You told me, Allan, she’s a childhood friend. Tell me something about her, Ari asked.
Sav belongs to a big family. Her father has 10 siblings and 8 of them migrated to the US. When we were in high school, she was one of the beauties we had. She's always wearing stateside tops and shoes. Tall, beautiful, and smart. She was one of the most active students in extracurricular activities in our class. Though she was shy at that time, she gained a lot of friends. Her family was very protective of her. She can't attend parties, no weekend movies except she goes with her family. I don’t know if it's tough for her, but it seems that she’s good at coping with her father’s strict guidelines. She turned out to be okay. She is a good person, decent, and focuses on what she does. She doesn’t play around.
While Allan and Ari are whispering, Savannah is brought back by Cris.
General... As promised, I am returning Sav to you, without any scrat
Yes Cris! I have been waiting for her to come home. Now she's back! This is my only chance to marry my true love.Cris was so stunned but he did not show it to General Ari. He was so worried now about Sav.Let’s go back. Dinner will be served in a minute. This is confidential, Cris.Sure, General, you can count on me.As soon as they get back to their individual table, dinner is served.When the plates were served, Ari was so attentive to Savannah’s plate, he cut the steak into little pieces then turned to her, now eat, it's ready. You have to drink coffee, not wine, since you have a low tolerance to alcohol.Thank you, Ari. I can do that you know. And I can handle at least 2 shots of red or white wine, so I can take care of my heart, Savannah said.No, avoid alcohol, please. There’s more options to take care of your heart. Just accept me and I will take care of you, not only your heart!Everyone was stu
We have time tomorrow, right Sav, how about lunch?I can’t Adam, I have to be in L county to see my relatives. I should be back late afternoon or early evening.I will go with you, Ari interrupted.Ari, I have not told my relatives that I have guests, they might be surprised and intimidated that I am bringing in a General. I will rent a car. I will be okay Ari.I will go with you, no but this time.Adam can go with us, Allan and Mary too. So, while you’re with your relatives, I have them with me. How’s that? I am making it easy for you Sav.Allan and Mary were looking at Sav, giving her a hint to say Yes….Okay, you win.We will contact Stanley to accommodate us at their restaurant while waiting for you Sav, Allan said.Who is Stanley? Ari asksSavannah's cousin and a restaurant owner. A good friend of ours and a classmate in school.Hey Allan, please order my favorite d
I saw her when she was only 15 years old. She belongs to their school’s model platoon that competes in D county. I was a young Lieutenant at that time just got married. You know the story, Adam, about my marriage.If I was single then, I will pursue her. I cannot forget that face.After 10 years, I saw her again, working in the government office in the city. I was then 1-star general. I can't take off my eyes on her. I would like to hug her so bad. She was then married and with 2 kids. Both of us are married. A friend from Tarlac who was their regional director noticed my staring...he whispered to me, she's married.Adam is listening attentively to Ari while drinking Vodka.Does she know you?No, she doesn’t know me.When I was promoted to 3-star general, I was assigned to D county. Her house is only 5 miles away from my office. Every afternoon, I will drove and pass by her house. Sometimes, she was tending her orchids collection
It was an hour's drive to L county. The road was a little bumpy and traffic was bad. While on the road, Savannah was reading the documents that she was going to present to her relatives signed by her elders in Connecticut.Where are these properties? Ari asks SavannahThey are located in the suburbs of L county, belongs to my family. There's a lot of conflicts so it took time to gather all the documents. Some of the elders died already. I was the eldest in our generation so I was given the tasks to finish and be done with it. The transfers are very important to my family.There was this lot in the hill of L county that belongs to my family and will be handed down to any member of our family who is willing to build a ranch house. I will show it to you, we are going to pass the hill anyway, it's on the roadside. My sisters are interested, so I have to put that on our agenda for today.Ari, see that plateau? That will be the location of the ranch house. Nice
I am always interested in butterflies. These beautiful species were considered to be the reincarnation of the soul. In some belief butterflies is a personification of a person's soul; whether they are living, dying, or already dead. One superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guest room and perches behind the bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. Another superstition is that butterflies represent the soul, in some beliefs, it symbolizes rebirth. In our culture, a lingering black butterfly or moth in the house is taken to mean a death in the family. (Wikipedia) Ari and I will visit the famous butterfly farm in the CN province. He invited our close friends, his close comrade in arms, and of course his nephew Adam. We are going to have a catered lunch there with butterflies and colorful flowers. I don't know yet, how we can concentrate on our lunch when these beautiful flying species are hovering over us. I was so excited about Ari's plan.
It was a bright and sunny morning at the Butterfly farm when Savannah said Yes to Ari. Everyone was rejoicing including the butterflies and the moths. The music 'You are so beautiful' was playing in the background, Ari grabbed Savannah's hand and dance passionately. His friends and colleagues were surprised to see the soft side of Ari, they have never seen him act this way in the past.Ari did not stop dancing, embracing Savannah until the music changed to 'The first time I've ever saw your face. Savannah was looking quizzically at Ari.Do you know about these music?Yes, I do Sav, Ari responded.I gave those tapes to you when you're in high school. I passed it on to one of your classmates.So, you're my admirer from afar that did not come forward for many many years.You have to understand Sav, I was married at that time. I fell in love with you decades ago and until now, my love for you multiplies. When I saw you walking on the beach that
At Ari's office after the wedding...Sir Ari, Mr. Hiromi of the Butterfly Farm called to make an appointment at 11 am today. He says it is very important to talk to you.Did he say why?No, SirOkay, let him come by at 11 am today, I only have 30 mins to see him. I have lunch appointment with my wife.Yes Sir.Ari is reviewing confidential documents about his initiative, New Hope New Life program for the rebel returnees, vouchers for signatures and meeting schedule after 1 pm.Sir Ari, Mr Hiromi is here now.Let him in, Ari instructed Adela.Good Morning General Ari, thank you for seeing us this morning. This can't wait any longer, we need to show you the photos.Photos?Here are the clips, Gen Ari (showing the pictures)Whoa...these are great photos of me and my wife. It's perfect! Can I have copies?Sure, General. We have a request though regarding these pictures.I am listening.
Ari applied for a year's sabbatical leave to join Savannah in California for the planned wedding and trip to Spain. As the commander in chief, the litany of activities and executions of military orders were on the table for discussion and implementation before the leave of absence.One evening, the couple were relaxing after dinner in the living room, Ari mentioned an activity that needs to be implemented. He has to schedule the visit as soon as possible because the project was part of his yearly accomplishment. Then all of the sudden, Savannah would like to go as a volunteer. Ari said NO, it's very dangerous for an outsider to join, only military and health personnel are allowed.Please let me go, I will be observing. I want to see the camp site, you're the commander in chief, you can make exceptions, Savannah begged Ari.I said No....I will not expose you to the danger of my work, Ari said.Please, Ari, I would like to experienced it, please let me go,