Kabanata 25 (Part 1)
Trigger warning: Might contain sensitive topics.
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Kabanata 25
"Should I...talk to Dad like right now?" I muttered, mabilis kong tinanggal ang pipino sa mga mata ko bago sumulyap sa tabi ko sa bathtub kung nasaan si Chichay na may pipino rin sa mata.
"Should I, Chay?" I asked her but she's not moving kaya napairap ako sa hangin at inabot ang pipino para i-alis sa mata niya. "Chichay!"
She opened her eyes, mukhang nairita pa sa akin ang taksil kong anak at pinakitaan ako ng pangil kaya ngumiwi na ako.
"I'm talking to you, Chichay. Look at me, look at me." I said and adjusted her seat more beside me on the tub para hindi siya lumubog at makita ako ng tuluyan.
Mabilis din naman siyang tumayo at inilabas ang dila, pinagmamasdan ako, punong-puno rin ng bula ang katawan.
"I'm asking you, Chay," I said and fixed the shower cap on her head. "Should we talk to Dad now about Ver's case like...right now?" But my baby just tilted her head at me and watched me talk to her like a freak.
"What? We've been together for years na, Chay. Don't you still get what I am saying?" I asked and sighed. "Okay, I'm gonna talk to you with your language." I cleared my throat and readied myself.
"Arf! Arf!" I said and growled a bit. "Rawr! Rawr! Arf!"
"Gets?" I asked and Chichay just stared at me kaya suminghap na ako. "Ror! Ror!" I lifted my hand for a ror and suddenly, Chichay whimpered and took a step back.
"W-what the hell..." I muttered when she whimpered at me and began barking at my face back like she was seeing an enemy.
"What the hell..." umayos ako ng upo at competitive na sumagot. "Arf! Arf!" I imitated her cute tone and gave her my sharp glare and mukha kaming tanga na nagtahulan doon kung 'di ko lang biglang na-realize na para akong gago.
"The heck, Crest? Are you serious?" I told myself and smacked my cheek for looking like a fool.
I heard Chay barked a little kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at pinakitaan niya lang ako ng pangil, walang pakialam na bumalik sa pwesto niya at tinitigan ako kaya naiiling na binalik ko ang pipino sa mata niya.
"Ikaw, nagmana ka siguro kay Ernesto, ano? Love ko kayo kaso mga attitude kayo." I rolled my eyes when she didn't look bothered at all. "Oh, mana ka rin pala medyo sa Tatay mo, may pagka-attitude rin 'yon!"
Napailing ako at sumandal na lang pabalik sa tub, inaangat ang kamay para makita ang bula at ang mga rosas na magkahalo roon. The sweet, relaxing scent reached my nose and it felt great, really.
"Naku, Chichay. Brat ka ng bata ka, attitude ka, eh, nahuli kita nong nakaraan, nakikipagharutan sa Chihuahua ng kapitbahay?" I pointed out. "Naku, sinasabi ko sa 'yo, kapag ikaw umuwi rito sa akin na jontis ipapa-arrange marriage kita sa aso sa kabila."
I spread the bubbles on my hair before taking the wine glass and sipping on it. I tried to relax after that session with Tito Thorn because I couldn't process it. I didn't know there would be possibilities like that, maybe a coincidence or not, I don't know.
That night, hindi ako makatulog kakaisip kahit si Chichay ay halos nakabukaka na kakahiga sa tabi ko kaya madaling-araw ay tumawag ako kay Mommy about dito.
"Hmm..." my eyes widened when she whimpered. "G-get off me, isa, mamaya na, Iñigo Rafael! Sasagutin ko lang ang tawag—"
"Come on, baby, saglit lang—"
"No! It's your daughter calling, isa! She had seen me tied on the fucking bed because of you tapos ngayon...isa, get off!"
"Baby—"
"Uh...actually, parents, I can hear you." I decided to speak.
"Oh, shit!" Mommy groaned, nanlaki ang mata ko nang makarinig ng malakas na kalampag at ang maingay na daing ni Dad.
"Thallia!" He growled.
"Shut up!" Mom hissed and cursed again, "C-Crest, anak? K-kanina ka pa ba?"
Napapaypay ako sa mukha ko at nakagat ang labi.
"Ah, yes? May session na naman kayo?" I asked and I heard Mom cursing again and again, narinig ko ang tawag sa kanya ng Dad pero narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan sa linya niya.
"Crest Veronica! No! W-we're just talking!" she exclaimed.
"Oh?" I grinned, "eh...bakit ka tumakbo palabas ng kwarto?" I asked and laughed loudly when she almost screamed at me.
"Crest! It's not what you're thinking! It's not that it's my hobby doing that—"
"Why not, huh? Baka mamaya'y masundan pa si Adi? Miracle child?" I teased and she gasped again and cursed.
"You brat...no!" she growled and I laughed loudly. "We're of age, Crest! Isa pa, you, Chiel and Adi are enough now for me. Alam n'yo namang sensitive na ako no'ng nagbubuntis, 'di ba? The three of you are enough, pati na rin ang angel natin sa itaas."
I sighed upon remembering our supposedly fourth sibling, we got him or her way back when we're still battling for my case in court, a miracle baby but unfortunately, no one knows Mom's pregnant, even her kaya sa stress sa nangyayari sa pamilya ay nakunan siya noong magdadalawang buwan na ang kapatid namin and it's really...really sad.
"Mom..."
"Oh, it's okay, anak." She sighed. "Maybe our baby isn't destined for us, it hurts that we lost him but still...I'm thankful kasi I got to feel him on my womb kahit huli na. I know he or she is watching us from above, anak."
It made me smile, hearing the peace in her voice. When she asked me about my late-night call, I told her I had an urgent matter to discuss with Dad and her about Ver kaya kinabukasan kaagad ay nagtungo ako sa bahay para kausapin sila.
"What do you mean by that, Crest? You saw her? You talked to her?" Dad asked eagerly. I nodded, still shocked by the truth from the past.
"Yes po, I actually talked to her about my case with Eugene before. She...she was the first person I'd ever talk to about that pero kinabukasan ay 'di na siya nagpakita sa akin. I lost the hope she gave me that night and my brain, my brain tried to forget her, I tried to forget I lost the hope I had that one time kaya after noon, hindi ko na rin po alam kung...kung paano ko po sasabihin sa inyo ang totoo."
They gasped, si Dad ay mariing napapikit at humugot ng hininga.
"I knew, I fucking knew it." He muttered and checked on the folder and the papers in front of him. "I fucking knew Eugene was involved."
"Isinara kaagad ang kasong 'to, Kuya Raf, 'di ba?" ani Tito Zeij na nakikinig kaya tumango si Dad at sumulyap kay Mommy bago sumandal dito.
"Yes, I have proven the gunman guilty of his charges but I could not prove Eugene was the mastermind," ani Dad. "I tried looking for proof available that time but I couldn't and when I tried to push through the case with Eugene involved, I was denied."
"Hindi po ba nag-confess ang gunman?" I asked.
"He's practicing his right to remain silent very well, twin." Ani Alchiel kaya napabuntonghininga na ako. "Well, we couldn't get a hold of him, he's a gunman but he looked so well protected."
"I'm thinking there was inside job," ani Tito Zeij at siniko si Zion na nakatulala sa phone niya. "'Di ba, gwapo?"
"Yeah...yeah." He nodded, parang wala sa sarili. Ibinaba niya ang phone bago balingan si Dad. "Tito, is there a possibility na hawak ng mga Yuzon ang pamilya no'ng gunman?"
"There is a possibility but we have no proof," ani Dad. "His wife attended the trial but she didn't say anything and vanished. We have succeeded and putting the man in jail with no possibility of parole but the case is still bothering me. Si Lt. Col. Dmitrov..." binalingan na ako ni Dad.
"Nakausap mo na siya?" he asked me kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at napaayos ng upo.
"Uh..." I saw Alchiel's suspicious eyes kaya inirapan ko siya bago umiling kay Dad.
"Hindi...ko pa po nasabi ang tungkol kay Ver," I said. Dad's forehead creased.
"So the two of you have been talking—"
"Iñigo." Mom warned kaya ngumuso na ang Daddy.
"No, baby. I was just asking if he's meeting that asshole again. I know he's a man of honor and principle but I don't like him around my princess! He's not the man for my Thallia-liit—"
"Come on, Dad. W-we're formal! We barely even speak! We only met kasi 'di ba, nagkaroon ng robbery sa isang shop ko?" dahilan ko pa at bago pa makapagsalita ang Dad ay tinakpan na ni Mommy ang bibig niya.
"Hayaan mo na itong Tatay mo, we should start looking at this case. Crest is right, Veronica tried to help our daughter but she failed because she was killed that night," ani Mom. "Miski ako, I wanted to give the girl the justice. She deserves it."
I nodded, agreeing with her.
"That asshole is in jail but we need a lot of strong evidence to fight against him in this case. Naisara ang kaso noon no'ng dinawit ko siya because I lack solid proofs, what I have was mere circumstantial evidence." Dad looked bothered as he brushed his hair. "The judges dropped the charges I'd like to fight against him and I can't lose it this time."
"Pero Dad, you said Eugene has an alibi that night, right?" ani Adi na nasa tabi ko at hinahaplos si Chichay.
"Yes," Dad nodded.
"And his alibi checks out." Ani Adi kaya tumango si Dad.
"Yes, my princess but he has a gunman," Dad said. "Meaning he can pay someone to kill Veronica."
"But...is Veronica really the target?" ani Chiel kaya bigla akong natigilan.
My heart pounded, I even saw how my Dad froze on the spot the moment he heard it. Kaagad kaming nagkatinginan at nakita ko kaagad ang takot sa mga mata niya roon.
That thought bothered me a lot, miski noong dinner ay malalim ang iniisip ko tungkol sa sinabi ng kakambal ko.
"H'wag na malungkot, Bok Joo." I heard a voice kaya nawala ang drama momentum ko at kaagad na tinapunan ng mariing tingin si Alchiel na halos mabulunan sa lumpia na kinakain sa titig ko.
"You motherfucking asshole na gago!" I gritted my teeth. His blue eyes widened more but then he smirked at me and put his finger on his forehead.
"Sweeeggg!" he said kaya napasinghap na ako at napamura nang nawala siya sa harap ko at tinakbo si Zion.
"You jerks—"
"Sweeeggg!" ani nilang dalawa nang makita ako bago itinaas ang isang paa at tinuro ang bangs ko kaya malakas na akong tumili habang hinahablot ang buhok nilang dalawa para sabunutan.
I was preoccupied during my work, I was even unproductive. If sa isang araw ay kaya kong makatapos ng isa o dalawang bagong design, sa ngayon ay aabutin ng dalawang araw bago ako makatapos.
My Dad, being a prosecutor now will be a big help since he has connections to reopen old cases. Sana ay tanggapin din ang request niya sa madaling panahon.
A lot of things could've happened that night, maybe it was Eugene's plan to kill her but why? What's the reason? Isa pa...I lent her my clothes that night. What if...what if it was me who was the real target?
Suddenly, I remembered Carol and her words before. I remembered when she told me na it might or it was a case of a mistaken identity.
So...ako ba? Ako ba talaga?
"Mama!" halos mapatalon ako sa gulat pagkalabas ko ng opisina ay may tumawag at nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nakita ko si Brent.
"Brent?" I called.
"Ma'am," Dani panicked when she saw me approaching, mabilis niyang kinuha ang kamay mula kay Brent at kinuha ang envelope bago lumapit. "Ito...ito na po 'yong case report sa robbery sa branch."
"Thanks, Dani." I smiled softly and took it, bumaling ako kay Brent na gwapong-gwapo sa uniform niya. "Hi, Brent! Salamat dito, hindi kasi ako nakapunta sa station kasi busy."
"Ayos lang, Ma." Aniya at ngumiti sa akin. "Ayos ka na ba? 'Yong mga empleyado n'yo sa branch?"
"They're fine, wala namang nasaktan. I added extra security and cameras din. How's the report? Is this simply a robbery?"
"Yes," he nodded at me, sumunod pa ang tingin kay Dani nang maglakad pabalik sa desk niya.
"Hmm...so, si Dani?" I suddenly asked kaya napatalon siya at nilingon ako.
"H-huh?"
"Dani's single, you know?" I gave him a playful smile and his eyes widened at me.
"It's not—"
"Asus, Brent." I tapped his cheek. "You obviously like her, you can pursue her but. Only if she gives you her permission, okay? Give her time first, she had a tough experience with relationships."
He nodded, napahawak pa siya sa batok bago sumulyap kay Dani na abala na sa pag-check ng mga gagawin namin ngayong araw.
"Nga pala, Ma. Sabi ni Padlock, hindi ka raw sumasagot sa texts niya?" aniya kaya bigla akong natigilan. "He's been arguing, sinabihan ako na siya na magdadala ng report dito sa opisina mo pero s'yempre inunahan ko." He winked kaya natawa na ako at tumango.
"Uh, nagte-text pala siya? Hindi ko kasi napansin, I'm off my phone right now kasi nagpa-finalize ako ng designs sa fashion week since ako ang host." I lied and smiled.
"Hmm," he nodded. "Text ka na lang, Madame kapag okay na. Alam mo naman si Padlock, napaka-OA. He said after he took you home, maayos naman daw kayo kaya nagtataka siya kasi 'di ka nagre-reply."
"Sorry, pasabi busy lang talaga."
"Anyway, he's asking if na-decode mo na raw ang password?" aniyang nagtataka kaya natigilan ako.
C.V.S.D.
Halos mapangiti ako roon at mag-init ang pisngi pero umiling na lang ako at natawa. "Not yet, I was busy pakisabi. Ah, sige, Brent, bisita ako kapag may free time sa precinct, ah? Pasensya na at busy lang talaga."
"Sige, Ma—"
"Crest, you're here, baby!" sabay kaming natigilan nang may marinig na boses at halos mapairap na ako sa hangin nang makita si Von na papalapit sa amin.
"Von," I called and my eyes widened when he smirked, walang pasubaling hinarap si Brent pagkatapos akong Akbayan at inilahad ang kamay.
"Good afternoon, I'm Von." Aniya kay Brent na mukhang nagulat pero inabot din ang kamay niya.
"It's Brent."
"Ah, ikaw ba 'yong kaibigan nitong girlfriend ko?" he asked Brent kaya halos lumuwa na ang mata ko, I glanced at Von sharply pero pinisil niya lang ang balikat ko.
"Von—"
"Huh? Boyfriend ka ni Mama?" ani Brent na mukhang gulat at mabilis akong umiling.
"No—"
"Yes, It's Von. Anyway, we have a lot of things to do today, excuse us?" ani Von na tinakpan ang bibig ko bago ako hilahin paalis.
Pinanlakihan ko ng mata si Brent, umiling-iling pa dahil mukha siyang gulat pero may dinukot lang siya sa bulsa niya at mayamaya'y narinig ko ang boses niya habang papalayo.
"Padlock! 911! Gago kang tungaw ka, bagal mo!" He exclaimed to the other line at pagkatapos ay humalakhak na si Von bago ako pakawalan.
We decided to dine that night to talk about things sa fashion week namin. Von is a good friend, he helped me a lot when I met him dahil kay Tito Vaughn, ang Dad niya na friend ni Mommy. They just got home from States after a long time, I wasn't sure pero mukhang hindi maayos na nagkahiwalay ang Mom ko at si Tito dahil noon pero hindi lang ako sigurado kung bakit but I know for a fact na they're going good right now.
Nagpaparamdam nga rin itong lalaking 'to na gusto niyang manligaw but I told him I am not into commitment these days, mas gusto ko munang asikasuhin ang negosyo ko and he understood it kaya nakakatuwa.
Napasulyap ako sa phone ko nang tumunog at natigilan nang makita ang pangalan doon.
Locket-harot calling...
"You should answer it," Von said when he noticed me staring at it.
"H-huh?"
"That's your ex, right? Answer it." Aniya na sumulyap sa akin at ngumiti pero umiling lang ako at ni-reject ang tawag.
I put my phone back in my purse and chuckled. "It's nothing. We only talked at times, 'yong sa presinto 'tsaka no'ng robbery." I said instead and Von eyed me maliciously before chuckling, inangat niya ang braso para akbayan ako at pisilin ang ilong ko.
"Ikaw kasi, ayaw mo akong ligawan ka. You have tons of admirers, Crest. Even celebrities and models abroad are coming after you! Bakit ayaw mong sumubok? Love's fun, you see. It can make you happy unless...'di ka pa nakakamove-on?"
"I've moved on, Von." Siniko ko na ang sikmura niya. "'Tsaka being happy does not require relationships! I am happy this way, may negosyo, may friends na kagaya n'yo, may family. This is enough, I don't need relationships."
"...from other people?" he asked kaya gulat na tinignan ko siya. "But you obviously still fancies that police officer, right? I know that look in your eyes, Crest. I think he feels the same."
"Nah, I don't think he will look at me the same way if he found out about it."
"About what?" aniya pero umiling lang ako at ngumisi sa kanya.
"Wala, tsismoso ka, Von." I spatted kaya natawa na siya at ginulo ang buhok ko.
"Sorry na, Madame. You stay here, okay? I'll go get my car, ayaw kitang paglakarin, eh. Baka lumipad 'yang bangs mo." Aniya kaya umawang na ang labi ko at sinapok siya.
"Gago ka?" I hissed and he burst out laughing, bago ko pa man mahambalos ang loko ay tumakbo na siya paalis habang kumakaway para kunin ang sasakyan niya at maihatid ako.
I stood in front of the resto while waiting for Von's car. I was busy checking my nails, planning to change their color to nude when I heard a voice.
"Ano ba? I said, get off me!" I immediately shifted my gaze and saw a familiar woman walking irritatedly, sa kanyang likod ay may lalaking mukhang wala sa wisyo.
"Carol, come on!" the man laughed. "Just...just one drink! Inom tayo!" he took her arm but she gasped and pushed him away.
"I said get off me! You're fucking drunk!"
"Ang arte mo, iinom lang!" the man then hissed at her and took her arm again. "Tara na, let's just hang out—"
"Ayaw ko nga, eh!" I heard the frustration in her voice at kaagad na akong napaayos ng tayo.
My forehead creased when people walking pass her didn't even say anything, sinulyapan lang nila si Carol at 'yong lalaking lasing.
"Carol!"
"Isa! S-sabing ayaw ko nga—"
"Carol!" I suddenly called kaya sabay silang napalingon sa akin, I smiled, raised my hand and walked towards them. "Hey, hindi ka nagsabing nandito ka na! Our friends are inside the resto!"
I saw how Carol's eyes widened when she saw me.
"I haven't seen you for so long! I missed you, bestfriend!" I exclaimed happily, pasimpleng tinulak iyong lalaking pinipilit siya and gave her a friendly hug.
"U-uh..." I heard the hesitation in Carol's voice but then she hugged me back. "I-I missed you, Crest! N-nand'yan na sila?" she answered me kaya tumango-tango ako at humiwalay.
"Yeah! Sina Luis! 'Yong manliligaw mong sundalo nasa resto, inaantay ka na!" I said, mabilis na kumapit sa braso niya bago sumulyap sa lalaking gago na natigilan sa aming dalawa.
"R-really?" she gasped and clung back on my arm.
"I should say hi to him, s-sabi niya kasi kanina may lakad siya? I didn't expect him to come today!" she answered me casually like we were old friends.
"Oo, biglaan lang din. Na-miss ka ata." I chuckled. "Balita ko ay galing sa target shooting, naku, magaling bumaril!" I said, mabilis na hinarap 'yong lalaki at nginisihan at nakita kong napalunok ito.
"I-I should go—"
"Oh, hi there, Mister. Friend mo, Carol?" I asked and glanced at Carol who looked scared but then shook her head.
"Ah, nakilala ko lang sa bar."
"Oh, I see." I glanced back at him mischievously. "Why don't we invite your friend here? Pakilala natin kina Luis!"
"No!" the man cursed under his breath. "I-I'm good, I gotta go. Pasensya na sa abala, Carol, Miss. Una na ako at g-gabi na." Aniya, hindi na ako nahintay na magsalita dahil sa bilis ng pagtalikod niya at pag-alis sa harapan namin.
When he's gone, mabilis kong tinanggal ang kamay ko sa braso ni Carol at sinulyapan siya.
"Okay ka lang?" I asked. She blinked and nodded, binasa niya ang labi niya bago sinuklay ang buhok.
"Yeah," she sighed. "That asshole's been bothering me for quite some time now. U-uh, thank you...for that." I saw the sincere gratitude in her sharp eyes.
"You don't have to thank me for that," I said and cleared my throat, hinawi ko ang buhok ko at sumulyap sa daan para tignan kong nand'yan na si Von.
Saglit kaming natahimik na dalawa. Dhe stared at her feet for a couple of moments before glancing at me.
"I'm sorry but how could I repay you for that?" aniya kaya gulat akong sumulyap sa kanya. "Hindi sa pagiging gahaman but I don't want to think na may utang na loob ako sa iba."
"Hindi mo 'yan utang na loob sa akin, Carol," I said, my forehead creasing. "Don't think that way, I did that not because I wanted you to owe me gratitude, I did that because you're in trouble. As a woman like you, ayaw kong makakita ng naha-harass."
She looks taken aback with what I said, napakurap-kurap siya pero umiling sa akin.
"But I wanted to repay you, ayaw kong isiping walang kapalit ang ginawa mo—"
"Then do it to other girls too, Carol," I said and fixed my pouch when I saw Von's car approaching. "What I did...repay it by helping other girls too."
She didn't say anything, nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin kaya tumango ako at taas-noong naglakad sa sasakyan ni Von nang mapunta sa harapan ko.
Habang nasa biyahe ay malalim ang iniisip ko, seeing Carol again brought back bad memories before but it doesn't hurt me that much right now, naiisip ko lang...and Locket, I kept on ignoring his calls, not because I don't like to see him but because of what's happening, tungkol sa mga hindi ko inaasahang malaman.
I just can't process my case might be involved in Veronica's and I know for a fact that Locket...he'll be hurt for sure. Kasi may tyansang ako ang dahilan kaya namatay ang pinakamamahal niya.
"Uh-oh, looks like someone is whipped." I heard Von's voice kaya nagtatakang nilingon ko siya, I saw him glancing on the road kaya sumulyap ako at nagitla nang makita ang nasa tapat ng bahay ko.
My heart pounded harshly when I saw Locket leaning on his car on his police uniform, his hair's messy with the harsh wind blowing it, ang isang kamay ay nasa bulsa at sa isang kamay ay may hawak na pumpon ng bulaklak.
Nakita ko ang pag-ayos niya ng tayo nang makita ang sasakyan ni Von.
"Salamat, Von," I said but he walked out of the car and decided to open the door for me. I saw how Locket's jaw clenched upon seeing Von kaya suminghap ako at lumabas din.
"Salamat," I said and smiled at Von. He smiled handsomely back at me, nakita kong may inabot siya sa may backseat ng sasakyan bago bumalik sa akin at nagitla ako nang makita ang bouquet na inilalahad niya.
"For you,"
"Salamat!" I said and chuckled. I glared at him sideways pero kumindat lang siya at humalik sa pisngi ko.
"Goodnight, babe." He said and my eyes widened, magrereklamo na sana ako pero mabilis siyang kumindat at bumaling kay Locket doon. "Hinatid ko lang ang babe ko, pare."
This asshole...
Locket's eyes darkened at sa takot kong matambanggan si Von ay halos itulak ko na siya papasok sa sasakyan niya.
"A-alis ka na! Baka gabihin ka pa!" I exclaimed, napamura siya nang mauntog pa siya kakatulak ko kaya ngumiwi ako at alanganing tumawa. "Bye!" I exclaimed before kissing his cheek and watched him leave.
The awkward silence filled the place when Von left. I could almost hear the kuligligs around kaya tumawa ako at nilingon si Locket na kunot ang noo.
"Oh! Napadaan ka, Lt. Col.?" I greeted.
"Date, huh?" he asked, sumulyap sa akin.
"We just dine outside," I said and smiled a little. "Business dinner."
"You've been ignoring my calls," aniya habang nakatitig sa akin, I saw the lone expression on his eyes kaya humapdi ang puso ko.
"Lowbatt kasi," I said. "'Tsaka maraming kliyente kaya—"
"You're rejecting it," he said, stopping me. "The first few times, you rejected it and you're out of reach."
Naibaba ko ang tingin ko sa kamay ko bago sumulyap sa kanya. "Busy sa meetings, I can't answer calls."
He stared at me intently but slowly nodded. He brushed his hair before slowly reaching out to me. My heart pounded when I felt that invisible electricity flowing from him to me at sabay naming naramdaman 'yon kaya natigilan pero walang sinabi.
"Thank you," marahang sabi ko.
"Kumain ka na?" he asked. I nodded. "Dinner 'yong kanina kasama si Von. Sa business."
"I have a tough day today," he decided to tell me kaya mabilis kong hinanap ang mga mata niya at nakita ang pagod doon.
"Bakit?" I can't help but ask, inangat ko ang kamay para abutin ang pisngi niya at bumuntonghininga siya bago pumikit at sumandal sa palad ko.
"Just some cases filing up in the station, crimes are common nowadays." He sounded so frustrated kaya pinisil ko ang pisngi niya.
"Buti wala na 'yong Titi sa noo mo," I said at kaagad siyang nagmulat ng mata at sinamaan ako ng tingin, it made me chuckle, napailing siya at umayos ng tayo bago abutin ang bangs ko at suklayin ng daliri niya.
"My face hurts like hell, Crest Veronica. Hindi ako nakapunta sa meeting namin kasi ang kapal no'ng drawing mo sa noo ko," aniya kaya mas napahagalpak na ako. "And don't laugh at me, Bok Joo."
"What..." <y jaw dropped.
"Earn said your bangs looked like hers and I searched it, parehas nga." He let out a wicked smile. "Pagupit ka rin ng maiksi, Pinga—"
"Gago ka talaga!" I smacked his chest. He laughed, mabilis niyang hinuli ang isang palad kong humahampas sa kanyang dibdib at pinagsaklop ito bago i-angat at dalhin sa kanyang labi.
I noticed the small red spots on his hands at magtatanong sana ako ay nagsalita siya.
"May tiyansa pa rin naman ako, 'di ba?" he asked after kissing the back of my fingers.
"Saan?"
"In courting you," he said. "That man...hindi mo pa naman siya sinagot, 'di ba?"
"Von's—"
"I don't care about his name, just tell me if I still have my chance." I froze when he asked me that, mabilis akong nagbaba ng tingin, muling sumagi sa utak ang nalaman ko.
"You should go home, Locket," I said before pulling my hand from his grip. I saw the pain in his eyes but I didn't know how to react.
"Pinga..."
"Medyo tired na kasi ako." I smiled at him. "And ikaw din, malayo pa ang uuwian mo ba? Una ka na, pagod na ako, eh. Papakainin ko pa kasi si Chichay, umalis na kasi one hour ago ang yaya niya."
I saw hesitations in his eyes but Locket being Locket, he nodded. Sinuklay niya ang magulong buhok ng daliri. His gray eyes softened when the light from the post touched half of his face.
"Okay," he said bago napatingin sa braso ko. Doon ko naalala ang bulaklak na bigay ni Von kaya humigpit ang hawak ko roon.
"Sige, uuna na ako."
"I know you got flowers but I hope you'll still accept these," he said, hesitatingly lifting his flowers at kumirot ang puso ko roon pero ngumisi ako at tumango.
"Of course, why not?" Hindi ko iyon tinitignan na kinuha bago umayos ng tayo. "Sige, Locket. Salamat sa pagbisita, kapag hindi busy punta ako sa presinto. Ah, ingat! I gotta go."
His eyes followed me when I left abruptly pero wala siyang sinabi, nagwawala naman na ang puso ko kaya mabilis kong isinara ang gate, halos takbuhin na ang bahay ko at pagpasok ay napasulyap sa ibinigay niyang bulaklak at parang natulos naman ako sa nakita.
Daffodils.
It's hard but I did my best to stay away from him, there are a few times na nasa tapat siya ng bahay ko kapag gabi, just simply asking me about my day or if I have eaten yet tapos aalis na...or pinapaalis ko.
Dinadahilan ko na lang na pagod ako at may deadlines at wala naman siyang reklamo at umaalis din. Minsan ay nakikita ko si Brent dito sa opisina, nagde-deliver ng pagkain, galing daw sa kanila o kaya kay Locket and I wanted so bad to see them or talk to them pero mas nangingibabaw sa akin ngayon ang isiping maaaring ako ang dahilan ng pagkawala ni Ver.
My Dad fortunately has more connections now in court. After a week of his request, a hearing was conducted and later on, it made its way to the court for a trial.
I wasn't sure how they prepared for this pero ang statement ko ay isa sa magiging tulong para masuportahan ang kaso na ito laban kay Eugene. Hindi ko rin alam kung paano nila sinabi kay Locket na balak nilang i-open muli ang kaso, I changed my number and stayed at my family's house so I couldn't see him, afraid he'll ask me about this.
"He didn't know you'll be a witness," ani Alchiel kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya.
"Paano n'yo sinabi sa kanya?"
"Dad called him, telling him he wanted to reopen the case. He was shocked, asking about it. sinabi lang namin na may mga bagong ebidensya kaming pwedeng ibato."
My heart pounded. "What happened, then? Ayos lang sa kanya?"
"Yeah, he's glad, actually." He smirked a bit. "Hindi sila magkaayos ni Dad dahil nga sa inyo dati but they're formal. Isa pa, this case didn't leave Dad's system, you know? Hindi niya pinapalagay sa storage and case files ni Miss Abad. He's still hoping he gets to give closure to this one."
"How about her family? Pumayag ba sila?" I asked.
"No." What he said stopped me.
"Pero paano n'yo 'to nagawa?"
"This is a murder case, kambal. The state can reopen it once they found discrepancies and there are new evidences," aniya kaya napatango ako at nakagat ang labi, kinakabahan na. "Ayaw pa nga nilang pumunta ngayon sa korte but the judge requested a subpoena for them since they're a crucial part of this case kaya wala silang magagawa kung hindi ang tumestigo."
My heart felt warm while hearing it from my twin, sumulyap ako kay Dad na inaayusan ni Mommy. My Mom in her tight skirt and heels is brushing my Dad's hair to make him look stricter than he is.
He was wearing a Prosecutor's robe. It was black with that red thing or something on both of his shoulders.
"Kambal, I'm curious, prosecutors wear robes like that talaga, ano? Bakit ang lawyers, hindi?" I asked.
"Well, prosecutors are a big part of court. Actually, lahat naman. However, it's just to highlight their status, Dad's wearing a formal shirt beneath. Suot nila ang robe to emphasize na they are the prosecutor, same as the judges, also to heighten public consciousness on the solemnity of judicial proceedings."
"Oh...I see." I smiled and nodded, bumaling ako kay Adira at nakitang kausap niya si Atty. Guerrero doon sa gilid.
"You can do it, princess," ani Dad nang makita akong nakatingin sa kanya.
I smiled gently at him, tumayo ako bago naglakad palapit sa kanya para sa mahigpit na yakap. I felt him hugged me back and kissed my hair and it gave me peace.
"I will do my best to give everyone justice, anak ko," he whispered. "No matter what it takes, I'll do my best to put the perpetrator in jail, even if he is now. I failed to prove this one before but I'll correct this one today. I'll make sure he'll suffer and rot in hell for this."
"I trust you, Prosecutor Sandejas," I whispered to him. "I trust you."
Meeting Eugene Yuzon again scared me before but not anymore. He still makes me uncomfortable but I am sure he couldn't touch me right now. I am stronger, believing he doesn't deserve my fears.
Wearing my red formal dress and bold, dark red lipstick, I walked confidently with my heels in the courtroom. Everyone tilted their heads to look at me. I saw the amazed look they had maybe because I had the courage to show my face again in court after what happened before.
Nakita ko kaagad ang pag-ayos ng upo ni Locket nang makita ako. Sa kanyang tabi ay sina Earn, Adam at Brent, nakaantabay din.
"This way, Ate." Adi touched my arm. She's wearing a brown terno suit and slacks, her hair in a ponytail, looking so professional and intimidating.
That's my Adira-babe.
Naupo kami sa may unahang row at nakita ko si Dad na kausap pa ang Mommy bago nagtungo sa head juror at may sinabi. The old man nodded at him and Dad's cold eyes bore on the door coldly as it opened with the suspect in sight.
Seeing Eugene Yuzon is chilling but his presence isn't scary as before. He lost weight, mahaba ang kanyang buhok habang suot ang kulay orange na uniporme sa selda, may posas ang mga kamay at may pulis sa gilid at nakaantabay.
Locket and the boys saluted from somewhere and realized Veronica's family were here now, mukhang sinaluduhan nila ang Heneral na tumango sa kanila.
Charlotte and Via Abad's eyes were both cold, kita ko ang walang pakialam doon kaya mas nasaktan ako para kay Ver. It's sad to think how her family didn't care about her case at all and pushed through its closure that fast.
Locket and my eyes met. I saw the worry on it and it hurts me seeing him like that kaya nagbaba ako ng tingin at hinawakan na lang ang kapatid ko at si Mom na nasa tabi ko.
We rose for the opening and the arrival of the judge, ang defense lawyer ni Eugene ay nasa tabi at malamig ang tingin kay Dad na nagsimula ng magsalita sa unahan.
"Good afternoon, everyone, jurors and our honorable judge. Let me introduce myself, I am Prosecutor Iñigo Rafael Sandejas. Today, we will reopen the murder case of the late Miss Veronica Abad." Dad started with his cold, chilling voice. "It was April 23, 20xx, when a gunshot sound was heard near the police station. A resident heard the alleged and alarming multiple gunshot sounds and reported it to the nearest station wherein police officers responded.
"A lady was seen on the street wearing an emerald green dress. It was the late Miss Abad, she suffered from multiple gunshots, three in exact, and a lethal shot on the chest, leading to her immediate death." Nanlamig ako. I can still remember Veronica's kind smile, the assured glances she gave me when she promised to help.
"Mr. Ben Gonzales was later on arrested for Miss Abad's murder. He claimed he was a gunman and decided to kill Miss Abad for no reason at all which the prosecution found doubtful. However, last February 28, 20xx. The case was closed, sentencing Mr. Gonzales for her murder," aniya. "However, the prosecution requested to file the reopening of this case because of some discrepancies. More witnesses came to light and new evidence resurfaced, pointing to Mr. Eugene Yuzon as her murder's mastermind."
Charlotte Abad rolled her eyes, si Via ay humalukipkip at tahimik pa rin ang General habang nakikinig. Si Locket ay tulala kung saan, he closed his eyes afterwards and heaved a deep sigh.
Locket...
"Your Honor, let me introduce one of the police officers who responded to the call," ani Dad at tumango kaagad ang judge at nagulat ako nang tawagin niya ang pangalan nito. "Capt. Ernesto Martinez."
My heart pounded upon seeing Earn standing from his seat to take a stand. He swore to an oath first before sitting. Dad walked closer to cross-examine him.
"Capt. Martinez, you are an officer on duty that night when Miss Abad was found dead, correct?"
"Yes." Earn nodded.
"Can you describe to us what you've seen in the crime scene?"
"We received a phone call in the station, saying they constantly heard gunshot sounds near them. We actually heard a faint sound of it from the station too so checked on it. When we got there, people were circling the road and we saw V-Ver..." his voice quivered. I pinched my fingers, stopping myself from being emotional.
They...they responded to her. It was them who saw her.
Oh, God.
"She's...she's lying on the ground, face down," he muttered and sighed loudly. 'Di niya maitago ang ang nginig sa boses.
"Oh, God..." Mom whispered. "The lady did not deserve that."
"Are there any suspects around? Or any suspicious people who looked into the case?"
"The people around are a bunch of citizens but no witness came to us, it's just the civilians and us, police officers."
"Can I ask, Captain, if you find anything suspicious? During the transit of Miss Veronica's body for an autopsy?"
"Yes," aniya kaya mas napahugot ako ng hininga. "We weren't allowed to come and ride the ambulance while transferring Ver to the autopsy room. Even our precinct's SPO4 Dmitrov before to come. Wala silang hinayaang sumama mula sa istasyon namin kahit kami ang rumesponde."
"Then, who came to the ambulance while transferring the body?" Dad asked.
"Fifteen minutes later after we responded to the crime scene, one police officer came, which isn't from our station to the scene. He called ambulance immediately and requested for her body's transfer. Hindi kami nakapasok sa ambulansya dahil pinagbawalan kami, walang kahit sino man ang nakapasok doon mula sa amin. Siya lang, ang mga kakilala niyang rumesponde."
"Tell us who it is, Captain," Dad said. Earn sighed before speaking.
"Eugene Yuzon, Prosecutor," he confessed. I heard gasps from the crowd and from some of the jurors watching.
"Thank you, Captain," Prosecutor Sandejas said before glancing coldly at the defendant's side. "Attorney, you can ask the witness."
My father turned his back to sit on his area while the familiar lawyer from the defendant's side stood, wearing his three-piece formal suit.
"Good afternoon, Captain Martinez," he started off. "I'm the defense's lawyer, Atty. Melo Alejez."
Earn nodded, inabot niya ang tubig bago uminom at pilit na ikinalma ang sarili.
"First off, I just wanted to clear my client's intentions in arriving at the crime scene," aniya. "They were step-siblings, ano bang ginagawa ng mga kapatid sa kapatid nila? S'yempre, nag-aalala sila. Isn't it shocking to hear your sibling got into that kind of situation? S'yempre ay pupunta ka, you're a police officer yet you couldn't help your sister. Ang sakit, 'di ba? What my client felt at the moment was despair, seeing his sister like that. He called the ambulance for immediate action to conduct an autopsy for the deceased."
"Tell me, Attorney, bakit hindi kami pinasama sa ambulansya? We were the first ones to respond in the scene so we have the right to be there and check. The body's our responsibility! They could take our statements but no one did!"
"Because you're like that, Captain. Everyone from your police station is emotional!" Atty. Alejez exclaimed kaya mas bumigat ang puso ko, iniisip ang posibleng nangyari noon sa kanila. "You personally know the victim, right? My client is a professional, he didn't bring anyone from your station dahil baka mas maunahan kayo ng emosyon sa kaso."
"No, Attorney. We are dedicated to her case because she's a good friend to us! We wanted to know the truth pero wala silang pakialam sa amin—"
"I heard Veronica's bad mouthing my client in your station," Atty. Alejez said. "Probably, your image of him was tainted, that's why you're convinced my client has bad intentions. Kapag isinama kayo sa imbestigasyon ay maaapektuhan ang takbo dahil mas iiral ang personal na dahilan."
"What Ver told us was merely the truth, Attorney—"
"No, Captain Martinez. What your client is telling you is biased, my client was never like that. I talked to Mr. Yuzon and he told me how much he cares for his sister and was only thinking na magiging emosyonal kapag kayo ang humawak sa kaso kaya siya ang namuno roon with the General's permission. I believed in his words."
"I believe in my friend's words too, Attorney Alejez. Mabuting tao si Veronica, hindi siya magsisinungaling sa amin para manira ng tao," ani Earn na mariin na ang tono.
"If that's what you believe in, Captain." Atty. Alejez smirked. "Thank you."
When Earn left, he's puffing a breath, kaagad siyang kinausap nina Brent at si Locket ay matalim lang ang tingin sa kabilang panig, malamig at halatang galit.
"Let me tell this to everyone in court, my client was only concern of Miss Abad's welfare as a brother, that's it. Nanguna siya sa imbestigasyon dahil nga naniniwala siyang magiging emosyonal ang mga nasa presinto dahil personal nilang kakilala si Miss Abad," ani Atty. Alejez. "And nothing's suspicious of my client joining the ambulance in transferring the decease's body like what Prosecutor Sandejas are referring."
"Am I saying it's suspicious, Atty. Alejez?" Dad asked coldly. "I was merely asking the truth from my witness, I wasn't suggesting it's suspicious, unless...you find it like that."
Atty. Alejez stopped for a while and Dad smirked at him, licking his lower lip.
"Seems like Atty. Alejez found that one suspecting, isn't it?" Dad's eyes were dangerous and amused. "I suggest, you're suspicious too—"
"Objections!" Atty. Alejez exclaimed, as if losing his patience.
"Prosecutor," mariing tawag ng Judge. My father nodded, hindi man lang nagbago ang ekspresyon at saglit na iginalaw ang leeg. I saw how his jaw clenched as he made his way towards the screen.
"Nakakaloka ka, Iñigo Rafael." Mom muttered a bit kaya nilingon ko siya at ngumisi siya sa akin ng maliit.
"Let me discuss further about Miss Abad's death," ani Dad na may pinindot na remote at napasinghap ako nang makita ang nasa picture. It was the crime scene and my eyes watered upon seeing Ver's body, face down on the ground, wearing the familiar dress I gave her. "This was her when she was found by the police, the old statements said there is a possibility the gunman was riding a car when he shot her. However, the prosecution is suggesting another manner of death."
Atty. Alejez glanced at his papers in front, pati na rin ang Judge. Nang hindi sinasadyang magkatinginan kami ni Eugene ay nagliwanag ang kanyang mata.
He smirked and winked at me, sending me shivers but instead of showing him that, I equaled his gaze coldly and intently back, not showing him any remorse or an ounce of my fear.
"That statement was proven before, Prosecutor," ani Atty. Alejez at tumayo pa habang hawak ang papel. "The professionals claimed she was shot closely, even the gunman confessed to it—"
"Which the prosecution found doubtful now," Dad explained.
"Discuss this further, Prosecutor," ani ng Judge na tinanguan si Atty. Alejez kaya muli itong bumalik sa upuan at nakinig.
"Dr. Roque vanished upon releasing the statement. Everyone is saying he went overseas but upon further investigation, he has been missing for years now. A few months ago, the remains of an unknown man were found in a shallow grave and when DNA was extracted, it was indeed Dr. Roque. Here is evidence."
"Objections, your honor!" Atty. Alejez said. "This is completely unrelated to our case—"
"Overrule." The judge answered strictly, "Prosecutor, proceed."
"Thank you, your honor. Dr. Roque went missing the next day after the autopsy report was released. The documents given to you are copies of his examinations, suggesting it was a close shot to the victim. However, upon reviewing the statement again for this trial, there are discrepancies found. Ayon sa tama ng bala kay Miss Abad, hindi ito malapit. The gunshot has entrance but no exit wounds."
"It's possible to have no exit wounds for this, Prosecutor," The judge said.
"Yes, your honor but if we will base on the old reports, the distance suggested between the victim and the gunman seems impossible. Malapit ang sinabi sa report, suggesting it will likely cause an exit wound, dahil sa impact ng bala. A single shot can be lethal in a closer distance but Miss Abad got three, there is a possibility that the gunman missed the first one and the victim ran, only to be shot two times again, leading to her death.
"The prosecution is suggesting, based on the facts given by the experts that Miss Abad was shot from a higher place. The gunman was aiming from a low roof, contradicting the gunman's statements, based on the wounds she got. She could've survived but the gunshot on her chest reached her heart. This is based on the review from the PNP and the intelligence who was an expert," ani Dad bago muling nagbigay ng mga papel.
"The gunman claimed he shot the victim in a closer distance, Prosecutor," ani Atty. Alejez na tumayo na roon. "Isa pa, the gunman confessed to his crimes the next morning. Your reports have no relevance in this case. Nahuli na ang gunman, he confessed to the crimes at sinabi niyang walang nag-utos sa kanya. All he did was random attacks, it's for his leisure, Prosecutor!"
"What? Do you think you'd like to get caught after killing for fun, Attorney?" Dad asked coldly, I saw him touch his clothes but stopped when he couldn't reach his necktie because of his robe. Bumusangot siya.
I heard Mom chuckle. "That's what he hates when wearing the robe, he can't mess with his necktie."
"He may have a change of heart, guilty—"
"If he's killing for leisure, it may not be his first time, Attorney. It is for leisure, meaning, he enjoys it, would you still feel guilty after that? I think not." Dad spat back. "The gunman lied in the stand, the prosecution found his statements doubtful now that we reopened the case."
"My client has no connections in this, his alibi checks out. He's with a friend—"
"Yes, but who we put in jail is the gunman," Dad said coldly. "He's only the gunman, we can't see any motive for him killing Miss Veronica Abad. There's a mastermind and that is your client."
Atty. Alejez's almost cursed, sinuklay niya ang buhok bago bumaling sa Judge.
"I will introduce my witness," aniya kaya tumango ang Judge.
My father licked his lower lip and brushed his hair with his fingers before sitting back.
The next witness is Via's Abad. I couldn't believe she's here, testifying that her own twin is the evil one. Na siya ang black sheep sa pamilya at magkaaway sila ni Eugene.
"So, you're suggesting your twin, Miss Veronica, and Eugene are in bad slate?" Dad asked.
"Yes, Veronica is a rebel. Ayaw niyang nagpakasal ang Mommy kay Tito, sa Dad ni Eugene and she's enraged she began badmouthing our family. She is capable of lying too to taint our family's name, kaya nga 'yan naglayas sa amin kasi ang kapal ng mukha, akala mo naman mabubuhay kung wala kaming tulong."
"Based on my records here, Miss Abad, you and Miss Veronica are adopted children of Miss Charlotte, am I correct?" Nagulat ako roon at natigilan din si Via pero tumango.
"Y-yes, my Mom adopted us when we're fifteen and years later, she married Tito kaya nakasama namin sa bahay sina Eugene. Why are you asking this? Is this even related?" Via spat at my father who looked unbothered.
"Yes, this is related, Miss. It is acceptable that your family, even Mrs. Abad, your adopted mother is not visiting her tomb, even General Yuzon. However, isn't it weird that you, as her only blood-related family are not visiting her?" Dad tilted his head, his blue, suspicious eyes stared at her. "You were together for years, bata pa kayo, can I ask why did you not visit her? Even once? Hindi ba kailanman naisip mong tignan man lang ang puntod?"
Natahimik si Via pero suminghap.
"Because...because she's a bitch!" she exclaimed, stopping everyone. Napailing ako at nasapo ang ulo sa naririnig. "Noong nagrebelde siya at umalis sa puder namin, hindi ko na siya kakambal! Kung ano-anong sinasabi niyang masama, sumama pa siya sa boyfriend, e 'di magsama sila! Sinisiraan naman niya ang pamilya namin—"
"Her friends claimed she didn't once speak ill about you, her twin," Dad said. "She claimed she left your house because Eugene was harassing her and no one is listening, your mother didn't, even you."
"B-because she's lying! Eugene can't do that—"
"How sure are you, Miss Abad? Let me remind you, Mr. Yuzon was here and serving in jail because of sexual assault."
"W-we already got the justice for Veronica, isinara na kasi tapos na, why the heck are we still here—"
"It was only the gunman that was caught, Miss. Not the mastermind who killed your sister. She still didn't get the justice, Miss. Ikaw lang ang pamilya niyang totoo, bakit hinayaan mong maisara ang kaso? Aren't you feeling bad for your twin?"
"W-what? Hindi nga siya naawa sa akin no'ng iniwan niya ako doon sa bahay! S-sabi ko doon lang kami but she still left me there! Alone! Siya ang dapat maawa sa akin!"
"She was harassed in your house, Miss. That's why, and no one listened so she left." Dad explained.
Bumilis ang paghinga ni Via at nakuyom niya ang kamay.
"Mahal na mahal ka ng kakambal mo, you can even speak to her friends, those policemen from the station. She didn't get mad at you, gusto niya lang umalis dahil sa ginagawa sa kanya ni Mr. Yuzon." Dad said in a sympathetic tone. "I heard she was even sending you letters but you didn't write back."
"W-what? I don't..."
"We checked on it, thinking that was related to the case and someone is collecting them for you," ani Dad at may inabot na papel sa kanya. Via glanced at the paper, reading it quickly, and moments later, she was gripping the paper and crying.
"V-Ver...Ver, I-I'm sorry..." she cried loudly and I immediately removed the tears on my cheek while listening to her cries.
She was assisted while going down the stand because she's crying so hard. I felt so emotional while hearing that. Lalo na nang malaman kong si Locket na ang nasa witness stand at kinakausap ng Dad at ni Atty. Alejez.
"My client did not include you in the investigation because you have a personal relationship with the victim, right? You two were in a relationship for almost four years," Atty. Alejez pointed out.
"I'm a police officer, Attorney. I know my responsibility and that is to find the truth behind her death but our request to join the investigations was declined. I am sure it was like that on purpose, why? Because Yuzon will try to cast us out from the truth!"
"I clearly told everyone this earlier but let me tell you this again, Lt. Col., my client has no intentions of altering the results of the autopsy for your girlfriend. Look now, you were emotionally invested in this case—"
"Because it's Veronica's case! I have to find the truth about her death! She deserves the justice you all are taking away from her." Mariing sabi niya.
"That's what my client did too, tumawag kaagad siya ng ambulansya para ilipat ang katawan ng kapatid. My client is a professional, he's a respectable man so why would he alter or ruin the results—"
"You're saying that after your client was sentenced because of sexual assault?" Locket spat coldly at him.
"That case was unrelated—"
"No, it is not. Veronica were harassed too by the man, 'yon ang dahilan kaya umalis siya sa kanila. She was harassed, she was groped and touched in inappropriate places and it was proven in this same court before with Miss Sandejas' case. A respectable and honorable man, huh? You tell that in my face now." Mariing sabi ni Locket.
Atty. Alejez almost lost his patience with Locket's cold, authorative tone. Si Dad ay walang imik na sumandal lang sa may lamesa niya, inangat ang bote ng tubig bago pasimpleng nilingon kami at ginalaw ang kilay niya.
"Kuya Locket is gago for hurting you before, Ate, but like I said, he's a man with principle." Adira whispered kaya mas naluha ako habang nakikinig sa kanya.
"As I am saying, the statements were merely statements," ani Atty. Alejez. "We don't honor that here, right? It was the witnesses who were doubtful of my client when in fact, he cared for his family. He may have sinned and slipped before but it does not mean he can do that to his sister, that does not define him—"
Biglang nagtaas ng kamay si Dad para tawagin ang atensyon ng Judge kaya tinanguan siya nito.
"Can I speak, your honor?"
"Proceed, Prosecutor."
"Let me correct your words, Attorney Melo Alejez." Tumiim ang panga ni Dad habang malamig na nakatingin kay Attorney. "What did you say? What he did in the past does not define him?"
"Yes, past is past—"
"He assaulted, threatened, and raped a woman, Attorney," mariing sabi ng Daddy kaya humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Adi. "Do you think a sane man could do that? No. Rapists are one of the worsts so I hope you don't make that kind of statement here in court. His past defines him in that case, he will forever bring that with him. He's an offender. He's one of the worst. Remember that."
"Attorney Alejez, come here." Malamig na sabi ng Judge kaya napabuntonghininga ang huli at lumapit doon. I saw the Judge talking to him seriously, as if scolding him quietly and all he did was nod.
"Gago, past is past has limitations too," mariing sabi ni Mommy. "Being a rapist and a killer isn't a part of it. You raped someone, you killed someone and yes, it defines you."
After a while, he began to question Locket again who was a bit tensed earlier but relaxed now, as if he composed himself and answered Atty. Alejez's sometimes dumb questions with the truth.
"We were about to meet that night for a late dinner but I couldn't come because of a case I am checking."
"That case, isn't that Miss Crest Sandejas' case?" ani Atty. Alejez at tumango si Locket.
"Yes, I was currently looking for Miss Sandejas' identity that day, like what I've stated before." Aniya at kaagad akong napapikit.
Kung...hindi kami nagkita ni Ver, kung napuntahan siya ni Locket kaagad at maaga sila nakapag-dinner, will she die?
"Have you talked to her before she died?" Ani Atty. Alejez at umiling si Locket.
"She didn't call me and I forgot about our dinner because I'm engrossed with my work. I...I just received a call about her hours later and, and they said she's already dead." My heart ached upon hearing the pain in his voice. "And...I know, we all know Eugene is involved in this. He closed the investigations right away. He did not ask us about our views and opinions about the investigation and he sexually harassed Veronica."
"Do you have proof, then?" Atty. Alejez lifted his brow.
"I trust her words, she wouldn't lie for that. Veronica is a good person, she values her worth as a woman and I know her." Malamig na sabi ni Locket. "He did that to silence her."
Locket was serious when he left the stand. Atty. Alejez explained about his client having no reasons to hurt Veronica since they're step-siblings and he cares for her a lot. Aniya'y walang kinalaman ang kanyang kliyente roon, his alibis checks out. He's really in a bar, partying at wala siyang kinalaman sa gunman but my Dad spoke after him.
"Just for anyone's knowledge, let me just make a recap about the gunman's original statement. At first, upon arriving in the prosecution, he claimed that it was a mistaken identity, that it was not Miss Veronica Abad he'd kill but someone else."
Hearing that made my heart ache, napag-usapan na namin ng Dad ko and he told me this is one of the ways we could connect Eugene with the truth.
"But after that, he changed his statements, saying he attacked and shot someone randomly. That was the statement he carried until the last trial when this case was closed but whatever you say, it may be used against him. Yes?" Dad's brow shot up. Nakita ko ang pagtiim ng panga ni Eugene at ang pagkunot ng noo ng abogado niya.
"What we had our circumstantial evidences but let me introduce our newest witness, Miss Crest Veronica Sandejas." When Dad called my name, I immediately stood, nakita kong halos mapatayo sina Earn sa gulat at si Locket ay natigilan at sinundan ako ng tingin, nagtataka at gulat ang mga mata.
Eugene's forehead creased, as if he found it funny that I was speaking against him again and I gave him no satisfaction of seeing me scared at him.
I am not scared of the monster who chained me before. No way, not anymore.
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