#TPTG27

"Thank you Atty. Guevarra."

Tumayo ako mula sa upuan at kinamayan si Mr. Dela Cruz na isa sa mga clients ko.

"My pleasure," I politely replied

"Next meeting will be?"

"Next week po."

He smiled awkwardly while scratching his head. "Right. Sorry, makakalimutin na ako."

Ilang sandali ay nagpaalam na kami sa isa't isa. "Ingat po kayo."

He waved his hand to me before going inside his car. Sinundan ko iyon ng tingin hanggang sa makalayo.

I fixed my bag on my shoulder and walked towards my car. As I got nearer, I suddenly caught someone from the corner of my eyes. Napalingon ako at nakita ang isang lalaki na nakatayo sa kabilang kalsada. He was looking at my direction. I couldn't see his face because he's far away from me plus he has a cap on. Naka-itim din siya na jacket.

The hair of my skin rose up. My eyes narrowed while looking at him closely. The other pedestrians were already walking across the streets. Then a bus passed by. My eyes widened when he suddenly disappeared. Tumingin tingin ako sa paligid pero ni anino niya ay hindi ko makita.

Binalik ko ang tingin sa kotse. I held my keys tightly.

What if he's the one who sent me the box? Who's he? Is he a stalker? I can't help but to feel scared of my life.

Pumasok na ako ng kotse at dumiretso sa condo ko.

"Kuya, pwede ko po bang icheck ang cctv footage na nasa floor ko?" paki-usap ko sa guard

"Bakit ma'am? May nangyari po ba?"

I bit my lip. "Wala naman. I just want to check something."

"Ahh kaso ma'am, sira po kasi yung cctv sa floor niyo. Ang mayroon lang kami ay dito sa lobby at sa first floor."

"Gano'n po ba?"

He nodded. "Opo."

I sighed and stared down at the floor, while thinking hard. Inangat ko ulit ang paningin sa kanya. "If there's any chance that someone came here na nagdedeliver ng mga package?"

"Po? Parang lalamove or shopee rider?"

I blinked a couple of times and slowly nodded.

His brows furrowed while thinking hard. "Wala naman po. Usually po kasi kapag may gano'n ay iniiwan po sa receptionist yung order tapos kami na yung nagaabot sa kanila. Hindi po kami basta basta nagpapapasok kahit sino dito."

As expected, mahigpit ang security nila dito but the bad news is, I wouldn't be able to find out the identity of the man or my creepy stalker. I started to get stressed and frustrated.

"Ah sige po. Salamat," sabi ko nalang at tinalikuran na siya

Palabas na ko ng condo nang biglang nag-ring ang phone ko. Nakita ko ang pangalan ni Lou sa caller I.D.

"Hello?"

"Hey Fey! What's up? Can we meet? Kahit saglit lang."

"Uh, sure."

"Yes! I'll send you the address of my location."

Binaba ko na ang tawag at sakto ay natanggap ko ang mensahe niya. I drove all the way to the address that she sent me. I parked my car into this boutique shop.

"Fey! Finally you're here." She waved her hand when she saw me. She smiled widely in excitement.

Lumabas na ako ng kotse at sinalubong siya.

"Hey," I greeted with a smile

She hugged me. "It's good to see you again Attorney aka my gorgeous and hot single bestfriend!"

I chuckled and hugged her back.

I'm still not used to everyone calling me Attorney. It still feels surreal whenever I hear that word. Ang ayoko lang ay yung surname ko dahil hindi ko naman talaga iyon surname. 

"It's been ages since I last saw you!" she exaggerated

"It's good to see you too."

"Ang hirap mo kasing mayaya. Kailangan mag set pa ko ng appointment," inis niyang sabi

"That's because-"

"I know because you're busy and you have work to do blah, blah, blah."

Tumingin nalang ako sa shop sa likod niya. "So, what's this all about?"

"Oh, yeah, uhm. Welcome to my boutique! I've finally launched my own clothing line. Come, let's go inside," she said and pulled my hand

"Magbubusiness ka?"

"Pwede, or maybe a fashion designer."

As soon as we went inside, I was surprised to see a lot of different clothes coming from different brands. Nakahanger sila at nakadisplay sa mga mannequin.

She twirled around with her arms wide open. "And I, thank you!"

I chuckled. "You designed all this?"

"Uh-huh," she answered and took one piece of clothing. Lumapit siya sa'kin at tinapat ang damit sa katawan ko. "This looks good on you. Want to try it on?"

Napakurap-kurap ako at tumingin sa damit. "Maybe next time."

She pouted and got another one. This time it's a long dress. "How about this?"

I smiled. "Sure."

Tipid siyang ngumiti at binalik ang damit sa hanger. She continued to search for a better clothes for me. Nilibot ko naman ang paningin sa shop. I also can't help but to check the clothes. It's been a while since I last shop for clothes.

"Oh here! This will definitely look good on you."

Nagulat ako nung tinapat niya sa mukha ko ang isang turtle neck na crop top.

"I don't wear that kind of clothes Lou. We have different styles."

"C'mon Fey. You always wear the same thing," she said and pointed at my usual outfit which is black trousers and coat

"This is what lawyers suppose to wear."

"I'm not asking you to wear this at the court!"

I chuckled. "Yeah right but I still won't wear that on a regular basis. Like, I've said, magkaiba tayo ng style."

"What is your style anyway? I mean, you look good on everything! Literally every piece of clothing here would look good in you. You're tall,  have a gorgeous face, a nice sexy body slash hour glass figure, and nice body proportions. You're the it girl Fey."

I raised my brow, amused. "So your point is?"

"Well, even if you're not a real Guevarra, no one can change my mind that you are a queen. You will always be."

Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. She smiled and played with her hair. She took a step closer to me and held my shoulders. "What I'm trying to say is, on a much deeper meaning," she began and looked into my eyes. "You may not be a real Guevarra, you'll still succeed in life with you alone. I mean, look at where you are now. You are that bitch Fey. Tell them!"

I bit my lips to suppress my laughter. The way she said it was so serious to the point that I find it funny, but it made me empowered at the same time. I can't help but to smile.

She giggled. "Tara, kain tayo. May inorder akong brownies." Tinalikuran niya na ako at tumama pa sa mukha ko ang mahaba niyang buhok. I immediately followed her after.

"I thought you wanted to be an actress?" I joked and took a bite from my brownie

She laughed and covered her mouth. "That was before...well actually, I still want to but the movie industry is not ready for me."

"Really huh?"

"I was excited to show you my clothing line but you weren't as excited as I am," she pouted and satred at the brownie on her hand

My gaze lowered down to the floor. "Look. I am happy for you Lou, seriously. Proud din ako sa'yo."

A small smile formed on her lips. "Thank you."

I smiled back and took another brownie from the box. "These brownies are delicious. Where did you buy these?"

"I know right? Bought it online. Nakita ko sa ig may nagbebenta. I forgot the name of the store," she said and looked for the box. "Aha, here it is. Talliah's haven and treats," she read the sticker on the box

I nodded. "Tastes good."

We talked more and catch up with each other. It's been a while since I last hang out with someone because I'm always busy with work. I'm glad that she was understanding. Masaya din ako sa ginagawa niya. I hope she can find true happiness on her passion.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong pumasok sa trabaho. Binati ako ng ilan sa mga katrabaho ko dito sa law firm. Napahinto ako nang makita na nagkukumpulan ang ilan sa kanila sa opisina. They were talking about something and based on their reactions, it looks serious. I started to walk towards them.

"What's going on?" I asked

Tumingin si Pia sa'kin. "Have you heard the news Fey?"

My brows furrowed. "What news?"

"About Christian."

"No. What about him?"

"His client confessed his own crime on tv."

My lips parted. "What?"

She turned the laptop to me. Mas lumapit sa'kin ang mga katrabaho ko.

"It's all over the news."

She scrolled down a news article and there were numerous posts and response from the netizens.

"Why did it blew up like that?" I asked

"It appears that his client is one rich and influential man," sagot ni Lea at humalukipkip

"So he's been defending a murderer all this time?" someone said

"Probably."

I sighed and stood straight. "Where's he now?"

Sakto ay bigla kaming napalingon sa bagong pasok. It was Christian. He stopped and looked at all of us in surprise. He swallowed hard and avoided our gaze before walking straight at his office.

I was about to follow him but in the end, I did not. Maybe he wants some space.

"Well, at least nakulong ang may sala. That what's matters right? Siya na mismo yung umamin," Lea commented

"Yeah...but I wonder how Christian is feeling right now."

"Well, it's part of our job."

"Maybe he did it for the money. I mean, this guy is rich!"

Hindi na ako sumali sa usapan nila. I couldn't help but to think about Christian. Nakatingin lang ako sa pinto ng opisina niya. I'm sure that some of us will judge him.

"Sino ba iyong prosecutor na nag-handle?"

"Wait. I know him but I forgot his name."

"Oh my God. No way."

"What?"

"It's Atty. Keith Adrian Sanchez."

Agad akong napalingon sa kanila pagkabanggit ng pangalan ni Keith. I looked at the laptop and saw his pictures on the screen on the court.

"Do you know him? Ngayon ko lang siya nakita."

"Are you guys serious? Hindi niyo siya kilala? He's the best prosecutor in town. Magaling talaga siya."

"Really? Parang familiar nga yung surname niya."

"Wow, I can't believe he's the one who handled this case. As expected, he's well-known prosecutor right now. He has won numerous cases. Napapaamin pa niya yung may sala."

"So he's really 'that' good huh?"

"Yeah...good-looking din kamo."

My eyes were fixed on the laptop, not minding their conversation. They continue to browse Keith's pictures. I never thought he's a prosecutor. My heart warmed seeing him inside the court. He really has come so far, to the point that we completely lost contact.

Huminga ako ng malalim at binalik ang tingin sa opisina ni Christian. Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta doon. I knocked three times before opening the door.

"Hey," I said weakly. I saw him at his desk reading some new cases. He didn't greet me back. He just glanced at me then continued to read.

I swallowed hard and held the doorknobb tightly, didn't bother to enter his office. I just stood at the door. "It's not your fault."

He sighed heavily, stressed. Hindi pa rin siya sumagot pero nakita kong tumigil siya sa pagbabasa. 

"I'm fine Fey," he said and this time he's looking at me. He tried his best to smile

By the look on his face, I know he's still bummed and affected. Ang hirap din dahil baguhan pa kaming lawyers. Hindi pa kami sanay na matalo sa kaso. We're always pressured to win. Ayaw din naming mapahiya sa mga seniors namin na may experience na.

"I didn't want to in the first place but like you said, it's not our job to decide if the person convicted is guilty or not."

Inangat ko ang paningin sa kanya. "Did you know all along that...uhm."

He smiled weakly. "About fifty-fifty. I already had the feeling."

For a moment we were envelop by silence. Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya na ngayon ay tulala.

"I got to get used to it." Bumalik na ulit siya sa pagbabasa

I remembered our conversation a few days ago.

At first, I really thought that he was just joking, turns out that he's already dealing it for a long time. Hindi ko rin alam ang mararamdaman kung ako ang nasa posisyon niya. It's hard to defend someone who's guilty but what's even harder if you already knew that the person is guilty but still chose to defend them. You could say no but sometimes you have no choice. It really depends on the situation.

Hindi natin alam kung hanggang kailan tatagal ang konsensiya natin at kung saan tayo nito dadalhin.

I was about to close his door when he suddenly spoke.

"Watch out for him Fey. He's a good one."

Napahinto ako sa sinabi niya. I knew that he was talking about Keith. Keith whom I've known for years but never truly got to know him. 

I didn't answer and slowly closed the door behind me.

***

"Uwi ka na Lea? Sabay na tayo."

"Sure."

"How about you Fey?"

Napadilat ako at tumingin kay Pia. "Ha? Uh, go ahead. I just have to finish things up."

They smiled at me. "Sige, una na kami."

Pinanood ko silang lumabas na ng office. I yawned and rubbed my eyes. 

It's already late in the evening. Nag-overtime ako ngayong araw dahil sa tambak na gawain. Some of my workmates did too pero nauna na silang umuwi. I was left alone in the office. Tumayo na ako at niligpit ang mga gamit. I put my bag on my shoulders and closed the lights.

Sumakay ako ng elevator pababa sa parking lot. I tried to find the keys inside my bag but then I stopped when the lights suddenly went out. Everything was pitch black.

I froze and looked at my surroundings. Agad kong kinuha ang phone ko sa bag para magsilbing ilaw. I screamed when someone placed his hand on my mouth from behind me. Hindi ako makapagsalita. Patuloy niya akong kinaladkad patalikod. I used my other arm and elbowed him on the ribs. I heard him groaned so I took the chance and held his arm and twisted it forcefully.

I was able to free myself from his grip and with that, I ran towards my car while panting heavily. I felt him pulled my hair from the back, so a loud shriek escaped from my lips. I winced in pain as I struggle to free myself from him.

Nagulat ako noong biglang bumukas ang ilaw. Binitawan niya ako. I grabbed the opportunity so I turned around and immediately kicked his stomach as hard as I can. He groaned and slowly got down on his knees Pumunta ako sa likod niya pagkatapos. I grabbed both of his arms, pulled it and kicked his back. Napadapa siya sa sahig. I pressed my knee hard on his back to cage him. 

"Who are you? Are you my stalker?!" I shouted furiously

Hindi siya mapakali kaya mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang hawak sa kanya. I know that I won't be able to handle him much longer. He's too strong.

Sinubukan kong alamin ang itsura niya. I removed his cap and looked at his face closely. But it was not long until he got free from my grip. It happened so fast. Napaupo ako sa sahig habang pinagmamasdan siyang tumakbo palayo sa'kin. I remained on the floor, still in complete shock.

"Hoy! Sino nandiyan?!"

I heard voices of the guards coming from behind me. They also chased the man who attacked me. Napalunok ako habang tulala.

"Ma'am, ayos lang po ba kayo?" one of them helped me stood back up. My knees turned weak but I forced to pull myself back up until my feet stood firm on the ground. 

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa nangyari. I don't know if he's the same man whom I saw the other day at the other side of the street but my gut feeling is telling me that he is. Possible that he's also the one who sent me that box with a dead bird together with bloody photos of me.

As soon as I got home, I urgently reported everything to the police. I asked them to check the cctv footage of the parking lot. Kinabukasan ay pumunta din ako sa prisinto para alamin ang impormasyon.

"Did you find him?" I asked one of them

"Hindi po ma'am eh. Madilim din po kasi yung kuha sa cctv footage."

I sighed. "Please. I need to know who that person is."

The police nodded. "Nakita niyo po ba ang itsura niya? Kung naalala niyo po yung itsura niya ay..."

I tried to recall his face but my memories were vague. I really have no idea who he was.

"I...I remember that he has a scar on his head. Near his ear," I gulped

I remembered when I removed his cap, what caught my attention was his scar near his ear. He's bald so it's completely noticeable.

"He's bald so I saw it," I added

He nodded. "Okay ma'am. Maasahan niyo kami. Tawagan nalang ho namin kayo kapag may balita."

I sighed and nodded.

Kinagabihan ay hindi ako makatulog. Hindi mawala sa isip ko ang lalaki kanina. He scared the shit out of me! He looked like he wanted to kill me on the spot! I don't know why this is all happening to me. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama. Why am I always in danger?

I startled when I heard a clicking sound from the window. Napabangon ako bigla sa kama. I sighed in relief when I saw that it was just a bird. It made me remembered the dead bird that was sent to me. I hugged my knees and closed my eyes tightly.

I'm all alone inside my condo. Dark, cold, and lonely.

I never mentioned this to my mom because I didn't want her to get worried. Ayoko din siyang madamay.

At this point, I don't know who to trust. I don't think I can trust the police too.

The world is a scary place. It's no longer safe.

***

I woke up by the sound of my alarm. I slowly took my phone from my desk and noticed that it wasn't my alarm. It was my ring tone. Someone's calling me.

"Hello?" I answered, half-awake. My voice sound groggy

"Goodmorning ma'am! Kayo po ba si Felicity Guevarra?"

"Yes. Who's this?"

"Ikaw nga Attorney! Ako ito si Nicholas!" he replied enthusiastically

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Nico what?!"

He chuckled. "Niko for short. Ahh, regarding your report ma'am. Good news po. Nahanap na namin kung sino yung lalaki na-"

Dahil sa sinabi niya ay napabangon ako mula sa pagkakahiga. "What?!"

"Yes Attorney."

I checked my phone to confirm something. "Is this really the police?"

"Yes ma'am. Hindi niyo ba nakilala yung boses ko?"

Even if I can't see him, I knew he was smiling. I sighed in frustration. May time pa talaga siyang magbiro.

I got out of my bed and went to my closet. I planed to go to the police station to find out in person. Naghalungkat ako ng damit habang ang phone ay nakaipit sa tainga ko.

"Did you catch him? Is he there right now?" I asked as I struggle to put my pants on

"Unfortunately, no but we were able to know his identity. Kasalukuyan po naming hinahanap yung location niya."

"Pupunta ko diyan."

"Turns out he's part on the wanted list."

Napahinto ako habang nag-aayos. My shirt remained on my head. "W-what? He's wanted?"

"Yes. Marami na siyang nagawang crimen including robbery, bribery, assault, drugs."

Unti-unting umawang ang labi ko sa narinig.

"Hello ma'am? Andiyan pa ba kayo?"

I swallowed hard. "Yeah."

I tried my best to calm myself eventhough I'm already panicking on the inside. My stomach turned. My mind couldn't process everything yet and that I'm dealing with a dangerous man for God knows where he came from.

"Rest assured na mahuhuli namin siya ma'am. Huwag po kayong mag-alala."

Sa panahon ngayon, mapagkakatiwalaan ba talaga sila?

I've watched news about police brutality and I must say, I can't fully trust them because I know...I know what they do to people. They too, are abusive with their own power.

Hindi ako naging panatag sa mga salita niya. Why do I feel like my life would still be in danger even if he will get caught?

God, I must be overthinking!

But my gut feeling was never wrong.