Kabanata 2

For a moment Marco lost his words, but he got back to his arrogant self after he processed what I’ve said.

“Oh, that explains your arrogance. I thought you’re just a cheap slut roaming around to find some good dick.”

I really tried my best not to throw a punch on his face. Kleo is also murmuring inaudible words beside me, probably to contain his anger.

“Since, nandito na ang abogado mo Mr. Valencia, pwede na siguro nating pag-usapan ang kaso,” pagpuputol ng pulis sa bastos na tabas ng dila ni Marco.

“Kaso?” nagtatakang tanong ni Batis.

Batis. Batis. Batis, you never change.

“Apparently, your client tried to sexually assault Atty. Ada.”

“How many times do I have to tell you that it is consensual!” Marco stand up from his seat and hit the police desk with his two hands.

“I won’t press any charges. I’ll just file a TRO against Marco,” I calmly said. I gather my things as they were looking at me, amusingly.

“Let’s talk about this tomorrow, Atty. Batis. I have to go.”

Tumayo na ako at naglakad papalabas ng presinto. Ramdam ko naman ang pagsunod ni Kleo.

Agad kong kinuha ang cellphone ko para magtingin ng oras. I have a wristwatch but for some weird reason, I always check time using my phone.

I was a bit surprised to get one missed call from Justice Barbara Mangayao, she usually texts me if she needs something. She never does phone calls, according to her, voices over phone calls are weird. I nearly told her that she’s the one who’s weird.

I got a missed call from an unregistered number too.

Nawala sa isip ko ang missed call ni Justice Mangayao at ng unknown caller nang biglang lumapit sa amin ang kupal na si Marco. My fist hurts a little after I punched his hard face. It’s been a long time since I punched someone. I am resting my head on the steering wheel when my phone beep.

From: Justice Mangayao

Ada, Casimiro Aguirre had a cardiac arrest. Come here at PGH now.

I lost my grip on the phone after I read the text message. What the hell is happening right now? Just when we finally have the chance of proving his innocence?

Kleo got my attention as he aggressively knocked on my windowpane. I bet that he received the message I just read.

Ibinaba ko ang bintana ko at hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Kleo.

“Ada---”

Before he can compose his sentence I interrupt him.

“I read it already.”

He looked at me confused.

“Read what?”

Now, it’s my time to get confuse. Bakit parang hindi niya alam?

“I ran out of gas, I was about to ask if you can give me a ride,” he nervously said.

“What?” I said in full frustration. This man never fails to amuse me.

“Hop in,” I said anyway. He hurriedly runs towards the other door.

Hindi na ito nagsalita nang makapasok sa kotse. Mukhang wala pa rin siyang alam sa nangyayari. I drove the car at full speed, Kleo seems not to care but when I turn to a different route he starts getting curious.

“Ada, where are we going? That’s not the way to our condo.”

“Mang Casimiro had a cardiac arrest.”

“What?!”

“Will you lower your voice? Ansakit mo sa tenga.”

When he realized what he did, he composed himself and clear his throat.

“What? When?”

Now, he’s more relaxed but fear and sadness are visible in his tone. I didn’t answer his question, ‘coz I’m not sure about the answer too. I was too preoccupied earlier. But if I will consider the time of missed calls, I can say that it happened 30 mins ago, around 11 pm.

Nang makapasok kami sa ospital ay inabutan namin si Justice Mangayao sa labas ng ICU, together with Aling Teresa. I felt a pang of guilt when I saw them, I should be the one coming here first.

“Atty., what happens?”

“He had a cardiac arrest around 10:45, luckily naisugod agad siya dito sa ospital.”

Napatingin ako kay Aling Teresa at sa lagay nito ay mukhang hindi ito makakausap nang matino. Nakatulala lang ito sa bintana ng ICU habang tumutulo ang luha.

Lumapit ako sa bintana at pinagmasdan ang kaawa-awang kalagayan ni Mang Casimiro. May kung ano-anong tubo ang nakakabit sa katawan niya, this actually reminds me of a sad memory. I clenched my fist because I know deep inside that I took part in his sufferings.

“Ada.”

Hindi ko naramdaman ang paglapit ni Justice Mangayao sa tabi ko. Tulad ko ay pinagmamasdan din nito ang kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ni Mang Casimiro.

“Do you remember what I’ve told your class during our first meeting?”

Pilit kong inalala ang sinabi niya sa amin but I can’t recall a thing. Maybe my mind reached its full capacity because of what happened today. Hindi ako sumagot and just waited for her to speak.

“Being a good lawyer means putting yourself and your principles together to make sure that justice serves the right people…”

She stopped for a moment and take a deep sigh.

“But at times like this, I tend to ask myself: Was being a good lawyer enough?”

I looked at her and this is the first time I saw emotions in her eyes, unfortunately, it was sadness. I returned my gaze to Mang Casimiro and started to feel the painful sensation in my throat, an indication that I was trying so hard to stop myself from crying.

“Atty., if there’s someone to blame, I think I have to take the larger part. I am his lawyer but I fail to protect him and give him the justice that he deserved.”

“You don’t have to blame yourself, I saw how you dedicate your life and time to this case. I never regret that I gave you this very important cause. In fact, I can say that you are one of the most passionate lawyers I’ve met.”

I don’t know how to react to what she just said. She never complimented anyone, never. No matter how good you are during your recitation, you will never see a hint of amusement in her face. But now, I can’t believe that I am hearing these things from her. I can’t contain my tears anymore and they started to fall. I wiped them immediately before my terror professor see it.

“Mang Casimiro should never be the reason para panghinaan ka ng loob, instead he should serve as a strong reason for you to continue. People like him who were deprived of justice and privilege are the reasons we exist.”

For some reason, I can’t speak. It looks like I run out of words, but I absolutely agree with Justice Barbara. I never expect that the cold-hearted terror professor from UP Diliman has the ability to encourage someone. Maybe I just know her name but never her story.

Pareho kaming napakapit sa glass window nang makita namin ang isang pamilyar na linya. Maya-maya pa ay isa-isa nang sumugod ang mga doctor at nurse sa kwarto ni Mang Casimiro.

Aling Teresa was trying to get inside but Kleo hugged her so tight. She stopped resisting and just cry to the latter’s arm while watching her husband fighting for his life.

The doctor tried to revive him but Mang Casimiro seems to lose another battle. The doctor looked at his wristwatch. I automatically reached my phone from my pocket.

“Time of death, 12:30 am,” I muttered unconsciously.

-

“Casimiro Aguirre, GUILTY.”

“Casimiro Aguirre, GUILTY.”

“Casimiro Aguirre, GUILTY.”

I was catching my breath when I woke up. My conscience seemed to hunt me even when I’m asleep. Agad kong kinuha ang cellphone sa side table ko to check the time, it’s 8 am.

Napabalik ako ng higa at tumingin lang sa kisame. I can’t believe that all those things happened in just one day-- almost two. Para akong pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa dahil sa mga nangyari.

First, I was almost raped. Second, the person I owe justice, died just when I get the chance to give it to him.

“Mang Casimiro should never be the reason para panghinaan ka ng loob, instead he should serve as a strong reason for you to continue. People like him who were deprived of justice and privilege are the reasons we exist.”

Justice Mangayao’s words echoed in my brain. She’s right. What happened must not weaken my heart, instead, it should be a flame that will keep my passion and dedication burning.

I was about to review his case when I feel that my stomach hurts. Right, I didn’t have a proper meal since yesterday. Maybe I should just call for food delivery, I’m not in the mood to cook.  Tatanungin ko sana si Kleo kung magpapasabay siya ng deliver but he’s not in his room anymore. I checked the calendar and it's Friday. He has a class. Medyo na-guilty ako dahil siguradong pagod na pagod siya. I just wish that he’ll got lucky today.

After a few minutes, the delivery guy knocked on my door.  Mabilis kong tinapos ang pagkain ko at agad na binuksan ang laptop. I started reading the court’s decision two years ago. I am certain that the defense is strong back then. We proved Mang Casimiro’s alibi during the attack, the only thing that the prosecution holds against Mang Casimiro is the fact that some members of NPA were seen having a cup of coffee in their house. But why did the court favored the prosecution who holds only a circumstantial evidence?

So ordered,

Judge Fernando S. Torres

Judge Fernando S. Torres? This is the first time hearing his name, I think he’s a newly appointed judge in the Trial Court. Why did the Trial Court allowed a newly appointed Judge to hear such crucial case? I’m not doubting his ability; I just find it odd.

I did a little background check on him and found nothing suspicious. He has a clean and excellent record during his time in the prosecution and couple of years in Municipal Trial Court.

I squeezed my cheeks out of frustration, a weird habit I developed during my college years.

Corpuz.

The bastard’s name suddenly popped in my mind.

Randy Corpuz, my block mate who is known for cheating. He nearly got expelled when he was caught hacking a professor’s laptop to get answers for the finals. But he managed to get out from that through his connections.

Connections…

Bingo! I think I know where to start my investigation. I don’t believe that I lost the case because I was meant too, I lost the case because someone bigger already planted this. Someone is after the disposal of Casimiro Aguirre, a strong and brave leader of local farmer’s association.

I can’t believe I’ve got to miss this possibility two years ago.

-

Justice Barbara placed her right index finger on her lower lip while her thumb on her chin as she looked at nowhere. This is a sign that she’s thinking so hard.

I came to her office after having a hunch that Corpuz might be backed up by someone powerful enough to bend the law.

“You are making huge allegations, Esquivel.”

“But---“ I’m about to defend my argument but she speak before I could even utter the next word.

“But it is possible,” she continued as if she’s only talking to herself.

Justice Mangayao turned her gaze to me and let out a sigh.

“Okay, let’s give it a try. I’ll try to pull some strings.”

I automatically smile when I heard her response. Getting her approval is one of the most satisfying moments ever. I mean she’s not the type to approved something she thought as stupid and senseless.

“Thank you, Justice. I have to go.”

Tumango lang ito at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa niya bago ako dumating. Bubuksan ko na sana ang pinto nang may bigla akong maalala.

“Justice, hindi po ba kayo bibisita kina Mang Casimiro?”

“I will but not yet. I have to finish this.”

“Okay, mauuna na po kami ni Kleo mamaya.”

She nodded as a response. Aalis na sana ako nang bigla itong magsalita.

“Ada,” for the first time she called me in my name. I turned my back to see her but she’s still on her laptop.

-

Hanggang pagdating ko sa kotse ay hindi mawala sa isip ko ang mga sinabi ni Justice Barbara Mangayao. I can’t help but to feel fear. Pilit kong iwinaksi sa isip ko ang pinag-usapan namin. I am just hoping for the best. I really do. Pero hindi pa rin maalis ang kaba ko dahil alam kong sa propesyon namin, isang paa palagi ang nakabaon sa hukay.

I’m about to call Kleo to remind him that we’re going to Mang Casimiro’s funeral nang mapatitig ako sa date.

November 12, 2021.

Shit.

Agad kong binuhay ang makina ng kotse at nag-drive papalabas ng village nina Justice Barbara. Siguradong masesermonan na naman ako ni Mommy. How can I forget about their anniversary date?

Bumaba muna ako sa flower shop at binili ang paboritong bulaklak ni Mommy. I don’t know its name; I’m not interested too. Si Mommy lang naman ang mahilig sa amin sa bulaklak.

After a few minutes I reached our village. Binati ako ng matandang security guard na halos taon na binilang sa pagseserbisyo sa amin. College pa lang ako siya na ang guard dito sa amin. I passed by familiar streets and alleys. Kleo and I used to play here when we were young. I smiled as I reminisce those happy and stress-free days.

I stopped in front of Kleo’s house when I saw her mother trimming their plants. Pareho sila ni Mommy, mahilig sa mga halaman.

“Hi, Tita!”

“Oh my god, Ada! Is that you?” sabi nito habang papalapit sa akin.

“Opo, Tita!” I smiled a bit.

“It’s so nice to see you here.”

“Ah opo, anniversary po kasi nina Mommy and Daddy. Magtatampo po ‘yon if I don’t come.”

She just laughed at what I’ve said.

“Indeed, Hija. Especially, your Mom and Dad is throwing a party tonight.”

Party? I didn’t ask her about the party. But I’m sure I haven’t heard about it. Or maybe, Mom and Dad tried to tell me but I’m just too busy to check my socials? Nagpaalam na ako kay Tita bago nag-drive papunta sa amin. We’re just two blocks away. Himala ata, she did not ask me about Kleo. I just shrugged my shoulder at pumasok na sa loob.

Agad akong niyakap ni Yaya nang makita niya ako.

“Ada, anak!”

“I missed you too, Yaya.”

I hugged her even tighter. “Asan po sila Mommy at Daddy?”

“Ang Mommy mo nasa garden, may inaayos para sa party mamaya at ang Daddy mo naman nasa living room nagbabasa ng dyaryo.”

“Okay, Yaya! Thank you po!”

Tulad ng sinabi ni Yaya ay nasa sala nga si Daddy at may hawak na dyaryo.

“Hi Dad,” I said and kiss him on his cheeks.

“Hija, I’m glad you made it. I thought you’re not coming. You haven’t open our messages in your socials.”

“I’m just a bit busy Daddy,” sabi ko at umupo sa katapat nitong sofa.

“I know child, you’re my daughter. We’re a busy family, you know?” he said then chuckled. He did not remove his eyes from the newspaper. People never really change.

“Oh my god! Ada, my beautiful daughter. I’m glad you made it,” napalingon ako dahil sa matinis na boses na nanggagaling sa kusina. None other than my Mom, Dra. Lailani Esquivel.

I greeted her and gave a peck on her cheeks. I gave her the bouquet of flowers and I swear I saw her eyes glittered. I know that she would love it.

“Hi, Tita!”

“Hijo!”

I turned around as I heard a familiar voice, my eyes grew bigger when I recognized him. What is he doing here?