Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. While this chapter contains situations involving legal professionals, I am not an expert in the field. The portrayal of legal procedures, advice, and practices should not be considered accurate or reflective of actual legal practices. For accurate legal information, please consult a professional.

*****

"The defendant in this case has been charged with arson, a first-degree felony. As the jury foreperson, and in front of the people of the Philippines, based on the evidence and arguments presented, the jury finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is..."

The atmosphere was suddenly filled with anticipation and nervousness as everyone waited for the next word. I saw some people praying and holding their breath in their seats.

The long pause of silence seemed to last forever, but only until the verdict was finally uttered.

"Guilty."

I sighed in relief and smiled after those words reached my ear. I even saw the victim's mother crying out of happiness after justice had been served.

"Thank you, jurors, for your service. The court is hereby adjourned," the judge announced, and a loud bang of the gavel was heard, indicating that everything was wrapped up for today.

The room was filled with noise. The accused was dragged by the police to the place where he was meant to be. He was punished with reclusión perpetua.

Unti-unti nang tumayo ang iba sa kanilang pagkaka-upo at lumabas ng room, still gossiping about the case. I stood up and gathered my things. I adjusted my robe before grabbing my briefcase. I opened the swinging door and walked between the benches.

Napatigil lang ako when a woman full of tears approached me. She suddenly grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you, thank you," she whispered desperately while sobbing. She was already on the verge of breaking down. It somehow brought pain to my heart too.

I brushed her back a little to comfort her. "I was glad to lighten the burden you're feeling, Ma'am. I hope your daughter can rest in peace now." Isa sa mga anak niya ang nadamay sa apoy at sa kasamaang-palad, hindi siya nakaligtas.

The man beside her bowed towards me and held her by the waist to excuse her. I watched them until they were out of sight. After that, I turned to the side to meet the eyes of someone who had been watching me all this time. Lumapit naman siya kaagad nang makitang free na ako.

"Congratulations on winning the case, Prosecutor Silva," the defense attorney said, offering his hand.

"Thank you, Attorney Silva," I replied as I shook his hand.

This case is important to me, not only because it's a big one, but because he's in the defense.

"Ang daming matang nakatingin sa atin ngayon," he mentioned as he let go of my hand. "I wonder if we can continue this conversation outside as we sip coffee?"

I gave him a small smile before looking at my watch. "I'm sorry for turning down your invitation, but I'm very busy today. My schedule is packed." I politely declined.

He nodded. "Let's have coffee next time then, if you're free. It's on me."

"I appreciate the offer. I'll keep that on mind," were the last words I said before I excused myself and exited the courtroom.

"That's your biological Father?" Yule whispered after suddenly appearing by my side, sinasabayan ang paglalakad ko.

"Yeah. Obvious huh?"

"I can see the resemblance. Not only in the face but also in how you chew people alive in court! Grabe, walang pamilya-pamilya ba sa inyo? Ang intense ng sagutan niyo! Yung totoo, may kasamang ilang taong sama ng loob 'yon, 'no?" he exaggeratedly added, na siyang nagpatawa sa akin ng kaunti.

We were greeted by the flashes of cameras when we stepped outside the building. Reporters swarmed around us, and question after question was thrown our way. Wala akong sinagot kahit isa hanggang sa makarating na ako sa aking sasakyan. I looked at the side mirror and saw them chase a little even after I drove away.

"Tangina mo, panalo ka na naman," murang salubong sa akin ni Zachary, katrabaho ko sa firm namin. Not so professional, huh? I just grinned at him and gave him a smug look.

I was greeted and congratulated by my coworkers as I walked to my office. I simply thanked them and smiled back.

"Wala kang painom?" tanong ni Yule sa likod ko nang pumasok ako sa office ko. Mula pa kanina sa sasakyan niya ako tinatanong. Kahit anong pag-usapan namin, isusulpot niya talaga.

Hinubad ko ang robe at coat ko saka sinabit ang mga 'yon sa coat rack. I loosened my necktie too before sitting in my swivel chair. I felt so tired.

"Pass," ngising sagot ko sa tanong niya.

"Pass...a ko yung shot sa 'yo?"

Napailing ako. "Mamaya na," I told him and straightened my back, ready to face the tower of files placed on my table.

He whistled and grinned after hearing my answer. "Nice."

Yun lang ang hintay niya sa akin bago lumabas ng office ko. Narinig ko pang pinagsigawan niya sa iba na sagot ko yung inuman kaya napahiyaw yung mga nasa labas.

My afternoon passed quickly. I busied myself answering calls and interviewing the accused for my next case. Bumalik din ako kaagad sa firm pagkatapos at nireview ang statement ng accused, trying to see if aligned ang lahat while waiting for my co-workers to finish their business.

I raised my head when I heard a knock on my door. Kinuha ko ang glasses na suot ko at bahagyang hinilot ang aking ilong.

"Hindi ka pa tapos? Tara na!" aya ni Yule.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Prosecutor Zamora." I rolled my eyes as I gathered my belongings. I stood up and put on my coat again before grabbing my briefcase and walking closer to him.

Pagkalabas, napaawang ng kaunti ang labi ko nang salubungin ako ng mga katrabaho kong handa nang mag-inuman.

"Wow, perfect attendance." Mukhang walang mag-o-OT. Pati employee ng kabilang firm andito.

"Anong ginagawa niyan dito?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Yule saka tinuro si Theros na nakikipag-usap sa mga katrabaho namin. Lumapit siyang nakangisi saka kumakaway pa sa amin nang mapansin niyang nakatingin kami sa kaniya.

"Rinig ko may inuman daw kayo e," ngisi niya saka ako inakbayan. "Lead the way, pare."

"Luh, kapal naman ng mukha mo! Pabelong-belong ka dito! Mag-ambag ka uyy!"

Napailing na lang ako saka hinayaan silang magbangayan habang naglalakad kami. We eventually went to the bar near our workplace.

The next morning was hellish. Halos karamihan sa mga katrabaho ko may hangover. Hindi naman ako nagpasobra pero medyo sumasakit pa din naman ang ulo ko kaya hindi ko maiwasang mapahawak doon habang binabasa ang files na nasa harapan ko.

Napataas ako ng tingin nang may kumatok sa pintuan. "Prosecutor Silva,"

"Yes?"

"Another testimony from the victim," Prosecutor Lacson said as she handed me a brown envelope.

Tinanggap ko iyon saka binuksan. I looked through the papers and read the content.

"We also found a witness who could testify that the accused put something in the victim's glass. Would you like to meet her?"

I gave her a nod. "Yes, please. Assign an appointment immediately and notify me once the date and time is already set. Thank you," I muttered, motioning my hand to dismiss her because my phone was ringing.

"Yes?" sagot ko sa tawag nang masarado na yung pinto.

"Nak,"

I leaned on my swivel chair to rest for a while, "Ma? "

"Busy ka ba next week?"

"I'm always busy," I told her as I scanned the files I was holding. I was reading and listening to what she was saying at the same time. "Tell me about the problem, and I'll see if I can adjust my schedule."

"May PTA meeting kasi si Mixco sa school. Hindi nga lang ako makakapunta dahil sasamahan ko pa sa operasyon ang Tito Hakken mo. "

I sighed and put the paper down. Alam ko na kung ano ang gusto niyang ipagawa sa akin. "When?"

"This Monday. 1 p.m. sabi ni Ma'am."

"Wait, let me check my schedule," I said, pulling out my iPad and scrolling through my calendars. "I don't have any prior commitments on that specific day and time, so I can go. Who's the adviser?" I inquired since I'd never been to Mixco's school.

Natahimik saglit ang kabilang linya. "Hindi mo alam kung sino yung teacher ni Mixco?" parang gulat na tanong niya.

"No?" nahihiya kong sagot, slightly ashamed that I didn't even know my brother's teacher. I scratched my nape. It's just that sobrang busy ko lang talaga. I even rarely go home kasi tambak ako sa trabaho.

"Hindi mo talaga alam? Si Amara! Yung naging girlfriend mo noon!"

Bigla akong napatigil sa pagbabasa. Parang nabingi ako sa narinig na pamilyar na pangalan. "Huh? Who?" tanong ko para makasigurado habang inaayos ang upo ko.

"Si Amara!" naiirita na sa aking ulit niya. "Tingnan mo ang batang 'to, jusko," bigla siyang na-stress sa akin.

I bit my lower lip. "I...I didn't know," iyon lang ang tangi kong nasagot.

"Kinakamusta ka nga sa akin! Hala, sige. Kapag ikaw naunahan, lintik ka sa akin!"

Nasundan iyon ng pagsesermon niya sa akin. Paano ko daw hindi nalaman. Walang hiya daw ako. Ang kapal daw ng mukha ko.

Wala naman akong balita sa kaniya these last few years. Mabibilang ko lang ata sa daliri ko ang mga pagkakataong nagkita kami sa loob ng halos anim na taong pagkakahiwalay. The world's too big for us to see each other frequently.

"Ikaw pumunta ha! Ng makita mo naman! Mas lalong gumanda nak!" Waring kinikilig na sambit niya sa kabilang linya.

I smiled a little at what I heard. "Hmm? Is that so?" I whispered.

Then I will have no choice but to come personally to see if she has truly become prettier since the last time I saw her.

"How's she doing, Ma?" I couldn't help but ask. I just wanted to know if she's fine.

"She's living a better life, nak."

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapangiti ulit. "Really? That's good then."

"You sound so happy."

"I am."

"It's strange. I feel like your answer was meant for someone else."

I snickered a little, "What was that?"

"Wala." Sagot niya. "Sige, end ko na. Baka busy ka pa. Huwag puro trabaho, nak ha?" Paalala niya.

"Yeah, yeah," I sighed after Mama ended the call.

Amara. She's doing fine huh?

When was the last time I saw her? Napasandal ako sa upuan ko saka nag-isip. Ah, noong birthday ni Lamore. Ninang din siya sa binyag ng panganay nina Louisa and Stex. She was there too at Peach and Florian's wedding.

Minsan nagkikita din kami sa coffee shop o di kaya sa library, pero mas madalas sa inuman. Lalo na kapag nagkayayaan ang mga barkada. Hindi naman iyon maiiwasan because we have the same circle of friends.

Nagtatagpo minsan ang mga mata namin, at nginingitian lang namin ang isa't isa. We stay in the same room, inhale the same air, and exchange small talks, but we never really aimed for more. We got content with those quick, heart-melting encounters.

Hinahayaan lang namin ang sarili naming sumabay sa agos ng mundo. Kung saan kami dadalhin, doon lang.

These past few years, my life revolved around getting a good GPA, finishing law school, passing the bar exam, and having a stable job in a well-known firm.

Do I consider myself successful?

My answer is yes.

Am I already happy?

I am. Definitely.

Kuntento na ba ako sa buhay ko?

I've never been this contented before. I couldn't ask for more, but if life will give me more, I wouldn't mind if it's her.

Have I already forgotten about her?

That's a big NO.

How can I? When a single mention of her name is enough for my heart to thump in longing.

I still haven't forgotten about her. I admit, I still have feelings for her, pero sobrang kuntento na ako sa kung anong meron kami ngayon.

Mahal ko pa siya, yes. Pero 'yon ang pagmamahal na magiging masaya ako sa kaniya kapag nakahanap siya ng ibang magpapasaya sa kaniya. A love that will not be jealous, a love that won't hold grudges if she ever forgets about me. This is the type of love that will let out a sigh of relief and smile at her genuinely if she ever finds someone else to love again. A love that can let go.

Knowing that she's existing somewhere in this world, inhaling the same air, healthy and happy, is already enough for me. If life has some other plans for us, then I'm willing to cooperate.

I matured and grew up. I'm not the same guy she knew back then. But I am still the same guy who will welcome her in a heartbeat if she ever comes back. 'Yon ang hindi nagbago.

I didn't regret what happened between us years ago. Pain and heartaches molded us into what we are today. If there's one thing I could change, I wish I didn't hurt her so much back then.

Do I have someone right now?

Nah, I couldn't imagine. Probably I'll have one in the future... it could be her as well

"Prosecutor Silva,"

I snapped back to reality when someone called me. I was deep in thought and became unaware of my surroundings.

I blinked when I saw the man in front of me. "Attorney Silva, fancy meeting you here."

"Are you stressed? I called you a few times, pero hindi mo ako narinig."

I smiled a little before answering, "May iniisip lang, Attorney, but yes, I'm stressed too. The case I'm handling right now is too complicated."

Kakagaling ko lang sa pagkikipagkita sa witness, tapos pumunta pa ako ulit sa crime scene para maghanap ng clues at evidences. I stopped in a coffee shop to wake my senses, and I didn't expect to see him here.

"You grew up fine."

I glanced at him when he suddenly broke the silence between us. We ended up getting a table to talk.

"How's your Mom?" he asked with a warm smile.

"She's doing fine and...happy," I answered and took a sip from my macchiato.

Looking at him now at this close distance, I can see na tumatanda na siya. There are some wrinkles visible on his forehead and at the sides of his eyes as well. His cheeks have slimmed down, and the contours of his face became more visible.

When was the last time I saw him again? He tried reaching out pero galit ako noon sa kaniya kaya hindi ko pinagbigyan kahit isa. Tumigil din siya kalaunan. Hindi ko alam kung napagod siya o dahil gusto niya kaming bigyan ng space.

"You're happy with your new family?" I bluntly asked. This was the question I wanted to ask him a long time ago.

"Yeah," he nodded. Wala na akong pakialam, but I still felt a little sting in my chest after hearing his answer.

"Good for you," I muttered, and I meant it.

"Kinukwento kita sa mga anak ko... I mean sa mga kapatid mo," he said suddenly, kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. "Your younger sister wanted to become like you."

"Really?" Sister. I have a sister.

He laughed a little, at mas nakita ang mga wrinkles niya sa gilid ng mga mata niya. He's really indeed happy. "She was inspired after seeing the case you solved years ago that made your name known in the legal field. She found you really cool."

Ah. He was referring to the first big case I handled. Junior prosecutor pa lang ako noon and I was assigned to a high-profile embezzlement case. They said the case was unwinnable because of the lack of strong evidence, pero sinubukan ko pa ring kunin.

The defendant had a rough behavior, so I got suspicious after finding a childish online game on his phone. Nakahide pa yung app with a heavily coded password. After looking through it, I discovered the chat history with his accomplices contained incriminating messages about the embezzlement.

Since the defendant was a well-known figure, the public was shocked. Nag-headline din sa iba't ibang news outlets, at nag-trending over social media ang kaso. I did not only win the case that day but also established a formidable figure in the legal industry.

"You're a great servant of the law," puri niya.

Napailing ako, "Nah. I'm not. Up until now, natatakot pa rin ako every time I enter the courtroom. I'm afraid that I'll imprison an innocent person."

That's why I'm always meticulous in my work. I always make sure that what I'm saying is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Ganon din sa mga evidence na prinepresent at ginagather ko. I can't put someone's life in jeopardy because of a single blunder.

He burst out laughing as if yung concern ko is something trivial. "Same here, young boy. Kahit matagal na ako sa industriya, my fears remained the same. I'm afraid of not being able to prove the innocence of those who are not guilty and turning them into criminals in other people's eyes, having them punished by law even though they didn't do anything wrong." He shared as well. "But these fears make us good lawyers, right?"

Napailing ako ng nakangiti because I was reminded why I really looked up to him when I was a child. "Indeed."

Ang dami naming pinag-usapan after that. We spoke casually as if nothing had happened between us. I’d imagined this talk for countless times and thought, this would be awkward, but it’s very different from what I’d expected.

He also mentioned his wife, and I told him that Tito Hakken is treating my mother well. I also told him about my younger brother and ended up showing him a picture of him.

"Wow, ang laki niya na. He looks like you," he said, swiping through for more.

"Pero sobrang kulit. Hindi ko alam kung kanino nagmana," tawa ko.

"Ganon ka din no'ng maliit ka," nakangiting sabi niya habang nakatingin pa rin sa picture.

"Am I?" Nagdududang tanong ko. "Parang hindi naman. The only thing I could recall is me being a well-behaved child."

He laughed so hard after hearing it, like I said something ridiculous. It made me grin and laugh too.

"By the way, who's the girl on your lock screen? Girlfriend?" he asked teasingly.

Now that he mentioned it, ngayon ko lang na-realize na after 6 years, hindi pa pala ako nakapagpalit ng lock screen. It was unintentional, as if her being my lock screen was a normal thing.

I shyly scratched my nape. "Well, she's not my girlfriend. But she used to be."

"Ow," he blinked, quite shocked I guess, that his son is not over his ex.

I ended up telling him about Amara as well. With a smile on his face, he listened quietly. I hadn't even realized I was openly sharing with him. I even included the part where I cheated. I'm not proud of it enough to tell it to someone else, but that's a part of me as well.

"It's ironic, you know, because I promised I wouldn't end up like you, but I did."

"You're not like me. You're better than me, as a matter of fact." He gave me a small smile. Hindi ko alam kung pinapagaan niya lang ba ang loob ko o ano. "You bravely admitted your mistakes, you regretted them, and you asked for atonement. That's what makes you different from me. I'm sure she thinks the same way as well."

"I hope so," I whispered.

Natigil lang ang pag-uusap namin nang may tumawag sa kaniya. Nakipag-usap muna siya ng kaunti, saka tumingin ulit sa akin nang ibaba niya na ang cellphone.

"Work?" hula ko.

He nodded. "Yeah. Kailangan ko nang bumalik."

Tumango ako. "Sure, sure."

"Then I'll get going," sambit niya saka kinuha ang mga gamit niya at tumayo.

"Pa," tawag ko sa kaniya sa mahinang boses. Napatingin siya sa akin na para bang natural lang sa kaniya ang mag-react sa tawag ko. "Should we talk some other time?"

His face lit up with happiness and nodded immediately. "Sure, nak."

I stood up and offered my hand. "Then, see you next time, Attorney."

He took my hand and shook it. "I'll be off, Prosecutor. Thank you for your time."

We parted ways after that with a light heart. Somehow, I felt peace, and a heavy stone was lifted from my heart.

"Silva!"

I promised myself that I wouldn't drink anymore because of my work, but I was dragged by my friends again because of Daven's birthday celebration.

Umiinom ako habang iniisip ang tambak na pending cases na kailangan kong gawin. Siguro, shot lang ako ng kaunti saka maglaho na parang bula.

I turned my head after someone draped their arm on my shoulder. "Get off, dude."

"C'mon, it's my birthday, you know?" Daven complained.

"Shot mo na, pre!" Kaagad na ibinigay sa akin ni Tripp ang baso. Kinuha ko iyon saka inubos ng isang inuman lang, kaya napahiyaw sila. Umiling lang ako ng ulo saka nakipagkwentuhan sa ibang barkada.

"Lamore, bro!" Tawag ni Raven kaya napalingon din ako.

"Busy na busy ang doktor namin ah! Hanapan kita ng chicks? Tutal single ka naman!" Marwan teased.

"Ulol, not interested," sagot niya kaagad.

"Eh, kaibigan?! Gusto mo ba ng bagong best friend?!" Marwan suggested again, and I coughed before laughing so hard.

"Bagong best friend daw, bro!" Gatong ko saka ngumisi.

"Putangina mo," he cursed, which made us laugh even more.

"Wow! So very professional! Move on naman! Ilang years na nakalipas, oh!" Tukso pa ng gagong Lacaus.

He flipped his middle finger to show it to the guy. "Hanggang ngayon nasa stage 2 ka pa rin ng cognitive development. In short, bobo ka pa rin talaga."

"Ano?! Si ex pa din?! Hihina niyong nilalang!"

"Coming from you? I heard..." Bitin ni Gray.

"Ano?! Sige, subukan mo!" banta ni Marwan. Napailing na lang tuloy ang huli saka tinaas ang kamay bilang pagsuko.

Akala ko tatahimik na yung couch namin pero bigla namang dumating si Okin kasama si Aiden. Tinanong na naman ni Theros kung gusto daw ng reto ni Okin.

"Huwag ka diyan! May hinihintay 'yan!" sabi ni Aiden.

"Bakit lahat kayo may babalikan?!" reklamo ni Marwan saka sinamaan kami ng tingin.

I raised my brows at him at mayabang na ngumisi. Nagkwentuhan lang naman kami buong magdamag hanggang sa matumba na sila. Hindi natuloy ang plano ko na pag-uwi ng maaga dahil hindi ako nakalusot.

Days passed by at dumating na ang araw kung kailan magkikita kami ulit. I felt so nervous and at the same time excited to see how much she had changed after those years.

"This is it," I whispered.

Hindi ako mapakali nitong mga nakaraang araw dahil dito. I kept imagining how our encounter would be and I kept practicing what I should say if ever we talked... and that ends up me grinning like an idiot kasi kinikilig ako. Fuck.

"Is this right?" I whispered and checked again if I'm in the right room.

I breathed deeply and licked my lower lip in nervousness. I'm having a panic attack inside and I kept adjusting my necktie. I sniffed myself and fixed my neat hair just to make sure that I looked presentable.

"Fuck. I'm so lame," I cursed under my breath and frustratedly let out a sigh.

Get a grip, Gahala. You faced big-time syndicates and different kinds of criminals and now you're nervous about this?

"Bahala na nga, tangina," inis kong sambit sa aking sarili saka pumasok sa room.

Napatingin sa akin ang mga nandoon na at nakita ko kung paano nagningning ang mga mata ng mga Nanay. That's why ayokong pumunta sa mga ganito kasi binobola nila ako. Minsan gusto pa akong ireto sa mga anak nila.

Kaagad nila akong kinausap at nakibagay naman ako. Nakisakay na lang ako sa kanila hanggang sa matigil kami nang may pumasok sa pinto.

The sound of the stiletto filled my ears. My eyes were fixed on a girl in a teacher's uniform and her hair was in a neat bun. She's wearing light makeup, and a dazzling pretty face.

Just like the day I first met her, I was stunned in my seat. I pursed my lips to avoid my mouth from parting at the sight of her. She stopped in front of us and smiled that nearly took my breath away.

"Hello. Good afternoon," she greeted and wandered her eyes in the crowd like she wanted to familiarize herself with all of us. "I'm Keleya Amara... Silva..."

She suddenly stopped a little when our eyes met. She blinked and her lips parted a little, like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. I gave her a smile and even waved a little.

"Ah!" She uttered when some of the parents asked her if she was okay. "Yeah. Yeah," she nodded at them and gazed at me again.

I nodded at her, urging her to continue. It made her smile genuinely. She looked away from me and cleared her throat. "Again, I'm Ma'am Keleya Amara... Tiexiera," she corrected with a smile. "I'm the adviser of the Grade 4 Star section. Nice meeting you all."

"Hindi ka Ma'am Silva?"

She winced a little, and it was fun to see. "Sorry, that's a misunderstanding."

"Okay lang, Ma'am. Bagay naman," mapaglarong sambit ko. I chuckled a little after niya akong irapan. Suplada pa din.

"Enough of that. Mga guardians, as you are aware, I have gathered you here for a meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss your children's upcoming graduation and of course, included sa pag-uusapan natin is yung payments. I'm giving you a heads up right now kasi syempre kapag usapang pera, tumataas po talaga ang dugo natin, hindi po ba?" She teased and they chuckled. "So I'm asking you to prepare yourselves because medyo nakakahigh blood po yung mga babayaran," she added with a laugh.

She discussed the meeting and I just watched her. I think she can feel my stares because she kept looking in my direction from time to time. Every time our eyes met, our gazes were full of memories and mixed emotions.

Shit. Gusto ko siyang yakapin ng sobrang higpit ngayon.

"Do you have any questions or concerns?" she asked after she finished explaining everything. "Please don't be embarrassed to ask me anything."

The meeting ended quickly, and I'm quite disappointed because... that was it? Tapos na agad? Gusto ko pa siyang titigan while she's doing her dream job. Ang ganda niya... sobra.

Nasa gilid lang ako habang pinapanood siyang nakikipag-usap sa ibang mga parents at ngumingiti sa kanila. Sinadya ko pa talagang magpahuli para kaming dalawa na lang ang maiwan at masolo ko siya.

I faked a cough when I stopped in front of her. She's sitting at her desk and writing. Nililista niya yung nagbayad na saka nilalagyan ng 'paid' sa dulo.

She looked up at me, and the moment our eyes met, everything suddenly became awkward. I could even hear my heart thumping abnormally.

"You can sit, Mr. Silva." She chose to be professional.

"Prosecutor," I corrected her as I took a seat in front of her. I just wanted to brag, bakit ba. I wanted her to praise me too.

She glimpsed at me because of that, and I saw how she hid her smile. She cleared her throat para ulitin. "I'm sorry... Prosecutor Silva." Her voice was serious, but her playful grin said otherwise, and it somehow tickled me, making me laugh like a baby.

Wala pa ring nag-iba. My heart was still about to burst just looking at her. She looks mature and a bit taller now. She has fattened up a little since the last time I saw her. Her cheeks have become a little plump and round. Tama nga si Mama. She looks prettier now.

I feel like nothing will change now in her life whether I'm there or not. It only means that she can live without me now. And instead of being sad about it, I somehow feel relieved and proud.

"Ah, about the payment," I uttered, taking out my wallet. I took some money and gave it to her.

"Thank you," she said as she accepted it. I just watched her write my name as Mixco's guardian. Pagkatapos non, binigay niya na sa akin ang ballpen at ang bond paper. "Please sign here," turo niya kung saan ako pipirma.

I nodded and took the pen from her, making sure our fingers brushed against each other. I played it cool after that as if I hadn't done anything, even though I felt her flinch a little.

"Here," sabi ko sa kaniya nang matapos na at binigay niya naman sa akin ang sukli ko. I somehow felt like I needed to go home, pero ayaw ko pa.

She raised her brows when she saw me not moving an inch in my seat. "Any problem, Prosecutor?" Diin niya ng huling salita.

Inaasar ba niya ako? Pero gusto ko nga 'yon. Hindi ko mapigilang kiligin. I let my fingers play with my lips because I felt like I couldn't stop grinning like a fool.

"Well, Ma'am Tiexiera," I licked my lower lip to lessen my wide smile. I faked a cough and turned serious. "I forgot to ask something important earlier."

"Yes?" she put her pen down and turned all of her attention to me, and I somehow liked it. "Ano 'yon?"

I wanted to ask her how she was after these years. Gusto kong malaman ang lahat, pero uunahin ko muna ang pinakamahalaga.

"Well," I shrugged and asked hesitantly, "...hindi ba magagalit ang boyfriend mo kapag...you know, nilandi kita?"

She stared at me as it caught her off guard for a few seconds. After a while, I heard a puffing sound. She softly chuckled, like she didn't expect me to ask that question. "Can't you just ask directly if I have a boyfriend or not?"

I raised my eyebrows, but my ears were already turning red. "What? Meron ba o wala?"

The sound of her chuckle, the stretch of her smile on her lips, her crescent-shaped eyes that were shining like diamonds while she was laughing, her gazes, her very existence—it’s enough to make me feel contented.

"Wala. Wala akong boyfriend, Prosecutor Silva," nakangiting sagot niya.

I sighed in relief. Parang nabunutan ako ng malaking tinik sa dibdib.

"Ako din," sambit ko saka pinigilang ngumiti.

"Anong ikaw din?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong niya.

"Walang jowa," I answered. "Same tayo," I hinted.

"Ow," she bit her lower lip to stop smiling and nodded.

I unconsciously raised my hand and pressed it to her lips, which made her stop. I gulped when I felt its softness on the tips of my fingers. "Huwag kang madamot sa ngiti."

Her genuine smile, with no taint of pain, was like a reward to me. It's like it was telling me that I did the right thing before.

"Ah," I put my hands away when I came back to reality. "I'm sorry. Sinadya ko 'yon kasi malandi ako."

"It's fine," she snickered and looked away.

Bigla kaming napatahimik. Napakamot ako ng batok at napatikhim naman siya. Napasulyap ako sa kaniya at nakita kong namumula ng kaunti ang kaniyang tainga. Napaiwas lang ako ng tingin nang magsalubong ang mata namin.

Damnit. Anong ginagawa ko? Hindi na kami bata para magkahiyaan! Pero kasi nakakahiya talaga at ano... kinikilig ako.

Tangina naman. I bit my lower lip and covered my mouth with my hand.

"What are you doing?" she asked curiously, pero hindi pa rin ako makatingin sa kaniya kasi mukha akong tanga ngayon.

"Hiding my lips because I can feel a goofy grin showing up," I answered laughingly.

"Siraulo," bulong niya.

I composed myself after that and fixed my necktie. "Ehem, wala kang nalandian?"

"I tried flirting," Kaagad akong napabaling sa kaniya nang sinabi niya iyon saka napataas ang kilay. "Pero wala akong type," kaagad na agap niya nang makita ang reaksiyon ko.

"Ah talaga?" I sarcastically asked. "Ano ba ang type mo?"

"Well, yung matalino saka yung may sense kausap. Hindi yung puro landi lang. "

Napatango-tango ako. Medyo pasok naman ako doon maliban na lang sa puro landi lang ako.

"Ano pa?"

"Mataas saka malalim ang boses. "

"Uhuh. Iyon lang ba?" tanong ko at sinadyang pinalalim ang aking boses kaya natawa siya. Basic naman 'yon. I smiled too when she laughed so carefree, like she didn't care about other things anymore.

"Hmm, kulot ang buhok." She added while smiling.

Her words sounded familiar. "Pasok ba ako diyan?" I asked directly.

"You're definitely the one I just described."

"Ano ba 'yan Ma'am, sobrang landi mo," natatawang sabi ko saka tinakpan mukha ko gamit ang aking palad.

Grabe si Amara! Kanino 'to natutong bumanat?! Hindi lang kami nagkita nadevelop na yung flirting skills niya!

"Why are you now covering your whole face?" Aliw na aliw siyang tanong.

"Because covering my lips is not enough to hide my idiot face right now. So I thought I'd try covering my whole face."

For fucks' sake. Malapit nang mawala sa kalendaryo ang edad ko, pero parang tanga pa rin akong napapangisi dahil sa kaniya! Pakiramdam ko, kakain ako mamayang nakangiti na abot hanggang mata.

"How about you, Prosecutor? Did you try flirting with other girls?" Her voice didn't sound jealous, just pure curiosity, like she wanted to know what happened in those years we didn't see each other.

"I didn't."

"Bakit wala kang naging kalandian?" Tanong niya!

She dared to ask that when she's the answer herself.

"Well," I shrugged. "I'm busy with my career to the point that I don't have time to look at girls." I grinned. "Alam mo naman ako mula noon, study first. Priorities muna bago landi." Sabi ko nang may yabang.

She rolled her eyes, clearly not convinced. "So you're saying that if you're not busy, lalandi ka sa ibang babae?"

I gasped at her malicious question. "If you're the girl, sure, why not?"

She frowned at me. "Now? Are you still busy with your career?"

"If you're the one asking that, I think I can make some time and cancel some schedules," I grinned and wiggled my brows playfully, which made her shake her head. "You're interested in me, Ma'am?" I asked. "Seeing you ask if I'm still busy, do you want me to flirt with you?"

She nodded without thinking twice. "So be serious. Are you seeing someone else?"

I was baffled by her honesty, and it somehow made my heart thump. So gusto niyang maglandian kami? Grabe naman 'yon! Hindi ko kinaya!

I lowered my hands and dropped all the playfulness. Umiling ako saka napabuntong-hininga. I looked at her seriously and with sincerity, "How could I? I'm busy praying that if ever we meet again, I wish you're still single."

Because of our promise: That if we're both single, we'll marry.

She smiled after hearing my words, trusting them. She didn't even doubt for a second. "Good to know because I also stayed single for the same reason."

Ah. Damn, this girl.

"You know what, I really wanted us to meet again so I could tell you that I'm different now than I was before. That I've grown stronger," she shared with me as if she was dying to say those words. "Are you proud of who I've become, Gahala?" she asked with desperation in her voice, as if she needed to hear those words from my lips.

I raised my hand and placed it on her warm cheek. She closed her eyes and nuzzled my hand, which melted my heart.

"I'm always proud of you, Ma'am," I whispered. "Thank you for helping and saving yourself. For allowing yourself redemption from what I did. I miss you so much."

She smiled brightly until it turned into a happy laugh. We both chuckled at each other.

"Me too. I missed you."

I sighed as I stared at her, trying to calm my racing heart. I reached for her hand and squeezed it before I drew her close to me so I could hug her tightly. My whole system calmed down when I finally smelled her scent.

After waiting for so long, the dry sand has now tasted the familiar saltiness of the sea, for the waves have finally docked at the shore.

But it was different. The wave was a lot stronger now than the last time. It wasn't a gentle ripple anymore. It became more turbulent as wild as a strong current that could sweep away everything and cause a tremendous disturbance that no one could stop.

It turned into a tsunami.

But even after being aware of it, the shore openly embraced it with so much longing. For the shore knows, that despite being different, it's still the same wave that tickled his heart long ago.