Best Part of Me

47

After almost 5-hour long trial, showing evidences, witnesses and convincing the court room of their own sides, it finally ended.

I was holding on the Ash and Zeph's hand tightly, the room was dead silent waiting for the judge to announce his judgement.

My parent's lawyer were unexpectedly good at defending them so we really don't have an idea how this will end.

It felt like our heart beats all the same pace, it was fast and uncontrallable, all our hands were cold and trembling so we held on each other like we depend on each other.

The judge cleared its throat and fixed the mic infront if him.

"You may read the verdict." The judge said to the court interpreter.

Everyone was standing up, waiting for the final verdict.

"Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, the Court finds accused Margarita Adisson and Steven Adisson..."

A heart-wrenching paused made my hand gripped Ash and Zoe's hand.

"GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt for multiple counts of murder and violation of RA No. 3019 otherwise known as the Anti Graft and corruption act, and hereby sentencing both of Reclusion Perpertua..."

My hand slipped from their hands, my heart stopped beating for a while, it was both a relief and grief at the same time. Everyone shouted from our side celebrated success, Xav hugged Ash's mom, tapping her back while she was sobbing hard, Ash was bowing his head and covering his face who couldn't believe that justice was finally served for his father, Zeph was hugging Jordan who shed their tears for us.

And I stared at my parents. They were not there during my childhood because they were busy, but everytime they were home, I couldn't deny the fact that atleast once in my lifetime, I saw that they loved me.

The reality sucks really hard now that we're here. I missed them being my parents, but I know they deserve this.

I had one last eye contact with my Father, his eyes were apologetic and sad before police dragged them out of the court room.

One sob escaped from my lips as I watch them cry, and I roamed my eyes around I cried even harder. Ash pulled me and hugged me tight, I burried my face to his chest while he carress my hair.

"Thank you, Avery." He whispered.

----

All our eyes were puffy while we wait outside, I smiled as soon as I saw him walking towards us, he was wearing a very formal suit and tie and a case on his right hand. I run towards him and hugged him tight.

"Xav, thank you. I don't know how would I pay you back." I heard him chuckle and hugged me back.

"Well, I got instant fame and hundreds of client so it's a win-win." He commented like it was nothing to him. He didn't even asked for any payment.

Napabitaw ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya ng tumikhim ang lalaki sa aking likod. Sabay kaming napatingin at nakita si Ash sa likod namin.

He doesn't look upset, but I know I had to let go of the hug. Lumapit ito sa amin at tumingin kay Xav.

"Thank you Atty. Mendez, let me know how can we repay you." He said while standing beside me.

"Well, I'm free tonight, how 'bout a bottle of whiskey?" He said, Ash smirked, obviously amused of his Xav's request.

"I'll buy the most expensive one." Ash answered.

Boys will always be boys. Almost everything can be resolved through a glass of alcohol.

"I'll set my expectations high." Xav streched his hand in front of Ash and he gladly accepted it. They bumped their chest and tapped each other's back.

---

"What's his name? What's his IG username? Where did you meet? And why you didn't told about him?" Sunod sunod na tanong no Zeph. Habang nagluluto kami ng barbeque.

Ash's mother decided to do a garden celebration of the victory. Everyone was here, they guys, Xav, Ash, Jordan and Jonas started their drinking session while Zeph and I were busy cooking barbeque because we refuse to drink whiskey with them.

Ash's mother was busy cooking other foods.

But I guess I was the only one cooking here since Zeph didn't do anything except to bother me about Xav.

"His name is Atty. Xavier Mendez. You can probably ask him all those questions directly Zeph." I answered, she gaped her mouth open and blushed hard.

She had a crush on him, obviously. Dali dali niyang inalabas ang kanyang phone, sinilip ko ang ginagawa nito at nakita ang pagtipa ng pangalan ni Xav sa google.

"Wow, he's really famous now." She whispered. I don't know what she did but she found his IG account in an instant and started stalking him.

"Does he have any girlfriend?" She asked, eyes still fixed on her phone.

"Not that I'm aware of." I answered. She smiled widely and kept her phone on her pocket.

"That means none." I raised my brows at her and shook my head.

She's unstoppable.

At first I thought she would end up with Jordan, I just don't know why they suddenly end up just being best friends. Or is it too early to conclude?

Inilapag niya ang mga barbeque sa pinggan at dinala sa lamesa ng mga lalaki. She made sure to give extra smile to Xav, but Xav just smiled back at her, sincerely, without hints of flirting.

I tried to contain my laugh when I saw how annoyed Zeph was.

After I cooked everything, we all dined together and Zeph lifted a glass of champaigne.

"Let's toast for our victory!"

Everyone of us lifted our glasses and toased.

The sound of the glasses made me smile, it was heart warming to see all of those who matter to me at the same table and at the same place.

But somewhere at the corner of my heart, was sadness and pain.

Everyone looked genuinely happy, except for me but I couldn't let them notice that.

I shouldn't ruin a perfect celebration.

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