SN 4: The Law of Lust

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KINABUKASAN…

Patungo na sina Wayne at Leigh sa meeting na pupuntahan nila sa isang coffee shop. Habang nasa shotgun seat si Leigh ay nagmamaneho naman si Wayne habang nagpapaliwanag ng mga dapat gawin ng dalaga mamaya.

 

“You don’t have to be scared. This is just a casual meeting. Kung ayaw mong sumagot, walang pipilit sa’yo,” paunang paliwanag ni Wayne kay Leigh.

‘Kahit kasi hindi niya sabihin ay alam ko naman na kinakabahan talaga siya. Kanina pa kasi siya tahimik at mukhang malalim ang iniisip. Ayokong magkamali siya sa meeting mamaya kaya hangga’t maaari ay kailangan kong sabihin sa kaniya ang mga dapat niyang gawin.’

 

“Huwag kang sumagot kung ayaw mo. You have all the rights na tumanggi. Kapag tinanong ka ng abogado mamaya ng mga bagay na hindi ka kumportable na sagutin, you also don’t have to answer.” Nakita ni Wayne sa gilid ng mata niya ang pagtango-tango ni Leigh. Halatang naiintindihan naman nito ang sinasabi niya kaya nagpatuloy na ulit siya, “You can say that you are agreeing politely to what we will say to you later. But this isn’t to say you should just give in, but emphasizing points of agreement that exist is a great way to disarm an opponent. Pointing out common ground in front of a judge will make you look more reasonable than the attorney that is trying to “win” every point.”

 

“Teka, may judge na agad?”

 

“That is just a saying. Tandaan mo lahat nang sinasabi ko dahil ito rin ang sasabihin ko sa’yo kapag nagsimula na ang hearing.”

 

“O-okay. Kinakabahan naman ako sa sinasabi mo.”

 

“Like I said, you don’t have to feel nervous. Just be confident. If you feel nervous, just feel excited, since that’s the same neurotransmitter on your brain.”

 

“Okay. Okay. Naiintidihan ko,” sagot na lang sa kaniya ni Leigh.

 

“Second thing that you have to know is don’t be afraid to ask why. Just because someone is making demands and giving ultimatums doesn’t mean you have to answer them without question. Kung tatanungin ka nila mamaya, pwede ka ring magtanong. Doesn’t mean that he’s the lawyer, you have no rights to question him too. That is also another way for you to avoid answering them. Hindi ‘yun illegal kaya magtanong ka lang din kung gusto mo.”

 

“Noted.”

 

“And also, just focus on your interests; keep your eyes on the prize. And what’s the prize? That is to get your land back. Focus on what you are trying to get out of each interaction and not on winning each presented battle. If counsel is trying to control the briefing schedule, let them, as long as it’s not impacting your interests, your expediency, and ability to respond. Just focus on what your really want. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff. Sa madaling salita, ‘wag kang pabago-bago ng isip. Baka mamaya, alukin ka nila na makipag-areglo na then pumayag ka tapos magbago ulit ang isip mo tapos hindi na pala.”

 

“Eh anong gagawin ko sa bagay na ‘yun? Paano nga kung alukin nila ako tapos ayoko naman.”

 

“Panindigan mo lang kung anong sasabihin mo. At gaya nang una kong sinabi, walang pipilit sa’yo.”