Twelfth - Unjustifiable Justice

“NAKAKAINIS PARIN,”

I let out a sigh. Ang aga aga, mag iingay agad 'tong si Crizeliah.

Well we have been decided to meet this morning in her office, as usual. It's already friday and it's almost a week after our what so called oplan-take-the-document but we got defeat when someone just took that, right infront of us. That's so savage.

It's just the two of us inside her office, still waiting for Marcus and Xheidan to arrive although we have really no idea what is the purpose of this meet up. I hope just not to hear Crizeliah's rant!

“You're already infront of the admin yet you didn't took the documents?! Uh, Asthreittle,”

Here we go again.

“If I took that, edi nahuli ako? Uh, Crizeliah,” I mocked her.

Well, since then, she's been like this. She always telling me why I didn't do such a thing while it's already obvious!

Okay, nevermind, I was a bit pissed off on her, by the way. To tell it, after that day that we intrude the The Dangerous Theatre, our math professor almost accused us of cutting classes! What a ridiculous!

For that sudden accusation that is just somewhat accurate cause we do really cut a class, Crizeliah decided to use her position and so mine to hid the hindrance. She said to the terror prof that we're in a conference meeting that time! I was even surprised when the professor was convinced in that!

We both looked at the door when it opens. Marcus and Xheidan entered the room. Wow, they are together?

“GOOD MORNING!” I smiled widely and spread my arms while facing their direction.

“Good morning—” Marcus tried to replied and went to my direction but I was facing Xheidan.

I keep my smile and eyes to Xheidan even until he occupied the chair next to me, well he have no choice than to take that. When Xheidan looked at me, he rolled his eyes.

“Aga-aga, sungit-sungit,” I clicked my tongue.

I couldn't cease the smile plastered in my lips while looking at him, although I already lost a count of how many time he did rolled his eyes from me. I'm too pleased and pleasure on what happened during that night to be pissed on him.

After the man went out from the Admin office, Xheidan immediately let me go and as of that, I found him walking outside the door infront of us. In my horror being left alone inside that dark place, I followed him. I smiled when I saw him looking at the moon again.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Bakit kaya ako iniwan kanina. Ang dilim dilim sa loob tapos mag isa ako. Saet,” I babbled while humorously looking at him. He's just firmly standing while eyes were fully occupied in the beautiful moon.

He rolled his eyes as reply.

“Tapos bigla biglang mang hihila. Tsk, tsk, tsk,” I clicked my tongue.

Xheidan looked at me. I acted innocently “What?”

“I have to leave cause if I didn't, I could be sure that you get caught.” He said and rolled his eyes once again.

Hindi ko napigilan ang pag ngiti!

“Iniwan mo parin ako!” I protest while looking dumb.

“I noticed two guy in the front entrance awhile ago, to make it sure, I looked for them. They were also looking for the admin office. I realized you're there so I went back to you,” He looked at me.

That look. Should I melt now?

“Pano mo nalaman?”

“Your light is obvious from afar,” he looked at the moon after answering.

“Sumasagot ka na ngayon, ah?” I kid.

I looked at the moon too.

“Binalikan mo'ko, so concern ka saakin? In love ka sa'kin, 'no?” I grin like a dog.

Xheidan gasped.

“You're always staring the moon, hanggang ngayon nacucurious parin ako,” I protruded my lips. I took the few step to get closer to him and remain a two step gaps.

“I didn't asked,”

I nudged his arms, when he looked at me, I immediately showed a peace sign.

Xheidan breathed.

“Cause it's beautiful. It's perfect,”

When I looked at him from the moon. I caught him staring at me that made me widened my eyes in surprise.

“I-Inlove ka talaga sa'kin?” I uttered awkwardly. Xheidan rolled his eyes.

Until now, I'm still holding onto my thought that he was pertaining on me when he said beautiful and perfect! Kinikilig tuloy ako.

“Para kang kitikiti diyan,”

I rolled my eyes on Marcus.

“Hoy! Insulto yon ha!” I scowl on him.

“Oo, mainsulto ka. Kaysa diyan sa isang 'yan, oh. Isa na ata ang kilay niyan,” He pointed Crizeliah using his lips.

We both laughed.

“Aray!”

Crizeliah just thrown a crumpled paper in my face! The heck!

“Opps,” She smirked.

“Ikaw...” I whispered and looked for a used paper and crumpled it before throwing in Crizeliah's face! I laughed hard ng tumama iyon sa bandang ilong niya!

Crizeliah throw another on to me and this time ay tinamaan ako sa bibig. I just do the same too at nauwi kami sa batuhan but napatigil kaming dalawa nang matamaan ni Crizeliah si Marcus sa mukha.

“Opps, sorry,” Crizeliah said but in a terms of humor!

“Forgiven,” Marcus smirked at saka nag labas ng maraming crumpled paper sa lamesa!

That's unfair! He planned this!

Marcus thrown a crumpled paper to me and Crizeliah at the same time! We glared on him and throw a paper for revenge and we end up throwing paper to each other while laughing!

“ANG KALAT!!!”

We all looked at Tax who have just entered the room while looking at the papers on the floor. Nag katingin kaming tatlong nag babatuhan kanina at sabay sabay na ngumisi. In our idea, sabay sabay naming binato si Tax. Pinanlakihan niya kami ng mata habang umiilag.

Nag tawanan kami.

“ANG RUDE!!! Nakakasama ng loob 'yung bungad niyo,” Tax pouted like a kid.

I throw a paper in his face that made me laugh.

“Uh. Kapag tinamaan pa talaga ang gwapo 'kong mukha,” Tax said and take the seat beside Marcus.

We finish doing that crazy thing when we realized how mess we end up doing around Crizeliah's office. Crizeliah just rolled her eyes as she noticed that.

“Is that already asleep?” Crizeliah pointed Xheidan at my side.

We looked at Xheidan who's leaning in his chair with eyes closed, I also noticed an airpods inserted in his ears. In my will, I trippingly took the one airpods from him and inserted it to me without any words uttering to him. When Xheidan realized what I have just did, he rolled his eyes and ignored me. Natigilan lang ako nang mapag tanto kung ano ang pinakikinggan niya.

'Cause you are, you are,

The reason why I'm still hanging on,

'Cause you are, you are ,

The reason why my head is still above water,

I looked at him, he's just silent while eyes were close. He seems never minding everything that is happening around him, which I was doing right now.

And If I could get you the moon,

I'd give it to you,

And if death was coming for you,

I'd give my life for you,

He opened his eyes and it directly met mine. I feel my system get stucked in his deep eyes usually screaming for boredom but it's not his usual this time. The softness and baffle is what it says at all.

'Cause you are, you are,

Oh you are,

You are,

“ANG SWEET NAMAN!”

I immediately looked away when Tax exclaimed infront of us. Hindi ko namalayang kanina pa pala nila kami pinapanood. I awkwardly looked at them and raised my brows innocently while Xheidan just closed his eyes again as if nothing's happen.

“What?” I furrowed on Marcus who's mockingly looking at me.

“What?” He mocked and rolled his eyes.

Problema neto?

“Sayang! Dapat vinideohan natin! Tapos i-upload!” Tax loud laugh follows.

I clicked my tongue.

I heared Crizeliah laughed too before looking at me maliciously. The heck?!

Binato ko siya ng papel sa mukha. Head shot pa nga.

The following day went fine, naging maayos naman lahat except that we have to connect to each other every night through online. Aside that we're waiting for the upcoming case to get expose in the media, we're also keeping in track on the website which now isn't uploading anything yet the fact that the latest document that have been gave out isn't exposed yet.

“Hi!”

I stand beside Xheidan when I saw him standing at his usual spot in the rooftop. Ngayon nalamang mula akong nakapunta rito and see him these days. Namiss ko tuloy ang lamig at ganda ng view rito.

“Lamig 'no?” I looked at him with a wide smile in my lips.

“Land Breeze,” He muttered.

“Huh? Sea breeze!”

“It's land breeze,”

“Sea breeze!”

“Land breeze. It's night so land breeze,”

“Nakinig ako sa science prof ko nu'ng juniors!”

“It's land breeze. Go, grab a book and check who's right,” He pressed his lips together.

I smiled widely.

“No need. I know it's land breeze,” I said while having a sweet smile.

“Could you please stop smiling like that?” He looked at me with his brows knitted.

“Alam mo ang mysterious mo. Actually, I was wondering how you knew it was in admin office last time,” I said.

“The website notified me,” He uttered.

“Okay!”

I looked up to the moon and then sideways a glance to Xheidan.

“Ang ganda ng buwan,” I said while staring through it.

Maybe I could now understand why he do love staring the moon. It's so gorgeous.

The days went nice, hindi na kami masyadong nag kikita kitang lima sa opisina ni Crizeliah dahil wala naman ganoong kahalagang dapat pag usapan, besides, we're talking through chat so no worries.

“Xheidan!”

I looked at my back when I heared someone called Xheidan's name. In my urge, I walk towards a group of people standing at the corner part of the classroom.

When I got closer to them, I saw Xheidan being encircled by his group in a one activity that happened last time.

“How dare you to remove us from the list?!” someone asked him.

Xheidan is standing calmly and firmly.

“I'm the leader,” Xheidan uttered.

I furrow.

“And it makes you have a right to do that?!” the girl exclaimed.

“Yes,”

“Asshole!”

“Couldn't you comprehend what I have did?” Xheidan looked at her intently that could make her feel like she's the most nonsense person in the whole wide world. The intimidate giving by Xheidan's aura cupped her whole expression.

“A-Ano?” the girl stutter.

“Do you think you deserve to be in the list although you have no any contribution in the group? Are you nuts?”

OWW!

“Wala ka namang sinabing gagawin ko!” The girl exclaimed more.

Wait, she's familiar. Hmm... It's Dein.

“As a part of the group, you must know your place. Not everything would just dictate on you. Use your mighty brain,” Xheidan said before turning his back to the almost teary eyed Dein.

Aw. Why does he talk like that?

“SELFISH!” Dein shouts one again before leaving the classroom.

Napamaang nalamang ako. I don't know what to react for that, all I know is I couldn't believe on what happened. Is he really like this?

I bite my lower lip.

No, he's just really straight forward. He helped me last night so I know that he's good innerly.

Before sleeping tonight, sinadya kong umakyat muna sa rooftop although I know that I used to go there every before I sleep. I knew Xheidan would be there so I'll be in urge.

When I reached the rooftop, there's no one around, I just walk the way going to Xheidan's usually spot but he's really nowhere.

I look up to the moon.

“What's up with you that you make him stare at you as if you're the only thing existing in the world?” I whispered.

I then smiled realizing what I have asked. I'm nuts. Why do I acting this way, by the way?

I turned around when I heared some noise at my back. In that moment, I saw Xheidan standing near the staircase leaning his back over the wall while looking at me.

I felt my heart beat faster than usual.

Why am I feeling this way?

I smiled and decided to walk towards his direction. When I'm finally infront of him, I smiled widely which he replied with a gasp.

“Late ka,” I stand beside him and crossed my arms. I looked at the moon when he did that.

“I'm not informed that there's schedule,”

“Meron. Baka kasi mamaya kapag dumating ka ay wala na ako. So you better went up here around nine to ten, gano'n,” I smiled widely.

Demanding too much, Asthreittle?!

“Tss..”

After that, we ate by a silence.

I lick my lips and look up to the moon.

Here he is again. Looking at the moon as if it's the only thing around. As if he's inlove with it. Kailan kaya siya titingin saakin ng ganiyan?

I breathed and protruded my lips. I couldn't stand with the silence.

“Feeling ko hindi ka naman talaga selfish, e,” I uttered.

“I didn't asked.”

“Rude, oo, minsan gano'n,” I casually nodded.

He didn't replied.

“Binalikan mo 'ko last time, so hindi ka selfish,” I curved my lips into a smile.

Again, he didn't respond.

What do I have to do to get your attention Mr. Surnameless? To made you look at me the same way you look at this precious moon up here?

“Kasalanan naman nila 'yon if they got removed from the list. You did wasn't that bad,”

“I don't need your soft words,”

“Shh!” I humorously furrow “Did I said that I'm taking your side?”

“Tss..”

I chuckled. Pamisteryoso lang 'tong lalaking ito.

“But, I think you should reconsider din. Tryna lower down your pride, gano'n,” I smiled.

“I don't need your advice,”

I suddenly shook my head. Xheidan, Xheidan, Xheidan. Why can't I feel any bit of madness on you after all these kind of attitude you're throwing to me?

“Ano palang surname mo?” I asked. That thought just suddenly went up to my mind as of thinking what question I'll ask next.

“Still investigating 'bout me?” He sideways his glance to me.

“Not really, curious lang,” I sigh “Xheidan lang alam ko sayo, e,” I curved a small smiled into the wind.

We ate by a silence once again.

I didn't bother to utter any words again either.

Maybe I want to appreciate the peace around us. It's too calming, the coldness is making me forget the reality for awhile.

“My parents died years ago due to unknown reason. I decided not to include my surname to my identity 'cause I don't want to remember that tragedy,”

I looked at him as he uttered those words.

Did he... Did he just told me that?

I blink twice when he looked at me.

“Now, you already knew something else about me.”

The next day wasn't really that bad, in fact, it was better that my usual day in the university.

I lazily opened my laptop to check something on the website. I think I have already get to use to this kind of thing. Getting awake too early to check this website if there is any update on the website. I widened my eyes when an article from online news popped up in my notifications!

“SUPREME COURT FORMER JUDGE, BAYARAN NG MGA POLITIKO?”

“Base sa report na inilabas ng private investigator kahapon lamang ng umaga, ang itinitingalang

hukom

ay 'di umano'y

humahawak ng mga kasong kaugnay sa embezzlement ng mga matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno ganoon na rin sa mga negosyante sa bansa. Matapos kumalat sa social media ang kontrobesyal na video na nag simula nitong miyerkules ng umaga ay sunod

sunod na ang pag ko-comply na natanggap mula sa masa. Narito ang orihinal na video.”

The video shows a two man both standing in the center of the living room. The one man is wearing a judge coat that introduce him as the Supreme Court Judge while the other on is wearing a gray tux that could easily mark him as a known high politician.

“Ngayon na lamang muli ako mag ru-ruling, Judge. Ang gagawin mo lang ay i-convict si Martinez sa kasong Embezzlement at i-deny lahat ng court appeals,” the man wearing tux uttered.

“It's not easy the way you think, Mr. Sorianez. Ang kaso ni Martinez ay hawak ng pinakamagaling na abogado sa buong bansa. Baka pag hinalaan na ako niyan?” the judge smirked and cupped his both hands together.

“Use law for this, Judge. Maayos na naman siguro ang sampung

milyon, hindi ba?”

In that moment, the video ended when the judge was about to utter another words to reply.

My jaw was almost dropped over the floor ang my eyes were bugged after watching that video!

I swallowed and ingest every single detail that I have just heared. Is that the content of the document left in the admin office?

In that moment, the madness made up all over my system that made me harden my fist and gritted my teeth. I hardly closed my eyes and took a big amount of air.

This is fucking ridiculous. That... That judge is the most known judge in this country for holding the most number of embezzlement and criminal cases and then we would just know that he's a fucking payable fucking judge?! What the fuck!

Gusto kong maiyak. Bakit ganiyan sila?! They... They fucking convict a fucking innocent person?

Where is their “Innocent until proven guilty”?

It was happened years ago. That case went controversial topic not just in the country but also in the whole South East Asia.

Mr. Martinez is the most trusted secretary of the one government department in the Philippines but was accused in an embezzlement case and been convicted in that crime.

I was there with my family watching news. We seen how the most eligible and highest paid lawyer in the whole country defended him, submit and show a lot fo evidence that could defend the accused as innocent... but that fucking judge still convict him.

I was also there with my family watching news about how alot of people rallied after that fucking judgement. The whole Martinez family were there, begging to open the case once again for fuck's sake, begging for another chance to prove Mr. Martinez's innocence. They were all crying and begging... but the supreme court never let them hear out.

They were fucked up.

I was also there with my family watching news about how the lawyer held Mr. Martinez's case accused for being associated to Mr. Martinez and how his career downfall because of his first ever loss case.

This fucking justice system is fucking unjustifiable. Fucked them all!

Now... for this has been exposed, I could be sure that Mr. Martinez's case would be open once again. Families, relatives and love ones of him would appeal...

....but it's too late.

Cause Mr. Martinez already died inside that prison.

Place where he don't deserved to be in.

He was silenced and found dead inside that fucking prison and no one fucking tell what's the fucking reason.

Tell me. Do they call this justice?

I wipe out my tears which I didn't realized that there is. I looked up to the ceiling and forced myself to smile. I don't know why I am too affected about case, even when I was still highschool, I was kept on researching about this case, I was never convinced that Mr. Martinez was a criminal.

I then smiled for awhile.

For now, the Martinez family would finally get the justice they deserve. I could be so sure that alot won't let that fucking Judge  not be imprisoned.

But if he's imprisoned, will he not me powerful anymore?

I smiled again. The person behind that website is such a great. I salute whoever it was.

“Good morning!” I greeted Xheidan as I saw him at the entrance of the university. He was wearing his usual pang koreano attire.

“What?” he asked and raised his brows.

“I said good morning!” I smiled widely and get along in his big steps.

I was just looking at him and trying to foresee what he was going to react. I was baffled when he looked at me and then uttering a words.

“Good morning..”

Tuluyan akong napatigil sa pag lalakad while my eyes we're all widened because of amused and surprised!

DID XHEIDAN JUST GREET ME BACK A GOOD MORNING?!

DID HE?!!!!!!!!!

Hindi ko napigilan ang pag ngiti ng napag kalaki laki.

I was just staring at Xheidan's back while he was walking neverminding that I was stunned here.

I can't believe it, he just greet me back! That's new!

“Are you fine?”

I looked at Marcus who's now infront of me while looking at me as if I'm the weirdest person in the world! We're here in the Jershey's Café, the place where we first met before. He invite me to come over here dahil nandito daw siya and he would treat me raw so I come over after my class.

“Fine na fine!” I said energetically with a huge smile ahead. Hindi ko parin makalimutan ang pag bati pabalik saakin ni Xheidan kanina although is just a small thing.

“You look like a donkey who keep on smiling,” He glowered on me.

“Why? Bawal sumaya?”

“Pwede,”

“'Yun naman pala, eh,”

“Basta ako ang dahilan,”

“BUANG!” I exclaimed.

Marcus laughed at me hardly.

“By the way, have you watched any news already?” He asked.

I bit my lower lip.

“Kaninang umaga. Nabubwiset ako sa judge na 'yon,” I shook my head.

“Hmm. I was wondering, why does the person behind that website put a domino and bridge in there? We even decode it, seems not even helping,” He shrugged and sipped over his coffee

I was glad in other way that this café didn't closed after the issue that happened in there last time. Nabawasan nga lang ang mga bumibisita.

I pull out my phone and look for news. Saktong may nag popped up sa notifications ko.

“Umaapila ang sambayanan na buksang muli ang lahat ng kasong hinawakan ng naturang

hukom. Sa mga oras na ito, ang pamilyang Martinez ay malugod na umaapila sa korte

ukol sa kaso ng namayapang Department Chief Secretary Martinez na naakusahan sa embezzlement crime two years ago at ibig na sampahan ng kaso ang naturang

hukom.”

“Humaharap naman ngayon sa matinding

suliranin ang congressman umano'y nag bayad sa hukom. Sa ngayon ay patuloy ang ginagawang

imbistigasyon..”

A small smile curved in mg lips as I looked at Marcus

“I think I already know the answer to your question,” I uttered and show him the news I've just filmed. Kinuha niya naman iyon saakin.

“The mass is now pushing for a court appeal, also wanted to open every cases that the Judge did the judgement. In that case, kapag nabuksan ang mga kasong iyon and knew, if ever, that a lot of high captured personalities and politicians did the same on what the congressman on that uploaded video did, makakasuhan sila ng panunuhol at pandaraya. I do believe na hindi lamang isang beses tumanggap ng bayad ang Judge na 'yan at kapag muling inimbistigahan lahat ng taong hinatulan niya ng guilty at napatunayang they were innocent, lahat ng nag bayad ay makukulong.” I stated.

Marcus firmly nodded while biting his lower lip.

“Domino, isa lang ang nahuli, well, dalawa naman sila pero lahat ng konektado sakanila ay mapapahamak rin,” I added.

“I think not just false conviction ang nagawa ng judge na ito,” He looked at me.

I looked at him intently.

“It's possible that he was also paid to do a false acquittal,”

I nodded. Now I get what he was trying to say.

It's not impossible.

We then sigh. I can't believe that this kind of shit is happening in this country. Nakakahiya na may mga ganitong hukom sa bansang ito.

“Now, I hope those innocents that were convicted by a crime they didn't even done would have their justices. This case just proved us that justice could really vary,” He shook his head.

I nodded and pursed my lips.

I continue sipping my coffee, it's already beed days since I drank a coffee.

I looked at Marcus when his phone beeped while I'm sipping onto my coffee. I put it down slowly.

“Fuck? What?” He almost stand from his seat as he answer the call. He even irritatedly looked outside the glass wall beside us.

I frown. Problema neto?

“What?! Alyse!” He scold on the phone while looking somewhere afar from outside.

Hindi ko napigilan ang pag tingin sa tinitignan niya. I saw a girl holding a phone too while looking at us with a brows furrowed.

“She's...”

I looked at Marcus when he suddenly looked at me.

“Ano?” I asked innocently.

He sigh.

“She's my girlfriend...” He uttered while looking at me.