White Lies and Smiles

25

Note: The scenes in Chapter 18 happened in 2022. This means that the next years are from 2023 onward. I am not a lawyer nor a person who's knowledgeable enough in the fields of law. The words, procedures, and actions during the trial scene in this chapter may or may not be accurate.

TW: Violence, Mention of Death

"Riri, they need you. You were a victim too. You can testify against Diana."

Tulala ako sa hangin habang iniisip ang sinabi ni Clyde. Tutulungan ko si Ethan? Hindi ko lang maintindihan. Bakit kailangan pa ako? Alam kong mananalo naman siya sa kaso.

Sa huli, natagpuan ko pa rin ang sarili ko na tinutulungan ang lalaking nanakit sa akin. I stand with the truth.

"On the 15th of July, year 2022, you were taken to the hospital. Is this correct?" Clyde asked me while I was sitting on the witness stand.

"Yes."

"Can you tell us the reason why you were taken to the hospital?" Tumango ako kay Clyde.

"Diana went to Ethan's house that day. She hurt me not only with words... S-she slapped me, pulled my hair, hit my stomach with her knee, and even pulled me while I was lying on the floor. I had bruises and scratches all over my body. Dinugo rin ako nung araw na 'yon dahil sa nangyari. Nahimatay ako at nang magising ako ay nasa hospital na ako. Namatay rin ang batang dinadala ko dahil sa nangyari." I looked at Ethan and caught him looking at me. He looked like he was in pain.

"I would like to submit the medical records of the witness, Your honor." Nang makabalik si Clyde sa harap ko ay muli siyang nagtanong.

"You mentioned that the complainant went to the defendant's house. What is your relationship with the defendant?"

"Objection, Your honor! The relationship of the witness and the defendant has no relevance to the case-"

"Your honor, the relationship between the witness and the defendant is relevant to the case. Their relationship will reveal how the defendant treats people."

"Overruled." Clyde bowed his head a little to the judge.

"Witness, I will ask you again. What exactly is your relationship with the defendant when this incident happened?"

"I was his..." Ano nga ba ako ni Ethan no'n? Hindi ako puwedeng magsinungaling dito. "Secretary..."

Napangisi ang prosecutor nang sabihin ko 'yon. Nilingon ko si Clyde at kita ko sa mga mata niya ang pagtataka.

"Was there any reason for the attacks?"

"There is... Gustong-gusto niya si Ethan. Nagalit siya sa akin dahil ako ang nakatira sa bahay ni Ethan. Hindi ko alam na kaya niya 'yong gawin sa sekretarya ng lalaking mahal niya."

"Witness, was the defendant abusive?"

"No, not in any way." Tumango na si Clyde at humarap na sa judge.

"That's all, your honor."

Umakyat ang kaba sa dibdib ko nang huminto sa harap ko ang prosecutor. Ngumisi siya na mas lalong nakapagpakaba sa akin.