#TPTG39

The next morning I went to the office together with Atty. De Guzman.

"Have you listened to it?" I asked

"Yes. I already burned it on a flashdrive. Let's just wait if the judge will accept it."

I nodded. I hope they'll accept the new evidence.

"Don't worry Attorney. I'm sure that this time, mabibigyan nadin ng kasagutan ang lahat."

"I really hope so too..."

If they will accept the new evidence then there will be new hope for us for a new trial. I hope everything will go into plan. This is my last shot. Ang huli kong pag-asa para makalaya si mama.

"You still need to be careful to Atty. Sanchez. He'll do whatever it takes to win a case," he reminded

I looked at him. "Alam kong magaling siyang prosecutor pero magaling din akong abogado," mariin kong sabi

His lips parted. He was taken aback by what I said.

I looked away and placed my hands on my desk. "I don't care about him or whoever the prosecutor assigned to this case. If he'll do whatever it takes to win then I'll do everything for my mother."

"I'm sorry..."

I sighed and turned my head to face him. Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya at diretsong tumingin sa mata niya. "I've already been through so much Christian. More than you could ever imagined. Ngayon pa ba ako susuko?" I smiled bitterly. "Never."

***

After work, Nicholas and I decided to meet. I removed my sunglasses and saw his car parked on the other side of the road. Tumingin muna ako paligid bago tumawid. I covered my face using my hair. Pagkadating sa tapat ng pintuan niya ay agad akong pumasok.

"Glad you came," he said

"Sorry about yesterday. My phone died at biglang nagbrown out sa condo. I wasn't able to call you back."

He nodded. "Ayos ka lang—"

"Wait. What happened to your arm?!" agad kong tanong. I saw that he has a cast on his arm.

Napatingin siya doon. "Ahh...uh. Wala 'to. Naaksidente lang ako sa motor ko."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "W-what?!"

Tumingin lang siya sa harap. "It's nothing. Don't worry."

It looks like he's avoiding the topic. I don't know why he won't tell me. He looks badly injured.

"Anyway, about the call yesterday...uhm."

I'm still staring at his cast on his arm. So that explains why he doesn't use his motor anymore...naaksidente pala siya. Thank God he's still alive!

"Merong gustong mag testify," sabi ko

He nodded. "Yes."

"Bakit ngayon pa? You know that I tried to look for witness, the maids that once worked in the mansion but for some reason, bigla silang nawala. It's like they all quit their job after what happened or maybe...the governor kicked them out of the house."

"May kilala ka ba sa kanila?" tanong niya

Yumuko ako. "I wasn't really close with our maids before. Naiinis ako sa ilan sa kanila dahil nagpapaalipin sila sa governor. I can't really blame them because it's their job. The governor is in control of them. He has fingers wrapped around their necks."

He's done the same thing to me before. He's treating me like I'm some sort of puppet and I must obey to all of his orders. He's in control of me...but not anymore.

"Kung gano'n ay sigurado akong makakatulong siya sa kaso. Siya mismo yung pumunta sa presinto nung isang araw."

"What's her name?"

"Lhyn Gellang. Kilala mo ba?"

Umiling ako. "No. We have a lot of maids back then but they don't last under the governor...maybe that's why I decided not to get to know them anymore because by next week, they'll get replaced by another one. Ilang taon nadin akong hindi nakatira sa mansion. I'm sure a lot has changed. Baka hindi ko na siya naabutan." Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Can we trust her?"

"Sa tingin ko..."

I know he also has doubts which make me even more nervous. I have trust issues. What if she's on the governor's side?

"Where does she live? Tsaka, ilang taon na siyang katulong sa mansion? She's probably new right?"

"Sabi niya bago lang daw siya."

"Then I'll talk to her. Pupuntahan ko na siya."

I was about to get off his car when he suddenly hold my wrist. Napatingin ako sa kanya.

"Huwag muna. Masyadong delikado," naging alerto siya

Kumunot ang noo ko. "W-what?"

He avoided my gaze. "Nangako ako sa kanya na...poprotektahan ko siya."

Umayos ako ng upo at hinarap siya. "Protect her from where?"

He sighed. "Basta...sigurado akong magtetestify siya, nangako siya eh."

I gulped. Why do I feel like there's something he's not telling me? Parang may tinatago siya sa'kin.

"Iyon lang kung magiging sapat siya na mapapalaya ang mama mo," nag-aalala niyang sabi

Diretso lang ang mata ko sa labas. "I have found a new evidence. This time, I'm sure we have the chance to turn the tables."

"Paano?" agad niyang sabi. Mas lalo na siyang naging alerto sa sasabihin ko.

Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Remember what you gave me at the hospital where Vince was confined?"

His forehead creased. "Yung envelop?"

I nodded. Kita ko ang pagawang ng labi niya.

"Wait, what? Ano ba'ng laman no'n?"

"A memory card. Did he say something to you when he handed that envelop? May huli ba siyang sinabi?" I asked

Umiwas siya ng tingin at nag-isip ng malalim. "Wala naman. Hinatid ko kasi sila sa bus station papuntang Cubao. May huli siyang hinabilin sa'kin. Sabi niya huwag ko daw kalimutang iabot yung envelop sa'yo. Mukha ngang importante eh."

I nodded while thinking hard too.

"Akala ko nung una sulat lang ng pamamaalam. Ano ba'ng laman nung memory card?" tanong niya

I swallowed hard. "I think Vince has been already warning us for a long time."

Bigla siyang umayos ng upo. "What do you mean?"

"It's a voice record. A conversation of Archie and Joel. Sa tingin ko ay palihim niya iyong nirerecord habang nag-uusap ang dalawa."

"Ano?! Paano niya nagawa yun? Delikado ang ginawa niya," gulat niyang sabi

"I don't know. He must have been suspicious. They also mentioned him that's why."

"What...what did they say?"

Tumingin ako ng diretso sa mata niya. "That they already planned to kill him and my mother."

His eyes widened in fear and shock. Napahawak nalang siya sa manibela.

"Maybe that's why Vince left his job. He knew...he knew that his life is at stake. He could have been a witness," I sighed in frustration

"Baka...baka natakot lang din siya."

I nodded. "Yeah. He must be. Maybe that's why he didn't tell me directly. Hindi niya kayang sabihin sa'kin. It's not his fault. He shouldn't be involved in the first place."

Maybe he knew that the moment he mention something about 'it' maslalong manganganib ang buhay niya. I don't know if he got caught but if he wasn't then he wouldn't get stabbed in the first place. I can't help but to blame myself.

I sighed and covered my face with my hands. "I never thought he'd—" I paused

"Sigurado naman akong ligtas na siya ngayon, malayo sa gulo na nangyayari ngayon," he said

If he didn't left earlier then maybe he'd be dead by now.

"Kaya din pa sigurong posibleng pinatay ni Archie Fernandez si Joel dahil nalaman na natin na magkasabwat sila," dagdag niya. "Grabe, wala silang pinapalampas."

"And the governor is there, ready to protect them," I firmly said

Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng tao kapag may pera at kapangyarihan. Once they reach the top, they became abusive of their own powers.

Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ay hinatid niya ako papunta kay mama.

"Thanks for the ride," I said and removed my seatbelt

"Ikamusta mo nalang ako kay tita—este kay Ms. Cervantez," habol niya

I arched my brow while looking at him. Umiwas lang siya ng tingin at tinikom ang bibig. I was about to got of his car when he spoke again.

"Ahh teka lang Attorney."

Tumingin ulit ako sa kanya. Nakita kong may kinuha siyang plastic sa likod ng kotse. Inabot niya iyon sa'kin.

"What's this?" I asked and took it from him

"Kakanin. Baka gusto niya," he smiled

Umawang ang labi ko at tinignan iyon. "Uhh...thanks."

He nodded. "Ingat."

Bumaba na ako ng kotse at nagpaalam na sa kanya. Tumalikod na ako at dire diretsong naglakad.

I stopped when I saw my mother with the other prisoners. Asa labas sila na nag-uusap. Sikat na sikat ang araw ngayong hapon. I raised my hand to block that sunlight as I watch her.

I smiled weakly and called her. "Mom!"

Napatingin silang dalawa sa'kin. I saw the woman beside her waved at me. Meanwhile, my mother left her and walked towards me. Nilapitan ko nadin siya.

***

"How you've been mom?" I asked

She smiled weakly. "Okay naman."

"I guess you've started to make friends?" I asked to lighten up the mood

Hindi siya sumagot at tumingin sa dala kong pagkain. Bumaba din ang tingin ko doon.

"Oh! Right. I brought food. I cooked carbonara pasta for you and uh...this is from Nicholas. Kakanin," I said and opened the tupperwares and gently pushed it towards her

I watch her as she took the fork and tasted my pasta.

"How was it?" I asked

She looked at me. "Mine is still better."

I chukled softly. "I know...but I made an effort to cook that," bawi ko

Sunod naman niyang tinikman yung kakanin. "Sabihin mo sa kanya salamat."

I nodded. "Of course."

Ngayon ko nalang ulit siyang nakitang kumakain ng ganito. It warms my heart to see her eating now. For the past few days I've visited her, wala siya laging gana.

"By the way mom, I have good news for you."

Tumigil siya sa pagkain at unti-unting tumingin sa'kin.

"Hindi ka na po mananatili dito," panimula ko

She looked at me, confused. I swallowed hard as I stare at her face.

I was startled when my phone rang on the table. Napatingin si mama doon. My eyes lit up when I saw Atty. De Guzman on the caller I.D. My heart started to pound. I immediately picked up the call.

"Hello?" I said while looking at mom

"Felicity. The judge accepted the evidence. Ms. Cervantez will be having another trial."

My heart skipped a beat. Huminga ako ng malalim at tumango. "Okay. Thank you for informing me Atty. De Guzman."

I hanged up the call and held both my mother's hands. Gulat siyang napatingin sa'kin habang hinihintay ang sasabihin ko.

I smiled at her. "Mom. Get ready. Magkakaroon ka ulit ng panibagong trial."

***

"All rise for the Honorable presense of Judge Brillantes."

Everything hasn't sunk in to me yet. Everyone is already here. The Guevarra's, the prosecutors, the jury. I looked at my both sides. My mom whose staring blankly at the front. I know what's she's probably thinking right now.

Kapit lang ma, matatapos din ang lahat.

Hinawakan ko ng mahigpit ang kama niya, sinisigurado na hindi na ulit kami magkakahiwalay. I won't ever let go of her hand from now on.

I looked at Christian on my left, he looked back at me with those eyes full of hope, telling me that 'I got this'. I then found Nicholas from the audience. He smiled at me, showing his support. His bright smile never failed to make me at ease.

"In light of new pieces of evidence, we will conduct a new trial for the case of People v Cervantez," Judge Brillantes declared. "With this, the verdict of Reclusion Perpetua will be set aside in consideration of the new trial to find out what really happened."

Huminga ako ng malalim.

"Counsels" he began

It's now or never.

Tumingin ako sa harap. Nagtama ang mata namin ni Keith.

Keith, whom I'v known for quite a long time never failed, not even once, to amaze me. He's always been my biggest competitor. He may have outshined me, he may be better than me, he may have more experience than me but...I will never, ever lose this fight. I'm willing to take the risk, dodge a bullet just so I can be with my mother again.

"Defense Atty. Cervantez, you may now call in your witness."

I swallowed hard as I slowly rose from my seat. I couldn't hear anything aside from the fast beating of my heart. Everything appeared in slowmotion. Unti-unti akong naglakad hanggang sa makarating sa harap.

Muli kong nilingon si mama. I smiled at her. When I saw her lips rose, that's when I felt the strongest. I can see that she's ready to fight with me. Sabay kaming dalawang lalaban.

My mom, she's my only family I have left. I'm ready to risk it all even if my life is on the line.

I know that I still lack the experience, I may not be the best lawyer for her, I may not have been a good daughter, but I promise not to leave her side ever again.

Sa buhay kapag mahina ka, talo ka. Lagi ko iyong sinasabi sa sarili ko. It's harsh but I wouldn't be here today if I didn't uphold that saying of mine. Sobra kong binugbog ang sarili ko...but I'm still happy because I've made it this far.

So help me, God.

"May I request Lhyn Gellang to stand please," I ordered

I watch her as she stand on the table where the witnesses are being interrogated.

"Raise your hand," I said

She obeyed and placed her palm on top of the Bible.

"Do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God under pains and penalties of perjury?"

She sniffed. "I do."

"State your name."

"Lhyn Gellang po," sabi niya. Halata sa mukha niya ang nerbyos. Kanina padin niya pinaglalaruan ang daliri niya na parang hindi siya mapakali sa upuan niya.

"How long have you been working as a maid for the governor?" I asked

Hindi siya ngayon makatingin sa harap. She looks so scared and anxious. Like she fears someone from the audience.

I started to get nervous too dahil baka hindi niya sabihin ang totoo dahil sa matinding kaba.

"Mag-iisang taon palang p-po..."

"And do you still work as a maid?"

Umiling siya. "Umalis na po ako."

"Why? When did you leave?"

She swallowed hard. Palipat lipat ang paningin niya sa kaliwa't kanan. "Nung n-namatay po si Sir Archie."

I tiled my head. "Speaking of Mr. Fernandez, does he visits often to the mansion? Can you describe him for me. Is he good to you or the other maids. How about to Ms. Cervantez?"

"Madalas nga po siya sa...mansion. Halos doon nadin siya nakatira. M-mabait naman ho si S-sir," she stuttered

Hindi ko inalis ang paningin sa kanya.

"Pero..."

"But what?"

"Pero masyado po siyang nalunod sa..droga."

Nakarinig ako ng ingay mula sa audience. I looked at where the noise came from and saw the governor. Matalim ang titig niya sa katulong. I diverted my attention back to her and blocked her view.

"Continue."

Huminga siya ng malalim. "Nagkaroon po siya ng masamang bisyo. One time po...sinubukan niya akong i-rape," mangiyak ngiyak niyang sabi

"Did he physically hurt you? How about the others?"

She held on her skirt tightly. Nabaon ang kuko niya doon. "Opo...kapag nagagalit po siya o kaya kapag hindi namin nasusunod agad yung utos niya ay sinasaktan niya kaming mga katulong pati na rin po si Ms. Cervantez."

"How often?"

"Maraming beses po," nabasag ang boses niya

I heard the audience gasp. Narinig ko ang bulungan at reklamo nila. Napapikit ako.

"So you probably know that Ms. Cervantez has depression right? Do you think her wounds was her own doings or because of Mr. Fernandez?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi niya po kailan sinaktan ang sarili niya. Mabait mo si ma'am sa'min. Kami po lagi ang pinagsasabihan niya ng problema. Kapag tinatanong ko po siya sa mga sugat niya sabi lang niya nasugatan siya pero alam ko pong sinasaktan siya, ayaw lang niya sabihin sa'min."

I nodded. "Alright."

I bit my lip and calmed myself down eventhough my blood is already boiling. Mas lalong umalab ang galit sa puso ko.

"How are you taking care of her then?" I asked

"Pinapainom po namin siya ng gamot na sinabi ni Dr. Tan pero napapansin ko pong hindi umuubra ang gamot sa kanya. One time po inutusan ako ni-" huminto siya at bahagyang nanlaki ang mata

"I beg your pardon?"

Bigla nalang siyang mabilis na umiling. "H-hindi ko po kasalanan. Hindi ko pa alam na-" she broke into tears

Hindi siya ngayon makapagsalita dahil sa pag-iyak.

"What is it?" mariin kong sabi

"May binigay siya pong gamot sa'kin at painumin ko daw kay ma'am. H-hindi ko naman po alam kung anong klaseng droga iyon..."

"Who? Who ordered you?"

Ramdam ko ang tension na bumabalot sa'min. Hindi ko inalis ang paningin sa kanya. She couldn't look at me in the eye. She just kept on biting her lip. Kulang nalang ay dumugo iyon.

"Si...governor po."

Bigla akong nakarinig ng malakas na sigaw sa audience.

"Liar! She's crazy everyone! Hindi niya alam ang sinasabi niya!" it was the governor's voice. Kahit nakatalikod ay alam kong galit na galit siya ngayon.

"Silence! Order in the court!" the judge stated

I took a deep breath. "Mr. Tan," I said and faced the audience. I immediately spotted him at the second row, together with the family. Nakita kong nanlaki ang mata niya. I slowly walked nearer to him. "Did you or did you not prescribed an antidepressant like you've mentioned before or prescribed a different kind of drugs to Ms. Cervantez to worsen her illness?"

Hindi ngayon siya makasagot. Tumingin siya bigla sa governor. I sighed and went back to the center. "I believe that Dr. Alfred Tan lied about Ms. Cervantez medical records that instead of prescribing her authentic drugs that can cure her depression, he gave her a different kind of drugs that can make her illness worsen."

I did not know any of these facts before but based on Lhyn's statement and my theory, I can conclude that Dr. Alfred Tan must have placed his loyalty to the governor and be a slave to him instead of being a decent 'doctor'.

"Nonsense!" the governor exclaimed in the background

His family members calmed him down but I can see that some of them are already starting to get suspicious. Halatang nagdududa na sila sa kinikilos niya.

"I have another question for you Lhyn," I began

Unti-unti kong inangat ang paningin sa kanya. She still has dry tears evident from her face.

"You said earlier that you left the mansion when you heard the news that Mr. Fernandez died? Am I correct?"

She nodded. "Opo."

"Where were you when the incident happened? Or even before you find out his death. By any chance, have you seen...the incident?"

Nagtama ang mata namin. I stared at her for a few seconds telling her not be scared. I know she's holding back but she has to tell me everything. She has to.

"Hindi...hindi ko po aakalain na pagbalik namin ay matatagpuan namin siyang patay."

My lips parted. I can't seem to understand her right now. Her words are vague and not in detail.

"Take me back to the incident. Can you share it to us?" I carefully asked

Nakita kong tumingin siya sa likod ko. She looks terrified. Nagbabadya nanaman ang luha sa mata niya. She swallowed hard looked at me again.

I nodded and encouraging her to tell the truth. I know she's contemplating whether to tell me everything or not but I hope she knows that she's being protected. If only I can tell her right now that she's safe, nothing bad is going to happen to her or her family. I know that she's also a victim.

"Nung umaga po bago mangyari yung insidente...nasa mansion po si Sir Archie," she began. "Tapos, inutusan niya po kaming mga katulong na bumili ng pagkain, maraming pagkain, sa grocery. Nagtaka po kami, tinanong po namin siya kung anong celebration. Ang sabi po niya...may bisita daw na dadalaw. Maghanda daw po kami ng marami," kwento niya habang tulala

"Did he mention who's the visitor?" I asked

Umiling siya. "Hindi po...naghuhulaan nga po kami. Sabi namin baka si Ma'am Cecilia, kasi namiss din namin siya sa mansion," nakita kong may pumatak na luha sa mata niya

"Wala po kaming nagawa kundi sumunod. Medyo naging excited po kami na baka nga po si Ma'am Cecilia yung bibisita. Hindi po sumagi sa isip namin na may masamang mangyayari."

She was breathing heavily. Maslalong naging halata ang panumula ng mata niya at ng ilong siya. I was shocked when she burst into tears again.

"I see."

Everything is starting to make sense now. I can't believe...I can't fucking believe that he planned all of this. My mind can't fully comprehend that a person like him, exists. How can he be so evil and cruel? Wala siyang puso.

"Nung nabalitaan ko po na si Ma'am Cecelia ang naging suspect ay hindi po ako naniniwala. Alam ko pong hindi niya magagawang patayin si Sir Archie....kaya ako andito ngayon."

"Where are the other maids? The one you're with?" agad kong tanong

She swallowed hard. "Pagkatapos po naming malaman yung balita, pinatalsik na po kami agad ni governor sa trabaho. Ang iba ay kusang nagsi-alisan dahil sa takot. B-binayaran po kami ng governor para patahimikin sa nangyari."

"How much did he pay you?"

I can hear the governor cursing from the background. I tried my best to focus even if his voice keeps echoing inside my mind. Nakakarindi.

"Tig lilimang libo po kami. Wala pong natira sa'min. Ang iba po ay umuwi ng probinsiya. Walang may gustong tumistigo..." Unti-unti niya ulit inangat ang paningin sa'kin. Her eyes were bloodshot. "Kaya po naglakas loob akong tumistigo kasi...kasi a-alam kong hindi magagawa ni Ma'am Cecelia yun," sabi niya at tumingin kay mama

"Stupid nonsense! Sinungaling ka!"

Lhyn was startled when we heard the the voice of the governor thundered the whole room.

Tumingin ako sa kanya na ngayon ay nagwawala. Isn't he aware that he's causing a scene? He can get kicked out of this court if he won't shut his filthy mouth. Puro kasinungalingan din naman ang lumalabas sa bibig niya.

"Don't believe her everyone! Gumagawa lang siya ng kwento. Pinagmumukha niyang kasalan ko pa! Don't get fooled by her made up stories. Ginugulo niya lang ang utak niyo para maalis sa isip niyo kung sinong may totoong sala!" he shouted and gritted his teeth in anger

Binalik ko ang tingin kay Lhyn. Her eyes were closed and she's also covering her ears.

"Thank you Lhyn," I told her, hoping she heard it

Ilang sandali ay bumalik na siya sa upuan. I saw Nicholas escorted and comforted her.

I faced at the judge. "Based on Ms. Lhyn Gellang's statement, some answers to our questions were shed. The truth was revealed, so were the lies. We found out that Dr. Alfred Tan prescribed her a different medication that worsened her illness and I believe he did it on purpose. I believe they wanted to kill her using those pills. It is also revealed that Mr. Fernandez was a drug addict and physically abused my client which means that he can be capable of killing her as well."

Nilingon ko si Atty. De Guzman. "I have here an evidence that can prove it," I said and signaled him

He stood up and showed everyone the flashdrive.

"Inside that flashdrive is where Mr. Fernandez's true motive. Atty. De Guzman, kindly reveal it to everyone," I confidently said

My feet remained firm on the ground while looking at everyone until I heard the audio clip being played.

"Sir, ano na pong plano?"

"Plano? Plano kong pabagsakin ang governor."

"Ha? Akala ko po magkakasabwat tayo-"

"Us? No way," he chuckled. "If my plan became successful, after that, I'll take over his position as the governor. Sa ngayon, nakikipaglaro lang ako sa kanya. You know what they say, keep your enemies closer."

The audience gasp. Tumingin ako sa pamilya ni Archie. Now they know how fucked up his son is. Their reaction was absolutely priceless especially the governor. He looked stunned and surprised. I know he's not expecting that from him. Even I, when I first heard the full clip, I was deeply confused. I really thought they were allies but turns out Archie was the one holding the trigger.

"Bakit...bakit biglang gusto niyong-"

"I've been planning this for a long time now. Nasa kulungan palang ako, iniisip ko na kung paano ko siya pababagsakin. That bastard needs to get a taste of his own medicine. Hindi niya ako tinulungang makalaya no'n! Wala siyang ginawa! He was the one who betrayed me first! Alam mo naman siguro kung ano ang pakiramdam nang nasa kulungan Joel!"

Until now, I still get goosebumps everytime I hear his voice. I feel like I'm not listening to a human being but a devil.

There's so much evil in this world yet some people choose to be blinded and ignorant.

"Now that I'm free, I'm getting revenge on him. Siguraduhin mo lang na wala kang babanggitin sa kanya tungkol dito kung hindi ay hindi ako magdadalawang isip na pasabugin yang ulo mo."

We heard a clicking of the gun on the background. Maslalong natakot ang mga tao. It's like they couldn't believe what they're hearing. I can see fear and hatred in their eyes.

"Ano bang plano? Isa siyang governor! Paano niyo siya pababagsakin? Hindi siya madaling kalaban. Alam nating lahat na-"

"I have a plan alright? Just keep your mouth shut! Ako na ang bahala dito. As long as he doesn't know anything about this, we're safe."

"Pero paano yung driver at yung nanay? Sigurado akong may alam sila."

"Easy. Eliminate whoever gets on our way. You take care of that fucking driver and I'll take care of the mother. Isa pa yun, sakit sa ulo eh. Matagal ko na talaga siyang dapat....pero hindi dahil magiging parte na siya ng plano ko para pabagsakin ang governor."

"So you want me to...kill that driver?"

"You already heard me right? Siguraduhin mo lang malinis yang pagpatay mo. Huwag kang papalpak."

"Y-yes boss."

The audio clip suddenly got cut. I guess that was the end.

Binalot ng katahimikan ang buong korte. All I can hear is the loud voices inside my head and the fast beating of my heart.

Even I, don't know how to react after hearing it. The audio clip was so clear. I can tell by the sound of his voice the urge to kill. It pains me more when I heard those words from him and the fact that he included mom. He has no mercy nor sympathy on his body. All he can think about is revenge and power. He really won't hesitate to kill if someone tries to mess with his plan. He'll do whatever it takes, beyond measures, for his plan to succeed. He didn't care about the consequences. He didn't care if he's going against the governor himself! He's a monster!

"No...no..no. It can't be. Hindi..hindi 'yan totoo! That's fake!" the governor shouted in disbelief

Umiwas ako ng tingin. I heard the judge pounded his gavel again and for the same reason.

"Silence! Order in the court!"

From the corner of my eyes, I saw that he's being dragged away by the guards. Hawak-hawak nila ang governor sa magkabilang braso.

"Let go of me!" pagpumiglas niya. I watch him as he's being harshly dragged away. Nakita kong tumulong si Nicholas sa pagawat sa kanya dahil masyado siyang malakas. The judge kept on pounding the gavel but the governor still continue to cause a scene.

"She...she probably made that up! Huwag kayong magpaloko sa kanya!" he lashed out Nagpumiglas siya at bigla niya na lamang akong sinugod. I didn't flinch nor move a muscle. Nanatili lang akong nakatitig sa kanya kahit na abot kamay niya na ako.

"You! You should be careful with what you put out in the court. Hindi mo alam kung ano'ng ginagawa mo," he warned. Nanliliksi ang mata niya habang nakatingin sa'kin. Hawak-hawak pa rin siya ng mga pulis sa magkabilang braso

"I think you should be the one saying that to yourself," I said calmly but with conviction

He's the one who should be careful. He's such a hypocrite. He always keeps saying 'huwag magpapaloko' but who's got fooled now? He didn't even realize that he's being played. He didn't realize that the enemy is just right behind him. He's the stupid one.

He gritted his teeth. Nakita ko kung paano tumalsik ang laway niya sa bawat salitang binibitawan niya. "This isn't over Fey not until the death of my nephew receive the justice he deserves!"

I can't believe he's still trying to defend him. Siguro ay hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala sa pagtatraydor na ginawa sa kanya. He still must have not accepted the fact that he's nephew, who's supposed to be on his side, betrayed him. I can't imagine what he's thinking right now. He's probably going crazy.

Hinila na ulit siya palayo sa'kin. Hindi niya inalis ang paningin sa'kin. He kept on fighting and reaching out for help to his family but unfortunately, none of them seemed to listen to him. Wala na isa sa kanila ang tumulong. They couldn't even look at him the same way anymore. They are still in shock.

I remained standing in front until the screams of the governor slowly faded from the room. We heard the door closed. Biglang nagkaroon ng kapayapaan at katahimikan sa loob.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga bago tumingin sa harap. "This day, April 4th of 2021, inside this Regional Court of Supreme. The truth behind Ms. Cervantez case has finally been revealed. By my witness and the evidence itself, I believe that Sec. Archie Fernandez already planned to murder Ms. Cecilia Cervantez and has the strong motive to do so. Called her to come to the mansion, ordered the maids to buy groceries so that there wouldn't be any witness in order for his plan to work. When everything is going well according to plan, Ms. Cervantez got into the scene. He then used a knife as a weapon to stab her, pointed a pistol gun at her, choked her to death and Ms. Cervantez, who was helpless that time, didn't have anyone to protect her...had no other choice but to kill Mr. Fernandez only to prevent herself from death. With that being said, I believe it was a justifiable homicide and a form of self-defense. I rest my case, Your Honor."

Pagkatapos kong sabihin iyon ay nakahinga ako ng maluwag. I looked at mom and Christian. By the look on their eyes, I can already feel that they wanted to approach me already. I do too. I want to hug my mom so bad.

But I must not celebrate too early. I have to brace myself. It's still not over until the judge announced the final verdict. 

***

The last trial hearing is scheduled on Friday which is two days from now. For the meantime, nandito ulit kami ni mama sa ospital para maigamot siya. By God's grace, her condition was getting better. Her wounds were slowly healing. She's finally recovering. Sana ay magpatuloy-tuloy pa.

"Makakalaya na ba ako?" my mom asked

"We'll find out soon mom," I gave her a small smile and fed her. She told me that she can eat by herself so I let her.

"How are you feeling ma?"

She smiled weakly. "Kaya ko nang lumaban. God is with us anak. Hindi niya tayo pababayaan. Malalagpasan din natin ito."

I smiled back and held her hand. We then heard a knock on the door. Napalingon ako at tumambad sa harap namin si Atty. De Guzman. I was quite surprised to see him this early.

"Christian. Hey," I said and stood up

"Goodmorning po," he greeted mom politely and walked towards us. Mom gave him a small smile before she continued to eat again.

He then turned his attention on me. "Fey. Can I talk to you for a second," mahina niyang sabi

My brows raised. "Yeah, sure. What is it?"

He glanced at mom. Tumingin ako kay mama at nagpaalam muna sa kanya bago sumama kay Christian palabas. When we got out of her room, he held my arm and we went to a much private place where no one can see us. Napansin kong seryoso ang mukha niya at parang hindi mapakali. I got curious and worried at the same time.

"What's wrong?" 

He sighed and looked at me. "I've heard that Atty. Sanchez wanted to dismiss the case," seryoso niyang sabi

My lips parted. "What?"

He nodded. "Yes. I know it sounds surprising since he rarely dismisses a case. I'm not sure if I heard it correctly but he said it with conviction. I believe it's true. Gusto niya nang i-dismiss ang kaso laban sa mama mo."

"Wait, hold on. How...how did you find out about this?"

Tumingin muna siya sa paligid. There were some nurses and doctors who were passing by. "The day after the second trial, I heard the prosecutors arguing about something. It's about your mother's. Atty. Sanchez wanted to drop the case already that day but...I don't know. Perhaps they had some sort of misunderstanding." Umiwas siya ng tingin at nag-isip ng malalim

I blinked a couple of times while staring at him. "If that's the case then..."

"We might win this Fey," sabi niya habang nakatingin ng diretso sa mata ko

His words sent shivers down my spine but there's spark in my heart that ignited. It was hope.

And the day of the final trial hearing came by. I noticed that there were only two prosecutors in front of me. Wala na yung isa. It's Atty. Sanchez and Atty. Lopez only. Parehas silang nakatingin sa'kin. I saw Atty. Lopez clenched her fist in anger. Bigla siyang umiwas ng tingin. Magmula rito ay ramdam ko ang galit at inis niya sa'kin. I never truly understand why.

Meanwhile, Keith was still looking at me. He's the only one who's calm right now. He doesn't look affected and tensed by the situation. Hindi ko mabasa ang mga mata niya. I don't know what's going through his mind right now but deep inside, I'm so fucking nervous.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni mama. Christian caressed my back to calm me down. He's also looking at the prosecutors and the judge. I swallowed hard when my heart began to raise in anticipation.

"In the light of new pieces of evidence, after careful analysis and consideration, the Office of the Prosecution hereby recommends the dismissal of homicide against Ms. Maria Cecilia Cervantez," the judge announced

The loud ringing inside my ears stopped as well as the fast beating of my heart. Unti-unti akong tumayo mula sa upuan ko.

What's happening?

Tama ba yung narinig ko?

How-

"Felicity!"

I didn't notice that Christian is already in front of me, together with my mom.

"You did it!" he cheered and held both my shoulders. He has a huge proud smile on his lips.

Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. My mind went blank but my eyes never left Keith. Napatingin ako sa judge pabalik sa kanya. He broke our long eye contact and looked at Atty. Lopez beside him with a faint smile on his lips. I was surprised when she looked at me too. Her eyes were intense but glistening in tears...

Muli nalang ulit akong nakaramdam nung biglang may humawak sa kamay ko. I felt a warm and soft hands on top of mine. I knew it was from my mother. Unti-unti akong tumingin sa kanya. 

And at that moment, I shifted back to reality. I felt like my soul just returned from my body. I only realized now that...it's over.

It's finally over.