already written in our history book but I still want you to live longer. If only I can change your history without changing my present...I would do it. I would save you.

I'll miss you, Antonio.

***

Morning came and Clara prepared the table for breakfast.

I sat across my grandpa. I looked at him and there were dark circles under his eyes. He must have pulled an all-nighter just so I can go back to my time.

"Don't think that I didn't know that you were with the general last night." Grandpa glared at me and I looked away.

"Nothing happened, grandpa." I said.

"I didn't ask you if something happened, Lana." He spat back and I froze. I know that nothing happened but why do I feel guilty for spending the night with him?

"Don't be hard on her, Ernesto." Clara placed our meal on the table. "Let's eat."

"At least I don't have to deal with you anymore, Lana." Grandpa said. I looked at him. Please don't say it, Grandpa. "You're going home today."

My heart broke in pieces and I don't know why. Am I sad because I'm leaving this place or am I sad because I'm leaving someone behind?

"Great... I'm going home." I forced a smile at them. "I can't wait to check my social media accounts."

"What's a social...? Ah, never mind." Grandpa shook his head.

We all ate our last breakfast together in silence. I'll miss spending time with them especially Clara. She has been a grandmother to me more than my own grandmother will ever be.

No one dared to say a word but I am aware that they are both relief that I can finally go back to my time.

After breakfast, I changed back to my own clothes that Clara had washed. I know that I am vocal about my hatred on baro't saya but I know that I'm going to miss wearing it.

We all went to the study room. Grandpa got his hands occupied by setting up the time machine while Clara is looking outside the window.

"Antonio is looking for you." Clara said. "He's waiting for you outside."

"Don't even bother, Lana." Grandpa glared at me.

I looked at Antonio through the window. He looked presentable as ever. He was wearing his general uniform.

He was looking around for me. I wanted to approach him but I think it's for the best that I stay put.

At least I get to see a glimpse of him.

So, this is how it's going to be? We won't have a proper goodbye.

I'll see you in my history book, General.

Antonio saw me looking at him through the window. His eyes immediately landed on me. He smiled once he realized that he saw me. I looked away and didn't bother to look back.

"Finally!" Grandpa said. The time machine's screen turned white until I saw Jay. He was looking for me at grandpa's room.

"Where the hell are you, Lana?" Jay annoyingly said. Grandpa and I looked at one another.

"He's my brother and he's named after you by the way." I said.

"I can't believe Mariano named his son after me." Grandpa said in disbelief. He was their estranged father after all. "I hope your brother isn't as curious as you are."

My curiosity led me to 1898.

"He's actually a handful, grandpa." I chuckled.

"Lana, dear..." We both looked at Clara. Her eyes were teary. She must have been crying for a while. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Clara." I hugged her tight and I kissed her cheek.

"You're like the daughter that I never had." She said. I wiped the tears on her face.

"It's time, Lana." Grandpa said.

I took a deep sigh. I looked at them one last time. Grandpa pulled Clara close to him. He comforted his teary wife.

"So this is it." I said.

"I hope you don't mess you own time, Lana." Grandpa said. I smiled at him.

I'll try my best, Grandpa.

He didn't say goodbye and that's okay. Our family isn't a fan of saying goodbyes.

I touched the screen of the time machine and it immediately sucked my hand.

The weird feeling of getting pulled is back at it again but this time, I won't hesitate... I won't fight it.

It's time for me to go home.

***
Hello, readers!

Can't wait for the next update? Well, you can read my other story for the meantime.

It's called The Girl With All Your Thoughts

And yes, I am fond of adding the word 'girl' on my story title.

Enjoy! :)

Chapter 7: I Brought The Most Important Historical Artifact

Hello, guys! If you're wondering why it takes time for me to update the story, I am currently editing The Girl With All Your Thoughts.

But I will make sure that I'll update at least once a week.

Aside from being an amateur writer, I am a Cebu based fashion designer.

Check out my creation on Instagram: allaniegaliposo

And yes, I am promoting myself.

***

CHAPTER 7: I brought the most important historical artifact

Lana...

Lana...

Lana, wake up!

Wake up! Dammit.

Someone has been calling my name. It sounded like he's just somewhere near me.

I opened my eyes but my sight is a bit blurry. How long did I passed out? The pain on my head kept on throbbing.

I opened my eyes again and I started to gain my sight back. I blink a couple of times until I realized that there's a male figure frantically staring right at me.

"God...?" I asked. Did I die? Did my body not survive from time traveling?

"Do you really think highly of me?" He sounded amused.

"Am I in heaven?"

"Are you an idiot?!" He yelled. His voice made my ears hurt. Why is God yelling at me? Are my sins no longer forgivable?  "Do you really think you're going to heaven?"

My eyes widen when I realized that I wasn't talking to God. I was talking to the devil himself.

"Jay!" I stood up but my legs failed me. My brother caught me before I fall down.

"Why the hell did you came out from an arcade machine?!" He scolded me.

"What?" Did Jay just witness time traveling firsthand?!

"And then you brought a guy?!"

"What...a guy?"

"You have some explaining to do, sis." Jay pointed out an unconscious Antonio lying on the floor. Why the hell is he here?!

I pushed Jay away and I approached Antonio. I placed my ear near his chest. I sighed in relief. He's still breathing. He just passed out from time traveling.

"You know I almost pee my pants when I saw you came out from that thing!" Jay said. I can see the panic in his eyes. "You we're gone for two hours, Lana!"

"I've been gone for seven days, Jay!" I yelled back at him. Antonio grunted. His ears must be sensitive to noise right now.

"Sometimes your basic knowledge about date amused me." He sarcastically said.

I suddenly realized that maybe time works differently between the present and the past. Maybe time works faster in the past compared to the present time.

"I don't need your shit right now, Jay!" I yelled. He looked taken aback by my temper.  "I brought the most important historical artifact in Philippine History and he's passed out on a floor that wasn't cleaned for decades!"

"What are you talking about, idiot?!"

"I time travelled!" I frantically said. "And this passed out guy is General Antonio Del Mundo."

"...what?" Jay looked at Antonio and then the time machine. Jay looked confused and maybe a part of him thinks that I'm losing my mind. "So that's not an arcade machine?"

"If you don't want to be travelled back in 1898, I suggest you don't lay a finger on it." I warned him.

"How...how did this happen?" Jay is still in the state of shock like a normal person would do in a situation like this.

"You and I need to talk but not here because mom might lose her shit when she sees Antonio." I said. Antonio and I need to get out of this place. I don't want mom to lose her sanity.

"Cool...cool...cool...no doubt."

"Jay, get your senses back and distract mom!" I snapped my fingers at him but he seems unresponsive.

"Give me some time to process all of this, Lana!"

"Listen..." I stood up and I grabbed Jay's collar. I pulled him close to me. He looked surprised by my strength. "I need to talk to you and Antonio but this is not a good place to talk, okay?"

"Jay? Lana? Are you done cleaning the house?" Mom yelled. She must have been looking for us.

"Go out there and distract mom." I pushed Jay towards the door.

"How do I do that?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Tell her that you knocked someone up."

"Are you trying to make mom disown me?!"

"Seriously?" I glared at him. "You're already disowned."

"How dare you say such hurtful words, sister?" Jay sounded hurt.

"Just go out already!"

"Okay, fine!" He raised his hands in defeat.

"And give me your car keys."

"I hate you." He muttered. I think he already cursed me inside his head a lot of times in a span of fifteen minutes.

Jay went out from grandpa's room and I tried to carry Antonio but he's too heavy. Ugh, how do I do this?!

I looked around the room and an idea just popped in. I grabbed the white cloth that was used in covering the time machine and I lay it down the floor. I pushed Antonio towards it. I'm going to drag this general out of this place and I literally mean it.

"I JUST KNOCKED SOMEONE UP, MOM!" Jay yelled.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Mom yelled back. Well, they were both yelling.

"YOU'RE GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER!"

"YOU ARE AN IRRESPONSIBLE PRICK!"

"OW, MOM! NO STOP IT! IT'S JUST A JOKE! LANA!"

While Mom got occupied by hitting Jay with her slippers, I dragged the unconscious Antonio out of the house. I just hope no one sees me outside or else they might think that I am disposing a dead body.

***

I parked the car at Naga Bay Walk. Maybe I can clear my mind by watching the waves hitting the rocks. Why is this happening to me? I thought that I can go back to my time without worrying that it's going to change but now that Antonio is here... I don't know what might happen next. He needs to go back to his time as soon as he wakes up.

Antonio is still unconscious and I don't know when he's going to wake up.

Jay knocked the car window and I rolled it down. He looked really annoyed at me.

"It's good to know that mom didn't choke you to death, brother." I said.

"She hit me with her slippers, Lana." He sighed in defeat. "It was very traumatic."

"Well aren't you a survivor." I sarcastically said.

"Get out of my car, Lana!" Jay yanked his car door and I glared at him. "We need to talk and explain all of this to me."

"Fine." I said. I went out of the car and Jay took out a pack of cigarettes on his glove compartment. "I thought you quitted smoking."

"It's a stressful day, Lana." He said.

Jay and I talked privately. We went near the shore where no person can overhear our conversation. I explained to him how I ended up in 1898 and with everything that just happened today, it wasn't hard to convince him that I am not crazy. I told him about the time machine, our grandfather, Clara, Antonio, and everything about 1898.

He did panicked for a bit when I told him that we need Antonio back to his time or else our own time will be at risk but eventually, Jay  agreed to help me sneak Antonio back in the house because he said that it'll be a 'heroic' thing to do.

"So, let me get this straight...we're related to Joshua?" Jay asked and I nodded. "Oh, man...he'll be heartbroken once he finds out that we're related."

"Why would he be heartbroken?"

"Come on now, Lana..." Jay scoffed. "It's pretty obvious that he's into you."

"I thought you're dumb enough to not realize that he likes me."

"I'm not that dumb, sis." He nonchalantly said. "It'll be funny when you explain to him that you're going to reject his feelings for you."

"Stop it, Jay." I warned him.

"You'll be like: 'I'm sorry that I can't reciprocate my feelings for you because it's incest.'."

"I said stop it!" I pinched Jay's ear and he groaned in pain. I have no intentions of letting him go.

"Ow! I'm just joking, Lana!" He said. "Do you want my help of not?!"

"Fine!" I stopped pinching Jay's ear and he sighed in relief.

"One day I'll get back at you." Jay said and I mimicked his words.

"Lana?" We turned around and we saw Antonio standing beside the car. He still looked tired from time traveling. I think our bickering woke him up. I approached him and I hugged him. "I'm glad that you're okay."

"What?" I pulled away and I looked at him. What does he mean by that? "Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"You got sucked in by that thing and I tried to pull you back but then, I got sucked in too." Antonio explained. "Where are we?"

"You're in 2019, dude." Jay said.

"And who are you?" Antonio asked.

"I'm Jay... the good looking twin." Jay said.

Antonio looked around his surroundings and then it finally hit him that he's no long in the Spanish era. He looked terrified and I know the feeling.

"Antonio, we need you to go back to 1898." I touched his arm but he pushed my hand away.

"So that's why your grandfather's house is locked...you were trying to go home and you don't want me to find out." Antonio looked horrified by his realizations. "I thought something bad happened to you."

"Did you just...barge in to my grandfather's house because you're worried of me?" I asked.

"Yeah... I broke the door." He apologetically said.

"I'm sorry, Antonio." I said. I didn't know that he was worried.

"You didn't say goodbye to me, Lana." He said. My heart broke when I realized that I have hurt him for leaving without saying a word.

"If I don't say goodbye, it'll be hard for me to go back home." I said. My voice cracked and I hoped Antonio didn't notice it.

Antonio and I didn't say a single word. He's hurt because I betrayed him and now, he's in a time where he doesn't belong.

"This is really dramatic but I hate to tell you guys, but we need to go back." Jay said.

"Right." I cleared my throat. "Antonio, this is really goodbye now."

***

Jay drove us back to grandma's heritage house. Antonio and I didn't say a single word. I know he doesn't want to talk to me and I understand. I no longer want any confrontations. I just want it to be over with.

Jay parked the car just outside our grandma's house. He was about to unfasten his seatbelt but I stopped him.

"What is it now, Lana?" He annoyingly asked.

"I'll go first and check if the coast is clear." I said. "And mom might still be mad that you told her that you knocked someone up."

"It was your idea!" He looked frustrated and I sheepishly smiled at me.

"I didn't know that you'll listen to me!"

"Okay, fine! Go out!" Jay literally shooed me away.

I went inside the house and I looked around for mom. I saw her opening a bottle of wine on the kitchen table. It's good to know that she's distracted because I can easily sneak Antonio back in the house.

I hurriedly went inside my grandfather's room. I looked around and I started to panic. I was only gone for 3 hours to get some senses out of Jay and now, some of my grandpa's stuff is no longer here including the time machine.

Shit.

Shit.

Shit.

What am I going to do?

Chapter 8: If Only The Time Machine Has GPS

Hello, guys! Sorry if it took me a while to update. I was occupied with my job and I had writer's block. Anyhow, enjoy the new chapter!

***

CHAPTER 8: If only the time machine has GPS

I frantically looked for the time machine around the house and to my greatest dismay, I couldn't find it.

Most of grandpa's stuff including his files is missing. How the hell did this happen in a span of three hours?!

"There's my little girl! Jay and I have been looking for you for 7 days!" Mom said. She took a sip of wine straight from the bottle. "What are you looking for, sweetheart?"

7 days? I thought that I was gone for only 2 hours? That doesn't make sense at all.

"Where's grandpa's stuff, ma?" I asked. She must have done something. I mean, she badly wants to get rid of all the stuff that belonged to my grandparents so that she can finally move in.

"What do you mean?" She chuckled. Oh, great...my mom is drunk.

"Where are grandpa's stuff, ma?" I took a deep sigh. I am really trying to be patient. I don't want to lose my temper on her. "You know... Juanito Baldivia..."

"That's not your grandpa, Lana." Mom lightly slapped my arm and then she laughed. "Your brother doesn't look that old."

"This is hopeless." I muttered. How do I get an answer from my drunkard of a mother?

"Some garbage collectors took out your grandpa's stuff because..." Mom paused and the she laughed again. "....it's garbage."

Well, it's good to know that my mom is amused by her own joke.

"Finally..." I sighed in relief. I finally have the answer after tolerating my mother's drunken state.

If the garbage collectors took out all of grandpa's stuff, then the time machine is probably at a dumpsite.

But which dumpsite is it?

"Lana..."

Before I can thank my mother for giving me an idea about the time machine, she surprised me by puking on my clothes.

"Ma...!" I yelled.

***
I went out from the house and I approached my brother. I honestly feel so icky right now.

I pulled Jay's car door and he startled. He looked furious that I harshly pulled his car door but his mood suddenly shifted when he saw my clothes. He started to laugh.

"Did the time machine puked all over your shirt?" Jay jokingly asked.

"Mom did this to my shirt." I said. Before I left, I put my mother on the couch so that she can take a nap and maybe reflect of what she did to my clothes when she wakes up.

"I should have been there when she puked all over you." He sound amused. I rolled my eyes at my brother.

"You know, we have bigger problems than my clothes." I said. I looked at Antonio. He's curled up at the back seat. He seemed to be at peace. He must have fallen asleep while waiting for me to come back.

"Aside from your vomit filled clothes?" Jay raised his eyebrow at me and I punched his arm.

"This is no time for jokes, Jay!" I spat. "The time machine is at a dumpsite."

"How the hell did it end up at a dumpsite?!" He really looked surprised but who wouldn't be? "We were just gone for three hours, Lana!"

I can see the panic in Jay's face. He must have realized by now that the present we know now might not be our present the day or months after if we keep Antonio around.

"I'll tell you everything but now, just drive." I said.

I told Jay about our mother's doings. He didn't hesitate to believe me because after everything that had happened today, searching for a time machine isn't the weirdest news that I have told him.

I just hope that all the mishaps today will lead us to something good and I hope it's the time machine.

If only the time machine has GPS. Our life would have been easier.

***

"Maybe that's how it was designed?" Jay asked.

We stopped by at a dumpsite nearby and we found the time machine but in a bad condition.

I thought luck is on our side because we found the time machine with minimum effort but I spoke too soon...

"The wires are coming out from the screen, Jay! Do you really think its just design?!" I yelled.

The wires are my least problem right now. Some of the inside parts of the time machine are roasted. How the hell did this happen?

"Maybe we can still use this?" Jay picked up some of grandpa's files that were also thrown away all thanks to our mother.

"Give me that." I said. I took the files from Jay. The files contained equations, formulas, and journal entries about the time machine.

"What does it say? ...Because I don't understand science, Lana." Jay asked.

"I don't understand it too." I said. We both looked at one another. Why do I feel like I'm dumb and he's dumber?

"Maybe we can still fix it." Jay said.

"How do we even fix it if we can't even understand science?" I said.

We have a broken time machine for crying out loud and a pair of twins (us) who cannot understand a single thing about science.

"Is everything alright?" Antonio asked. Ah, shit...he woke up.

Jay and I startled. We tried to hide the time machine behind our back but he already saw it.

"I...can explain." I said.

"You don't have to explain." Antonio cut me off. "I know you're doing your best."

And after those words from Antonio, I burst out crying. I feel like I already failed him and yet he still believes in me.

Antonio pulled me towards him which surprised me. He didn't hesitate to comfort me. I should comfort him that I couldn't bring him back to his time and yet, it's the other way around.

"Are you even aware that you look ugly when you cry, Lana?" Jay nonchalantly said. I stopped crying and I gave him a death glare.

I pulled away from Antonio and I slapped Jay's arm. He's such a prick.

"You said that we can fix the time machine but how are we going to do it?" I asked.

We all stared at the broken time machine. Is it really possible that we can fix it?

***

We decided to bring back the broken time machine at our condo unit. It was hard to bring it in our unit without people staring at us like bunch of lunatics. Antonio's appearance didn't help either.

Right now, it's 12:10am. Jay and I couldn't sleep because we were busy doing some research because don't really know much about time travelling. So, we decided to download a lot of time travel movies like Back To The Future and Avengers: Endgame. We also downloaded pdfs about time travelling too. Most of them are just theories that were never applied in real life. All I know about the time fiasco is that if we alter the past, it'll affect the future.

Let's just hope all of our researches are relevant.

I stretched my arm and yawned. I looked at Antonio. He's gazing at the stars at the balcony. He must be thinking a lot of things right now.

I approached and stand beside him. He looked at me and smiled. The cold wind touched my skin and I shivered. Antonio placed his jacket on my shoulder when he realized that it was getting cold for me.

"You know, you should borrow some of Jay's clothes so that you can blend in." I said.

"I see..." Antonio muttered. He seems really occupied by his thoughts.

"Uh... Jay and I decided that it'll be for the best if you change your name while you're here." I said.

We don't want people to find out that he's THE General Antonio Del Mundo because one click away from Google and everyone will find out about him. We also don't want everyone to know about the time machine's existence because at the hands of a wrong person, our time might cease to exist.

But how are we going to fix the time machine? Well, we don't know yet.

"What name do you have in mind?" He asked.

"From now on, your name will be Anthony Edward Garcia." I said. "But we'll call you Tony for short."

"I like it." He smiled at me and it was a relief to see him smile again. "So, we really did have our freedom, huh?"

"You can say that." I said. It's not the right time to tell him that despite our freedom and independence, we are still a puppet to other powerful countries. "And we thank our freedom to all of our heroes including you."

Antonio's smiled turned cold. Did I say something wrong to offend him?

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. He wasn't looking at me. Instead, he was looking at the cars passing by.

"Lana, I was thinking that..." Antonio finally looked at me. He let out a big sigh. "What if I don't go back to 1898?"

"Are you crazy?!" I yelled. Antonio looked surprised that I raised my voice and I also gained my brother's attention. "How could you even say that?"

"Look at your surroundings, Lana! Nothing has changed since I left my time!" Antonio yelled back. Basically we're yelling our frustrations. "Maybe my absence doesn't really change the timeline."

I let go of Antonio's hand and I pressed my temple. All the yelling is giving me a headache.

"Don't you see?! Even a tiny bit of alter on your time will affect the present! So yes, your absence is important!"

"I don't see any changes here, Lana!"

"Why are you acting like this?" I yelled. The rage in Antonio's eyes started to fade away as his expression started to soften. He looked so broken.

"I want to stay." He mumbled.

I am frustrated at Antonio right now. We already have a broken time machine for crying out loud and his tantrums don't even help. Why would he want to stay in our time when in the first place, he doesn't even belong here?

I left Antonio alone. I honestly don't need his bullshit right now.

I approached Jay who was busy watching Avengers: Endgame. I quietly sat beside him.

"So, you guys had a lovers' quarrel?" Jay asked. I didn't say a single word at him. Instead, I glared at him and I punched his arm without any hesitation.

I looked Antonio. He seemed frustrated about our argument. He clenched his knuckles as he continued to gaze at the stars.

I thought that our only problem is fixing the time machine but to my surprise, Antonio's unwillingness to go back is the real challenge.

Chapter 9: The Annoying Rules Of Time Travel

CHAPTER 9: The annoying rules of time travel

"Did you not get some sleep, Jay?" I asked him. He took a sip of black coffee and he looked at me while his eyes are twitching.

"A pleasant morning to you too, sister..." He sarcastically said. I sat across him at the table and I looked at all the files and food scattered around the table.

"I am impressed that you're doing a lot of effort with the time machine than your studies." I said. Jay glared at me. He really looked creepy with the dark bags under his eyes.

"Unlike some other person who went to sleep after her love quarrel with her boyfriend, I did my research." Jay said. I apologetically looked at him. I remembered that I was really frustrated at Antonio that I couldn't think straight. So, I went to sleep.

"He's not my boyfriend, Jay!" I blushed and Jay is just glaring at me endlessly.

"Really...?" He raised his eyebrow at me and snarled. "You can't fool me, sister."

"So, what did you learn from all research?" I asked. I don't want to talk about Antonio. So, I'm diverting the topic.

"I found out that the time travel rules of Back To The Future and Avengers: Endgame are total bullshit." Jay said. He showed me some notes that he wrote down that compared the time travel rules between the two movies and my experience. "Theories that are based from your time travel experience. So, hear me out."

"Knowledge for breakfast...that's cool." I murmured. Well, I do want to know about the rules of time travel.

"Since we are not on an alternate timeline and you went back to this time without any changes, I concluded that the change in the past is not yet catching up to the present time."

"What are you trying to say, Jay?" I asked. I am still trying to catch up all the things that he just said.

"You're an idiot." He grunted. "The dates, days, and months in the past are parallel to ours. The only difference between the present and the past are the years and events."

"Are you trying to say that the date today is also the date in the past?"

"Yes, it's because the present and past time are parallel to one another." Jay said. "Try to catch up, Lana!"

"So, our present time didn't change yet because the last battle of the Philippine Revolution is not yet happening." I said. I am somehow proud that my realization made me sound smart. "If we don't bring back Antonio before the last battle, then the changes will finally catch up."

"Yes! You finally understand!" He sighed in relief.

"But I spent 7 days in 1898 but then when I want back to our time, I was just gone for 2 hours?" I said. Jay's theory can somehow be logical but it contradicts to the tiny fact that I was only gone for 2 hours.

"This is the part where I say that time is tricky and has its limit for change." Jay said.

"Can you explain further?" I begged. Jay rolled his eyes at me.

"I know that I said that our time is parallel to the past and present but I think you were really gone for 7 days."

"But you said I was just gone for two hours." I said.

"Yeah, yeah..." He shrugged. "What if you were really gone for 7 days but when you came back, time moved backwards from the day you were gone and that's why you were just gone for 2 hours?"

"That still doesn't make sense."

"It's still a theory, Lana." He said in a duh tone. "What if time between the present and past moved backwards so that it'll give space for changes that you made while you were stuck in the past?"

"So it's like a refresh then?"

"Exactly!" Jay exclaimed. "I really have these blurry memories that I was tirelessly looking for you for the past 7 days."

"That proves your theory then?" I asked.

"Yes." Jay sighed. He finally finished explaining his theories to me and to be honest, all the things he just said somehow makes sense.

"So, we have three months to fix the time machine before the Philippine revolution."

"It's a small amount of time to fix it but I think we can do it." We both looked at the time machine. It's unpleasant sight to see it broken. "I hate to admit it but we need help."

"We can't trust anybody else, Jay!" I said.

"I know that!" He snarled. "...but Lana, I only have an idea about the time travel theory but I can't fix the time machine."

"Who can we trust than can help us?" I asked.

"We can ask help from Joshua." Jay said.

Oh, right... I almost forgot that he's a quantum physicist. He studied abroad before coming back to Cebu because he wanted to pursue his profession here but to his dismay, no one is taking him seriously.

Well, it turned out grandpa's intelligence and love for science was inherited by the Espinosa family.

"Okay, we'll ask him for help but he's not really an engineer." I said.

"Psh..." Jay scoffed. "I studied mechanical engineering for two years before I shifted to a culinary course, Lana"

"Didn't you fail your subjects?" I asked. He looked taken aback by my question because it's true. He did failed mechanical engineering and was forced to shift to another course.

"At least I got an idea about mechanical engineering." He defended himself.

"Okay, what do you want me to do?" I asked.

"I want you to go to Joshua and convince him about the time machine's existence." Jay said. "And while you're at it, also tell him that we're somehow related so that you won't relative-zone him."

"Are you serious?! That'll break his heart." I said. I honestly don't want him to be heartbroken but it is also unfair for him to not know the truth.

"Well, it's up to you." Jay stood up from his seat and took one last sip of his black coffee. "But, it's better to not complicate things."

"Where are you going, Jay?" I asked. I looked at him from head to toe. Is he serious about leaving the condo with the same clothes he wore yesterday?

"I have school, remember?" He said in a duh tone. "I'm not an unemployed person like you."

"Gee, thanks for pointing that out." I sarcastically said.

"Well, look at that...your boyfriend is awake." I turned around and I saw Antonio standing behind me. "I better get going."

Jay left the condo and I am left behind with Antonio. Well, this is awkward.

I stood up from my seat and I walked towards the fridge and I took out some eggs. Jay didn't bother to make breakfast for us but who am I to complain? He didn't sleep got some sleep.

"Do you...like your egg in sunny side up or scrambled?" I awkwardly asked.

"Uh...what's the difference between the two?" He asked. We both looked at one another until he looked away.

"Scrambled it is..." I mumbled.

We both ate our breakfast silently. We didn't bother to resolve the argument that happened between us last night. I gazed at him by time to time but he didn't bother to look at me. It felt weird that we're not talking to one another because he usually like to talk to me but I guess that after I dissed him for wanting to stay, he probably preferred not to talk.

"Listen..." Antonio finally looked at me and I awkwardly smiled at him. "Is it okay for you that we're going somewhere?"

"Sure..." Antonio coldly replied.

"I know that we had an argument last night but this isn't the right time to resent me." I said.

"Okay." He said.

"You know our time is scarier than yours." I said. He doesn't look convinced. "I don't know why you want to stay."

"Yeah..." He shrugged me off. Great...his reply is limited to one word.

I wanted to get mad at him for resenting me but time is valuable. I don't want to waste my time at him. I pressed my temple and I took a deep sigh. Well, I guess I have to suck it up that we aren't in good terms.

***

We went out from the condo. We walked our way towards Joshua's workplace. It's only just a fifteen minute walk and it'll be a waste of time to commute then be stuck in traffic.

Antonio kept his distance at me. He's walking behind him and based from my calculations, he's five feet away from me.

My phone ringed and I looked at the caller ID.

It's Jay.

Guh... I don't want to accept his call but maybe he's calling me because he probably found out another groundbreaking discovery about time travel.

It is actually a surprise that he isn't really dumb as mother portrays him to be.

"Lana! Did you meet Joshua already?" Jay asked.

"I'm walking towards his workplace, Jay." I rolled my eyes. Jeez, I thought the call is something important.

"Can you walk any faster?"

"Are you really calling me just to tell me to walk faster?" I asked.

"Yes...and I got kicked out from my class because I was late." Jay said. "So, I'll just annoy you."

"Are you kidding me right now?" I am now annoyed by my brother.

I looked at the pedestrian walk signal. It's a green signal. I turned around and nod at Antonio to follow me.

I walked my way across the street. A car kept on honking at me despite the fact that I am at the pedestrian lane. My eyes widen when the car is almost near me. I froze even though I wanted to move and get out of the way but I couldn't.

I heard Antonio calling my name. He pulled me away but we ended up crashing at a nearby food stall. We both crashed but he was injured the most since I was on top of him.

"Antonio! You're bleeding!" I panicked. There is blood dripping from his head.

"Are you okay?" Antonio asked. He was concerned about me instead of himself. His eyes were filled with sympathy that I almost got hit by a car.

"We should take you to the hospital!"

"No...Don't take me to the hospital" Antonio softly said. He grabbed my hand and he pulled me towards him. He hugged me gently. "All that matter is that you're okay."

Everyone started to gather around us but Antonio saving me was all I can ever think of.

He really is a hero after all.

***

I approached Antonio who was sitting at our balcony. I sat beside him and I applied ointment on his wounds. He really saved me from nearly dying and I'm glad that he's alright.

It's too bad that the car that almost hit me got away. The person didn't bother to stop. Maybe he got scared that I might fine him twenty thousand pesos for almost hitting me and technically injuring Antonio.

There are really some pricks that don't stop even though the walk sign is green.

"You know, you don't have to feel bad that I'm injured." Antonio said. He looked at me and smiled. "I've been through worse."

"Right..." I muttered. He fought a lot of successful battles in his life. The wounds from the incident a while ago wouldn't even compete to the scars that he got from the guns and knives.

Antonio wanted to stand up from the seat but he groaned in pain.

"You shouldn't move a lot, Antonio." I said. It's already unbearable to see him in a situation like this. "Anyways, thank you for saving me a while ago."

If it wasn't for him, I would probably end up at the emergency room.

"You're welcome." He said.

"So, now do you believe me that my time is scarier than yours?" I asked.

"I do believe you, Lana." He said. "Your time is as cruel as mine."

"Then why won't you want to go back to 1898?" I asked.

"Truth is, Lana...I don't want to die." He took a deep sigh. I looked at him and he looked broken. "I didn't want you to know that one of Philippines' heroes is a coward."

"Antonio..."

"I shouldn't be selfish, right? But for my entire life, I've been fighting for our freedom and I never think of myself." He sighed. "You know, I've hoped that I'd live a good life after the Philippine revolution but finding out that I'll die, it scared me."

"I'm sorry for telling you about your fate." I apologetically said. I am trying my best to not cry in front of him but tears are starting to fall down from my eyes. We wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for me. Time wouldn't be at risk of change if it wasn't for me.

"It would have been better if I didn't know." He said and I felt guilty. "But then again, I'm glad that you told me because I can live my life to the fullest before I go back to the past and die."

"Hey..." I squeezed his hand gently. I guess the bravest person can be the most vulnerable. "You're awesome."

"I know." Antonio smiled and he squeezed back my hand. "While we still have to fix the time machine, can I enjoy my life as a millennial adult named Anthony?"

"Of course..." I chuckled. He wiped the tears on my face. "Live a life that you always wanted, Anthony."

Antonio tangled his hand on mine and I rested my head on his shoulder.

Live a good life until it's time to go back to 1898.

Chapter 10: Does The General Have Your Heart, Lana?

CHAPTER 10: Does the general have your heart, Lana?

"Damn it, sister! Wake up!" Jay yelled in my ears. My eyes are still shut and I still badly want to go back to sleep but he won't stop until I entertain him.

Yesterday has been eventful since Anthony saved me from a car accident but he ended up getting injured instead.

I haven't processed everything that had happened yesterday and I just want to get some more damn sleep but Jay is being an annoying prick.

I opened my eyes and I saw the sight of my brother frantically looking at me.

"What do you want?" I angrily asked.

"Will I be infertile? I electrocuted myself." He embarrassingly said.

"Did you tinker the time machine, didn't you?" I asked and he looked at me filled with regret. "How many times were you electrocuted, Jay?"

"I got electrocuted twice today... I think?" He sounded unsure. I pressed my forehead. This is already too much to process and it's still early in the morning.

"Why would you even do that...?" I scolded him. I can't believe that he managed to tinker the time machine behind my back.

"I had to do something while you talk to Joshua but to my dismay, he doesn't know yet about the time machine's existence." Jay said.

"Maybe you have forgotten already but Antonio got injured while we were on our way to his workplace." I said. I already told him about the accident last night but I think he didn't listen to me. "But I am going to meet Joshua later and while I'm away, please do not tinker the time machine."

"Fine..." He mumbled. "Now will I be infertile?"

"Aren't you infertile to begin with?" I raised my eyebrow at him and his eyes widened.

"How will I ever continue the Baldivia family name if I'm infertile?" He hysterically said and I just laughed at him. "You can't continue our bloodline too because you'll die an old maid."

"Hey!" I lightly slapped his arm and Jay stuck his tongue out. "That's so mean of you."

"You're not the only one that can be mean, Lana." He cockily said. "Eh... I'll probably fine. I only got electrocuted twice anyway."

"Well now that you're done being hysterical, can you do me a favor?" I asked.

"I don't know..." He touched his chin and pretended to think about my favor that I didn't say yet.

"It's about Anthony." I said. He's still sleeping soundly at the sofa thanks to the sedatives that I gave him for his wounds. "Can you give him a good time while I'm away?"

"Does the general have your heart, Lana?" He asked and I looked stunned by his question. Why would he suddenly ask me that? I am just concerned about it and it doesn't mean that he has my heart. That's so cheesy even for me.

"What... No... Why would you say that?" I stuttered and Jay doesn't look convinced.

"I never think of you as a caring person." He said. "I've known you my entire life and the Lana I know only cares about herself."

Does he really think of me that way? He really thinks of me as a self-centered person?

"Well I've matured!" I said. "Now can you please give him a good time? You can teach him how to play the Nintendo Switch."

"I'll show him how to swipe right on Tinder." Jay winked at me and I pinched his ear. "Ow! Lana!"

"Don't even bother teaching him how to use Tinder." I warned him.

"You're not here to stop..." I cut him off by throwing a pillow on his face. I can't deal with Jay right now because I need to go. I don't want to waste time.

***

I arrived at the University where Joshua is working. It's a surprise that he decided to work at my Alma mater. I have a lot of memories here while I was still a college student. I used to hook up with my ex-boyfriend behind the trees and inside the chapel. We did it a lot.

May the Lord forgive me for the fornication I did right in front of him.

I went inside the hall where Joshua is preparing for his class. I have never thought of him that he'll end up being a professor teaching physics class to senior high school students. I always thought that he'll become a well-respected scientist with a groundbreaking discovery but maybe it's not his time yet.

"I wonder how many students are fantasizing Prof. Espinoza." I chuckled. Joshua got caught off guard when he saw me standing in front of him.

Joshua paused from preparing his things and he went down the platform to approach me.

"You'd be surprised that a lot of my students have a crush on me." Joshua smiled. I know that he felt glad to see me since that last time he saw me, I was at the police station. "It's very unusual of you that you're visiting me at my workplace, Lana."

"Well, I have lots of time." I said. I am unemployed after all.

"So, what brings you here? Unless you went here because you miss me?" Joshua cockily said. I lightly slapped his arm and he pretended that he got hurt. "Is that how you treat your best friend, Lana?"

"I actually have something important to tell you." I said.

"Well, you can tell me now. I have..." Joshua paused and he looked at his watch. "30 minutes before my students arrive."

I looked around to make sure that no one is around except us. To my glee, no one is around. I took out the files from my bag and I gave it to Joshua.

"Those are some of my late grandpa's files." I said. Joshua already looked curious about it. "It's hard to explain everything right now but you have to believe me."

"You should know by now that I always believe in every word you say, Lana. No matter how ridiculous it is." Joshua said. I handed over the files to him. He opened the files and scanned the pages. "I haven't seen these equations before."

"The files are the key on building a time machine." I took a deep sigh and I prepared myself for Joshua's reaction but to my surprise, he seemed calm. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"Are you sick?" Joshua placed his hand on my forehead and I pushed it away.

"I'm not sick!" I yelled at him. He said he's going to believe but now he just thinks that I'm sick? "I travelled back in time and now I have a little problem that needs your help."

"Okay..." Joshua chuckled. "What do you need me for?"

"I want you to help me fix the time machine." I said.

"Hold on...you said that these files are the key on building a time machine...so, does this mean that an actual time machine exists?" Joshua asked and I nodded. He looked at me in disbelief. "You time travelled too? And now the time machine is broken?"

"Yes." I sighed.

"Did you eat a pot brownie, Lana? Because I told you to never buy it again." Joshua scolded me and I scoffed.

"I'm not high, Josh!" I lightly punched him on his arm. "It seems that you're not taking me seriously."

"I'm a scientist, Lana...but I know that time travel is deemed impossible to happen."

"Then I better get going." I disappointingly said. I took the files from Joshua's hands and I was ready leave the hall but he grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry." He apologetically said. "It takes time for me to process all the things that you said."

"Please believe me, Joshua" I begged.

"Come here..." Joshua pulled me closer to him and it made me drop the files. He wrapped his arms around me and he slowly swayed me. "I'll believe you but only if you show me proofs about the time machine."

I looked up at him and he's already looking at me.

"Come to my place tomorrow and I'll show you. I'll explain everything to you too." I said. I'll tell him about Antonio and our family tomorrow. I don't know how he'll handle the truth about us.

"I'll check my schedule." He jokingly said. "But I'll be there."

I rested my head on his chest and we swayed despite the lack of music. I can feel the beat of his heart syncing to mine.

"Lana...?"

"Hmm..."

"If given the opportunity, I'll definitely go back to the past." He said.

"What is it for?"

"I want to take you to our graduation ball." Joshua said. We looked at one another. His eyes are staring mine. He touched the strands of my hair and placed it behind the ear. "And I'll be your date."

I was quite a rebellious during high school. It was my way of showing my parents that they should not set high expectations of me.

I ended up suspended for a month and I wasn't allowed to attend the graduation ball to Joshua's dismay.

"I think swaying with you right now is better than a stupid dance at our graduation ball." I said.

"Why?" He asked.

"...because this is more intimate." I said. Joshua's cheek turned red and I couldn't help but feel flustered about what I just said.

"You're right." He planted a kiss on my forehead and somehow, it felt right.

To be with Joshua made me forget that I am related to him. I wanted to pull away because I know it isn't right but I couldn't.

If I could turn back the time, I want to not know that Joshua and I are related. I want to be oblivious about everything and maybe, I can have a future with him.

But I just couldn't turn back the time and erase my memories. It'll forever haunt me that there will be a day that Joshua will no longer stay by my side because he might rather be a stranger than to be related to someone he loves.

And the thought of it scared me.

It's painful to think that we are both suffering from the consequences from grandpa's infidelity and Joshua doesn't even know it yet.

I know that I'm going to tell him eventually about our grandfather but will I have the courage to do it?

I really don't want to lose a best friend. 

Chapter 11: He's Basically An Oldie Inside A 30 Year Old Body!

CHAPTER 11: He's basically an oldie inside a 30 year old body!

"I can't believe our professor has a girlfriend!"

Joshua and I turned our attention to his students who were in utter shock that we're wrapped around in each other's arms. I pulled away from Joshua and he straightened his posture while I felt embarrassed that his students saw us being intimate together.

I hope it doesn't get Joshua get into trouble. I mean, this is a catholic university after all. It is frown upon to have any forms of public display of affection inside the university premises.

"I better get going, Josh." I shyly said.

"I'll see you around tomorrow, okay?" Joshua said and I smiled at him.

"What's going to happen tomorrow between you two?" A nosy student said. She crossed her arms and she couldn't stop glaring at me. I guess she's one of Joshua's admirers.

"Well, aren't you a nosy bitch." I said. She looked taken aback on what I said while Joshua looked stunned.

"Okay, you better leave now before you get me into trouble." Joshua said. He literally pushed me towards the door and I couldn't help but laugh a bit. This is quite amusing to me.

Joshua returned to the platform and I watched him explain to his eager students that I'm just his best friend. I smiled at him one last time before I left the place and I'm pretty sure his attention was on me the entire time I was there.

***

I arrived at the condo feeling wearily tired. I placed all the things at the coffee table before I collapsed at the sofa. I looked around the place and I don't see Antonio. He isn't even at the balcony like he usually does. I wonder where he is.

I approached Jay who was tinkering again with the time machine even though I warned him not to touch it again without Joshua but I guess he disregarded my warning. Well, it isn't my problem if he gets electrocuted again.

I was standing in front of him and he completely ignored me. What the hell, brother?

"Care to explain to me why Antonio isn't around?" I asked.

"You don't have to worry about him, Lana." Jay calmly said. He didn't bother to look at me because he's too occupied with the time machine. I pretended to cough and it caught his attention. "But if you're worried, he's at a restaurant across the street."

"You didn't feed him?" I asked.

"I feel offended by that statement, Lana." He scoffed. "You know I don't know how to cook."

"Then why would he be there?" I asked. It's very unlikely of Antonio to go out at the condo without me or Jay with him.

"Antonio is on a date, Lana." Jay calmly said.

"WH-what...?" I can feel my eyes twitching when he mentioned that THE Antonio Del Mundo is on a date. "Do you know the woman he's seeing?"

"I don't know..." Jay shrugged. "She's a girl from Tinder."

"A girl from Tinder...?" My voice cracked while I said the horrendous app out loud while Jay laughed at me. "Why would he go out on a date with a girl from Tinder?"

I know that Anthony doesn't know a damn thing about smartphones and dating apps. For damn sake, he's basically an oldie inside a 30 year old body!

"Jealousy suits you, Lana." He chuckled. "Don't worry I gave Antonio my spare of condoms."

"Why would you do that?" I yelled at him but it didn't surprised Jay. "He doesn't even know how to put it on!"

"There are no condoms in 1898?" Jay asked.

"Why do you think our great, great, great, grandparents had twelve children, huh?"

"Right..." Jay said. "Anyways, you're the one who told me to help Antonio live his life to the fullest, remember? I told him to try a dating app that can get him laid."

"And he agreed to you?!"

"Nope..." He spat. "I just insisted him to try the dating app and did you know that he's a virgin?"

"That's it!" I stood up from my seat and I grabbed my bag and I went out from the condo leaving Jay behind.

It's time to fetch Antonio before he figures out how to put the condom.

***

I went inside the restaurant looking like a mad woman looking for its prey. Everyone looked at me like I'm sort of a lunatic. I looked around the room until I saw Antonio sitting at the corner of the restaurant with a menu on his hand. Just like everyone else, his attention diverted on me.

I felt a sigh of relief that I did not see a woman sitting across Anthony. She must have stood him up or something.

I approached Anthony and I sat beside him. I smiled at him and pretended that I don't feel embarrassed that I made a dramatic entrance at the restaurant.

"So...where's your date?" I tried to ask him like I'm totally cool at the idea of him going on a date but my voice made a hoarse sound.

"What do you mean, Lana?" Antonio looked confused. We were staring at each other and honestly, I am also confused. So, he doesn't have a date after all?

"Damn it, Jay." I muttered. Realization hit me like a brick once I figured out that my brother tricked me into believing that Antonio is on a date in which clearly, he isn't.

I felt so jealous when I was thinking that Antonio is seeing a woman but to my surprise, I am the woman!

"Are you also here to try their sisig?" He asked. "Jay told me they have the best sisig in here."

Sisig is a popular Filipino dish. Its ingredients are minced pork, chopped onion and chicken liver.

"Hold on...you went here to try sisig?" I asked and he nodded.

"I'll be honest that I'll die earlier from hunger than the war itself, Lana." Antonio said. "I don't know how to use your stove and so does Jay."

"Right..." I shrugged. "We're going to need a beer for the sisig."

"Are you alright?" He hold my hand and I don't know how to feel. It felt like my emotions are being played today and it isn't fun at all.

"It's a rough day for me, Antonio." I dramatically said.

Three hours had passed by and we are already on our 5th bottle of beer respectively. I can feel that I'm already getting drunk and the room couldn't stop swirling.

"This would be your last bottle, okay?" Antonio said. He looked worried that I might lose balance and passed out but you know... I can handle my alcohol tolerance.

"Definitely..." I sarcastically said. "So, ask me anything."

"Are you sure? You don't look so good." He said. "Let's go back to the condo."

"No!" I yelled. "I'm totaaally fine...now ask me."

"Okay...if you insist." Antonio looked unsure. "Is this how your generation takes a girl out on a date?"

I looked at him and laughed. Is Antonio serious about his question? Why would he even ask a non-sense question?

He looked serious about the question and so, I stopped laughing.

"I actually don't know how our generation takes a girl out on a date, Antonio." I said. I stared blankly at him as I remember my failed and toxic relationships. "Honestly, I think I never went out on a real date unless you consider hooking up in a public place a date."

"You haven't been on a real date?" He asked and I just embarrassingly smiled at him. "Why?"

"I don't take relationships seriously and the guys I used to date don't take me seriously either." I said.

You see, I witnessed the toxic relationship of my parents for twenty five years and I thought to myself that maybe love is just bullshit. Maybe love is just an illusion for people to have a reason to live. Ironically enough, all the guys I dated are toxic.

"If given the chance, what would be your ideal date?" He asked.

"Nobody asked me that before." I said. Antonio's attention was on me and I could feel my cheeks turning red. I felt flustered by the way he looks at me. It felt warm...and nice. "But if you insist, my ideal date would be at a province and we'd stay at a bahay kubo for the whole night while we talk about...our feelings."

It's good to have a city life to an extent but it can be toxic sometimes especially the people. I'd love to be away from all the toxicity and spend an entire day at the province with the person I love because I feel like life if simpler when it's just the two of us.

"You should have stayed in 1898 then." He chuckled. "There are lot of provinces and bahay kubos in my time."

"Yeah..." I smiled. I don't want to admit to Antonio but I considered the firefly watching that we did together as my first and real date. "I'd love to go to the southern part of Cebu and rent a bahay kubo for the entire night."

"Maybe we can do that while I'm still here." Antonio said.

"Yeah...maybe we can." I smiled. This is probably my first time being honest and completely raw with someone. I don't know if it's the alcohol or is it because of the person that I am with? Either way, it felt nice to be honest once in a while. "Now it's my turn to ask."

"What do you want to know?" He asked.

"What's your ideal girl?" I asked and Antonio flustered. I teased him for getting flustered. "Don't tell me the great general couldn't answer the question."

"I don't have an ideal girl actually." He said. "But I do have someone I like."

"Who...?" I curiously asked. It wasn't written in our history book about his love life. Maybe the author forgot to write it down.

"You..." Antonio gazed into my drowsy eyes. His face turned completely red and I think he can't handle his alcohol tolerance unlike me.

"Why would you want me to answer the question? I'm the one who's asking." I said. Antonio looked at me and felt a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but smile at me.

"You're right..." Antonio chuckled. He put his hand closer to mine until our little fingers touched each other. "No more beer for you, okay?"

"Okay, let's order another round of beer!" I said in glee.

"Lana! No!" Antonio stopped me from ordering and I laughed.

The entire night became a complete blur to me but at least I had a good time.

Chapter 12: The Two Men In My Life

CHAPTER 12: The two men in my life

I woke up feeling nauseated. I looked around my room and it's a mess and I reek of alcohol. I guess I couldn't handle my own alcohol tolerance after all. I stood up from my bed and I can still feel the taste of the alcohol in my tongue. I looked at my bed sheets and it had an awful smell. I guess I vomited on it last night.

How the hell did I end up in my room? I didn't remember going back to my condo. I think I passed out because I couldn't remember a thing.

"Lana! Someone is here!" Antonio yelled. I think he's yelling from the living room. Ugh, can people stop yelling my name early in the morning? I looked at my wall clock and it's actually noon already. Well, it isn't early after all.

"Tell him to shoo away!" I yelled back. Ugh, I can still feel my head throbbing. I am never going to drink again...maybe.

"He said that his name is Joshua Espinoza!" Antonio yelled again. My eyes widened when I realized that I totally forgot that I told Joshua yesterday to come over to my place today. I hurriedly went out from my room and I saw Joshua standing outside the condo. Antonio blocked the entrance for him. "Isn't he Ernesto's-?"

"Ah! Joshua!" I cut Antonio off. I nervously smiled at both of them. Okay, I didn't think it through. I didn't think of them that they'll be at the same room together. "It's such a pleasant to see you here."

"Well, you told me yesterday to come over." Joshua said. He and Antonio are staring at one another. "For a second, I thought I knocked at the wrong condo unit but who is he?"

"He's...he's the proof." I stuttered. When I looked at Antonio and Joshua, I can really say that there is tension building up between them.

Why do I feel like they aren't fond of each other? The two men in my life should get along if they want this teamwork to work.

"A proof...?" Joshua studied Antonio's appearance from head to toe until his attention diverted at the time machine. "And what is that?"

"...that's also another proof!" I nervously said.

Joshua completely disregarded Antonio's existence as he casually walked passed by him.

"Is this the time machine you're talking about?" Joshua asked. He studied the appearance of the time machine.

"Yes..." I sighed. "As you can see, it's roasted."

"What happened?" Joshua curiously asked.

"It actually got roasted after I followed Lana back to her time." Antonio butted in. I always wondered how it got roasted but I didn't know that it was already roasted when Antonio and I arrived. He apologetically looked at me for not telling me about it before. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner about it. It slipped my thoughts."

"You don't need to say sorry, Antonio." I said. I understand him that he completely forgot to tell me because he's overwhelmed about the fact that he's in 2019.

"You followed Lana back to her time? Does that mean that you're not from our time?" Joshua asked Antonio.

"I'm from 1898 and I'm General Antonio Del Mundo." He proudly said. Joshua stayed quiet for a while and I know he's still processing everything that he just found out. I hope handles it smoothly unlike Jay on the other hand.

"You see, I need to bring Antonio back to his time and the time machine is broken." I sheepishly said.

"I'm sorry I doubted you, Lana." Joshua apologetically looked at me. He held my hand and he lightly squeezed it. "I really thought you ate a pot brownie."

"That was 10 years ago, Josh!" I scolded him. "Just move on already."

"Is holding her hand necessary though?" Antonio asked. He crossed his arms and I can feel the tension boiling between them again. What is up with him?

Joshua glared at Antonio for a second until his attention went back to me.

"So, what do you want me to do?" Joshua asked.

"I want you to-"

"We no longer need your help, Josh." Jay butted in our conversation. Our attention diverted on him. He just woke up from his sleep and yet he managed to sound cocky.

"What did you do to the time machine this time, Jay?" I glared at him.

"I fixed it, of course!" He cockily said. "It was really just easy."

I am completely dumbfounded by him right now. He can't be serious, right?

"In what way did you fix it?" I said.

"I replaced the roasted wires to new ones and I connected it to its ports." Jay confidently said. "Do you guys want me to turn it on?"

"No." We all said unison.

"I'll take it as a yes." Jay completely ignored our protest. He approached the time machine and put the socket into the outlet.

"You stay behind my back, Lana." Joshua said. He guarded me with his body in case the time machine blows us all up.

I looked at Antonio and he looked bothered that I am behind Joshua. He clenched his knuckles and he diverted his attention to the time machine.

I grabbed Antonio's arm and I pulled him near me until he is behind my back.

"What are you doing, Lana?" He asked.

"No one is going to die today especially you." I said. The cold heart expression on Antonio's face started to soften and I guess it's because I indirectly told him that I care for him.

"You guys are all being ridiculously dramatic." Jay snickered.

We all looked at the time machine. The screen started to turn white until an image of a familiar place started to appear.

"That's grandpa's study room!" I yelled.

"Why does that place look oddly familiar?" Joshua said. I nervously looked at him. He might figure out it's his great, great, grandpa's room.

I was about to approached Jay but Joshua stopped me.

"What are you doing, Josh?" I asked.

"Stay put, Lana." He said.

"Oh you guys are being a bunch of pussies!" Jay teased us.

I noticed a funky smell coming out from the time machine. It's like a smell of a rubber being burned. I suddenly realized that the inside of the time machine is on fire.

"Jay!" I yelled. His eyes widened when he saw black smoke coming from the time machine. He hurriedly ran towards his room.

The red flames came out from the time machine and the noise of metals getting burned made a combustion noise.

Joshua hurriedly grabbed the fire extinguisher near the main door while Antonio did not hesitate to protect me with his body. He wrapped his arms around me and he covered my eyes with his hand so that I couldn't see what's going on.

My legs are trembling in fear and my mind is intoxicated with negative thoughts. What's going to happen now?

"I will never allow you to be hurt." Antonio whispered in my ears.

I can hear the sound of the fire extinguisher being used and the combusting sound of metals that exploded. The smoke from the time machine activated the sprinkler and the fire alarm. In just a split second, we were all wet.

"I'm here to protect you, Lana." Antonio softly said.

His words and warmth made me hope that it's going to be alright and being wrapped around his arms made me feel protected and cared.

"It's over." Joshua sighed in relief. Antonio let me go and he uncovered my eyes. I looked at the horrendous sight of the time machine. It can no longer be fixable.

"What are we going to do?" I said. I sounded defeated and hopeless. How can we possibly turn back the time now?

***
Everyone evacuated the building and our neighbors weren't happy at all. The fire truck and ambulance arrived at the scene too. The nurses also took care of us because we inhaled toxins from the smoke.

I looked at Joshua who was getting treated. It turned out that he got his right arm burned while he was extinguishing the fire.

I felt bad for including him on a problem that I started.

Jay approached me and he really felt bad about everything that had happened. I am honestly frustrated at him right now but after everything that is going on, I am tired.

"I'm sorry." Jay apologetically said. I completely ignored him. "Based from the investigation, the fire was caused by a short circuit inside the time machine."

I didn't say a single word at him. He doesn't deserve my forgiveness. I know that he was trying his best to help but for damn sake, I told him not to tinker it anymore! If he would have listened to me, this wouldn't happen!

"I really am sorry, Lana."

I looked away from Jay until he decided to walk away. I have no intention of talking to him tonight.

As soon as he left, I cried all of my frustrations. For crying out loud, we no longer have a time machine.

Antonio saw me crying and he did not hesitate to approach me. He pulled me closer to him and I continued crying on his chest. He didn't say a single word but instead, he softly grazed my back with his hand. He kissed the top of my head by time to time as I continue crying it all out.

Joshua approached us and I pulled away from Antonio. He looked dismayed that I pulled away.

I wiped my tears with my shirt and I tried to put a brave face but I couldn't.

"How's your arm, Josh?" I asked.

"It's going to be fine." He assured me. "You don't have to worry about me."

"That's a relief." I said.

"The firemen collected some of your stuff." Joshua said.

Despite owning a condo unit, the building owner decided that it'll be the best to move out for the mean time while my unit is being renovated but if he's truly being honest, he wants me to move out for the sake of the safety for the tenants.

I no longer have a place to call home.

"They actually handed over some files to me and it's the same files that you showed me yesterday." Joshua added.

"It's the files about the time machine." I said.

"Hey..." Joshua cupped my chin and I looked at him. I can see the sincerity and care in his eyes. "Everything is going to be alright."

"How can you say that? We no longer have a time machine, Josh."

"You still have me." He smiled. "We're going to build our own time machine."

Chapter 13: We're Going To Do It On An Eco-Bike?

CHAPTER 13: We're going to do it on an eco-bike?

I looked around the abandoned house that used to be a place where our family lived and pretended that we're okay. When we realized that our family is downright messed up, our home wasn't longer a home.

Gosh, I sound so emotional and it's sickening to think about it.

But I couldn't help but think about my parents. They did not even bother to ask how I'm doing. I know that they heard the news about what happened to my place but they're too occupied with their own issues and self-discovery that they fully forgot that they have kids together.

"Yeah, my condo is better." I said.

The house is filled with spider webs and furniture covered in white clothing. Don't even get me started with the torn out wallpaper and the stained tiles.

"Well, you don't have much of a choice now." Joshua said. He placed the boxes filled with my stuff at the old coffee table. "But this is a lowkey place to build a time machine."

"You're right." I said. As much as I want to go back to my condo, it isn't an ideal place to build a time machine and it's also under renovation.

Joshua explained to me that if we're going to make a time machine, it'll require a big amount of voltage. If we ever do it in my condo, we might cause trouble. The building might lose its electricity because of us and I might be homeless.

So, we decided to build it on my family's abandoned house. Nobody will bother us here and we also have our own generator since blackout used to be frequent when I was a kid.

"I guess you had a good childhood when you lived here?" Antonio asked. He was also helping Joshua with the boxes.

"Yeah, sure..." I shrugged. If you consider infidelity of my father to my mother a good childhood memory, then yeah it is.

"I can help you fix the house and maybe someday, you'll call it your home again." Antonio said.

"Yeah... I like how optimistic you are but I'll have to say no." I said. No one in the right mind would want to live here again after witnessing my parents' failed attempt of saving our family from self-destruction.

Even Jay would disagree to Antonio but he isn't here to tell his opinion.

It has been 3 days since the fire incident and I have no idea about Jay's whereabouts. He didn't bother to call or text me because he knows that I need space from him.

Jay is aware that I am truly angry and disappointed when I don't say a word. I am at my angriest state when I'm quiet and he respects that.

"Anyways...you can stay at Jay's old room, Antonio." I said.

"Wouldn't Jay mind?" Antonio asked.

"We don't need his validation." I snapped. Both Joshua and Antonio looked at one another like they're communicating telepathically.

"I know Jay made a mistake but I think we need him." Joshua said and Antonio agreed.

I rolled my eyes at them. Do they really want to see my bad side?

"Oh, yeah...? Do you also want this place to be burned down too?" I angrily said.

"Lana that's not-"

"I worked hard to get a place that Jay and I can finally call a home and you know that." I said to Joshua. "Now, I don't have a home and for damn sake, we can't bring Antonio back to 1898 because the time machine got burned down!"

"Hey..." Joshua grabbed my hand and he pulled me close to him. I rested my head on his chest while his hand tousled my hair. "I'm here for you..."

I looked at the corner of the room where Antonio was standing. His eyes were staring blankly at us and somehow, I feel like he doesn't like what he see.

I pushed Joshua away which surprised him. Did I really push him to protect Antonio's feelings?

"I'm fine." I mumbled. Joshua doesn't look convinced. "Enough about Jay already and let's build a time machine before time catches up."

***
"Have you ever wondered how the time machine worked, Lana?" Joshua asked.

We're lying down on the grass at the backyard while we did the impossible...we counted how many the stars are tonight.

Both Joshua and Antonio did not bother me about Jay. They respected me for not forgiving him just yet.

We spent the afternoon fixing some parts of the house to make it livable for both Antonio and I. Now, we're exhausted and Antonio is passed out at the living room. I took a picture of him sleeping though.

"I never thought of it actually." I said. I'm aware that it travels you back to the past and present but not once did it bother me how it functions.

"Based from Stephen Hawking, wormholes are everywhere and it exists." Joshua said

"And what about these wormholes...? What purpose do they serve?" I asked.

"Well, it means that there are tiny tunnels or shortcuts through space and time that constantly forms, disappears and reform within the quantum world." Joshua said. He opened his phone and showed me about Stephen Hawking's article of time travel. "It creates two separate places and two different times."

"Did the article explain how to build a time machine?" I asked.

"Well...no." He sheepishly said. "But I read another article on how to build a time machine."

"And what does it say?" I curiously asked.

"In 1974, Professor Frank Tipler published a paper about time machine. He said that in order to make one, we should buy a large cylinder like around 100 km long. It should also need to be at least the mass of the sun but are densely packed together." Joshua said.

He further explained to me that the cylinder should be rotating faster and faster until it disturbs both space and time. He then related it to Stephen Hawking's theory. As the cylinder rotates faster and faster, it would detect the wormholes.

But then again, it is also impossible to make because it is worth billions of dollars.

"You know, the time machine will probably cost our kidneys and heart." I said.

"We don't need to sell our organs, Lana." Joshua said. "I studied your grandpa's files and apparently, his theories and equations are both similar to Hawking and Tipler."

"So, our organs are safe." I jokingly said.

"Your grandpa is quite brilliant because instead of using a cylinder, he used an old arcade machine."

Joshua added that one of grandpa's equations is the key on identifying the wormhole without the need of an object to rotate in a higher speed.

Now we have to figure out the right equation needed. I have a feeling that it'll take time for us to figure it everything out.

Every time he mentions grandpa, it reminded me that he is still blinded by the truth and I am still a coward for not being honest. I felt guilty all the time but I just couldn't tell him.

"So, we'll try all of the equations until we get the right one?" I asked and Joshua nodded. "I was afraid that you're going to agree."

"I just hope we don't run out of time." Joshua said. Days has gone by already and we are already getting closer to the day of Antonio's tragic death. If he still remains in our present time after his supposed death day, our history will be rewritten.

"So, what do stuff do we need in order to build a time machine?" I asked. Joshua looked at me and grinned. By the looks of it, he already has a thing in mind.

"We need an eco-bike and a lot of batteries." He said.

"We're going to do it on an eco-bike?" I realized that my question sounded inappropriate but Joshua didn't mind. Instead, he just smiled at me.

"Yeah, you heard me right." Joshua said. I looked at him in disbelief. He must be kidding, right? Or maybe he needs to get some rest.

"Do you really think that we can make a time machine out of a slow ass eco-bike?" I sounded displeased and he's aware of it.

"Your grandpa made a time machine out of an arcade machine, Lana." Joshua said. "An eco-bike wouldn't be a problem."

I paused as I think about my grandpa's invention. Anything can probably be turned into a time machine with the right equation and materials.

"Point taken..." I said. I can see the satisfaction in Joshua's face when he realized that I agreed on him. "So, what are we going to do about it?"

Joshua explained to me that we needed a rechargeable eco-bike so that we can charge it to its maximum capability or even more. We need it to be powered by a big amount of voltage in order for it to achieve.

We will then test the eco-bike's speed and it should be more than its speed limit until it reaches its breaking point and through it, we can finally detect the wormhole.

Joshua's idea sounded absurd but I know that it's the kind of idea that will make our grandpa proud.

***
I went inside the house while Joshua remained outside. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts as he wanted figure out all the equations in grandpa's notes.

I saw Antonio sitting at the sofa while reading a biography book about him. It slipped my mind that mom used to own a lot of biography books. I pretended to cough and it caught his attention.

"Hey Lana... I woke up to pee and now I couldn't sleep." Antonio said.

"Isn't it kind of vain that you're reading a biography book about yourself?" I asked.

"Believe it or not, I'm reading this book so that I can go back to sleep." He said.

"Is your biography really that boring?" I asked. I sat beside him and I scanned the pages of the book.

"It's not only boring, Lana but its also unreliable." He sounded disappointed.

"It's pretty reliable to me." I jokingly said. I read a paragraph about Antonio on being allergic to women. Apparently, it is written that the reason why he doesn't have a woman in his life is because he's allergic to them. "General Antonio Del Mundo couldn't stand the smell of a woman's feminine scent."

I read the last sentence of the paragraph out loud and I burst out laughing until tears fell down on my cheek. Oh man...this is hilarious.

"How do they even get this kind of information?" Antonio sounded annoyed which makes it even fun to tease him about it.

"This is pure entertainment." I said. I scanned the book again with a hope that I can find another gem but to my surprise, the original words written on the last page of the biography disappeared and it was rewritten right in front of my eyes.

"General Antonio Del Mundo died a hero. He fought for our freedom and his bravery will never be forgotten. "

Was replaced to...

"General Antonio Del Mundo may have shown bravery on his previous battles but at the peak of his success, he suddenly became a coward. He was nowhere to be found."

I dropped the book and I panicked as I realized that as Antonio stays longer here, the past is slowly changing.

We have to get our shit together now.

Chapter 14: Harana Para Sa Dalaga

Hello, readers :)

I'd like to apologize for I will be traveling out of the country next week and I will most likely update it when I'm back. So, expect a new chapter around the 2nd or 3rd week of October.

***

CHAPTER 14: Harana para sa dalaga (serenade for the lady)

We did not waste time.

As the sun rises, I hurriedly went to the mall and bought an eco-bike. The sales lady gave me a weird look when I told her that I need five car batteries.

While I am doing the errands, I left Antonio and Joshua in charge of figuring out the right equation. Before applying it on the eco-bike, Joshua decided to make a prototype by trying all the equations with a remote control toy car.

When I told Antonio about the changes on the last page of the biography book, he realized that the men he left in 1898 are already looking for him. He was their general, their leader and without him, they are paralyzed.

As I bought all the stuff needed, I hurriedly went back home and to my surprise, Jay is around.

"What are you doing here, Jay?" I annoyingly asked him. I crossed my arms at him.

"Maybe you have forgotten it sister, but this is also my home." Jay spat. He continued to tinker with the toy car and he completely ignored me.

"I asked Jay for help, Lana." Joshua looked apologetically at me. He must have felt bad that he didn't ask me first if it's alright with me which of course, it isn't. "He has engineering skills and we need it."

I took a deep sigh. I have to set my anger aside because we don't need that kind of negativity here. We have to work together.

"Fine..." I hissed. "But I am not forgiving you yet, Jay!"

"It's fine by me, sis." He nonchalantly said.

Hours have passed by and we have failed on figuring out the right equation. We already destroy a lot of toy cars. Some exploded to our surprise and some didn't work at all. I had to put the fire extinguisher beside me just in case the toy car blows up.

"Man, I need a break." Jay stretched his arms and yawned. He really has the audacity to say that he needs a break after what he did to the previous time machine?!

"We wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for you." I said. Jay looked annoyed but he's trying his best not to be affected by the truth.

"We wouldn't be doing this if a little girl named Lana didn't tinker the time machine at grandpa's room." Jay said. We glared at one another as the tension between us get bigger every minute.

"Okay, maybe we do need a break." Joshua said. He inserted himself in between us. "After all, we did spend the whole day experimenting Jay's old toy cars."

"Even Joshua agreed that we need a break." Jay patted Joshua's back. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Well, Antonio agreed that we don't need a break and we should get back to work." I said. Antonio was minding his business but then I included him with my feud against my brother. "Am I right, Antonio?"

"Yeah, sure...?" Antonio sounded unsure but I consider it as a yes.

"Lana, we should not over-do it." Joshua said.

"Fine..." I hissed. Jay looked pleased as he stuck his tongue out at me like an immature person that he is.

"Anyways..." Jay shifted his focus to both Joshua and Antonio. "During the fire incident, I met a wonderful woman."

"Did you ever talk to her?" Joshua asked. I couldn't help but eavesdrop at their conversation.

"Ah... yes and no." Jay grinned. "She's a private investigator and she interviewed me during the fire incident."

Why the hell a private investigator would be involved on the fire incident? Everybody knows that it was an accident and it was caused by a short circuit. You don't need to investigate it. Even our landlord didn't mind about what happened.

"Is that the only time you talked to her?" Joshua asked.

"Well, we met like a day after since she wanted to know more about what happened." Jay said.

"And that makes her a wonderful woman?" Joshua asked.

"Yeah..." Jay proudly said. "I've slept and met a lot of women but man, she just want me to be a better man."

"And it's because she interviewed you?" Joshua took a glimpse of me and he noticed that I am very much displeased by Jay.

"I did ask her out to know one another but she ends up asking about the fire incident even though I told her about everything."

"Don't you think that this woman is on to us, Jay?" I butted in. Why would a woman be interested on a fire incident that didn't even caused any casualties? The possible reason would be that she's already suspicious on us.

"I'm sorry Jay but I agree with Lana." Joshua said. Ah, it felt good that someone finally agreed to me tonight.

"You're just saying that Lana because you don't want me to be happy because the men you like are both inconvenience." Jay said. The entire room was filled with silence. I wanted to disagree to him but a part of me knows that he's right.

I both looked at Joshua and Antonio whose curiosity peaked as they wonder the men that caught my heart without any idea that Jay is actually talking about them.

I can't believe my brother blurted it out even though I couldn't really figure out what I'm feeling.

I can see the amusement in Jay's face that he made me shut up.

"Before Lana rudely interrupted me, I want to impress her and I want your help." Jay said to both men. "So, any suggestions...?"

"Ask her out on a date?" Joshua sounded unsure. He's still bothered about what Jay said.

"I already did that but she'll divert the conversation to the fire incident, remember?" Jay said.

I rolled my eyes in frustration. Is he for real? Does he not realize that this woman is actually using her to get more information? For a man who played a lot of women, he is sure dumb when it's his turn to be played.

"Why don't you harana her?" Antonio asked. We all looked at him. I started out laughing because no one does that here. If you want to harana someone, make sure their neighbors won't get pissed. "A lot of guys do that in my time and it works like a charm."

"Maybe you can give her chocolates and flowers too as you harana her." Joshua added. I can't believe he agreed on Antonio's suggestion. Do they want Jay to get embarrassed?

Actually...now that I think about it, seeing Jay get embarrassed bring satisfaction to my sadistic side.

"That isn't a bad idea." Jay said. "We should do that tonight."

"Do you even know where she lives?" Antonio asked. It'll be so creepy of Jay if he knows where she lives. I mean, he barely know her.

"No...But I do know where she works." Jay said. We all gave him a judgmental look. How the hell does he know where she's working? "What? She invited me to her office before."

So, he isn't a creepy stalker after all. Well, that's a relief.

"So you're going to harana her at work?" Joshua asked.

"Trust me, I have a plan." Jay confidently said.

***

Jay and Joshua are waiting for her outside the building where the woman works. Jay realized it's unethical to just barge in her office and do harana there. So, he decided to wait for her like a creepy dude outside the building.

Jay is holding chocolates and a bouquet of flowers to be given to her while Joshua is his 'supportive' friend who's holding the cassette player because both of them don't know how to play the guitar.

Even though that I am not in favor with them doing harana para sa dalaga, I tagged along just to see what might happen.

Antonio and I are watching them inside the car. We're sitting at the backseat and I am impatiently waiting to see the woman. I'm just here for the show honestly and I hope Jay will cause a drama.

"I can't believe you're being supportive about this." I told Antonio. It was visible that I am disappointed on him.

"Lana-"

"I mean..." I cut him off. "You're a damn general and you should be the most paranoid person on trusting someone."

"Lana!" Antonio raised his voice a little and I startled. Okay, he caught my attention. "If your instincts are right that the woman is indeed suspicious, then wouldn't it be nice to prove it if we keep her close to us?"

My jaws dropped when I realized that Antonio is right and it's a brilliant idea. I looked at him and I couldn't help admire him for being brilliant.

"You have always been on my side after all." I said. I felt relief that I'm not the only sane person around here.

"I'm always on your side, Lana." He smiled at me.

"How'd you think of that idea, Antonio?" I asked. I am still in disbelief that the main reason he suggested the harana was to help me prove a point.

"Like you said, I'm the general and I'm the most paranoid person on trusting someone." He winked at me and I laughed.

It has been a while since Antonio and I talked lightheartedly. Most days, we are occupied about the time machine and we couldn't spend time with each other because Joshua is usually around. It felt good that it was only the two of us right now.

"You know, I can just kiss you right now!" I said. The compulsive side of me made me said it. We both looked at one another and we didn't say a single word. The tension between us started to appear and it didn't help either that I unconsciously bit my lip.

Antonio felt stiff as his eyes were on my lips and I unconsciously bit it again. Damn it, self.

"Then what's stopping us?" Antonio's voice sounded soft and sexy at the same time. It made my spine shiver and my heart uncontrollably beat faster. He moved his body closer to mine and I didn't mind. Despite the car's A/C, it was very hot between us.

"I...don't know." I stuttered. He caressed my cheek and it made me feel secured. I have never felt this kind of feeling before and I wanted more than a caress on my cheek.

"Can I kiss you, Maria Lana?" Antonio softly said. I did not say a single word but instead, I closed my eyes as I anticipate his lips touching mine.

Antonio touched my lips with his finger and he then pulled me closer to him. My body reacted as I embraced him in my arms. My eyes are still closed but I can sense that he is already an inch near me as I can feel his hot breath on my neck.

I groaned as I anticipate the kiss. I never knew prolonging a kiss can make me eager and I didn't know that Antonio can make feel wanted.

"I love you, my Lana."

Chapter 15: Torn Between Two Lovers

I'm back from my trip since Oct 7, 2019. I wasn't able to update sooner because I had writer's block.

***

CHAPTER 15: Torn Between Two Lovers

"I love you, my Lana"

I opened my eyes and reality hit me once again. Without ever considering Antonio's feelings, I pushed him away. We almost kissed and I'm glad that it didn't happen or else, I'll be more confused than I already am.

Antonio looked hurt. I can see the pain in his eyes that I pushed him away and to make it even worse, he confessed his feelings to me. Hearing him say those three words made me realize that there will never be a possibility of us.

"I'm sorry, Antonio." My heart broke when I said those words. Antonio didn't look at me and I understand. He must have thought that I don't feel the same way about him but if I'm completely honest, I am confused and scared.

"It's...okay." Antonio said. He may have said that he's okay but I can see the pain in his eyes. "But I...would like to know why you don't feel the same way about me."

"Because..." I gently touched his face and I am trying my best not to tear up. "Time isn't on our side and to be completely honest, we both know that you'll someday leave me for good."

I don't want to give him a reason to stay and I don't want to be the cause of a new timeline. It's better to not complicate things before it's too late.

"Will you allow me to love you while I'm still here, Lana?" Antonio begged and tears fell down my cheeks. It's painful to hear those words coming from the most fragile man I have ever known. "And when I'm gone, you can move on with your life."

"That wouldn't be fair to you." I said.

"I know..." He took a deep sigh. "But I still want to."

"I'm sorry." I went out from the car without looking back at Antonio. I left the place with a heavy heart. I don't want to see the expression on his face on how broken he is. I don't want to be reminded that I am the cause of his heartbreak.

The hurtful expression of Antonio will forever haunt me.

***

I tested the toy cars that we didn't try earlier at the backyard because I want to distract myself by thinking of Antonio. To prove that the equation we chose is the right one, we test it if the toy car would disappear and then appear again at the same spot means that it travelled back to the past and then it went back to the present time. Sadly, we couldn't figure out the right equation yet.

"Damn it." I muttered. Yet again, another toy car turned into a disappointment as it exploded a minute later. I think I over-did it with the batteries and charging.

"You should always bring a fire extinguisher with you, Lana." Joshua approached me and he handed over the extinguisher. I let out a small smile. He sat down beside me on the ground. "You left without telling us."

"Yeah... I wasn't feeling well." I said.

"Did you take some medicine?" Joshua asked. He touched my forehead and he felt relief that I wasn't sick. I looked at him and I felt sad when I realized that the men who showed me that I can be loved aren't allowed to be loved back. "You should have seen Jay earlier."

"What did my idiot brother do? Did he fail?" I asked. It would be a lie that I wasn't curious about what happened during the harana.

"Surprisingly, he didn't." I can see the amusement in Joshua's face. "She was swept off her feet...figuratively."

"I bet he succeeded because you're a good wing-man." I said.

"Well, I was only holding the bouquet." Joshua humbly said. "I didn't do that much."

"Come on, Josh..." I nudged his shoulder. "Give yourself like 30% credit."

He smiled at me and I smiled back.

"I still remember how much you hate grand gestures." Joshua said.

"I did?" My curiosity piqued. I can't recall when I said it and yet he managed to remember how much I hate grand gestures.

"Yeah..." Joshua shrugged. He rested his arm on my shoulder and he pulled me closer to him. "One of your suitors surprised you with a five feet tall teddy bear and asked you to be his girlfriend in front of our classmates. You rejected him because..."

"...it's not about grand gestures." I continued his sentence. "It's about the little things."

"And he doesn't even know what your favorite music genre is." Joshua and I laughed as we recalled all the failed attempts of my suitors to woo me.

"I can't believe you still remember those things." I chuckled. I'm even having a hard time remembering these kinds of things and yet, Joshua remembers it like its yesterday.

"It's the little things that matter right, Lana?" Joshua asked and I looked at him. He has always been remembering the little things about me and yet I never realized it until now. I closed my eyes and he kissed my forehead. "And I know how much you love forehead kisses."

I pulled away from Joshua because I couldn't handle my feelings any longer.

"I think...you should go home." I said. Joshua looked hurt but he managed to let out a small smile for me.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Lana." He softly said.

Joshua went home and I was left alone at the backyard as I tried to sort out my feelings towards to two men in my life. I have been unfair to them and I don't know how to reject them without getting myself hurt too.

Am I being selfish for protecting my feelings first?

I took a deep sigh. My life would have been less complicated if I didn't meddle with the time machine at the first place and yet, here I am.

Jay saw me all by myself. We may still not be in good terms but I know that he's still concerned about my well-being because after everything, we only have each other. He sat down beside me and I know he's still thinking about the words he's going to say to me.

"Can you explain to me why your lovers looked glum after talking to you?" He asked. I glared at him for asking me about a question that I am not interested to answer.

"Are you really here just so you can get some gossip from me?" I asked and he just chuckled when he realized that I am annoyed.

"I'm just curious, Lana..." He sheepishly said. "But I'm really here to tell you that Nadia is coming over tomorrow for brunch and I want you to be on your best behavior."

I rolled my eyes at him. So, he wants to make a good impression with the girl he likes. I still can't believe he's interested at a woman who may or may not be onto us.

"Yeah, sure..." I bluntly said.

Jay was about to leave but then, he paused and looked at me once again.

"Why is Joshua still unaware that we're related, Lana?" Jay asked.

I looked taken aback by his question. I thought that he doesn't give a damn about what's going on in my life but then I realized that our life is intertwined with Joshua.

"I couldn't do it, Jay." I said. I couldn't dare hurt him.

He has always been there with me through my reckless years and I'm afraid to lose him when I tell him the truth. Joshua's affection for me is the reason why he stays beside me without hesitation.

"I'm not that type of brother that cares about your feelings but this isn't just about you, Lana." Jay said to me. "You're just going to give him a false hope that he'll have a chance with you."

I can't believe that he's being brutally honest to me right now.

"Jay..."

"Or maybe you're just too dumb to realize that you do have feelings for Joshua and you're too scared to admit it." He cut me off.

Was I too obvious about my affection towards him? I didn't know that I have feelings for him not until I found out that we can't be together.

"I don't know."

"And then there's Anthony..."

"What about Anthony?"

"You really think that I don't know, Lana?" Jay rolled his eyes. "I can clearly see that you're growing fondly of him."

"How could you say that?" I asked.

"Really...?" He sneered. "I never think of you as a jealous kind of person but you literally lost your shit when I told you that he went out on a date."

"I don't have feelings for Joshua and Anthony." I insisted. Jay doesn't believe me and if I'm truly honest, I'm just trying to say that I don't have feelings for them until I believe in my own lie.

There is no future for me with both Joshua and Anthony but why am I trying so hard to hold on to them? Why do I feel like I'm torn between two lovers?

"I know that's bullshit." Jay crossed his arms. "Since I am technically your older brother, you should set your feelings aside if you want this time heist fiasco to be over. Set your priorities right, Lana."

Jay left me wondered...can I really suppress my feelings until all of this is over? It is easy to be said than done especially when both Antonio and Joshua are trying their best to woo me.

***

The hours leading to morning were slow. I couldn't get some sleep because the guilt kept me awake the entire night. I am still lying down in my bed and I stared blankly at the ceiling. I know what I must do but can I really do it? I must tell Joshua the truth and as for Antonio, I should tell him again that there's no future between us because...he lives in the past.

Sometimes it makes me wonder how I got lucky to have these men in my life regardless of my shitty personality.

The smell of pancakes and brewed coffee lingered my nose. Our mornings don't usually smell like this since Jay always burned the meals every time he attempts to cook. I went out from my bedroom and I went to the dining room where I saw the boys enjoying their meal.

"Am I in a parallel universe where Jay can cook?" I asked. Jay choked on his pancake and it was a pleasant sight to see.

"You should be thankful that Nadia decided to cook brunch for us." Jay said. Who's Nadia? Ah, the woman he's seeing. I almost forgot about her.

Nadia went out from the kitchen and she was holding a plate full of pancakes. I immediately caught her attention.

"You must be Jay's sister." She placed the pancakes on the table and stretched her hand at me. "I'm Nadia by the way."

"And you must be the private investigator." I coldly said. I didn't shake hands with her and maybe it's because I'm too much of a judgmental person. A part of me thinks that she's still onto us and I'm just trying to be cautious.

"So, Jay told you about my profession." She sheepishly said. "I was just only doing my job."

"It was a fire accident caused by a short circuit." I nonchalantly said. "What more do you want to know?"

We stared at one another until Nadia decided to look away first.

"Nothing..." Nadia said. I looked at her and somehow, she looked eerily familiar.

"I'm sorry...but have we seen each other before?" I asked. Nadia looked hesitant to answer my question. "You really look familiar."

Jay nervously looked at me and Nadia.

"Uh...Lana..."

"Maybe you've seen me in news reports along with my family." Nadia cut Jay off. He squeezed her hand lightly and Nadia took a deep sigh. "I'm Nadia Sarmionte."

"You're a...Sarmionte?" I gasped as I realized that the woman that my brother invited to our home is a relative to the man who killed Antonio.

He was the man who was written in the history books as the traitor and a puppet to the Americans...the first president of the Philippines.

General Antonio Del Mundo wasn't killed by the Spaniards or the Americans. He was killed by his fellow Filipino. 

Chapter 16: The Great and Judgmental Lana

I'm sorry if it took me a while to update. I had trouble with writer's block again.

***

CHAPTER 16: The great and judgmental Lana

On the last day of the Philippine Revolution, General Antonio Del Mundo won the battle against the Spaniards. He was grateful because after 333 years of Spanish colonization, the Filipinos finally have the freedom that they deserve but he was unaware that the greatest enemy isn't the Spaniards but his fellow Filipino.

The first president, Ronaldo Sarmionte killed him.

He wanted power even though our people only asked for were freedom.

And now, a family member of his is in my home.

***
I tried to act calm and civil despite the fact that I am horrified that Nadia Sarmionte is around. I wanted to act cool in front of her like I wasn't affected at all. I want to say something casual but instead, I said something else...

"You have got to be shitting me."

Nadia and Jay looked surprised but to be fair, they surprised me first.

"Please excuse my sister." Jay laughed nervously. "She isn't a morning person."

"It's...okay." Nadia sounded unsure. "Not all of us are a morning person."

I glared at Jay who seemed tense that I am around. He wouldn't even look at me in the eye.

"Can I borrow my brother for a moment, Nadia?" I said through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, sure..." Nadia shrugged.

I dragged Jay's ass inside my room who looked terrified that I am pissed. He's fully aware that I am going to let out all of my frustrations at him.

"What the hell, Jay...?" I yelled which made him jumped a bit. "Did you know that she's a Sarmionte?"

"...yes." He sighed in defeat. My palms twitched and I feel like my veins in my forehead are about to pop due to my frustration. "Lana, she isn't like her family."

"Can you even hear yourself talking?!" I furiously said.

"You're being the great and judgmental Lana again!" Jay yelled back.

"...excuse me?!" I said. He regretted in an instant that he said the wrong words at me.

In every history books that I have read and studied, the Sarmiontes we're the greatest traitors. Not only did a Sarmionte kill Antonio, their family we're the number one supporters of late President Fernando Narcos during the martial law. Innocent lives were lost and yet they did not do a thing.

Even up to now, some of their family members are corrupt governor officials that may or may not be controlling the PNP (Philippine National Police)

How are the Filipinos still voting for them on every election? We'll never know the answer.

Jay may have called me out for being judgmental but you can't blame me for it because the Sarmiontes doesn't have a good record.

"You don't have to judge her because of her family, Lana." Jay reasoned out but I ignored it.

"You don't need to use all of your brain cells to realize that she's up to something." I said. It is obviously not a coincidence that she's here after getting curious about the fire accident. It's bullshit that she's suddenly interested at my brother after trying to interrogate him with answers that he already said.

"You're just overthinking it like you always do, Lana!" Jay said.

"Oh, I'm sorry that I am overthinking it again." I sarcastically said. "It's not like time is running out or something."

"How many times do I have to remind you that we wouldn't be in this situation at the first place if it wasn't for you?" Jay harshly said. He may have said it in a harsh tone but I know that he's also disappointed at me. "If you're punishing me because of your stupidity, then I'm out."

Jay walked out the room. He left me alone while I'm still pissed at him. I wanted to yell at him for being blinded by his idea of being in love but all I'm feeling right now wasn't entirely anger. A part of me felt sad that I was able to push my brother away from me.

"I really need a therapist after all of this crap." I pressed my temple. There's too much drama going on and it's still early in the morning.

I was about to go out from my room but I overheard Antonio talking to Nadia. They were both at the dining room. Antonio was munching at the pancakes sent from hell.

I couldn't help but eavesdrop at their conversation.

"Why does it feel like I've seen you before?" Nadia asked.

"Maybe we studied at the same university together." Antonio casually lied at her. I must admit, he's a convincing liar. I'm...a bit proud.

"So you're a UP graduate too?" Nadia asked.

"Yes...I am." Antonio sounded unsure.

"We've been talking for a while now but we haven't formally introduced each other." Nadia said.

"I'm Anthony."

"Nadia..."

"It's nice meeting you, Anthony."

I slowly closed my door and I felt my heart tighten as I felt the burden of knowing the true reason of Antonio's death. As much as I want to tell him to avoid his fate, I simply couldn't. It is not my position to tell him about his death because I have done enough damage to him for saying too much.

***
As I stepped into the dining room, Jay and Nadia are no longer around. They must have decided to leave since Jay and I are not in good terms. I looked around and I saw Antonio washing the dishes.

I scoffed when I realized that they were acting like a married couple in my kitchen a while ago and they left without even thinking about washing the dishes.

The sight of Antonio made me remember that I know the person who killed him. Without any hesitation, I approached him and I hugged his behind.

My back hug made Antonio caught off guard. It made him almost drop the plate he was holding. For a second, it made me forget about breaking his heart last night. I just really want to give him a hug because it's the only thing that I can do since I can't tell him about his killer. I already have done enough damage on Antonio.

"Are you regretting that you rejected me, Lana?" Antonio jokingly said but he sounded hurt. I hugged him tightly and he didn't push me away.

"I'm just feeling sentimental." I mumbled. I rested my head on his toned back and despite how well built he is, it felt nice to hug him.

Antonio grabbed my hand and he gently squeezed it. I can feel him taking deep breaths. I know he wanted to hug me back but he knows that it'll get more complicated between us.

"Instead of hugging me, can you help me wash the dishes?" Antonio asked. I pulled away and he let out a weak smile at me.

"I'm not a big fan of washing the dishes." I crossed my arms and I pouted at him. Antonio laughed at me for trying to be cute so that I can get away from doing the dishes.

"I won't accept it that you rejected me if you don't help me with the dishes." Antonio raised his eyebrow at me and my jaws dropped. I can't believe he's using the 'rejected' card at me.

"Well played, general." I sarcastically said.

I decided to play Bodak Yellow on my phone to brighten up the mood but to my surprise, my choice of song made Antonio jumped. He saw me laughing at him and the sight of him getting displeased about my taste of music is hilarious.

"You know, your generation's music is too loud." Antonio complained. He wasn't fond of listening to Cardi B's rap and I don't blame him. "And what's with all the cussing?"

"You sound like a grumpy grandpa." I chuckled.

"I mean, there's no story behind the song when it's 90% cussing and mumbling." Antonio continued complaining and while I continued chuckling. "What happened to all the poems that turned into songs?"

"Our songs can sometimes be non-sense but listening to it can be fun." I tried to justify it but he isn't convinced.

"It still sucks, Lana." Antonio firmly said.

We continued washing the pile of dishes that Jay and Nadia left for us to clean. I continued teasing Antonio by playing rap songs and he still looked displeased. I swayed my hips from left to right as I rap along with the song even though my words don't match with the lyrics.

I thought that it'll get awkward between us when we almost kissed and I rejected him but I guess we both forgot about it as we enjoyed this moment together. Who would have damn thought that I'll enjoy watching the dishes?

He made me forget about my bullshit morning and I'm glad that he's my pocket of sunshine.

Antonio could no longer handle the noise (my rapping) and he decided to throw soap bubbles on my face.

"What the hell..." I mumbled. Antonio looked amused as my face is covered with soap bubbles. The tables have finally turned because he finds the situation amusing and I find it annoying.

I did not hesitate to get back at him. So, I throw soap bubbles at him too and I laughed maniacally at him. Antonio wiped the soap bubbles on his face and we look at one another. We were silent for a bit until we both cracked up laughing.

Antonio wiped the soap bubbles on my face with his bare hands.

"You know, it feels good to see you carefree." Antonio said. "It has been a while since I last saw you laugh and it means a lot to me that I'm the reason why you're laughing."

"Well, you look like a joke that's why." I jokingly said. "But I'm glad that you made me laugh."

I tried to gently pushed Antonio away but he managed to grab my hand and before we even know it, we both landed on the floor.

Due to our soap bubble fight a while ago, we caused the floor to be slippery and when Antonio grabbed my hand, he slipped along with me.

Luckily, I landed on top of Antonio.

"Are you okay?" I asked. I can see the discomfort on his face. He did after all, landed on his back. I tried to stand up but Antonio didn't let me. Instead, he hugged me while I'm still lying on top of him. "You have to get up, Antonio or else you'll be suffering from a sore back."

"Have I said it to you that I love you, Lana?" Antonio softly said. My heart raced again and I felt this uneasy feeling inside me again. I didn't say a single word because honestly, I don't know how to respond. I already broke his heart the first time he said it. "I just want to tell you again that I love you no matter how painful it gets."

"And by painful, you mean your back?" I asked. Antonio smiled at me.

"Yeah..." He shrugged. "I mean, you are kind of heavy."

We both laughed as a way to cover the obvious tension between us.

Antonio and I heard footsteps that are coming towards us. We looked up and we saw Joshua who looked surprise that we were laying on the floor. We hurriedly stood up and pretended like nothing awkward happened.

"We got slipped." I explained.

"I...can see that." Joshua said. His toned sound monotonous and his attention wasn't on me but instead, it was with Antonio.

"So, what brings you here?"  I asked Joshua and his attention diverted on me.

"I've been solving the equations during my free time and after many failed attempts, I finally found the right equation." Joshua said. Antonio and I looked at one another as we're trying to process what Joshua has just said.

"Are you trying to say...?"

"We're finally going to make a time machine." Joshua gleefully said.

"That's...good news." I choked. I wanted to be happy that finally, this chapter in my life is finally about to come to an end but it also means that Antonio will no longer be a part of my new chapter even if I wanted to.

Chapter 17: Did You Just Googled That Quote?

CHAPTER 17: Did you just Googled that quote?

I checked the pages of the history book just to make sure that there are no other changes written on it. It's a relief to know that there are no other changes. Despite all the bullshit I've been through lately, I finally found the silver-lining. Joshua managed to figure out the right equation for the time machine.

I went out from the house where Joshua and Antonio are waiting for me. Joshua already put together the things needed for the demonstration.

The toy car has ten batteries attached on it and are 200% fully charged.

Joshua handed over his old watch to me and I stared at it blankly. What am I supposed to do with it?

"Isn't this broken?" I asked him.

"It's only old, Lana...not broken." He winked at me. "Now tell me, what time is it?"

"It's..." I looked at the watch. Huh, it is still working after all. "...3:15 PM."

"Okay..." Joshua snapped his fingers. "Remember the time, Lana."

"Okay?" I shrugged.

"Now for cautionary purposes, I need you guys to step back." Joshua said. We do it as we were told to do.

Joshua grabbed the remote controller and he was pressing some digits. The remote controller does not only have a joy stick on it but it also has a numeric keypad too.

The remote controller looks like a love child of a joy stick and a calculator. It honestly looked weird.

"So, what's with the numbers?" I asked Joshua. He just looked at me and grinned.

"You'll see..." Joshua said. He placed the toy car facing on to us and we're exactly 10 feet away from it.

I looked at Antonio who's unusually quiet. I know that he's having mixed feelings about it and I can't even assure him that it's going to be alright.

"Lana, what time is it now?" Joshua asked.

"It's..." I looked at the time again. "...3:20 PM."

"Remember the time too, okay?" Joshua said.

"You really are making me a time keeper, aren't you?" I said and Joshua chuckled.

"Alright..." Joshua clasped his hands together. "Let's get this thing going on, shall we?"

Without any hesitation, Joshua pressed the red button of the remote controller and the toy car was speeding towards us. It was an unusual speed for a toy car.

My eyes widened when I realized that with its speed, it's eventually hit us but to my surprise, the toy car disappeared when it's only inches away from us and it appeared again to its position which is 10 feet away from us.

My jaws dropped and Antonio looked at it in disbelief. Joshua seemed pleased with the demonstration.

"What the f just happened?" I asked Joshua who looked so proud at himself.

"Like I told you, I finally got the right equation." Joshua casually said. "Now, Lana...what time is it."

I looked at the time and to my surprise, its 3:15 PM!

"Why the hell is it 3:15 PM on your watch...?" I looked it in disbelief. Joshua showed me his phone and it has the exact time on his watch.

"The toy car time travelled, Lana." Joshua proudly said. "Remember when you told me about Jay's crazy theory about time travel? Well, he was right after all."

How can I even forget about Jay's theory? He said that the past and present time is parallel to each other. However, if you travel back to the past and then to the present, the time will move backwards in order to give space for the changes that you made in the past.

It'll bring you back to the exact time when you time travelled and that's why it's 3:15 PM.

"I can't believe my dumb ass of a brother is a genius." I said. If Jay was here right now, he would rub it in my face that he's smarter than me but it's such a shame that he isn't here. He's probably exchanging saliva right now with Nadia.

"Just as I expected, the speed of the toy car identified the worm hole. It travelled through space and time." Joshua said. I honestly feel so dumb right now that I didn't contribute a damn thing. Even Jay discovered the theory and he just got lucky.

"Just out of curiosity, what's with the numbers?" I asked Joshua. I pointed at the remote controller he was holding. For a time machine prototype, it sure has a lot of numbers for it.

"Ah, I customized the remote control by adding a numeric keypad so that I can go to any year and place I want." Joshua further explained to us that he tinkered on it so that when he travels back to the past, he arrives to his selected destination and not somewhere else. "It was hard but I figured it out."

Unlike Joshua's invention, grandpa's time machine can't let you go to any places and time you want. It just goes berserk and you don't even know which era you are at. I just got lucky that I landed in 1898.

"So, you guys are finally going to bring me back to my own time." Antonio broke his silent. I know he's having mixed feelings right now but I don't know which is dominant... the happiness or disappointment? During the demonstration, I noticed that he was tensed. At some point, I saw him clenching his knuckles.

"Yeah..." Joshua awkwardly said. "But I have to apply it first on the Eco-bike before you can go back to 1898."

I wanted to hold Antonio's hand but instead, I hesitated.

"So..." I shrugged. "Let's do it."

***

Applying the equations to the Eco-bike wasn't a hard work. To my surprise, building the time machine was too easy but it wouldn't be possible with Joshua's help of course.

It's already eight in the evening and we spent the whole day building the time machine. Now, we're just waiting for it to be fully charge to 500%. We were helping each other on making the time machine possible and we ended up covered with oil and dirt but I know it's all going to be worth it.

I went out from my bathroom with only a bath robe covering my body. I couldn't stand the stickiness of the body all thanks to oil and sweat. So, I decided to take a bath.

I passed by at Jay's room and the door was open. I noticed that Antonio is standing in front of the mirror and he's wearing his general's uniform. It's the same uniform that he wore when he followed me back to my time.

I went inside and he looked at me from head to toe. His cheeks flushed when he realized that I was only covered with my bath robe and my hair is still soaking wet. He looked away and took a deep sigh. I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Is this too much skin for you to handle, General Del Mundo?" I teased him.

"Please Lana, wear some clothes on." He begged and I chuckled. Who would have thought that that he gets flustered because I'm basically naked?

"But my bath robe is comfy." I continue to tease him.

Antonio closed his eyes and he was tapping something on his bed until he grabbed a shirt. He then tossed it away at me. It landed on my face.

"Wear this shirt please." He said.

"This is Jay's old t-shirt." I scoffed. "This is the exact shirt he wore when he allegedly lost his virginity." I don't need to further explain how he allegedly lost it because it did or did not happen. Jay likes to make situations that aren't real when we were younger because he wants me to think of him as a cool person.

"...I don't need to know that." He sounded disgusted. "Just wear some clothes please."

"Fine..." I said in defeat. "But you and I need to talk afterwards."

***

Antonio was waiting for me at the backyard where the time machine was being charged. He was still wearing his general uniform. I approached him and I stand right next to him.

"Why are you wearing your uniform?" I asked him.

"We're almost one step closer on bringing me back to 1898." He said. "So might as well wear the uniform with pride."

"But the time machine is still charging, Antonio." I said and he chuckled. "You're too excited."

"You know what, Lana... all this time travel theory and parallel universe made me realize something..."

"What is it?" I asked. He looked at me and took a deep sigh.

"We're like parallel lines: always close - never together." Antonio said. He sounded so serious but I couldn't help but laugh at him for his cheesy quote.

"Did you just Googled that quote?" I asked and his cheeks blushed.

"No...?" He wasn't convincing at all. "Okay I Googled it."

"Well, it's good to know that you're spending your time wisely by searching cheesy quotes on Google." I teased him. I nudged his arm and I know that he's really embarrassed right now.

All of us a sudden, the light mood between us turned into something else when Antonio decided to hold my hand. He caressed it gently like he's trying to treasure this little intimate moment between us.

"No matter how much I try, we're always going to end up being parallel to one another." Antonio said. The blush on his face disappeared and his tone sounded hurt. "Our feelings for one another are parallel too."

"What do you mean by that, Antonio?" I asked him.

"You don't look at me the same way I look at you." Antonio sadly said. He let go of my hand and he caressed my cheek. "But always know that I will hold you in my heart until my last breath."

"Are you...saying goodbye to me right now?" I stuttered. Figuring out how to build the time machine is still surreal for me and now he's saying these words at me? How dare he make me feel sad?

"When death finally meets me, you'll be the last person I'll think about." Antonio said. "That's how much you mean to me."

I moved a step closer to me and Antonio bent a little closer for my face and he kissed my cheek.

"You're my best hello and goodbye, Lana." He softly said in my ears.

I feel overwhelmed. Tears fell down on my cheek and I clenched my knuckles out of frustration. He's making me want to admit my feelings that I'm not ready to say yet...but when will be the right time when time is already running out?

I stepped back and I grabbed his hand. I looked at him with teary eyes and shaky hands.

"You don't know how I feel, Antonio." I painfully said. My chest started to ache as the overflowing emotions are controlling. "You don't know how shit I feel that I'm about to lose you."

Antonio pulled me closer at him and he placed his hand on my face. He wiped the tears on my face and he let out a painful smile.

"What do you really feel about me, Maria Lana?" He softly asked me.

What do I feel about you, Antonio?

Chapter 18: People Do Crazy Things When They're In Love

1K READERS!!! Thank you for all the support :'))

***
CHAPTER 18: People do crazy things when they're in love

What do I feel about you, Antonio? I feel happy that you're always beside me but it's a shallow answer.

Even though I don't want to admit it, I find it entertaining that you act like an old man despite your 'ripped' figure.

I like how you still believe in courtship and love in today's society even if your ways are different to ours.

You always look at me filled with admiration and every time I try to push you away, you still stay by my side.

What I'm trying to say, Antonio...

I love you.

I love you so much that it makes my heart ache that we can't be together

But I love you anyway.

Antonio was eagerly anticipating my answer. I wanted to say those three words to him but I got terrified. So, I said something else.

"The Eco-bike is fully charged." I said. I pointed at it to prove my statement.

I looked at Antonio and to my surprise, he doesn't look disappointed. Instead, he just smiled.

Maybe he already assumed that I will most likely dodge that answer like I usually do in the past.

"It seems like it." He muttered.

"I better wake Joshua up." I said. Joshua was exhausted today and I can't blame him. He did a lot of effort compared to us. So, he decided to take a nap at the study room.

I left Antonio and went to the study room to wake Joshua up but my surprise, he's already awake. He was reading something under the desk.

"What do you have there, Josh?" I asked. Joshua jumped when he noticed me standing near the door.

"Nothing..." He shrugged "You have nothing to worry about."

"Okay...?" I wasn't convinced but I have to deal with Joshua later because there are more important things that matter. "The Eco-bag is fully charged by the way."

"Well, that's good news." Joshua said. He really looked bothered.

"Are you okay?" I asked him. I am starting to worry about him. He isn't his usual self.

"Yeah... I'm fine." He muttered "So, are you ready to bring back Antonio to 1898?"

Joshua stood up from his seat and was about to exit the room but I blocked his way.

"What are you doing, Lana?" Joshua asked. I looked at him with a concerned look but it wasn't for him...it's for Antonio. "Don't you want him to go back to his time?"

"Of course I want to..." I shrugged. "But what if we accidentally travel him to another year? Or decade?"

"What are you trying to say?" Joshua's curiosity piqued at my concern towards Antonio.

"I think we should test it out first and we shouldn't let him do it yet."

"Don't tell me..." Joshua shook his head in disagreement. He already knows what I'm trying to imply and he's simply against it. "I'm not allowing it, Lana."

"I'll be fine..." I assured him. "I'll go to 1898 like a minute or two and then I'll come back." It's no biggie, right?

"Why don't you let me do it instead?" Joshua suggested.

"No!" I yelled at him which made him wonder why I'm against him testing it instead of me. "I mean... I've already been there... So, I know what I'm doing."

I hope that I'm doing a decent job on convincing Joshua because by the looks of it, he looked unsure on allowing me to test it first before bringing Antonio back to 1898.

"Are you hiding something from me, Lana?" Joshua said. His voice sounded soft but it was deep and dominating.

"No." I firmly said. I have been lying and hiding to him lately. I don't know if I can ever make up to him. I just don't want him to travel to 1898 and meet our grandpa. I can imagine how messed up it'll be. It'll only take a minute for Joshua to figure out that we're related.

I'm about to lose Antonio against time and I don't want to lose Joshua yet. I don't want to lose them at the same time because they equally mean a lot to me.

For the past few weeks, I have been confused about my feelings for Antonio and Joshua but now I know how I feel about them.

I like Joshua but I like Antonio as well but my feelings for both of them are different.

To me, Joshua is my best friend that I will truly care. He's someone I can always rely on while as for Antonio, I just...like him more than I intended it to be.

Joshua moved a step forward to me. He placed his head near mine and I can feel him breathing heavily. He put his hand on my back and he pulled me closer to me.

Joshua gave me a warm embrace.

"I can never convince you to back out, right?" He sighed.

"I have to do it." I insisted. "Imagine the headache you'll be having when we have to bring back to our time again after arriving in the 80's."

"You're right." He chuckled. "Promise me you'll be safe, okay?"

"I already travelled before so... I'll be fine."

***

It's 2:30 in the morning and we're at SRP (South Road Properties).

The road is empty and only a few cars are passing by.

It's extra chilly tonight and I can feel the cold wind touching my skin. I suddenly miss the warmth of my comforter at home.

Joshua decided to test the Eco-bike at a place where it can maximize its speed. The only place that we can think of is SRP since only private vehicles are allowed to pass by here which means only a few are driving right now at this time of the night.

Antonio doesn't know yet that he won't be going back to 1898 just yet.

Joshua placed the helmet on my head and he tightened it for safety purposes.

"Remember to drive as fast as you can until you break the maximum limit, okay?" Joshua said.

"I know what to do, Josh." I assured him.

"What's going on?" Antonio approached us and he looked confuse that I'm wearing a helmet instead of him.

"You didn't tell him, Lana?" Joshua asked.

"Tell me what...?" Antonio's attention was on me. Once he realized what's truly going on, he was dismayed. "You're not doing it, Lana."

Antonio attempted to remove the helmet on my head but I stepped back before he can even do it.

"I'm doing it, okay?" I snapped "And there's nothing you can do to stop me."

"Don't you want me to go back? I mean, this is the reason why we built the time machine." Antonio said. I approached and hugged him but he didn't hug me back because he's taken aback by it.

"I have to do it first so that I'll know that when it's your turn, you'll come back safely." I softly said to him. "It's my way of showing how much you mean to me, Antonio."

Antonio pulled away and he looked surprised after what I said. He seemed uncertain that he probably heard it wrong.

"Can you say it again?" A smile crept on Antonio's face and I know he really heard what I said.

"No." I stuck my tongue out. We both laughed at each other and it felt like the burden on my shoulder is finally lifted.

"So..." Joshua pretended to cough and we almost forgot that he was standing a distance near us. "Let's do it, shall we?"

***

Joshua made a final check on the Eco-bike just to make sure that I don't get fried up in the process of time traveling.

"Come back safely, okay?" Joshua looked worried and I know he wanted to do it instead of me but I was persistent.

"It takes more than an Eco-bike to take my life, Josh." I jokingly said. Joshua glared at me. He really doesn't like my dark humor.

"You better make sure you're true to your words, Lana." Joshua said. He moved his head closer to mine and he planted a kiss on my helmet. "I'll be waiting for you to come back home."

"I hope our friendship stays the same between us when I come back." I said. I have decided to tell him that truth of our messed up and complicated family. I can no longer stand the idea that he doesn't know the real reason why we can never be together.

Then it'll be up to Joshua if he wants us to remain as friends or strangers. After all, it's his feelings we're talking about.

"What does that supposed to mean?" Joshua curiously asked.

"You'll know it when I come back." I hold his hand and squeezed it tightly.

"So..." He shrugged. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah..." I looked at Antonio one last time. He was standing from afar because he still isn't in favor about me time traveling again but he has no choice. I took a deep sigh and I mustered my courage. "I'm ready."

I pressed the numbers 1, 8, 9, and 8 respectively on the controller. The engine is already ready and warmed up. Now all I have to do is press the shiny red button before it blasts off through space and time.

Jay have said it before that I'm the most selfish person he have met in his life but will his opinion about me change after he finds out the shit I'm going to do?

I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes. This is really crazy but I should remind myself that I'm doing this for Antonio. I may not be the best when it comes to expressing my feelings through words because I tend to chickened out. Tonight, my bravery will be my grandest gesture for him.

A smile crept on my face.

Maybe the wise words from Meg in Hercules the movie is true... "People do crazy things when they're in love."

Cheesy, right...? But she's right.

I shook my head.

So... this is love.  

Chapter 19: The Girl Who travelled Back To 1898...again

"I think I'm going to vomit." I said. I was lying down on the grass and I was staring at the moon that was shining bright right at me. I looked around at my surrounded and it looked oddly familiar. It seems like I've been here before.

The fireflies were flickering and flying everywhere and I can hear the river flowing nearby. I soon realized that I have been to this place before. This is the place where Antonio took me to our first unofficial date.

"Great..." I muttered to myself. I can feel my head throbbing out loud. I have successfully time travelled back to 1898 and it wasn't a good experience. It was horrendous. 

I drove the Eco-bike to its maximum speed limit and as my body started to tighten because of its speed, different colors started to appear right in front of me. The next thing I know, I landed on the exact same place where Antonio and I had a moment together.

I looked at the Eco-bike that crashed near the tree. There are smoke coming from it. I hope there's no damage in it or else my grandpa will have to fix it and I don't know how he'll react once he sees me again.

I took a deep sigh. I am now the girl who travelled back to 1898...again.

"I need some rest." I said. I couldn't go to my grandpa's place tonight because it's too dark and I might get lost. I closed my eyes and decided to sleep and I'll just deal everything tomorrow.

***

"Please don't hurt me. " I begged. The cow was staring right back at me. She's standing in front of me while I'm still lying down on the grass. The situation worsens when she started drooling all over my face.

I woke up ten minutes ago because I felt something wet on my face and to my surprise, a cow was licking my face.

"Hey Moi." The cow's attention diverted on a man who was calling her by her alleged name. He approached the cow and distanced her away from me. "Did my cow hurt you?"

I looked at him and judging from his appearance and pet, he's a farmer.

"No... but I am traumatized." I dramatically said and he chuckled.

"I'm Joseph by the way and you just met my cow, Moi." He stretched my arm and helped me stand up.

"I'm Lana..." I said. I brushed off all the grass bits on my clothes.

"Aren't you General Antonio's girl?" Joseph asked. I choked from my own saliva when he said that I'm Antonio's girl.

"What...no..." I flustered. I can feel my cheeks heating up. Joseph doesn't look convinced with my reply.

"Is he with you?" He asked.

"Sadly, no." I sheepishly said.

"Everyone is looking for him by the way and they blame you." Joseph said.

"I don't blame them for thinking that way actually." I said. They have every right to blame me because it's quite true and now I feel bad.

"By any chances, are you a fairy?" He asked.

"That's an absurd question but no." I said.

"Then...what's with the outfit?" Joseph was obviously judging my outfit and I don't give a damn.

"It's called fashion." I snapped "Do you know Ernesto Espinoza? Can you take me to his place?"

"Yeah...sure." He shrugged "But as an exchange for taking you to Mr. Espinoza's place, can I have that thing?"

Joseph was talking about the Eco-bike. It seemed like it piqued is interest.

I looked at him in disapproval.

"No." I firmly said.

"I won't take you then." He protested.

"I don't need you anyway." I stuck my tongue out and Joseph started to laugh at me.

"You're kind of cute for a fairy." He said.

"I said I'm not a fairy!" I stomped my feet and I'm starting to get pissed at him. "Now leave me alone! you're no use anyway."

I was about to leave but Joseph decided to block my way.

"You might get lost, fairy." Joseph said. "Do you even know the way?"

Of course, I don't but he doesn't to know that. I don't want to give him the satisfaction that he knows and I don't. Actually, I didn't think it through. I thought that I'm going to arrive at grandpa's place but there's probably a glitch on the Eco-bike because I ended up here.

"I know the way." I lied.

"Come one... I'll take you." Joseph said.

"You're not taking my stuff." I firmly said.

"Yeah...yeah..." He shrugged.

***

I didn't know that the town was a bit far. It has slipped my mind that when I Antonio and I went out for rendezvous; we were riding his horse which made our travel a lot faster and easier. Walking isn't my best friend right now.

"Can I please ride on Moi's back?" I begged Joseph.

"My cow isn't a Kalesa, Lana." Joseph said.

"Ugh, I hate walking." I complained. I have been complaining for forty-five minutes already.

"We're almost there." He said.

"It's about time..." I sighed in relief. My feet are killing me.

"Where are you from, fairy?" Joseph asked. He finds me odd from the way I talked and dressed. It wasn't a surprise that he's curious about me.

"It's somewhere you can't go." I said.

"Why not?" He asked.

"It's because I said so." I snapped.

"You're no fun." Joseph pouted and I laughed at him.

Moi mooed in approval that I'm no fun to be with.

We have finally arrived at the town and it looked different. Women were wearing their usual baro't saya but instead of a long skirt, it was above the knee. I have a feeling that my hatred for long skirts influenced them on cutting it short.

A few passersby glared at me and some are even whispering to their companion.

"Is it just me or these people hate me?" I asked Joseph.

"Yeah, they hate you." Joseph said "They blame you for General Antonio's disappearance, remember?"

"Right..." I muttered "I'm going to bring him back, okay?"

There were American soldiers walking around the street that intimidated a few people. They were terrified of them of course. The town used to be crowded and lively but now it's like a ghost town.

"Why are there American soldiers?" I asked.

"I heard they're on our side against the Spaniards." Joseph said "But I don't believe it."

Seeing American soldiers made me realize that time is almost running out for Antonio and I should leave this place after I meet grandpa.

"You shouldn't trust them." I muttered.

It's inevitable that our country will be colonized by Americans and it's a shame that we can't avoid it without changing the future...my time.

"We're here." Joseph said. We finally arrived at grandpa's place after walking for two hours. "I'll see you later, fairy."

"Yeah, we won't." I said.

"Why not?" Joseph looked disappointed that we won't get to see each other again. It seems like he enjoyed my company.

"I lived far away." I said.

"Do you want to make a bet?" Joseph wiggled his eyebrows at me. "I'll see you again and when that happens, that thing will be mine."

He was referring at the Eco-bike. He still can't get over that he can't have it.

"Yeah, right." I scoffed "But fine...it's a deal."

"See you soon, fairy." Joseph winked at me and I rolled my eyes at me. I already know that there is not chance that he'll going to win. I won't see him again.

***

I went inside the house and immediately saw Clara washing the dishes. I did not hesitate to surprise her as I hugged her behind which caught her off guard.

"Clara! I missed you!" I gleefully said.

"Lana?" I pulled away and Clara looked at me in disbelief. She lightly pinched my cheek to make sure that she wasn't hallucinating. "Are you really Lana?"

"Of course, I am! I time travelled back here."

"You punk!" Clara slapped my shoulder and I groaned in pain.

"What was that for?" I can't believe she slapped me and it stings so bad.

"You know what you did! You brought back Antonio to your time!" Clara accused me for a thing that I'm partially at fault.

"Antonio followed me back, Clara!" I defended myself but she wouldn't believe me that easily.

"Is Antonio with you?" Clara said.

"Uh...no." I grinned. "But I'll bring him back but I need to see grandpa first."

"Your grandpa is having a meeting with someone important right now." Clara said. "But have you eaten already, Lana?"

"I'll eat later but I have to see grandpa first." I said. I was about to walk away but Clara blocked my way. "What are you doing?"

"You shouldn't interrupt your grandpa when he's at a meeting." Clara firmly said but I completely ignored what she just said.

"I think my grandpa wouldn't mind seeing me." I said.

Clara took a deep sigh and she moved away.

I walked my way towards the study room where my grandpa is having a meeting. I knocked on the door thrice and I heard grandpa yelling that it's open. He's probably assuming that Clara is the one knocking.

I opened the door and to my dismay, I saw grandpa talking with President Sarmionte...the person who killed Antonio.

"Lana!" Grandpa looked surprised to see him and I am surprised to see President Sarmionte with him.

"What is he doing here?" I harshly said. I sounded disrespectful but no one can blame me for behaving this way. It can be seen on my face that I wasn't glad that he's around.

Seeing him reminded me all the cruel things he had done on our country. It reminded me how he brutally killed Antonio and I feel angered by the fact that he's here with my grandpa.

"Who's this lovely woman, Ernesto?" President Sarmionte asked. He sounded sarcastic when he said that I'm lovely. He probably wasn't pleased with my behavior.

"She's my grandchild, Ronaldo." Grandpa nervously said. "Lana, show your respect to our president."

"Why should I?" I crossed my arms and grandpa glared at me.

"Lana..." Grandpa glared at me and sighed.

"Fine..." I hissed. I approached the murderer and I stretched my arm out. Before we can even shake hands, I did the most impulsive thing in my life and I'll probably regret it later...

I slapped President Ronaldo Sarmionte's face and man, it felt so good.

Chapter 20: No regrets but I Just Slapped The President

Hello, sorry for not updating sooner but don't worry because this story will never be discontinued and happy new year! 

***

CHAPTER 20: No regrets but I just slapped the president

It was an impulsive thing. When I snapped back to my senses, I already slapped the president.

No regrets but I just slapped the president.

Instead of getting pissed at me, the president looked bewildered while I was glaring at him with rage.

"No woman has ever raised a hand at me." He said through gritted teeth. "But who gave you the damn authority to slap me?!"

"You don't deserve any respect at all!" I spat at him.

Grandpa tried to get a hold on me but I unintentionally pushed him away. I glanced at him and I felt bad but I also feel anger towards him. He was talking to a traitor. My grandpa knows it well that the president will kill Antonio.

"You really have some nerves to accuse me with such a thing." The president moved a step forward and I stepped back. He still looked amused at me but I can also see that he was upset that a woman like me had courage to talk back at him.

"You don't know the consequences you're going to face." He sounded so cold and intimidating but it didn't bother me.

"Try me." I challenged him.

"You really are a tough girl." He scoffed.

Grandpa blocked my way and he covered my mouth with his hand before I say another insulting word towards the president. I tried to remove his hand from my mouth but grandpa was persistent that I should shut the f/ck up.

"I'm sorry that my granddaughter interrupted our meeting but she doesn't know what she's saying because she's not on her right mind." Grandpa said.

"...what?" I muttered.

"You see, she's quite mental." Grandpa sounded convincing and it didn't take any longer for the president to believe him.

My eyes widened when I realized that he's basically telling the president that I'm insane.

"Now it makes sense why she's accusing me with such things that I don't even do." The president said. I couldn't help it but I rolled my eyes at him.

Grandpa finally removed his hand and I glared at him. He looked frustrated than the usual.

"I'll talk you later, Lana." He said through gritted teeth. Before I can say another word, he pushed me away and the next thing I know, I got locked out.

"Such a bitch move." I mumbled.

***

I had no but to go outside the house and to my surprise; I saw Joseph and Moi standing near the tree. He was looking around until he saw me. Somehow, my frustrations went away when I saw him again. We exchanged smiles for a few second before I approached him.

"Oh? I thought you left." I said. I approached him and he felt a bit embarrassed to see me.

"Well, I actually did." He sheepishly said. "But then I realized that you're Antonio's girl."

"You realized it a while ago already." I asked. He was even accusing me that I kidnapped Antonio.

"Well...I did." He scratched his head out of confusion and I laughed at him. "It's just...I have something for you."

"Is it food? ...Because I'm quite hungry." I said. My stomach has been grumbling for a while now.

"Well it's not really from me..." He said. "It's from Antonio...but I made it."

I didn't realize it sooner that Joseph was holding something on his hand. He handed it over to me. It was a paper that was rolled and it looked delicate.

"You made it?" I asked and he nodded.

"I went back home to get it." Joseph said. "Antonio was supposed to show it to you on the day he went missing but now that he isn't nowhere to be found, I think you should hold on to it."

"Is this supposed to be a gift for me?" I asked and he nodded. It suddenly hit me that the gift is probably the real reason why Antonio wanted to see me during that day.

"Antonio was persistent that I should finish it soon because he want to give it to you because you were going away."

"What is this anyway?" I asked.

"How about you open it first?" He smiled.

I opened it slowly in fear that I might tear it because it's delicate. As I opened it, it appeared to be a painting.

It was a painting of me and Antonio at the restaurant. I was smiling at the couples dancing Cariñosa while he was looking at me with a big smile on his face. The only colored part of the painting was only the two of us while the rest was black and white.

The title of the painting was written on the bottom part of it.

The General's First Love

By: Joseph Mari Hernandez

I couldn't help but tear a little bit. I assumed that I was the only one who thought that night was meaningful but to my surprise, Antonio felt the same way. Is this his way of expressing his feelings to me? I smiled as I realized that he fell in love with me first.

"It's a beautiful painting, Joseph." I smiled.

"When Antonio described me what you looked like, he said you were beautiful but a bit peculiar." Joseph said and I smiled. "Now I know why."

He looked at my 21st century clothing and I lightly pushed him away.

"It's called fashion." I explained. "But thank you for giving it to me, Joseph."

"You should give Antonio back to us, fairy." Joseph teased. "We all don't know which mountain you hid him."

"...mountain." I chuckled. "You know, I thought that you're a farmer."

"Well, I actually am." He said. "But painting is my past time since it doesn't bring food on the table."

"I think you shouldn't give up on it, Joseph." I said. "You're a good painter."

The president went out from the house and we glared at each other. He gave me a smirk before leaving the premises. Whoever made him the president should be slapped with our history book.

"Is that the president?" Joseph asked. "What is he doing at your grandpa's place?"

"He's probably plotting something evil." I said.

"Do you really think so?"

Before I could answer his question, we got interrupted by grandpa who approached us. He still looked pissed and do I feel bad about it? Nope.

"We need to talk, Lana." Grandpa said. He glanced at Joseph before looking back at me. "...in private."

***

"What the hell were you doing...?" He yelled at me. We're at his study room and he literally dragged me here. I wasn't even able to say goodbye to Joseph because grandpa interrupted us.

"Why were you even talking to him...?" I darted the question and he looked taken aback. "He's the enemy, remember?"

"I'm a strategic consultant, remember?" He sighed. "No matter what I will do, the president will always be the enemy in our Philippine history and I will probably contribute with Americans colonizing us."

"And by being on the president's good side...?" I coldly asked him.

"If that's what makes your time to stay as it is, then yes."

"This is unbelievable..." I muttered.

"Anyways..." He cleared his throat. "Is Antonio with you? That kid followed you back to your time"

"Well... He's still in our time." I sheepishly said.

"Why are you in 1898? And why is he still in 2019?" He raised his eyebrow at me.

"It's because we're still testing out the time machine and we had to make sure that-"

"Hold on...what happened to my time machine?" He cut me off.

"It...Fried..." I apologetically said. "And you should blame it all to my brother."

"My greatest invention...got fried?" Grandpa looked like he's about to break into pieces and I can't blame him. I blame Jay.

"So, I better get going since the time machine is working pretty well."

"Hold on..." Grandpa sighed. He opened the drawer of his table and he took out a pocket watch and he gave it to me. "I'm giving this to you just in case you mess it up...again."

"What is this?" I curiously looked at it.

"It's a mini time machine but you can only use it once." He explained.

"Does this thing really work?" I asked him. I mean, how this tiny thing allows a person to travel back to time.

"I'm not dumb, Lana." He nonchalantly said. "This is the first time machine I ever made and I was supposed to fix it so that I can fetch Antonio in your time but then you showed up."

"So, it can only be used once?" I asked and he nodded.

"Just think of it as a backup time machine, okay?"

"Okay..." I stared at the pocket watch and it made me think...nothing bad will happen, right? We'll totally bring back Antonio here without any complications and I believe it because it's a gut feeling.

I showed grandpa the Eco-bike and I told him that Joshua is behind it. It's safe to say that among all of his grandchildren, Joshua is his favorite and I can't blame it because my cousins are all dumb.

Grandpa checked the parts of the Eco-bike just to make sure that nothing important was detached when I landed on the ground after arriving back in 1898. Fortunately, the Eco-bike is in good condition.

I was warming up the engine while grandpa and Clara were standing beside me. I can sense that Clara looked worried at me because it is uncertain that I'll go back to my own time. I mean, I arrived at the time I wanted to go but we'll never know that I might go back to a different one.

"Be safe, Lana." Clara said.

"I will." I said. I approached and hugged her tightly. "This is probably the very last time I'll get to see you but you should know that I consider you as my own grandma."

"But I stole your grandpa from his wife." She said.

"Don't think about it." I mumbled.

I let her go and tears rolled down from her cheek.

I looked at them one last time and then I looked at the painting that I was holding on my hand. I placed it close to my heart and I closed my eyes. I'm bringing you back to my time and I'm going to show it to Antonio. I will finally have courage and confess my true feelings towards him and it'll probably be a beautiful way to end our sad yet beautiful love story.  

Chapter 21: We're Such An Emotional Sack Right Now

CHAPTER 21: We're such an emotional sack right now

I am nauseated from all the time traveling I've been through. Before I can even control myself, I vomited.

My senses came back and I realized that I am inside a moving vehicle. I looked outside the window and the moon is following the vehicle. It made me more nauseous.

"I think I'm going to-" Before I could finish the sentence, I vomited again.

Someone caressed my back as he gently caressed it with his hand.

"You'll be alright, Lana." He softly said. His voice was manly yet gentle. My vision slowly came back and I stared at him. It then hit me that the person who's comforting me right now is the same man I wanted to see.

"Antonio." I sighed in relief. "Am I in 2019?"

"Yes." He smiled. "You we're away for almost 24 hours."

"...I was?" I asked. It didn't really bother me that I was in 1898 for too long. "I passed out didn't I?"

Antonio didn't answer it but instead, he chuckled.

My cheeks started to turn red as I felt embarrassed that I passed out and not to mention that I also vomited while he's beside me.

"So...how's the Eco-bike? It's not broken, right?" I asked Joshua. I just wanted to make sure that it's alright because I hid the painting on its compartment.

Joshua was focused on the road since he was the one driving us home.

"Fortunately, the Eco-bike is still in perfect condition after traveling back and forth." Joshua said. He looked at me at the rear mirror. He seemed bothered and it's also bothering me that I don't know the reason why. "We recorded down the time you left and arrived."

He's been acting weird lately ever since I caught him reading something at the study room.

"You alright, Josh?" I asked him.

"Why wouldn't I be?" He coldly said.

"Nothing..." I muttered.

It felt awkward that Joshua is giving me a cold treatment. Did I do any wrong for him to treat me this way? I want to confront him but I can't do it now.

"Anyways, I'll be going somewhere this weekend." Joshua said. "Is it okay that we'll continue our time heist fiasco on Monday?"

"Yeah, we don't mind at all." I said. After all, we still have a week left before the Philippines Revolution and by that time, Antonio will be back on his own time.

"Good." He spat.

Antonio and I arrived home. Joshua decided to drop us off instead of staying with us. Apparently, he has some important things to do. I didn't bother asking him because he seems like he has a lot on his mind.

***

I stretched my arm and yawned. I just woke up from a 3-hour nap. I looked at my wall clock and it's twelve in the afternoon. I crawled out from my bed and I went out from my room. It's time for me to cook lunch for me and Antonio.

To my surprise, I caught Antonio busy cooking at the kitchen.

"Who taught you how to use the stove?" I asked Antonio and he jumped a bit. I sat on the counter top and I smelled his cooking. I must say, it smelled good.

"Try tasting it, Lana." I grabbed a spoon and I took a bite of Antonio's adobong manok (fried chicken).

"I'm impressed, Ton." I said. It actually tastes really good. "You should have cooked ages ago."

"I only Googled it a day ago on how to use the stove..." He apologetically said. "Think of it as a goodbye gift from me to you."

Antonio gave me a lot of goodbye gifts and I didn't think of giving him one. I looked at him and smiled as I realized that maybe I do have something for him.

"Do you want to go on a road trip with me this weekend?" I asked him. "Think of it as my goodbye gift."

Antonio looked surprised. I wasn't a giver type of person. I am always the receiver type but you know...it would be nice to give him a good memory before he leaves.

"Are you being serious, Lana?" He asked in disbelief and I chuckled.

"Did I stutter?" I raised my eyebrow at him. "I suggest we pack our things and let's hit the road, shall we?"

Antonio and I enjoyed our meal together. To my surprise, he isn't a bad cook. I should have taught him how to use the stove earlier.

As we continue eating our meal, we were talking about how much has changed for the past hundred years. He's quite amused about how technology has helped us with our modern problems. I, on the other hand, told him that I fear that artificial intelligence might overthrow humans. I just hoped that when it does happen, I'll be long gone.

***

"Do you really think that's safe to drive, Lana?" Antonio asked.

We we're at the garage and Antonio looked unsure about the safety of driving an old car. I could have borrowed Jay's car but we aren't in good terms and my pride doesn't allow me to apologize to him first.

"Yeah..." I shrugged. "It's a bit old but she's in good condition."

When my grandfather of my mother's side passed away, he inherited us his 1967 Ford Mustang convertible 289 V8. My mother knew how much the worth of a vintage car. So, instead of letting us use it, she just kept it in our garage until she forgot that it existed.

She literally forgot to sell it off to a car enthusiast.

I sat on the driver's seat and I turned it the engine on.  I looked at Antonio who was standing at the corner. I think he's probably thinking that the convertible car is a killer machine.

I put my glasses on and I adjust the outside rear view mirrors.

"It's time to go on a road trip with me." I said.

After many attempts of persuading Antonio to ride on a car with me, he finally gave in.

***

The tall buildings of the city are no longer to be seen as we drove all the way to the Northern part of Cebu. To be exact, we drove to the Cebu Trans-central Highway where the tall buildings are replaced by the beautiful mountain view.

No matter where I travel, I will always miss my island, Cebu. I always find it an accessible place to live in because I can be sipping coffee at the mountains after an hour of driving or I can be flaunting my bikini at white sand beaches after a 2-3 hour ride.

We stopped by at many tourist spots such as Temple of Leah, Sirao Garden, and Tops Lookout. All of the places showcased the beautiful mountains and city view. We also ate our merienda (snacks) at 21 Kilometers Coffee.

As the sun sets down, we also arrived at our final destination for today's road trip. I booked a place for us to stay for the night. The place is called Tree house de Valentine and it's located in Balamban, Cebu. It's a beautiful place that can make me appreciate the beauty of nature. We have the place all to ourselves and that includes the mini waterfalls outside the balcony of the tree house.

"You over did it, Lana." Antonio said. He was quite in awe that there's still a gem like this on a city that replaced bahay kubos with skyscrapers. "This isn't expensive, right?"

"Err; you don't need to worry about that." I said. I'll worry about it when my credit card bill statement arrives next month.

After putting all our stuff inside, I decided to prepare our dinner while Antonio was setting up the bonfire outside. We have decided to take advantage of the beautiful starry night and the gushing sound of the waterfalls. 

I went outside where I saw Antonio sitting near the bonfire. He was holding a blanket on his hand. I sat beside him and he caught me off guard by wrapping the blanket around me.

"You might get cold." Antonio said. Despite having the bonfire warming us up, it is still a bit chilly.

"How about you...? Don't you feel any cold at all?" I asked him.

"I'm used to sleeping on cold places when I was leading my troops to war." He was staring blankly at the bonfire as he was saying those words. "So, this chilly night won't bother me."

I looked at the blanket that was warming me up. I placed a part of the blanket to Antonio.

"You aren't in 1898, Ton." I said. I placed my head on his shoulder. I noticed he's a bit tense but his body soon shifted as he started to feel relaxed. "Dinner is ready by the way."

"I think I'm already full." Antonio said.

"So am I..." I muttered.

"Is this a date, Lana?" He asked and I was shook. Why would he ask that kind of question? I moved away from him as my cheeks started to turn red out of embarrassment.

"Why...would...you think that this is...a date?" I stuttered and Antonio smiled.

"I just assumed that this is a date because this looked like the ideal date you told me about before." He said. I looked at him in confusion. When did I even say that? How come I can't recall it? "Oh right...you were drunk when you said it."

"What exactly did I say?" I asked him.

"You told me that you're ideal date would be at a province where you'll stay at the bahay kubo for the whole night and then talk about feelings." Antonio said. I really tried my best to recall everything I said but I guess I was really wasted. "We aren't at the province and this is certainly not a bahay kubo but I think it's good enough to be considered as a date, right?"

"I guess so." I said. "Now all we have to do is talk about our feelings, right?"

"I already told you my feelings, Lana." He sounded hurt. It was then I realized that I didn't give him an answer to his confession. "And I'll say it to you again and again."

"You don't have to, Antonio." I placed my hand on his face and he gently caressed it. "I already know."

I moved a bit closer to him and without thinking it through, I kissed his cheek which made Antonio blushed and stunned at the same time.

"What was...that for?" He was surprised but I know he felt happy because I noticed a small smile on his face.

"I never gave you an answer, right?" I took a deep breath as I couldn't hear my own words because my heart is beating louder every minute. "I think I love you...no, scratch that out. I do love you, Antonio."

"You...love me?" He couldn't contain his happiness as he started to tear up.

"I'm sorry I made you cry....should I take back what I said?" I was panicking of course because I didn't know what's going on. He's crying for damn's sake and everything is so nerve wrecking.

"I love you too, Lana." I felt relief when he said those words. I slapped his arm and he chuckled while I started to tear up. "Why are you crying?"

"I thought you're going to reject my feelings." I cried. I felt his warm embrace as I am wrapped around his body. "I thought you no longer love me because I treated you like an ass before."

"I was just crying because I couldn't believe it that my first love loves me back." He said.

"We're such an emotional sack right now." I cried.

Tonight, I told Antonio how I truly feel about him even though we know that this isn't going to end well between us. I'd love him now rather than regretting to never have loved him at all.

...Because love is all about loving each other despite the uncertainties.

***

If you want to know what the tree house looks like, check the link below.

sugbo.ph/2019/treehouse-de-valentine/

or you can also check it on YouTube.

I'm not promoting it or anything but I really do like the place. I haven't been there (sadly) but hey, at least my characters have been there :D

Chapter 22: Congratulations, You're No Longer A Virgin

Disclaimer: Things are going be ~steamy~

***

CHAPTER 21: Congratulations, you're no longer a virgin.

"Why is it raw?" Antonio asked.

"It's...steak." I sighed. "And it's not raw. Its medium rare..."

After confessing my feelings to Antonio, we had a romantic moment together but it didn't last that long because we got hungry. So, we decided to eat the meal that I prepared but to my dismay, Antonio doesn't get why steak aren't fully cooked.

"Are you sure this is safe to eat?" He has thoroughly examined the steak already and yet, he is still not convinced that is edible.

"You know what..." I stood up from my seat and I snatched away Antonio's meal. "Go starve yourself."

"Hey, I'm going to eat it." Antonio stood up and he grabbed his meal away from me. He took out a big bite on the steak without even cutting it first. "It's...delicious."

"Yeah, you're lying." I shrugged.

"I'm not, Lana." He was talking to me while his mouth is stuffed with steak. "It's surprisingly delicious."

"You really think so?" I asked him.

"Yeah, it is." He said. "Come sit beside me."

We enjoyed our meal together and Antonio wasn't lying at all. He did enjoy his steak and he felt ashamed that he overreacted when he found out that steaks are supposed to be medium rare.

In between our meals, we got to know more about each other. Our conversation was from one topic to another and it's not because we're a good conversationalist, we were influenced by the amount of red wine that we were drinking.

***

"Don't you just love stars?" I asked Antonio. After our meal, we were starting to get sleepy but we don't want to end the night yet. I suggested to him that we should do stargazing which he agreed and now, we're lying on a picnic mat.

"Not as much as I love you." Antonio said. I was wrapped around his warm embrace and it felt nice. I have never felt so loved before and who would have thought that I'll get to experience it with him?

"You're being cheesy again." I said. I placed my head on his chest and I can feel his heart beat synchronized to mine.

"I'm just being honest, Lana." He planted a kiss on my forehead and I felt secured. "But I am getting sleepy."

"No, you shouldn't get sleepy." I lightly pinched his cheek which made him groan. "I don't want to end the night yet."

"What do you have in mind then?" Antonio yawned. I looked around the surroundings and the gushing sound of the waterfalls caught my attention.

"Do you want to take a swim?" I grinned at him.

"I'd rather sleep, Lana." He grunted. I stood up and I pulled his hand but he still wouldn't get up.

"Come on..." I insisted but he was being a lazy bum. "I'll just swim all by myself then."

Antonio's eyes widened when I removed my shirt as it exposed my unflattering bra. I actually forgot to pack my swimwear. Hence, I am stuck with an unflattering bra that doesn't match my underwear.

"Lana! Wear a shirt!" He yelled but I ignored him. I walked my way towards the water and as I stepped on it, I got surprised. I expected it to be cold but it wasn't.

"The water is warm, Antonio!" I yelled back. I was at a far distant from him. "Don't be a pussy and come here!"

After my endless persuasion, Antonio finally gave in. He removed his shirt and it exposed his fine ab line. I can also see the battle scars that he got from war. Whenever I looked at him, I couldn't help but think that he's a fragile yet strong man.

And also, I'll probably never get tired of seeing him shirtless.

He went on the water and he approached me. As his bare skin touched mine, I can feel a sensual feeling inside of me that was awakening.

He placed his hand on my waist and he pulled me closer to him. I looked at him in awe but at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder about the battle scars that he have collected from war.

I touched a certain scar that was located near his chest. It was a deep scar that was different from the others.

"How did this happen?" I asked him.

"I got abducted by a Spanish soldier." He took a deep sigh. It must have been painful to remember such a tragic event.

"You don't have to tell me the whole story." I said.

"It's okay...I'm fine." He gave me a re-assuring smile. "They abducted me because I was the general. They threatened to kill me because I wouldn't tell them where my troops are hiding."

"I'm sorry..." I muttered.

"I actually thought that I died but then my troops found me near a riverbank. I was severely wounded on my chest and I couldn't even recall that I got stabbed."

"As much as I want to comfort you, I don't know how to." I sheepishly said. I felt ashamed that I couldn't even comfort my own man. "Do you want me to pat your back or something?"

"You really are the cutest." He chuckled. I felt relief that he chuckled. I thought we're going to be a pair of sad sacks again. "If you don't mind, I'd like a kiss from you."

"You don't need to ask, Antonio." I said.

With my permission, he moved his head closer to mine. My body started to act like it has a mind of its own as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Antonio planted a soft kiss on my lips and it felt magical as usual but yet I wanted more.

Antonio and I were locked in each other's eyes. I knew that he wanted more and so do I.

"Do you want me to kiss you more?" He softly said.

"Like I said, you don't need to ask." I sounded aggressive but I do want him now. I didn't wait for his move. I decided to make a move and kiss him.

The kiss we shared right now is different from the one we shared a minute ago. It was passionate and it was getting obvious that we want each other.

We continued kissing and we're starting to get comfortable on each other's bare skin as our hands are freely exploring our bodies. Antonio's hands are freely caressing my ass and back but mostly my ass. I aggressively tousled his hair as our kiss is driving me a little insane. I let out a small moan and he let out a small smile on his face.

The soft kisses weren't enough for us as we started to bite each other's lips until we're sucking out each other's tongue. I can feel my lips getting numb but I don't mind at all.

Antonio started kissing my neck and it felt good. I couldn't help but moan as the sensual feeling is already taking over me. He attempted to remove my bra but to his dismay, he wasn't good at it.

We paused from our make out session because Antonio was unable to remove my bra.

"I actually don't have an experience on removing a bra." He felt embarrassed about his lack of his experience but I didn't care. It made him look extra cute than the usual. I decided to plant a kiss on his cheek as an assurance that it's alright.

"It's okay, Ton." I smiled. I removed my bra and I throw it away. Antonio couldn't help but gaze at my breasts. "But my eyes are up here."

"I'm sorry." He muttered. "I just got distracted."

"I know you are." I chuckled.

Antonio and I started kissing again. He pressed his body against mine and I continued tousling his hair while my legs are wrapped around his waist. He kissed my neck again while hands are intact on my ass. I can feel his boner underneath his shorts. It was poking on my stomach and it was then I realized there is no longer turning back. We're going to make love tonight.

Antonio pulled me away. He tucked the strands on my hair behind my ear. I looked at him and he looked flushed but so am I.

"Before we continue, do you want to do it with me?" He whispered on my ear and he sounded sexy.

"I thought you'll never ask." I chuckled.

We went out from the water and decided to continue our steamy make out session inside our room. We started making out again and Antonio was on top of me. He removed his shorts and it exposed his above average dick. I definitely am ready to make love with him.

He started removing my shorts until the only clothing left on my body is my underwear. Like the naughty beast that he is, Antonio removed my underwear with his teeth and it made me moan.

Antonio paused and looked at my naked body. He looked at me full of admiration.

"I love you, Lana." He said.

"I love you too, Antonio." I said.

After our foreplay, we finally decided to make love. Although it wasn't my first time of doing it, I felt nervous because doing it with someone you love hits differently from a guy you're just hooking up with.

Antonio and I made love until its dawn. I couldn't believe that it's his first time because he took good care of me. He was very gentle of me and he made sure of that.

***

We were both exhausted from our love making. I couldn't even feel my legs but I don't regret it at all.

I looked at the wall clock and it's already twelve in the afternoon and we're supposed to check out but Antonio is still soundly asleep.

I moved closer to him and I kissed him as an attempt to wake him up but it didn't work. I tried tickling his ear but instead of waking up, he started snoring.

"Wake up, love." I said. Antonio's snore was replaced by chuckles. He opened his eyes and grinned at me. He has been awake all this time, huh?

"Good morning to you too, love." Antonio said. He looked extra fine with his bed hair.

"Actually, it's already afternoon and we really need to check out." I said.

"Just five more minutes..." Antonio groaned. He pulled me closer to him and since I have a soft spot for him, I gave in.

"You know what..."

"Hmm...?"

"You're no longer a virgin." I grinned. "And I'm your first."

"You're my first and last, Lana." Antonio kissed my forehead.

"So, my love..."

"Hmm...?"

"Congratulations, you're no longer a virgin." I smiled in victory. Antonio's cheek flushed as he recalled all the positions we did last night.

"Okay, I'm getting up now." He said.

I hope and pray that every day would turn out to be like this but as the weekend is about to end, so does my time with him. 

Chapter 23: The Devil Works Hard But This Bitch Works Harder

Hey, sorry for the overdue update. I wasn't really in the mood to write lately. I do hope you'll forgive me and please accept this new chapter as my way of apologizing.

***

CHAPTER 23: The devil works hard but this bitch works harder

September 10, 2024

I looked at the painting that was hanged on the national museum. It was my favorite among the rest but I think I'm just being bias. By time to time, I come here just to look at it.

The artist who made it was Joseph Mari Hernandez and the painting was all about the general's first love, me.

A lot of people wondered and researched about the mystery woman who captivated the heart of the great General Antonio Del Mundo. To their dismay, they didn't get any information about me and up to now, I am one of the greatest mysteries in Philippine History.

They really are just curious to know who I am.

The painting has been well preserved as it should be. It is a part of my memory or shall I say...our memory together and I shall forever cherish it.

A man around 5'11 feet tall stand beside me... Like me, he was appreciating the painting. I was minding my own business until he said something that caught my attention.

"The mystery woman, huh...?" His voice sounded eerily familiar. I have heard of his voice before.

I looked up and he looked down at me. I was quite petite so it was a struggle for his part to look at me.

When I looked closely at his facial features, I realized that I have met him before...a long, long time ago.

"Hey, it's you..." I said.

***

Present time, 2019

My romantic getaway with Antonio has ended and as much as we want to extend our stay, it's time to go back home and face the harsh reality.

Driving back home wasn't fun at all. Antonio wasn't socializing as much as I hoped for but I understand him. After today, I can just go back to doing all the things I did before meeting him but as for Antonio, he's going to face the inevitable.

But can everything turn back to normal after everything for me? Now that Antonio has my heart? I hardly doubt it.

After three hours of driving and beating the Cebu traffic, we finally arrived home.

I noticed that Jay's car is parked at the garage. I really don't want to deal with him today or any day but he has the audacity to show up when he's not even welcomed.

"Jay's here." I sighed. Even the thought of him being around is giving me a headache.

"You're not going to yell him, right?" Antonio asked.

"Of course not..." I casually lied at him. I really want to yell at Jay but I don't want Antonio to know. I think he had enough of our petty fights already. "Just stay here for a while."

I went inside the house and was ready to have another argument with Jay but to my surprise, he wasn't alone.

"Joshua..." As I mentioned his name, I felt uneasy. I looked around and I saw my grandpa's photos scattered on the floor. It was everywhere including the pictures he had with both Clara and grandma. "What's...going on?"

I felt like my stomach was being twisted when I asked the question to Joshua. I already know the answer but I feel like I am in denial.

"I was hoping you'd tell me, Lana." Joshua said through gritted teeth. He looked at me with disappointment and I don't know I can handle that.

"Did you tell him...Jay?" I nervously asked him.

"I am equally surprised as you are, sister." Jay said.

"I...think I already know what's going on but don't you think that I deserve an answer from you, Lana?" Joshua coldly said.

"Josh..." I started crying because I am terrified on what might happen to our friendship. I didn't tell him the truth because I was scared that it might ruin our friendship but now that all of this is happening, I realized that the only thing that can ruin our friendship is me.

"Lana!" I yelled and I jumped. I never have seen him frustrated before. "Tell me the damn truth!"

Jay and I were both surprised by his temper. I fear on what might happen next but we both know that I am to blame.

"We're...related." I cried. Joshua doesn't look like he's surprised about the revelation but it does not mean that I didn't broke him because I did...I broke him. "I really wanted to tell you, Josh...I really do."

"Then why didn't you?" He harshly said. As I was crying, he was crying too. "Is this your way of rejecting my feelings for you? Or are you just using me to bring back your boyfriend to his time?"

"No...No! Don't think of it that way!" I tried to approach him so that I calm him down but he pushed me away. I almost got hit on the edge of the table.

My eyes widened when I realized that Joshua is capable to hurt me. He can hurt me.

What have I done to him?

Jay blocked me from Joshua because I get harmed by Joshua's own hands.

"Calm the f/ck down, Josh!" Jay yelled at him. "Lana and I both know the truth about our grandfather. If you want to let out all of your anger, throw a punch at me but not at Lana!"

"Jay..." I felt bad that my brother is willing to catch a punch for me. He'd rather be harmed instead of me.

He was every right to be mad too but instead, he protected me and it was the most brotherly thing he have done.

"What's going on?" Antonio asked. I cussed knowing that he arrived at the scene where he's not welcome at all. Joshua looked at him with rage. It didn't last long until he decided to approach Antonio and punched him on the face.

"Go back to your time and die." Joshua said. "I your death will be as painful as my heartache."

Antonio landed on the ground. His cheek and upper lip are bleeding. He didn't fight back at Joshua. He didn't do anything and maybe because he thinks that he deserves it.

Joshua left and I regret not telling him sooner about the reason why I hid the truth to him. I wanted to follow him and asked for an apology but Jay didn't allow me. He feared that I might get myself harmed.

Joshua might not look at me the same way again. I am just a girl who used him.

***

"Well, at least Joshua was kind enough to leave the Eco-bike in one piece." Jay jokingly said. Amidst the tension going on, he still has the nerve to crack a joke.

We're currently at the living room. I am putting medications on Antonio's bruises while Jay was checking on the Eco-bike and he also picked up the pictures that was scattered on the floor.

I am still curious on whoever told Joshua about our family. I had doubts that Jay told him but he protected me.

"Hey, Jay..."

"Hmm...?"

"Thank you." I muttered. "...for always having my back." I felt embarrassed because I have wronged him countless of times and yet, he has always had my back.

"You know, that felt good." He grinned. "Can you say it again?"

"Yeah, no..." I snapped. "You're only going to hear it once."

"You owe me big time, sister." He said.

"I know." For the first time today, I smiled.

"I'll leave you two alone." Jay went out the house as he wanted to give us some privacy but I also think he just doesn't want to be the third wheel.

As Jay left, Antonio's attention were all on me.

"Hey, are you okay?" Antonio asked. He noticed that my eyes are swollen from crying. He got punched by Joshua and yet he's concerned about my well-being.

"You should ask yourself that." I said. "Your pretty face has bruises."

"I had worse." He chuckled.

"And yet it made you stronger than ever." I touched the scar on his chest. I don't know all of the stories behind his scars but I do know that he's the most courageous person I have ever known.

Antonio grabbed my hand that was lying on his chest.

"I'm sorry about what happened between you and Joshua but I think time will heal your friendship someday." He said.

"Time...time...!" I jumped out from my seat which caught him by surprise. "I can still fix my friendship with Joshua, Ton!"

"In what way exactly...?"

"I can travel back to the past and fix my mistake! I'll tell him the truth instead of holding back."

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Lana." Antonio warned me. "You know...that would affect the present time, right?

"Yeah..." I shrugged. "But it's for the better."

"Lana..." He gently squeezed my hand.

"I want my friend back, Antonio." I sighed. "I don't want to live another day knowing that I ruined my friendship with him."

"If you must..." He sighed. "Then go do it."

I went out the house to look for Jay. I wanted to tell him about my idea and I am hoping that he'll agree to it but the universe still has some surprises for me.

Jay's hands were raised on the air while some policemen were pointing their guns at us. We were surrounded by them and they're all armed.

"What the hell is going on?" I asked.

"Hands in the air, Missy...!" A police man said. I raised my hands on the air as I fear that my hard headed self might cause harm.

"What did you do this time, Jay?" I whispered at him.

"I honestly don't know, sister." He said. Jay and I were both confused. Our neighbors went out from their homes as they were curious about the ruckus.

Nadia went out from the car. We were both surprised that she's here and yet she didn't do a damn thing to prove our innocence to whatever the policemen assumed that we did.

She approached us with a smirk plastered on her face and I couldn't help but think that she's the reason behind all of this.

"Nadz, what's going on?" Jay asked her.

"They're arresting both of you." She said.

"That's absurd, Nadia!" I yelled. "What the hell did we do this time? Were we jaywalking on the street, huh?"

"I always do like your humor, Lana." Nadia chuckled. She moved a step closer to me and she whispered... "I planted some drugs on your home when no one was around."

"What kind of sick joke are you up to?!" I yelled at her but she just triumphantly laughed at me.

"The time machine belongs to me." She whispered.

My eyes widened when I realized that Nadia knew what's going on in our household. A part of me knew that she's on to something but it did not occur to me that her ulterior motive is to have the time machine for her own. No one knew about the time machine except the people who are involved but how come she knows it?

"You bitch!" I spat at her.

"Oh, I've heard that compliment before." She flipped her hair. "Arrest them now."

They say that the devil works hard but this bitch works harder.

Chapter 24: Being A Traitor Is Hereditary

CHAPTER 24: Being a traitor is hereditary

I may have bad records when I was still a student and my parents' friends probably think of me that I'm the reason behind their children's bad behaviors when in fact, birds of the same feather flocks together.

I admit that I made a few mistakes in my life and I am never cautious of the outcome of my decisions but I was confident that despite my reckless behavior, I won't end up behind bars

But of course, the universe proved me wrong.

Currently, I am at the interrogation room. My hands are handcuffed on the table like as if I'm going to attempt to break free.

Nadia went inside the room with a smirk plastered on her face. She looked so proud of herself that she framed me and Jay for drug possession just so she can have the time machine for her own. Nadia sat across me and she placed all documents on the table including a journal notebook. If I weren't handcuffed right now, I have probably yanked her hair and dragged her ass out of here.

"Make yourself comfortable." Nadia said. Her attention was on my hands that are handcuffed on the table. "Of course you can't."

"You really are a bitch aren't you?" I harshly said.

"Indeed I am, Lana." She chuckled. "I guess you have so many unanswered questions that you're dying to know."

"You're quite right." I said. "But I am aware that being a traitor is hereditary in your family."

"Is it, Lana?" She raised her eyebrow at me.

"So you were really up to something didn't you?" I asked. I have always doubted her because I felt that she has an ulterior motive aside from seducing my brother.

"Allow me to explain you everything since I owe you that." She rolled her eyes at me.

"Wow, you're sincerity is very much appreciated." I sarcastically said.

"You don't need to worry about other people knowing about the time machine since no one is around behind the two way mirror." Nadia said. I looked at the two way mirror. I have watched a lot of police and crime movies that by now, I know its purpose.

"Are you just going to boost your ego all day long or are you going to tell me how the f/ck you found out about the time machine." I irritably said.

"You're quite entertaining, Lana." She chuckled. "But I will tell you now."

"Please do tell me, bitch." I harshly said.

"When I was still a student in the police academy, I studied a case about the disappearance of your grandfather, Juanito Baldivia." Nadia opened the documents and it was all about my grandfather including our family history. "It was one of the oddly and unsolved cases even up to this date."

"Are you obsessed with my grandfather, Nadia?" I asked her.

"Well, not at first." She admittedly said. "But then... I went to my great, great, great grandfather's rest house and I saw a picture of him with your grandfather."

Nadia showed me a picture of President Sarmionte. He was smiling beside my grandfather and they were in his study room. I'll assume that this was the day when I barged into his study room and interrupted their meeting.

"It bothered me that the man standing beside the president looked eerily familiar to your grandfather who disappeared in 1980." Nadia continued. "So, I did some research and I found out that your grandfather used to be a frustrated scientist."

"I'll give you credit that you did your research pretty well." I sighed.

"I'm flattered, Lana." She smiled. "Anyways, your grandmother reported that your grandfather went missing. Everyone thought that she went insane because she said the arcade machine ate your grandfather."

It does sound insane when you think about it.

"No one believed her of course." Nadia added. "But then a month later, she no longer wants to continue the search for her husband."

It must probably be the same time when my grandfather went back to the present to see my grandmother one last time before he leaves her for Clara.

"I just assumed that the man beside the president just looked similar to your grandfather. So, I ignored the case like everyone else did but then I met you and everything made sense." Nadia said.

"What do you mean by that, Nadia? You've known me before?" I asked. Nadia opened her journal and my name was written on it.

"Your brother and crying mother went into our precinct." Nadia said. "Jay said that you mysteriously disappeared after leaving you at the study room and I wrote it all down on my journal."

I looked at the journal and she wrote that I disappeared for seven days without any hint of abduction or any criminal related situations. I wasn't aware until now that everyone were looking for me while I was stuck in 1898. Nadia asked a lot of people including my friends and acquaintances about my whereabouts but to no avail, I wasn't found.

"I volunteered myself on handling your case because when I found out that you're a Baldivia, I had a gut feeling that your disappearance will make sense to your grandfather's case which it did."

"Would you believe that it's just a coincidence, Nadia?" I asked.

"Of course not..." She snarled. "I really thought I turned insane because after a week of your disappearance, I was at the precinct doing paper works and I had no idea of who you are."

It's probably the same time I arrived back in 2019 which means that my disappearance no longer occurs.

"I looked at the calendar and it's the same date and day again. I was so certain that a week has passed by already but everyone said that I probably overworked myself." Nadia said.

"...but then you had a record of my disappearance on your journal." I added.

"Yeah..." She sighed. "It was then I realized that I'm not insane and that you're up to something."

"So, what's next? You stalked me?" I asked and she didn't respond. Instead, she sheepishly looked at me. "You did stalk me!"

"That's what private investigators do, Lana." She casually said. "So, yes...I stalked you for days and I researched about your family background and your relationships to other people including Joshua Espinoza on whom by the way, has an interesting family tree."

"You figured out that we're related didn't you?"

"It wasn't that hard, Lana." She smirked. "I felt bad that I broke Joshua's heart when I told him about you and his family lineage."

"You're the one who told him...? How could you!" I yelled at her. I was frustrated at Nadia for taking my opportunity to properly explain and apologize to him about the things that I have done. Joshua probably thinks that I used him and played with his feelings.

"I had to tell Joshua because he's my way of distracting you." Nadia said. She intentionally told Joshua about our family so that she can get away with stealing the time machine.

"You're a heartless bitch!" I spat at her. "You did not only mess my friendship with Joshua but you also broke my brother's heart!"

"It wasn't hard to break his heart, Lana." She snarled. "You know, when I found out about the fire accident at your condo, I had to make sure that it's related to the unexplained events that is going on in your family and you know what I found out?"

"What!" I snapped.

"I found out that the cause of the fire was a short circuit on an arcade machine which by the way, looked similar to the arcade machine that your grandmother mentioned when your grandfather disappeared."

Nadia showed me a photo of the arcade machine that was dated on 1980. She compared it to the picture she secretly took on the roasted arcade machine.

"Coincidence...? I think not." Nadia said. "I had to be involved in your life, Lana. I need to know the truth."

"So, you pretended to be in love with my brother? You sound so desperate." I have never been disgusted at her that I am now.

"It does sound desperate but it was all worth it." She proudly said. "Thanks to your brother, it gave me a reason to visit your place without any suspicion."

"So, I snooped around and found the evidences including the formula for time travel." Nadia added. "You guys built another and suddenly, it all made sense."

I panicked on the inside that the formula is at the hands of a megalomaniac. I already feared that she might use the time machine for her own benefit. I may have a devil may care persona but on the inside, I am truly panicking.

"You proved yourself right." I said. "Now what's your next agenda, huh?"

"Do you really think that I'll tell you my plan, Lana?" Nadia grinned. "A villain never admits its plan."

"At least you admit that you're a villain." I scowled. "But where's Anthony?"

"Anthony?" She snarled. "Or do you mean General Antonio Del Mundo?"

My eyes widened when Nadia mentioned Antonio's true identity. I assumed that she's suspicious about me and my brother but it did not occur to me that it included Antonio.

"Do you really think I wouldn't figure it out? The general will be the living proof that the time machine works perfectly." Nadia added.

"We made the time machine to bring back Antonio to his time!" I admitted. "If we can't bring him back before the Philippine Revolution, our time will be at risk!"

"I don't care, Lana." She nonchalantly said. "I only care what benefits me and that's the time machine."

"Bullshit, Nadia!" I outrageously yelled at her. "It will affect you too!"

"Like I said... I don't care." Nadia said. She stood up from her seat and grabbed all the documents and journal on the table. "See you behind bars, Lana."

Nadia Sarmionte left the interrogation room. She left alone with my own thoughts and feelings. I have never felt disappointed at myself than I am now. I couldn't help but think about Antonio's wellbeing. How is he handling all of this? Where is he right now? Can we still bring him back to 1898? Or is this really the end of the timeline? But most importantly, how are you, Antonio?

Chapter 25: Nadia's Plan Is Simply Psychotic

Sorry for not updating any time sooner. My last update was almost a month ago. I was uninspired lately and it was hard to figure out how to finish this chapter but alas, I finally published it. Now, enjoy!

***

CHAPTER 25: Nadia's plan is simply psychotic

It feels like it was yesterday that I was sitting behind bars at our local jail for a petty reason. I remembered punching a woman at a bar which surprisingly, she's the owner. I've been going in and out at the local jail and it does not last for more than five hours, but my current experience set the standards too high.

I am at the city jail for almost 24 hours.

I didn't punch a woman this time nor did I kick a pervert guy's balls. I am stuck in this hell hole because a bitch named Nadia Sarmionte framed me for drug possession.

I was remembering my experiences at the local jail; it reminded me of a certain someone who has always been my constant when I'm stuck in this kind of situation...

My best friend...

Joshua Espinoza

He has always been the one scolding and bailing me out in situations like this. He acted as my guardian when no one else does but this time, it's different.

Joshua will no longer help me.

In times like this, I have become desperate. I had to call someone who can bail me out. I had to ask for help and to do that, I must lower my pride. I had to call my mother.

***

I am once again at the interrogation room and this time, I am with my mother. Every time I look at her, it becomes obvious on how stressed she is. It is not a mother's dream to see both of her children behind bars.

"I hired a lawyer and he'll be here any minute." Mom said.

"Thank you, mom..." I sighed in relief.

"I talked to Jay a while ago and he told me the both of you were framed by her girlfriend...is it true?" She said.

"Nadia...that bitch..." I said through gritted teeth. I despise that woman so much.

"What would be her motive for framing you and Jay?" She asked. I didn't say a single word for I am hesitant. As much as I want to tell her, I just can't. "You have to tell me, Lana."

"I don't know, Mom." I lied. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly. I can see the desperation in my mother's eyes and how her heart aches for her children.

"I...need to bail you and Jay out of here." Mom aggressively said. "And for me to do that, you have to tell me that truth..."

I looked at my mother who was sitting across me. She has always been estranged towards me and Jay. It hasn't seen the extent of her care towards us. Now that I have seen my mother sound desperate to get us the hell out of here made me realize that she does care in her own conventional way.

"Nadia want something from us and to make that possible, she must get rid of us first." I said.

"What...does she want? Money...? Jewelries...?" Mom's asked as her curiosity piqued.

"It's more valuable than that, Mom." I sighed. "It's something that even time can't replace it."

"Being vague won't help your case, Lana." Mom blandly said. "You know what; just tell me when you're ready."

I looked at her and I can see the desperation in her eyes that she wants to reach out to me. It has always been a struggle to me on sharing stories to her because we were both so distant to each other.

I know that she's trying to be a mother right now.

"But you have to tell the lawyer the entire story if you want to be out of here because I don't want my children to be transferred to a rehabilitation center." Mom said.

Mom gently caressed my hand and her gentle stroke made me feel safe.

"Have I failed as a mother, Lana?" She asked.

Her question caught me out of the blue. She asked me a question that I know the answer of.

I mean, she didn't bother showing up and asked how I'm doing when my condo was on fire. She wasn't curious where I'm currently living. She doesn't even know that I got fired three months ago.

It only takes a trip to the city jail for her to question her parental skills.

"You just have flaws, mom." I smiled. "I know that you're trying."

If the situation is different and if she had asked me that same question three months ago, I'd answer differently.

I'd probably say to her on how incompetent and self-centered she is. I'd tell her that all of my rebellious acts were my ways of hoping that she'll care for me even if it means you'll end up scolding me.

I've wanted to tell her that but times like this made me realize that we're all trying.

"You know, I expected a heartbreaking answer." Mom said. She sounded emotional and she teared up a bit too.

"We're going to get through this, okay?" I assured her.

"Okay." She said. As my mother continued caressing my hand, she noticed something. "Isn't this your grandfather's watch?"

"What...?" Mom pointed out the vintage watch that I was wrapped around my wrist. It didn't bother me up until now that I was wearing it the entire time.

"I saw your grandparents' wedding picture and he proudly wore that." Mom said.

"He did...?" I am dumbfounded right now. All this time I was praying to God to help me bail out in here when in fact, the answer to my prayer is on my wrist.

I recalled the time that I wore it. It was that day when Joshua found out that we're distant cousins.

I remembered Joshua storming out of the house. He was disappointed at us but mostly at me. I followed him and asked for his forgiveness but he didn't flinch at all. At that moment, I was desperate. I want my friend back.

I was terrified that my actions might lead to Joshua taking back the time machine that he invented. I didn't realize any time sooner that he didn't take it away.

He just left.

I was overthinking a lot at the time that the only thing that made sense was to go back to the past.

It was that time I realized that I can still fix everything before it became a mess. I went back to the study room and took out the time watch but as I went out, everything that happened lead me here.

It then lapsed on my mind that I was wearing it all along.

"I wonder how much the value of the vintage watch you're wearing." Mom's interest piqued as her eyes glimmered at the watch. I pulled my hand away from her.

"Don't even think about it, Mom." I glared at her.

Nadia went inside the interrogation room. She glared at me and cleared her throat once she realized that I am not alone.

"So, this must be your mother." Nadia nonchalantly said.

"It seems that Jay didn't introduce you to our mother." I smirked. "I guess he doesn't love you that much at all."

Nadia snarled at me and I smiled in victory that I made her bothered.

"Is this the bitch you're talking about?" Mom whispered to me.

"Yeah..." I shrugged. Mom looked at her in disgust and honestly, I can't blame her.

"Do you want me to tackle her?" She asked.

"Mom...!" I scolded her. "Tackling a government official is a criminal offense."

"Point taken..." Mom said.

We both looked at Nadia who was impatiently waiting for us to finish our mother and daughter moment. She aggressively tapped her heel and raised her eyebrow at me.

"I don't want to ruin the family reunion but I have to." Nadia said to my mother. "You can talk to your daughter when I'm done interviewing her."

Mom stood up from her seat and she didn't even bat a single lash at her.

"I don't know what Jay has seen in you." Mom spat and I couldn't help but laughed at her remark. She looked at me and smiled dearly. "I'll talk to you later and this time, I'll be with your lawyer."

Mom left the interrogation room and now it's just me and the bitch.

"Thanks for ruining the family reunion." I sarcastically said. "But what do you want this time, Nadia?" I crossed my arms and she rolled her eyes at me.

"I'll get it straight to the point." Nadia said. She straightened her posture and tried her best to look intimidating but failed miserably. "How do you use the time machine?"

"Oh..." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Well, that's embarrassing..."

"You're the epitome of embarrassment, Lana." She snapped.

"You stole the time machine and yet you don't know how to use it? That is such a dismay to your part don't you think?" I sarcastically said.

"Listen you bitch..." She grabbed the collar on my shirt and her eyes looked coldly at me. "I can still ruin your life and don't you ever forget that I can manipulate the truth."

"What more do I have to lose, Nadia?" I sighed.

"Antonio..." She smirked. "Don't you want to know what happened to Antonio?"

My heart ached when Nadia mentioned his name. I don't know where he's currently at. I don't know how he's doing or is he even treated well? I desperately wanted to help Antonio but I couldn't even help my way out of here.

"I'll tell him where he's at but in return, you tell me how to use the time machine."

"Why do you need it anyway?" I snapped. I had enough of her for this lifetime. "I mean, you're from a wealthy family and your appearance is average. What more do you even need?"

Out of my frustrations, I yelled at her. I wanted to see Antonio and now she's using him to play with my emotions. That is such a bitch thing to do.

"...wealthy family...?" I dryly smiled at me. "Or do you mean I came from a corrupt family? Or shall I say a family full of traitors?"

"That word didn't come from me, Nadia. It came from you."

"I guess so." Her voice cracked. "Do you know how hard it is to get everyone's respect and trust in here just because I'm a Sarmionte?"

"It's like... I'm also a bad guy because of my family's idiotic political decisions." She added.

"What you're doing right now isn't different to what your family did to this country." I harshly said.

"That's why I'm trying to change it!" Nadia slammed her hands on the table and it took me by surprise. I looked her and she looked a bit teary and yet I can sense her frustrations. "I am sick and tired of being hated on everything I do just because I share the same last name to our traitorous first president."

"Now that I have the time machine, I'll go back to that day where the president betrayed our country. I'll frame Antonio as the traitor instead of him and then, I'll be back in the present time and live my life freely." She added.

I looked horrified at her. Nadia's plan is plainly psychotic.

"Are you out of your mind, Nadia?" I yelled at her. I was frustrated at her but yet I couldn't help but worry about her well-being. Clearly, she's not sane. "You can't do that! The present time you'll be returning won't be the same anymore!"

"It won't..." She smiled. "But it'll be better for me."

"What...? No, it won't!" I yelled at her. "Don't you get it? Our present time will be different if you change the past. This is why we need to bring Antonio back to 1898."

"Isn't that a little too late to worry about Antonio?" She smiled wickedly at me.

"What...what did you do to him?" My voice cracked.

She moved a little closer to me and she whispered to me.

"I...killed him."

My entire froze when she said those painful words. I touched my heart as it was painfully aching again. I was too late. I couldn't save him. I wasn't able to save him. Tears rolled down from my cheeks and I couldn't help but mourn for the man I love.

"I mean, he's just going to die if you bring him back to 1898." Nadia said. "So what's the point of bringing him back? Might as well kill him here because you know, he's the living proof about the time machine's existence and we don't want people to find that out."

"Now, how do I use the time machine?" She added.

"You must be insane for thinking that I'll tell you how to use it after you f/cking killed the man I loved!" I yelled at her. I couldn't help myself. I stood up from my seat and yanked her hair. I dragged her down the floor and she was at my mercy.

"Guards...! Guards...!" Nadia cried for help.

The guards hurriedly went inside the interrogation room. They separated me from Nadia and she felt relieved.

"Lock her away! Lock her away now!" She yelled at the guards.

Before I was dragged out the interrogation room, I looked at Nadia one last time. She looked pleased at herself. I hope she enjoyed the show because I'm going back to the past. I took a glimpse of the time watch. It was my only ray of hope. Everything will be alright and I will make sure that Antonio won't die in vain. He'll be a hero no matter what.

All I have to do is think of a right date and time to return and I exactly know what.

Chapter 26: Back To The Time Where I Did A Crazy Thing For Love

Hello, guys! please stay safe and healthy <3

***

CHAPTER 26: Back to the time where I did a crazy thing for love

I travelled back to the past...again.

To be exact, I travelled back to the time where I did a crazy thing for love.

And that was a week ago.

It was when everything was less chaotic.

And the man I love was still alive.

I landed at the backyard of my house. It wasn't a smooth arrival because my face landed on the ground.

I looked at the time watch. It's no longer functioning. I guess my grandpa wasn't exaggerating when he said that the time watch is only a one-time travel.

As I was about to step inside the house, I heard my past-self talking to Antonio.

I pressed my temple. Ugh, I have to talk to Joshua but I can't just casually pass by past-Lana and Antonio. It might be another mess that I have to sort out and I don't have the luxury of time to deal with it.

I hide near the potted plants near the window and I eavesdropped about our past conversation. In a span of one week, a lot has happened already but I somehow can't recall about my conversation with Antonio tonight.

"The Eco-bike is fully charged." Past-Lana said.

"It seems like it." Antonio said. Damn it...now I remembered what this was all about. I broke his heart by rejecting him again. This was the moment that I wanted to tell him on how I really feel about him and yet I became a coward.

"I better wake Joshua up..." Past-Lana said.

No, no, no... I have to talk to Joshua before my past-self can. I looked around as I desperately find a way to distract my past-self. The Ford Mustang that was parked at the garage caught my attention. Without any second thoughts, I picked up a big ass stone beside me and I threw it on the Ford Mustang's wield shield. The noise was loud enough for my past-self to hear it.

"What the hell was that?" My past-self said.

"It's probably the neighbor's cat, Lana." Antonio casually said.

Please check on it, past-self. Don't listen to Antonio. I am getting anxious every minute.

"Yeah... I better check it out."

I sighed in relief. I don't want to jinx things but I think this trip is going to a success.

Without any hesitation, my past-self went out of the house while I'm still hiding behind the potted plants. The plant's vase is big enough for me to hide which is a relief on my part.

My past-self looked at the Mustang's windshield in frustration. Her brows furrowed and the veins on my forehead was popping. I really looked like a beast when I'm mad. No wonder Jay avoids me when I'm not in a mood.

"Who the hell did this...?" My past-self yelled. She clenched her knuckles and it looks like she's ready for a fight on whoever threw a rock on the windshield. Jokes on her though...I did it.

While I distracted myself, I took it as an opportunity to sneak inside my house but it slipped my mind that Antonio was still at the living room.

I froze as my eyes locked at Antonio. Seeing him right now seems surreal and yet I can at the same time, I can feel my heart breaking again.

He's like the ghost in my past.

Antonio looked puzzled as his eyes scanned my entire body.

"Antonio..."

"What's with the change of outfit?" He asked. I snapped back to reality as I realized that I froze for a solid three minutes. I shook my head as I looked at my clothing. I have a feeling that Antonio is already suspicious about me.

He stood up from his seat and approached me. I wanted to avoid him but my body said no. There wouldn't be another opportunity to be close to him than now. He caught me off guard when he pulled me close to him and hugged me tightly.

His scent lingered on my nose and it made me miss him even more. This is the past Antonio. The present Antonio is no longer around and it aches my heart even more.

"Stop it..." My voice cracked. It was hard to say a word at him.

"I'm sorry." He muttered. My eyes widened. What was he sorry for?

"...for what?" I asked him. We both know that between the two of us, I should be the one apologizing and not him.

"I'm sorry for asking you how you feel about me."  He softly said.

"You don't need to apologize for that, Antonio." I said. I pulled him away from me and I looked at his swollen eyes.

"It feels like I pressured you to answer my question and I can see right through you that you're uncomfortable." He apologetically said.

"It's just...this isn't..." I stuttered. I took a deep breath. "...the right time to tell you how I feel." I said.

I badly wanted to tell him that I did tell him how I truly feel about him at a romantic place wherein one thing led to another. I wanted to tell him that I didn't regret my feelings for him. I am madly in love with him as he is to me but now that I am back at the past, my feelings for him are better to be left unsaid because all the events that will happen the day after today is uncertain.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked. I smiled and caressed his cheek.

"You know, I'm happy to see you today." I said. Antonio looked confused on why I said those words. Honestly, I didn't know why I said that. "I really am glad that you're alive and well."

I walked away from Antonio before he can notice my tears falling down from my cheeks. Seeing him tonight was painful for me to bear.

When I am no longer at Antonio's sight, I started crying.

I have failed him.

I have failed the love of my life because I know that he's no longer alive and well.

***

I wiped my tears away and I let out a brave face. It's time to finally confront Joshua.

I went inside the study room at the perfect time. I caught him hiding something under the desk.

"Lana!" Joshua startled. His reaction was already predictable. "What are you doing here?"

I took a deep sigh as I try to calm my own heart. I let out a small smile.

"Would you believe if I tell you right now that I'm from the future?" I asked him. Joshua's eyes widened when he realized that my question isn't absurd. I mean, he's a scientist after all. At this point, everything is possible.

"...no way." He said in disbelief. "Are you really from the future? Does this mean that the time machine worked?"

He looked excited but as he noticed that I wasn't delighted about it, the excitement in his eyes disappeared. He looked concerned towards me instead.

"Yeah... But I did something stupid." My voice broke and it feels like I'm about to cry again but I'm trying to hold on to myself. I'm brave. Not even a valid reason can break me down. "I should have told you sooner but I was afraid to lose my best friend... I wasn't ready to lose you."

"What are you talking about, Lana?" He looked confused than ever.

"I know that at this very moment, you already know that we're related." I said. Joshua didn't look at me in the eye. I can sense the guilt on his face. He took out the stuff he was hiding under the desk and it was a picture of our grandfather and two letters that are individually addressed to my grandmother and Maria.

"...f/cking Nadia..." I hissed.

"I'm guessing that my future-self reacted aggressively and that's why you travelled back to this moment?" He calmly asked me. I know he's trying his best to be understanding towards me even though I am at fault.

"Oh, it's such a mess..." I could no longer hold my tears. I know that I said that I'm brave but it's just too much to deal with right now. I am drowning from my own tears.

Joshua stood up from his seat and approached me. He pulled me by my waist and he hugged me. He then gently caressed my back.

"I don't deserve this kind of warmth, Josh." I cried. "I really don't."

"I should be mad at you right now but seeing you cry makes me feel bad." Joshua sighed.

"You have all the reasons to be at me right now, Josh... but please let me explain everything." I said. I didn't have the opportunity to tell him the reason why I hid the truth to him. As I can recall, he didn't give me the chance to do so because he walked away.

Joshua pulled away and we sincerely looked at each other.

"I'm all ears, Lana." He said.

I told Joshua that all of the selfish things that I did was because I was simply afraid to lose him without realizing that I already lost him when I hid the truth. I thought that our friendship was the only thing holding us together since I indirectly rejected his feelings for me. I assumed that he might no longer want to be associated with me because it is everyone's nightmare to know that their first love is a part of their family. I was afraid that his heartbreak will be the end of our friendship.

He was the only friend that matters to me. I mean, he's my only friend.

After telling him my reason, I noticed that Joshua looked exhausted. I know that it is too much to handle. I think I broke his heart again.

"I'd understand if you no longer want to be my friend but I'm just glad that you heard my reason." I said.

"When I said to myself that I wanted you to be a part of my family, I meant as a wife and not as a distant cousin." Joshua touched my hair and he tucked some of my hair strands behind my ear. "We probably aren't meant to be, Lana."

"Is this a confession, Josh?" I asked him and I noticed that his cheeks flustered.

"It probably is..." He wryly smiled at me.

"Why aren't you upset as I expected you to be?" I asked. I mean, his future self was really frustrated when he found out the truth but seeing him trying to be calm is a surprise.

"I don't want to make the same mistake twice, Lana." Joshua said. "I'm now aware that my future-self hurt your feelings and I don't want to do that to you."

"You really are considerate towards my feelings, Josh." I felt relieved. It's going to take some time to build Joshua's trust again but at least I'm not losing him.

"It's finally time to let you go, Lana." Joshua grabbed my hand and he gently caressed it. "It's time to let go of my first love."

I can see the pain in Joshua's eyes. It is no one's dream to experience an unrequited love and yet it's Joshua's reality but I'm certain that he'll find a woman that will give him the unconditional love he needs.

"Now would you tell me what exactly happened in the future?" Joshua asked me. I chuckled when I realized that he is indeed a man of gossip.

I didn't hesitate to tell him everything including the sinister plan that Nadia did. It felt good to tell him and who would have thought that the time watch can be useful when it comes to rekindling my friendship with Joshua?

Joshua finally got the closure he needed and it's time for me to fix my relationship to my one and only brother, Jay Baldivia.

Chapter 27: How To Beat A Bitch? Be THE Bitch

CHAPTER 27: How to beat a bitch? Be THE bitch

After confronting Joshua, it is finally time to build my broken relationship with my brother. I asked him about my brother's whereabouts. I'm going to make sure that when I go back to the future, I won't be seeing my brother behind bars.

Joshua was hesitant to tell me what Jay has been doing for the past few days but I was persistent. He soon gave in and told me where he's at.

Somehow, I ended up standing outside my condo. I never stepped back into this building ever since the fire accident happened because it'll remind me how pissed I am towards my brother.

I expected Jay to be flirting with Nadia at a nearby cafe but to my surprise, he apparently spends most of his free time at the condo.

I opened the door and stepped inside the condo. I looked around and there was no trace of the fire accident. The walls were painted in pastel and my furniture are hid inside my room.

I caught Jay looking outside the window. He was talking to someone thru his phone.

"So, you're saying is that I can't loan at your bank because I'm unemployed?" He furiously asked. "Who even made that kind of rule anyway?"

I couldn't help but smile at him. There's no sane bank manager would allow an unemployed person to loan money at the bank and yet he asked for a loan anyway.

Jay has been fixing my condo for the past few days. He's been draining his savings just to fix it. Renovating my condo was supposed to be a secret between Jay and Joshua because they wanted to surprise me but since I persuaded Joshua on telling me the truth, I finally know that Jay would go beyond his limit just to fix my relationship with him.

When the building owner mentioned that I should move out because my condo is going to be renovated, I never thought that it includes Jay. Actually, he's the only one renovating my place.

"Other banks won't allow me to loan too?" Jay sounded surprised. "Isn't that being unfair?"

I couldn't help but laugh at him. Everyone thought that I'm the persistent one but I guess they haven't met my twin brother yet.

Jay realized that I'm around and he hurriedly hung up his phone.

"You know, our condo has fire insurance." I said. "We can just ask money from our insurance company."

"Oh..." He looked dumbfounded. "I didn't think of that."

We were awkwardly standing at a far distance between each other. Jay has no idea what happened to him in the future. He's only aware that I'm pissed at him for setting the arcade machine on fire. As I can recall, we were about to fix our relationship but Nadia decided to frame us for drug possession.

This time, I'm making sure that Nadia won't do an intervention.

"You know, we can fix the condo together." I said. Jay looked at me in disbelief. He probably thought he's just hearing things. "We can also buy new furniture online because who the hell goes shopping at a mall nowadays?"

"Aren't you supposed to be...mad?" Jay looked puzzled right now and I couldn't help but laugh at him. "By any chances, are you bipolar?"

"I don't think that I have the right to be mad at your right now." I apologetically said. "I can't stay mad at my own brother."

"Right..." Jay shrugged. He really looked taken aback. "Are you sure you're my sister?"

"Are you really asking me if I'm your sister?" I felt so attacked right now. "We literally came out from the same womb!"

"I'm sorry but it's hard to believe that you'll apologize me so easily unless you hit your head on your way here." Jay said. I glared at him and I can see the regret in his eyes for saying those words without filtering it.

I know that we're about to bicker about an absurd thing and somehow it felt like everything is back to normal. It felt like I'm building my relationship with my brother again.

"Do you want to die, Jay?" I gave my brother a death glare and I was hoping that it'll send shiver down his spine but to my dismay, he just laughed it off.

"Really, Lana?" He sounded amused. "An empty threat is indeed a thing that my sister would do."

I sighed in relief. I can no longer deal with this charade now that Jay is convinced that I am his sister...although convincing him wasn't really necessary.

I approached my brother and without any warnings, I punched him on his arm. It was therapeutic to see him groan in pain.

"Empty threats, huh?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"What was that for, Lana?" Jay asked.

"It's just..." I took a deep breath. "I just miss you."

The last time I saw Jay was when we were about to get locked up. I have no idea what questions were asked at him. I don't even know how he was doing and is he even treated well? I never knew that I care too much for brother not until I couldn't see him for days.

"And punching me would make you miss me less...?" He glared at me and I just smirked at him.

Jay noticed that I wasn't my usual bitchy self. The annoyance on his face was replaced with concern towards me.

"Hey, are you alright?" He asked. "If this is about the condo, I promise to fix it."

"I'm sorry, Jay." I apologetically said. His eyes looked at me in disbelief when he heard me say those words. He knows me too well that I'm not the type of person to apologize first.

"I'm confused..." Jay said. "I mean...what for?"

"I was frustrated at myself and yet I let it all out on you." I said. "I didn't even know that you're trying your best to make things right between us."

Jay can probably pull Heaven right now just to prove his sincerity towards me and I wouldn't know it at all. I always assumed that he spent his time flirting with Nadia. I thought he doesn't have any care for me at all when in fact, he actually does.

I always looked at his mistakes and I didn't even bother to look at the efforts he's been doing. Jay was willing to help me fix the time machine even though it wasn't his fault at the first place. He created the time travel theory without bothering to take some rest. All this time, he's been trying his best and I was too blinded to see it.

"You don't need to apologize, Lana." Jay said. "I mean... I'm the one who set the arcade machine on fire."

"Well...my apology is for the future events." I said. Jay quizzically looked at me. I know he doesn't get it but it's for the best. I'm certain that the future I'm heading back to will have different events and hopefully, for the better.

"...okay then...?" Jay sounded unsure of himself.

I pulled him close to me and I hugged him tightly. God, I missed my brother but I wouldn't say it out loud.

"We're good, right?"

"I can't breathe, Lana..." He dramatically said.

I pulled away and I chuckled at him. He's so dramatic no matter what.

"It's a shame that I can no longer surprise you with your newly renovated condo." Jay said.

"Well...at least now I can help you with the renovation." I said.

"Well not today, Lana." Jay grabbed his car keys and wallet from the counter top.

"Where are you going, Jay?" I frowned and I crossed my arms at him. I can't believe he's ditching his sister after telling him a sincere apology.

"You see..." Jay scratched his head and he looked flustered. "I'm meeting a girl that I like."

"Oh..." I curled my lips. "You're meeting Nadia, aren't you?"

I couldn't help but sound bitter when I mentioned her name. It almost slipped my mind that my brother is head over heels for her.

"How do you know her?" Jay looked surprised.

"You know she's bad news, brother." I could give him the reasons why she isn't good for him but it'll probably end up talking to him about her for a whole night. "Don't go out to meet her."

"You can't just tell me not to meet her without telling me why, Lana" Jay glared at me.

"Fine..." I sighed in defeat. He does have a point anyway. "This is going to sound absurd but you have to believe me...."

***

I went inside the restaurant where Jay was supposed to meet Nadia. As I stepped inside, my eyes immediately landed at the evil wench who was patiently waiting for my brother.

I'm trying to hold my emotions together because I don't want to make a scene in here especially at Nadia who has no idea that I know about her diabolical plan.

I approached her table and I sat across her. Nadia didn't flinch at all. I'm aware that she knows who I am. I mean...she did research her way through my brother's life.

There's no need for introduction at all.

"You must be Jay's sister, right?" Nadia said. She pretended to sound polite but I know she doesn't really care about who I am. "He told me so many things about you."

"Oh, really...?" I snarled at her. She doesn't sound convincing at all. "Sadly, he didn't tell me about you."

"He must have his reasons." She said through gritted teeth. "So, where's Jay anyway?"

I can see that Nadia is a bit tense and I know why. I'm destroying her plan and she isn't even half way through it.

"His whereabouts isn't your concern." I snapped. "But you should be concerned about yourself instead."

"What do you mean by that...?" I can see the confusion in Nadia's face. It wasn't a part of her plan to meet me here. I wasn't supposed to interfere her relationship with my brother and yet for the first time, she's off guard.

Two policemen approached our table and Nadia looked confused as ever. I couldn't help but smirk at her. It's time to finally taste her own medicine.

"You're under arrest, Ms. Nadia Sarmionte." the policeman said.

"What for...?" I can see the frustration in Nadia. It's pretty embarrassing to be arrested at a public place and to top it all off, she doesn't know the reason why.

"You're arrested for stalking me and my brother for weeks." I said. "I'm pretty sure you have plenty of evidences on your table, am I right?"

The other police man handcuffed Nadia. The entire time that she's being arrested, she didn't leave her sight at me. She didn't say a single word because I might use it against her.

It feels good to be the anti-hero for a change. I beat Nadia by using her own games against her. How do you beat a bitch? be THE bitch.

Chapter 28: A Dream That I Wished It Would Never End

CHAPTER 28: A dream that I wished it would never end

Nadia got arrested and she got the humiliation the she deserved. I guess it's safe to say that I'm the badder bitch than her.

I know that this just the beginning of our feud between us but I'll let my future self-worry about that. The important thing that matters right now is that she no longer has any idea about the time machine's existence.

Did I tell Jay that I'm actually from the future for him to be convinced that Nadia is a heart breaker and traitor? Of course, I told him the truth because he deserves to know but I only told him what he needed to hear.

I told my brother that Nadia has a crazy obsession about our family. She wasn't really interested at him alone. I admitted that she's been stalking not only Jay but also me and Joshua as well.

It made sense to Jay wants to know the details regarding the fire accident.

I didn't include telling him that I'm actually from the future and that my past self has no intention of talking to him ever again but you know...all is well because when I go back to my time, this will become my past.

Thus, I never got angry at Jay at all.

I also didn't tell him that he got locked up because of Nadia. I don't want him to be hysterical.

Now that I finally fixed my relationship with my brother and best friend, there's only one thing that I need to do.

It's time to go back to my own time where my reality is waiting.

***

Its quarter passed midnight and the noisy streets of Cebu City became eerily quiet. As most of the people are sleeping at this moment, my thoughts are running deep.

Joshua and I drove our way to SRP Coastal Road. It's the same location where we tested out the Eco-bike.

There's no perfect time to go back but tonight.

As we make our way towards the destination, reality finally hit me like shit. It made me realize than we I go back to the present, my past memories will become a dream. All of the events that happened that day after today will all be a dream.

A dream that I wished it would never end.

I won't have any memory of traveling back to 1898 again where I met the talented painter, Joseph and I got that opportunity to slap the first president.

I am the first ever 21st century woman to slap the first president.

I'll think of it as a hilarious dream that made me crack every time I think about it.

And as for my traumatizing experience at the city jail, I'll think of it as a nightmare where Nadia is the demon on my sleep paralysis. It'll be a nightmare that I will never think about it again.

As recalled my memories, I couldn't help but think about the time I spent with Antonio. It was a short memory but a memorable one. Every time I'm with him, it always make me feel like I'm at my happiest state but why do I feel like all of my memories shared with him is a sad dream? It is because I know how it'll end?

My memories with him are a dream that I wished I never dreamed of because I know I will be craving for more.

It saddens me that Antonio will have no memory of the events that happened after today but it's for the best. It'll be easier for him to let me go when there's no memory of us sharing laughs together and as well as adoring each other.

"Lana...?"

"Yeah, Josh...?" I snapped back from reality when he mentioned my name. I almost got drowned by my own thoughts.

"You must be thinking a lot aren't you?" Joshua asked.

"Well...you can say that." I sheepishly said. He looked at me and smiled.

"Anyway, we're here." Joshua turned the car engine off and I looked around the surroundings. As I expected, there are only a few vehicles passing by. "Are you sure that you're going to be fine?"

"I've been traveling back and forth through space and time, Josh." I said. "I'm still alive and well aren't I?"

"Yeah, you are." He chuckled. "But how does time travel feels like?"

"Well, it makes my entire body sore and it'll give me a headache too." I recalled the times I passed out and vomited as a result of time traveling.

"So, it's like you had a hangover then?" He asked.

"You can say that." I chuckled.

"Well then... I'll see you in the future." Joshua said. I smiled at him. It feels like a heavy burden is finally lifted from my shoulders and I'm certain that bright days are coming ahead.

And just like that, traveling back to my time felt like a long dream.

***

I woke up on the comfort of my bed. This is the first time that I didn't land on the ground. I don't feel dizzy or having the urge to vomit. In fact, I feel okay. Maybe this just means that I feel secure of the present time.

I heard noises outside of my room. I hurriedly went out and I saw the three men in my life having a conversation at the living room.

I felt relief that I saw them together. I really am back to my time and this time, everything seems peaceful.

Joshua noticed me standing outside my bedroom. He gave me a smile.

"It seems like you had a good dream." Joshua said. "It must be pretty eventful."

There was a hidden message between the words he said. Joshua is aware where I went and he's just playing it cool.

Jay and Antonio noticed my presence.

"It took you long enough to wake up, sister." Jay said. If you could only know what I've been through, brother

I approached them and I hugged Joshua and Jay but I was hesitant on coming close to Antonio. It felt awkward and he didn't make the situation any better. He kept his distance from me.

"It's good to see you all here." I said in glee. It's been a long while since I saw them all together. I looked at Antonio and I noticed that he was wearing his general uniform again. "But why are you wearing that, Ton?"

Antonio let out a smile but it was the saddest smile I have ever seen from him and I felt it.

"Have you forgotten our plan, Lana?" Jay said in a duh tone. "We're bringing Antonio back to his time tonight."

"Oh..." My heart sank. I didn't know that when I arrived back here, we'll immediately bring him back to his time. Antonio and I are indeed like parallel lines. "It seems like I forgot about it."

We drove our way to the SRP Coastal Road and this time, we're complete. Everything seems surreal at this point. I never thought that we'll finally reach the end of our time fiasco.

During our entire trip, Antonio didn't bother on saying a word at me. Our eyes didn't meet either. He was obviously avoiding me for a reason. He kept his distance even though it was just the two of us at the backseat of Jay's car.

As we arrived at our destination, Joshua and Jay set up the Eco-bike while Antonio kept his distance at us. He was standing alone while staring at the vast ocean in front of him.

I could no longer handle the silent treatment he's doing to me. Are we not going to have a proper goodbye? It's the least thing he can do for me.

I approached him and I was standing close to him. I don't care if he doesn't want my presence but I don't want to lose this only opportunity to be with him.

"It's a cold night, isn't it?" I asked. He didn't say a word nor did he flinch. "You know, I'm going to miss you."

There was still no word from him and it seems like I'm talking to no one but I noticed that he was breathing heavily. He seemed tense.

I felt hopeless that I can get him to talk to me not until I felt a heavy thing on my shoulder and I realized it was Antonio's uniform jacket. He wrapped it around my body.

"You might catch a cold." He softly said. Although the night was indeed cold, knowing that we were concern about my well-being made me feel warm. I know that Antonio's gesture was his way of telling me that he still cares for me. "Keep it, okay?"

I looked at him, surprised.

"Won't you need it?" I asked.

Finally, he looked at me with his sad eyes.

"I'd rather let you have it instead." He smiled. "There's a journal waiting for you on your bedside table?"

"...journal?" I asked and he nodded.

"I hope you'll take time to read it." He said.

"But what's with the journal...?"

Before Antonio can say a word, Jay interrupted us and even on our last moments together, my brother c/ck-blocked us.

What a great timing, brother.

"Yo, love birds! The Eco-bike is all set up." Jay yelled at us.

"It's time..." Antonio sharply said.

***

Antonio was already on board the Eco-bike. It felt weird to see him on it instead of me. We're all waiting for it to warm up. I can't believe this is going to be my last few minutes to see Antonio.

"You better not get stuck on the eighties, okay?" Jay joked.

"Thank you for everything, guys." I can feel the sincerity in Antonio's words. He's not aware of the silent battles that I've been through just to make this moment possible. "It was a once in lifetime experience to be able to come here even though it was accident."

Jay and Joshua looked at me. Jeez, we all know it's my fault.

"Regardless of everything, I am thankful." Antonio added.

"We won't skip reading your biography in our history books, Antonio." Joshua assured him.

"Yeah..." He shrugged. "You better read it."

"Don't you want to say anything to him, Lana?" Jay asked me. He noticed that I wasn't unusually quiet even though they are already saying their indirect goodbyes to him.

"No..." I lied. Honestly, I have so many things to say to him and the first thing I'd say would be an apology but somehow, I was tongue tied.

"Got it..." Antonio mumbled. The Eco-bike is finally warmed up and Joshua entered the digits on the numeric pad. With just a press of a button, our lives will be completely normal again. "Goodbye..."

I closed my eyes the entire duration of Antonio's time travel. I wasn't able to see him flee because I choose not to. It's too painful. When the surrounding felt eerily silent again, I know that he is no longer around.

"Are you alright, Lana?" Joshua asked.

"No..." I broke down while my eyes are still close. Tears fell down from my cheeks and the pain I felt before was different now. I lost a loved one and he's never coming back to my life again. "I'm not okay..."

Never... 

Chapter 29: The General's Journal (Bonus Chapter)

Note: This isn't the last chapter

***

CHAPTER 29: The general's journal (bonus chapter)

We arrived home around 5:30 am. We are all physically exhausted because of our lack of sleep but it's all worth. The Philippine Revolution will happen tomorrow and now that we finally brought back Antonio to 1898, we no longer worry about an altered present life.

Even though we're all physically exhausted, I am the only one among us that is emotionally scarred. Not only did I lost the love of my life, he had to be killed twice and the thought of it is too painful to bear.

I went inside my room and I immediately noticed the journal that is lying on top of my bedside table. Even though my body is dying to get some sleep, I couldn't help but get intrigued on what's written inside Antonio's journal.

I opened his journal and began reading the entries. He has plenty of goodbye gifts given to me but this is probably the saddest one.

***

Journal Entry #1

Jay gave me his unused journal. He wanted me to have it so that I have something to look back when I return to my own time. If I'm being honest, the future is quite intimidating. They no longer use kalesa and they have an endless supply of electricity.

Journal Entry #2

Lana and I had an argument. She was furious when she found out that I wanted to stay here. She wasn't in favor it. How do I even tell her that I'm terrified to die? It wasn't part of my plan to know about my death. Will she think of me as a coward now?

Journal Entry #3

Despite having no war, the future is scary. Lana almost got his by a car. Luckily, I pulled her away before she gets injured. It's too bad that the bastard got away of it. I ended up getting injured though but it doesn't matter. Lana's safety is my top priority.

Journal Entry #4

I think that I am likely to die from starvation than from war. I don't know how to use the stove and neither does Jay. Although he suggested a Filipino restaurant nearby that I should try. He gave me his allowance and I did not hesitate to try out their food.

The food and ambiance are great and I enjoyed being alone but not until Lana stormed inside the restaurant. She approached me and asked about my date. I got confused at first but then she muttered her brother's name. It must be his doing then.

Lana and I decided to have a drink but it surprised me that she drank five bottles. I noticed that her cheeks are turning red and she looked drowsy. I honestly enjoyed having her around.

She told me about her ideal date and for a woman living in the future, she's an old soul. It made her charming as ever. Everything about her tonight is cute.

It took me off guard when she asked me about my ideal girl. I told her the truth that I don't have an ideal girl but I did tell her that I like someone. As expected, Lana was curious to know about the person who captivated my heart. Lana is completely unaware that she's the answer of her own question.

The moment that I danced with her in 1898, I already know that she effortlessly captured my heart. I know that she's already important to me when I took her to my favorite place. I showed her how to have a good time because I was being hopeful that maybe I can convince her to stay.

The thought of Lana leaving the past made me decide to follow her here. It was a reckless behavior but it's the best selfish decision I have ever made.

Journal Entry #5

Today was eventful.

I met Ernesto's other grandchild. His name was Joshua Espinoza and by the way he talks to Lana, it seems like she's interested on her. I noticed that Lana is comfortable on having him around and somehow it made me feel jealous.

Does she have feelings for him too?

Jay's attempt of being heroic became the highlight of the day. He attempted on fixing the time machine but it ended up bursting into flames. Lana became furious towards her brother. I wanted to comfort her and give her the assurance that it'll be alright but Joshua got in the way. He comforted her instead.

Journal Entry #6

We decided to stay at Lana's old house. I can sense that she isn't in favor on staying here but she has no choice. She probably doesn't have fond memories to recall when she was still living here.

Joshua decided that we'll build another time machine but I don't know how long it'll takes but I know that we can manage. I'm positive that they'll be able to bring me back before the Philippine Revolution.

But does that mean I'll be seeing Joshua often?

Lana is still furious towards her brother and I wanted to fix their relationship but Lana isn't in favor on it. I am the only child of my late parents and I never experienced any sorts of sibling rivalries.

I decided to read my own biography and Lana caught me. She called me out as vain and I have never felt embarrassed than I am now. Having her around made me feel that I'm from this time. I believed that I actually had a moment with Lana but it got ruined when the words written on the biography book started changing.

Journal Entry #7

We were at the state of panic especially Lana who looked like she hasn't rested ever since we found out about the biography book. We did our best to figure out the right equation for the time machine but we ended up getting dismayed. We were all occupied by our individual tasks not until Jay arrived.

Lana and Jay were about to bicker but luckily, Joshua interrupted them. He explained to Lana that we need Jay's engineering skills to make the time machine possible. Lana had no choice but to agree.

Jay helped us but he suddenly said that he needed a break. He excitedly shared to us about a woman he met during the fire accident. Lana couldn't help but react that the woman might be suspicious towards us and I couldn't agree more. Jay spat back and said that the men she likes are both inconvenient. Does she men that she likes someone? I hope that I'm the other guy she likes. I'll probably settle at her second choice and it'll be enough for me.

We ended up helping Jay impressed the girl he likes. I suggested to do harana and he was in favor of it. As Jay and Joshua waited for her, I had the opportunity to be alone with Lana. During our conversation, Lana was in glee and she accidentally said that she wants to kiss me.

I turned tense for I don't know how to respond. I can't help but look at her lips and wonder how it tastes like. It was quite tempting to grab and kiss her but I know I need her consent.

I asked her if I can kiss her but she didn't say a word. Instead, she closed her eyes and I know that was her answer. I got felt euphoric. I haven't kissed a woman yet and I don't want to disappoint her.

Fortunately, Lana and I kissed. I made sure that it's going to be an unforgettable kiss. I honestly wanted more of her. I am craving for her touch and everything in between. I wanted to embrace her and adore her all night long. My thoughts went wild and I slipped when I told her my true feelings for her.

But she didn't feel the same way.

Journal Entry #8

I was occupied with washing the dishes but Lana distracted me when she suddenly hugged me from my behind. It'll be a lie if I say that I don't like it. I badly want to reciprocate the hug but it'll only remind me that I got rejected last night. Although it's painful, I can never get tired of loving this woman.

Truth be told, I had a good time with Lana. I didn't know that doing chores with her would be fun. The moment got ruined though when Joshua interrupted us. He told us that he finally figured out the equation for the time machine.

I am saddened by the fact that my days are indeed numbered.

Journal Entry #9

I hate to admit it but Joshua is a prodigy. Who am I to compete against him? I am just a man from the history books. He on the other hand, figured out the right equation without anyone's help. Lana must be thrilled that I can go back to the past.

I noticed that Lana is unpredictable. She doesn't feel the same way about me and yet her gestures are quite the opposite. Is this how women act towards a man they rejected in the 21st century? Is she really teasing me when she showed up with a robe wrapping around her body? Or is just a mere coincidence that I'm around? I hope she didn't notice that I got flustered because of her.

I hate to admit it but Lana is walking temptation.

Why is this woman effortlessly attractive?

Journal Entry #10

I got confused about Lana's intentions. So, I asked her again about how she feels about me. Instead of getting an answer from her, she dodged it.

Sadly, the Eco-bike is fully charged and I was ready to embark on my journey going back to the past but Lana volunteered that she wants to test it out first. I wanted to stop and assure her that I'll be alright but she's persistent.

I've known her for a short time but I'm aware that Lana gets what she wants.

Joshua and I were patiently waiting for Lana and it was... I forgot the word... It was quite awkward? I didn't start a conversation and neither was he. Something was bothering him but I didn't bother to ask.

Journal Entry #11

I was relieved when Lana came back safely to us. Having Joshua around was too awkward enough. I decided to cook for Lana as a parting gift. I wanted to show off that I finally know how to use the stove (credits to Google). She was quite impressed actually.

Lana decided that we'll go on a road trip together. I don't know what it means but I was looking forward for it. I was impressed on how she planned the trip and I almost thought that it was a date but it turns out, it's not.

After all the hesitations, I finally got my answer tonight and it was not the only highlight of my night.

I can finally go back without regrets because I finally know that Lana feels the same way about me. It felt surreal that I am loved by her. I always thought that I wasn't enough but to her, I was more than just a non-fictional character. I am her love.

Journal Entry #12

I didn't want the night to end. I finally embraced her and truly, every moment with her felt surreal. I always thought that she is already beautiful even without wearing any makeup but last night, she gave me the chance to see everything of her. It is indeed God made her perfect.

I could not ask for a perfect woman than her.

***

I scanned the other pages but to my dismay, the last entry was indeed the last one. I am supposed to be glad that I have Antonio's journal to help me cope with his departure but it only reminded me that we'll never get our happy ending. It made me depress even more.

I scanned it again and hoped for another journal entry but instead, I noticed something odd. There are pages that are glued together. I teared it apart and there's an envelope hidden on it.

I opened the envelope and there was a letter.

It was a beautifully handwritten letter from Antonio.

My dearest Lana,

All my life, I fought for our freedom. I know that as a general, dying for our country is inevitable and I was ready for it or so I thought. You taught me the value of my life and that I should treasure it too. I was fighting to die but I didn't think about fighting to live for the next day.

Even though I know what I'm supposed to do, somehow in between, I felt lost. When you came into my life, I didn't know that you'll mean a lot to me. Honestly Lana, I'd die a thousand times just to see you live a happy life that you deserve. Please do not mourn for me for a long time. I wish for you to find a man who stays with you for a long time. I want him to take you to beautiful places and cook for you that he learned from Google. May he do all the things that I couldn't do for you. May he love you more than I ever loved you. I sincerely hope you'll find love again.

I know that you altered the time, Lana. I think you saved me more than once already. When I read through my journal entries, some of it doesn't make sense. I know that on a different timeline, you loved me back and even though I have no memories of it, I know that I was happy.

When I am with you, I am always happy.

I don't know if it's too much to ask but in our next life, I hope we'll meet each other again and at this time, everything will be on our favor. I promise you that I'll hold on you even longer but as for now, may you fall in love again.

Until we meet again...

Yours Truly,

Antonio

I placed the letter close to my heart. I'll hold on to our memories a little longer, Antonio. 

Chapter 30: Thirty, Flirty And Thriving

CHAPTER 30: Thirty, flirty and thriving

5 years later...

"Until we meet again..." Mateo said. They were holding on to each other for the remaining minutes that they have together.

"I know that you won't." Eleanor cried. Her eyes are already sore and yet it still managed to shed more tears for Mateo. "You know that time isn't on our favor."

"Don't say that, my love." Mateo said. He wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks. "I'm certain that I'll find a way to see you again."

Eleanor is aware that Mateo is only giving her false hope. She knows what's waiting for him on the other side of the time machine. This is the end of their tragic story.

As they were about to let each other go, the director shouted 'cut' and the actors broke into character.

"That was an intense scene!" The director praised the actors. "I can't believe the two of you pulled it off!"

"Don't give all the credits to us, director." Celina said. She's the actress who's portraying as Eleanor. "It wouldn't be that great without our talented writer, Lana."

I was just sipping wine from my hydro flask but now, I have the attention of our entire crew. They all applauded me for being an amazing screenplay writer. As of the moment, our TV show called The Girl Who travelled Back To 1898 has the highest rating in Philippine TV history. We brought FPJ's Ang Probinsyano ratings to shame.

Our viewers are anticipating for the finale week. They still don't know the fate of their favorite main characters.

"Thank you for all of your hard work and without it, I won't be able to drink wine during working hours." I jokingly said and they all laughed.

"Okay, let's have a 15-minute break everyone." Director Joey said. "And as for you, Lana...we need to discuss about the finale episode."

"Alright..." I said.

Five years ago, I got fired from my job that I dreaded so much. I also experienced an existential crisis after losing Antonio. I was really on rock bottom and truthfully, I ended up having depression. I was losing interest on everything including my life. I'm glad that I admitted to myself that I needed help. I ended up having consultations with my therapist.

It was a hard journey but I managed. I started writing a story online and somehow, I got discovered. One thing led to another and now here I am... A woman with a successful career.

***

Director Joey and I went into his office. I sat across him. Without any hesitations, he gave me the finale script that I handed over to him a week ago.

"Why are you giving it back to me?" I asked. "Don't you like the finale?"

"Yeah..." He hesitated. "It's tragic."

"Of course, it is." I scoffed. "You are aware, right? the story is tragic to begin with."

"Well yes...but Filipino viewers doesn't like tragic endings, Lana." He said. "If we use the script you gave to me, they'll give us hate tweets."

"And that's supposed to be a bad thing because...?"

"How about you change it a bit, huh?" He said.

"What do you have in mind, Joey?" I pressed my temple. I can't believe he rejected my finale script that I wrote based from my experience.

"Let's say...he got reincarnated after sacrificing himself during the first world war."

"Okay, that's just absurd." I sounded displeased.

"No, it's not." He spat back. "How come time travel is possible but reincarnation can't?"

"Well I don't know, Joey." I sarcastically said. "Maybe it's because science and spirituality can't be mixed together."

"I want a happy ending for the main characters, Lana and that's how it's going to be." Director Joey firmly said. He stood up from his seat and stretched his arms. "Now get the hell out of here and find an inspiration for the new finale script."

"You have to be f/cking kidding me." I muttered.

***

Somehow, I ended up at the national museum.

I walked around until I paused and looked at the painting that Antonio gave for me. How did it end up here? Well, I donated it. I realized that there's no point on holding on to it. Looking at it just gives me agony.

When I donated it, the museum's administration and staff did not hesitate to display it after telling them that the woman on the painting is General Antonio Del Mundo's first and last love. As of the moment, there are a lot of conspiracy theories and assumptions online about the mystery woman but jokes on them though...I'm right here.

"The mystery woman, huh...?" I looked up and he looked familiar.

"Hey, it's you..."

"What do you mean by 'hey, it's you...?'" He felt insulted and I just laughed at him. I'm certain that I inherited his bratty personality. "Is that how you greet your father?"

As much as I want to correct him that he's my estranged father, I don't want to dwell on it especially when my 5-year-old half-sister is around. He's holding her close to him.

Honestly, a lot has happened in our family for the past 5 years. Like for example, my father became productive again.

I bent down and smiled at her.

"Hi, Millie..." I greeted her. "Are you excited to spend some quality time with your ate?"

*Ate 'ah-te' - older sister*

"Yes, I am..." She giggled. "Can we eat ice cream?"

"I don't think there's no reason why we can't eat it." I said. "But let's fill your tummy with a meal first."

"Let's eat in Jollibee!" She cheerfully said. Well, of course...it's every kid's favorite fast food restaurant after all.

"When you told me that you want to meet at the museum, I thought it was a metaphor for something." Dad said. I quizzically looked at him.

"How is that metaphor even?" I asked.

"I don't know..." He shrugged. Sadly, he has no common sense just like Jay.

"I come here often and right now; I'm looking for an inspiration." I explained. "I need to revise the script for the finale and I can't think of anything."

"Congrats by the way." Dad proudly said. "Who would have thought that my little girl will be successful writer one day..."

He indirectly admitted that he has low expectations for me. Gee, thanks Dad.

"And also, happy birthday." He added.

"I'm quite surprised that you remembered it." I said. Yep, that's right. I finally reached the old age of thirty. Not much has changed except for my back pains and frequent headaches.

"What kind of father forgets his own daughter's birthday?" He scoffed.

"You greeted my brother too, right...?" I asked.

"No... what for?" He cockily said. I looked at him dumbfounded.

"Are you even aware that I have a twin?" I glared at him.

"Jacob is your twin?" He looked shocked like it's a brand-new information.

"His name is Jay and yes...he's my twin."

"Isn't he three years older than you?" Dad asked. I can't believe that he's completely clueless.

"Only by minutes, dad."

"Right..." He sneered. "I'm just messing with you...of course I know all of that."

No, he does not.

"What kind of father forgets his own son's birthday?" He added. "I'll greet him via text."

"You really are the best dad after all." I sarcastically said.

"So... you're finally thirty, flirty, and thriving." Dad said.

"Okay, it's weird when you said it." I said. I hope he doesn't repeat it.

"Come on, birthday girl...treat us some meal." Oh, great...my wallet will be empty.

***

I spent most of my afternoon with Dad and Millie. It's good to catch up with them even though Dad can be an embarrassment to be around sometimes. His lack of knowledge about all the happening in my life and Jay's is humiliating. I had to tell him about my brother's whereabouts and doings.

Jay finally graduated two years ago and even though he doesn't have a degree in engineering, his current job position is Joshua's consultant. The time machine would be impossible without them and now, they're inseparable.

After the pandemic outbreak in 2020, the Philippine government finally invested on Filipino scientists. Instead of ignoring their inventions, they supported them. Therefore, there's no reason for Joshua to flee on another country. Also, they properly paid the front liners especially the healthcare workers during the crisis. They finally gave in and gave us a universal healthcare system that can be accessible to the less fortunate.

Jay and Joshua are currently inventing on a weather machine that can help the farmers during drought season. They're hoping for it to be patented.

Even though my relationship with Joshua has been scarred before, we're now on a good place. He sometimes called me cousin just to tease me. He's currently engaged with his fellow scientist. Honestly, I'm happy for him. At least he found someone who loves him back.

As for Jay, he still prefers to hook up with random women on dating apps. He's not ready for commitment yet. Our mother wants to have a grandchild already but I think she have to wait a little longer.

As sad as it sounds like, I have given up on love already. I tried going out on blind dates and some men even persuaded me but Antonio set the bars too high. I know that he said that he wanted me to fall in love again but all the men I met are just not him.

But I know that he's watching over me from heaven. He wanted me to have a good life and so I did. A lot has changed for the past five years but my heart is still owned by him. Just like Antonio, I also hope to meet him again in the next life.

***

Author's note:

This isn't the last chapter yet. Please stay at home and I'm certain that the pandemic will all be over soon. Faith above all else <3

Chapter 31: Now The Party Don't Start Till I Walk In

CHAPTER 31: Now the party don't stop till I walk in

A month ago, Jay and I decided to celebrate our 30th birthday with our closest friends. I suggested that we should all wine and dine at La Vie In The Sky since it has an overlooking view of Cebu City and he agreed to it. Now to my dismay, he didn't call in advance for a reservation and he dragged my ass to a night club...a freaking night club.

I was the only one who isn't ecstatic about it. Our friends are looking forward to get wasted and hook up with some random person.

If I had known that I'll end up celebrating my birthday at a club, I wouldn't have bought an expensive dress.

"Now that party don't start till I walk in." Jay confidently said.

"Did you just...quoted the lyrics of Ke$ha's TikTok?" I asked him.

"Hmm...probably." He hummed. "Now, sister...let's go and get wasted!"

Jay dragged me inside the club. It was crowded for a Thursday night. I noticed that there are plenty of underage teenagers who probably sneaked their way out of the house.

How the hell are they here? Don't they have class tomorrow? Oh well... I've done it before anyway.

"This place are meant for millennials, Jay!" I complained.

"Lana, you are a millennial." He glared at me. "So, act one!"

"Well I'm out of here." I wanted to leave but Jay has no intentions of letting me out of his sight. He wants me to enjoy the night life but I'm already fed up by it. I enjoyed my youth by partying all night long and now, I just want to binge watch Crash Landing On You.

Gosh... I sound so old.

"Hey, guys!" Joshua approached us. He apparently reserved a table for us. Who would have thought that he's in favor of this too? "Happy birthday to my favorite twins!"

We're all yelling at this point because the speakers are blasting too loud.

"It's good to see you, bro." Jay and Joshua did their secret handshake. It looked so lame honestly.

"Hey, Lana..." Joshua playfully messed up my hair. "We aren't getting any younger so might as well enjoy the night, right?"

I understand that he wants to release the stress he's been feeling because of his work but there's no need to include me.

"...right." I grunted.

Even though I was against partying, I ended up having fun and it reminded me how I used to be carefree. Who would have thought that a lot can change in five years?

We drank the most expensive shots that we can find on the menu because duh...we're adults and can afford it. We showed our moves on the dance floor even though the song is mellow because that's how wasted we are.

It was honestly a disaster because some of my friends vomited on a stranger and the other cried because she wants to drink more shots but unaware that she's holding one.

I think Jay went out after hooking up with a woman. I just hope he brought a condom with him or else I'll force him to take an HIV test which by the way, he already took it thrice after hooking up with random women in a month.

As for my dearest Joshua, he fell asleep on the table after drinking his third shots. It's ironic that he wants to enjoy and yet he's the first one to get wasted.

I didn't do anything stupid but I think I yelled a teenager for being here... I'm not certain though.

While Joshua is completely wasted, I borrowed his couple ring. I wore it the entire time because it's the most useful weapon to drive off men who clearly wants to hook up with me. With just a flash of the ring, they immediately distance themselves from me.

Yes...go away horny men. I'm married.

The DJ decided to play romance tracks. Everyone was dancing with their partners and also, why the hell is he playing this genre at a night club? That's so lame and insulting for the singles.

I feel left out but regardless of it, I danced alone because you don't need partner to have fun...duh.

But then, I noticed that someone grabbed me by my waist and held me tightly.

"Be careful..." He softly said. "I don't want to embarrass yourself."

"I'm...married." I flashed the ring to him and he chuckled. I looked at him but because of my current state, everything is blurry. Who the hell is this man anyway?

"Was I too late then?" He whispered to me. He was still holding me close while we're swaying along with the music...well more like I'm wobbling because I'd drunk as hell. "...I missed you."

His voice sounded familiar and the way he's holding me is giving me comfort. It's like I already met him but I can't recognize him. With all what's left of my strength, I pushed him away. I'm not putting my guard down.

"Go away, horny man!" I walked away from him but before I even reached the table, I passed out.

***

I woke up with a bad case of headache. I started to feel nervous when I realized that I passed out last night. What if someone took advantage of me while I was unconscious? I looked at my surroundings and I sighed in relief that I slept on the comfort of my bed and not someone else's place. I'm at my condo!

I couldn't recall all the crazy things I did last night. I didn't even know who took me home. I'm certain that Jay isn't home yet and Joshua passed out before I did.

My memory is a bit hazy but I think I yelled someone and called him a horny man before I passed out. It sounded like he knows me...maybe he's the one who took me home then?

I went out of my room because I want to get rid of my hangover by drinking orange juice. As I stepped to the kitchen, I noticed there's a food on the counter and a note written beside it.

Lana,

Get well soon.

- Horny Man

I opened the container and it's adobong manok.

I ended up getting emotional because it reminded me of Antonio. The first time he used the stove, he decided to cook adobong manok. I came up to a realization that what if the horny man last night is Antonio? I shook my head. That's really impossible no matter how you think about it.

I hurriedly grabbed the history book from my bookshelf. I opened the pages where Antonio's biography is found. There were no words that are changed. It still remained the same. He passed away 126 years ago. I should be glad that the history is remained untouched but there are times that I miss him that it aches my heart even more.

Whoever the horny man is, he took care of me. I should be freaked out because what if he's a stalker? What if he's coming to get me? I shook my head. That's just absurd.

After taking a shower and doing all the necessities to cure my headache, it's time for me to write the finale script. Although I can't think of anything, I have to at least try right? I couldn't help but think about what Joey said to me. He recommended that Mateo should be reincarnated but I disagreed to him. What if the horny man last night is a reincarnation of Antonio? It would make sense that when he was holding me, it felt like home.

I shook my head. It's impossible and I should not hope for it.

...but I don't know what to write on my finale. Damn it.

My phone ringed and I looked at the caller ID. It's my manager.

"How are you holding up, Lana?" Vivian asked.

"Err, I'm doing well." I lied. I feel shit honestly. I just want to hibernate for a while.

"Are you sure?" She's mocking me. I'm certain that someone told her that I became a while child last night. "You sound like you're not well at all."

"Why are you calling me anyway? Is this about the finale script?" I asked her.

"It's not about that." She said. "I have a belated perfect gift for you."

"...is this a plane ticket to Bali?" I crossed my fingers as I hope that my guess is right.

"Not even close, Lana." She mockingly said. "I set you up on a date with my cousin."

"Why would you do that, Vi?" I annoyingly said.

"You've been single for five years, right? I think it's time for you to settle down and have a family of your own because time is ticking for your uterus."

"...my uterus is doing well." I sighed.

"With that age of yours? I don't think so." Vivian scoffed. She just really wants to low-key brag that she's happily married with her high school sweetheart and she has three wonderful (annoying) kids.

"Come on, Lana... " Vivian added. "He really likes to meet you."

"Fine..." I grunted. I know she won't stop annoying me until I agree. I hope he isn't a weird one like my previous blind date. "So, where am I going to meet him?"

***
I should have done my research before I agreed to be set up on a date. I regret for my rash decision and I just wish I still have the time machine with me so that I can undo everything.

Gosh, it was an embarrassment.

I'm not proud of what I did but I ditched the guy at the restaurant. I cussed and slapped at him before heading to the exit. Actually, I made a scene....

...because he was a total pervert.

He may have the looks and money to impress a woman but he has no breed whatsoever.

That jerk can't take his hands on my legs and when his hand was slowly crawling upwards, I slapped it really hard.

And he can't stop staring at my breasts even thought I am wearing a freaking turtleneck dress. To top it off, he's seductively licking his lips while looking at me.

Damn you, Vivian. You're going to pay for this.

I don't want to go home while I'm still pissed because I might lash out to my brother. I decided to head to the museum instead.

I looked at the painting again.

I feel emotional every time I looked at it. When I was in 1898, but Antonio made me forget that I am an outsider. He took me to his favorite restaurant and I enjoyed having him around. Maybe this was also the exact moment that I have unknowingly fallen for him.

I wiped away my tears. How can it still be painful even though five years has passed already?

A man approached the painting.

"His first love, huh?" He softly said. Huh... I heard this voice before.

He handed over a small cloth to me. I looked at it and it's a cloth made from pineapple fabric.

Is this supposed to be a handkerchief?

I looked at him. My eyes widened in disbelief.

It felt like everything that surrounds me froze in time and the only thing that mattered was him. He looked at me with those genuine eyes and smiled.

"...Antonio." I gasped. "How the...what the..."

I tried to make a complete sentence but I couldn't. How is this possible? Why is he here? Am I seeing things already? What the hell is going on? Am I on a different parallel timeline...? 

"Are you a ghost...?" I asked. Am I getting delusional? Have I lost my sanity?

Antonio laughed at me.... it's those laughs that made my heart feel warm. He caressed my face and it felt real. Is this really him?

"Don't you mean 'horny man'?"

"So...it was you." I cried. He pulled me closer to him and hugged me tight. I have been longing this kind of warmth. "Aren't you supposed to be...dead?"

Antonio didn't look offended at all but I can see the pain he's been feeling by just looking at his eyes.

"I thought so too."

I don't know what's going on but I don't want it to end because I might end up being alone again. I hope someone wakes me up from this nightmare because it's too good to be true. 

***

Hello, everyone!

As you already, this story will finally be completed after two chapters (or more).

So, I have a newly published story called Every Beauty Needs Her Beast. It's greatly inspired from Inuyasha and Kamisama Hajimemashita (I just finished reading the manga and I just can't move on.)

It will also dwell about Philippine folklore and its mythical creatures.

I hope you guys will support it just the way you support Lana and Antonio's story!

Description:

"Every beauty needs her beast to protect her from everything but him." - N.R. Hart

"A woman has the power to turn a man into a beast and a beast into a man." - Pragya Shree

In desperation to be saved from the grasp of her kidnappers, Claudia asked for help from a mysterious man under the balete tree. He was willing to save her but in one condition: she has to break the spell first.

Claudia's life hasn't been the same ever since the eventful day. How would she handle her life after finding out that the mysterious man is actually a beast? And due to circumstances, has become her familiar.

Will she ever find out what exactly is going on or will the beast always be beside her?

Chapter 32: The Miracle Of Antonio Del Mundo

CHAPTER 32: The miracle of Antonio Del Mundo

Antonio's POV

June 13, 1898 - the day after the Philippine Revolution.

We successfully won the battle against the Spaniards. A lot of my men we're relief when they found out that I'm back just in time for the battle.

When I was in the future, I spent my days reading history books and I'm aware that this isn't going to be the last battle we're going to face.

...but this is supposed to be my last battle. Maybe it was for my own good but Lana didn't tell me the reason how I died or rather, who killed me. She probably wants to spare me from mourning that a friend of mine is actually the traitor but I already know everything from reading.

We celebrated our victory at President Ronaldo Sarmionte's hacienda. It was an area far away from the town proper. It was already suspicious enough that he has taken us from a secluded area but my men are oblivious about his ulterior motive. As we were about to eat the feasts that his people prepared, one of his men decided to bring out his gun and started shooting my soldiers.

My soldiers only wanted to celebrate our victory. They didn't bring their guns and knives. They had no choice but to beg for their life to be spared but their dismay, they were not heard.

Does this satisfy you, president?

I already know that I am defeated. I did not fight back for the sake for everyone's future. The president did not hesitate to pull the trigger at me. He shot me twice on my chest and I can feel every pain in my body.

...but I did not die.

I was supposed to die but I didn't but why am I still fighting for my last breath?

They say that when you're about to meet your end, you'll have flashbacks of your life but it didn't happen to me. It was just pitch black.

***

I woke up with a heavy pain on my chest. I can even hear my own heartbeat thumping in an unusual way. I couldn't even lift my own head. Everything was painful but I was still alive.

I looked around my surroundings and I was inside of someone's bahay kubo. I looked outside the window and all I can see are rice fields. My attention shifted when I noticed that I wasn't alone. There was a pregnant woman who was sitting at the end of the bed. She was occupied by stitching the holes of my uniform.

"...where am I?" I mumbled.

The woman looked at me. Her eyes glimmered when she saw me conscious. It's as if her burden is lifted. She's a first person I know whose relief that I am alive.

Somehow, the woman's beauty is oddly similar to Lana.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked her.

"You've been asleep for a week." She approached me and touched my forehead. "It seems like your fever is going down."

"What happened?"

"You shouldn't ask such questions while you're still recovering." She softly said. Everything about her is gentle which is quite the opposite to Lana but regardless, she reminded me of her too much. "My husband will arrive in a bit and he'll answer your questions."

The woman took good care of me. She didn't allow me to even lift a finger. She fed me arroz caldo and she also gave me a sponge bath. Her gentle hands touched my skin and oddly enough, her presence comforted me about everything that's going on.

Am I really alive?

The day turned into night and her husband finally arrived. I have been eagerly waiting for him to come home. I've been wanting to know the answer on how I ended up at their residence.

He looked quite educated for a man who lives on the mountainous area. They live a simple life and yet he seems like a professional.

He approached me and sat nearby my bed. He took out the stethoscope from the bag he's been carrying and he placed the end of it on my chest.

"You aren't beating normally yet but that's expected after getting shot down." He said.

"May I know who you are?" I asked him. I can still feel my chest stinging...

"I apologize for not introducing myself earlier." He said. "But my name is Theodore Baldivia and that's my wife, Elena."

I looked at his wife who was preparing for our dinner. I always thought that she has a resemblance to Lana but I thought I was just missing her too much but it all makes sense now. The couple who saved and sheltered me are Lana's ancestors.

A smile formed on my face. I was unaware that my life has already been entangled by the Baldivia family. I always know that Ernesto is quite strange but who would have thought that everything that happened to me would eventually lead me to Lana and his family?

"It'll probably take months for you to be fully recovered since we lack resources here." Theodore apologetically said. "If you want to be properly medicated, then I'll take you to the town proper."

"But everyone thinks you're dead already." He added.

"...they do?" I asked. Everything that's going on suddenly become clear to me. I finally have a clear picture about the past and the future. I am still alive but it is meant to be written on the history books that I died as a hero.

The history wouldn't change if everyone assumed that I died. The president would still be our country's first traitor, and our people will still have battles to win and lose but eventually, we'll gain our freedom.

Lastly, Lana will still have a future that she's been protecting.

"Do you want me to tell them that you're alive?" He asked. I suddenly grabbed his hand.

"I beg you to not tell them." I pleaded. This is a rare opportunity for me to have a life without worrying about winning the next battle. For once, I have the option to be selfish.

"Then you're welcome to live here." Theodore and Elena looked at each other and smiled.

It has been decided... I'm going to live.

"...but I would like to know what happened." I said.

Theodore didn't leave any small detail about the turn of events. After the president shot us down, they were eager to dispose our bodies. He wasn't worried that he'll get caught doing treacherous acts. He already planned it perfectly.

The president will just announce to everyone that the Spaniards attacked us one last time and left no man alive. It was a perfect and calculated plan but he wasn't the only traitor that night. One of his men felt guilty after what they did. He decided to report it to other government officials and surprisingly, with the help of Ernesto, the president was found guilty of homicide.

Theodore is a doctor but decided to reside at the mountainous area with his wife. He wanted to help the people who are in need of medical attention but aren't financially capable. They lived nearby the president's hacienda.

During that night, Elena heard gunshots coming from the hacienda. Theodore wanted to figure out what's going on. He was aware that there is no longer war and yet they can still hear gunshots.

As Theodore passed by a river, he noticed that lifeless bodies were floating. He was frantic to see the fallen soldiers in that kind of state. Luckily, I wasn't washed away. My body was lying on the riverbank. When he approached me and checked my pulses, I was still beating. With all his might, he took me home.

***

It has been a year since that tragic night. I have heard from Theodore that there are still people mourning for my death. The entire time, I was living under the same roof with Theodore and Elena. I always show how grateful I am for their kindness by helping out with the household chores.

It took me eight months to be fully recovered. I took every opportunity to live a normal life that I have always been wanting. To be honest, I almost forgot who I used to be.

Regardless, I somehow feel an empty void in my chest. I finally got the freedom that was used to be a dream but I'm not satisfied with it.

"Is something bothering you, Antonio?" Elena asked. We're both sitting under the shade of the caimito tree.

Elena's attention is occupied to her three-month-old daughter, Kristina. She's swaddled around her arms. Funnily enough, I am her daughter's godfather.

It's a new dream of mine to tell Lana how our lives are intertwined even before she was born.

"I just miss someone." I sighed deeply.

I thought that I'll finally move on but I couldn't help but think about our last encounter. Lana was unaware that I know everything about the time she travelled a week back. I don't know the reason behind it but she's always like that. Lana tends to hide things from me in order for my feelings to be spared. We didn't have closure and I only left her with my journal but I guess it'll bring her more pain.

I wonder if she's doing well. After all, a year has passed by on her time too.

"Is this someone who owns your heart?" Elena asked. I see that she's intrigued about her descendant.

"You can say that." I chuckled.

"Why won't you go home to her? Wouldn't she be glad to find out that you're alive and healthy?"

Lana would probably be relief but when I arrived back here, the Eco-bike didn't survive. It crashed on the balete tree. To hide evidence of its existence, I buried it.

"It's complicated..."

"There's no such thing as complicated when the love is genuine." She said. Kristina started crying and Elena stood up and swayed her child to sleep. I can see that it's tiring to become a mother but I know that for Elena, the feeling is rewarding.

"You know, I sometimes worry for my family's future." Elena said.

"Why so...?"

"Theodore is barely earning an income and I don't have any educational background." I can sense the disappointment in Elena's voice.

"Can I hold Kristina?" I asked. Elena trusted me enough to hold her baby.

As I was holding Kristina, I realized that I wanted a future. I was enjoying the present that it didn't bother me to think of what lies ahead. I still want to have a family of my own but I couldn't see myself settling down here.

There was no other woman I want to spend my life with. I still want to be with Lana.

"Don't worry about that." I smiled. I caressed Kristina's pinkish cheek and she stopped crying. "If you think that your family is not going anywhere, then you're wrong."

"In the near future, not only men in your family will have the opportunity to be educated but so does the women." I added.

"Do you really think so?" Elena sounded unsure.

"The Baldivia family will not end with Kristina. I'm certain that she'll grow up well and have a family of her own." I said.

Although their family might turn out chaotic because of Ernesto's infidelity, they will always have each other's back.

"You are so sure of yourself when it comes to my family's future." Elena finally smiled. She was no longer weary. "But what about your future?"

"I think I'm going back to my home." I smiled.

I don't know how but I will.

***

Hello, I also added a new chapter of my new story, Every Beauty Needs Her Beast. Please do support my new story because I really am excited for it. Don't forget to add it to your library <3

Chapter 33: What Year Am I In?

It has been a month since I last updated a chapter. Honestly, the pandemic really took a toll on my productivity. I hope you guys are all safe.

***

CHAPTER 33: What year am I in?

Antonio'S POV

Tonight is my last night with Theodore and his family. I have always expressed my gratitude that they took me in without hesitation. For a year, they have been my family that I thought I could never experience ago. Although it saddens me that I will no longer see them again, I am finally looking forward for my future.

Theodore saw me gazing the stars under the caimito tree. I didn't notice that he approached me not until he placed two glasses of fermented coconut wine beside me.

"Don't you think it's a good night to have one last drink with your best friend?" Theodore said.

"When you say it that way, I couldn't dare reject your offer." I chuckled.

"I'm certain that no one will recognize you with that disheveled hair of yours and untamed beard." He said.

"It took me a year to grow this length of facial hair and I think I look good with it." I proudly said.

"Well...you haven't looked yourself at the mirror then." He jokingly said. I know that Theodore won't admit it but he would rather want me to stay here. It would keep him sane to know that I am safe but as my best friend, he doesn't want to be the hindrance of my happiness.

"Send my regards to the woman who owns your heart." Theodore added.

"I'll tell her everything." I smiled.

"Alright..." Theodore stood up and raised his glass. "Let's cheer one last time for our friendship."

"For our friendship..." I said.

I stood up and our glasses clinked. It was the last time that Theodore saw me. It's somehow bittersweet but I know that our friendship will last more than a lifetime.

***

It took me a day and a half to reach the town proper. After a year of my supposed death, a lot has changed already. I saw a lot of passersby wearing suit and tie instead of camisa de chino. It wasn't a pleasant sight that we're slowly losing our own identity. Is this what you want, president? It disgusts me to think about that you wanted our country to be colonized again and for what? Money...? Greed...? Or power...?

I arrived at the Espinoza residence and it's unusually peaceful. I looked around and noticed that there are no leaves on the ground. It seems like they are recently swept. They're probably still living here.

I was standing at the main door for an hour. I wanted to knock but I was having a hard time constructing an explanation to them. How do I explain to them that the Baldivias took me in? How will Clara feel?

"If you want solicitation, I don't have any money." I turned around and I saw Clara holding a basket of vegetables. I have only been away for a year but it seems like her physical appearance drastically changed in such short time.

"It's been a while, Clara." I smiled. Despite the change of my appearance, the gentle tone of my voice made her recognize me in an instant.

"Are you..." Clara gasped. The basket of vegetables fell off the ground and I did not hesitate to pick it up because she's still in the state of disbelief. "Where have you been, child."

She lightly squeezed my face just to make sure that she isn't hallucinating.

"It's an ironic story...." I said.

Clara did not hesitate to welcome me to her home. She offered me food and clothes. She was always this kind of person who's always helping others who are in need. Sometimes it makes me wonder why a kind and gentle person became a mistress.

I told her about my whereabouts and what I have been doing for a year. I didn't leave a single detail and Clara was bearing all of her resentment. She wasn't resenting the Baldivias...it was the other way around.

"I see...." Clara stared blankly at the cup of hot cocoa that she's been holding. "Even in this time, Ernesto's family helped you."

"I still feel the guilt of taking him away from his family." Clara dryly said. "I never wanted to be a mistress but it was for the sake of the Espinoza family."

I sat by beside her and held her hand. I gently pulled her close to me and I gave her a warm embrace. I understand that it wasn't an easy decision but if it wasn't for it, Joshua wouldn't have been born. Although I despised him for having feelings to Lana, he never hesitated to help me.

I believe everything happens for a reason even though it takes time to understand it all.

"Ernesto never doubted that you're still alive... I guess he predicted this far."

"Speaking of him, where's Ernesto?" I asked.

Clara started crying and I know that she always have this sad expression but this is the first time I saw her shed a tear. She didn't say anything but I already know about her husband's whereabouts.

"He passed away three months ago." I felt saddened by the fact that for the past three months, Clara was all by herself.

Filipinos were always family oriented and they would always take good care of the elders but I don't see her children around here. It seems like they're too busy with their own families.

"It's okay, Clara..." I smiled at her. "I'll stay right beside you."

"Do you not want to be with Lana?" She asked.

"I'd rather take good care of you instead." It's already impossible for me to leave this era. Ernesto already passed away and he's the only one who's capable to build a time machine and Clara...I couldn't just leave her.

"My dear boy..." Clara let out a small smile. "Ernesto's effort would go to waste if you'll stay here."

Clara explained to me that Ernesto believed that I was still alive because he already knows everything that is going on even before Lana arrived. During his prime years, he was a time traveler. He was fond of going back to the future just to see the events that might occur. He already knows all the events including his own death.

We went to his study room and I found the Eco-bike. Unbeknownst to me, Ernesto found out where I buried it and he dug it out. It wasn't in a good condition since it crashed when I travelled back here and the heavy weight of the soil didn't help either.

There was a pile of documents on Ernesto's study table. I opened it and it was all about the time machine including the right equation. He wrote everything that he can remember since the original files were in the future. He had faith in me that I'll be capable of fixing the Eco-bike because he already saw me having a family of my own.

I didn't really understand Ernesto's intentions before. It was hard to understand all the betrayals and discouragements he had done for both of his families. It realized that it was actually his way of preserving everything even if it'll cause heartaches.

"Now, go back to Lana." Clara wiped her tears and smiled.

It took me a year to fix the Eco-bike. There were some parts that I have to replace and find an alternative. I was almost on the point of giving up but every time I wanted to, it reminded me of Ernesto. I wouldn't want his faith in me to go to waste.

I wasn't an intellectual like Joshua nor do I have the engineering skills like Jay but I managed to fix the Eco-bike.

As soon as I fixed it, I desperately wanted to go back to Lana but then every time I looked at Clara's sad eyes; I realized that I couldn't leave her behind. Her children already abandoned their mother. Who would take care of her when I'm gone? Despite Clara's protest, I stayed beside her for three years.

Clara passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83. I know she has plenty of regrets in her life but she was smiling until her last breath.

I buried her beside Ernesto's grave. I prayed for her soul and hoped that she'll be finally reunited with his love. I placed fresh flowers on their grave stones and I also put food for them too.

It was already time for me to move on. I wouldn't Lana to wait even longer. It has already been five years since I last saw her. I hope she's able to smile again during my absence.

After saying goodbye to their grave stones, I decided to travel back to the future. Although I'm not certain that all the fixing I did is right, I'll believe in Ernesto that he saw me having a family of my own. It gave me courage that it will be alright.

Before the breaking dawn, I went to my favorite place in this town. I already prepared my mind and body for this moment. I'm aware that time traveling will took a toll of my physical and mental strength.

Without hesitation, I travelled back to the present. To be exact, I travelled to year 2024.

***

I crash landed on familiar surroundings. I looked around and realized that I was at the backyard of Lana's house. The sun was rising and it seems like I passed out for a while. I placed the Eco-bike at the garage and I fixed my appearance by brushing off the soil on my clothes. I picked some flowers from her little garden...which I can't recall that she does gardening.

I was about to welcome myself in but I heard yelling. It's early in the morning and there's already a commotion in here? I heard the door was harshly slammed and I panicked. I hid behind the big pot.

"Jeez, they're fighting again." Her voice sounded familiar. There's no doubt that it's Lana. "Can they just break up already?"

What is she even talking about...?

"Hold up, little sister." It sounded like Jay... "Did Mom give you an allowance already?"

"She doesn't need to." She cockily said. "I stole her wallet."

"Really...?" Jay sounded amused. "Can we share her money?"

"Yeah, right..." Lana sarcastically said. "Like hell I'd give you money."

"Hey, no fair..!" Jay said. "I didn't tell Mom that you skipped school yesterday."

Why are they talking about school? Why do they need an allowance? What the hell is going on? What year am I in? Is this not year 2024?

"Fine..." Lana hissed. "Come on, let's go to school."

As they were about to leave, I peeked at them. Lana and Jay were wearing school uniforms and they look younger than the last time I saw them. I started panicking when I realized that I'm at the wrong year. I hurriedly approached the Eco-bike and I checked the year on the controller and my eyes widened when the year 2024 suddenly changed to 2009...

I wasn't that kind of person to curse but...

...holy shit.

***

Yeah, Antonio learned cussing through Lana :D

I'll update as soon as possible but no promises. 

Chapter 34: The 15-year-old Lana Baldivia

Like hell I'd let Antonio meet (30-year-old) Lana so easily. 

***

Chapter 34: The 15-year-old Lana Baldivia

Antonio's POV

Somehow, I ended up in year 2009. There's probably a glitch on the controller and I don't even know how many tries I have to do before I can reach to the present time. I wanted to try again but I hesitated. This is a different decade wherein Lana is still a teenager. I wonder how different the 15-year-old Lana Baldivia is to the current one whom I fell in love with. A person can change in a span of years. I want to know the difference between her past and present self... I want to know this side of her.

I followed the Baldivia Siblings to school. Luckily, their school isn't that far from their home which means I can catch up on them. I decided to leave the Eco-bike at their garage. I'm certain no one will see it since their chaotic parents left the house too.

As they were about to reach the school gate, Lana paused.

"You go inside first, Jay." Lana said.

"Are you going to skip school again, sister?" He glared at her.

"No, dummy..." She's hissed. "I need to buy something at the convenience store."

"...and what would that be?" Jay crossed his arms. He looked quite suspicious towards his sister.

"I need to buy sanitary pads." She glared at him.

"Oh..." Jay's face turned bright red. "Yeah I'll head inside already."

"Damn right." Lana mumbled. As Jay left, Lana went inside the convenience store and I casually waited for her to come out. It seems like I'm a creepy adult waiting for high school students to prey on. I hope no one misunderstands it.

As Lana went out of the convenience store, I realized that she wasn't holding any sanitary pads but instead she's holding a pack of cigarettes. Is she forgetting that she's still too young to smoke?

She took out the lighter from her skirt's pocket and tried to light the cigarette but I intervened.

I grabbed her cigarettes and the annoyance in Lana's face is vivid.

"Aren't you too young for this?" I asked her.

"If it bothers you, look away." Lana attempted to retrieve her cigarettes from me but I raised my arm. She tried jumping but she's too short for my height.

"This isn't good for you." I said.

"Adults are such an eyesore." Lana mumbled. I tried to hide my amusement about her remark. She's oblivious that she'll be a troublesome of an adult.

"Don't you know that it'll ruin your lungs?"

"Yeah...yeah..." She shrugged. The school bell ringed and Lana started cussing about it. She hurriedly ran towards the school gate leaving and completely forgetting about her cigarettes.

I always know that Lana is quite a handful and yet her behavior a while ago still surprises me.

I decided to wait for Lana's classes to end. I don't have any other things to do in here so might as well just stay a little longer for her.

Lana finally went out from the school grounds and to my dismay; she's wrapped around a boy who probably haven't reached puberty yet. I wanted to be disappointed about her poor taste when it comes to boys but I remembered that this is the past. Lana's past and failed relationships will eventually lead her to me.

"So do you want to go to my place to study? My parents won't be home yet." He said.

"Yeah, right..." Lana scoffed. "I'm not dumb enough to believe that we're only going to study."

"Oh, come on now..." He looked at Lana with lust and I am disgusted by it. Horny and desperate 15 year old boys are the worst. "We've been dating for a week already...don't you think it's about time?"

"Don't get too offended, Jason but I'm only dating you because your mom is our math teacher and I desperately need to past her subject."

Ah, I see... I'm witnessing a typical high school drama.

"And also, I don't want to." She added. Lana pushed him away but he grabbed her wrist tightly.

"Come on now... I heard from your exes that you reached to the third base." He said it loud enough for the other students to hear. Everyone looked at Lana with utter disgust. Her cheeks turned bright red out of embarrassment. I clenched my fist to suppress my anger towards her boyfriend.

"It does not mean that I want to do it with you, Jason." Lana said.

"But I'm your boyfriend."

"That does not validate anything!" She yelled at him. Lana was struggling to let go of herself from the boy's tight grip.

Seeing her like this finally reached my patience's limit. I decided to intervene.

"Hey, kid..." I coldly said it towards the boy. He looked terrified with our height difference. "Don't you get it that she isn't interested at all?"

He looked taken aback knowing that an adult has a higher authority than him. Lana look surprised that we met again.

"I...get it!" He raised his hands in defeat. "I'm...going home."

"Get it going and do your homework too." I cockily said. I looked at Lana but I can't quite describe her facial expression. Is she mad? Embarrassed? Or is she even glad?

"Hey, mister..." She glared at me. "Are you stalking me?"

"What...of course not..." I started panicking. This is awkward and completely out of my control. "It just happens that I work nearby."

It was obviously a lie and it seems like Lana isn't buying it at all.

"If you say so..." She hummed. "Anyway, thank you."

Lana looked away from me but I noticed that her cheeks are still bright red. Is it because of me this time?

"So, are you hungry?" She asked.

***

"Didn't your parents teach you to not talk to strangers?" I asked. Lana decided to treat me food after saving her from her lustful (past) boyfriend. We're at a burger place and I'm sitting right across her.

"Yeah, they did." Lana said while munching her fries. "You're certainly a stranger but I'm not afraid of you."

"You're too trustworthy." I said.

"Not really." She shrugged. "If you try to kidnap me or whatever, I can just yell and kick your balls. Besides, the burger place is literally beside a police station."

"I'm glad that you don't put your guards down." I smiled. "But didn't you hate me for taking your cigarettes? Why are you feeding me?"

"Uh..." Lana scratched her head. "Judging from your clothes, it seems like you're homeless."

I felt humiliated. I wore Ernesto's clothes from the 80's because I thought it won't matter anyway for as long as it isn't camisa de chino. It's supposed to less suspicious.

"And also, I think I owe you one for protecting me from Jason." She added.

"So that's your boyfriend's name I see..." I scoffed. I stabbed my fries out of frustration.

"I heard that talking to a stranger is better than talking to someone that you're close to." Lana swiftly changed the topic.

"Whoever said that to you?" I asked. It seems like it doesn't make sense at all.

"Strangers won't judge you because they don't personally know you." Lana fidgeted her fingers. It's like she's trying to tell me something. "You won't judge me right?"

Sitting beside me is the Lana that I barely know. At her young age, she looked quite lost. Now I get it...she just wants to tell me things that couldn't express to the people close to her. She's probably thinking that she's a burden.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Really...?" Her eyes sparkled.

"I won't judge you at all."

"Thank God..." She sighed in relief.

Lana opened up to me about her problems at home. Her father has been cheating with her mother for some quite of time and as a way to deal with their marriage problems, her mother started to day drink. She always gets drunk before noon. Whenever her father comes back home from his mistress, they argue and completely disregarding the fact that they have children together.

As a coping mechanism, Jay frequently locks himself on his room and play video games. While as for Lana, she dates problematic boys so that she can seek a familiar love that she's deprived of. They were a broken family even when they're all together in the same roof.

Lana never said these things to me during our time together. Maybe it does no longer matter anymore or I'm too important to her that she couldn't able to say it.

It's no wonder that when we moved back to their home, she lashed out. It never felt like home to her.

Now I understand, Lana... I really do.

***

"It's really good to say all those things to a non-judgmental stranger." Lana stretched her arms. "And to top it all, you're a good listener."

"It's a person's job to listen when someone is talking...isn't it?"

"Well...yeah." She shrugged. "If you want to talk to me about something, I'll try to be a good listener. After all, I won't judge you."

"No, it's alright." I smiled. "Listening to you is already enough for me."

"Don't say such creepy things, mister." She glared at me and yet she looked flustered. "When I become an adult, maybe we can see each other again."

Lana fidgeted her fingers again. Her cheeks started to turn bright red again and she's barely looking at me in the eye. Is she really infatuated by me?

"Are you saying that you're interested to date me?" I sounded amused. "Now that's creepy."

"Forget that I said it!" Lana yelled.

"Will you really remember everything that happened between us today?"

"I hardly doubt it." She said. "I easily forget stuff and I'll literally shove it in the dark side of my brain that I suggested that we can see each other again."

Seeing her acting this way made me realize that she easily falls in love. It's no wonder that she dated a lot of men during these years. A single sweet word from a guy will make her fluster and it worries me how these men will take advantage of her feelings.

Wait a little longer, Lana...

"You're way older than me and when I become an adult, you're probably 60 years old already or something." She added.

"You're really wrong on that part." I murmured.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing..." I hummed. "But I'm certain that we'll meet again even if by that time, you already forget our encounter."

"You really sound so cocky right now."

"Do I?" I chuckled. "I believe that meeting you today is no coincidence."

...and meeting you 1898 isn't either. Regardless of the time difference, I always end up meeting you. May it be the past or present. I don't know much about these things but I do believe that this is fate...no matter how complicated all the things we've been through.

It's fate. 

Chapter 35: It's The End Of Our Story

Ah, the final chapter is here and I don't know what to feel but thank you for the never ending support! thank you for reading til' the end. 

***

CHAPTER 35: IT'S THE END OF OUR STORY

Lana's POV

I used to frequently dream about Antonio.

I remembered dreaming having a family of my own with him. We were only a family of four but we were happy. It was a beautiful dream but I wanted to wake up from it because I know it'll only turn into a nightmare when I wake up.

When will I wake up from my dream right now?

I stared with a heavy heart at a man who claimed to be Antonio. I unconsciously pinched my cheeks in a hope that I'll finally wake up but to my relief, he's still here.

"You're hurting yourself, Lana." He softly said "I know that it's hard to believe but it's truly me."

His touch was comforting and as he placed my hand on his chest, I can feel his own heart beating.

"It took me a long while to reach you and I even took a detour but I'm finally here." He added.

Tears started to roll down on my cheeks again. Even though it's hard to believe, but it's really him...the man I mourned and loved for years.

I had plenty of regrets in the past and I couldn't help but feel guilty that I wasn't able to explain to Antonio about all the things I did for him. It broke me to pieces that I will never have the opportunity to apologize to him but now I can.

I finally can.

"Come here..." Antonio pulled me close to him. Our embrace is warm and gentle just the way I remembered it. "Let's be like this for a while."

"I owe you plenty of explanations." I cried.

"It's okay...I understand." Antonio gently caressed my behind. "I got to know a little bit of you in the past."

I pulled away and looked at him. I don't understand what he's talking about.

"What does that supposed to mean?"

Antonio looked at me and wiped away my tears. He then let out the warmest smile.

"I also have plenty things to tell you too." He stroked my hair and placed it strand behind my ear. "Are you hungry? I know a place."

***

Antonio took me to a burger place that I frequently hang out when I was still in high school. Whenever I don't feel like coming home yet, I end up going to this place instead.

Not much has changed since last time I came here but I know I made plenty of memories although there are some I can no longer recall.

"I'm surprised you know this place." I said.

"Well, I met this girl before." Antonio looked flustered as he reminisced the moment. I somehow felt jealous. Since when did he have the time to entertain girls that aren't me? It's probably the detour he was talking about.

I mourned for him and he had the audacity to meet with a girl? It's unacceptable and unfair.

"She was really cute." He added. I could no longer contain my jealousy. I decided to pinch him on his stomach. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Cute, huh...?" I scoffed. I crossed my arms and frowned at him. "I bet you had a blast with her."

"Of course I did." Antonio proudly said. At this point, he's already teasing me. He pointed out a specific table that was located nearby the window. "We sat there..."

"It's good to know you remember such irrelevant moment." I sarcastically said.

"...15 years ago, you met me without knowing who I was." He added.

"Huh...?" I quizzically looked at him. What is he even talking about? How is that even possible?

"I wasn't an expert of fixing the time machine." He scratched his head. "So, I ended up in the wrong year but I had no regret."

"You're bluffing, right?"

"I'd never bluff at you, Lana." Antonio said. "You told me that when you become an adult, you're hoping that we can see each other again."

I couldn't remember the memory he was talking about but the way he says it, it's not hard to believe that he's telling the truth...he's a stranger from my past.

"You warned me though that you wouldn't remember our encounter." He added.

"I think I said that phrase before." I said. It's true that I'm not good at recalling my memories. It is my worst trait.

"I told you at the museum that I went to a detour before arriving to the present." He said. "I incidentally met the 15 year old you who was similar to who you are right now but somehow a bit different too."

"So you're really saying that we already met before I even travelled to 1898 like it's..."

"...fate." He added. "It was always fate, Lana."

Antonio moved closer to me and he grabbed my hand and gently caressed it.

"From the past, present, and the future, it's always going to be you and only you alone."

"And here I thought you were talking about someone else." I cried again. I could no longer contain the happiness I'm feeling. All of it sounds impossible and yet he's standing in front of me. I am happy.

"I have plenty of stories to tell you and this time, we won't run out of time." He said.

"Hey, Lana...!" Jay waved his hand at us. I texted him not long while ago to meet him because I had to make sure that I'm not the only one who can see Antonio and that I'm also not hallucinating.

Jay also dragged Joshua as well.

They approached us and stared at Antonio in disbelief. Jay couldn't help it...he started poking Antonio's arm just to make sure that he is what he is. Their reactions are quite amusing and Antonio is entertained by it.

"You're also seeing him, right?" Jay asked Joshua.

"Yeah, I'm seeing him too." Joshua said.

Antonio and I laughed at them. It felt good to be in the same place with them again. I know that someday my guilt will slowly fade away and it'll be replaced with unforgettable memories for as long as they're all here with me.

We'll slowly move forward...

"Let's all take a seat and I'll tell you guys everything." Antonio said.

***

Antonio told his story to us. Everything he has been through wasn't easy. He barely made it out alive after being shot by the douchebag of a president but he managed to overcome every obstacles and loss.

I honestly thought that I love him more because I travelled back and forth just to set things right but I was wrong...he loves me most.

When we were still together, I was too occupied with fixing the past but unbeknownst to me that during our time apart, he was preparing for our future together.

He travelled back to me despite the endless worrying that I might have settled down with someone else already but he still took the risk because I am worth the risk.

Now that he's here with me, we can finally embrace each other without worrying about the consequences of our actions. For a long while, I now finally felt free.

We decided to go back to the condo and continue the celebration of the 'second coming of Antonio Del Mundo'... well, Jay suggested it.

We bought beers and boxes of pizzas for the celebration. I never thought that I would be this happy again. No more fake smiles...just pure happiness.

Antonio and I went ahead first because the others dropped by at the convenience. Jay has been craving for instant ramen and he wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to buy one.

"Do you want to take a shower, Antonio? I mean... Jay wouldn't mind if you borrow his clothes anyway." I said.

"It's been a while since we were alone together." Antonio said.

"Uh...yeah..." I blushed. I couldn't help but remember the time that he and I made love. I could never forget our passionate and steamy night together. I thought I could never experience that again but now that he's here with me, the possibility is now endless. I have been longing for his warmth and having him alone excites my sexuality.

Antonio no longer has those memories of our night together but I do...he was very good at it.

"We already shared a kiss before." He said.

"We did?" He looked at me in disbelief and I flustered. Why the hell did I blurted it out? "I remember that we almost kissed at Jay's car."

"Oh...you can't remember any of it because I...altered the time...for good reasons." I fidgeted my hands out of embarrassments. I feel like my words no longer make sense. "I can tell you all the things we did."

"All the things we..." Antonio looked puzzled as he was trying to figure out my words. "Did we...?"

"We did more than a kiss..." I said. Why am I saying these things to him right now? Am I really that craving for his physical touch so bad?

"Oh..." Antonio flustered. He touched his lips and I was panicking because I want to touch it too with my lips. Why do I sound like a pervert? "It's too bad that can't remember it but..."

"...but?"

"Can we do it again?" He softly said.

"You don't have to be so blunt." I looked away at him because my cheeks are sore red. Antonio caressed my face and smiled at me. He moved his head close to me and I closed my eyes. Our kiss didn't last for a minute nor was it passionate but it was intimate. After we shared a kiss, we wrapped our arms around each other like it was a natural thing to do.

"I've longed for you, Lana." He said.

"I know...I've longed for you too." I said.

"Our kiss a while ago, can it be our first kiss?" He asked and I nodded. "Can I kiss you again?"

"Do it passionately." I teased.

"You don't need to ask." He hoarsely said.

We were so close kissing each other again but Jay and Joshua arrived. We hurriedly pushed each other away. We certainly don't want to have an audience while were doing it.

"I know you guys want to get physical since we're all adults with needs but please...do it when no one is around." Jay wiggled his eyebrows at us while we're both still flustered.

"Come on now, Jay...don't tease the kids." Joshua jokingly said.

As much as we want to be alone together and make up the altering that I had done, consuming beers and eating slices of pizza wasn't a bad thing either.

We shared laughter and stories that we weren't able to tell Antonio during his absence for five years. He sure did miss a lot but he had fun listening to our stories.

At the end of our celebration, Jay is passed out on the floor while Joshua is fast asleep on the sofa. They're both snoring loudly that I didn't bother sleeping. Antonio decided to clean the mess we made I decided to get some fresh air at the balcony.

The moon was looking bright tonight and I couldn't help but think that if Antonio approaches me, it'll be a romantic setting if we share a passionate kiss under the moonlight. Ah, that would be romantic.

"What are you thinking?" He asked and I jumped. I got caught off guard that I didn't realize that he's already standing beside me.

"Oh you know...adult stuff." I wasn't really lying.

Antonio pulled me close to me and he placed his hand on my waist.

"I have a serious question for you." He asked.

"What is it?" We looked at each other. Antonio looked flustered. He's probably thinking of sharing a passionate kiss with me too or maybe it's just me.

"Would it be okay if I steal your last name?" He asked me and I got caught off guard. What's with his question?

"Huh? Wouldn't it be the other way around?" I asked.

"I think your last name suits me." He genuinely smiled at me. Antonio Baldivia... my last name fits perfectly to his. I could never reject that idea.

I started to blush when I realized what's going on.

"Is this...an indirect proposal?" I gasped. If it's true, Antonio isn't really wasting time now, huh.

"Maybe..." He hummed. "So, what do you say?"

"You're not going to steal it, Mr. Del Mundo." I looked at him and slowly grazed his chest. "I'm going to give it to you."

"Then it's a yes then?" He excitedly said.

"Get a job first." I lightly punch his chest and he laughed at me.

"That wouldn't be a problem." He planted a soft kiss on my cheek.

Antonio has always been the greatest plot twist of my life. It was both a pleasure and an adventure to have met him in different times. I never believed in fate before or even destiny. I thought it was only something written on books and portrayed on television shows but as a script writer, I finally know what's going to happen between the main characters. After all, the story is based about our love for each other.

Despite the tragic destiny, it turned out to be a happy ending. 

Epilogue: The General And His Lover

Epilogue: The General and His Lover

ELENA VIOLET BALDIVIA'S POV 

"Late aren't we, Ms. Baldivia?" She raised her eyebrow at me out of frustration. I was sitting across her and this isn't my first time to be in her office.

"This time, I was really trying my best to be early." I apologetically said. She wouldn't stop glaring at me.

"And why didn't you?" She asked while holding my school ID that she took from me when she found out I was running at the corridor because I was late for class.

"...well, I actually forgot to set my alarm." I scratched my head. I instantly fell asleep after watching anime that it didn't bother me that I actually have school the next day.

"Ugh, you really are your mother's daughter, aren't you?" She asked. My mother, Lana Baldivia was once a student in my school. Surprisingly, even though years have passed already, our school's disciplinarian hasn't retired yet despite her old age.

She holds a grudge toward my mother for her tardiness.

"I'm calling your parents about what to do with your actions, Ms. Baldivia." She said.

"I think my mother is already looking forward for your call." I said. She's actually updated about my tardiness because she has dealt with the school's disciplinarian before.

"Like mother like child indeed." She scoffed. "Now, off to your class."

***

A lot has been telling me that I am the exact replica of my mother including her actions but I beg to disagree. She told me stories about her rebel years and I wouldn't dare do those kinds of things that she has been through. I am only tardy and nothing else and besides, I actually have a good relationship with my family...it was something my mother worked hard for because she didn't experience it herself. Whenever someone tells me that I am my mother's daughter as a form of insult, I actually take it as a compliment.

As I went inside the classroom, everyone was applauding me but of course our History teacher isn't really glad that I arrived late to her class...again.

"Take a seat, Violet." Ms. Lorraine sighed. She continued talking about our national heroes and pretended that I didn't interrupt the class discussion.

I sat on my seat and luckily, Levi is sitting beside me.

"While you were at the disciplinarian's office, we were actually talking about you." Levi said. He's actually my best friend and we've been inseparable since preschool.

"What is so special about me that I have to be the main topic?" I annoyingly asked him.

"Hey, look at this." Levi showed me a sketch of a woman who resembles my mother during her prime years. "She looks like you, right?"

"Give me that." I grabbed his history book and I examined the woman's facial features. I looked at the year written below the sketch and it said that it was drawn during 1898. "Who's this woman?"

"Ah, she's the rumored lover of General Antonio Del Mundo." Levi said. "It was said that he disappeared for weeks before the Philippine Revolution and that he ran away with her."

There were rumors in 1898 that the general was fond of a young odd woman. She was usually wearing a skirt that was below the knee that was frown upon but eventually it became a trend towards other women. Nobody knows about her history but it became a talk of the town that when she disappeared, so does the general.

They said that she speaks with such a foul mouth.

"Isn't it weird that you resemble her? Well, except your eyes." Levi added.

"What about my eyes?" I asked him.

"You have your father's eyes." Levi said. He has already met my father before when we used to have play dates in our village. He opened the next page that has the image of General Antonio Del Mundo and he pointed out that I have the same eyes with him too. "Coincidence...? I think not."

"What are you implying, Levi?" I asked.

"I think that General Del Mundo didn't really die." Levi said. There were tons of conspiracies about his death. Among all of the bodies that were thrown away at the river, his body was the only one that remained not found even until this day. "I'm somehow convinced that you're his descendant."

"I'm pretty sure that he's not and besides, all of his family members passed away during the war." I said.

"What was your father's last name, Violet?"

"I don't know." I shrugged. I never bothered asking why we didn't use his last name because it's irrelevant and he probably has his reasons. "We're all using our mother's last name."

"Is that so?" Levi wiggled his eyebrows at me. He opened his notebook and started writing down stuff regarding my family. "We can really make a conspiracy theory about your parents."

"I prefer that you don't do that." I took away his notebook and I placed it on my bag. "Can we not talk about this?"

"Why not...? Aren't you at least curious about the truth behind the general's death?"

"It happened years ago, Levi." I hissed. "That was before my parents were even born."

Truthfully, I am intrigued about everything involving the general and his lover. When I think about it, it seems like I'm their love child even though it sounds absurd. I always know that we aren't a normal family. I never know about my father's parents and his relatives even. He just said that he's an orphan.

Even though I don't want to directly admit to Levi, but I do also want to prove the conspiracy theory of General Del Mundo. I couldn't explain why I find it interesting but somehow it feels like the subject is close to my heart.

***

Our school disciplinarian indeed called my parents. While they're talking about my tardiness, I'm waiting for them outside the office. I couldn't help but read all the notes that Levi wrote on his notebook.

My best friend is a creep for knowing a lot of information regarding my family that even I don't even know but at the same time, bless him.

Apparently, my great grandfather is a frustrated scientist and suddenly disappeared. After weeks of his disappearance, my great grandmother decided to end the search and thus, everyone questioned her.

Not only that, Uncle Joshua's descendant oddly looks similar to my great grandfather and he had a huge role during the war in 1898.

Just like my great grandfather, my uncle is a scientist but he's successful on his field.

I always wondered why I have to call him uncle even though we aren't blood related. My parents always insisted that I am cousins with his children. I always thought that we act like we're family because they're close friends but because of the conspiracies, I somehow convinced that we're all related with what happened to General Del Mundo's death.

...but to prove the conspiracies, it lacks something...it lacks a detail.

And thus, it'll probably remain a mystery.

My parents finally ended their meeting with our school's disciplinarian. Mom glared at me while placing hands on her waist. She looked very pissed.

"You know that woman scolded me because you inherited my tardiness." Mom scoffed. "Apparently, she can hold a grudge for a very long time."

"I mean she's threatening our daughter for suspension if she gets tardy one last time!" She added.

While mom was ranting, my dad was only smiling at her. He looked quite amused.

"Mom...! Dad...!" Theodore waved his hand at us. He just finished his soccer practice and wanted to go home together. My brother is only 10 years old but he's already a child prodigy when it comes to soccer. My parents are quite proud of him.

"Hey there, champ." Dad said. To Theo's dismay, he tousled his hair.

"Not my hair, dad." Theo complained and dad chuckled. They said that I am the exact replica of my mother expect for my eyes but as for my brother, it was the other way around.

He has my mother's eyes.

"Are you both hungry?" Mom asked us. The annoyance in her face disappeared after seeing us together. She wasn't the type of person to hold a grudge that long. "Let's dine in somewhere."

"Please don't take us to the burger place." I complained. If I eat one more burger, I might puke.

"Why not...?" Dad asked. "Your mother and I met on that place."

I looked at mom and she blushed. Even though my parents are married for 20 years, they still show their affection towards each other. They weren't ashamed to be intimate around us. It's just as it is...they're always inseparable.

Whenever I think about falling in love, I want to experience the genuine kind of love like what my parents have. They set the standards too high and for some reason, my dad told me not to date any guy named 'Jason'.

"Their burgers are already disgusting, dad." Theo complained and I agreed.

"Alright...alright..." Mom sighed. "Let's eat at your Uncle Jay's famous restaurant instead."

I walked behind them and dad grabbed mom's hand. Their hands are intertwined with each other. Mom looked at dad and they both gave each other smiles. It was like their gestures are their own way of saying that they're madly in love with each other.

"Do you guys really met at the burger place?" I asked. They both paused and looked at me.

"What's with the question, Violet?" Mom asked.

"It's just...never mind." I shrugged. Mom took out an old vintage watch from her purse. I looked at it and was no longer working. She handed it over to me. "Why are you bringing it around with you?"

"Someday we'll tell you how we met." Mom said. "But as for now, I can tell you that your father and I met at an unusual time."

"But it leaded me on having two wonderful kids with him." Mom hugged me and my brother. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

"This is the family I've always wanted." Dad looked teary. 

We all huddled up in public and it was embarrassing because some of my classmates saw us.

Regardless of my mother's vague answer, I feel contented.

It's okay...

It's okay to not know for now.

***

Ah, thank you for supporting my story ^^ 

I do hope you continue to support my stories. I am currently working with my new story, Every Beauty Needs Her Beast. 

Please consider reading and adding it to the list. It'll really mean a lot to me and again, thank you very much for the support. 

8.2k readers in 11 months?! that's already a huge deal to me. 

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