Her uncles had brought this soldier down to their cave. Blood covered his body from head to toe. She was the only one in there.   Jesi’s family was able to keep this place a secret since the Japanese invaded Guam over two years ago. The cave was well hidden in the thickness of the jungle, the ocean on one side. The trek down to the cave was masked by the draping vines. It had been a while since she sneaked away to the cave, yet everything was still the same. They brought rice, some clothing, blankets, medical supplies, and other necessities down before the Japanese started bombing, December 8, 1941….

“Jesi, Jesi” she was broken out of her trance. “Maila guini hagå-hu.” It was uncle Juan calling her over to the soldier. “Gotti’ este taiguini” he motioned her to hold the towel against a bleeding wound on the man’s forearm. Uncle Juan examined the rest of the soldier’s body for any serious cuts. He gave Jesi some bandages for her to wrap and secure the injury. “Nåna’s training will surely be put to use now” Jesi exclaimed.

 

 

“Håfa Adai,” pure delight to his ears. Johan recognized that voice anywhere. “Håfa Adai” Jesi he grinned. “Håfa tatan manu hao” he spoke in Chamorro. One of the Chamorro men helped him learn some words. He wanted to impress her, to show her that he cared enough to learn her language. “Here, I brought some ingredients for the family” he said. “Harina, asukat, asiga, yan mantakiya” Jesi pointed excitedly to each of the items. “Harina, asukat, asiga, yan mantakiya” he reapeated back to her. “Mås maulek” she said, “very good” Jesi translated. “Come on, they will be so happy to see you. The family will be so appreciative! They will make you some titiyas, it seems to be one of your favorites, no?” she said. “Yes, it is. It is very good with that chicken and onions mix, kelaguen?” Johan replied. “Kelaguen is made using chicken or shrimp or beef or deer. Deer is my favorite. One day you will have to try it with deer” Jesi advised. “Now then, you will have to make it for me!” Johan exclaimed. She smiled one of her brilliant, beautiful smiles. His heart melted every time.

Johan åmenned those elder to him. He brought their hand to his forehead or kissed them on the cheek. Tan Chai was happy to see him. “Hi boy” she said. “Ñora Tan Chai” he replied. “Johan brought us some goodies. He loves your titiyas mom” Jesi said as Johan åmenned Mrs. Taimanglo. “Mås dånkolo na si Yu’us Ma’åse adai Johan. Esta tåya nu este siha” Jesi’s mom thanked him. Jesi’s six year old cousin Anke was running around the living room. Johan gave him some Doublement gum. “Si Yu’us Ma’åsi” the little boy said. Johan rustled his hair.

 

As much as they enjoyed the festivities of their wedding, Jesi and Johan could not wait to be alone together. He could not keep his hands off of her and she was having difficulty keeping her eyes off of him. Johan carried her across the front door of their new home and kissed her. Her lips were full and soft. He lay Jesi on their bed, the white fabric blowing in the cool night air. Johan has waited for this night. There is no greater union than that of a man and his wife, he thought to himself. Johan unbuttoned his white shirt, exposing his muscular shoulders and gently chiseled abs. He motioned for her to stand up. He untied her dress and let it fall to the floor. She was breathtaking. Her skin golden brown, her wavy black hair was flowing over her shoulders. Her breasts, taut and firm, were just enough to fill his hands. Johan ran one finger across a nipple, then the other, pinching each gently. 

 

Jesi rocked Mariña. She has been sleeping since the beginning of the nobena. Fanmåto was coming up. Jesi loved Christmas time with all the nobenas and family gatherings. She was so blessed and grateful for her baby, for Johan, and for her family. “Dånkolo na si Yu’us Ma’åse” she said as she looked at the crucifix. The first song of every nobena was beginning and Jesi joined them in their chorus: