She could not be more than 22 but she looked much younger. Her delicate light complexion, her dark brown hair, petite and her fondness for bright coloured dresses would make many to guess wrong as to her real age, even among other women.
She would walk effortlessly as her hips swayed like a well time pendulum, making man men look at her more than twice. Delicately framed, her face reflected a beauteous and innocent looking architecture and she see to it that she was never too heavily painted.
What many did not know except a few close women confidantes was the Pauline Espinosa was a widow. She hailed from a small town in the Visayas where so many pretty girls came from. She worked as a dress model in those pre-war years, and she stayed in an apartment in Victoria Street, not far from one of the gates of the ancient Walled City.
|How’s the job, Pauline? asked a friend one Sunday morning when she was in shorts ready for the early walk around the grassy lawn surrounding the Walled city, and where many people loved to enjoy the morning sun.
“I like the job and the pay is good. The work is interesting with artistic people around you. There’s no fixed hours like most employees”, she replied with a smile revealing her two dimples and her pearly white teeth. “I will be on my way and good luck”, and she wave goodbye to her casual acquaintance.
In most of the morning when the weather was fine, Pauline would walk on the shady sidewalk of Padre Burgos Avenue lined with palm and fire trees. Traveling southward imposing Legislative building would be on her left and the long moss covered Intramuros Walls on her right, two structures of compelling grandeur and durability. As it was still early, Pauline could see the glow of dawn silhouetting the many buildings, a natural elegance many citified people failed to appreciate. She would then reach the wide boulevard running parallel to the Bay and fringed by the big Luneta Park. She would see many strollers and the ocean liners anchored in Manila Bay. The beauty displayed was seen by Pauline for she was an admirer of things beautiful.
She would then walk back retracing the way she took. As she reached Victoria Courts, she would stop a while and watch the tennis players, men and women, enjoying themselves in a fine sport. Then she would head back to her apartment where her maid, Ana waiting for her breakfast
“Any call for me, Ana?” she would ask her as she entered the door.
“Miss Lennie Anderson reminded you of your appointment with the photographer on Monday at ten. No other calls”, Ana retorted as she handed her the bath towel and bathrobe.
After a quick shower and light breakfast, Pauline would be ready to see her beauty parlor as her hair needed trimming, and her nails some manicure. She would then leave and by noontime, she would be back and her lunch would be ready. Ana about 25 years old knew her job well and was a dedicated household help. She was from Pauline’s hometown and her parents worked for Pauline’s folks back in Iloilo.
Pauline went to Manila for her studies, she chose architecture. In her sophomore year at the university, she met a senior law student and in no time at all, the two eloped and got married, much to the consternation of her parents. She was not even twenty. Things were settled eventually as the two young people, madly in love, were allowed to continue their studies supported by both parents.
After class one afternoon, Pauline’s husband went with some friends for a car ride. The group met an unfortunate accident on the road, and Pauline’s husband was one of the fatalities. Pauline grief was remorseful, and she did not bother anymore on the outcome of the case. She packed up and returned to Iloilo.
“Why don’t you continue your studies here if you want?” advised her father. “Johnny left you a substantial amount of insurance and personal savings and perhaps you can start your life anew”.
“Leave me alone for while Dad, and I will let you know my plan, replied Pauline with uncertainty in her voice.
After a few weeks, Pauline decided to return to Manila not to study but to work so she can forget about the tragedy in her life. Her parents did not stop her from leaving, as making her stay might make her feel more miserable in a slow moving run of life in their home town.
So, Pauline left for Manila, eventually through her friends got a modelling job and the modest apartment in Intramuros. Later, her parents sent Ana to stay with her as a housekeeper and companion.
One cool morning, as Pauline was walking along Victoria Gates, she passed by a young looking American carrying a tennis racquet and small canvas bag common among tennis player.
“Hello, young lady, is this the way to the tennis court? I’m new in this area; the stranger asked opening a casual conversation.
“You’re not lost, Marco Polo walk straight ahead and on the right after the massive wall is the tennis court” answered Pauline.
“Thank you kindly, Miss, My name is Conrad Jones and not Marco Polo, the foreigner said with a wide smile. The two came to laughing as they walked towards the gate.
“There’s your domain Marco Polo Jones, or whatever your name is, and don’t sprain you ankle. Bye! Concluded Pauline as she hurried her pace.
After her routine physical fitness program, she returned to her place. She took her dinner and there was a knock on the door.
“Ana, will you check the door please” Pauline asked her maid.
“Tell her it’s Marco Polo Jones|” the visitor said in thick American accent, as the door was partially opened by Ana.
“Tell him to come in, she said after hearing his name.
“How did you know my address?” Pauline was curious.
“That’s a military secret. I also know that you are Pauline Espinosa of certain age and education” he replied with a certainty uncommon among many men she met
“Lt. Jones, you used your military intelligence on my person, but I know nothing about you except that you are a lousy tennis player and newly assigned in the county”, replied Pauline as she offered him orange juice in a glass.
The two became good friends as both were young and had good sense of humour. Pauline learned the military lingo fast and soon, she was beating the wits out of Conrad. She seemed to enjoy the ribbing.
“You are a very nice man, Conrad, educated, refined and with a sharp wit. But how will an Asian like me fit in your society?” Pauline spoke with sincerity.
“You will live with me, not with my parents, or the 45th Infantry division of the U.S. army”, replied Conrad as if crazy with love.
“Marco Polo Jones, let’s enjoy the evening, savour the good music and sip the sparkling champagne. The altar can wait” joked Pauline removing the tension in her partner.
By June 1941, world tension between US and the Axis power seemed to increase. Europe was already in flames as Germany was busy annexing its weak neighbours. In the Pacific area, there was an uncertain calmness. In the meanwhile, US-Japan relations were not getting any better.
When Pauline arrived from work at her place in a cab at seven in the evening, there was a military car waiting. Her heart beat faster for deep in her mind; she knew that the world situation was not improving.
“Good evening, darling”, greeted Conrad as she kissed her. He was in full uniform. “I got my order to return to the States tonight. World situation is not getting any better. I love you, Pauline, and I want you. I will come back to get you. Mark my word. We will get in touch”, Conrad implored.
He embraced her and kissed her passionately, Pauline would not hold her tears for since her husband Johnny died, Conrad came along and gave her reassurance in life and the cheerfulness one needed when beset with problems. Now this new found joy would be gone too.
“Don’t worry Conrad, if God wills, we will be together again”, she spoke almost inaudibly.
Conrad saw that Pauline was wearing the frat pin he gave her and the more he felt bad. He hugged her again and without looking, he left as Pauline stood speechless. She heard the start of the car engine, and then it roared in the thick of the night.
Pauline received two letters from Conrad and he said that he was training for assignment in Europe on a special project.
She never heard from him again. The Occupation, the Liberation period, and the National Independence came and left, but she never got any information on the fate of Lt. Conrad Jones. He must have died on that special mission in Europe.
Pauline’s story had a streak of Madame Butterfly. The difference was that the Japanese girl committed suicide when her American boyfriend left her for a military assignment. In Pauline’s case, she did not kill herself when Conrad left her. She learned to survive and being a beautiful widow, she met another man whom she married and happily bore many children. *