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Darlene S. Debolgado

MC 2A

MC100 TTH 11:00 12:30

February 18, 2010

Ms. Cate West

The televisions and radios all over the country buzzed. The people were restless as

they glued their senses with the things happening in the news. A stunned nation once again

existed for it was the day of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo first took her oath while Estrada was on

his way to be put to jail. Others rejoiced yet many were furious. Copious questions were hoisted

but neither was answered. This was the thought that has had been reiterating and wanderingCates mind as she reads the days newspaper: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wins the 2004

Election.

Cate, are you all right? Jim asked.

Huh? Oh, yeah Im fine. Cate answered.

Are you sure youre okay? Ive been talking to you but you dont answer. You seem to be

bothered. Is there any problem? Jim asked with hesitation.

No, its nothing Im fine. Im just a bit stressed. Its no BIG, really.

You seem to be upset. Jim added. I can see it in your eyes. Do you have a problem with the

paper? Youve been staring at it the whole time.

Jim, Im fine. Okay? I just didnt have enough sleep, thats it. Done! Cate said with a high tone.

Okay, sorry. Im just worried, honey. Anyway, I better get going. The president will have her

second oath taken at 3pm. I should get a scoop. See you later. Jim hurriedly said as he kissed

Cates cheeks.

Okay, take care.

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As Cate watched Jim turned his back, the world slowed down for her. Sounds became

deep and every corner became shallow. For her, the world seemed to be very small considering

the awful fact that she will be working with Gloria for a whole term again.

What have I just done? This is not what I expected. This is not what I wanted to happen. Cate

told herself as she buried her face onto the filed papers on her table.

The sun coalesced to gloom as the cold breeze of the wind roughly blew. On her terrace,

Cate sat while she looked at the stars above, having a glass of wine on her right hand. On the

table beside her, a video tape can be found. When she had a glimpse of it, she cant help it but

to cry. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and hurriedly she wiped the tears on her face. She stood

and fixed herself then she walked gently to open the door.

Hello honey! Jim said smilingly and lovingly as he kissed her girlfriends lips.

Oh, why didnt you tell me that youre coming over? I couldve prepared dinner. Cate said with

her eyes avoided Jims.

I brought you flowers and chocolates. Jim excitedly said as he showed those to Cate. Im

worried about you. Youre acting differently this morning so I reckon I could drop by and come

over.

Oh, how sweet of you. Cate said as she smiled and hugged her boyfriend. Thanks Jim, come

inside, I have wine.

As the two went inside, Jim felt something different about how Cate acts so he came

near her, held her hand, looked at her eyes and said:

Cate, tell me, do you have a problem. Dont ever lie to me .

Cate paused as she looked at her boyfriends eye. After a moment, surprisingly she

cried. She cried so hard that her knees fell to the ground. Jim was shocked but the only thing he

did was to hug her. He felt bad about Cate even he didnt know what was happening. Then, he

carried her and brought her to the terrace. As he gently put Cate to the couch, he saw the video

tape on the table. He knew then that something is really wrong.

Cate, have you been watching movies? Dont tell me youve been acting like that for a weird

video tape! Jim said bluntly.

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Cate, with a straight face looked at the stars again. She smirked but the sadness in her

eyes was evident. With a deep voice she said:

If only I can be free like the stars, Jim. If only we are free like them. They seem happy.

Huh? What are you talking about? Jim asked with confusion.

Cate took a deep breath and sighed.

Its all my fault Jim, I have just betrayed myself and the country. But I dont have any choice.

Its our job.

Jim didnt give a word. He sat and covered his mouth with his right hand.

Erap was innocent and I witnessed and knew everything! I dont have a choice, thats what the

government wanted and my job is to obey them. Gloria plotted everything!

And there was silence.

That video tape has all the answers. If they see that, Ill be dead. Even if I try to put that up to

air, it will never reach the people. Now, Gloria won the presidency and I have done it all. If only

we are free. Cate said then she cried bitterly.

Jim sat next to her and a tear fell from his eyes. He hugged Cate as the wind roughly

blew its cold breeze.