On My Own Confusions

Confusion: Three

Threat

"Attorney."

"Yes, Mr. Venenoso? How may I help you?"

After Shin went into my office minutes ago, I am welcomed with a call from Mr. Venenoso. I don't know what he's up to or maybe he will ask for an update? I don't know.

"I will cancel the case. Don't worry, I will pay you for the energy that have gone wasted." He said formally and firmly.

What?! Why? All in a sudden? Parang kahapon galit na galit pa siya kay Mr. Velez at gusto niya pa dungisan ang pangalan nito. What change?

"May I know the reason Mr. Venenoso? My job is not a joke, I am not just a mere worker... I need to know the reason," I tried to calm myself down knowing that I am almost oozing mad.

"Mr. Velez came to my office and told me he will issue a public apology about what he said, about the tabloids that has been going around. Lahat. Aakuin niya raw lahat."

I heard him sighed heavily in the other line.

"If it's okay with you, you can do that." I said.

"You can contact my secretary about the bank account regarding the consultation fee yesterday. Thank you, Mr. Venenoso." I added before I ended the call.

"Faye?" Tawag ko sa aking secretary using the telecom connected to her cubicle outside my office.

"Yes, Attorney?" Sagot niya agad sa akin.

"Pasok ka muna rito sa office ko, may ibibilin ako sa 'yo bago ako umalis," sabi ko sa kaniya.

"Sige po, Attorney."

Wala pang isang minuto nang narinig kong bumukas ang pinto sa aking opisina.

"Ano po 'yon, Attorney?" Agad niyang tanong sa akin pagdating niya sa loob.

"Wait for Mr. Venenoso's call about the payment and next time, we'll make sure na sigurado rin 'yong mga clients natin na kukuha sa services natin. I don't want to be bothered again tapos may biglang magka-cancel." Paliwanag ko sa kaniya.

"I guess Shin already know that she won't be in the court with me as her —"

Naputol ang aking sinabi dahil tumunog ang telephone sa mesa na nasa harap ko.

Sa loob ng opisina ko, may tatlong mesa. 'Yong sariling mesa ko, 'yong mesa na may maraming couch na nakapalibot, it is used kapag may meeting or may pinapatawag o may client na kinakausap, lastly 'yong table ni Lervint.

"Wait lang po, Attorney." Paalam niya bago sinagot ang tawag.

I composed myself a bit. Marami talaga akong iniisip. Malapit na pumasok si Zen sa Military Academy, si Zia wala pa rin akong update sa kalagayan niya dahil ayaw ni Mommy na nababahala ako rito. Kuya Lem is also busy taking good care of Zia, I don't want to disturb him.

Months from now, ako na lang mag-isa mananatili rito sa Cebu.

"About Mr. Venenoso's payment? I'll email to you the bank account, Sir. Thank you for contacting us. 'Til next time."

My brows furrowed while listening. Secretary din ba 'yon ni Mr. Venenoso? Sobrang bilis naman nila kumilos.

"Attorney, babalik muna ako sa cubicle. Aasikasuhin ko na po 'yong about sa payment." Paalam niya muli sa akin.

"Sure. No problem."

When I look at my watch, it's almost noon and I need to fetch Zen for us to have lunch outside. Kanina ko pa 'yon tinawagan, baka naiirita na naman 'yon kahihintay.