#TPTG30

"Attorney!"

Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa'kin. I saw Nicholas from a distance. He jogged towards me, avoiding all the nurses and doctors that were passing by.

"Are you okay?" he asked with a worried expression on his face. He looked like he just ran all the way from here. Hinabol niya ang hininga habang tinitignan ang kalagayan ko

I nodded. "I'm okay now."

He sighed in relief.

Nakaupo ako ngayon sa tapat ng hospital bed ni Vince. He still hasn't woken up yet but the doctors said he'd be fine. There were bruises on some parts of his body especially in the abdominal area where he was stabbed.

"What happened? Sino siya?"

"Vince. He was my driver before back in highschool. I've known him for years." I tried hard not be too emotional as nostalgia kicked in. I can't bare seeing his state right now. Kumirot ang puso ko.

Hindi na nagsalita pa si Nicholas. He remained on my side, watching Vince too.

"He was stabbed. I still don't know the whole story," I added. "Malalaman ko lang kapag nagising siya."

Sana magising siya.

"Don't worry. He'll...he'll surely wake up," he said doubtful

Naramdaman ko siyang lumapit sa'kin at hinawakan ang balikat ko.

"Felicity. You should take some rest. It's getting late."

"No. I'll stay here. I'll wait for him to wake up. Mauna ka nang umuwi. I'm sure you're tired."

I heard him sigh. "Wala naman din pong mangyayari kung manatili kayo dito. Mas mabuting magpahinga muna kayo. Ako nalang ang magbabantay sa kanya tutal sanay na ko sa trabaho ko na gising magdamag."

"I...I want to stay," I said weakly

"Sabi mo sa'kin kanina, malaking tao ang kaharap natin at hindi sila basta basta mapapatumba. I know what you mean. It's us against those powerful people. There's a small chance that we can beat them but I know we can do it...pero hindi natin magagawa iyon kapag wala tayong sapat na lakas."

I sighed.

He's right. Walang magagawa kung magmukmok lang ako dito. Who knows that perhaps Archie or the governor has something to do with this. Who knows their next move is?

"Ako na ang magbabantay sa kanya."

Inangat ko ang paningin kay Nicholas. I was debating whether to stay or not. Hindi din ako sigurado kung hahayaan ko siyang mag-isa dito. I know he's tired as well and he must have had a long hour drive to get here. I can't help but to feel guilty. Ayoko nang may madamay pa ng dahil sa'kin.

"Get some rest. Tatawagan nalang kita kapag nagising na siya," he added and gave me a small smile, assuring me that everything is gonna be alright

I looked at Vince one last time before standing up. "His father. He'll be back soon. Sana mabantayan mo din sila."

He nodded.

Tumango ako at nilagpasan na siya. Lumabas na ako ng ospital at dumiretso sa kotse ko pagkatapos ay sumakay doon. I reclined my back on the chair and closed my eyes.

I'm so drained tonight. Gusto ko nang matapos lahat ng ito. Kailan ba matatahimik ang buhay ko?

I checked my phone and there were missed calls from my mother. I forgot my phone here inside the car so I didn't know she called. I remembered that I need to see her kaya agad kong binuhay ang makina at nag-drive papunta sa mansion.

Habang nasa byahe ay iniisip ko kung ano ang kalagayan niya ngayon. I hope she's fine. I remembered Vince told me that the governor might kick her out any time soon. Ngayon na kaya iyon?

It was a fifteen minute drive until I've arrived at the mansion. I quickly got out of my car and walked as fast as I could. Gulat na napalungon sa'kin ang mga maids. Bigla silang natigil sa ginagawa. Some were looking at me, confused while the others seem to recognize me.

A lot has changed since I last came here. I couldn't recognize them anymore. Parang nag-hire ng panibong tao dito sa bahay. The people that I once knew here were now gone.

One of the maids opened the door for me while she looked at me from head to foot. Hindi ko siya pinansin at diretsong pumasok sa loob. I stopped when I saw the governor on the living room. We immediately made eye contact. Hindi ako makapaniwalang siya pa talaga ang bubungad sa'kin pagkapasok ko.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga bago siya nilapitan. "Where's mom?"

He looked at me with sleepy eyes. He's still the same old man. Mas lalo lang dumami ang puting buhok niya at ang wrinkles sa mukha niya ay halata. The stubbles on his face grew too. He still managed to give me mischievous smirk but behind that hideous mask is a manipulative and ego centric prick. Wait until he unfolds his sleeves exposing his dirty works.

Lumiwanag bigla ang mukha niya. "Fey, what a surprise! I didn't expect you to be here."

I remained a blank expression. "You didn't answer my question."

His brows raised. "Oh your mom? She's just packing her stuff. Ready to leave," he chortled. "Come join me. How about we play for one round."

Tinalikuran niya ako at umupo sa sofa. My eyes landed on the chess board on the center table in front of him. He fixed the pieces and placed them in order.

"I'm not here to play games."

"C'mon. One game won't hurt," he looked at me and gave me a small smile

I sighed. Wala na akong nagawa kundi umupo sa upuan sa harap niya. His smile grew wider but I remained passive.

"Let's play. Ladies first," he said

Kahit labag sa kalooban ko ay naglaro nalang din ako. I'll play to defeat him.

I moved the pawn first. After that, he did the same.

"You still remember how to play?"

"I wouldn't play with you if I don't," I replied and moved my horse

He chuckled. "But do you remember who taught you how to play this?"

What the heck is he implying? I'm not walking down memory lane. I badly want to forget my memories I have with him.

Yes, he taught me how to play chess when I was little. He introduced me to so many things that's why at a young age, I already have a huge sense of responsibility on my back. He put so much pressure and burden on me. Hanggang sa pagtanda ay dala dala ko iyon.

I moved another pawn to a4. He then moved his pawn to c6. I captured his pawn that was placed on b5 but he ate my pawn right away. I paused for a second before moving my queen to f3.

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa chess board, analyzing it. He placed his hand on his chin while thinking hard for his next move.

He then moved his knight to C6. I ate it right away using my queen. He moved his bishop to block the check. His rook was safe. It was my turn. I moved to the side to block my rook.

He sighed exasperatedly and clicked his tongue. "Want something to drink? How about some tea?"

"I'm good. Let's just finish this already."

Hindi niya ako pinansin. He raised his hand and called the maid. May lumapit sa kanyang isa. He told her to get him a drink. The maid nodded and stole a glance to me.

He diverted his attention back to the game. "Now, where were we?"

"It's your turn."

He pursed his lips. "Right."

He held his chin before moving his knight to C6. I moved mine to D4. He moved his to C3. I ate his knight right away but unfortunately, he attacked and ate it with his queen. I bit my lip while looking at the chess board, thinking of my next move. The play was getting harder.

"You're still competitive as ever," he commented, amused

I ignored him and moved my rook all the way to his side. He moved his king and I got the chance to ate his bishop with my rook. He paused and held his queen. Mukhang nag-aalinlangan siya kung saan ilalagay ito. In the end, he moved it to two squares on the left.

I was about to make my next move when the maid came back with a glass and a bottle of whiskey. The governor smiled as he receives it. The maid bowed a bit before leaving us.

He offered me a drink but I declined. He just shrugged and slowly pour the alchohol on his glass.

"You know. It's been a while since I last played."

"It seems so. Hindi ka na gano'n kagaling kagaya ng dati, but good for you that you finally had time to play," I said with a hint of sarcasm

"Tumatanda na ako pero ayoko pang humina ang memorya ko. You know chess improves memory and increases intelligence." He took a sip from his glass

"Hmm. I thought you're going to retire from your position."

He almost spilled his drink. He coughed and wiped his mouth. "That won't happen anytime soon."

"Why? May iba ka pa bang dapat gawin? May dapat ka pa bang linisin? Are you preparing a surprise?"

He looked at me sharply.

"Of course you still have work to do. Right, governor? You still have 'to 'serve the country'," I smiled sarcastically. I then moved my knight and ate his pawn

I can feel his intense gaze from the corner of my eyes but when I looked at him, his eyes turned soft all of a sudden. He faked a smile and continued to play.

"You know. I've never had the chance to ask you this question. I guess this is the perfect time," I said

Nagtiim bagang siya. "What is it?"

"What it's like to be a governor? Ilang taon ka na ring nasa posisyon. I'm sure you've already done so much."

He looks surprised and perplexed by my question. "Well, you wouldn't understand if you're not in my shoes."

"I wouldn't want to be in your shoes."

He sighed. "See? You're narrow minded. Masyado ka pang-" he paused

"What? Masyado pa kong bata? Isn't that what you always tell me whenever I ask you these kinds of questions."

"Dahil sarado ang isip mo sa ganitong bagay."

I scoffed. "That's what you think."

We continued to play despite the tension that was surrounding us. The game became more intense. There were a few chess pieces life. I already ate a lot of his pieces. Madami din siyang nabawasan sa'kin.

"What would you do if one day, mawala nalang sa'yo yung posisyon mo. Paano kung isang araw mawala nalang sa'yo lahat ng parang bula."

He smirked. "That won't happen. I still have a lot of responsibilities as a governor. I want to help more people."

Help people or destroy their lives?

I smiled weakly. "Of course you have your ways."

Your deceitful and manipulative acts. I know he'll do everything with his power and means. He's prideful and greedy of power and wealth. Walang taong makakapagpababa sa kanya at sa posisyon niya.

"Pero hindi lahat ng bagay nagtatagal..."

"What's your motive?" he asked and moved his king to the left. He must be wondering why I keep asking him these questions. I noticed he was uneasy. Well, that only means he's hiding something.

We're down to six pieces. We have the same ones. We both have our kings and two pawns.

"I should be asking you that," I simply replied and moved my king. Ngayon magkatapat na ang kings namin pareho

Sa oras lang na malaman ko na may kinalaman siya sa sinapit ni Vince ngayon ay hindi ko siya mapapatawad.

"You know what Fey? Sayang ka. I already saw your potential when you were just a little girl. You were gifted. I raised you and trained you with all my might and hoped that one day, you'll be just like me when you grow up; To be powerful, resilient, and unwavering. And that we can rule the world. We can build a much better place," his smile faltered and he looked at me in disappointment. "But you chose to disobey and betray me in the end."

I smiled weakly. "Hindi ako sayang. Syempre nung lumaki ako ay nagkaroon din ako ng sariling pag-iisip. And you know what I realized? I realized that you were just using me for your own benefit. You never see nor treated me as your child but a mere pawn. You fed me with so many lies. You easily controlled me like a puppet but figuratively speaking, I was able to cut the strings. What can I expect? You're not my real father anyway. Hindi ko kailanman naramdaman na ama kita."

"But you must admit that you're not the person that you are today if it wasn't for me. You grew up stronger, wiser, and fiercer. Instead of uniting our powers, you used it against me," he said firmly. 

I scoffed. "Don't be so full of yourself. I'd still be successful with or without you. Sa tingin mo ba hindi ko kayang mabuhay ng wala ka? Sa tingin mo maghihirap ako noong umalis ako dito? Well, look at me now."

Nagtiim bagang siya habang nakatingin sa chess board sa harapan namin.

I smiled bitterly. "Living here for almost half my life was torture but an eye-opener as well. I memorized every wall, brick by brick, and every move you make. Sawa na akong maging sunudsunuran mo. You may be in authority but I refuse to bow to you."

He clenched his fist, slowly losing his patience. "You were one of the lucky people who experienced this kind of life but you took it for granted. Sa totoo lang ay hindi ko alam kung saan ka pupulutin kung hindi ka napunta rito. My memory is still fresh that day how your mother begged me to take you two. Pati sarili mong ina ay hindi ka kayang buhayin. Kulang nalang ay iwan ka sa bahay ampunan," he lashed out. 

I was deeply offended and hurt by his words especially when he talked about my mom. That was below the belt but he didn't care at all. I tried my best to stay calm.

"Bakit ba puro nalang mali ko ang tinitignan mo? You always see me as the bad guy. You never truly appreciated my efforts. I was the only one who believed in you! that you can become someone better, greater, someone who's extraordinary!" his voice raised

"Only for you to use me," agad kong sagot. "You were just tricking me making it seem as a disguise for helping me but in reality, you were punishing me. Gusto mo ikaw lagi yung nasusunod. Sarili mo lang ang iniisip mo. I felt like I was just under your spell. You were leading me in the wrong path. I should be the one choosing my own path.

"I will never take your side alongside with your other evil allies. I was raised by the wrong people. You guys are monsters. At first, I was blinded by your wealth, name, and fame. I don't care about any of that anymore because within those things resonates evil. I may have lived in fairy tale like a princess in this castle like mansion for as long as I can remember..." I paused. "But fairy tales only exist in movies. Little did I know, I was just being deceived."

Matalim siyang tumingin sa'kin. "No. You just wasted a big opportunity Fey. You let it slipped away from your hands. Ang laki at ang ganda na ng buhay mo noon. You were blessed! You have the life that everyone dreamed of! You should be honored and grateful to be raised by us! You were doing fine at the beginning but you suddenly lost all your control. You deteriorated. Masyado kang nadala ng emosiyon mo. Masyado mong pinairal ang damdamin mo. You became too sensitive and weak. You were brainwashed. Your emotions betrayed you--"

"I may have lost something big but I believe that I gained more than what I've lost," malamig kong sabi. "When I found out the truth, that's when my fairy tale life was over. I was devastated yet a part of me was in bliss. My chains were gone and the curse was broken. I was awakened by this dreadful nightmare. I think it was a blessing in disguise. I was thankful kahit na mahirap yung pinagdaanan ko. I even asked God why he chose to put me in that kind of life na pakiramdam ko hindi ko deserve yung hirap," my voice broke. "But everything happens for a reason and I definitely learned a lot during my temporary time as a Guevarra. Dahil din do'n ay namulat ako sa totoong realidad ng buhay. Namulat ako sa kung anong klaseng tao kayo. Thanks to you, you were a great example governor. I will never tolerate your inhumane acts. I was also able to see the bigger picture and that outside my privilege bubble I once lived in, I saw darkness, evil, and a much cruel world out there. Maraming tao ang naghihirap at nagdurusa. Some even had it worst than me! People like you failed to see that. I'd rather live a simple life with ordinary people than live with a fake identity with a not so perfect life surrounded by evil people na ang baba ng tingin sa ibang tao.

"I may have lost all the riches, power, and other materialistic things that I consider all just temporary...but at least I didn't lose myself. I almost did, but I was able to find myself in the long run. Mas nakilala ko yung totoong ako at kung sino talaga ako. I know my worth and I honestly deserve so much better. And at the end of the day, I only have myself. Above all, I was grateful that I didn't belong in this problematic family; that I'm not a Guevarra. I am disgusted by all of you."

He was breathing heavily, nostrils flaring. "Wala kang utang na loob! Is that why you have the audacity to destroy our image that easily? To expose our every little evil deed?! For what? Sa tingin mo aangat ka sa ginagawa mo by dragging our name down? You think you're a hero now? You must be kidding me. You can't compete with us Fey. Mag-isa ka lang laban sa'min na makapangyarihan."

"I did all of those for the greater good," I fired back

"But you chose to betray us. In exchange, you lost your will and power. Your a nobody now Fey. That was the biggest mistake you've ever made-"

"That was the greatest decision I've ever made in my whole life," I cut him off. "I'm not a nobody but I can be somebody, someday. I have a purpose. There is Greatness within me...and that's the only thing no one can ever take away from me."

He swallowed hard and his face turned into a deep scowl. He was slowly losing his patience but chose to remain calm. I must have pushed his buttons too hard.

I chuckled bitterly. "Why are you even so stressed and frustrated anyway? Why are you guilttripping me as if you can play with my head again?. Why are you so disappointed at me as if naman na tinuri mo talaga kong anak? Or perhaps I smell fear coming from you. Nagsisisi ka ba na pinakawalan mo ko? Or the fact that I stomped on your fragile ego? Is your empire crumbling into pieces? Akala mo ba mananatili akong bulag? You think you can just play with me for as long as you like? You think you can brainwash me? I'm not stupid. Guess what? Your plan failed.

"You should be happy that I'm finally out of your life. Wala ka nang sakit sa ulo. Hindi na ako pabigat sa'yo. Stress lang ako sa buhay mo 'di ba? You were even afraid that I might ruin your image. I was confused at first, why did you still kept me here much longer after being such a pain in the ass? Ilang beses mo sinabi sa'kin na palalayasin mo ko dito pero hindi mo naman ginawa. Tinatakot mo lang ako para manahimik ako. I actually expected you to kick me out of the house sooner pero ako na yung kusang umalis. That day noong nagpaalam ako, you think that I didn't notice your eyes, begging me to stay? You were hesitant to let go of me at first pero mas mataas pa rin ang pride mo kaya hinayaan mo nalang ako. Why so? Are you scared that I might expose you?"

He avoided my gaze and clenched his jaw.

"I must be your last and strongest piece standing huh? You needed me, more than I needed you. I'm sorry but I chose to play my own game."

After our long and heated conversation, we went back to our original game.

I looked at him and he's thinking hardly on his next move. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa board. He glanced at me before moving his king to the left. Malapit na iyong mapunta sa dulo. There's really no more moves left for him. I followed his king and it's face to face to each other again.

He swallowed hard and held onto his king tightly. His hand remained on the board. It's obvious that he doesn't know where to put his king next. He's just going back and forth. In the end, he placed it back to where it was before. I did the same and looked at him.

Time is already ticking. It's been a whole minute and he still hasn't done his move. He still won't give up even if he has no moves left. Hindi ko alam kung nag-iisip pa ba siya sa susunod niyang atake o baka iba na. The next thing I knew, he extended his arm to me.

I stare at his hands for a few seconds before looking at him. Ngumiti siya sa'kin pero may halong inis iyon. In the end, nakipagkamayan ako sa kanya.

"Good game," he said

"I didn't come here to play but I didn't come to lose either."

"I know. I might have lost this game but I won't lose on the real one. I guess I have to think hard on my next attacks."

I know he was not just referring to chess. I really have to brace myself for his next step. He's a tough guy. He'll do whatever it takes with his utmost power, by hook or by crook.

Grew up playing chess and it develops the ability to see from someone else's perspective. I learned how to anticipate the player's next move, to predict what the other person will do next but he's unpredictable. I can't let my guard down.

Tumayo na ako at tinalikuran na siya. Sakto ay nakita ko ang talagang pinunta ko dito. She's a few meters away from me.

"Fey?"

I swallowed hard. "Mom."

Malungkot siyang ngumiti sa'kin. Agad ko siyang nilapitan.

"Are you okay?" I asked and checked her from head to foot

She nodded. "Oo naman. I was just about to call you. Hindi ka kasi sumasagot kanina."

"I was worried that's why I came here. Sa bahay nalang tayo mag-usap."

I noticed the small luggage behind her. May duffel bag din na nakapatong doon. Kinuha ko iyon at hinila ang maleta niya.

"What about the governor?" she said

Nakita kong nakatingin siya sa likod ko kung nasan ang governor. I sighed and shook my head. "Let's go."

Pinauna ko na siya palabas. I looked at the governor one last time and saw him smirked while raising his glass to me. Umiwas ako ng tingin at tuluyang lumabas ng mansion.

****

The next morning I visited Vince at the hospital. I brought him a basket of fruits. Hindi ko na sinama si mama dahil pinagpahinga ko muna siya sa condo. She wanted to come too but it's safer if she won't.

Nakita ko agad si Manong Richard na nakaupo sa tapat ng kama ng anak. He looks tired and restless. Mukhang hindi siya nakatulog kagabi at binantayan magdamag ang anak. Well, it's only just the two of them. I don't know where his other relatives are.

"Uhm. Goodmorning po," mahina kong bati

Tumingin siya sa'kin. Mukhang nagulat siya dahil maaga akong bumisita.

Pinatong ko ang basket sa tabing lamesa. "Nagdala po ako ng prutas..."

"Salamat Fey."

I looked at Vince and who's still unconscious on the bed. Maslalo akong nag-aalala sa kalagayan niya.

"Kumain ka na ba?"

Napatingin ako kay Manong. "Uh...ayos lang-"

"Teka lang, bibili ako lang ako ng pagkain natin," agad niyang sabi

Umawang ang labi ko. "Ahh kahit huwag na po-"

Umiling siya. "Malaki na ang naitulong mo sa'min noon Fey atsaka...bibilhan ko din yung pulis na kakilala mo na nagbantay sa'min."

"Andito po siya?"

"Oo. Umalis lang saglit may aasikasuhin pero babalik din daw agad."

I didn't expect he'd be here this early. Buong gabi siya nagbantay tapos maaga din siyang dumating. Did he even sleep or did he really stay up all night here until morning?

Hindi ko napansin na nakaalis na pala si Manong Richard. Now I'm all alone with Vince. Tumingin ako sa kanya at umupo sa upuan sa tabi niya. Tahimik ko lang siyang pinagmasdan.

"I'm sorry Vince. Wala ka dapat dito ngayon kundi dahil sa'kin. Hindi na dapat kita dinamay," malumanay kong sabi

I can't help but to blame myself. Tahimik ang naging buhay niya simula nung umalis ako. Hindi ko alam na kapag nag-usap pala kami ay mapapahamak siya. I didn't expect I'd put him in danger. I must be selfish for thinking only myself. I should have been more careful.

"Attorney?"

Unti-unti akong lumingon at tumamabad sa harap ko si Nicholas. He's wearing a plain white shirt and jeans.

My lips parted upon seeing him. "You're here.."

He smiled. "Yeah. Nagdala ko ng pagkain. Kumain ka na?"

Hindi ako sumagot. Lumapit siya sa'kin at inabot ang plastic na naglalaman ng pagkain. Tinanggap ko iyon.

"Did you stay here all night?"

He held the back of his neck. "Oo."

Tumango ako at nagsimulang kumain. Mainit-init pa ang dala dala niyang champorado kaya napaso ang dila ko.

"Akin na nga," sabi niya at kinuha sa'kin ang cup

Pinannod ko siya habang hinihipan at hinahalo iyon.

"Nakasama ko na ulit si mama," sambit ko

Tumingin siya sa'kin na may halong pagtataka.

Oh, right. Wala pala siyang alam tungkol doon.

"Ahh, mabuti po kung gano'n," he replied awkwardly

Napangiti ako habang nakatingin sa kanya. Binalik ko nalang ang tingin kay Vince.

Ang hirap pala kapag wala kang mapagsabihan ng nararamdaman mo tulad ko. I don't even know what to feel now that I'm with my mom again after years of being apart. Halo-halong emosiyon ang nararamdaman ko. I'm happy because this is the only good thing that I consider that happened in my life.

"Magkaaway ba kayo ng mama mo?" sabi niya at binalik sa'kin ang champorado. "You can eat it now."

"Thanks."  Sumubo muna ako bago magsalita.

"It's a long a story but I'm glad that we're together again," I smiled weakly

"Pero bakit ang lungkot mo?"

Umawang ang labi ko. He's looking directly into my eyes.

"You must have missed her so much. Parang ang tagal niyong hindi nagsama."

"Sobra..."

It's not that long but to me it felt like years. I can't survive without my mom. I can't even imagine those people who don't have parents anymore. Mas malala siguro ang pakiramdam nila.

"Well, I'm happy for you Attorney," he said and gave me a small smile

"Thanks..."

Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagkain ng champorado. "By the way, do you have any updates to the guy we're looking for-" I paused.

Right. I should tell him not to investigate further. Natatakot ako na pati siya ay madamay. If that happens then his cover will be blown. I forgot that he's doing all of these by himself. Hindi pwedeng malaman ito ng ibang pulis. He might get fired or detained.

Umawang ang labi niya. "Uhh...kasi eh."

He was about to speak but my phone rang inside my pocket. I stood up and excused myself to him. He nodded and smiled nervously. Lumayo ako sa kanya bago sinagot ang tawag.

"Hello?"

"Fey! It's Christian. Where are you? Why didn't you come to work yesterday and today?"

"Sorry...uh. Something came up. I'm also not feeling well. Pakisabi nalang sa kanila na hindi muna ako makakapasok."

"What? Are you okay?" he asked worriedly

"Kailangan ko lang magpahinga. I'll be better soon. Don't worry."

"I see. Take care of yourself and get well soon."

"Thanks," sabi ko at binaba na ang tawag

I was about to text my mom when I heard someone called me from behind. Lumingon ako at nakita si Nicholas.

"He's awake," aniya