Jerick continued immersing himself to the community. As he stayed longer in the area, he gained more information about the locality and people. He knew, he is getting closer in his subject, he will soon find out who are the leaders of the Shadow. Meanwhile, Alice became civil in working with Jerick. She knows that she doesn’t have to like Jerick, she just need to work with him for the good of their students.

“Look at the body, he is so masculine. I felt like I am always safe with him,” Karla said as she stares at Jerick who is in his white shirt and denim pants. Jerick and his class are putting-up a small nipa stage for the school.

“If only I am single, I would have flirted with Sir Jerick,” Karla added.

Alice slightly turned his head towards Jerick and silently had a glimpsed of how he looks. Trying to convince herself that he might be good-looking but not the kind of man he dreamed of.

“It’s good that you are no longer single, otherwise, you will end up with the wrong guy,” Alice said in contrary.

“You know what Alice? You can’t judge people just because of that one wrong encounter. You need to know him more,” Karla defended.

Not far from their place, the teachers and students are having commotions. They started running and screaming, “they are here, make yourselves safe,” the principal shouted.

Gunshots echoed in the place. Alice immediately grabbed the students outside and lead them inside the classroom. Jerick on the other hand, run towards Alice place and helped her with the children.

Armed men were running outside the classroom. Jerick stood up to see what’s going on but was grabbed by Alice. “Stay down so that you will be safe,” Alice whispered to Jerick.

It was the first time that the two had these close encounter. They are facing close to each other. Jerick can see the worry on Alice’ eyes but was calm and brave. He had never met a civilian which such bravery, ready to shield herself for her students.

Few minutes later, there were silence around. The doors of the classrooms are opening.

“What had just happened?” Jerick asked.

“A military operation against the rebels,” Karla said. “How often does such encounter happens?” Jerick asked further. “Well not that always here in Santa Lucia, most of the time were in nearby sitios,” Karla answered.

“It is okay, you are now safe,” Alice said as she calms down her students. “But Ma’am what if the armed men come after us when we get home?,” cried one of the student.

“Don’t worry, we will get you home,” Jerick said as he looks at Alice. She nodded in agreement.

Classes were dismissed earlier so that the terrified students could go home. As promised, Jerick and Alice accompanied each of their students to their homes. “Thank you sir and ma’am,” the student said as she hugged her parents who are worriedly waiting for her.

Jerick and Alice waved goodbye to the last student they had to escort back home.

“I can take it from here,” Alice said. “No, I will escort you to your home too,” Jerick insisted.

“Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself,” Alice said as she turned her back from Jerick. But Jerick followed her. “I am not worried about you, I am worried that my students will tell how bad I am that I let their teacher Alice go home alone amid the danger,” Jerick mischievously said.

Alice had no choice but to go home with Jerick. “Do you want to have some coffee before you go?” Alice said as they arrived in the house. “Sure!” Jerick immediately replied.

As Alice prepared the coffee, Jerick had the chance to look into the house. “Where is Ka Ernesto?” he asked. “Oh, he went to the other sitio to buy some seedlings for the next planting period,” Alice answered.

A photo hanged in the wall drew Jerick’s attention. “Is this your mother?” he asked. “Yes, but she died when I was ten years old,” Alice answered.

She tried to hold on to her tears as she handed the cup of coffee to Jerick. He looked into her eyes and saw the sadness. “I am sorry,” he apologized. Alice just sighed and smiled.

“So whenever Ka Ernesto is away, you are alone here?” Jerick asked Alice. “Well not really, I have my dogs who look after me,” Alice answered. She stood up and hold something beneath the wooden cabinet.

“Most of all I have this!,” she said as she holds a shotgun. “So if you are planning something bad against me, you will never get away from this!” she said pointing the gun to Jerick.

Jerick was astound and hurriedly stood up. “Whew! Hold it! I am not a rapist or a bad person. So will you please put it back?”

After being convince, Alice put back the gun to the cabinet. “Why do you have a gun?” Jerick asked as he slowly seat and sip his coffee.

“For protection, you know how dangerous is our environment now,” Alice defended. She joined Jerick in the table.

While the two are having conversation, something jumped underneath the table. Alice screamed and hurriedly climbed up the chair. A bullfrog hopped closer to Alice which made her screamed more in fear.

“It is just a bullfrog!” Jerick said laughing. “Just put it away from me please!” Alice exclaimed. Jerick grasped a broom and put the frog away until it reached outside. Jerick came back laughing.

Alice slowly went down from the chair, still her heart is pounding too fast. “What’s so funny?!”

“I just can’t believe it! I mean, you were so brave out there when you run after your students to keep them safe. You are not afraid of bullet, but you are afraid of frog?” Jerick said still chuckling.

Alice want to shout at him, but she noticed the way Jerick laugh. It was the first time that she saw him laugh that hard, Jerick had always been so serious and stiff. Now, his eyes are glowing and his dimples show off. “He really is a good-looking man,” she said to herself.

“It is not just a frog, it is a bullfrog!” Alice continued. “You know what? It’s getting late, you must go now,” Alice said as she pushes Jerick towards the door.

“Okay, I will go home but make sure your doors are locked so that the bullfrog will not come to get you,” he said smiling. Alice raised her eyebrow and sarcastically said, “I will sir!”

“I’ll go ahead. Goodbye!” Jerick waved and turned his back to Alice.

“Wait!” Alice continued. Jerick faced Alice, “what is it?”

“Hmmm… don’t you dare tell other what you saw tonight!” Alice warned Jerick.

“About what? the gun or the bullfrog?”

“Both!” Alice said decisively.

Jerick raised his right hand and swore, “I will not tell anyone about your secret!” He laughed a bit yet managed to nod in agreement. He walked away from the house still smiling.

As he walked through the grassland he looked up the sky. He realized, it was the first time that he had laughed that hard after so many years. He almost forgot that feeling, and one thing is for sure, he is starting to like that feeling again.