After that day, I can literally say that there is really something with Henry's parents. They're hiding something that I can easily that something is very illegal. I can't tell it to Cristel, I will spill the beans if I prove that my instinct is right.
"It looks like you and Henry are starting to fall," Cristel whispered to me while we are eating our dinner.
"What are you saying?"
I must admit that I am starting to like Henry, what's the point of denying it to myself? Who am I fooling here?
I sighed; I just can't prevent myself from liking him. Compared to the men in my time, Henry is a breath of fresh air. Although he kept on bugging me every single time, I don't feel any irritation towards him, I just faking my reactions. He is very different, he is so gentle and romantic, I just love the way he clings to me every time. He is such a baby. I like it, I like him. I smiled at my thoughts.
"Why are you smiling?" Cristel whispered to me again.
"Cristel, finish your food first. Stop bugging Aliyah," Mrs. Dela Fuente said then raised her eyebrow.
Cristel just shrugged her shoulders. I finished my food when Mr. Dela Fuente cleared his throat. We all looked at him.
"I have received some news from the upper officials, the soldiers that just got back from years of training need to undergo again to training for the preparation of possible war," he said.
"What? They just got back, not even a month. This is very unfair for them," Cristel exclaimed.
"They will get furious when they found out. Good thing you are a woman, Cristel. I don't have to think for your life," Mrs. Dela Fuente said.
"I already sent them a formal letter. For sure, by now, they already knew it." Her father wiped his mouth.
"How long was the said training?" I asked.
"Just for a month," he answered.
Oh, thank goodness! I thought it will take years again. I can't wait that long; I have my own life in my time. I can't stay here forever even if I want to.
"How about Henry's courtship? How can he court you or do your agenda if he is too far away?" Cristel laid on her bed.
I sighed. It's not the courtship I am worried about, it's my investigation about his family. I can't move if he is not around. So, I need to wait for him, 30 days is not that long.
"I need to wait for him, then. We can send some letters or call each other. It is not that hard." I smiled.
I saw that playful smile growing on Cristel's face. I rolled my eyes.
"That's nothing," I said defensively.
"What? I am not saying anything. You must be honest to me, Aliyah! Are you starting to fall for Lieutenant Henry Dizon?" She narrowed her eyes.
I maintained my straight face, preventing showing some reactions or emotion that might give her some hints. "No," I said plainly.
But this woman can take no for an answer. She stares at me a little longer until I sighed.
"Alright, I'm starting to like him," I confessed.
She put her hand on her open mouth. I creased my forehead; she looks retired with her face right now.
"Don't tell him what I just said. You try and I will cut your tongue." I pointed my finger at her.
She suddenly put her head on the pillow then shouted. No one can hear her except me.
"You promise me you won't tell him, alright?!" I pulled her arms.
She finally gets back to her senses, she nodded. "Okay, alright! I just get too excited, how about me? When will Alfredo notice my beauty?"
I chuckled. "Kiss him tomorrow, on the lips."
Her eyes went wide. "What a beautiful suggestion you made. That is very helpful. I can't do that, my mother's gonna kill me, you know?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "It is only a suggestion, it not a big deal to kiss. Henry and I did--"
I suddenly stopped when I realized what I just said. I looked at Cristel's face, her jaw dropped, and her eyes went wide again.
"You two kissed already?" Her voice went high.
"Lower down your voice, your parents might hear us. Yes, he kissed me, I didn't like it because it was just a stolen kiss." I sighed.
"Stolen or not, it still a kiss. You already kissed when you don't have any relationship. Please, don't let him think that you are an easy girl. If my mother heard what you just said, she will hit you so hard."
I just laughed, Cristel will be so furious if happened that she accidentally transported in my time where kisses and touches are just a normal thing.
"We must give them some sweets. Can you bake?" Cristel asked me after we ate our breakfast.
I nodded. "Yes..." But I only know modern cookies. I can't make the traditional one.
"Really? Come on, let's make some. I will give Alfredo what I made and gave yours to Henry. Is it sound so romantic?" Cristel said dreamingly.
I made a sour face and started to get the ingredients. It's been a long time since I baked but my mom said that I am a natural learner, and I can't easily forget what I learned especially when I love doing it.
"These cookies are the best! They are so delicious, I'm sure, Henry's gonna love you even more. You are a perfect housewife!" She was so excited while eating one of the cookies we baked. Actually, I baked. She was just watching me the whole time and handling me what I need.
"Let's go and bring these to them while it is still warm," I said after I wrapped the cookies in a cute paper bag I personally designed.
"You are excited too, aren't you?" She smirked.
"I am now, cookies are not delicious when they get cold. Do you want to give Alfredo a cookie as hard as a rock?" It's my turned to smirk.
"No, let's go." She pulls my hands.
But deep inside, I am really excited and at the same time nervous. I am thinking about what Henry will say to my cookies.
My excitement gradually erased when I saw who his special visitor is. Alfredo is here too, and also the other soldiers who will take the training too. I think they are having a farewell party. And we are not informed, my look is disgusting.
"I think we should give it to them later." Cristel sighed.
I agree with her.
But before we can leave the front gate of Dizon's house. Henry already saw us and have his way towards us. Wearing his big, bright smile with his unwrinkled military uniform. He greeted us.
"Hi," he said for both of us, but his eyes were fixed to me.
"You are having a party. We didn't know, we just want to give you these cookies. We are going now," Cristel said.
I just nodded.
"You can join us. I am very sorry that I didn't tell you about the party. It is not really special, and Sonia is here. I can't be with Aliyah," he said without taking his eyes off me.
"It's alright, may I remind you that you are courting Sonia, officially. She is your priority." I smiled, fakely.
He tilted his head. "Can I take you on a secret date after the sunset?"
I almost heard Cristel screamed, she pinched my arm.
I bit my lips. "Promise me you send me a letter or give me a call when you have free time on your training."
His smile grew bigger, and his eyes twinkled. "I promise."
I nodded. "Here are your cookies, share them with Alfredo. Cristel and I made it. Fetch me by six." I hide my big smile.