Take me down the road of Sacramento

Fifty seven

"Ang tagal mo naman," urat na bungad sa akin ni Aèm. "Wala pa 'yung abogado nung asawa niya." Ininguso niya ang maputing lalaki na nakaupo sa 'di kalayuan.

"Kasi naman, ura-urada ka!" Iritado ring sagot ko.

"You look good in court gown, Judge Ruscitti." Napatingin kami kay Fauro na kasalukuyang nilalaro ang susi ng sasakyan sa kaniyang mga daliri.

"At nagdala ka pa talaga ng lucky charm?" mapanudyong puna ni Aèm na ikinatawa ko na lang. "Alam mo bang isang kilo lang 'to pero parang ang bigat-bigat?"

"Stop me, Aèm." Sabay-sabay kaming nagtawanan.

"Judge Ruscitti." Pareho kaming natigilan nang tawagin siya ng Personal Assistant niya. Sinenyasan naman kami ni Aèm at tumango na lamang ako saka siya sinundan ng tingin.

"I beg your pardon?" Aèm asked, confused. Ang lakas ng boses niya. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pinag-uusapan nila ngunit bakas sa mukha ni Aèm ang labis na pagkagulat.

Lumapit sa amin ang Judge saka mapaklang ngumiti. "Tangina, bes!" baling sa akin ni Aèm. "Good luck," aniya saka pumasok sa isang kwarto roon.

"Let's go?" nakangiting sabi ko sa kliyente ko. Nginitian niya naman ako saka sumunod sa akin. Sinalubong agad ako ng lamig na hatid ng aircondition sa loob.

"Nilalamig ka?" Fauro asked. Pasimple niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko at pinakiramdaman ito.

I smiled and shook my head. "Medyo kinakabahan lang."

"Kaya mo 'yan," nakangiti sabi niya pa saka umupo. He patted my head and gave me a steely stare. "I wish you happiness, Ace."

"Anong konek?" nagtatakang tanong ko.

I was confused when suddenly there was teardrops on his palm. "I mean, first time is happiness in disguise."

I caress his face and wiped his tears. "Are you here to win the best actor award?" pabirong tanong ko. "Thanks, Archi." I said, half smiling. "Now, embrace yourself and watch me impress you; as I win this case."

Muli siyang umupo at binalingan ako. "I will, Attorney." May kakaiba sa mga ngiti niya.

I'm afraid that this has something to do with him. But, what could it be?

My phone suddenly vibrated.

Judge Ruscitti
Business is business, wala dapat involve na personal feelings. Good luck, Attorney Ace! You can do it!

Ace
Loka.

Sa totoo lang, ang weird niyo.

Nakangiti akong dumiretso sa unahan kasabay si Mrs. Empress. Hinarap ko siya at tinanong ng ilang mga bagay-bagay na maaaring ma-encounter sa paglilitis na ito. Katulad ng mga sasabihin niya kung sakaling baliktarin siya ng asawa niya. Inilabas ko ang papeles mula sa bag ko at binasa muli ang importanteng detalye roon.

"Sorry, we're late." Unti-unting nanginig ang kamay ko. Ang boses na iyon, ang pamilyar na tinig na iyon!

Imbis na diretso akong mapatingin sa pinagmulan no'n, napatingin agad ako sa upuan mula sa side nila. Naroroon si Allyssa. She changed a lot, looking so matured with beauty touching her feature. She cutted her hair short, her skin is more finer that before, her curves were more visible. With her wearing a court gown, she'll be claiming the picture of perfection.

"Attorney Solis is here, Judge Ruscitti." I heard her Personal Assistant muttered while talking with Aèm on the other line.

Hindi ako maaaring magkamali, narinig ko ang surname niya! He's back in town, we're breathing the same air once more.

"I heard it was a last minute change," my client suddenly whispered, making me twist around to face her. "That Attorney was really certain to took over this case. He's with a genius paralegal. By a chance, do you know them?" she asked.

I nod. "An old acquaintance."

"All rise," Beyleaf suddenly muttered, making me lift my chin as our gaze locked. His brown eyes were brooding.

Napatingin ako kay Aèm na animo'y nababahala rin sa nakikita. Umupo si Aèm kasunod ng pag-upo namin.

"The case is all about the husband's petition on his wife's annulment offer," panimula niya. "Let's s-start."

I heard the hammer hit thrice against the table, but it wasn't enough to bring back my sanity. He's here. Titus is back, fulfilling his promise to see me again, in the court.