Unchained Melody

UNCHAINED MELODY

by

NORBERT L. MERCADO

Also by Norbert L. Mercado

NOVELS

72 Hours in Moscow

After the Summer Rain

Beyond Revolution

The Children of Mars

Chrysanthemum

The Days of an Empire

Even the Grass Bleeds

I Don't Need A Throne

The Last Romanov

One Love, Three Summers

The Protracted War and the Quest for Peace

Some Winds Blow Forever

Three Cornered Sun

Unchained Melody

Windflowers

The Winter is Young

OTHER BOOKS

Asia Health Book 1

Asia Health Book 2

Cambodia's Children of Sorrow

The Future and Your Family

Jerusalem: The City of Destiny

Ronald Reagan: Profile of a President

For more information on Norbert L. Mercado, visit

http://norbertomercado.blogspot.com

UNCHAINED MELODY

Norbert L. Mercado

Copyright © 2012 Norbert L. Mercado

Norbert L. Mercado has asserted his right

to be identified as the author of this work.

This book is a work of fiction, and except in case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This book is sold, subject to the condition that is shall not, by way of trade or otherwise be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form or binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition, including this condition, being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

ISBN: 9781476494890

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This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

VERSION: 201208301730

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Last Chapter

Dedication

A Historical Novelist For Peace

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Back to Table of Contents

CHAPTER

1

Flight 607 of Cathay Pacific was about to land at Kai Tak International Airport. It was February 17, 1986. Vivian looked at her watch; It was 3:15 p.m.

The chief flight stewardess announced over the microphone that the plane would land within five minutes. She requested the passengers to fasten their seatbelts, and to refrain from smoking until the plane had landed.

Vivian nervously tried to fasten her seatbelt, but had difficulty doing so because she was not familiar with it. A Caucassian lady in her mid-50s seated beside her offered help.

They were seated in the mid-section of the 747.

Thank you, Ma’am, Vivian said.

Don’t mention it, the lady replied.

Vivian closed her eyes as the plane descended.

The lady sensed that she was nervous. Is this your first time to go to Hong Kong? she asked. She felt embarrassed to enquire whether it was Vivian’s first time to ride a plane.

Yes, Ma’am, Vivian replied.

Don’t worry, the plane is safe, the lady assured her.

Vivian smiled at her.

Soon afterwards, Flight CX 607 taxied on the runway.

Vivian felt relieved when the plane began to slow down. She looked at her sister, Remedios, who was seated away from her.

Are you going to work here? the lady asked.

Yes, Ma’am, Vivian replied, looking at her.

You’re alone?

No, Ma’am. My sister is with me.

Oh, that’s good, so you’ll be together.

A few minutes later, Vivian rode the airport’s terminal bus which brought them to the immigration building.

The two sisters queued in the visitors’ line. Remedios was in front of her.

Papers, please! the immigration officer asked Remedios.

She turned over her passport and her contract papers.

The offiver, a tall but slightly-built man in his early 30’s thoroughly went through her documents. Then he placed the immigration stamp on her passport.

It was Vivian’s turn.

The immigration officer looked at Vivian after he checked her papers. The latter was very nervous.

First time in Hong Kong? he asked.

Yes, sir, she replied.

Fortunately, without saying anything more, the man stamped her passport. Vivian let out a sigh of relief.

Then, she went with her sister to the conveyor to get their things.

Yun na yata ang maleta mo, Ate, Remedios told Vivian.

(I think that’s your luggage, Big Sister, Ate is the Filipino term for older or big sister which will be shortened to Sis)

Oo, yan na nga! Hawakan mo itong bag ko’t kukunin ko. Vivian gave her bag to her sister, and got her luggage.

(Yes, that’s it! Hold my bag while I get it.)

Ate, pakikuha mo na rin ang maleta ko. Ayan na, o. Remedios asked her sister.

(Sis, please get my luggage as well. There it is.)

Vivian pulled the luggage of Remedios from the conveyor. Then, she looked around for a cart, and immediately finding one, she went back to Remedios.

She found the cart difficult to manage. The Caucassian lady who helped her fasten her seatbelt saw her difficulty.

She walked to Vivian and smiled, saying, What’s wrong?

Vivian answered, I can’t seem to make it work properly.

The lady said, Just push the handle down and the wheels will glide easily. Then, she showed Vivian how.

Thank you, Ma’am, Vivian said with a smile, slightly embarrassed.

She went back to Remedios.

Buti na lang at mabait talaga yung aleng nakatabi ko kanina. Marami pa talaga akong hindi alam.

(It’s a good thing the lady I was sitting next to is really kindhearted. There’s really a lot of things I don’t know yet.)

The sisters walked to the Customs Inspection area.

The customs officer asked them to open their luggage. He pointed to the wrapped packages. What are these?

Gifts for our sister, sir! Philippine-made sweets, Vivian answered.

Okay, you may close your luggage now. Proceed to that door. He pointed to the exit where a number of people were passing through.

The two sisters followed his instruction.

They slowly walked down the airport ramp, trying to look for a familiar face among the crowd of welcomers in the area.

Remedios let out a shout, Ate! Ayun si Lilian!

(Sis! That’s Lilian!)

Saan?

(Where?)

Ayun, o. Kumakaway sa atin!

(Over there. The one waving at us!)

Vivian followed the direction of Remedios’ eyes and saw a figure in a red blouse. Si Lilian nga! She was excited.

(You’re right, that’s Lilian!)

They walked to her while pushing the cart.

Lilian, kumusta ka? Vivian asked as Lilian hugged her.

(How are you Lilian?)

Mabuti naman, Ate, Lilian replied.

(I’m okay, Sis.)

Then, she hugged Remedios, too.

Nami-miss ko na kayong lahat! Lilian said with misty eyes.

(I’ve miss all of you!)

Wag ka nang iiyak! Nandito na kaming dalawa. Remedios comforted her.

(Don’t cry! The two of us are finally here.)

"Kumusta ang biyahe