Surrendering Dreams

SIMULATumunog na ang elevator hudyat na narito na ako sa tamang palapag. Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili at naglakad na sa loob

SIMULA

Tumunog na ang elevator hudyat na narito na ako sa tamang palapag. Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili at naglakad na sa nasabing lugar. Sa hindi malamang kadahilanan ay bigla akong kinakabahan.

I have been the prosecutor in this area for years and I have never experienced such tension just to attend a random meeting. It felt like something contentious was about to happen. I was so confident about my work, I was a great legal representative of the prosecution and it is my work to present a case in a criminal trial and to hold the accused responsible for what he or she has done.

Fucking hell. Kinakabahan ako.

Nakasalubong ko si Sandy at nakitang hinihingal pa siya nang tumakbo papunta sa akin. Sandy is actually my legal assistant. She's responsible for the drafting of pleadings and other paperworks.

"Oh?" Tanong ko dahil nagtataka ako sa pagsalubong niya. Normally, she would just warn me through text or call and just wait inside my office. May iniabot naman siyang envelope at agad ko namang binuksan ito. Binasa ko ang laman at naramdaman kong pumunta lahat ng dugo ko sa ulo ko. Halos matupi ko ang papel na 'yun.

Who wouldn't be angry in this situation? It is a letter, formal letter to be exact and another letter for a dismissal of trial. The Spanish government wants to appeal for mistrial in the court and my superior wants to clean this case and stop the investigations immediately. We even haven't had a pre-trial, what's with the rush?

Appeal for Mistrial, when in fact the pre-trial hasn't even started yet. I think someone's leaking false information to the other country. That's the problem of fake news, it can cause conflict between two parties. Nakakahiya.

I know he has dual-citizenship, but really? Mapapahiya ang kabilang bansa kapag nalaman nilang false information ito. They should have done their research first.

"I'll make a formal letter and have it sent to Spain. I'll just finish this meeting. What is it all about?" I asked Sandy. I was just called that there's an emergency meeting. I wasn't informed about what it was all about.

Anyway, Sandy has been working with me since then and I could say that she's really hardworking and very loyal to me. Loyalty is the key to a good partnership, in work and in relationships.

"Attorney, I think it's for the settlement of the case that you're currently handling po." Sagot naman niya na ikinakunot ng noo ko. What settlement is that? I can't even remember what the case is, I have too many cases on my table.

Naglakad na ako at hindi ko pa rin alam kung anong kaso ba 'yun dahil marami akong hawak na kaso ngayon. The reality of being a public servant.

Pagka pasok ko ay nagulat ako nang makita ko ang mga taong kinamumuhian ko at mga taong higit kong hindi inaasahan, na sama-sama sa isang lamesa—the family Villenueva, Atty. Gomez, Atty. Sierra Evangelista, my superiors and their secretary.

I easily composed myself. At least, I did try to conceal myself being surprised to see them in one room.

Napa-tingin ako sa kanya at bumalik ang mga alaalang hindi na dapat binabalikan. Tumingin din siya at nakita ko ang walang bakas na pagka-gulat sa mukha niya na tila inaasahan na ang aming pagkikita.

Memories of us together in the past were brought up. It was like there was a sudden flashback. I swallowed hard, he was my life. He was everything and I ruined everything.

Hindi na sana maaalis ang paningin ko sa kanya kung hindi lang nagsalita ang isa pang nakaupo.

"Since you're already here Ms. Peralez, let's start this meeting." Sabi ng head prosecutor. He's my superior and rumors say that he accepts bribes from rich families but I still do give him the benefit of the doubt. But if I were to observe him, it looks like he's exactly what others are saying about him.

"Don't work too much, alam naman nating lahat na makakalabas din ang kapatid ko rito. You have insufficient evidence to continue. Talk to our attorney." Sabi ng kapatid ni Javier habang nakangisi.

Motherfucking asshole. Iniisip ko kung paano ko siya papatayin at pigil na pigil ako sa aking sarili. The way he talked, it's as if their family never ruined a life. I've handled the worse cases but this one's just the worst. They have no conscience, they have no soul, they're just pure evil.

Powerful families like them tend to be overconfident about everything, like they're some gods because they do get away with the crimes they've been doing because they have money and power. I just lost my patient and all I can see is red. I just want to choke him to death and let him suffer, but I know better.

"Your brother is a rapis–" I was cut before I completely finished my sentence.

"You can't call him that. He is still innocent until proven guilty." Sambit ni Greyson. His voice was deep and husky that everyone could bow down because of the authority he has.

Narinig ko ang mababang boses na 'yon, ang matagal kong hinahanap hanap. Napawi ang maliit kong ngiti at napalitan ng ngisi. He changed.

"I'm a prosecutor, I know the law. You should also know that you can't be here since I can't settle it yet and most probably never, because the investigation is still on-going. You, out of all the people, should know that, you're a lawyer." I said, while moving my face near him so that no one could hear what I'm about to say. "You aced criminal procedure in law school." I whispered before moving away.

I wanted to roll my eyes because the people here look like I just did some horrible thing. Tumingin naman ako sa taong kinamumuhian ko. My heart's probably beating faster because of anger.

"And for you, Villanueva, 'wag kang magsalita nang tapos, if you're referring to the section 6 of The Revised Rules of the Criminal Procedure of Rule 110 of Prosecution Offenses, you're wrong because I have sufficient evidences even though the investigation is not yet finished. Don't worry, gagawin ko ang lahat para mabulok kayo sa kulungan." Tuloy tuloy kong sambit. Honestly, I haven't gathered much evidence. I just want to scare them off.

I saw how Greyson smirked a little and it disappeared immediately. I don't know if I really saw him smile or my eyes were just playing me. Nakita kong namutla ang lalaki sa tabi niya at tumingin sa kanyang abogado, halatang halata na kinakabahan ito. So much confidence for a coward.

Tignan mo 'tong duwag na 'to na nagtatago sa saya ng pamilya at abogado niya. Dalawa pa ang abogado niya, isang kinamumuhian ko at ang isa ay ang nag-iisang lalaking minahal ko.

Magsasalita pa sana si Javier nang bigla na lang siyang pinatahimik ni Greyson. Less talk, less mistake.

"Enough of this, Prosecutor Peralez. I heard you have received a letter from the government of Spain, settle this now." Sambit ng head of the prosecution.

I scoffed, clearly disappointed of what I've heard. Seriously? Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Settle what, this case and just free the Villanueva? Is he afraid about the letter that Spain sent? It's really simple, just send a letter, stating that it is false news. These bunch of cowardly idiots. I tried so hard not to react differently because after all they're still my bosses.

"What? Should we just kiss their asses to avoid conflict? I am the one handling the case and I will not settle. The preliminary investigation is still on-going, what do you want me to do? Throw the evidence just to free Javier? You know that's against the law, that's against our ethics." Tanong ko pa at nag init ang dugo ko. I just can't be silent about this. I will not be blinded by injustices for money and power.

Kahit na sabihin nating boss ko siya, wala akong pakialam. I'm kissing no one's ass. I am a public servant, I am serving the country, not the politicians and superiors.

Nakita kong may binigay na envelope si Sierra sa akin at tumaas naman ang kilay ko. Mukhang alam ko na ang laman no'n, napangisi na lamang ako. It's a dirty old trick,

I can't believe that they are this stupid. Inilibot ko ang tingin sa paligid. Tumayo ako nang may nakita akong kakaiba.

Lumapit ako sa may puting vase. Ngayon ko lang nakita ang malaking vase na ito kaya naman ay hinagis ko ito at nabasag ito. Nahati pa sa maliliit na piraso. I know my work and I've been investigating for quite some time now, different cases, suspects, criminals and soulless people.

Nakita kong naglaglagan ang mga panga nila ngunit nakita kong umigting ang panga ni Greyson at tumingin ng masama sa mga kasama niya. Hindi niya alam. Hindi siya tanga para gawin ang katangahan na ito. He doesn't play dirty and illegal.

Lumuhod ako at pinulot ang basag na piraso at nakitang may nakasuksok na maliit na camera roon. I smirked, I wonder how many cameras have they illegally planted here.

"Republic Act 4200 known as 'An Act to Prohibit and Penalize Wire Tapping And Other Related Violations of the Privacy Of Communication, and for Other Purpose,' familiar?" Tanong ko habang nakangiti.

Nakita kong nakatingin lang sila sa akin at mukhang hinihintay ang susunod kong gagawin. Come on, people. This is not a movie or entertainment show, this is just plain stupidity of the stupid. How did they even pass the BAR?

"Ano kayang laman niyan at kailangan niyong lagyan ng camera ang opisina? I'm very curious. I won't open it, open it yourself." Sabi ko kay Sierra at kinuha niya ang envelope na ibinigay niya sa akin kanina. This idiotic b***h.

Ngumisi siya sa akin at siya na ang nagbukas ng envelope at ipinakita sa akin ang laman. Five checks of 20 million each check. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko ngunit napalitan rin ng ngisi. I wonder, ilang bahay na kaya ang mabibili ko roon? O kaya, ilang krimen pa ang gagawin nila at pagtatakpan para magbayad ng ganoong kalaking halaga?

"Is that for me?" Tanong ko at tumango naman ang kapatid ni Javier. "Why are you giving it to me?" Tanong ko. I just want to know if he would definitely buy it.

Sasagot na sana siya at mahuhuli ko siya sa kanyang bibig nang biglang pinigilan siya ni Greyson kaya nawala ang ngiti sa aking labi. Sayang. He knows my tricks.

"My client's family is mistaken." Sambit ni Greyson. He looked at them as if he's reprimanding them for this stupid move.

Natuwa naman ako dahil matalino siya kahit na hinuhuli ko lang talaga sila sa sarili nilang patibong. I know they're going to bribe me and I'll play along to file a case afterwards for bribing a public officer. Uno reverse card.

Then, he got me there. I was really hoping for the fun part, but he's too smart, he got me there.

"No, we're not. Here, accept it, in exchange for Villanueva's freedom." Sambit ni Sierra. What a stupid b***h! She's not even thinking, how did she pass the BAR?

Gotcha! I smiled. If he wants to beat me, he should have brought a smart partner, a smart attorney.

"What? Are you just going to look at us or something? Sign this contract afterwards." Sambit pa ni Sierra. This woman is really getting into my nerves.

Ibinigay niya sa akin ang contract na mayroon ng pirma nila and she's the attorney in-charge. Maybe Greyson has no idea about this f*****g stupid plan. He wouldn't do such a thing because he's too smart for it. It's not even an NDA contract (non-disclosure agreement) or at least, they should have let me sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) first, before discussing things.

Kinuha ko ang kontrata at binasa. This could be proof of bribery.

"Sorry, but no. Article 211-A, we can accept bribes. It is considered a Qualified Bribery and I can get disbarred. I'll file a case against you, Bribery of a public official and hmm... wiretapping, RA 4200. Don't worry, I'll do my best to bring your family to jail. I mean, you wouldn't be bribing me if he wasn't guilty, right?" Sunod na sabi ko. I'm just wasting my time here.

Nakita kong napahawak sa sentido si Greyson. Right, more headaches for choosing to be with the opposite side, full of stupid people.

"Ms. Peralez, if you wouldn't participate. I would have to reassign you to another case or better yet, fire you." Sabi ng head prosecutor. Is he really serious about it, the audacity?

"You can't do that to me! I'll file something against you. You're accepting bribes here, Sir. That's not something I do!" Sagot ko pa at napa-tayo na. I could leave any time. Maybe, God's testing my patience.

"What will you do, tell the judge? They won't believe you because I am the head prosecutor. Sa tingin mo kanino sila mas maniniwala?" Tanong pa ng head prosecutor.

Hindi ako nakapagsalita ngunit ramdam ko ang pag-akyat ng dugo sa ulo ko. Calm down, Tanya. Huminga akong malalim bago umupo.

"I still won't accept anything from them, but I'll think about his brother's case." Sagot ko at ngumiti na ang head. Naging head pero walang utak. Men.

"Very well, Prosecutor Peralez. By the way, I would like to introduce you to his attorney, Atty. Greyson Antonius Gomez and this is Prosecutor Tanniña Astraea Peralez. Maybe you knew each other. You both attended Law in Ateneo." Nakangiting saad ng head.

Naiirita ako sa ngiti niya. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, but I was really disappointed. There are still public officials who are serving the money, not the people of the Philippines. It angers me thinking about it. Malapit ko nang batukan 'tong kalbo na 'to.

Tumayo si Greyson at inabot ang kamay niya sa harap ko. I was stunned, I never thought he would do such.

"Nice meeting you, Prosecutor Peralez. I'm Attorney Gomez." Tipid na wika niya. He's really pretending that we don't know each other. I felt a stabbing pain in my chest. After all these years, it still hurts.

Tinitigan ko siya ng matagal. Nag iisip pa kung iaabot ko ang aking kamay ngunit ayokong isipin ng iba kung ano ang problema. I looked at Sierra, it seems like she's enjoying this because I saw her smirking.

Gusto niyang mag panggap na hindi ako kakilala. Sige, at pagbibigyan ko siya sa gusto niyang mangyari. Naramdaman ko ang kung anong tumusok sa aking dibdib sa iniisip kong 'yon.

"Prosecutor Peralez, likewise" Wika ko sabay abot sa nakalahad niyang kamay.

Naramdaman ko ang init ng kanyang palad tila nakakapasong hawakan. Agad ko rin binawi at saka umupo. Naririnig ko pa ang malakas na t***k ng aking puso. How could he do that? He still had that effect on me.

"So, it's settled. Decide, Peralez. Preliminary investigation will probably end on the 20th this month, you must do something about it. Any questions?" Umiling kami. "None? Okay, meeting adjourned."

Nagsi-alisan kami at habang naglalakad ako ay nasalubong ko sa labas si Greyson. Hinarang ko siya upang kausapin. Hinawakan ko ang braso niya para tuluyan kong makuha ang kanyang atensyon.

"Why are you doing this? Is this some kind of revenge? You know how important this case is, to me. Out of all people, ikaw ang nakakaalam!" Tuloy tuloy na sambit ko habang pinipigilan ang mga nagbabadyang luha dahil sa galit.

"I am their lawyer, it's my job." Maikling wika niya at diretso parin ang tingin, walang bakas na pagkatuwa.

"You have a choice but you still chose this. This will ruin me more, us more. H-he and his family ruined lives. How can you defend his side?" Sabi ko habang pinipigilan ang mga luhang nagbabadya. I just can't cry in front of him.

"Alleged. Stop being emotional over this matter. Be professional." Sabi niya habang nakakunot ang noo at mukhang nawawalan na ng pasensiya.

Nagbago na siya. Hindi ganyan ang pagkakakilala ko kay Grey. Ibang iba na siya sa nakilala ko almost five years ago. His principles changed, he changed.

"Hindi na kita kilala." Mahinang sambit ko.

"I've changed. Your Greyson is dead." Sabi niya habang umigting ang panga.

Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay kong nakahawak sa braso niya at sapilitang inalis at naglakad na palayo.

Naiwan akong lumuluha at napatulala na lang habang iniisip ang nangyari.

Kabanata 1

"Are you coming or not?"

Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Nakita kong nag aayos ang pinsan kong si Serene ng kanyang buhok habang nakatingin sa salamin. She has a defined features and she's actually a goddess

Pinagmasdan ko siya at nakita na halos may pagkaka-hawig nga kami. Malamang ay dahil pareho kaming nag mana kay lola. Our far relatives often mistaken us as siblings, maybe because we have similar features or just our undeniable closeness. We weren't exactly raised together because she lived in the US before.

Binitiwan ko ang hawak kong libro at itinigil na muna ang pagkakabisa. I never thought Law school can be this tiring. Fighting for justice is indeed almost an impossible thing, but I would always want to try the impossible and make a difference.

Mayroon akong quiz sa Criminal Law I at Constitutional Law I bukas at niyayaya niya akong pumuntang party ngayong gabi dahil birthday ng kaibigan niyang taga-La Salle. She's the life of the party and she has many friends, and when I say many, I mean many. She can actually run for any position in the government and win effortlessly.

Isinasama niya ako dahil gusto raw niyang magpaka-lasing at ayaw niyang mag commute pauwi. Wala rin namang magda-drive sa kanya kahit dala niya ang kanyang sasakyan. My conscience wouldn't take it if something bad happens to her, so I'm not leaving her alone.

"Sasama raw ba ang lahat?" Tanong ko habang mina-masahe ang sintido dahil suma-sakit na ito dahil sa kaka-aral.

"Yes, they already responded. Sabay na raw si Cat at si Val, dadaanan pa raw nila si Basti dahil tinatamad din magdrive." Sabi niya habang sinu-suot ang hikaw niyang binili sa Pandora. She really looks expensive.

"Ang lalaking 'yon talaga." Sabi ko pa kasabay pa ang pag-iling. Basti has been this annoying since our friendship started.

Ipinalibot ko ang tingin sa buong condo niya. Nakiki-tira lang ako dahil wala akong perang pambili ng bahay, hindi ako kasing yaman ng pamilya ni Serene, siguro dati, ngayon ay hindi na. I got used to living this way. Well at first, I really had a hard time adjusting.

Ngayon ay nakakulong na si papa dahil sa mga utang at dahil dinaya siya ng business partner niya na traydor na kalauna'y sinampahan siya ng kaso sa hindi malamang kadahilanan. I don't know why some people are just that bad.

Si Mama naman ay wala na dahil sa Cancer. Mabuti at kinupkop ako ni Tito dahil wala na akong matitirhan. Sila na lang ang pamilya ko. Ang nag-iisa kong kapatid ay hindi ko na alam kung buhay pa. Walang nakakaalam. He just... disappeared.

Mahirap ang buhay dahil nagta-trabaho ako para sa pang kain ko at pang tulong sa bayarin sa condo ni Serene dahil nakakahiya naman kung aasa lang ako sa kanila. Ilang taon din nila akong sinuportahan sa pag aaral. Malaki rin ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila.

Lilipat na rin sana ako sa apartment sa Makati dahil nandoon ang Law School kaya lang ay bumili naman ng condo roon si Serene para 'pag uminom daw siya sa BGC ay malapit lang ang uuwian. That was obviously a lie.

I knew she purposely planned that even though it was obviously unnecessary because she wanted to give me a free stay. It was almost done, they're in the final touch of the interiors.

Tinitiis-tiis ko muna ang biyaheng Katipunan papuntang Makati. That's life, anyway.

Nag aaral pa ako ng Law. Hindi full scholarship ang nakuha ko, seventy-five percent lang kaya naman ay nagtatrabaho pa ko para mabayaran ang kulang, ngunit, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa rin sapat. I became independent at a young age. I work my ass off just to live a well life.

I'm a first year law student while Serene is still in college, pursuing the undergraduate degree of her choice in Katipunan in Quezon City.

Nawala ang aking mga iniisip nang nakita kong nakatitig si Serene sa'kin.

"Hey, are you going or not?" Tanong niya at bumalik na siya sa salamin para mag ayos. She asked again because I did not respond to her question a while ago.

"Give me an hour." Sabi ko naman at nagpatuloy na ako sa pagmememorize. I'm actually good at memorizing.

Pagkatapos ng tatlumpung minuto ay tinignan ko si Serene na nagce-cellphone habang nakaupo sa sofa at katabi ko. Maybe she's getting bored. I know how much she wanted to go there already. Her name just screams party and freedom.

I looked at her and I saw her wearing a white off-shoulder crop top partnered with high-waisted shorts, so I went to my room to fix myself.

I looked at my reflection, wearing a bralette partnered with black high waist pants and boots.

Nag suklay na ako at nag lagay ng kaunting makeup. Nagsuot ako ng hoop earrings at itinali ang buhok ko para hindi magulong tignan.

"Are you ready? You're so tagal, we'll be late." Sabi ng pinsan ko at mukhang naiinip na.

Iyan na naman siya at ang nakaririnding boses. 'Pag nagkaboyfriend 'to ewan ko nalang kung hindi maalibadbaran sa boses niyang parang sinakal na bibe.

"Oo, wait lang. Excited na excited ah, may private session ka ba at nagmamadali ka?" Tanong ko pa para lalo siyang maasar. We were open to those kinds of things. We were practically together so we're like each other's walking diary.

Tumawa lang siya at pinagmasdan ang suot ko.

"Iyan lang ba ang suot mo?" Tanong niya at pinagmamasdan ang bralette na suot ko.

"May nakikita ka pa bang ibang suot ko?" Tanong ko pa at inirapan siya.

"It's actually cold there, you might want to bring your jacket or something, just in case." Sagot niya. Mukhang tinatantsa kung lalamigin ako o hindi.

"Wow, alam na alam na malamig ang penthouse, ah. Dumadalaw?" Sabi ko habang tumatawa at saka ngumisi pagkatapos.I knew she knows what I meant.

Ngumisi siya at nakisabay rin sa tawa ko. We're both thinking the same thing.

"Sana all na lang." Wika ko pa at kasabay ang pag tawa.

"Akala mo naman talaga, 'wag puro salita, patunayan mo rin." Tudyo pa niya at mukhang hinahamon ako. I've always liked challenges, it has the rush that I need. As a competitive person with a strong personality, I'm craving for challenges.

"Hinahamon mo ba ko?" Tumayo ako na para bang hinahamon siya.

"Obvious ba?" Pabalang niyang sagot habang tumayo rin para pantayan ako. Napawi ang ngiti ko dahil mas matangkad siya sa'kin nang kaunti. Flex mo lang ang height mo?

"Game, paramihan!" Hamon ko pa para hindi lang puro salita at hamon. Challenge accepted.

Tumayo ako dahil nagugutom ako at kumuha ng tinapay. Ipapahid ko pa lang ang chicken spread ay bigla niya na akong hinila patayo.

"Ano ba? Gutom ako, 'wag mo akong hinihila-hila riyan!" Sabi ko at binawi ang braso ko sa kamay niya at kinuha ang spatula. I just wanted to eat in peace. Studying can make me hungry. May article akong nabasa na sa sobrang pag aaral niya at palaging nalilipasan ng gutom, bigla na lang siyang nabaliw. Ayaw ko namang mabaliw na lang bigla.

"Late na tayo. Kanina pa tayo hinihintay." Sabi pa niya at hinila ako ulit. Halos masubsob ako, kung hindi lang ako nakahawak sa dulo ng lamesa, ay baka nasubsob ako at nauna mukha ko.

"Nagugutom ako!" Sabi ko pa at nag kunwaring galit dahil gutom na talaga ako.

"They have food there, not to mention hot guys from the big four universities." Sabi niya at hinawakan ang braso ko para hilahin ulit.

Tumayo ako at ako naman ang humila sa kanya.

"Hindi mo naman sinabi agad. Tara na, ang bagal mong kumilos. Gutom na gutom na ko." Sabi ko tsaka hinila na siya at nagpahila naman na siya.

"OMG ka." Sabi niya habang tumatawa. I just shrugged. That's the key word, "hot guys".

Nagmamadali kong pinindot ang down button sa elevator at nagmamadaling sumakay.

Nakita kong hindi pa siya sumasakay at pinagmasdan pa ako habang natatawa kaya naman hinila ko na siya papasok. It's now or never, gonna find someone for tonight.

"Hindi ka naman nagmamadali niyan?" Pang aasar pa niya sa'kin.

"Gutom na gutom na ko. Gusto ko na kasing kumain!" Pagmamaktol ko pa habang niya-yapos ang tiyan kong nakalitaw dahil sa suot ko. It had a double meaning.

"Kumain ng?" Tudyo niya na halatang nang aasar. I rolled my eyes.

"Tigilan mo 'ko at baka magdilim ang paningin ko sa'yo." Sabi ko at pabirong hinampas siya sa braso.

Umaray lang siya at bago pa maka ganti ay tumunog na ang elevator na nagpapahayag na nandito na kami sa parking lot.

Agad kong hinanap ang sasakyan niya at pina-tunog naman niya kaya agad akong sumakay. Siya na ang nag drive dahil tinatamad ako. Ako na nga ang magda-drive pauwi, papahirapan pa niya akong mag drive papunta?

Dahil traffic papuntang Taft ay tinanggal ko muna ang suot kong boots at pinatong ang paa sa harapan tsaka binuksan ang bintana para tignan kung hanggang saan ang traffic.

Nakita kong mayroon lang stoplight sa harap kaya naman nang isasara ko na dapat ang bintana, 'yung katabi naming sasakyan ay nag baba ng bintana at saka sumigaw.

"Miss ang sarap mo!" Sabi ng manyak sa kabilang sasakyan habang dinidilaan ang labi niyang maitim at saka hinagod ng tingin ang kabuuang katawan ko na tila pinagmamanyakan. I cringed at the sight.

Tinignan ko siya ng masama at binaba ng sagad ang bintana.

"Alam kong masarap ako. Ikaw rin mukhang masarap." Sabi ko habang nakangisi at masamang nakatingin sa kanila.

"Talaga, Miss?" Tanong pa ng walanghiya habang tumatawa sila ng mga kasama niyang mukhang adik.

"Oo, mukha kang masarap patayin! Malibog kang gago ka, ah! Ikaskas mo 'yang bayag mo sa pader. Wala kasing napatol sayo, panget!" Sunod sunod kong sigaw tsaka itinaas ang middle finger ko sa kaniya.

Nagtigilan ang tawanan nila at nakaawang ang mga labi. Halatang nagulat sa biglaan kong pagsagot at tila hindi makapaniwala sa mga salitang lumabas sa bunganga ko.

Akala ata nila ay hahayaan ko silang bastos-bastusin ako.

Ang pagsusuot ng iba't ibang klaseng damit ay hindi batayan para bastusin ng kalalakihan. Hindi 'yan sa damit kung hindi sa pagkawala ng respeto nila at sa kalibugan nilang hindi nila kayang pigilan.

Nakita ko naman napangisi si Serene sa tabi ko at tsaka nagpatuloy sa pagd-drive dahil nag green na ang stoplight. Maya maya ay huminto rin ulit dahil traffic.

"Tanginang traffic 'to, hindi solusyunan ng gobyerno. Puro pasarap at pangungurakot ang ginagawa ng karamihan, kaya hindi umuunlad ang Pilipinas eh." Sunod sunod na sabi ko habang nakakunot ang noo.

Totoo naman kasi. May mga buwaya na nakaupo sa pwesto kaya patuloy ang pagbagsak ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Hindi nalang gawin ang trabaho nila.

"Can't agree more." Dagdag pa niya.

After almost an hour of being stuck in traffic, we finally arrived in Taft. It was a long ride.

Nagre-retouch si Serene at ako naman nagpicture sa sarili ko at pinost sa i********:.

Kitang kita ang bralette kong suot at medyo nakalabas ang cleavage.

Maya maya ay nakita kong nag comment sina Catalina, Basti at Val.

aidentity: napakapanget mo naman. 'Wag ka na ulit mag post, please lang.

pusalinaaax: sana all may boobs.

veronicalopez: Kaya ba today? Muntik na kayong umabot sa uwian.

Nilike ko ang comment ni Val at nireplyan ang comment nina Catalina at Basti.

tanninyaniyo: @aidentity, tangina ka. Mas panget ka, mukha kang mabaho.

tanninyaniyo: @pusalinaaax, gaga ka, lalaki rin 'yang sayo kulang lang sa tamang pagpapalaki.

Natawa ako nang malakas kaya napatingin si Serene sa'kin. Pinakita ko naman ang phone ko at nang mabasa niya ay tumawa rin siya.

Niyaya niya akong bumaba sa kotse at nauna na siya. Sumusunod lang ako sa likod niya dahil nirereplyan ko ang isang nagtext sakin.

Binasa ko at nandiri sa binasa, akala mo naman kinuha ko yung buong pagkatao niya at hindi ibinalik, eh nag momol lang naman kami sa kotse.

Sinabi ko rin na one time thing lang 'yon ngunit hinahabol-habol pa rin ako. Dapat ay gumawa ako ng kontrata na nagsasaad na pang isang beses lang 'yon.

Sinabi niya na balikan ko na raw siya at mahal na mahal daw niya ako. Muntik na akong masuka nang mabasa 'yon.

When I saw Serene going inside the elevator, I immediately followed her and went in.

Pagkarating sa tamang palapag ay kitang kita kung saan ginaganap ang party dahil napakaingay 'nun. It was full of strobing lights and loud music.

We went in and I saw beautiful and colorful disco lights attached in the ceiling. I was then amazed by it. It was not a condo, it was more likely a party house.

I also saw people playing beer pong which I really like to play every single house parties. Mayroon din akong nakikitang mga nag iinuman at nag sasayawang mga tao.

Nagpahila lang ako kay Serene dahil wala naman akong masyadong kakilala.

Nakita kong napa-lingon ang ibang lalaki sa gawi ko at pinasadahan ng tingin ang katawan ko. May nakita pa akong kumindat at mukhang mga lalapit pa. I shook my head, guys are literally just horny human beings.

Nagpalingon-lingon lamang ako hanggang sa narinig ko ang maingay na boses ni Basti.

"TANNIÑA!" Sigaw ni Basti at nakita kong napa lingon ang iba sa amin. This guy could be very noisy sometimes, always rather.

Napasimangot ako kasi nakita ko na naman ang kaibigan kong mukhang tanga.

"Tanniña mo rin, gago!" Pabalik kong sigaw