Napahaba na naman, mga chichi! 5.8k words kaya huwag lalo umasa sa edit. Wala na talaga akong time sa ganun! Hahaha!

Happy holidays!

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Ralph's POV

I have been itching to go to the Centeno's house.

Kaya lang, mahigpit na bilin ni Rob na hangga't maari ay hindi kami magkasabay ni Laila sa pagpunta kay Mang Ben. Lalo na hindi dapat ako ang susundo at maghahatid pauwi sa kanya kapag dadalaw sa ama.

It only means na hindi rin ako dapat nagdididikit sa babae.

Ang kaligtasan lang ni Laila ang dahilan kaya nagpipigil ako na hindi sumakay sa kotse at magmaneho papunta sa bahay nila nung nakaraang linggo.

But damn!

All those urges burst like a bubble after Navarro had the gall to show his face at the Centeno's residence.

At itong si Laila? Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit papayag na makapasok sa bahay nila ang lalaking yun!

That is the reason I want to be just around her. She's not thinking straight. So gullible that's why Navarro can easily play her.

I was so pissed off upon learning that. And my anger exploded when she did not take my call.

I'm sure alam niyang ako ang tumatawag para pagbawalan siyang bumaba. That's why I asked Rob. I knew that hard-headed woman would take the call if it's him.

"Yes, I heard. Itinawag sa akin ng agency. Si Rolly daw ang nag-inform," Rob said over the phone.

"Can you call her, please?" pigil na gigil kong sabi.

"Her who? Elsa?"

"No, si Laila. Pagsabihan mo."

"Sure. But why don't you? Sa iyo raw unang itinawag."

"She's not taking my call."

"Why is that?"

"She knew I'd scold her. We always fight about Navarro."

"Always? Palagi kayong nagkikita?"

"I.... I..."

Shit!

Kilala ko ang tono ni Rob.

Nanghuhuli ito. At may tagong panunukso.

"Kapag nagkikita kami, madalas kaming magtalo."

"That was not my question. Yung frequency nang pagkikita-"

"God damn it, Agoncillo! Can you just fucking call her?!"

"Okay... okay..." natatawang sabi. "Tatawagan ko naman talaga. I was just on a call with KC about my surprise wedding in Palawan next week. Chill."

I checked my bags again before getting out of my room. Just want to make sure that I got everything set out from my clothes to documents.

Aside from attending Rob's wedding, I would be presenting the legal papers para sa proposal ni Reid at Andie to lease the land of the Dayrits in Bataan. Mike said he is sure that he can convince Roqueña to agree.

It got a lot of preparation to do. Hindi alam ni Roqueña na nag-ocular inspection na kami ni Reid sa lugar nila. My bestbud want to do it immediately dahil baka magbago ang isip niya at sa ibang lugar pa mag-invest. Baka raw magtampo sa kanya ang asawa at ina.

Kaibigang dikit ni Andie si Mike. Same goes to Tita Alice and Mike's mother, Dolly. From what I've heard, Tita Dolly really likes Kennie and Gelo... for her son.

Well, everyone was actually thinking na anak nga ni Mike yung bata. But the real father surfaced.

Kaya patung-patong ang mga ginawa ko last week.

I have to work with Mike, Rob and Reid on the plans about sa issue ng illegal fish pens sa beach property ng mga Dayrit.

I got to lay out everything well because according to Agoncillo agency, kinukunsinti ng mayor nina Kennie ang illegal fish pen dahil ang pamilya ng congressman pala ang lihim na may-ari.

We are not scared or what. Our group is tight. We have the money, security, and Mike's relatives are also in the government.

My Grandpa and Dad are friends with some high profile people in DOJ.

We just have to anticipate the worst case scenario kung papalag ang politiko o ang pamilya nito.

This is to assure Kennie that she and Gelo are safe and protected, which is Mike's primary objective.

That was the excuse I told Elsa na hindi na ako makakasama sa optha consultation ni Laila. Busy ako. Work-related.

Sakto naman na yung araw na mismong yun ang sinabi ni Rob na maibabalik ang van ng mga Centeno na bullet-proof na ang mga pinto at bintana.

But to be true to myself, I was just pissed off at Laila. I got my calendar cleared for that appointment.

Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang kumpirmasyon mula kay Elsa at Rolly na pumayag siyang papasukin si Navarro sa bahay nila at makipag-usap.

Too pissed na kahit sabihin ni Rob na kahit papaano ay may mabuting naidulot ang pagpunta doon ni Navarro.

"Mas lumalabo na siya ang nag-utos, Ralph. You still think it's from their camp?"

"I don't know. Rebecca is still sick. Last I heard, hindi nag-iimprove ang health condition. Bran is definitely not going out of jail soon. Grandpa and Dad also do not think na yung matandang Santiago. May Alzheimer's disease na nga. At sa tinagal na magkalaban ng lawfirms namin, walang ganitong ambush attempts from either side. We know we cannot do that to each other dahil ang bawat isa rin ang mangunguna sa listahan ng prime suspects."

"Well then, babalik tayo sa mga taong galit sa iyo, which would be, mga kalaban ng clients mo from previous and on-going cases."

"Yeah, ganun na nga. Though I'm wondering how Navarro got the idea about Laila beingin the car with me."

"Siguradong may nagbibigay ng impormasyon sa kanya sa mismong Pasay City jail. Sabay kayong dumating ni Laila after the incident. Same day."

"Kunsabagay," sang-ayon ko.

Normal ang ganun lalo na kung ang kaso ay may importansiya para sa abogado o nagdemanda.

"Wait..."

Pumasok ang secretary niya sa office base sa narinig ko. Kinumpirma ang flight schedule ni Rob papuntang Palawan.

"Why not use a chopper?" suggestion ko nang balikan ako sa phone. "Sayang ang privilege natin as shareholders sa AZ."

Yun ang kumpanya na nagpaparenta ng private air transport kung saan nagpasok kami ng investment magkakaibigan just a couple of months back. We get to have twelve free air transport use in a year. But only for personal or family use. That is aside from the earnings from the shares we bought.

"Hindi naman emergency ang lakad ko. Better to reserve the chopper at baka bigla ring kailanganin sa agency. Hindi pa ganun karami ang units ng AZ."

Yun ang pinakadahilan ni Rob sa pag-invest sa AZ. Para may discount ang agency niya kapag magrerenta. Kami ni Reid, more for personal use. Or for 'courting' a client because private chopper or chartered plane rides can come in handy as a glamorous treat.

And he was right. AZ is a fairly young company. Compared to its competitors, hindi pa ganun karami ang registered air transport units nila. But one thing is sure, bago ang mga yun. We even checked the records of their pilots, wala kaming nakitang masama.

"Anyway, I have to go. May incoming call ako. Baka si Jun. May check-up si Thunder today. I have to be there."

"Okay, sure. Thanks, pal."

"Dad...?" I knocked on his door.

"Go fetch your Grandpa in his room. Baka nakikipagtalo na naman sa nurse niya," ang sabi mula sa kabilang panig ng pinto. "My stuff are already in the front porch. Be down there with you."

Kasama ko silang dalawa para dumalo sa kasal ni Rob at Juno. My olds could not say no to my bestbud's parents. And likewise as Reid and Rob's parents.

Matagal na silang magkakilala pero naging magkaka-close lang nitong maging magkakaibigan kaming tatlo nina Reid at Rob. Us, their children, made our families like an alliance. And it expanded when we got the dela Cruz sisters' friends in our group.

With that, we almost have everything.

Hotel and restaurant, security service, building and development, influence from politics and military, casino entertainment, food industry, and experts in law, investment and vehicles.

Although I am not counting the influence coming from the drag racing community because that was illegal, may mahuhugot kaming impormasyon o tulong doon.

Mataas ang respeto ng community sa tinaguriang power trio. Lalo na sa tinatawag nilang Dyosa which happened to surrender her unscarred stat to my best friend. Nagagamit nga ni Rob nang pasimple ang grupo sa pag-iimbestiga para sa agency niya.

And we watch each other's backs.

One call is all it takes and someone will surely come.

Nakita ko na yun noong mabaril si Juno, at magkagulo si Kho at ang mga Lacierda. Ngayon naman ay para kay Roqueña dahil kay Montecillo.

Napangiti ako.

I may be an only child but I have brothers and sisters outside my bloodline.

I know that Dad and Grandpa are very happy about it. Sa hindi ko malamang dahilan kasi, paisa-isa lang yata ang mga anak sa bawat henerasyon namin. Starting from my great-grandfather. Lucky thing was, lalaki lagi. May tagatuloy ng apelyido ng mga Marquez.

But for me, parang ayoko na iisa lang ang anak. I may be spoiled with everything... but it's lonely.

Gusto ko kahit dalawa o tatlo. Yung may anak na babae at lalaki.

Nangingiting napapailing ako sa naisip.

Ni ayoko ngang mag-asawa.

"I hope it's a woman who's making you smile and shake your head like that."

Nahimasmasan ako sa tila lutang na paglalakad.

Malapit na pala ako sa tapat ng bedroom ni Lolo.

Ayun nga siya at papalabas ng pintuan niyon, nakasunod ang private nurse niyang may bitbit na hand-carry bag.

"Aw, common, old man."

"Alright. A great-grandchild for me then?"

"Tss. Stop it, 'Lo. Nakakahiya na sa nurse mo."

Napahagikhik ang babae.

"¿Y mi enfermera? Creo que ella tiene algo para ti."

(How about my nurse? I think she has a thing for you)

Di ko napigilang mapatirik ang mata, "Deja de proxenetismo, abuelo. No es ético aproveche nuestro empleado."

(Stop pimping me around, Grandpa. It's unethical to prey on our employee.)

Saka naman ako tila natigilan sa sariling mga salita. Kapag nagtrabaho na si Laila sa Marquez, parang tumatanggi ang isip ko.

So now you admit that you're preying on her, huh?

Oh damn it!

Saway ko sa sarili.

Napakurap ako nang humalakhak si Lolo. Yung nurse niya ay nakangiti lang nang alanganin. She does not understand Spanish.

"Let's go. You're getting crazy again," pabiro kong sabi sa matanda.

Inalalayan ko na siya pero binawi ang braso niya sa akin.

"You stupid boy. Malakas pa ako," angil sa akin.

I chuckled.

Ganun ako bumawi sa pang-aasar sa akin.

Ayaw ni Lolo ang ganun. He does not even like having a nurse companion. Pero kung hindi siya napilit ni Daddy, wala naman siyang nagawa nang ako na ang makiusap. Pakiusap na may 'pagbabanta'. Sabi ko ay hindi ko hahawakan ang Marquez kapag nag-full retirement na si Daddy. Sasamahan ko na lang sila sa pagbabakasyon sa Abra farmhouse na binili niya kay Jeanette, at sa iba pang properties ng pamilya Marquez.

"Where are your bags?" tanong ko.

"Kanina pa po ipinababa ni Manang Belen sa hardinero, Attorney," yung nurse ang sumagot.

We all rode a bullet-proof SUV with four convoy vehicles of the same model. A total of five going to the private area of the airport for chartered planes.

It was Grandpa and Dad's idea.

"I still think it's an overkill," reklamo ko kay Rob.

Sabay-sabay kami kasama ang pamilya ni Reid papuntang Palawan.

"Okay lang yan," ang natatawang sabi. "There's three of you in the convoy. All high profiles of Marquez Law Firm."

"Nah, what do you expect would the Marquez olds do for their one and only baby boy," patudyong singit ni Reid.

"Tss," ang tangi kong reaksyon.

"Especially with what happened to that attempt on your life," dugtong muli ni Rob.

Napatigil kami saglit dahil dumating na rin si Kho kasama ang mag-ina niya. We waived back at Andie's bestfriend when he and Madel greeted us with the same gesture.

Maikli akong napangiti nang makita si Emma. Itinuro nito sa ama ang isang eroplano na pababa naman sa kabilang parte ng airport kung saan ang mga commercial flights.

"Ano'ng oras ba tayo aalis?" tanong ko.

Umakyat na ang mga magulang namin sa private chartered plane na nakapangalan kay Reid. Gayun din ang mga magulang ng mga kaibigan ni Andie.

Well, maliban ang kay Kho.

Ang nakapangalan kay Rob ang sasakyan naming magkakaibigan, kasama ang kanya-kanyang pamilya.

Yung sa akin, mamayang gabi pa ang schedule. Mas malaki nga lang na chartered plane. Patago kay Juno dahil mga kaibigan niya sa drag racing at ilang admin ng MonkhAr ang sasakay roon. Pati ang pamilya ni Carlito Sorriente.

"As soon as the ladies and kids are here," si Reid.

Nagyaya raw kasing mamili saglit sa loob ng airport mall si Juno. As expected from someone pregnant, naghahanap na naman ng pagkain. Sumama sina Andie at Sarah, bitbit ang mga anak.

"Isn't your wife not wondering why all family members of friends would also be on your 'birthday' tomorrow?" tanong ko kay Rob.

"She asked, actually."

"Ano'ng sagot mo?"

"Uhm... na gusto kong mag-celebrate nang malakihan dahil matagal ko na yung hindi nagagawa. Alam naman niya yung nature ng trabaho ko at yun nang naospital siya sa UK. Na gusto kong gawin ngayon lalo na at nariyan na sila ng mga bata."

"Nah, that Amazon doesn't care much," sabat ni Reid.

"Pera ko naman daw ang gagastusin," natatawang salo ni Rob. "Basta huwag daw ako hihingi sa kanya nang pang-abono kapag na-short ako. Nag-iipon kasi yun para i-expand ang business nila ng sentinels niya."

Reid and I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Andie's sister is really crazy.

Nahinto kami sa pag-uusap dahil bumaba si Mike sa chartered plane, papunta sa direksyon namin. My bestbuds and I are chatting beside the van Rob's family used to come here. Just a few yards away from the airplanes.

Si Montecillo talaga ang hinihintay naming bumaba saglit kaya kami naririto.

"What'd she said?" agad na tanong ni Reid.

"Hindi ko pa uli nao-open up sa kanya," si Mike. "But it'd be a yes."

Tumaas ang kilay ko, "So sure huh?"

"Kennie believes and trusts anything that I say."

May sundot ng inggit yun sa akin. If only Laila would...

Oh fuck!

I don't want to think about it. I'm getting pissed.

That's one of things I want to achieve attending Rob's wedding. To forget.

To forget? Parang broken hearted ang tunog.

I frowned at the idea.

But it was not an easy thing to do. Lalo pa kung kaibigan mo mismo ang nagpapaalala.

"Si Jun? Insecure?" di makapaniwala si Reid sa tanong ni Rob, "She's got an outstanding confidence level."

Tawa kami nang tawa ni Reid habang kinukuwento ni Rob ang pagseselos ng asawa.

Nasa poolside kami noon ng Casa Alicia, having our siesta, at the same time watching over the children having an afternoon swim.

"Wait 'til her tummy is round and really big, Rob," tinapik pa ni Reid sa balikat. "I'll pray for your soul."

"Tangna naman oh!" napapamura na lang ang birthday boy nang pabulong.

"Kaya ayokong mag-asawa eh," sabi ko.

"Ulul!" Rob sneered. "Akala mo di ko alam ang mga style mo kay--"

"Fuck you!" mura ko kanya "Not me, Rob. Not me."

"Hoy, may mga bata!"

Halos sabay na saway nina Jun, Andie at Sarah sa akin.

Nasa kabila silang poolside table.

"Sorry," I chuckled raising my hand.

"How about pre-nup pics?" mahinang tanong ni Reid.

Mabuti ay naiba agad ang usapan.

We need to be at the wedding site before the break of dawn tomorrow, kaya maagang nagsipagpahinga ang mga kasama ko. But I did not.

I want to be alone for the meantime. But I don't want my olds and the groom to worry so I informed my security detail that I'd be going out.

Though my mind and body are somewhat tired, I really feel the need for some fresh air. Anyway, maaga pa naman as per my body clock.

I put on my running shoes.

That's what I decided to do. Tutal ilang linggo na akong hindi nakakapag-gym. Might as well take this opportunity while trying to clog my mind off.

Naalalako kaninang tangkain akong tuksuhin ni Rob.

Not sure if Reid changed the topic on purpose, but I felt he did.

Though I am not being open to him and Rob, they knew I am mentally at war with myself, and emotionally struggling.

I just don't want to put a name to the struggle.

I can't because my pride and principles on how I view life aren't agreeing to what my subconscious is trying to tell me!

Yet again, my subconscious won. Just like when I had a business dinner with Jeanette last Sunday to sign the documents for that property in Siargao I want to purchase.

I stopped my night jog to pull out my phone from my armband holder to call Elsa.

"Oh, Ralph?" she answered.

"How's Laila?"

I just can't help asking. That woman is indeed very hard-headed. Elsa told me about Mang Ben's daughter sleeping again in her room. Reason we had a fight over the phone again last night which ended up with her cussing me. I admit that for someone who is going through the same emotional and psychological issues as Laila, medyo below the belt ang nasabi ko sa kanya.

Di ko rin magawang tuluyang magalit sa pagmumura nito sa akin. I should be the one to broaden my patience and understanding.

I wanted to say sorry to Laila.

"Di pa rin kami nag-uusap masyado pero andun na siya sa kuwarto mo."

"Oh, good. Buti lumipat."

"Hindi. Kinandado ko ang kuwarto niya nung mag-CR siya."

Naihilamos ko ang palad sa mukha. Isa pa itong agent ni Rob!

Mga babae talaga, oo!

Napabuntung-hininga na lang ako.

"Ano'ng sabi ni Dra. Olayta sa check-up today?"

"Ang sabi niya, direkta ka raw ino-notify."

"Wala pa akong nare-receive."

"Kunsabagay, ang pagkakaalala ko, sasabihan ka kapag confirmed na ang OR sched para sa operasyon ni Laila. Timeframe is within two weeks daw."

Bahagya akong nagulat at the same time na-excite.

"Really? That fast?"

"Kakasabi ko lang."

I chuckled. Elsa somewhat reminds me of the bride tomorrow.

She then told me what the ophthalmologist said.

"That's good. At least the waiting time was shortened since dormant status ang pangalan ni Laila sa listahan," I said suppressing too much delight to reflect in my voice.

"Pero, Ralph..."

"Oh? May problema ba?"

"Same hospital kung saan planong magpa-confirm ng OR sched si Dra. Olayta, doon din naka-confine ang asawa ni Atty. Navarro."

"Fuck! How d'you know?"

"Nakita niya kami sa corridor papasakay sa elevator pagkagaling sa clinic ni Dra. Olayta. Sumabay pa nga."

I clenched my fist listening to Elsa as she told me what transpired.

Hindi ko na nga napansin na napaupo na ako sa sidewalk sa parteng yun ng Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park. With one hand on my forehead, grabbing some hair.

Sumasakit ang ulo ko talaga kay Navarro.

"What do you think?" I asked Laila's bodyguard.

"Tulog siya nung pagpasok ko sa kuwarto mo. Wala naman akong nakitang kakaiba sa kuwarto o gamit niya."

Hindi ko masisisi ang babae na agad mag-imbestiga sa palihim na paraan. Sa dalawang beses ba naman masalisihan ni Navarro, na itinago rin kasi ni Laila.

"Pero yung phone na bigay mo, nakita ko sa trash bin ng kuwarto niya. Basag."

"Oh well..." napakamot ako sa noo. "I'm not surprised at all."

"Tss. Nagsasayang kayo ng pera," komento ni Elsa.

"Alright," tumayo na ako. "Ako na ang bahalang kumausap kay Dra. Olayta tungkol sa operasyon ni Laila."

I continued jogging while thinking.

Rob had Reid and I take basic self-defense lessons a couple of months ago.

"I trust my agents to protect you, pero iba pa rin yung kaya ninyong ipagtanggol ang sarili at pamilya ninyo in worst case scenario."

"I can punch. Ask Douche Bag," natatawang sabi ni Reid.

"Yeah, he got to punch you back, too," salo ko. "He got to kick your butt more."

Remambering that day Reid's fight to take Andie back which almost got him killed.

"That was not I was talking about. It was after -"

"That's not the point. Many men, even women can throw some punches, alright. But learning more than that is what I am recommending you to do," sansala ni Rob. "Kahit si Kho at mga kaibigan niya, ie-encourage ko na kumuha ng sessions."

Reid is compelled to have a weekly session because when Andie heard about it, she agreed with Rob. Knowing Reid, he'd do anything his wife would tell him.

Although, nakuha ko ang point ni Rob, I only got to attend the first two sessions. I was not that interested. But that latest attempt on my life plus Navarro hovering over the Centenos, I know I have to be serious about clearing a day of my week for that self-defense session.

I would love to use what I am learning first on Navarro's face.

Napangisi ako sa isip.

Mas naging maamo sa akin ang antok pagbalik sa Casa Alicia at maggan ang pakiramdam paggising para sa surpresang kasal na inihandan ni Rob para sa asawa.

It was an unconventional wedding I attended so far. Yet I attest how smitten the groom and bride are with each other.

And I had a good laugh hearing the messages of the people close to the newly-weds during the reception. It was held at the bar where Rob and his Lady in Red first met. Ang mga kaibigan ni Juno, yun nga ang isa sa mga binanggit.

"We will proceed with the talks about the Dayrits property leasing," abiso ni Mike sa amin ni Reid.

He left Kennie and Gelo at the table to join us for a bit.

"Okay, that's good na pumayag na siya."

"Not yet."

Napamata ako sa kanya, "Sikuhin kaya kita sa mukha, Montecillo?"

Sabay silang natawa ni Reid.

"Bakit hindi mo pa kausapin ngayon para kung hindi ang sagot ni Kennie, hindi na ako sasama sa El Nido bukas."

"I thought you're on vacation leave," si Reid. "You need some time to relax, bro."

"Tss... Something came up," was all I could say.

Tinapik ako ni Mike sa balikat, "Don't worry. Kennie will say yes. Trust me. I know."

I watched his back with envy.

"He's gonna pop her the big question soon. I can feel it. And he wouldn't have hard time getting a favorable answer."

Napatingin ako kay Reid.

"I think so, too," I agreed.

"Ikaw? Paninindigan mo pa rin ba ang pananaw mo?" bigla niyang tanong.

"About?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Ralph. You're a lawyer. One of the best this country has. So don't act stupid. Nor think stupid, especially to yourself."

"The hell, Schulz!"

"Rob and I have settled. Like your Grandpa and Dad, you're an only child. You sure you'd be contented that the farthest a child will call you is 'ninong'?"

Ang tanong na yun nang isa sa matalik kong kaibigan ay dala ko hanggang kinabukasan na bumiyahe kami going to El Nido. At pinalala pa ang gumugulo sa isip ko nang tumawag si Mike para kumpirmahin ang meeting namin kay Kennie sa rooftop ng Schulz El Nido.

Buti pa ito. Ang tanging pinoproblema kay Roqueña ay puro outside factors. Yun lang ang kailangang plantsahin ni Mike na siyang ginagawa nito. Ayan nga at full-support kahit sina Tito Dolly at Tito Pab.

As expected by everyone in that meeting, Kennie did not negotiate. Even being encouraged by Mike's mother that she can.

Kennie is too trusting. Not that we are taking advantage of it.

Kami na kasi ang tatrabaho sa lahat. From getting the illegal fish pens owned by the politician family nang nagpakilalang ama ni Gelo, the threat associated with it, the water treatment sa beach property, legalities and building sa itatayong hotel resort ng SchulzAs... it is already a good deal.

Wala na siyang ibang iisipin pa hanggang sa renewal ng kontrata after ten years.

But actually, Reid said that they will raise the offer sa final contract na tatrabahuin ko pagbalik sa Maynila. Kasi nga natatawang-naiiling na ang kaibigan ko sa sobrang mapagtiwala at mababang-loob ng tiyahin ni Gelo.

I just have this wishful thoughts. Na sana ay kahit ilang porsiyento ng sense ng pagtitiwala na meron si Kennie ay makuha ni Laila.

Ang laking pasasalamat ko na.

"Give me within this week to draft the agreement. That includes the special power of attorney giving your full authority to Mike as your representative," I said to Kennie after that private meeting.

"How about the transfer of title of her parents' properties to her name?" si Mike.

"Oh yeah, that too. But Kennie, you need to go to my office to sign the papers."

"Not a problem. Sasamahan ko s'ya if Michael is not available," si Tita Dolly.

Kinabukasan ay bumalik na ako sa Maynila. Nagpaiwan sina Dad at Grandpa. Nag-enjoy silang dalawa doon.

Sasabay na lang sa karamihan na sa weekend pa ang uwi.

Yung bagong kasal, next month pa ang balik sa Pilipinas galing honeymoon.

Sa law firm ako dumiretso. May tatlong set naman ako lagi ng business suit doon at may sariling toilet and bath.

I got busy the whole morning.

"Attorney, I already got a hold of Dra. Olayta," my secretary informed me around two in the afternoon. "I'm connecting her now to your private line."

"Sure, but before you do," I said, putting down some documents I was reading. "Print those three files I sent to your email. Then get someone from the Contracts department to work on the file for SchulzAs-Dayrit. Tagged as priority document. The other two files, should go to the team assisting me with the Centeno case. Tell them we will have a short meeting at three today here at my office."

"Got it, Attorney. Putting through Dra. Olayta now."

And when I heard the beep,"Good morning, Dra. Olayta."

After some short pleasantries with her, she immediately told me about Laila's condition.

Gaya nang sinabi ni Elsa, maari nang maoperahan ang babae in as short as two weeks. But when I asked if the operation be done in a different hospital,

"I have to check the other three hospitals na accredited ako, Atty. Marquez. I'm not yet sure sa availability ng OR nila pati equipment. Chances are, ma-delay for a few more days ang operation. Are you okay with that?"

Saglit na nagtalo ang loob ko.

I want Laila's vision restored the soonest, but I hate it if Navarro is near.

Damn it! Which is the priority?

Laila's welfare or my unfathomable disgust to her ex?

Gago! Why don't you just admit that Navarro's presence has more weight now is because you feel threatened?

Matagal na siyang threat!

Huwag mong lokohin ang sarili mo! Hindi usaping propesyunal ang nagpapakaba sa iyo!

And that quick battle in my mind ended with,

"It doesn't matter. Basta sa ibang ospital."

Tumikhim ang doktor, "I hope you don't mind me asking, Attorney. Why to another hospital?"

Inamin ko naman. In a way, though, "There's a patient in the same hospital whom Laila cannot be close to. Legal matters."

"Oh, I see."

After that call, all I can tell myself was, "Damn it, Raphael! You lose this time."

Napatulala ako sa kawalan sa isang reyalisasyon. I was staring blankly at my office door motionless. I think long enough because I got pulled back to reality when someone cleared his throat.

"Oh, I-I'm sorry," sabi ko sa team na katulong ko sa pag-aasikaso sa kaso ni Mang Ben.

"You okay, Ralph?" si Atty. de Mesa, ang senior associate specializing in criminal cases.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why?"

"We've been here for like.... uhm.... a couple of minutes. Pero parang ngayon mo lang kami nakita."

I felt my face getting hot.

Shit!

"Spacing out like that... that must be a woman!"

Oh fuck! Does he really have to rub it in?

Hilaw akong natawa, "You, Atty. de Mesa, are lucky that I respect you. But damn, you quack like Grandpa and Dad."

Natawa ang matanda pati ang apat pang members ng team na kinabibilangan nang isang junior associate at tatlong researchers.

"Tss....Alright, everyone take a seat."

We quickly had a review and discussion about the Barcelon-Centeno case.

"Make sure that communication with Agoncillo Agency is constant. Ask them if they got any new evidence Santiago has. We need to be prepared for a counter, if they do. And ask them again about the woman Mang Ben said was in the car with the Barcelon guy. We need her on our side. If you have to go out to find her yourself, the budget is open. Just prepare the paper work and breakdown of the expenses. No need to ask finance dep. Go to me directly para mas mabilis."

"Uhm, Attorney..." yung junior associate na team leader ng mga researchers.

"Yes?"

"How about gathering other information and evidence?"

"What about them?"

"Open budget at diretso na rin ba sa iyo?"

"Yes, of course."

"Magpe-prep pa rin ba kami ng copy ng breakdown ng expenses para sa finance? "

"No need. It's a pro-bono case anyway."

"Isn't it required for your tax discount?"

"When I instructed you to ask me directly, do you think I care about that discount?"

Di ko man intension talaga ay nabara ko ang junior associate. I just find his question stupid.

Hindi ko pinansin ang makahulugang tingin sa akin ni Atty. de Mesa nang mapadako ang mata ko sa kanya.

"I need more from you, guys. I'm expecting fast results. Next hearing is in sixteen business days."

Tumango ang mga ito.

"Alright, that's it for today," I said dismissing the meeting.

Then, Atty. de Mesa and I went to Mang Ben to update te old man on the case, at the same time, makausap na rin ito. Maraming pagkakataon na ang isang akusado ay may mga naalalang ibang detalye tungkol sa insidente kapag nagkakaroon ng oras makapagmuni-muni. O minsan naman ay hindi lang talaga sinabi sa abogado sa kung anong dahilan.

Also, we need to have consistency sa kuwento ng matandang Centeno. Isa sa ikinatatalo ng kaso ay ang paiba-ibang statement.

Gaya ko, halata sa mukha ni Atty. de Mesa ang habag sa hitsura ng ama ni Laila nung kausap na namin ito sa Pasay City Jail.

Kahit kumpleto siya sa gamot at regular check-up sa private doctor na kinontrata namin ni Rob, ang laki ng ipinayat ni Mang Ben. And he already has scabbies. His high sugar level is not helping the TB and skin disease.

Lalo akong nape-pressure.

Ano na lang ang iisipin ni Laila kapag nakakita ang ama which is bound to happen in a matter of a few weeks from today?

And that evening, I broke Rob's protocol.

I went to the Centeno residence.

I got me a very good excuse - a new phone of the same model na bigay ko kay Laila.

Peace offering, aside from she really ought to have one.

Gaya nang inaasahan ko pagdating, wala ang babae sa sala.

"Andun sa kuwarto," imporma ni Elsa. "Lumalabas lang kung magbabanyo, o kakain. Mas madalas, dinadala ang pagkain sa kuwarto. Full-time housemaid na ako dito."

I chuckled at her sarcastic tone.

At nang umakyat na ako, ni hindi nagpakita ng reaksyon si Laila. Basta tuloy sa pagbubutas sa braille paper gamit ang stencil.

Malamang ay kasama sa worksheet na iniwan nung tutor niya.

I cleared my throat.

"L-lai..."

Saka siya huminto sa ginagawa, yet hindi pa rin lumingon.

"May dala ako nung paborito mo. Yung fruit pastry."

Itinuloy nito ang ginagawa.

Ewan ko, biglang tumibok nang may kalakasan ang puso ko.

Is it guilt? Excitement? Or am I being sentimental suddenly?

Maybe all of them.

"Uhm... ano... may dala pa ako."

Then I put the phone box beside her hand on my desk.

She did not ask what it is kahit nang masanggi ng kamay niya.

Hinayaan ko na. I took off my clothes to change.

Napataas ang kilay ko pagbukas ng cabinet. Then a smile broke my lips.

Magkatabing nakatupi ang mga damit namin doon.

Nang makapagbihis, naupo ako sa gilid ng kama, nakaharap sa likod niya.

Ilang minuto ko siyang pinagmamasdan.

Contented with just doing that.

Holy shit!

Napapailing na lang ako sa isip.

Soon, I really have to completely digest the fact that I am near to swallowing my own words.

Accept that I really lost to myself.

Hindi ako nakatiis, tumayo ako sa likuran niya.

I see she got tensed knowing I was just there, merely an inch away.

I put my hands on both her shoulders, "Lai..."

Walang sagot.

I bent wrapping an arm hugging her neck. Then dug my face at the side of her neck.

Yeah, her back and shoulders were tensed, indeed.

"Lai... I'm sorry. I'm sorry sa sinabi ko sa iyo sa phone."

This is me, starting to swallow my pride and proud words.

And I guess it kind'a paid off as her shoulders started relaxing.

Pero saglit lang, kasi nanginig na sa pigil na hikbi, kasunod ay nabasa ang braso ko sa luha.

"Oh shit!" I muttered, swirling the office chair she was sitting on around so she could face me.

Umikot ang mga mata ko sa mukha niyang lukot na lukot sa tahimik na pag-iyak.

Ang bigat sa dibdib tingnan yet I still find her very beautiful.

Damn it!

Talo talaga ako kahit ano'ng pagkumbinsi ko sa sarili.

"Lai, what do you want me to do para huminto ka sa pag-iyak?" I ask softly.

Umiling lang siya. Paulit-ulit.

Binuhat ko siya pakandong sa akin. Parang batang ipinaghehele.

I said sorry again and again until her crying subsided.

Basa na ang pangharap ng suot niyang house shirt.

Natawa siya nang walang tunog nung ialok ko ang laylayan ng suot kong sando para mapunas niya ng luha.

"That's better," malumanay kong sabi. "Can you do that often?"

"A-ang alin?"

Para akong mauubusan ng hangin nang sa wakas ay magsalita siya.

"Smile. Smile for me."

She chuckled as her face turned a bit red.

"No shitting, Lai. I really miss you."

Lalong namula ang mukha niya sabay madiing naglapat ang mga labi.

I kissed her on the head, "Let's eat?"

"K-kumain na ako."

"Kahit yung pasalubong ko na lang na pastry ang kainin mo habang nagdi-dinner ako. Tapos -i-set up ko uli yung Seeing AI app sa bagong phone mo. Pag-aralan natin uli."

"A-ayokong bumaba."

"Why?" I asked kahit parang alam ko na kung bakit.

"Naiinis ako kay Elsa."

"Gusto mo ba'ng paalisin ko na siya?"

"Eh... uhm... Ewan. Ano, bahala ka. Kayo naman ang naglagay sa kanya diyan. Tsaka, siguradong may kapalit naman. So, what for?"

"Hmm... hanap tayo ng kapalit niya," bigla pumasok sa isip ko si Jon. "Basta babae rin."

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya.

"Sige, iaakyat ko na lang dito yung food natin. We'll eat here, Okay?"

She nodded then again wiped her face again.  This time, yung sa bandang neckline na ng t-shirt niya.

I got to see her cleavage.

I have to admit to myself, I'd normally get a hard-on when I see that. But instead, napakunot ang noo ko.

"Uhm, Lai, what's that?"

"A-alin?"

"Papel ba yang nakaipit sa loob ng bra mo?"

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