Kabanata 1
Disclaimer: I am not a law student or legal professional, and this story may contain inaccuracies. The ideas discussed in this book are based solely on my personal research. This is my first attempt at focusing entirely and writing this type of story, so I appreciate your understanding and thank you for allowing me to share it with you.☺️❤️
Genre: Romance, Thriller
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Kabanata 1
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"Good governance begins with us. Who pays the salaries of public servants and politicians? We do, the citizens, the taxpayers. Our taxes fund their wages and the projects they undertake, and those should ultimately benefit us," Dad concluded.
"We pay them to serve what the country needs, inihalal natin sila sa pwesto para maging boses nating mga mamamayan. Ang magiging boses para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami at hindi ang magpapatahimik nito." He pulled his necktie. I heard Mom cleared her throat kaya napabaling ako sa kanya.
Si Kuya Chiel naman ay seryosong nakikinig kay Dad at nakasandal habang pasimpleng nagtitipa ng phone para gumawa ng notes niya.
I heard my Ate Crest chuckling. I felt my Mom shift in her seat.
"My—"
"W-What?" Biglang pinanlakihan ng mata ni Mommy si Ate na ngumisi at umiling, itinaas ang palad niya.
"Wala, wala naman..." She giggled, "I'm just calling you, it's bad ba?" Ngumiti pa siyang parang anghel.
Mom's lips protruded. Kinurot niya ang tagiliran ni Ate kaya tahimik itong humagikhik habang namumula na si Mom.
What is happening? These two are weird, really. Buti na lang love ko sila kahit 'di ko ma-gets madalas ang sinasabi nila.
"I firmly believe that our honorable judge will render a fair and just decision with eyes wide open. Citizens should not be treated as mere consumers of governance. We have a voice, and we must use it. That is exactly what my client has done. She courageously exposed Senator Rojas's illegal transactions and ghost projects, fulfilling her duty as a responsible citizen. Yet, instead of being commended, she has been met with threats."
Sumulyap ako sa babaeng nakaupo at tahimik, nakatungo siya at halatang takot.
Injustice really seems like a normal thing these days when it shouldn't be. Kapag napakialaman, pananakot kaagad. Ang mga tao sa itaas na dapat sanang nagiging boses ng mamamayan ay sila pang nagpapatahimik dito.
"Good governance does not flow solely from the top; it is rooted in the very foundation of this nation—the people. We are not meant to be passive consumers of governance, but active participants in it. Politicians and public servants, like everyone present in this court—including myself—carry the duty to serve the people above all else. The law must be a shield to protect our citizens, not a weapon to be used against them."
Dad nodded, his gaze fixed coldly on the Senator, immaculate in his pressed suit and tie, exuding an air of indifference.
Like this trial's a waste of his precious time.
Nailing ako.
"Public servants and the people of the court should do what people voted them for. Serve and protect." Sumulyap siya sa Judge bago tumango. "That's all, Your Honor. I rest my case."
He went back to his client. He tilted his head and massaged his neck, then, as he sat back, he pulled his necktie again like he was irritated with it.
"Papaayos na naman 'yan ng kurbata niya mamaya," bulong-bulong ni Mommy. Napatawa ako at sumandal sa kanya bago sumulyap kay Ate, magtatanong sana tungkol sa movie na papanoorin mamaya pero nahuli ko siyang tulala at tahimik.
I noticed something in her eyes. It was a mixture of rage and something else but maybe she felt me staring. Bumaling siya sa akin at unti-unti'y lumiwanag ang mata niya.
"Yes, Adi ko?" She smiled.
"You okay, Ate?" malambing kong tanong sabay abot ng kamay ko. Tumango siya at nagkibit-balikat, inaabot din ang palad ko sabay pisil.
"Yep!" She popped the p. "I was just thinking about my parcel. Baka kasi kapag umuwi tayong maaga makita ni Attorney!"
Tumawa si Mommy at sinulyapan siya. "What is it you bought this time, princess?"
"Just a watch, My. I saw one kasi with diamonds and it's pink and shiny! It's two percent off, so I bought it..."
Suminghap ako, hindi na nag-abalang magtanong ng presyo sa takot na baka maahimatay na lang ako rito.
"What time ang deliver?" Mom asked while touching my hair.
"Hmm, three?" She answered.
"Alright, then." Mom smiled. "Pagkatapos nitong trial ng Daddy n'yo, mag-resto tayo."
"Yehey!" Ate Crest wiggled her body. "You're the best mom!" Sabay halik niya sa pisngi ni Mom.
"Sus..." Kuya Chiel tsk-ed. He smirked. "What if isumbong ko kayo?"
"What if palayasin ka namin sa bahay, Chiel-pangit?" hirit pa ni Ate Crest kaya napatawa lang ako nang mag-asaran na naman sila habang inaantay ang resulta ng trial.
He's proven guilty!
I can't help but smile. Masayang-masaya ang kliyente ni Dad habang walang tigil na nagpapasalamat sa kanya.
Nahuli ko ang naluluha pa nitong tingin habang umiiyak na nagpapasalamat kay Dad at 'di ko maiwasang mamangha rin.
Idol na idol ko talaga ang Dad ko. He acted so stern, scary and strict in court but had a sense of duty. He's intimidating but responsible. He looked timid but when he's with his family, he's too soft and cuddly like a small kid. Lalo na kay Mommy.
Kagaya ngayon...
Kapit-kapit kaming magkakapatid. Matapos kaming halikan ni Ate sa noo ay doon naman siya lumingkis kay Mommy na inaayos ang necktie niya pero hindi magawa sa kulit ni Dad.
Kuya Chiel is between us. Nakaakbay siya sa amin ni Ate habang patungo kaming parking lot para makakakain. It is only Mommy's way to save the Thallia-liit in this family, my sister, from Dad's scolding but of course, gusto rin naman namin mag-bond.
Dad was so preoccupied with this case the last few days kaya masaya din siyang lalayas kami ngayon para kumain.
Kuya assisted me and Ate papasok sa sasakyan. Nangiti ako nang naramdaman ang yakap ng Ate kong maganda sa baywang ko sabay patong ng chin niya sa balikat at pinapanuod ang mga magulang.
"Doon tayo sa resto ni Zeijan," ani Dad habang inaalalayan si Mommy papaakyat sa sasakyan namin. "Para libre."
"Ano ba 'yan, Iñigo Rafael! Resto ng kapatid mo babaratin mo?" ani Mommy. Nagkatawanan kami nang ngumuso si Dad sabay huli sa baywang nito.
Mom screamed in shock and smacked his arm.
"Iñigo! Ang mga anak mo!" sita niya kaya natigil si Dad sa akmang pagbuhat kay Mommy at sinulyapan kami.
"Can I kiss your mother, kids?" he asked.
"Sure! Why not!" Ate exclaimed. Napakurap-kurap lang ang Kuya samantalang ako'y nanlaki lang ang mata nang kiniss nga niya si Mom na namumula na.
Slowly, a palm covered my eyes.
"Bawal pa 'yan sa baby, Adi-babes," bulong ni Ate kaya napatango-tango ako, nakanganga.
But I'm no baby anymore! I'm in college already! But still...
"Attorney Sandejas, hindi naman sa pang-iistorbo pero kumakalam na ang sikmura namin. Nakakahiya naman," my brother blurted. Dad's soft curses filled the air, accompanied by laughter and when Ate lowered her palm from covering my eyes, I caught my father chasing after him.
Mom shook her head. "Pagpasensyahan n'yo na 'yong Tatay n'yo at tumatandang paurong." Ngumiti siya nang malambing.
Dad drove. Nasa front seat si Kuya Chiel habang kaming girls ay nasa likod. My Ate has been combing my hair and braiding it, nagrereklamo pa dahil puro sabit daw habang si Mom ay nilalaruan ang kamay kong hawak niya.
I felt like a baby and I loved it.
Habang nasa biyahe ay pinag-uusapan namin ang kaso ni Dad kanina. It took him two trials and a few months before the case was closed and luckily, it was in their favor.
Truth can be manipulated but in the end, I'm happy because it won.
"That is what I personally love about our country, the right for people to vote and choose their leader," ani Dad sa unahan. "Kaya ngayon, masaya akong mas bukas na ang mata ng mga tao sa kabutihan at nagawa ng isang pulitiko. No one had the guts to accept my client's case because that senator was a hella famous one. Maraming kapit."
"Isn't it an Attorney's goal to protect their client?" I asked. "Why won't they take it? Because they're scared, Dad?"
"Yes, princess." Sumulyap si Dad sa amin sa rear mirror. "They are scared because of the power he had pero wala 'yan sa 'kin. I accepted my client's case not just because she's on the right side—but also because she's had a voice a citizen like us should have."
"People with ranks and those above are evil, 'no?" Ate Crest suddenly uttered. Tapos na siya sa pag-braid ng buhok ko kaya nilingon ko na.
"Not everyone," Dad answered. "But honestly? Mostly are. They'll use their ranks and power to silence people kaya hanga ako ro'n kay Liza na nagsalita kahit tinatakot siya. Not everyone could expose what they know; the truth would cost them their peace and sometimes, their life."
I nodded, agreeing. Mom's eyes were just twinkling. She's always been Dad's number one fan.
"Everyone's a voter now, right?" Bumaling si Kuya Chiel sa amin.
I nodded.
"Kaya bumoto kayo ng tama. Every vote counts, so vote wisely," he preached. "Sabi nga ni Attorney, good governance starts with us. Check the qualities, the credentials. Bilang mga Filipino, karapatan nating magkaroon ng magandang gobyerno at pinuno pero 'di 'yon mangyayari kung 'di natin sisimulan ang pagpili ng maayos bilang mga botante."
"Don't just choose someone as a leader because they're well-known. Hindi telenovela ang pamamahala. Check the credentials, the plans they had for citizens, and our country. The government is never a playground to play with. We are not toys to work as their puppets. They are the lawmakers but it was us who put them into place and gave them the opportunity to do so. No one should be above the law, not even those who created it."
Isang bonggang round of applause ang ibinigay namin kay Dad at Kuya.
"Attorney Iñigo iboto sa presidente!" Ate Crest cheered. "Attorney Alchiel iboto sa Barangay Tanod!"
Kuya's smile froze. Napatawa na ako nang pabiro niyang binato si Ate ng stuff toy na nasa dashboard.
"Why not?" Kuya smirked. "I'd gladly accept that position, basta ba tapat sa tao wala kang problema, 'di ba, Adi?"
Tumango ako sabay thumbs-up kay Kuya.
We had a great time dining in Tito Zeij's resto. Bonus pa dahil saktong nandoon ang pamilya niya kaya nakasama namin sila sa pagkain.
Sibyl and I talked about a lot of things, conversing about her ballet and my studies. Simula na kasi ng second semester bukas kaya naghahanda ako. She even gifted me with skincare products before leaving para daw looking fresh kahit alam niyang 'di ko naman talaga magagamit 'yon.
If only she knew. Ilang beses nang sumubok si Ate Crest na bigyan ako n'yan pero ni kailan ay 'di siya nagtanggumpay!
I woke up the next day and ate breakfast. Maaga rin si Kuya umalis para sa kaso niya samantalang si Ate ay nagkukumahog umalis habang may hilang maleta.
"Saan ka, Ate?!" sigaw ko nang makita siyang tumatakbo palabas, tumutunog ang heels at hawak ang malapad na hat sa ulo.
"Sunbathing, Adi-babes!" she shouted back.
"Huh? Sa pool?!" tanong ko. "Bakit may maleta ka pa kung sunbathing—"
"Sa Boracay!" she exclaimed, making my jaw drop.
Wala na si Mom at Dad dahil sa early meeting ni Dad at madalas ay magkasama ang parents ko.
Mommy was once Dad's secretary at mukhang kinareer na ni Mom. Kahit may sariling kompanyang mina-manage, gustong-gusto niyang sumama kay Dad sa mga trials.
She mentioned it once, she liked watching Dad on trials and defending clients. I even remembered hearing my sister teasing Mommy about it.
I really didn't get what they're referring to. Maybe a relationship thing? How could I even relate when in the first place, I didn't have a love interest or so? I don't even have friends aside from my cousin, Sibyl!
Hindi kasi ako marunong mag-approach. Nahihiya akong makipag-close at baka sabihin nila papansin ako. Isa pa, masaya naman mag-isa.
It's such an underrated thing but I liked it more when I'm just staying at home, cage myself in my room to read books or study. Naisip ko nga na tama noon ang sinabi nina Mom. Nasa tiyan pa lang niya ko'y pinaglihi niya ako kay Daddy at halos walang pinalagpas na court trials para manuod.
Nasa tummy pa lang, binabasahan daw ako ni Dad ng batas hanggang sa medyo lumaki na ako kaya ayon... mahiyain man ay iyon marahil ang naghubog sa akin bakit ako inspiradong maging abogado paglaki.
Si Adira Venice ay pinaglihi sa Republic Act of the Philippines. Bow.
I'm studying Political Science and wanted to pursue law after. Hindi sobrang karamihan ang babae sa kurso ko at kung may iilan man ay may sariling mga buhay kaya hindi rin nakahanap ng friends.
Kinuha ko ang schedule para makita saan ang bago kong room para sa first class. While I was walking, wind came, messing with my already messy hair kaya sumabog iyon sa mukha ko.
I gasped loudly. Inilusot ko pabalik ang schedule sa bag na nakasabit sa balikat ko paharap bago kunin ang ponytail ko.
I placed the ponytail first in between my lips, lifted my hand and gathered my hair together to tie it while walking.
Nakatitig ako sa paa ko para hindi mapatid pero saktong pag-angat ko ng tingin ay nabangga ako sa kung kanino. Nagitla ako't nawalan ng balanse, naipikit ang mata.
I obviously fell and was expecting to welcome the cold, hard ground when I fell on something fluffy instead. Mabilis akong napamulagat, suminghap nang makita ang lalaking nadaganan ko sa pagkakahulog.
He had a pair of beautiful brown eyes behind his thick eyeglasses.
"S-Sorry!" mabilis kong sabi sabay alis sa ibabaw niya, nagwawala ang puso sa kahihiyan. I lowered my body to gather the things fell during my fall.
"S-Sorry..." utal na sabat niya at mabilis akong tinulungan sa pagkuha ng mga gamit kong nahulog sa lapag.
Inilayo ko sa akin ang bag, basta na lang inilusot ang mga notebook at highlighters nang lumapit siya sa akin at ipinakita ang makukulay na ballpen na nahulog ko.
I lifted my gaze and met his scared brown eyes.
"Sorry, Miss, uh..." He was nervous as he was trying to put my pens inside my bag, even shaking a bit.
"It's okay, it's okay," alo ko para mabawasan na ang kaba niya.
"Hindi kasi kita napansin..." Tumikhim siya at tumayo rin nang gawin ko 'yon. I zipped my bag and removed some dirt off my skirt while he's explaining. "H-Hinahanap ko kasi 'yong room ko kaya nagbabasa ako at nakatungo. 'Di kita n-nakita. Sorry, Miss!" Sabay biglang hawak niya sa strap ng back pack at tungo sa akin.
Huh? Why?
"You don't have to!" I panicked because he remained bowing. Napansin kong napapatingin na sa amin ang ibang tao at baka may maling naiisip, na baka tinatakot ko ang lalaki kaya umiling ako sabay lapit at hawak sa kanyang braso.
"Tingin ka," marahang sinabi ko sabay tulong sa kanya sa pag-angat ng tingin. Nang magkatinginan ay nabakas ko na naman ang takot sa kanyang tsokolateng mga mata.
"Sorry, Miss," he repeated. "I promise, hindi ko sadya—"
"I know, I know," I reassured. "It was an accident, don't worry. Hindi naman ako galit."
"N-Naghahanap kasi ako ng room," aniya at parang pinapaliwanag pa sa akin na totoo ang rason niya. "Kahit tignan mo pa..." Pinakita niya ang schedule.
I took a peek and to my excitement, we got the same room!
Nahampas ko siya sa tuwa.
"B-Bakit?" sabay talon niya palayo at hawak sa braso, gulantang sa biglaan kong hampas.
"Ay, sorry!" Napahawak ako sa palad. "Na-excite lang ako! Ano kasi, we have the same room? PolSci student ka ba? Reg-IV?"
He nodded repeatedly, still watching me, clutching his arms.
"Great!" Pumalakpak ako. "We're classmates! Gusto mo bang sabay na tayo? 'Yan ay kung gusto mo lang? If not—"
"Sure!" Umayos siya ng tayo, natigilan nang magtunog siyang excited. "Sorry... uh, sige, sabay tayo..." Namula siya't pasimpleng inayos ang buhok.
Ngumiti ako ng maliit. I fixed the bag and walked towards the room with him by my side.
"Transferee ka?" tanong ko. Tumango siya.
Hindi naman na ako muling nagtanong dahil mukhang nahihiya siyang magsalita. Pagpasok pa lang ay may sari-sarili ng mundo ang nasa paligid.
They have their own group of friends and I wasn't that surprised when they didn't even bother looking my way. Kumbaga ba sa mundong 'to, ako ang invisible girl.
"Miss..." Biglang may humawak sa pulsuhan ko. Humarap ako sa lalaki na nahihiya pang iniangat ang phone niya. "May nakalimutan kasi ako sa sasakyan kaya uh... babalikan ko lang. P'wede ba, kung p'wede lang na pa-save ng upuan?"
I remained staring at him. Napatitig din siya hanggang sa napalunok, namula ang mukha.
"H-H'wag na pala!" he stuttered nervously. "It's okay, sorry sa abala—"
"Sure! I'd save you a seat beside mine!" Ngumiti pa akong malambing. Natigilan siya't nanatiling tulala sa mukha ko. "Sir?"
He snapped. I sensed his panic while nodding and brushed his hair again. His fluffy cheek is beet red.
"Y-Yeah..." He nodded. "Thank you, Miss...?"
"Adira," I answered and offered my hand. "Adira Venice Sandejas. Adi for short. Hope we'll be friends!"
"Ash..." he answered while staring at my hand. "Ashford Matthias Guerrero..."
He accepted my hand for a handshake, smiling shyly.
"Thank you, Adi. I... I want to be your friend, too," he murmured while staring at my eyes.
He left. Nagbigay siya ng libro para ipatong sa upuan niya. Nakahanap ako ng upuan malapit sa may unahan dahil nagtutumpukan na sila sa likuran at ipinatong ang libro sa tabi para i-save ng upuan si Ash.
Ash is adorable. He's a bit chubby, his cheeks are fluffy, and his hair's in a funny haircut—just that I find it cute. Buhok na parang bao. Medyo may bangs pa.
Sino kaya barbero niya?
Binarbero talaga ang buhok niya!
Medyo natawa ako. Kinuha ko ang textbook ko at ang eyeglasses para sana magbasa dahil may thirty minutes pa kami bago ang umpisa ng klase nang marinig ko ang tawanan ng ibang girls na papasok.
"Uy! Kita mo, may bagong salta sa college, ah?" Topic kaagad nila pagpasok.
"Oh? Gwapo ba? Hottie?!" Excited na tanong din ng kasama niya.
"Hindi, girl!" Humalakhak sila. "Parang bunot ang buhok!"
Natigil ako, kaagad na naisip si Ash na bumaba para sa naiwan niya at muling narinig ang asaran nila.
"Yieee, baka iyon na ang forever mo!" asaran nila pa.
"Gaga ka ba? Maputi at makinis, oo, pero ayaw ko sa mukhang loser!" sabat nito. "'Di lang ang buhok, kapag makita mo matatawa ka. Mataba!"
Bumusangot ako. Halos mahampas ko na ang lamesa sa inis sa narinig. Parang ang sarap maging Super Adi tapos papaliparin ko sila gamit ang desk ko!
Ash is chubby, okay? But is it wrong?
Narinig ko bigla ang lagabog. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa pintuan at napatayo nan ang dere-deretsong pumasok si Ash sa tulak sa kanya ng mga malalaking katawan na varsity.
Muntik na siyang madapa. Nahulog ang iilang notebook kaya dali-dali akong tumayo para tulungan siya.
"Hey!" sita ko kina Judson na kasama ang barkada niya, nagtatawanan pa.
"Hey..." He mimicked my soft tone and laughed like something was funny.
Kumunot ang noo ko, sumulyap ako kay Ash na tahimik na kinukuha ang notebook. After I helped him out, I offered my hand to help him stand but before he could, I heard those mocking laughters again.
"Oppss... nagsama ang dalawang loser," ani no'ng isang babae na pinag-uusapan lang kanina si Ash. "Kayo na lang ang friends kasi walang gustong makipag-friend?"
Ash's hand reaching for mine stopped midway. Mabilis niyang binawi iyon, nahihiyang tumungo sa akin bago kunin ang hawak kong notebook niya.
"Sinave kita ng upuan—"
"S-Sorry, Miss," he apologized and walked past me. I watched him snatch his book out of the chair I saved for him and walk all the way to the other corner of the room. He lowered his head.
Suminghap ako.
"Ohhh..." Judson cackled. "Mukhang miski loser ayaw makipag-friends sa 'yo, Adira? Kawawa ka naman?"
Hindi na ako nakipag-away. I made my way towards my seat and continued reading. I didn't want to be included in the drama but I couldn't help but hear them bullying Ash.
"Mayaman ka, 'no?" Tumawa si Judson. "Kaso sa sobrang yaman nahilig tumambay sa ref, lumobo tuloy!"
'Di ko maipigilang mainis.
What's so fun about shaming other people's bodies? What's funny about that?
Kalma, Adi... hindi ka nila iniinis. H'wag kang makisali!
I heaved a sigh and continued highlighting.
"Jud, h'wag ka ngang ganyan. Kitang transferee 'tong pinsan mo, inaaway mo kaagad." The girl said gently. "Ayos lang 'yan, bunot..." Sabay tawa niya at hampas sa lamesa.
What? Cousin ni Jud si Ash?
I shouldn't care, right? It might be a family affair but...
I heard my Dad's voice inside my head.
"A person who is aware of misconduct yet chooses to remain silent is no different from the perpetrator. In fact, those who turn a blind eye to the suffering of the oppressed are far worse than the oppressors themselves."
"Gago kayo, h'wag na nga nating asarin si Ash? Kapag kayo napagalitan ni Mommy—"
I slammed my palms on my desk and faced them. They froze and glanced my way, horrified.
"Republic Act Number 10627, otherwise known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, tends to protect victims of harassment and bullying in school premises," I started.
"Ano?" Nagtawanan sila, naaaliw. "Weirdo ka na naman, Sandejas. Wala kaming pakialam sa sinasabi mo—"
"Any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property," I said word-by-word, remembering how many times I've read it before.
"It includes: Creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of the other student at school; disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school," I finished the whole piece.
Their mouths parted.
"Ano bang sinasabi mo? Can you shut the fuck up—"
"In summary, in case people with small brains such as yourself don't understand. It was said here that any forms of pranks, teasing, shaming—any acts that could damage a victim's well-being could be rendered slanderous and hereby punishable by the court of law," I said with finality and fixed my glasses, earning silence from them.
They cleared their throat.
"Akala mo ba matatakot mo kami?" Tumawa pa si Judson kahit iba na ang ton. "You don't even have a proof—"
"I am a bystander, Mr. Bautista." I smiled coldly at him. "Even if you say no one would believe me, I could prove myself in the court of law. I would immediately become a credible witness. If you like, I could even call my attorney to sue everyone here?" Umamba akong kukuha ng phone kaya nag-panic sila at sabay-sabay na nagsiiwasan ng tingin.
"Quit it!" Judson hissed. "Biruan lang namin 'to ng pinsan ko kaya h'wag kang makialam!"
"Hmm, people with small brains disguising their hate in insults as a joke. How petty." I moistened my lower lip, then glanced at Ash, stopping upon seeing his reaction.
His eyes are dilated. He was blinking rapidly while looking at me kaya kumunot ang noo ko at nagkibit-balikat, tahimik na bumalik sa upuan hanggang sa dumating ang professor at nagturo.
We simply did some warm-up exercises kaya maaga kaming na-dismiss. Dere-deretso akong tumayo sa upuan pagkatapos sakupin ang mga libro palabas habang nakatungo at nakatingin sa mga paa.
I'd probably eat alone near the garden. Kuya Chiel prepared a meal for me before he left, and Ate gave me some snacks she bought last time in Korea kaya busog na ako sigurado.
I sat alone. I took my lunchbox and began eating quietly when I felt someone sit beside me. Napatalon ako sa gulat pero kumunot lang ang noon nang makita si Ash.
"H-Here..." nNgpatong siya ng chips sa lamesa katabi ng baunan ko.
"Oh..." I nodded. "What am I gonna do..."
"Thank you," mabilis niyang sabi, kinakabahan. "Thank you f-for saving me earlier. It meant a lot to me."
My heart fluttered. It felt great to hear someone thanking you but I remembered him walking out on me earlier after I saved him a seat.
"No worries." Umiling ako. "It's nothing. That's what I'm supposed to do. Ayokong may taong naaagrabyado, not on my watch."
Umiwas ako ng tingin sabay kain muli. Tumikhim siya.
"P'wede... p'wedeng makisabay?"
Nilingon ko siya. Suminghap siya't nagpaliwanag.
"W-Wala kasi akong kaibigan tapos..."
"I thought I was your friend?" I asked and continued munching on my food. "Pero sa bagay, nag-walk out ka nga pala kanina—"
"I wanna be your friend!" he exclaimed. I stopped and faced him.
"Hmm, really?" I shot my brow up.
"Yeah..." He nodded repeatedly. "Gusto... gusto kitang... kaibigan."
"Okay." I smiled and tapped my table. "Tara kain ka na, friend. May lunch ka ba? Marami 'to, hati tayo." I offered excitedly. He showed me his lunchbox, too.
"I have one, too," he answered. "Let's share, Adi."
We ate happily. It was our first time meeting each other but I was immediately comfortable. Simula no'n ay sabay na kami palagi at umiiwas sina Jud na awayin siya, lalo na kapag nando'n ako.
I became Ash's protector. I might be scared most of the time pero kapag si Ash na inaagrabyado nangangagat na ako!
Subukan n'yo lang saktan ang BFF ko! BEST. FRIENDS. FOREVER.
"Adi, may sabihin ako sa 'yo..." I paused from reading when I heard him.
"Oh?" tanong ko sabay kagat ng chips pero 'di siya sumagot. Nilingon ko't nahuling namumula na kaya kinunutan ko ng noo. "Ano? Bakit ka—"
"C-Crush kita!" he confessed after our three-day friendship.
"Huh?!" Nanlaki ang mata ko't nagwala ang puso.
"C-Crush kita..." aniya sabay tungo. "Alam kong 'di ako gwapo pero—"
"You are handsome your own way, Ash," sabat ko. Gulantang pa rin pero pilit na bumabalik sa sarili. "At saka ano... crush mo 'ko? Uh, thank you?"
He blinked rapidly. His adorable glasses even fell on the bridge of his nose.
"Ay, mean ba?" Suminghap ako. "I-I mean, uh, thank you kasi crush mo 'ko pero... pero kasi 'di pa 'ko ready sa ganyan at saka ano... friends tayo? A-Awkward kapag crush mo 'ko kasi friends tayo. Dapat 'di mo ko crush. Kasi kapag crush mo 'ko 'di na tayo p'wede maging f-friends?"
I lamented it in panic and in shock. His mouth parted.
"If... if I liked you, we can't be friends?" nagtatanya niyang sabi. Kinakabahang tumango ako.
"B-Bawal 'yon, 'di ba? Kapag friends... friends only? Kapag may crush dapat 'di na friends? Kasi kapag naging mag-crush, magiging mag-boyfriend? Tapos mag-aaway? Tapos break? Tapos 'di na pansinan? Strangers na?" naguguluhang sagot ko rin, walang ideya.
"O-Oh..." He nodded. "S-so if I liked you, I can't be around you anymore?"
"Oo?" Napakamot ako ng kilay. "Kasi 'di na friends 'yon? Crushing na tawag."
"Ah..." Tumango siya at binasa ang labi. "Alright, sige, 'di na kita crush."
"G-Good!" Awkward akong tumawa at sumimsim ng juice. "Tama 'yan, h-h'wag na... friends lang para forever."
Hays, tanga-tangang, Adira Venice. Kung alam ko lang na made-develop sana pinatulan ko na noon! Tanga! Matalino ka pero mas lamang kabobohan mo, babae!
"Adi... Adira?" I remained staring at Ashford's handsome apparition in front of me.
Paanong glow up ginawa ng lalaking 'to. From inaasar noon kasi chubby, ngayon ay habulin na kasi kagaya ng sabi ni Ate Crest kapag nasa beach kami—macho-gwapito.
Glow-up si Ash. Glow down si Adi.
Ha-ha. Cute.
"Boo? Ah, 'di ka gagalaw, ah? Paano kung halikan kita?" Ngumisi siya sabay lapit ng mukha.
"Boo-ang!" Natauhan ako nang maramdaman ang hininga niya sa ilong ko. I smacked his cheek, earning a laugh from him.
"Kidding..." Ngumisi siya kaya umiwas ako, namumula ang mukha.
"Kidding mo mukha mo..." Sumimangot ako.
Bakit 'di mo na lang totohanin? Puro ka salita! Kulang sa gawa, Guerrero!
"What's with you being grumpy today? Sinabi ko lang naman na mukha ka ng tao sa make-up, ah? Pero s'yempre, maganda ka na noon pa kahit wala 'yang kulay-kulay..." Hindi ako umimik at nanatiling nakatitig sa mga libro sa harapan ko.
"Tahimik naman. Gutom ka, 'no?" Tawa niya. Naramdaman kong may dumampi sa labi ko.
I glanced at it and saw it was chips. Ngumanga ako at tinanggap ang chichirya niya. Nilapit niya rin sa akin ang straw ng shake niya kaya sumimsim ako at nanatiling nakatitig sa notes.
"Adi..." he called, gently placing strands of my hair behind my ear. Unti-unti niya akong dinungaw. "Boo?"
"Oh?" Sinalubong ko ang tsokolate niyang mata at sinimangutan.
"Tama na basa, sasakit mata mo." Napapikit ako nang kunin niya ang salamin sa mga mata ko.
I sighed, tinulak ko nang marahan ang libro paalis sa harapan ko sabay hulog ng ulo para sana ipatong iyon sa lamesa nang bigla niyang inilusot ang braso. Doon nahulog ang ulo ko. Dumaing siya.
"Tss..." I scoffed. "Bakit kasi biglang maglalagay ng braso?" Simangot ko habang nakahiga patagilid ang ulo ko sa braso niya.
"Ano'ng gusto mo? Mahulog ulo mo sa matigas na lamesa? E 'di nabagok ka, Adira Venice." Umiling siya at medyo inihiga din ng bahgya ng ulo niya sa lamesa para pantayan ang ulo ko. "Bakit tulala ka?"
"Wala..." Umiling ako. "Naalala lang kita dati, 'yong cute na chubby ka." Tumawa ako.
"Ah..." Ngumisi siya. "Cute ako dati pero mas gwapo na ako ngayon, 'di ba?"
"Yabang..." Nguso ko pero napapatango. "Sa bagay..."
"Bakit ka pala tulala?" aniya, expressive ang mga mata.
I really still can't believe how his face has matured in just a few years from College to now that we're in law school.
"Gwapo ba, boo?" he asked. Nagwala ang puso ko lalo.
"Boo-ang," I mumbled and sighed. I gently crawled towards him and whispered. "Hungry ako, boo..."
"Hmm, I knew it." He chuckled huskily and touched my nose teasingly. "Tara, ano gusto mong lamunin? May bagong buffet na bukas d'yan, gusto mo? Libre ko."
"Really?!" Kumislap ang mata ko sa tuwa.
Saglit na napawi ang ngiti niya sa titig pero unti-unting umangat muli sabay tango.
"Of course, I'd treat you to any foods you like, boo." He winked. "I'd do anything just to make my bestfriend happy..."
Bestfriend. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha—aray. Ang sakit, ah?!
"Naman... dapat busog lagi ang bestfriend mo..." sabat ko pabalik sabay ngiti at pikit ng mata, tahimik na kinakusap si Lord.
Lord, p'wede ba mag-time travel? Babatukan ko lang 'yong past self ko na kung bakit siya sobrang slow at hindi pa pumatol sa crush offer nito!
"Taba ko dati, naalala ko ikaw ang Super Adi ko," aniya.
"Yeah... nakikisalo ka pa nga sa lunch ko, sabi mo diet ka na pero sigeng yaya pa rin sa kainan." Tumawa ako habang nakapikit at naaalala iyon.
He chuckled sexily. I shivered.
Oh, God. Please, have mercy on my poor heart, body, and soul!
"Remembered my offer before, Adi? It's been years now but... pa'no kapag sinabi ko sa 'yong gusto pa rin kita?" aniya. Bumalikwas ako sa gulat at nahulog sa lapag, una ang mukha.
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