Enjoy this 5,700+ words UD, mga chichi!

As usual, walang edit! Gaya nang wala pa akong tulog at may pasok ako in 4 hours time. 

Wahahah!

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"I'm sorry, my bad. Her first name's Off. Last name is Limits," I said with a smile but my eyes were cold.

They are men like me. They know if one is seriously pissed off but still wants to be nice or at least civil.

"Oh, I see," nakaangat ang kamay nila na nakangiti rin.

Hilaw na ngiti.

They may be from well-off families like me, but they know our level differences.

Wealth possibly not that much. But definitely not with influence and profession.

"We'll be on our way now," paalam ko.

I smiled at them again but this time, it was more genuine since they already got the message.

Especially that one of my bodyguards passed by us para mauna sa amin sa club house at ang dalawa ay nakasunod lang.

Pasimpleng kumaway ang mga kausap ko na sa palagay ko ay papunta sa mga yate nila.

"Attorney..." halos pabulong na tawag sa akin ni Laila

"Yes?"

"Nagkagalit yata kayo."

"Hindi. Huwag mo nang isipin yun."

"B-bakit ganun ang pag-uusap n'yo?"

"It's ... uhm... you know men."

"Hindi ko naiintindihan."

"Then do not bother yourself with it. Come, let's go to the club house first to register our arrival. I will also buy you a nice straw hat for the sun."

"Sabi nang tigilan ako sa kaka-English."

I chuckled, "Sorry, sorry."

We walked at Laila's pace.

Although not as fast as a regular person, I am happy that despite her vision impairment, her steps are confident.

And the lighter I felt when I asked her, "You don't have to hurry. Hindi ka ba kinakabahan na madapa ka?"

"Nakakapit naman ako sa iyo. Hindi mo naman hahayaang mangyari yun, di ba?"

"Of course not. Baka dalawa tayong gumulong sa daan."

"Sira!"

Sabay pa kaming natawa.

As expected, marami-rami ang members sa club house dahil weekend. Although, still not as many during summer.

I sat Laila at a coffee table near the reception.

"Gusto mo bang kumain kahit snacks lang? I just need to check with the admin something about my membership here."

"Matatagalan ka ba?"

"Uhm, maybe ten to fifteen minutes. Maiiwan sa iyo yung dalawang bantay."

Saka lang nagsabi si Laila na gusto ng juice.

I hailed a female server to get her order then gave my card to charge the bill. Saka ako pumunta sa admin office ng clubhouse.

Agad naman akong inasikaso ng manager doon na naka-duty. The clubhouse usually have one on weekends.

I asked them the current value per share, then decided to buy more as addition to my current shares since mukhang maganda ang performance ng investment sa club.

It actually reminded me of asking one of Juno's best friends, Paul. I might consider having him manage my stock investments outside Marquez Law Firm. Nawawalan na ako ng oras mag-monitor. Although, the Andie, Juno and their friends couples took his services and the feedback were good, I still need to talk to him about his terms, and review his portfolio.

"Marami nga ang nag-buy-in lately, Attorney," nakangiting sabi ng manager. "Here's the receipt."

Inabot ko na rin sa kanya ang pinirmahan kong dokumento.

"We will mail the stock certificate once signed by the board officers. Sa law firm pa rin ba?"

"Yes. Uhm, may mga yate akong nakita sa docking area. Di ako pamilyar," I commented.

"New members, Atty. Marquez. Apat na foreigners, dalawang Pinoy."

"Ah, I see."

"Asawa ng lawyer yung isa. I'm sure, kilala mo."

"Really? Who?"

"Rebecca Santiago-Navarro."

Fuck!

But, wait...!

"Kailan pa?" I asked casually.

"Almost three weeks ago lang na-confirm. Walang nag-contest mula nung i-post almost two months na," tapos ay humina ang boses dahil may dalawang staff na naroroon din sa admin office. "The board members were actually expecting you to contest. Nasa web page naman din kasi. But looks like busy ka. Hindi mo nakita, or maybe, you really just don't care."

I just shrug my shoulders. I want to make it appear that I just didn't care gaya nang isa sa mga pinagpapalagay nila.

But deep in my mind, I'm thinking.

Imposibleng si Rebecca ang naglakad noon.

She is not a fan of sailboats and the likes. She gets seasick.

One of the things we are incompatible about.

Same reason kung bakit naiwan din sa akin kung sino ang dalawang members dito ang nag-sponsor sa membership application niya. Dahil yun ang unang requirement para maging member dito. Ang may mag-vouch na dalawang existing members para gustong mag-apply.

Nagpaalam na ako. And on my way back to fetch Laila, I called Rob.

"Hey, wassup?"

"Can you check on a yacht purchase made under Rebecca's name?"

"Huh? She did? When?"

Sinabi ko sa kanya ang natuklasan ko at naiisip ko.

"Sorry, we did not look into her purchase activities."

"It's alright, bro. Wala rin naman yun sa isip ko since she was diagnosed with cancer aside from she's not a sea person. So who would have thought, right?"

"But given those reasons, I'm sure it was not her," sang-ayon ni Rob sa hinala ko. "How about the brother?"

"No, not him. Just like what your agency's previous report on him, Bran likes sports. Not to play but to bet."

"Alright, we'll check this. As soon as we got information, I'll let you know."

Medyo nakasimangot na si Laila pagbalik ko.

"Sorry, medyo natagalan," sabi ko agad. "Sana umorder ka pa ng maiinom or snack."

Umusli lalo ang nguso niya. Natawa na lang ako.

Kinuha ko ang card ko sa restaurant cashier tapos ay naghanap na kami ng summer straw hat ni Laila.

"Ikaw? Hindi ka bibili para sa iyo?" tanong niya.

"Uhm, may suot na akong cap, Lai."

"Eh di cap na lang din sa akin."

Napangiti ako, "Alright, bibili na rin ako para sa akin."

I like the idea anyway.

We got matching sun glasses and hat.

I noticed that despite her disability, Laila is enjoying our stroll around the premises of the clubhouse. I thought of calling the reception to get us their accredited car rental agency.

"Kotse uli?"

"Para mas kumportable tayo," dahilan ko. "Ayaw mo ba?"

"Ano, nakakabawas lang kasi sa pakiramdam na probinsya."

I suddenly made a mental note to follow up that business deal I had with Jeannete.

"Kaya ko namang maglakad," dugtong niya.

Napakamot ako sa batok. Bahagya nang mainit sa balat ang sinag ng araw. We were only getting shade from the trees along the road trail we were walking on. For someone who isn't used to walking and blind, it would be some distance on foot going to the town proper or kahit doon lang sa sand bar na nagdudugtong sa Paniquian Island.

"Uhm, how about ... trike?" I asked.

"Trike?"

"Yung local motorcycle na may sidecar?"

"Ah, traysikel?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Okay lang sa 'yo?" she asked.

"Sure."

Pinauna ko ang isang bodyguard para mas madali kaming makakuha nang marerentahang tricycle.

Tatlo ang kinontrata ko para sa amin, at mga bodyguards.

We ate at a local restaurant. As expected, the food there weren't classy but the taste was good.

And what I just realized is that for the multiple times I came here in the past, ngayon lang ako talaga nakapag-ikot sa Puerto Galera.

And in a freaking bumpy and small tricycle. Haha!

Madalas lang kasi ako clubhouse, my yacht and the beach area.

I could not put a tag price to Laila's laughter in disbelieve upon learning this fact.

Naging obvious na kasi na hindi ko alam kung saan ang mga lugar dito dahil ilang beses na nagtanong ang tricycle driver kung saan kami, at ang mga naging mga sagot ko lang ay,

"Kung saan magandang mamasyal, Manong."

"May mairerekomenda ba kayong lugar na makakabili ng pasalubong?"

"Sandali, tatanungin ko yung kasama namin."

Sa tipo ng trabaho ng mga agents ni Rob, naisip ko ang malaking posibilidad na may alam sila sa lugar.

"Akala ko ba, nakailang punta ka na dito?" si Laila.

"Oo, bakit?"

"Eh parang hindi mo alam kung saan tayo pupunta."

"Uhm, actually, kanina pa tayo naliligaw," nangingiti kong pag-amin, himas-himas ang baba.

She laughed out loud.

I'll bet my arm that that was her first after she got ditched at the altar.

Yeah, naubos ang maghapon naming nag-stroll habang naliligaw.

Halos nakalimutan ko na nga ang tungkol kay Navarro.

Papadilim na nang makabalik kami sa clubhouse. There we had our dinner with its famous curry buffet menu.

Ang nasa isip ko lang naman ay maranasan at matikman ng babae ang nasabing especialty dito, nakalimutan ko na,

"A-attorney...?"

"Hmm?" I looked up at her from my plate.

"Maraming tao dito kapag gabi, ano?"

"Uhm, tonight, yeah. Mostly, local tourists."

Then I told her that aside from the members, the clubhouse is open to the public for the buffet.

"Why? Aren't you comfy with the crowd?" I asked.

"H-hindi naman. Ayos lang. Masasanay rin ako."

I smiled to what I heard.

I like that she has been saying things recently which have good unconscious meanings.

As we were finishing our dessert,

"Ralph, hey you!"

It's Bret and James. Mga members din dito. They're best buds.

Tumayo ako para batiin sila.

We shook hands.

"Care to join us?" alok ko.

"Sure, but we won't take long," tanggi ni Bret sabay tumuro sa isang panig ng clubhouse. "Wifey's there and the kids."

Kumaway ako sa asawa nito na ibinalik ang pagbati ko sa pagtaas ng wine glass niya.

"How about yours?" I asked James as they sat with us in that round table.

Mapakla itong ngumiti.

"That's actually the reason we approached you."

I got the message. I immediately pulled out my business card.

"Call my secretary. She'll set an appointment for you to one of our teams specializing with your concern."

"Thanks, pal," then he looked at Laila's direction with interest.

I got a bit alarmed.

"By the way, guys," I suddenly said. "She's—"

"Ms. Off Limits, right?" Bret injected.

I was caught off-guard but I bounced back with a chuckled.

"Well... things spread like a wildfire here, yeah?"

Mahina kaming natawang tatlo. Then, I introduced them to Laila.

I saw both men had this question plastered on their faces and looks like Laila kind'a sensed it.

"Bulag ako," she volunteered the information. "Uhm, pero medyo nakakaaninag. Medyo lang."

Another good sign.

She said that as if matter-of-factly.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," sabay pa nilang nasabi.

I know both meant well but I didn't like what a possible impact on it to Laila. So,

"It can be fixed by operation," salo ko.

"Then that's good," si Bret. "Who's your optha?"

"Uhm..." Laila was lost for an answer.

"Magpapalit kami ng surgeon," ako na ang sumagot. "I prefer female doctors for her."

Nangingiting-naiiling ang dalawa. Then James said,

"My aunt's an ophthalmologist. She's affiliated to some big hospitals in the Metro. I'll send you her number. I got your card, anyway."

"Oh, thanks."

Nagpaalam na ang dalawa. And after our dessert, we billed out as well.

"Attorney...?"

All my senses became alert. Napatayo ako bigla mula sa gilid ng yate.

"Di ba sabi ko—"

"Nakatatlong tawag na ako, hindi ka sumasagot," katwiran niya. "Akala ko, nakatulog ka na diyan nang nakaupo kaya lumapit na ako. Hindi ka kasi gumagalaw."

"Uh... sorry," was the most appropriate thing to say.

Then I let out a soft sigh.

Di ko lang talaga maiwasan ang mahulog sa pag-iisip. Pagbalik namin sa yate after the dinner at the clubhouse, natanggap ko ang report galing sa Agoncillo Agency about Navarro. I read it while I started fishing.

Hindi pa kumpleto ang impormasyon. Rob is awaiting for a green light from me if I want to pursue further information that may be gathered by a physical agent. Ito kasing binigay niya, galing lang sa mga hackers niya.

Looks like the yacht was paid cash. No electronic payment transaction or bank check issued for a boat purchase sa records ni Rebecca or ni Navarro. Kung ganoon sana, madali lang.

Hindi naman basta makukuha ang paper documents nito without warrant. Even yacht clubs have privacy clause for the members.

I am not sure if it worth it to know how he acquired the yacht. Alam ko na naman ang itsura noon.

But there are things bothering me about the report itself.

At his current stature, it is normal for Navarro to apply to club memberships. Actually, sabit na nga siya sa benefits kung saan kabilang ang asawa niya. At may mga clubs na pare-pareho kaming members. Pero yung sa report ng Agoncillo, bago lang siya sa tatlong yacht clubs na kabilang ako.

Sabay-sabay na um-apply at na-confirm gaya nitong sa PGYC.

At naka-dock ang yate nito dito sa Puerto Galera mula nang makumpirma ang membership ni Navarro.

Hindi bumabalik ang isa kong bodyguard na pinabalik ko sa docking area gamit ang pumpboat ng yate. I asked him to check Navarro's yacht in the docking area.

And we don't have a clear idea were husband and wife are now. Their cellphones last pinged in a cell tower near their residence but that was four days ago. Navarro was on leave from Santiago since Wednesday. My only consolation was that his reason was to be with his wife. And knowing Rebecca, kung alam nito na kaarawan ni Laila last Friday at nakakaramdam ito sa ginagawa ng asawa, sigurado akong sinadya ngbabae ang bakasyon nilang yun.

"Ilan na ang huli mo?" tanong ni Laila.

I cleared my throat, "Dalawa pa lang. Ibinalik ko yung iba sa dagat."

"Maliliit ba?"

"Sort of," kaila ko.

"Inaantok na ako."

"Done reading?"

"Dalawang beses ko nang natapos yun."

"Huh? Why... bakit di mo sinasabi sa akin? Nakabili sana tayo nang bago."

She only shrugged her shoulders.

"You sure you want to go to bed? Baka gusto mo munang samahan ako?" I offered.

"Napagod kasi ako sa lakad kanina. Gusto ko na matulog para may lakas ako bukas. Sabi mo may pupuntahan tayong sand bar at white beach."

She was looking forward to it.

I like that, but I am somewhat apprehensive to dock back at the port.

"Okay. Halika, hatid kita sa cabin."

Binawi ko ang linya sa dagat at inilagay ang fishing sa holder.

Tsk! There's no more bait in the hook.

Panlima na yata ito.

"Uhm, ano'ng oras ka matutulog?" she asked after I tucked her to bed.

"Maya-maya. Hindi pa ako inaantok."

"Kailangan mo rin magpahinga. Di ba kaya ka nga nagplano nito, para mag-relax?"

"Fishing is relaxing for me."

Nailang ako dahil parang inaaninag niya ang ang mukha ko.

I cleared my throat again then planted a kiss on her head.

"Sleep," I said.

"Attorney, relaxing ba sa iyo ang pag-iisip nang malalim?"

"Huh?"

"Yun ang ginagawa mo kanina pa habang nangingisda ka."

I let out a soft chuckled.

"It can't be helped, Lai. Maraming naiwang trabaho sa firm."

"Ano pa ang silbi ng out of town na 'to kung naiwan pa rin sa Maynila ang utak mo?"

She knows without even seeing it.

I let out a sigh.

"Alright, so what do you want me to do?"

"Hintayin mo akong makatulog bago ka bumalik sa pagpi-fishing."

Natawa na ako.

"Ang dami mong sinabi, yun lang pala ang gusto mo."

She smiled, "'Lika, higa ka muna dito sa tabi ko."

So I did. I snuggled in her neck. But what happened was, I fell asleep in her arms.

I opened my eyes because sun rays were already entering through the cabin's portholes. But my first sight was the set of cracked marble-like eyes watching me.

I smiled and said, "Good morning."

Natawa ako nang mahina dahil bigla siyang nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Ano'ng oras na?"

"E-ewan ko."

Saka siya nagtangkang bumangon pero niyakap ko siya.

"Later. Let's stay here a bit more."

"Ang haba na ng tulog mo."

"Kanina ka pa gising?"

When she did not answer but bit her lower lip, I took that as a yes.

Yes, she was watching me for quite some time before I opened my eyes.

"You should have woken me up."

"Ang himbing pa ng tulog mo. Tsaka kailangan mo nang maayos na pahinga."

It felt warm in my chest, so I said, "Five minutes. Let's cuddle some more."

Nagpilit siyang tumayo na, "N-nagugutom na ako."

Wala na akong nagawa.

"Boss, inihaw na namin yung dalawang huli mo sa Coleman kagabi," abiso nang isang crew ko.

"Sure."

"Parang mahina ang huli mo kahapon, Attorney, ah. "

"Nah, we were damn tired. Medyo maaga kaming natulog. Naiwan ko yung fishing rod sa top deck. Nasaan na?"

"Itinago na namin sa lazarette, Attorney. Gagamitin n'yo ba?"

"Mamaya pa. Kukunin ko na lang. Salamat."

Saglit kong kinausap ang isa sa mga bodyguards na nagpaiwan sa clubhouse kagabi.

"Hindi ko nakita, Ralph," ang report niya. "Pwedeng kaya naririto pa ang report sa port control ay dahil sira at pinapaayos."

"How about Navarro?"

Umiling ito, "Hindi ko rin nakita. Wala ring entry ng pangalan niya sa logbook sa clubhouse at port authority sa nakaraang tatlong araw."

"So naririto siya recently?"

"Nawalan na ako ng oras para tingnan beyond that. Mahuhuli ako."

After that, we joined Laila and the others for breakfast then docked back to the clubhouse.

This time ako na ang nasunod. There's a car and two motorcycles waiting for us.

We went to Talipanan where the Iraya Mangyan Village is.

As expected, Laila smiled upon touching the native products the tribe people were selling there.

"Buy anything you want," I urged her.

"Eh... di ko nadala yung wallet ko. Nasa bahay."

I smiled. Still a proud blind girl.

"Ako na ang bahala. Ibabawas ko sa magiging suweldo mo kapag nagtrabaho ka na sa Marquez."

Natigilan siya at napayuko, although still holding that native woven hamper-like basket.

I knew she was contemplating, maybe doubting to my sincerity about the eye operation.

Then after a few seconds...

"R-raphael..."

It was almost a whisper but her calling me by my name would always bring a jolt to my chest.

"Y-yes?"

Damn! I didn't know why I stuttered.

"Ayoko sa false hopes," still a whisper but I sense a little hope in her tone.

"It is not, Lai. You heard James last night. We will get in touch with his aunt," then I took that item she's holding. "Come, let's take this one. And choose some more."

Again, we had an early lunch at a local restaurant. Well, more like a carinderia, I guess. Rekomendasyon nang isa sa mga bodyguards ko dahil masarap daw ang mga ulam doon.

Di naman ako nagsisi because,

"Ganito magluto si Nanay," Laila said with a nostalgic smile.

"You miss her."

"Siyempre."

"Si Grandma rin, ganito ang mga luto," I chimed.

"Asan na siya?"

"Uhm...," I shook my head slowly. "Passing the bar was my tribute to her."

"S-sorry."

"It's alright. She passed away with a smile. All us her boys were by her bedside that time."

"Boys?"

"Lolo, Dad and me."

"Only child kayo ng daddy mo, ano?"

"Uhuh."

Then the random chitchat continued until we headed to a one not so crowded but beautiful white sand beach in the west side of the island.

"Hindi ba nakakahiya?" she asked.

Papahakbang na kami palabas ng two-room cottage na nirentahan ko para sa maghapong yun.

"First time mo bang mag-bathing suit?"

She's wearing a one-piece blue swimwear.

"Eh, h-hindi. Ano kasi, matagal na yung huli. Uhm, hindi ko alam ang itsura ko ngayon."

"You're beautiful, Lai."

"Huwag kang sinungaling."

"Kailan ko ginawa yun sa iyo?"

Doubt still mirrors her face.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Lai. And when I am the beholder saying it, then it is ultimately true."

Ngumuso ito. But I think it was her way to suppress a smile. I think see even blushed.

"Sigurado ka, okay lang itsura ko?"

She really needs some boosting. Her self-confidence is way low.

"More than okay. Kakasabi ko lang, di ba?"

Saka lang siya lumabas ng pinto.

Yet, I can feel she still feels uncomfortable as we walk along the warm and fine white sand.

"Lai, realx. Some women here are in skimpy bikinis. May mga foreigners pang nakadapa at topless."

"Tinitingnan mo?"

"Ha? Alin?"

"Yung mga naka-ano... bikini tsaka topless."

"Seeing is different than looking at them."

"Ganun din yun."

"Nope. Yung nakita kasi nasa line of vision moa ng isang bagay o tao ay hindi intensyional. Yung tiningnan, may –"

"Oo na. Oo na. Ang daming sinabi. Abogado ka nga."

Napakamot ako sa batok.

Masama ba ang magpaliwanag?

She doesn't know how to swim, so she just wanted to stay in the shallow part of the beach. I rented a big floater for her so she could join me in the deep part of the water.

She made me promise not to leave her.

"Ako ang nagyaya sa iyo dito, bakit kita iiwan?"

A bad line of question as I saw a painful memory crossed her face.

Damn it!

I am beginning to admit that I am not just utterly pissed at Navarro because of his betrayal to me. It disgusted me when he left her humiliated at the altar. It angered me that after some years, he even had the face to be the lawyer against Mang Ben.

But... what I cannot swallow now is the fact that I envy that fucking Navarro.

Because Lai is still hurting for him.

I am hurting, too.

Hurting but not sure if because of that envy.

Maybe... maybe... because at the back of my mind, if only my mother was as devoted to my father like Laila to Navarro... most probably, I am not like this.

Maybe, I am like Reid and Rob.

A believer.

A believer of love.

But no.

I know I am capable of all emotions and feelings... except that loving devotion for a specific woman.

"Gusto mo na bang bumalik sa pampang?" I suddenly ask.

I do not like what I am feeling and thinking now.

"H-hindi. Ayos lang ako dito. Ano, basta huwag kang lalayo sa paglangoy."

"Andyan lang sa malapit ang mga body guards natin."

"K-kahit na. Hindi sila pwedeng mag-jet ski dito sa maraming corals."

"You have a point. Alright, I won't let go of the rope on your floater. Do you want to try?" alok ko.

"Nagpapatawa ka. Ano'ng makikita ko kapag nag-snorkling ako?"

I just chuckled.

"Don't worry. I will make sure you will see how amazing it is under the sea. Just wait."

We look like an odd couple here. I mean, kakaunti lang ang naririto ngayon, pero kahit saang napuntahan kong snorkeling area, si Laila lang yata ang alam kong naka-floater. A big one.

But I don't care.

I won't let her out of my side and sight here in Puerto Galera.

I cannot be so calm until I know Navarro's location.

When Laila said she is getting, which I can truly understand since I am the only one enjoying the view under water, I obliged.

Nang malapit na kami sa pampang, kinawayan ko ang isa sa mga bodyguards namin na nakasunod lang.

"Nakapag-jet ski ka na ba?"

She shook her head yet I can see excitement in her eyes. And when I asked her to,

"Hindi ba delikado?"

"Just hold on to me. May life vest ka ring isusuot."

And since it was already afternoon, the wave are more active.

At first, I can feel Laila was a bit awkward hugging my waist from my back. At medyo natatakot.

But I encouraged her to convert the fear to fun.

A few more minutes, we were both laughing. Especially when one of my bodyguards played race with us and splashing water at each other.

Then my bodyguard signaled to me.

"Babalik na tayo sa pampang?" Laila asked because I slowed down.

"No. May paparating na tatlong jet skiers. More people means lesser space for us. We might get into an accident if we keep playing here like kids."

She had fun, I could tell. Dahil naramdaman ko ang pagbagsak ng balikat niya. Hindi ko yata kayang tapusin ang kasiyahan niya.

"Don't worry," then I started the jet ski towards the farther part of the water. "We'll play with the waves."

"Jet ski surfing?"

"Something like that."

"Dapat isang tao lang sa ganun, di ba?"

"For competitions, yes. Because they ride the big waves. We'll be with small to medium. Parang duyan lang."

"Okay."

I thought someone called my name so I turned my head to look back. I saw my bodyguards signaling something but got blocked by the two jet skiers going towards to where Laila and I are headed.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin. Basta kinawayan ko na lang ito at pinaandar na ang jet ski na sinasakyan namin ni Laila.

Hindi sa nagpapasikat ako o anupaman kung kanino. Gusto ko lang na mauna kami kung saan may magagandang alon na sasapat sa sinabi kong maranasan ni Laila.

It's nice to know that Laila enjoys riding the waves. She did learn how to overcome fear, and going beyond to what she got used to in the past years being blind.

I feel this trip is really worth it.

We even had a chance to slightly talk about her eye operation.

"Tight ang schedule ko this coming week. Subukan kong maisingit na makapunta tayo sa tita ni James as soon as I get her number from him pagpunta niya sa lawfirm."

"Agad-agad?"

"The sooner, the better, right?"

"Parang ... parang gusto kong kabahan bigla," she said as if talking to herself.

"Why?"

Saglit siyang di nagsalita, bago, "A-ang tagal kong inasam. Pero, ang... ang dami kasing nangyari. H-hanggang ... hindi ko na inasahan. A-actually.... Nitong nangyari kay Tatay, tuluyan ko na yung sinukuan. Tapos, eto nga. B-baka—"

"You will have that operation, Lai. I never turn my back on my words. Kahit mag-away pa tayo nang matindi."

She did not say another word. But I felt her head rest on my back, then her arms around my waist tighten a bit. Saka siya nagbuntung-hininga.

"Gusto mo bang ikaw ang mag-drive?" I offered to shoo away the doubts in her mind.

"Sira ka ba?" natatawa niyang sagot.

"Aalalayan naman kita. Dagat naman ito. Malayo ang agwat sa atin nung ibang nagje-jet ski."

"H-hindi ako marunong."

It's almost a yes, aside from the tone of her voice suppressing the excitement.

"Tuturuan kita. Abot ko ang manibela kahit nasa likod mo ako. It's your birthday, Lai. Make it a goal to learn something new every time you celebrate it."

"Ganun ba'ng ginagawa mo?"

"Uhm, hindi. Naisip ko lang sabihin para pumayag ka."

Sabay pa kaming natawa.

Inilipat ko ang pagkakakabit ng safety lanyard sa vest niya paglipat ko sa likod.

She's an attentive student. Didn't take much time for her to learn.

She shrieked in pure fun and I laughed when tried to speed off. I was her eyes if there's a big wave to watch out for or other jet skiers nearby.

Nasa paligid din naman ang dalawang bodyguards ko. Naiwan ang isa sa pampang para mabantayan ang cottage namin.

But sometimes, no matter how you try to be careful, there are things beyond your control ... like other people.

Not sure if it is because of stupidity, arrogance, plain bullying or jerk of a dare. But I should have seen it coming. Ako ang may paningin. Nakita ko na nadagdagan pa nang lima ang nagje-jet ski at mas mga bata sa amin. Dapat ay pinalitan ko na uli si Laila sa harap.

Dahil nang udyukan ko ang babae na salubungin ang isang may bahagyang kalakihang alon, ay may pumina sa tagiliran naming magkasunod na nagje-jet ski.

Huli na nang marinig ko ang pasigaw na warning nang isa sa mga bodyguards ko.

Lumikha iyun nang malakas na pagsaboy ng tubig sa direksyon namin ni Laila at natural na ikinagulat ng babae. Ang mga iyun ang naging dahilan nang pagtagilid nang sinasakyan namin. At tuluyang tumaob dahil sa alon na dapat ay sasalubungin namin.

Before I totally fell into the water, I heard laughters.

I was furious but I set it aside because in a glimpse, I saw that Laila didn't let go of the jet ski. I can understand her action. She doesn't know how to swim. So when it capsized, it fell on her head.

As much as I wanted to reach her, I got to catch my breath first. Sea water got into my mouth as well. I started coughing.

I heard my two bodyguards coming to our rescue. Both immediately jumped into the water as soon as their jet ski reached us.

"Not me... not me!" agad kong sinabi ng pumalibot sa leeg ko ang braso nang isa sabay pagpalag. "Let go! God damn it! Si Laila!"

"Andun na si Pong, Ralph," pigil sa akin ni Gil. "Nakainom ka nang tubig-dagat."

I did not pay heed to what he said, "Let me go!"

I was so worried. Naka-vest man si Laila pero hindi siya agad lumutang.

I swam under the water.

There I saw her heavily panicking underwater as Pong was trying to free her from her vest.

Looks like it got caught in the steering control.

At bago pa siya mapakawalan ng bodyguard ko, humina na ang paggalaw ng babae.

Halos wala na siyang malay nang mahatak ko paibabaw sa tubig.

"Make sure to know who those two bastards are," bilin ko kay Gil. "I'll make them pay."

"Sige na," ang sagot nito matapos tumango. "Ako na ang bahala sa jet ski niyo."

May tatlong jet skiers ang dumalo na rin. May kumaway sa direksyon ng pampang para alarmahin ang lifeguards.

We used Pong's jet ski to get us back to the shore. Laila was almost motionless between me and him.

Laila was given first aid at the shore and was brought to the resort's clinic. She threw up a lot of water, even some semi-digested food. She even got a big bump on her forehead. Although she was proclaimed out of danger, we were advised that she be brought to the hospital for further checking.

Of course, I strongly agreed to that. I didn't want to gamble. She still looks shaken, dizzy and weak.

The resort's emergency van brought us to one of the popular private hospitals here.

"I'm so sorry, Lai," paulit-ulit kong sabi mula pa kaninang mahimasmasan siya sa resort pa lang. "I should .... I should—"

"A-ayos lang ako, Raphael," she weakly replied. "Balik na lang tayo sa yate."

We were in a private room of the hospital. It was the most expensive room but not big. Compared to Manila, it is like a regular room of a not popular hospital. But I understand. We are in the province

"No, Lai. The doctor said you need to be observed at least for one day. And we are still waiting for your lab results."

I called my secretary to let her know that I'll be on emergency leave tomorrow.

"Move my appointments and meetings. Tell Atty. Bautista to take care of our client's hearing tomorrow. It's just an arraignment anyway. I might be out until Tuesday or so. I'll advise you tomorrow."

"Okay, Attorney. Anything else?"

"That's all. Sorry to bother you on your weekend off."

"No problem. Pasalubong na lang, boss."

Maikli akong natawa, "Sure."

It was past six in the evening when the doctor cleared Laila for discharge.

"Pahinga ka at least three more days. No strenuous movement. If you feel even slight dizziness in the next one week, consult your family doctor."

We were in the car going back to the clubhouse,

"Lai...?"

"Hmmm...?"

"Would... would you still want going to the beach in the future?"

"Oo naman."

I smiled.

Naalala ko lang kasi si Juno noong mahulog ang sinasakyang kotse sa bangin kasama si Carlito Sorriente. According to Rob, it took more than half a year before Juno swam in the sea. Kung hindi pa niya kinumbinsi noong nasa Australia sila.

Pero ako na rin ang sumagot sa sarili kong pag-aalala.

That incident is way traumatizing than this.

I just got a bit worried. Laila just survived from drowning.

Damn it. I feel guilty.

As we were getting off from our ride sa parking ng car rentals sa clubhouse, ay may pitong tao ang papunta sa direksyon namin.

"Boss..."

Napatingin ako kay Vic, ang isa sa bodyguards ko na naka-motor at siyang nagbukas ng cardoor para sa amin.

"Yes?"

"Yung sinabi ko sa inyo kagabi."

I immediately understood with how he motioned his eyes.

Shit!

But the hell!

Inalalayan ko si Laila pababa.

"Don't tell me, we are riding the same car?" mataray na sabi ng babaeng bagong dating.

Natensyon agad ang kamay ni Laila sa narinig.

"Eh, Ma'm, mga thirty minutes to an hour pa po makakabalik ang kasunod na mga nag-renta. Weekends po kami maraming available."

"Then, we'll just wait."

Inakbayan ko na si Laila para makalayo na kami. There is no sense greeting this couple.

"Rebecca, this will do. Mahuhuli tayo sa flight natin."

"Then we will book another tomorrow!"

"We'll use the yacht."

"Ayoko. Ikaw lang naman ang may gustong bumili nun. At pwede ba, huwag na tayong magpilitan, Justin. Nai-stress ako. Alam mong bawal sa akin yun!"

With that, I heard footsteps behind us.

"Attorney..." mahinang tawag ni Laila.

"Keep walking. Don't mind them."

But because Laila is blind and with the recent accident, I can't force her to walk faster. Iniisip ko na kargahin na lang siya pero ayokong bigyan ng nosyon ang kasunod namin na umiiwas kami.

I hate giving them the feeling that they have dominance over us.

Nag-overtake sila sa amin.

Rebecca moves as if she isn't ill with cancer, but when she turned to us, I saw the effect of her medication and chemotherapy on her.

She's thinner with dark circles around her eyes. And I think her hair is only an expensive wig.

"I wonder why you two are here. Dating your client, Atty. Marquez?"

"Rebecca, stop it!" pagigil na awat ni Navarro sa asawa.

"No, I'm just curious. I thought it is a pro-bono case against my family's friends. Looks like it isn't," tapos ay malisyosong tiningnan kami ni Laila.

Humigpit ang kapit ni Laila sa bewang at tapat ng suot kong t-shirt.

"Don't make a scene he—" nahinto sa pagsasalita si Navarro dahil napatingin kay Laila. "What happened to your forehead?"

"The hell you care?" I asked flatly.

"Too much bumping of each other's pelvis, I guess?" Rebecca injected scoffing.

Blood suddenly rushed to my head, but got stopped to what I was about to say because Laila replied to Navarro's wife without stuttering,

"Nahulog kami sa jet ski habang nagpo-propose sa akin si Raphael."

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