End Game: Saint Exodus Vladislav-De Salvo

"Oh, bakit malungkot ka?" Tanong ni Papa nang pagbuksan ako ng gate matapos niyang marinig ang pagtigil ng tricycle na aking sinakyan pauwi.

I sighed. I didn't even realize I was sad. Hindi lang kasi mawala sa isip ko ang nangyari sa kaklase kong si Regina kanina sa school. She was bullied. Some older kids were picking on her again. They took her lunch, called her names, and nobody did anything to stop them. Sinubukan ko, namin ni LA kaya lang ay pinagtawanan lamang kami ng mga ito. Paanong hindi? Eh, 'di hamak na mas malalaki sila sa amin.

Inakbayan ako ni Papa. "May umaway ba sa'yo sa eskwela?"

Humigpit ang kapit ko sa strap ng dala kong bag, inayos ang makapal na salamin atsaka umiling. Wala ng umaaway sa akin sa school simula nang maging kaibigan ko si LA. Kids were scared to mess with him because he was a De Salvo bukod pa sa siga ang kapatid nitong si Saint na madalas sa guidance office. Maraming pagkakataon na kasi itong nakipag suntukan sa mga tumutukso kay LA, kids were calling him weird dahil tahimik at palaging ako lang ang kasama. Kaya kahit paano ay naambunan ako ng proteksyon ni Saint.

"Eh, bakit malungkot ka? Para kang inaway sa ayos mong 'yan, eh."

"Si Regina po kasi, Papa..." Huminto ako sa hamba ng aming maliit na pinto upang maghubad ng sapatos bago pumasok sa loob. Si Papa na ang pumulot noon, inabot rin niya sa akin ang pares ng tsinelas kong nasa rack. I wore it as I put my bag down the couch. "Kaklase po namin ni LA. Kanina sa canteen ay tinukso at pinagtulungan na naman siya ng ibang mga estudyante. Matatanda pang halos ang iba sa amin, may mga babae at lalaki rin. Kinuha nila 'yung baon niya, pati kaunting barya sa bulsa ng palda niya ay hindi pinatawad. Hindi ko napigilan, nilapitan ko sila... I told them to give her lunch and money back. Kaya lang tinawanan lang nila ako. Hindi nila ako sineryoso dahil muntik na raw nila akong hindi makita, ang liit ko daw kasi, Papa."

Muntik na nga rin akong kuhaan ng baon, pero nakilala ako noong isa. Natakot dahil baka gulpihin sila ni Saint kaya inawat nito ang mga kasama at sinabi na huwag na akong palagan. But they didn't take me seriously, dahil bata bukod pa sa maliit.

Papa sighed, kinuha niya ako at inilapit sa kaniya. He kneeled in front of me so I was at his eye level. "I'm sorry that happened, Drew. Pero tama ang ginawa mo na lumaban ka para sa kaniya, lalo na't alam mong hindi niya kayang gawin iyon para sa sarili niya. It takes a lot of courage to do that, especially when others don't."

"But it didn't help! Bukas ay ganoon ulit ang mangyayari. Tutuksuhin lang rin ulit siya sa school. And the teachers... they didn't even see it. It's like they don't care. It's just not fair." I was so frustrated. Lalo na dahil alam kong wala akong magagawa unless tumanda at tumangkad na akong agad bukas rin. They wouldn't take me seriously. I was only a kid.

"Fairness isn't always easy to find," makahulugang sabi ni Papa. "But fairness and justice are about doing what's right, even when it's hard. It's about standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves. Katulad ng ginawa mong pagtulong sa kaklase mo ngayon, kahit pa alam mong puwede kang madamay at mapagbuntunan ng pangungutya."

Lito ko siyang pinagmasdan, muling bumagsak ang aking mga balikat. "Pero wala naman iyong naitulong, Papa. If anything, baka nga mas naipahamak ko pa siya. How do you make things fair?"

"Sometimes, making things fair isn't something that happens right away." Ngumiti si Papa at hinaplos ang aking pisngi. I could see the warmth in his eyes at para na agad akong niyayakap ng kaniyang mga bisig. "Proseso iyon, Andrea. Madalas na magsisimula sa maliit, kagaya na lang ng ginawa mong pagtulong. Siguro sa tingin mo ay hindi iyon sapat, pero para sa kaklase mo na sinubukan mong tulungan ay malaking bagay nang malaman na hindi lahat ng nakapaligid sa kaniya ay gustong saktan siya. May mga iba, kahit pa gaano kaliliit, handa siyang ipagtanggol at protektahan. Every time you stand up for someone, you're planting a seed. Sometimes, it takes time for those seeds to grow into something bigger, something that can really make a difference. Huwag kang mapagod gumawa ng kabutihan para sa ibang tao."

Sandali akong nag-isip, pilit na itinatanim sa munti kong isipan ang lahat ng aral sa sinasabi ni Papa. "Pero paano si Regina, Papa? She's still going to get picked on."

Tumango si Papa, kumpirmasyon lamang iyon ng mga naiisip kong maaaring mangyari pa sa mga susunod na araw. "Kaya nga mas lalong kailangan ng mundo ang kabutihang meron ka. Tuwing makikita mo na gagawin iyon sa kaniya ay huwag kang mapapagod na ipagtanggol siya. Maybe then, she would eventually find the courage to fight for herself. Hindi lang kay Regina kundi maging sa lahat ng nakikita mong hindi tinatrato ng tama. Palagi kang lalaban. Palagi mo silang ipapaglaban. It's not enough to just see something wrong and walk away. You have to be willing to fight for what's right, even when it's tough, and even when it feels like you're the only one who cares."

"Paano ko naman iyon gagawin, Papa? Ang bata ko pa. Matagal pa bago ako lumaki. Si LA ang bilis tumangkad, ako ito, maliit pa rin talaga kahit pareho naman kami ng kinakain sa lunch." Napanguso ako.

Totoo ang sinasabi ko na pareho kami ng kinakain ni LA dahil dalawa palagi ang pinapabaon rito ng mommy niya, ang isa ay para talaga sa akin. Kaya nga hindi na ako nagpapahanda ng baon kay Papa, hindi na rin ako humihingi ng pera. Kahit kasi anong tanggi ko sa mommy ni LA ay palagi pa rin meron. Minsan nagdodoble na, kaya si Papa na ang sinabihan ko na huwag na lang ako pabaunan ng lunch.

"You start by being brave like you were today. And as you grow, you learn more about how the world works, about laws and rights." Malungkot na ngumiti si Papa, alam kong pareho naming naisip si Mama. She was a lawyer and human rights activist. Masyado siyang mabuti para sa magulong mundo kaya maaga siyang binawi sa amin ni Papa. "Balang-araw ay matututuhan mo rin kung paano mo dapat gagamitin ang boses mo sa paraan na mapakikinggan ka ng mga nakapaligid sa'yo. You study, you work hard, and one day, you might become someone who can change the rules, make them fairer for everyone."

Katulad ni Mama. I smiled sadly at the thought of her. Wala akong masyadong ala-ala ni Mama dahil limang taon pa lamang ako nang mawala ito, ovarian cancer had her. Pero sa palagiang kuwento ni Papa ay pakiramdam ko kilalang kilala ko rin ito.

"Like a lawyer?" I asked gently.

"Exactly like a lawyer. Lawyers have the power to fight for justice, to protect people who can't protect themselves, and to make sure that fairness isn't just an idea, but a reality." Tumango si Papa at pinisil ang aking pisngi. "Gagamitin mo ang kakayahang iyon sa tamang paraan. Nakikita ko na magiging magaling kang tagapagtanggol ng katarungan balang araw, Drew. Mamanahin mo 'yan sa Mama mo."

I wanted to tell him that it was he who had always been responsible for shaping me to become the person I had yet to be.

"Oh, puwede mo rin naman sapakin na lang kapag hindi nakuha sa simpleng usapan," ang malaki at buong-buong tinig ng pinsan kong si Penny ang nagpalingon sa amin ni Papa.

Pababa na ito ng hagdan, nakatali ng mataas at maayos ang kulay tanso nitong buhok. Sa ayos nito ay mukhang papunta na ito sa pang-hapon na training ng taekwondo sa school. Magkaedad lang kami ni Penelope pero 'di hamak na mas mataas ito sa akin, mas malakas rin at mas matapang. Bata pa nang mawala pareho ang mga magulang nito dahil sa isang aksidente kaya naman sabay na kaming lumaki sa pangangalaga ni Papa.

"Penny," suway rito ni Papa. "Hindi porke pinapayagan kitang mag-training ng taekwondo ay palagi ng bayolenteng pamamaraan ang magiging solusyon mo sa mga bagay-bagay. I agreed for you to train dahil nakikitaan ka roon ng potensyal at hindi ko hahadlangan ang mga bagay na nasisiguro kong gusto mong gawin. Violence is not the answer to everything, Penelope Rae."

Nginisihan ko si Penny dahil napagalitan na naman ito ni Papa. Hindi makaganti sa pang-aasar ko dahil nakaharap rito si Papa kaya naman tango na lamang ang ginawa.

"Sorry po, Pa," she bit her bottom lip and adjusted the strap of her duffel bag. "Joke lang naman ho 'yun..."

"Kahit pa nga ba biro, Penelope." Tumayo si Papa at mas sumeryoso. "Hindi ko gustong nasasanay kang hinahaluan ng pisikalan ang kahit anong usapan. Bali-balita pa riyan sa labasan ay kinutusan mo raw si Christian."

Penny turned defensive, kumunot ang noo nito na tila handang ipaglaban ang sarili. "Pa, siya naman ang may kasalanan! Pinagsigawan ba naman sa labas ng school na crush niya ako! Ang liit-liit, ang tapang-tapang! Hindi ba niya alam na kaya ko siyang tirisin kung gugustuhin ko? Buti nga at kutos lang ang inabot niya sa akin dahil medyo naawa pa ako!"

"Oh, 'yan na naman ang emosyon mo. Nagagalit ka na naman kahit nagkukuwento ka na lang. Sinasabi ko palagi sa'yo, Penny. Habang bata ka pa, habang maaga pa ay aralin mong hawakan ang mga emosyon mo. Hindi puwedeng ang mga 'yan ang mas na may kapangyarihan kaysa sa'yo," pangaral rito ni Papa na tinanguan rin agad ni Penny.

"Opo, Papa. Sorry, hindi na ako mangungutos... Dyan sa labasan."

"Dyan lang sa labasan?" Kumunto ang noo ni Papa ako naman ay natawa.

Mainitin kasing sadya ang ulo nito ni Penny, minsan sa school ay pumapatol ito lalo na sa mga malalakas mambully. Hindi ko na nga lang sinusumbong kay Papa lalo na kapag alam kong kahit paano ay deserve naman ng mga iyon na makutusan ni Penelope.

Penny's shoot me a glare, tapos ay umamo ang mukha nang balingan ng tingin si Papa. "Eh, dyan lang naman ako nangutos, Pa! Pero, okay po. Promise, kahit saan hindi na..."

"Panghahawakan ko 'yan, Penelope," umaasang sabi ni Papa. He then turned to me. "Hali na kayo at mag meryenda, may binili akong turon at maruya dyan sa labasan."

Sumunod na ako kay Papa nang tunguhin nito ang komedor, si Penny naman ay umiling.

"Baunin ko na lang ang sa akin, Pa. Mahuhuli na kasi ako sa training, baka po pagalitan ako ni Coach Maxwell."

Tumango lang si Papa at marami pang ibang ibinilin kay Penelope habang inilalagay sa dala nitong bag ang babaunin na miryenda, ako naman ay naghugas na ng kamay para makakain. Sa totoo lang ay hindi pa talaga ako gutom, marami kasi talaga kung magpabaon ang mommy ni LA tapos palagi ay inuubos naming dalawa para hindi magtampo ang mommy niya. LA told me that his mom was very sensitive, lalo na daw kapag dating sa kanilang magkakapatid. I had met Tita Gabby far more times to attest to that.

Nang maupo ako sa hapag ay nagpaalam na si Penny kay Papa, dumaan rin ito sa aking likuran upang pasimpleng higitin ang dulo ng aking buhok bilang ganti sa pagtawa-tawa ko kanina habang pinapagalitan ito ni Papa.

"Bye, Pen! Huwag mong babalian ng buto ang ka-sparring mo. Training lang 'yon, baka may paiyakin ka na naman." Sinadya kong lakasan ang aking boses para marinig ni Papa at lingunin niyang muli si Penelope.

"Penny, ha! Huwag mong gagamitin ang sport mo sa pananakit." Banta niya rito.

"Opo nga, Pa! Si Drew lang nagsasabi ng ganyan, nabait ako kahit saan magpunta!"

Nagmamadali na itong umalis para hindi na maungkat pa ang iba pang mga kalokohan nito. Natawa lang akong lalo, natigil nang ako naman ang seryosong balingan ni Papa ng tingin.

"Ikaw, Andrea, hindi ko gustong nakikipag-away ka, ha? Pisikal man o ano. Hangga't kayang idaan sa usapan ay pangyarihin mo. Huwag mong hahayaan na pangunahan ka ng init ng ulo. Always be the bigger person if you can, wala namang mawawala."

Tumango ako kay Papa bago umabot na ng mainit na turon. Hindi naman mahirap iyong gawin para sa akin dahil sanay naman na akong nag-iisip muna bago magsalita o kumilos. Marahil nga iyon rin ang dahilan kung bakit mukha akong mahina sa paningin ng iba. I never did anything out of impulse.

Pinakatitigan kong maigi ang laman ng mga papel na ibinigay sa akin ni Rafael habang hustong iniisip kung ano nga ba ang nararapat kong gawin. Penelope was sitting beside me, observing. Mas na nakay Rafael ang tingin kaysa sa hawak ko, ang huli rin ay hindi nagpapatalong kinakalaban rin ng talim ang mga mata ni Penelope.

"Saint could really use your help, Andrea," kalmado ngunit may riin na sabi ni Rafael. Kung hindi ko nga lang ito kilala ay iisipin kong inuutusan ako nito. But that was the very word that defined Rafael or Paeng, authoritative.

The papers detailed Saint's case with clinical precision—evidence, witness statements, timelines, everything meticulously laid out. It was clear, even at a glance, that this was no ordinary case. Pabalik-balik ang mga mata ko sa mga salitang "murder" at "shackled on the bed" and what the worse part was, hindi ko na kailangan pang gamitin ang imahinasyon ko para lang maisalarawan iyon. There was a printed photo of the scene as seen by the authorities.

Sinulyapan kong muli si Paeng, hindi ito nagsasalita o ano pero pinanatili ang tingin sa akin. His purple-blue eyes reminded me of Saint, at hindi iyon ang kailangan ko sa mga ganitong panahon. He wasn't just asking for my help; he was demanding it, in that subtle, authoritative way of his.

"Andrea, kilala mo si Saint. This isn't him. He's reckless, yes, but a murderer? Alam mong hindi niya magagawa 'yan." Sabi ni Paeng nang hindi pa rin ako magsalita makalipas ang ilang sandali.

I glanced at Penelope, hoping for some sort of sign, some indication of what she was thinking. But she only stared at Rafael, her expression unreadable. Her silence unnerved me. I was used to her fiery opinions, her unwavering stance on right and wrong. Pero ngayon ay tahimik lamang siya na tila ba tinatantya ang mga sinasabi ni Paeng. Mas lalong hindi ko tuloy alam kung paano magdedesisyon.

"Hindi ko alam, Paeng," miski ako ay nahirapan na sabihin ang mga salitang iyon. It wasn't easy to admit, and the weight of my uncertainty felt like a betrayal—not just to Saint, but to myself as well.

The mere fact that I was doubting him, that I couldn't immediately defend him without hesitation, hurt more than I could bear. I knew that if Saint could see inside my mind right now, it would hurt him too, perhaps even more deeply than the accusations he was facing.

Pero iyon naman ang totoo.

Hindi ko alam.

The Saint I used to know would never have been capable of something like this. Mainit ang ulo ni Saint at madalas na napapaaway, he was prone to pushing boundaries and living on the edge—but murder? Ang kaso ay iba na si Saint ngayon. Time changes people, circumstances mold them in ways we often can't predict or understand. And though it pained me to admit it, I couldn't say with absolute certainty that the Saint who was now in custody was still the same person I once trusted so implicitly.

"This is... this is serious. Murder isn't something you can just talk your way out of. If I take this case, I need to be sure. Kailangan ay alam ko ang lahat ng katotohanan. I wouldn't defend him blindly..." Kinagat ko ang aking ibabang labi nang makaramdam ng kirot sa aking dibdib. If Saint did this, and I defended him... Para saan pa ang lahat ng mga ipinaglalaban ko?

"The truth is that Saint is innocent," matigas at hindi natitinag sa sabi ni Paeng, mukha rin itong galit na hindi katulad ng tiwala na meron ito ang meron rin ako. "You've seen the reports. Yes, they paint a damning picture, but they're missing something. You've always been able to see what others can't. Kaya nga ako sa'yo lumalapit, Andrea."

Gusto ko. Gusto kong maniwala na hindi nga magagawa ni Saint ang ganitong klaseng krimen. Gusto kong paniwalaan na inosente siya. But the evidence was staring me in the face, cold and undeniable. And yet, a part of me—a small, nagging part—couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, that there was more to this than met the eye.

"Bakit hindi si LA ang lapitan mo?" Mahina kong tanong.

Hindi hamak na mas magaling na abogado sa akin si LA, and I knew that if anyone could defend Saint, it would be LA. He wouldn't hesitate; he would fight tooth and nail in every courtroom. LA would never allow Saint to rot in jail, not if there was even a sliver of a chance to prove his innocence.

And if not LA, bakit hindi ang iba pang mas magagaling na abogado? The De Salvo family certainly had the means to hire the best of the best. With their wealth and connections, they could afford any lawyer they wanted—perhaps even Atty. Ethan Montezor. He was known for his ruthlessness in the courtroom, for bending the law to his will. If they wanted someone who could navigate the intricacies of such a high-profile case, why not him? Bakit ako?

Rafael glanced at Penelope, his eyes flicking to her in a brief, almost imperceptible moment. Halatang hindi nito gustong narito rin si Penny at tahimik na nakikinig sa aming usapan. It was as though he was silently requesting her to leave. But Penelope, ever defiant, raised her chin slightly, her expression hardening as if she were telling him she wasn't going anywhere. Hindi nakatakas sa akin ang pasimpleng palitan nila ng makahulugang tingin, naglalaban pa rin sa talim ang mga iyon.

Kung hindi ko lang alam na ito ang unang beses na nagkita ang dalawang ito ay iisipin kong matagal na silang magkakilala. It was as if they were communicating with a glance. It was unnerving, to say the least.

Ilang sandali pa ang lumipas bago ako balikan ng tingin ni Paeng. Whatever silent conversation had passed between him and Penelope, he had decided to proceed anyway.

"I came to you, Andrea, because I know you care about Saint more than anyone else," seryoso at siguradong sabi nito na pati ako ay kinabahan sa kung gaano iyon katotoo. "This isn't just about getting the best lawyer money can buy. It's about finding someone who will fight for him, not just because it's their job, but because they believe in him. Kailangan ko ng tao na maniniwalang inosente si Saint."

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. His words hit me harder than I expected. Hindi pa ako nakakasagot ay nagsalita nang muli si Paeng.

"You said it yourself, Andrea. There are other lawyers, more experienced, more ruthless. Pero hindi nila kilala si Saint sa kung paanong kilala mo siya. Paano nila ipagtatanggol ang katotohanan kung ganoon? None of them care about him the way you do. And that's what he needs right now. He doesn't just need a lawyer; he needs someone who believes in him, who will fight for him with everything they have, because they know he's not the monster they're trying to paint him as."

Nilingon ko si Penny, hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita. Ni hindi pa rin inaalis ang mga mata kay Rafael. I could sense her unease, her doubt. But there was also something else—perhaps a recognition of the truth in Rafael's words, even if she wasn't willing to admit it aloud.

Muli kong niyuko ang mga papel na hawak ko. Mas bumibigat ang dibdib ko habang pinagmamasdan ko iyon. Hindi ko magawang isipin na totoo ang lahat ng ito, na totoong ginawa nga ito ni Saint. May he be under the influence or what, it was still unspeakable.

"I don't know if I can save him," mahina kong pag-amin.

Rafael's gaze didn't waver. He leaned forward slightly, as if to close the distance between us, his eyes searching mine for something—reassurance, perhaps, or maybe just the confirmation that I was truly considering what he was asking of me. Parang kahit ang pagdadalawang-isip ko ay sapat na sa kaniya.

"Delikado rin para sa akin 'to, Paeng. If I take this job and I don't win... or even if I do win... Do you understand what that would mean for me?"

Marahan itong tumango pero hindi ako nakakasigurong naiintindihan nga nito ng husto kung paanong makakaapekto sa akin ang kaso na ito ni Saint.

"I'm an advocate for women's rights," I continued, my voice gaining a little more strength. "I've built my career on fighting for victims, on ensuring that those who harm women are held accountable. And now you're asking me to represent a defendant in a rape and murder case—a case where the evidence is stacked against him. If I lose... if I'm wrong... it's not just Saint's life on the line. It's mine too."

Sumisikip rin ang dibdib ko nang sabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon. I didn't want to sound selfish, but I had to think of myself too. Hindi naman simpleng bagay lang ang hinihingi ni Paeng sa akin.

"I know. I know what this could mean for you, for your reputation, for everything you've worked for. Pero marindi ka na, uulit-ulitin ko pa rin... Ikaw, higit sa kanino ang nakakakilala sa kaniya. Not even his brother knew him well enough to believe he was innocent. You? You know Saint, you know his heart."

Umiling ako. Hindi ko na rin maintindihan kung bakit ganoon na lang ang tiwala sa akin ni Paeng. "Pero paano nga kung hindi ko maipanalo? What if I'm seen as someone who defended a monster, who betrayed everything I stand for? I could lose everything, Rafael. My credibility, my career... everything."

"I won't lie to you," Rafael said, his tone sincere. "It's a gamble. But Andrea, if there's even a chance that Saint is innocent, if there's a chance that he's being framed or misunderstood... don't you think it's worth the risk? Not just for him, but for the truth? For justice? Hindi ba't iyon naman higit sa lahat ang pinaglalaban ng mga abogado na katulad mo?"

His words struck a chord deep within me, stirring something that I had been trying to suppress—the need to fight for what was right, even when the odds were against me. I had always believed that justice was worth fighting for, no matter the cost. But this... this was different. This wasn't just about justice; it was about my own values, my own sense of self.

Humugot ng isang malalim na paghinga si Rafael. There was a determination in his eyes, a resolve that made it clear he wasn't going to walk away without securing my help. Alam ko kung gaano katindi ang samahan nila ni Saint, they go way back. Mga bata pa lang ay magkakampi na ang mga ito sa kalokohan, sa lahat ng bagay. Then, as if sealing the deal, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a checkbook. He scribbled something quickly, tore the check from the book, and placed it on the table in front of me.

Hindi na ako nagulat. Sa totoo nga ay medyo tumagal kaysa sa inaasahan ko ang ginawa nito. Kilala si Paeng sa ganitong bagay, lahat ay tinatapalan ng salapi makuha lang ang gusto.

Niyuko ko ng tingin ang tseke na inilapag nito sa aking harapan at halos maduling ako sa halagang inilagay nito roon. The amount was staggering, an offer that anyone in their right mind would hardly refuse. Kahit si Penny na nakisilip ay napasinghap rin nang makita iyon. It was a sum that could change my life, could set me up in ways I had never imagined. Seryoso ba ito?

But Rafael wasn't done. "This is just a retainer,"

Umangat ang sulok ng mga labi nito na tila ba nagugustuhan ang reaksyon na nakuha mula sa amin ni Penny. Napasimagot tuloy ang katabi ko at nagsimula na naman silang magsukatan ng tingin. Sandali lang iyon dahil agad rin siyang binalewala ni Rafael.

"Whatever you need, Andrea, I'll make sure you have it. Lahat lahat, sabihin mo lang. Resources, experts, investigators—anything to give you the best possible chance at winning this case. Ako na ang bahala. All I ask is that you fight for Saint with everything you've got."

Muli kong tinignan ang tseke na nakalahad pa rin sa aking harapan. It was more money than I had ever dreamed of making in my entire career. Lahat ng problema namin ni Penny sa pera ay masosolusyunan noon. But as tempting as it was, as much as I knew it could solve so many of my problems, I couldn't shake the feeling that accepting it would change everything.

I looked up at Rafael, searching his eyes for something more, something that would tell me this was about more than just money. And to his credit, I found it. Beneath the cold, calculating exterior, there was something else—a genuine desperation, a deep-seated belief that Saint was innocent and that I was his only hope.

"I don't care about the money. That's not why I'm considering this." I pushed the check back toward him, not breaking eye contact. "If I take this case, it's because I believe in Saint's innocence, because I believe there's a truth here that needs to be uncovered. Hindi dahil lang sa linalaharan mo ako ng halagang mahirap tanggihan. If I'm going to represent him, I need to be sure it's for the right reasons, hindi pera."

Rafael studied me for a long moment, tapos ay dahan-dahan itong tumango kasabay ng pag guhit ng multong ngiti sa mga labi nito na para bang mas gusto nito ang naging tugon ko kaysa sa inaasahan. He took the check back, folding it and slipping it into his pocket without another word.

Si Penny naman ay tahimik pa rin na nagmamasid sa palitan namin ni Rafael.

"I respect that, Andrea," he said quietly. "And I wouldn't want you to take this on for any other reason. Gusto ko lang malaman mo na handa akong magbayad kahit magkano, mapatunayan lang na inosente si Saint. At naniniwala akong ikaw ang makakatulong sa akin na gawin iyon."

I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my chest loosen just a bit. "Bigyan mo ako ng panahon na pag-isipan at pag-desisyunan ito, Rafael. I need time to go through the case, to study it closely. I can't make any promises until I've had a chance to see all the evidence, to understand exactly what I'm dealing with."

"Of course," Rafael agreed, relief evident in his voice. "I'll get you everything—the case files, the evidence, whatever you need. I just... I just need to know that you're willing to give it a chance."

"I'll review everything," I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I won't rush into this. If I do take the case, it'll be because I believe that Saint deserves the best defense I can give him."

Tumango itong muli, sumulyap na naman kay Penny bago sa akin. "That's all I can ask for."

Kulang pa ang mga papeles na dinala nito sa akin ngayon kaya nang tumayo na ito upang magpaalam ay nangako rin ito na ipapadala sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga kailangan ko pang pag-aralan. Inihatid ko palabas si Rafael, kasama ko pa rin si Penny na hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring imik.

I couldn't help but feel small, almost dwarfed, between the two of them. Matangkad na si Penny bukod pa sa tindig at pustura niya, but Rafael—Paeng—was a giant, both in stature and in the sheer force of his presence. It was like being caught between two titans, each vying for something unspoken, a silent battle only they seemed to understand.

Ni hindi ko nga alam kung ano ang pasimple nilang pinagtatalunan gayong hindi naman sila magkakilala. The entire walk to the gate, neither of them said a word, but their silent exchange continued. Para bang anumang sandali ay magsasapakan ang mga ito.

I had known Penny for years, and yet I had never seen her quite like this—so unyielding, so guarded. And Paeng... well, he had always been a force of nature, but there was something different about him today.

Nauna na ako sa kanilang maglakad patungo sa gate dahil baka mapisa pa ako sa pagitan nila. Bubuksan ko na sana iyon nang biglang may maalala. I paused, my hand resting on the latch. Nilingon ko si Paeng na agad rin nahuli ang aking mga mata.

"Alam na ba ito nina LA at Yves?" Sa ganoon ko muna sinimulan.

Paeng nodded, pero nakita ko ang bahagyang pagdidilim ng anyo nito. "Tinawagan ko si Yves, wala namang sinabi. Ganoon rin si LA kaninag umaga. It seemed like they didn't care."

Imposible! I knew they didn't always see eye to eye pero nasisiguro ko naman na may pakialam ang mga ito sa nangyari sa kapatid nila.

Baka nagkamali lang ng basa itong si Paeng.

"Sina Tita Gabby at Tito Oxygen? Alam na ba nila?" Sunod kong tanong.

I genuinely worried about his parents, lalo na kay Tita Gabby. Sigurado akong magpa-panic ito, maghihisterya. Well, sino ba naman ang hindi? She was his mother.

Rafael's expression tightened, and he shook his head. "No, they don't know yet. They're on a cruise, somewhere in the Mediterranean. Out of reach, for now."

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. The thought of Saint's parents, blissfully unaware of the storm that was brewing back home, made the situation feel even more precarious. They were good people, kind and generous, and the idea of them coming home to this nightmare was almost unbearable.

"Kailan ang balik nila?"

"In a few days, maybe a week," Rafael replied, his tone measured. "Hindi ko gustong madaliin ka sa pagdedesisyon mo, Andrea. But we don't have much time before they return. If we don't act quickly, they'll come home to find their son in the middle of a media frenzy, with his life hanging in the balance. I need you to be ready before that happens."

Alam kong tama ang sinabi ni Paeng. Time was of the essence, and the longer I hesitated, the worse things could get for Saint—and for everyone involved.

Tumango ako bago sumagot. "Aaralin ko ang lahat, ipadala mo na lang sa akin. I'll do everything I can to be ready. But I need to see all the evidence first, every detail. I can't go into this blind."

"You'll have everything you need, Andrea. I'll make sure of it. Just... please, don't take too long. We're running out of time."

I nodded again, more firmly this time. "I won't. You have my word."

Iyon lamang at binuksan ko na ang gate para tuluyang makalabas at makaalis si Paeng. Rafael stepped out, pausing for just a moment to glance back at Penny. They exchanged one last look, that same silent communication that had passed between them earlier, before Rafael turned and walked away, his tall figure disappearing down the street kung saan nito ipinarada ang minamanehong sports car.

I stood there for a moment, watching him go. Ano ba itong nangyayaring ito? Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na pinagdadaanan ito ni Saint ngayon. Sinasarado ko na ang gate nang balingan ko si Penny na nasa likuran ko pa rin.

"Ano 'yung palitan niyo ng tingin kanina ni Paeng?" Kuryoso kong tanong. "Kulang na lang ay magsuntukan kayong dalawa sa harapan ko, eh."

Penny shrugged, tumatagos pa rin sa gate ang tingin kahit wala naman na sa labas si Paeng. "Sinisigurado ko lang na alam niyang binabantayan ko rin siya at hindi niya ako maaangasan."

I sighed. Hindi na ako nagulat na hindi niya nagustuhan ang timplada ni Paeng. Nasisiguro ko na ganoon rin ito sa kaniya. They both had strong personalities, tiyak talaga na hindi magkakasundo ang mga ito.

"Pasensya ka na kay Paeng, Pen." Sabi ko na lang bago nagpatiunang maglakad pabalik sa loob, nakasunod rin naman siyang agad sa akin. "Ganoon talaga kasi 'yun makipag-usap, medyo mayabang—"

"Anong medyo?" Agresibo niyang putol sa aking sinasabi, sinamahan pa ng marahas na pag-irap. "Mas mayabang pa nga siya kay Lord!"

Sa dami ng kung anu-anong tumatakbo sa aking isipan ay hindi ko pa rin maiwasang hindi matawa kay Penelope. Kung hindi ko lang alam na si Lord na kapit-bahay namin ang pinapatukuyan niya ay iisipin kong ikinukumpara niyang talaga si Paeng sa nasa itaas. Eh, hindi naman mayabang ang Diyos.

Sumeryoso si Penelope ng makapasok kami sa bahay. "Pero ikaw? Anong desisyon mo? Hindi naman biro ang hinihingi sa'yo ng kapre na iyon. At puwede mo rin namang tanggihan kung hindi mo kakayanin—"

Naputol ang sasabihin niya nang umiling ako. "Hindi ko alam, Pen. Hindi ko talaga alam kung ano ang gagawin ko."

"Drew, alam ko na sa buhay mo ay pakiramdam mo malaki ang utang na loob mo sa mga De Salvo," tahimik niyang sabi. Totoo naman. Malaki talaga ang utang na loob ko sa mga De Salvo lalo na nang magkasakit si Papa. "Pero hindi ka obligado na paluguran sila sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Kung hindi mo gustong hawakan ang kaso ni Saint ay sabihin mo kay LA. I'm sure he'll understand. Kaibigan ka niya, at dahil kaibigan ka niya ay hindi ka niya pipilitin na gawin ang bagay na hindi mo naman gustong gawin."

Tama rin naman si Penny doon. I could easily say no. Hindi mamasamain iyon ni LA. Bukod pa sa puwede naman na ito mismo ang mag-represent kay Saint. Mas may tyansa pang mapatunayan na wala ngang kasalanan si Saint, kung wala nga.

"Iyon ay kung hindi mo nga gustong gawin..." Nanunukat akong tinignan ni Penny bago umangat ang kaniyang kilay. "Drew, kilalang-kilala kita at kung paano ka sa Saint na 'yan. Hindi kita pipigilan sa magiging desisyon mo dahil may tiwala akong alam mo ang ginagawa mo. I just hope na pag-iisipan mong mabuti."

I sighed heavily and sank down onto the couch, closing my eyes as I leaned back against the cushions. Isang beses lang naman sinabi ni Penny ang mga salitang iyon pero nagpaulit-ulit na iyon sa aking isipan. She was right—about everything. I did feel indebted to the De Salvos in every way. Simula bata pa lang ako, simula nang maging kaibigan ko si LA. Walang ibang pinakita sa akin ang pamilya nila kundi kabutihan. Halos anak na nga kung ituring ako ni Tita Gabby, eh. They had been there for me even during one of the darkest times of my life, and that kind of support wasn't something I could easily forget.

Maiintindihan nila kung tatanggi ako.

But the truth was, it wasn't that simple. It wasn't just about the De Salvo family o kahit ang pera na ibinibigay ni Rafael bilang kabayaran sa gagawin ko kung tatanggapin ko nga ang kaso. It was about Saint—who he was, who he had been to me, and the undeniable pull he still had on me, despite everything.

Hindi ko iyon puwedeng ignorahin.

I heard Penny shift beside me, and I opened my eyes to see her watching me, her expression softening.

"Alam kong may epekto pa rin sa'yo si Saint, Drew. Hindi na siguro mawawala iyon, noh?" Walang panunukso sa kaniyang tinig kaya hindi ako makasimangot o makatanggi man lang kahit bahaw. "Ever since we were younger, you always had a soft spot for him, kahit ano pa ang gawin niyang panunukso sa'yo. Lalo naman nang mas magkamuwang na tayo..."

I couldn't deny it. She was right, and we both knew it. Saint had always been different, a force of nature that I could never quite resist, no matter how hard I tried. Even now, with everything that had happened, with the accusations hanging over him like a dark cloud, I still felt that pull. It was as if a part of me was wired to care about him, to protect him, even when it didn't make sense.

Kinuha ni Penny ang aking kamay at marahan iyong pinisil. "I just hope you're wiser now, Drew. Kung tatanggapin mo nga ang kaso niya, kung susubukan mo nga siyang tulungan at ipagtanggol, I want you to go into it with your eyes wide open. Don't let your feelings for him cloud your judgment. Mas maging matalino ka sana, Drew. It's for your own sake."

"I know, Penny. I'm not the same person I was back then. I've learned a lot, and I'm not going to let my emotions get the best of me. If I take this case, it'll be because I believe there's something worth fighting for, not because of some old feelings I can't shake."

"Sana nga, Andrea... Sana nga."

Hindi na ako umimik pa. Ilang beses na nga ba akong ipinagtanggol ni Saint noon? Hindi ko na rin mabilang. Ngayon na siya naman ang nangangailangan ng tulong ko, matatalikuran ko ba talaga siya?

-

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