Kabanata 20 (Part 1)
Happy Anniversary, Archers! Ihahabol ko sa anniv natin ito ngayon HAHAHA! It is supposedly a one-part chapter but I failed, as usual. Super dami ng word count so I decided to separate them by parts but still the same Kabanata. We can use hashtags #CLKab20 in here pati sa part 2.
Sorry for the lates UDs since I am very busy these days, sad to say but for now, ito lang muna siguro talaga ang last UDs. Baka ang next mga months after pa. Dinalawa ko na para happy tayo! Happy Anniversary, Archers ko!
This is unedited. May mga errors kayong mai-encounter kasi di ko na re-read and edit. Enjoy!
My apologies for the errors in the court scene. I'll fix it soon.
Warning: This may contain sensitive topics. Please beware.
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Kabanata 20 (Part 1)
"I don't even know if I'll believe you, Dei." I chuckled blankly while staring at my cousin during our session. "You know, I've been telling myself I am so strong and brave before pero ngayon..." I sighed.
"Why not?" he asked and tilted his head, staring at me.
"Kasi...I felt like I was getting weaker now, I don't know, I couldn't explain. My nightmares subsided but I feel like I'm an empty shell at times and it's scaring me."
"Do you think our session is helping you?" he asked me gently. Marahan akong tumango at ngumiti.
"Oo naman, because I opened up, nabawasan na ang bigat sa puso ko, my nightmares are rare nowadays and you helped me a lot pero s'yempre, hindi naman kaagad, I am still feeling empty at times and there are times na naiisip kong mahina ako."
"You're one of the strongest women I've ever known, Crest," Dei said, stopping me.
"I am?" I asked and he nodded.
"You wake up every morning to fight the same monsters that left you so tired and sleepless the night before. That's bravery for me,"
"Dei..."
"You are a strong woman, Crest. You are so brave and fearless and honestly speaking, I admire and salute you for that. You can just give up and end it all but you didn't, instead of getting drowned in misery, you decided to stand and fight," he said kaya napangiti na ako at inabot ang juice sa lamesa niya at ininom.
"Thanks, Dei." I sighed. "For those kind words."
"Sino kasama mo sa bahay? Are you alone?" he asked kaya umiling ako.
"I am sleeping with Adira these days," I said. "Siguro dahil katabi ko ang kapatid ko kaya madalang lang ang panaginip, and of course, the meds you gave me and our session helped a lot too. Nga lang, ang dami ko pa ring naiisip at madalas pa ring nada-down. I wanted so bad to be better, Dei, kaso ang hirap."
"Healing takes time," he said and rested his head on his swivel, brushing his hair and fixing his eyeglasses while staring intently at me. "It couldn't be done overnight, it's a long process and it's painful at times. Being better isn't a race, Crest, it should be a walk in a park, slow but careful."
"Sa bagay," I chuckled. "If I ran and rushed things, I might trip and fall."
"That's right," his eyes brightened and a proud smile left his lips.
"I know right? Ang galing ko, ano?" I raised my brow. "High-five nga diyan!" I exclaimed. He chuckled and accepted my high-five before standing and messing with my hair.
"Parehas kayo ni Chiel, hilig n'yo manggulo ng buhok, ano? Alam mo bang nagising ako ng maaga para lang magkulot?" I frowned and smacked his hand at natatawang naupo siya pabalik sa swivel at nailing sa akin.
"You're just adorable, couz. I'm glad because no matter what things life throws at you, you'll never forget to smile." Aniya kaya ngumisi na ako.
"Because smiling makes you pretty, ano?" I beamed. "Stress na nga ako, sisimangot pa ba ako? Dapat smile palagi para young looking tayo kahit thirty na!"
Nagkatawanan kami, I relaxed and rested my back on my comfy sea.
"You know, I am really glad being able to talk to you like this, sa inyo ni Tito Thorn," I said sincerely.
"I'm glad you are letting us hear you too, Crest. Is this your first time going to a session? Haven't you tried going to psychiatrists before?"
"I...did," I said. "The first few weeks after the incident before, I was restless. I couldn't sleep, I was traumatized and feeling so lost, Dei. Hindi ko kinaya kaya sumubok akong pumunta sa psychiatrist and ang tapang ng loob ko pa noon but when she asked me to open up and tell her the things bothering me, I became so scared, maybe because it's still fresh kaya umalis ako. I didn't even finish the first session, I was scared to reminisce about the incident and left the clinic immediately."
"After that, hindi ka na bumalik?" he asked and I sighed and shook my head.
"No, I was so scared to open up again, I'm uncomfortable kaya ayon, I focused on other things," I confessed.
"Parties?" he asked and I slowly nodded.
"Yeah, it's okay at times but nasosobrahan ako, my Dad's mad at me for partying all night and spending too much."
"That's your defense mechanism for the trauma, Crest." Aniya sa akin. "You're distracting yourself from the bad memories by trying your best to forget things by drinking and parties, right?"
I chuckled and nodded. "Paano mo nalaman?"
"Ako pa?" he raised his brow kaya natawa na ako. "And..." he glanced at my outfit, "I noticed you're overdressing most of the time, right?"
I slowly nodded. "Because it's fashion, Dei. Duh! Kailangan maganda tayo."
"But you're not really overdressing this much before, right?" he asked kaya sumulyap ako sa suot kong long sleeves black lace dress at black boots, I am even wearing a cute ribbon hat on my curly hair to complete my look and slowly realized it.
"Oo nga 'no?" I muttered and glanced at Dei, shocked.
"You're a great fashionista before, couz, pero mas pansin ko ang exaggeration mo sa damit ngayon. It's not a bad thing actually, you're pretty and a head-turner with your outfits." He smiled at me gently.
"Hmm," I nodded, curious. "But Dei, is there a psychology for that? I wasn't thinking about it much before pero no'ng sinabi mo, na-curious ako."
"Hmm, it's actually because you wanted to protect yourself by showing it off with your dresses." He said kaya natigilan ako. "Do you feel safe and protected with wearing those clothes?"
I nodded immediately, touching my pretty dress.
"Yes," I chuckled. "You know...I feel like I could express myself with fashion and my outfits. I felt like I'm free and you know, protected."
"Let's say your clothes and fashion statement became your armor, your shield to protect yourself, Crest." Aniya kaya namamanghang napatawa ako at napatango.
"It's a good thing, right?" I smiled and he nodded at me.
"Yes, it is. I like how you cope and defend yourself from the trauma. Partying, spending much, and overdressing might not look okay with some people, but it is to me. Though, too much is bad, it's better na gano'n ang way mo kaysa ang magkulong sa isang lugar na tahimik at mag-isa. When you're alone, kapag malungkot ka, everything is dark and problems would run to you like they missed you so much and it's scary. Some will be eaten with that darkness and will decide to end it and it's sad." He sighed.
"You know what? Despite the things that happened to me, I am still lucky to have you, our family. Masaya ako at maswerte kasi may mga taong nakikinig sa akin." I said and smiled. "Thank you, Dei, for patiently listening to me."
"You don't have to thank me for that, Crest. Ano pang pamilya tayo kung iiwan lang natin ang isa't-isa sa hirap? We should help each other to stand up whenever one of us falls." He smiled. "Everything will be better."
Natahimik kaming dalawa, I suddenly thought of her kaya sumulyap ako kay Dei.
"We'll find Clyte, right?" I muttered sadly and he smiled at me, nodding.
"We will." He said, mukhang malungkot din pero pinapalakas ang loob. "Our family won't stop until we find her, Crest. We'll do what it takes to bring Clyte back home."
We talked for a couple of minutes before I decided to go, may pupuntahan ding pasyente kasi si Deion kaya sabay na kaming lumabas sa office niya.
Nakakapit pa ako sa braso ng pinsan kong mas matangkad pa sa akin kahit mas matanda ako sa kanya, I was smiling as I went out pero kaagad na nawala at nang pagbukas namin ng pinto ay bumungad sa amin ang magandang babae, seryoso pa at malamig ang mga mata.
"O-oh, hi, Vy!" I exclaimed in shock, napahawak pa sa dibdib ko sa gulat and I was expecting a sweet smile from her, like usual but instead, she raised her brow at me.
"Who are you?" she asked timidly, stopping me.
"Huh? I'm—"
"Anyway," she cut me off and glanced at Deion. "I'm hungry, Deion Rheus. Feed me." She said before coldly walking away.
I blinked rapidly, narinig ko ang tawa ni Dei kaya mabilis ko siyang nilingon.
"What the hell just happened?" I asked, confused and he smirked at me, sinusundan ng tingin ang babae na parang wala lang na naglalakad paalis. "Dei?"
"That's not her," aniya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Huh? Crazy ka ba? That's Vy, I know her face—"
"Nah," aniya na mukhang misteryoso pa kaya siniko ko na.
"May kambal?!" I gasped but he only laughed and shook his head.
"Wala," tawa niya at ginulo ang buhok ko. "It's her but it's complicated." He said and looked around, "and'yan na pala ang guards mo. I gotta go and feed the dragon, you should go home too."
"O...kay?" Nawe-weirduhan man ay ngumuso ako, yumakap muna sa pinsan na mabilis na humabol sa babae habang tinatanggal ang doctor's coat niya.
"Vy!" he exclaimed, mabilis na umakbay sa babae na sinipa lang siya kaya natawa na ako.
What's happening? She's a soft-hearted girl.
"Mama Crest?" I froze when I heard a familiar voice, mula kina Deion ay mabilis akong napalingon at napasinghap sa gulat nang makita ang tatlo sa gilid.
"E-Earn?!" my eyes widened when I saw him with Adam and Brent.
"Hello, Mama!" Brent and Adam waved their hands at me and I chirped in glee, mabilis akong tumakbo sa kanila at napatawa nang niyakap ako kaagad ni Earn.
"Oh my God!" I gasped in shock and pulled Brent and Adam too for a hug and my heart melted when my baby penguins hugged me.
"W-we miss you, Madame..." I heard Earn sniffing kaya napasinghap na ako, nang humiwalay ako sa tatlo ay nakita kong namumula na ang mata niya, may nahulog pang luha sa pisngi kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Gosh! W-why are you..." I heard another sniff at nangilid ang luha ko nang makita kong nagpupunas na si Brent ng mata niya at si Adam ay nag-iwas ng tingin at suminghot din.
"Uy..." my voice broke while staring at the three of them, nahulog ang luha sa pisngi ko kaya napasinghot na ako. "B-bakit kayo umiiyak, n-naiiyak na rin tuloy ako..."
"M-miss ka na namin, Mama." A-ani Earn na sumisinghot pa kaya mas nahulog ang luha ko at napailing na.
"B-baby penguins ko..." I muttered and cried loudly this time when they hugged me tightly again.
I was so glad when they informed me na Dad talked to the three of them to check on me today, nag-aalangan pa nga raw sila at baka ayaw ko silang makita kaya ngumuso ako at ibinaba ang kutsara ko.
"Why naman ayaw ko kayong makita?" I asked sadly.
"Kasi 'di ba, 'yong nangyari no'ng nakaraan..." Adam sighed. "We're afraid you're mad at us and it's been a while since we last talked."
"I am not mad at you, boys," I said softly.
"We're afraid na baka kapag lumapit kami sa 'yo we'll bring back bad memories, I know it was tough for you to see us." Ani Brent sa akin kaya napabuntonghininga na ako.
"Well, honestly speaking, I was hurt. 'Yong nangyari noon, alam ko namang walang may gustong gano'n pero s'yempre nasaktan ako. I don't want to be away from you guys because I cherished you like a family pero mahirap kasi so I decided to leave in peace but I may have left, love ko pa rin kayo. Love na love ko kayo, okay? I am not mad sa inyo." I smiled gently and I saw their sad yet gentle eyes.
"Mama Crest, sorry sa nangyari no'ng dati, ah?" Earn decided to speak. "We love Veronica and we love you too."
Hearing that name made my heart ache but I wasn't mad at it. Masakit pero wala akong karapatang magalit at mag-inarte dahil wala namang ginawang masama ang tao sa akin, isa pa, she came first to their lives before me.
"Madame, you probably won't believe us but we never once loved you because you reminded us of her. Hindi gano'n, we are so fond and we loved you because you're Crest." Adam hesitated and continued. "The precinct was empty and dull before, yes, Ver gave us light before pero no'ng nawala siya malungkot na but then, you came and the precinct became lively again."
"We loved her because she's Veronica and we love you because you're our Mama Pinga." Earn muttered kaya napangiti ako.
"Earn..."
"T-teka..." he sniffed kaya natigilan ako, "sheyt, naiiyak na naman ako, a-ang facial ko!"
It made us laugh, kaagad kong inabot si Earn na umiyak na naman sa balikat ko kaya hinaplos ko ang buhok niya at bumaling sa dalawa sa harapan ko.
"Salamat, babies ko." I sighed. "I understand and I am so sorry for ignoring you for months."
"We understand, Madame." Brent smiled at me. "It's hard being in trauma, if distancing yourself from us would make you feel better, do it. We understand."
"We want nothing but the best for you, Mama." Adam smiled handsomely.
"Thank you," I muttered sincerely and touched Earn's hair who was groaning.
"S-sayang 'yong pina-facial kong pangtanggal ng eyebags tapos iiyak ako." Ngawa pa ni Earn kaya nagkatawanan kami.
We went to the mall after eating in the hospital's cafeteria to enjoy ourselves, we were in the mall's open area, nagpapahangin. Nakaupo sa bench kung saan kita ang tubig mula sa bay noong gabi, ang mga ilaw lang na nakalagay sa mga puno ang nagbibigay ng liwanag.
"Mama, oh." Earn gave me a cone of ice cream kaya nangingiting tinanggap ko iyon at tinikman.
Earn sat beside me, sina Adam at Brent ay katabi rin namin at abala sa pagkain ng ice cream nila.
"Kumusta na si Chichay, Madame?" ani Brent pagkaraan kaya sinulyapan ko siya at napangiti.
"She's doing good, healthy. Pina-vet ko lang no'ng nakaraan, sabi ng doctor okay naman daw siya. Hindi n'yo pala nalaro si Chichay, ano?"
They all nodded, it was Adam who spoke after and pouted, "oo nga, Mama, sayang. Sabi ni Pigsa mabait daw si Chichay 'tsaka malambing—" I saw Brent elbowed him, natahimik bigla si Adam at nanlaki ang mata. "I mean—"
"Ah, oo, makulit talaga si Chichay." I chuckled a bit, hindi masyadong pinansin ang pagbanggit niya sa isa. "Her one eye's blind but she's very bubbly and loud. Hayaan n'yo kapag free na tayong apat, I will introduce you to Chichay. She's friendly, close na nga sila ni Ping-ping."
They chuckled, napangisi rin ako roon.
"Si Ping-ping, shit, naalala ko 'yong gigil ni Padlock para lang mabaril 'yong bibe—" halos mahulog na si Adam sa upuan nang malakas siyang batukan ni Brent.
"What?!" Adam hissed at nang panlakihan siya ng mat ani Brent ay natigil at mabilis akong nilingon. "Madame, fuck, sorry!"
"It's okay," I chuckled a bit, tinikman muli ang ice cream at nilingon sila. "What's stopping you to mention Lieutenant? It's alright. Oo nga pala, saan siya? Madalas kayong magkakasamang apat, 'di ba?" I asked, as if wala lang pero humahapdi na ang puso ko.
Natahimik sila, si Earn ay napatikhim pa at umayos ng upo, hinahawi ang buhok niyang nahulog sa noo.
"Ah, hindi sumama, Mama." Ani Earn kaya natahimik ako saglit pero ngumiti.
"Bakit naman? Sa ganda kong 'to? Ayaw ako makita?" I even joked and they stared at me seriously pero nakitawa rin ng kaunti kaya halatang awkward.
"Nahihiya 'yon," ani Adam kaya natigilan ako.
"Huh? Bakit naman?"
"I don't know if it's okay for us to tell you this pero..." Adam stared at the boys. Earn nodded.
"What is it? It's okay." I even encouraged kahit alam kong may posibilidad na mas masaktan ako.
"Uh, you didn't hear this from us, okay? Magagalit 'yon." Aniya kaya marahang tumango ako. "He's actually blaming himself."
I froze.
"What? Why?" nagtataka kong sabi and Adam sighed.
"Padlock would probably kill me for this but we know he wanted to come and see you but he's ashamed for himself." Aniya kaya sumagi sa isip ko ang sinabi nila nitong nakaraan.
"This has something to do about...the last time? 'Yong...iniimbestigahan n'yo? 'Yong nakita niya ako?" I asked and they all nodded.
"He said he didn't want to see you hurting and he knows seeing him hurts you kaya..." Earn smiled a bit. "And ayaw din namin siyang ipasama kasi baka hindi tayo makapag-bonding." Nguso ni Earn.
"It wasn't his fault, hindi naman niya alam na gano'n ang mangyayari." I said lowly. "He didn't have to blame himself. No one wanted it to happen kaya hindi niya dapat sinisisi ang sarili niya."
"You know Lt. Padlock," Brent sighed. "He might look cold and strict outside, but he was like that inside. He kept on blaming himself for the things he couldn't control. He thinks he couldn't save the people he loves, always."
Mahal?
Mas sumikip ang puso ko pero kinalma ko ang sarili at binalingan na lang ang ice cream ko bago nagsalita.
"Sinong kasama niya ngayon? Work? Family?" I asked.
"He's probably in the precinct or drowning himself in the investigation, trabaho lang naman madalas 'yon." Ani Adam kaya napatango ako, nag-aalala kay Locket.
I heard he's contributing a lot in my case's investigation pero hindi ko pa alam sa ngayon ang takbo, ayaw din naman ako isama pa nina Tito sa ngayon dahil ayaw nila akong ma-stress.
"Family? He's bonding with them naman, 'di ba?" I asked, pinapagaan ang loob kong ayos lang siya.
"He's not that close with them," ani Earn. "I doubt it na bumibisita si Tita kay Padlock or si Lt. kay Tita."
Natahimik ako, I felt my chest constricting in pain kaya ngumiti na lang ako ng maliit at tumango.
"Saan n'yo gusto mag-dinner? My treat!" I said instead para bumaling ang mood at napatawa ako ng sabay-sabay silang napasigaw sa tuwa.
I bond with the boys that day, I missed them so much, sila ang nagbantay sa akin habang namamasyal kaming apat pero alam kong may guards din akong nakakalat kung saan. Ever since the threats for our family intensifies and worsens, mas umigting ang security namin sa pamilya.
Hindi lang sa trabaho at kalaban sa negosyo ang may galit sa aming pamilya, some are old enemies from before, ang iba'y sa mga taong inggit. No matter how many people loved our family, may mga tao pa rin talagang puno ng galit at hindi tumitigil at pilit kaming sinisira.
It's been a month since Clyte was abducted from us, it's been a month since our family's faith was shaken again and it was so hard for us. Halos ilang araw din nila akong hindi nakausap dahil sa nangyaring iyon sa amin.
I was unresponsive for days that my family has to take me to the hospital for observation, Tito Thorn did his best to help me because I blacked out kahit na nanghihina rin siya at wala sa sarili sa pagkawala ni Clyte.
Chiel was hospitalized for his wounds and we were all worried for him, luckily, no internal organs were damaged but that incident left us wounds that might heal over time or not at all.
I was so lost about thinking about Clyte-Clyte. I couldn't get her scared face out of my head. I can't get the man who shot himself in front of me off my mind. I can't accept the fact that I could have done something to save and protect my Clyte-Clyte pero wala akong nagawa...I failed her.
Clyte did her best to be there for me in my worst times, kahit may problema siya dinadamayan niya ako but when she needed someone, I wasn't there for her.
In her worst times, I couldn't even help her, and I was so hurt. If I could only turn back the time, I wanted so badly to help her and save her from those monsters, even if it meant losing my life to save her...I will.
We will do our best to find her and punish those people who took care of her kaya halos hati ang pamilya namin para parehas na mapagtuunan ng pansin ang kaso ko at ng kay Clyte.
"O-oh, hinay-hinay sa kape, Adira Venice!" I gasped in shock when my sister opened the bottle of coffee and drank it straightly like her life depended on it.
"Adira—" she then raised her hand to stop me kaya umawang lang ang labi ko nang makalahatian niya ang kape at mabilis iyong ibinaba, humuhugot pa ng hininga.
"I'm okay, Ate. I am just gaining some strength." Aniya at kumurap-kurap pa kaya natawa na ako.
"Calm down, it's okay, Adira. Don't drink coffee that much, baka mag-palpitate ka." I hummed, inabot ko ang buhok niyang diretso at marahang sinuklay. "Kalma lang, I believe we'll be alright."
She sighed, sumulyap sa akin gamit ang kanyang malambing na itim na mga mata. We're outside the court now, waiting for our trial today.
"I know, I'm just..." she sighed. "We might or might not know the verdict today, Ate. I'm nervous. It's my first court case ever since I became a lawyer and I want to be prepared and of course, because it's for you, I...don't want to fail you, Ate."
It made me smile, I cupped my sister's cheek and chuckled.
"Wala ka pang ginagawa, Adira-babe, proud na si Ate Crest sa 'yo," I said softly, staring at her. "I am always proud of you, Adi. The moment you stepped up to fight for me, I am already grateful to you."
Her eyes watered and I pinched her cheek, realizing my softest sibling is a tough lawyer now. Kahit madalas iyakin ay nilakasan ang loob para makuha ang trabahong gusto, mas pinairal niya ang isiping makakatulong siya sa pagbibigay ng hustisya sa kapwa kaysa sa kanyang takot.
"Ate..."
"Aww, don't cry, baby girl." I kissed her cheek kaya suminghap siya at mabilis akong niyakap.
"I love you, Ate. Let's pray we'll get through this, okay? I will do my best to help."
"I believe you, Adira-babe. We can do this!" I hugged her tightly back.
"Good noon, Ate." We both stopped when we heard a familiar voice, sabay kaming napalingon sa gilid at nagitla nang makita ang lalaking naka-pormal na suit and tie, malinis ang gupit ng buhok at gwapo.
"Ash..." I saw how Adira froze but then moved away from me softly, fixing her brown suit and ponytail before touching her hair.
"Adi..." Ash's intense brown eyes stared at her adoringly before smiling. "Be good to me, okay?" he smiled teasingly.
"H-huh?" Adira's eyes widened. "Why?"
"It was too quick, I was only informed yesterday na ako na bigla kaya I reviewed the case for the whole day and until kagabi." Ash even pouted. "Look, I have eyebags."
"Oh," ani Adira na inabot pa ang pisngi ni Ash para tignan ang eyebags kaya nangiti na ako pero tumikhim.
They both jumped, ngumuso naman ako at tinitigan si Ash na napatikhim at umayos ng tayo, marahang tumungo pa nang matanto.
"Ate," he cleared his throat and even if he's taller than me, he looked like a cute kid right now with his flushing cheeks.
"Hello, Ash. What do you mean by what you said?" I asked and mukhang natauhan siya at sumulyap kay Adira bago sa akin.
"Mr. Yuzon's case was reassigned to me by the prosecution," aniya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at si Adira ay natigilan din.
"Y-you mean..." Adira blinked and Ash nodded, licking his lower, and spoke.
"I was shocked too but I couldn't do anything. It's work and the client's my responsibility now." He smiled formally and I noticed how the soft and friendly aura around him vanished and was replaced with the cold and calculated demeanor.
"It's nice meeting you, Miss Sandejas." He said and offered his hand to me kaya napakurap-kurap ako at natawa.
"Nakakakaba ka naman!" I exclaimed and accepted his hand and he smiled, his gentle aura came back as he shook his head.
"Sorry, Ate. Practice lang, kinakabahan ako kay Attorney Sandejas, eh." He glanced at my sister whose eyes widened.
"Una ko lang 'to! You know that, ikaw nga ang may mga trial na." Adira pouted. Ash chuckled and nodded, mula sa akin ay in-offer niya ang kamay kay Adira.
"Nice to meet you, Atty. Sandejas, be good to me?" he raised his brow playfully and my sister stared at him before smirking, her soft eyes almost turned dark and evil, reaching for the hand her best friend was offering.
"See you in court, Atty. Guerrero," Adira said darkly. Ash stiffened briefly but then, the side of his lips rose while they shook their hands firmly.
"I'll see you in court, Attorney," Ash said formally, a hidden amusement playing in his eyes.
**
I was so nervous. Alchiel called and smiled when he saw the two of us. Though, he's smiling, I know the look his blue eyes have and it's filled with sadness, almost black and empty.
My father and mother came to us, si Dad ay seryoso, tahimik na inaalalayan ako pero alam kong gusto na niyang sumabog. The look on his blue eyes reflected my twin's, si Mom ay seryoso rin habang inaayos ang buhok ni Adira doon na kausap siya.
"We're just here, okay?" Dad said after he took me to where my seat was.
"Thanks, Dad." I smiled a bit and he nodded, he looked around and pulled his necktie, sighing.
"If I could only take the prosecution." He stared at me and my heart fell when I saw how the glint of sadness on his eyes. "Wala akong nagawa noong abogado ako, kahit ngayong prosecutor, wala pa rin? Wala 'kong kwenta."
"Dad..." I held his hand tighter, naiiyak man ay nginitian ko siya at pinisil ang kanyang palad. "It's okay, you did your best, hmm? Hindi ka walang-kwenta, you're the best father, okay?"
He sighed, umupo siya sa tabi ko at inabot ang kamay kong nakahawak sa kanya, dinala sa labi niya para hagkan ng marahan at titigan ako.
"I'm sorry, princess. I should've help you earlier." Aniya, nang makita kong nangingilid na naman ang kanyang luha ay ngumiti ako para ipakita sa kanyang ayos lang ako. "Abogado ako, eh, tang ina tapos anak ko...'yong anak ko hindi ko man lang natulungan, h-hindi ko man lang napansing may mali sa 'yo, h-hindi ko man lang—"
"It's over now, Dad. Sorry for hiding this, I...was just, ayoko pong nadadamay kayo." I sighed and softly removed the tears on his cheek. "We can't go back to the past because it's done, the only thing we could do is to do the right thing now."
"I know," he nodded. "I promise to do our best to give you the justice you deserve, my princess, hmm? No matter what it takes, Dad...kami ng pamilya natin, we will protect you with our lives. We will give you justice. We promise we'd never stop 'til we punished the demon, hmm?"
"Opo," may nahulog ding luha sa pisngi ko kaya hinawi ko iyon bago niyakap si Dad na umiiyak na naman. "I love you, Dad. Let's be strong for each other, everything will be better. I believe it will."
Mom has to take my father away because he's too emotional, miski si Alchiel na tahimik at binabantayan lang ako ay natutulala. Both of them are fragile right now, the prosecution didn't allow my father to take the position because he's too emotional for it.
And Adira? Hindi man siya masyadong nagsasalita ay alam kong kinakabahan siya at malalim ang iniisip pero sa kabila noon ay handang tumulong para maipagtanggol ako and this trial is risky.
The incident happened a long time ago too kaya medyo mahirap ang trial na ito para sa amin.
I stared at my soft-hearted and kind sister and admired her silently for being tough and standing for me. She is not just representing me but representing women, in general, who couldn't voice out their experiences because of our society and trauma.
My eyes wandered around the court and I froze on the spot when the door opened and it revealed the boys with Locket on their uniforms.
My heart flinched the moment I saw those gray eyes I hadn't seen for a while. Those eyes I couldn't look at the same way before.
It was immediately filled with longing and some emotions I couldn't comprehend and it made my heart ache. I can feel the squeeze inside my chest while staring at those eyes kaya bago pa man ako maiyak ay nag-iwas ako ng tingin at sumulyap sa mga kasama ko.
The room was filled with policemen and the men from Tito Zeij's agency. My uncles and aunts are here too. I saw Tita Alyx and Tito Zeij talking seriously.
"The accused will enter the court in a few minutes, Attorney, Miss Sandejas." The beautiful lady informed us kaya sabay kaming napatango ni Adira at ngumiti.
"Salamat, Miss." Adira said, "you're Kuya Zy's secretary, right?"
"Uh, yes." She smiled pero kaagad na nawala nang lumitaw bigla si Zy na magulo pa ang naka-bun na buhok at humawak sa baywang ng babae.
"Hello, Misses. The asshole with his gang will enter the court shortly. Good luck, we're here to protect everyone, don't worry. Ako bahala, resbakan natin 'yan." He said playfully and I raised my brow.
I stared at his hand on the annoyed girl's waist and stared back at him but my cousin just smirked at me and waved, napadaing pa nang hampasin siya no'ng babae at may sinabi.
"Is that her girlfriend, Ate?" Adira asked me after a while pero nginitian ko lang siya.
"Hindi natin sure," I shrugged and she just blinked at me and nodded.
It was just a few minutes but it was the longest minutes of my life. My heart hammered inside my chest upon seeing the door opening and Eugene Yuzon in his formal black suit and slacks entered the court like he owned it entirely, showing no remorse.
He is handcuffed yet his eyes are filled with mockery, may mga pulis sa kanyang likod at sa kanyang tabi at kasabay niya na naglalakad ay si Atty. Guerrero.
Ash was sporting a cold, strict face while walking with him towards their seats across ours.
"Are you sure you want to sit here, Ate? You can go to the witness room while watching the trial if you're uncomfortable with that jerk." Ani Adira sa akin. Nahuli ni Eugene ang tingin ko at nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng kanyang labi, the demon even had the guts to wink and I didn't blink, instead, I stared at him coldly.
Slowly, his smirk faded. Ako naman ang nagtaas ng kilay ay walang pakialam na sumulyap sa kapatid ko na nag-aalala.
"Don't worry about me, Adi. I prepared myself for seeing that animal." I smiled sweetly at her. "I wanna watch how that wicked smile on his lips would vanish."
"Good luck sa atin, Ate." Adira smiled. With our intertwined hands, we both rose when the prosecutor for my case, Prosecutor Aliza Marquez stood as the court reporter announced the honorable judge's arrival.
An old woman in a black robe entered the court. We all paid our respects to her until she reached her seat. The prosecutor started her opening remark with the introduction of the honorable judge and herself.
"Atty. Adira Sandejas, the plaintiff's legal counsel, and Atty. Ashford Guerrero for the defense's counsel." The prosecutor started.
I was nervous, but I had to be strong for myself and my family. I have to be tough, I have to fight.
"Good morning, I would open the trial today by giving a background for today's case. Our plaintiff, Miss Crest Veronica Sandejas, twenty-three at that time, dated April 17, 20xx. Graduation after party." The prosecutor started and glanced at me, her soft yet brave eyes gave me assurance and nervousness at the same time and Adira squeezed my hand.
"The case would contain sensitive information and topics about R.A. 8353, the anti-rape law of 1997." aniya, pinapaliwanag ang kaso sa jury trial ngayon.
"Miss Sandejas, the plaintiff, claimed that she was raped and sexually assaulted by the defendant, Mr. Eugene Yuzon while she was drunk, almost unconscious, April 18, 20xx, near dawn. However, this incident happened seven years ago and no reports were filed a few years back. What is your plea, Mr. Yuzon?"
He smirked. "Not guilty."
My heart fell. Kumuyom ang kamao ko.
"The defendant, Mr. Yuzon, and his defense pleaded not guilty to the accusation, your honor."
It made my heart ache, hearing the audacity of that asshole to deny his crime. Eugene's eyes were filled with greed and evil. It was disgusting.
"Today, we will uncover the truth behind these allegations. To start the trial, would our counsel like to give any opening remarks?" When none spoke, the prosecutor nodded. "Atty. Guerrero would now like to cross-examine the Miss Sandejas."
My sister, Atty. Adira, slowly led me to the witness stand as the defense lawyer, Atty. Guerrero stood and waited for me to finish.
It is scary, I can feel the harsh thump of my heart. It felt like it'd jump out of my throat.
I was asked to take an oath to say the truth, only the truth, and after that. I sat and waited as Ash composed himself in preparation for the cross-examination.
"Miss Sandejas, good afternoon." He greeted me formally. Ash's usual warmth was nowhere to be found with his strict face and serious tone. I do too. I don't want him to see what was hidden behind my mask.
"I'll go directly to the point, Miss Sandejas. April 17, 20xx. You went to the bar to celebrate with your friends for your graduation after party, am I right?"
"Yes."
"It was late at night and everyone was having drinks in celebration. Can I ask if you have estimated how many drinks you had? When was the last time you drank liquor that night?" he asked.
"I couldn't actually remember since it's a long time ago but I was drunk, I know I was," I said, doing my best not to look in Eugene's direction who was obviously taunting me.
"Of course, it's hard checking how much you drink while celebrating, right? Nadadala tayo masyado sa kasiyahan?" aniya kaya napatango ako. "Is it true, Miss, that your family has a history of liquor intolerance?"
"Yes,"
"So, kahit kaunti lang ang nainom mo, you can easily get drunk?" he asked. I sighed, nodding.
"Yes, but I have more tolerance than most people in my family. Yes, I get drunk fast pero not that fast." I said and he nodded, checking his papers, and asked me again.
"That night, my client came too, Mr. Eugene Yuzon with his friends for a night party. Is it true that you have known my client for quite some time now?"
My heart hammered but slowly, I nodded. "I do."
"Hmm, I was informed that the two of you had a mutual understanding at that time, am I correct?"
I gasped, nodding a bit. "Can I ask how the two of you knew each other?"
"We met at the university," I said, the thought of Eugene made my stomach drop. He was good before and I admired him so much, not thinking that he could do that to me. "We hang out at times."
"I see," he nodded. "Then, it wasn't new to you being intimate with Mr. Yuzon, correct? Physical contact isn't new? Let's say a hand on the waist. Arms around the shoulder? Right?"
It made me think, I realized I was a bit physical and intimate with boys and exes before the incident, kasama na roon si Eugene. I gulped, nodding.
"Y-yes, I do." I nodded.
"The two of you accidentally met in the same bar that night of April 17 and because you two knew each other and had mutual understanding, you got engaged in a conversation and had fun." He concluded kaya natahimik ako, ang ala-ala na pilit kong kinakalimutan ay bumabalik. "Miss Sandejas?"
"Yes," I nodded and sighed.
"I'm gonna suggest you drink for fun and you being a liquor intolerant got drunk first until Mr. Yuzon offered to take you home?"
"It was... hazy but I remembered refusing his offer. I was supposed to be taken home by my friends that time pero hindi nangyari kasi medyo maaga pa."
"Hazy? You're having quite a memory gap in your memories?" he asked. I slowly nodded.
"Alright, then. My client, Mr. Yuzon was concerned for your well-being at that time and offered to take you home and you agreed. Yes?"
"I..." I hesitated. "I didn't want to at first—"
"Yes or no, Miss Sandejas." His intense eyes stared at me seriously and stood in an intimidating stance. "Do you agree to go with Mr. Yuzon? Yes or no?"
I gulped, glancing at my sister who was seriously watching the cross-examination. Her observant eyes followed Atty. Guerrero's movements and words.
"Miss Sandejas, let me ask you again. You came with him voluntarily, correct?" he asked. I nodded, remembering the memories I tried hard to forget.
"I see, you came with him towards his car. The two of you were seen in the parking CCTV cameras." Aniya at mayamaya'y bumaling sa likod, may tinanguan at may video na inilabas sa screen.
It was me and Eugene walking out of the bar. I was wearing the red dress I designed myself while clinging to him. His arm was on my waist, inalalayan pa ako nang muntik nang mapatid. I even saw myself on the verge of kissing him after he helped me but before I could, the video ended.
Fuck.
Halos manginig ako sa napanuod pero ikinalma ko ang sarili, lalo na nang makita ko ang tagumpay na ngiti ni Eugene roon.
"Mr. Yuzon and you, Miss Sandejas had a mutual understanding. You two cared for each other like what we've all seen in the CCTV footage. It wasn't new to the two of you to be that close, correct? Mr. Yuzon wanted to make sure you were safe so he checked on you. You came voluntarily with him, I saw no hesitations from you. The two of you decided to go to the said hotel. I'm gonna suggest that the two of you, in instigation, are consensually intimate that time."
I was on the verge of crying but I stopped myself.
"Agree or disagree?" he asked. I fisted my palm and shook my head.
"Disagree, I did come with him voluntarily but I...I didn't give him my consent."
"Can I ask why did you not tell the authorities about the incident immediately, Miss?" he asked.
"Because I was...confused." I sighed. "I was confused why would he do that to me, w-why did he...I-I couldn't process it," I muttered, relieving the dark memories.
I was quite relieved I couldn't see my parent's faces from where I was sitting. I might break down. I couldn't see them hurting, hindi ko kaya...
"So, you were confused about what happened that night, yes?"
"Yes, I-I mean, we were close. W-we both like each other and h-he was good to me. I-I was so confused as to what happened."
"You were confused, Miss Sandejas, because you probably regretted engaging in that sexual relationship with Mr. Yuzon." He concluded, making me stop.
"I..." I can feel the lump in my throat while saying that. "It wasn't consensual. I-I couldn't fight because I was drunk b-but I didn't initiate it, Attorney." Halos tumaas na ang boses ko. "I-I came with him because I know him, I never even thought he'd do it to me."
"You came with him voluntarily because you are safe around him, yes? The two of you were both intimate before and decided to go to a hotel for a consensual deed, right? It is a spur-of-the-moment thing that you regretted immediately after, the reason why you are confused about it. Because it happened and you didn't want to think it did."
"He isn't, h-he's a fucking rapist!" I exclaimed. "He forced me! H-he..." My body started shaking, tears fell on the side of my cheek.
Mabilis na lumapit sa akin si Adira para alalayan ako habang nanginginig na.
"H-he forced me! I-I couldn't s-say anything because h-he said he'd hurt me!" I exclaimed, almost hysterical that the prosecutor stood from her seat to call Ash.
"Atty. Sandejas..." the Judge called my sister calmly. My sister held me to help me calm down.
"Atty. Guerrero," the prosecutor called and Ash nodded formally, glancing at me seriously as he bowed a bit.
"That's it for my cross-examination, thank you, Miss Sandejas." Aniyang malamig, tahimik na tumalikod at naglakad pabalik sa p'westo kung nasaan si Eugene na may tagong ngisi habang tinitignan akong umiiyak doon.
I couldn't suppress my emotions from bursting out. I couldn't even stand from my seat.
"Ate, I'm here, okay? I'll protect you." Marahang sabi ni Adira na inaabot ako.
"Let's take a fifteen-minute recess, everyone. Let's calm ourselves first before resuming the trial," the prosecutor announced after talking to the judge.
My father stood from his seat, his eyes twinkling with unshed tears, si Chiel din ay lumapit kaagad sa amin kasama ang parents ko.
"Anak," Mom called softly and I tried smiling while removing my tears.
"S-sorry, Mom. I-I'm okay, I'm j-just..." my voice quivered when I saw Eugene attempt to stand from his seat. He's staring intently at me and it's scary. I saw Ash telling him something pero walang pakialam na tumayo si Eugene.
My heart hammered when he walked despite Atty. Guerrero calling him pero bago pa man siya makaalis sa pwesto ay nagulat ako nang makita ang pagharang doon ni Locket.
Eugene smirked when Locket said something, he even said something back but Locket didn't answer. Tumango lang siya sa may likod at nakita ko ang paglapit nina Earn, Brent at Adam. Pinwersa ang pagbalik ni Eugene sa upuan.
Ash's forehead creased, he almost shook his head while looking at Eugene at nang maupo ito sa kanyang tabi ay kaagad na kinausap.
"I'll fucking kill him." Dad muttered darkly while glancing at Eugene, "I'll gut him alive—"
"Iñigo..." Mom said seriously kaya natahimik si Dad. "Nakikinig ang anak mo, stop it. You know walang magandang magagawa iyang iniisip mo. We will give justice to our daughter, okay? Let's make sure she's okay now, that's what's more important."
Dad's jaw clenched, tumango bago ako muling balingan at tinulungan para ihatid pabalik sa pwesto namin ni Adira.
I heard Dad talking to someone in court, si Chiel ay walang-imik na nakabantay sa amin ni Adira pero madilim ang tingin.
"Here," my eyes lifted and my heart thumped the moment I saw Locket in front of me. "Drink first." Bumaba ang tingin ko nang ilagay niya ang bote ng tubig at iilang candies sa table ko.
"Thanks..." I said softly, lifting my eyes back to him and he stared at me briefly and I saw the lone expression on his eyes pero mabilis siyang nagbaba ng tingin mula sa akin, marahang umatras at tahimik na bumalik sa pwesto niya sa hindi kalayuan sa akin.
My heart flinched, bumaling ako sa bote ng tubig at mga candies na ibinigay niya. I saw a note in there kaya mabilis kong inabot iyon.
Sweets would help you calm down. We're just here, we promise to protect you with our lives.
Nangilid ang luha ko at nanginginig man ay inabot ko ang candy at binuksan bago kinain.
***
"The plaintiff's testimony is a bit off and inconsistent, Atty. Sandejas.," Atty. Guerrero said. "What she's saying somehow contradicts her first written statement."
Adira nodded, standing at the podium after fixing her hair in a ponytail. She's sporting brown pants and a coat, underneath it is a white shirt. She's wearing heels too, her intense black eyes made her look intimidating despite the softness of her features.
"I agree with you, Atty. Guerrero," She started off, making the jurors gasp. "You can sense the hesitation in my client's voice, however, can we blame her? Can we blame the victim for being like that? No." Her lips rose and glanced at the judge.
"Miss Crest Sandejas was a victim of rape, a sexual harassment. According to R.A. 8353, The Anti-Rape Law of 1997. Rape is committed by a man who has carnal knowledge of a woman under the following circumstances. First, it is through force, threat, and intimidation." She lifted her finger. "Second, when the offended party is deprived of reason, unconscious.
"Imagine the trauma the victim would experience, for years, Atty. Guerrero. It was seven years ago, just think about what my client has been through for the past seven years and relieve the memories she tried hard to forget. Do you really think one's statement would be firm and consistent? My answer is no. Rape is one of the most underreported crimes in the Philippines, victims would often say silent, why? Because the trauma is severe, it was too much that they wouldn't want to relieve the day of the incident, yes?" Her brow shot up. "My client's statement is inconsistent because of the trauma it gave her for years."
Bumaling siya sa jurors para maipaliwanag ng maayos bago sumulyap kay Ash.
"It was like that of a bird escaping from a cage, Atty. Guerrero, after being somehow freed from it. Then one day, you're back on it again, chaining you back from a place you did your best to escape." She said. "Scary, yes? It is. It was torture to my client, relieving the past again and so, I agree when you said she was inconsistent and off but ask me why? It is because she's a victim, she's been traumatized for years. She tried hiding it and now that she's spilling everything, it was going back to the past, Atty."
Ash did his best to suppress a small smile. The judge nodded, and the prosecutor smiled a bit while listening to my sister. It made me proud. Kumuyom ang kamay ko at tahimik na ipinagdasal ang aking kapatid.
"To further discuss the trauma sexually assaulted victims are experiencing, let me call my first witness, Dr. Thorn Arzeus Valderama, a psychiatrist and a trauma patient doctor." She said. I saw how my uncle walked towards the witness stand, seriously fixing his doctor's coat and eyeglasses.
The prosecutor who's been observing and taking notes asked my uncle to stand by the witness stand for the oath. After that, Adira stood in front of Tito Thorn's table.
"Dr. Valderama, can you further elaborate on the trauma a sexually assaulted survivor can experience?" my sister started off by asking him a question.
"These days, sexual assault and harassment cases have an alarming increase in our country and other countries as well. Sexual assault-related injuries. It may be physical, emotional, and mostly, psychological. Survivors of these incidents often suffer from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms are being agitated, nightmare, trouble concentrating, shame, and some are fear and agitation around men, in general."
Adira nodded and rested her case first as Atty. Guerrero cross-examined my uncle.
"The plaintiff was seen hanging around with the defendant nitong nakaraang taon. I am informed that two are meeting occasionally and talking. Miss Sandejas, as per her friends are still hanging out with them too, meeting with boys and male friends. What can you say about that? Since sinabi mo na ang mga biktima, madalas ay ayaw na makisama sa mga lalaki."
"Well, we should take note of the word some, Attorney." Tito Thorn said. "Some survivors are like that and some aren't. It's dependent on how a victim would cope. There are instances, same as with Miss Sandejas' case, are hanging out with boys because they want to get over the trauma by trying to expose themselves to the same gender as the perpetrator. Let's say, it was their coping mechanism, to try and evade their minds from the trauma."
"Can you further elaborate, Doc?" Atty. Guerrero said.
"Our mind is a powerful thing, Atty. May mga instances na when our mind is in too much stress, when it is in too much pain, pinoprotektahan nila ang isang tao. Paano?" Tito Doc fixed his glasses. "They would try to create distractions, they would try to focus on other things. In Miss Sandejas' case, she avoided the trauma and past nightmares by partying, shopping, and hanging out with her friends. Our mind would cage you from the pain, it will protect you from the bad memories by distracting you from it."
"I see. Then, what can you say about the plaintiff meeting the defendant lately? Just a few months and weeks ago, since allegedly, she's claiming that my client did that to her? Can you please elaborate on how is it possible?"
"I believe Atty. Sandejas has explanations for that," Tito Thorn said.
Tito left the witness stand as the prosecutor came in to let her speak.
"Atty. Sandejas, please," ani nito.
"Well, in that case, my client, Miss Sandejas was working in the police station. They didn't meet because she liked to see him, they met accidentally. Their first meeting was in an office wherein my client took some files with her to give Lt. Dmitrov, the police station's head where she's working."
"How about the next meetings, Atty. Sandejas? There are some witnesses who had seen the two of them were talking."
"Every meeting is without my client's knowledge, Atty. Guerrero," Adira said coldly while staring at him.
"Whose words did that come from? The defendant claimed it was your client who insisted on meeting with him. How certain are you it was not without your client's knowledge?" ganti rin ni Ash sa kanya at saglit silang nagtitigan, halos magtagisan na ng tingin. "What, hmm, Attorney?" Ash's lips curved while staring at her.
"I believe my client's words, Atty. Guerrero. Fully." Adira smirked back at him. "How about you? Whose words did that come from?"
Ash stared at her intently.
"What, hmm, Attorney?" she spat back.
"I believe my client's words, too, Atty. Sandejas. Fully." He answered her and they stared at each other intensely until the judge cleared his throat, pinatunog niya ang gavel. "Counsels, please settle down. You will get your chance to argue your points. This is a court room." Napagsabihan sila kaya sabay na humingi ng paumanhin ang dalawa.
"How about you call your witnesses, Atty. Guerrero?" The Prosecutor said kaya sabay na nag-iwas ng tingin ang dalawa, seryosong bumalik sa aking tabi si Adira kaya ngumiti ako sa kanya at ngumuso siya sa akin.
"Ate, I'm nervous," she said lowly kaya pinisil ko ang kanyang kamay at nagsalita. "You did a great job, Adira."
The witnesses were called for the defendant's side and my eyes widened upon seeing who was it.
"Miss Jellie Ramirez, the plaintiff's friend agreed to be here to tell the side of the story." Atty. Guerrero started. My throat dried up.
What the hell?
"Hindi ba nadadala 'yan?" Adira asked, sighing kaya mariing ipinikit ko ang aking mata. I looked at the crowd and saw Samantha on the far side of the defendant's side, watching. Nang makita akong nakatingin sa kanya ay nanlaki ang mata niya at nag-iwas ng tingin.
They made Jellie swear an oath before Ash started asking her things.
"Miss Ramirez, can you tell me things about Miss Sandejas and Mr. Yuzon's relationship? Do you think it is possible for Mr. Yuzon to allegedly rape and harass your friend, Miss Sandejas?"
Jellie sighed, nang bumaling ako sa crowd ay tahimik ang Dad at seryoso ang titig sa likod ni Jellie. Even Chiel is observing and in those eyes, I see threat, I can see their rage forming.
"Crest was our friend for years now, we were with her sa last year ng college. She is older than us a bit but we are so close, we're the bestest friends." She started off, making me frown.
Bestest friend my ass.
They didn't even treat me as a friend! I was with them before and yet, they framed me, and now...I can't believe people would stoop this low because of their selfish reasons.
"Crest likes Eugene before pa, gustong-gusto niya and Eugene is a good man. He likes her too, it was a mutual understanding. I remember Crest telling us before how she likes Eugene so much, they are hanging out at times, without us kaya we were assured that Eugene is a good man and he could never do it. Isa pa, wala namang reklamo si Crest kay Eugene. She told us he was a gentleman and a good man."
Eugene watched me darkly. I lowered my head to calm myself down, he really was a good man...before but he was that of a pig hiding in a gentleman's clothes. He looked like he was a good man who could spread nothing but honor as a police officer but he wasn't. He isn't a man...at all.
Ash settled down and it was Adi's chance to cross-examine.
"Can you please further elaborate on your statement? In what way can you say that Mr. Yuzon is indeed a good man who could never make such accusations?"
"C-Crest..." she heaved a breath. "She...she told us before how she liked Eugene so much and she was so willing to come with him every time. There was even a time when she skipped class so she could eat with Eugene."
I sighed, remembering how naïve I was to come with such a demon like him and I regretted it. I regretted how I trusted Eugene so much that in the end, he ended up taking advantage of me.
"So, Miss Sandejas trusts Mr. Yuzon so much, correct?" Atty. Guerrero asked Jellie and she nodded and what she said next made my blood boil.
"Y-yes, patay na patay si Crest kay Eugene and Eugene, being a good man tolerated her. He likes her too tho, but that night, nagpaalam si Eugene sa amin na ihahatid niya raw si Crest dahil sabi ni Crest kaya I believe, whatever it is that had happened that night, it was all consensual and Crest insisted—"
"You are in a witness stand, Miss Ramirez. You only say facts and facts alone," Adira said coldly. Jellie froze.
"I-I was just telling my side, Ash said—"
"It's Atty. Guerrero, Miss. We're in court." Malamig na sabi ni Adira kaya napakurap-kurap si Jellie.
"I-I only came here to help because I know Eugene is a good man—"
"How certain are you that it was the truth you are saying?" Adira muttered coldly.
"Atty. Sandejas—" Ash called but she raised her hand to stop him and examined Jellie.
"Are you certain that it was the client, your best friend, you said, Miss Sandejas, was the one who initiated? How certain are you it was consented by her, Miss?"
"Eugene is a good man! A-and Crest is...she's obsessed with him so I think she set that up—"
"You think? What? It's just merely your opinion, Miss?" Adira's brow raised as she folded her arms on her chest.
"It's the truth..." Jellie's voice turned somber.
"Perjury," Adira started off kaya umangat ang tingin ni Jellie. "Offense taken after saying something not true after swearing an oath and affirmation."
"Adira," Ash warned.
"What? Atty. Guerrero, I am telling your witness about the case the court will file against her if she says something untrue and fabricated in this court," she said. "And it will take years of imprisonment."
"W-what..." Jellie muttered. Ash just sighed.
"My witness was telling her side of the story. She was telling us how close Mr. Yuzon and your client were, Attorney. That it wasn't new to them na magkasama ng ganoon."
"Yes, I know, Attorney. What she told me earlier was enough for me, on how close Mr. Yuzon and Miss Sandejas were but insisting that the sexual act was consensual. That, it was my client who initiated it without any proof was absurd. That statement would taint my client's name and I would never risk her reputation in that baseless claim."
"Atty. Guerrero, Atty. Sandejas...come here," mariing tawag ng judge kaya tahimik na nagtungo ang dalawa sa may judge kung saan may sinabi ang huli na hindi namin narinig.
The two of them nodded and professionally went back to the witness stand. Adira continued her cross-examination. 'Di na nagsalita si Ash.
"Let me ask you again, Miss Ramirez. How certain are you that it was Miss Sandejas who initiated the consensual act like what you are claiming?" she asked.
"I-I just knew—"
"You just knew? So, there was no evidence for your claims? It's just your opinions, yes?" Adira said coldly.
"I..." she sighed. "I-I was actually talking about how impossible it is that Eugene would do that. Crest is my friend and Eugene too, naging mabuti siya sa aming lahat, lalo na kay Crest kaya impossible iyon. Isa pa, it was Crest who was always approaching Eugene—"
"Does approaching someone ever become a consent in sex?" Adira snapped.
Tumalim ang tingin ni Jellie.
"Crest is liberated, she loves attention from boys. She's clingy and she was touchy with her boyfriends before. She drinks a lot too, partying all night kahit pinipigilan namin. Crest was initiating to meet him before kaya hindi na bago—"
"No, answer my question, Miss. Does approaching someone consent to sex? If you're drinking, if you're flirting, wearing thin dresses, and partying all night? Does that mean you're asking for it?"
Hindi nakaimik si Jellie at napasinghap.
"If I were to ask you, Miss Ramirez. If you flirt, drink, and party all night. To merely have fun and enjoy your life, are you asking for it?" she asked coldly.
"N-no..." Jellie shook her head and lowered her face. Silence echoed so loudly in the courtroom.
"That's it. What you wear, what you do would never give anyone a right to harass and take advantage of you. There is a thin line separating sex for pleasure and rape and that is consent," Adira said with finality. "Thank you. I rest my case."
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