Your Honor: Love in the shadows

Chapter 20

Alice's POV

I woke up and looked at the clock, It was already 7 AM, and I knew I had to go. Ms. Risa was still wrapped around me, her warmth is a comforting cocoon. I didn't want to disturb her, so I gently tried to remove her arm from around me.

Just as I thought I had succeeded, she pulled me closer, murmuring, "Hmm... dito ka lang," as she nestled her face against my neck.

Oh, how I wanted to stay like this forever, but I knew I needed to go. "Ms. Risa, oras na po." I whispered softly.

She stirred, opening her eyes slightly. "Huh? Alice, stay a bit longer." She said, her voice is thick with sleep.

"I need to go na po. Baka mahuli po tayo." I said, gently easing myself out of her embrace. She sighed, reluctantly letting go.

We both got out of bed. "Do you really need to go this early?" Ms. Risa asked.

"Baka po kasi gumising na ang mga anak niyo, isa pa po baka makita pa po nila na nasa labas pa po yung sasakyan ko."

"Okay," she said, pouting.

I chuckled. "Nag-p-pout rin po pala kayo?"

Hindi naman niya ako pinansin at pumikit siya habang nakanguso pa rin. I leaned closer to her and gave her a peck.

"Mwua!" I said and smiled.

She smiled. "Ninakawan mo na naman ako ng halik ah."

"Akala ko po nagpapakiss kayo eh, pumikit po kasi kayo." I said, giggling.

She pinched my nose and kissed it. "Ikaw talaga. Halika na nga."

I kissed her again and laughed. "Hmm. Sabi niyo po ka-" I didn't finish my sentence because she cut me off with her lips, kissing me.

"Oo na, halikan na." She said, giggling. "Let's go?" She asked, holding my hand.

As we walked down the stairs, the house was still quiet, except for the occasional creak of the floorboards.

But as we reached the living room, we were met with a surprise. Kiko, Ms. Risa's son, was standing there, eyes wide in shock. He stared at us, then his gaze zeroed in on me, still in Ms. Risa's sleepwear.

This is the first time I met her son, lahat ng anak niya ay kilala ko dahil may mga pictures sila dito sa bahay.

"Alice Guo? What is she doing here, Mom?" Her son's voice was calm, but I could feel the anger simmering beneath the surface.

Ms. Risa's eyes widened in alarm. "Kiko, anak, may dinala lang na papers si Mayor Alice dito." She explained hastily.

Kiko's eyes narrowed. "Papers? Why is she wearing your sleepwear then?"

"A-ah, that's hers. Pareho lang kami." Ms. Risa stammered, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

Kiko shook his head, "Hinahayaan mong puntahan ka ng criminal?" He said, pointing at me.

I froze, feeling the sting of his words. "I-im sorr–" I started to say, but he cut me off.

"Mom, you're letting someone like her into our home? She's a criminal!" He accused, glaring at me.

Ms. Risa immediately stepped in, her expression is stern. "Kiko, tama na. Hindi mo alam ang sinasabi mo."

"Talaga, Mom? Hindi ko alam? You're putting us at risk by letting her stay here!" Kiko retorted, his voice rising.

"Keep your voice down. Marinig ka ng mga kapatid mo. You don't understand the situation so stop accusing." Ms. Risa said firmly. "Alice is not a criminal. She's my friend, and I won't tolerate you talking to her like that."

Kiko shook his head in disbelief. "Friend? Mom, she's trouble. Can't you see that? Ikaw pa nga mismo ang nagsabi na she's a liar? Parang hindi ka kasali sa mga nag sampa ng kaso sa kanya ah?"

"Kiko, please. Alice is not a threat."

Kiko scoffed, looking away. "I can't believe this." He muttered.

Ms. Risa stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand you're worried, but you have to trust me. I would never do anything to endanger our family."

Kiko looked torn, his gaze shifting between me and his mother. "But, Mom... "

"No buts, Kiko." Ms. Risa said gently but firmly.

Kiko shook his head, clearly not buying it. "We'll talk later, Mom." He said, his tone laced with disbelief. He turned and walked away, leaving us standing there, feeling the weight of the situation.

Ms. Risa sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. "I'm sorry about that, Alice. I didn't expect him to be up this early."

"Okay lang po, Ms. Risa. Sorry din po, nag away pa po kayo dahil sa akin." I said. "Kailangan ko na pong umalis, baka may iba pa pong makakita sa akin."

She nodded, her expression a mix of worry and apology. "I'll handle him. Ingat ka, Alice. We'll talk later, okay?"

"Opo. Mauna na po ako." I said.

"Okay. Hatid na kita sa labas."

We walked to the door together, her hand lingering on mine. Before stepping outside, she turned to me.

"Alice." She said softly, "Please take care, text mo ako agad kauwi mo ah?"

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "Opo, Ms. Risa. Hindi pa nga po ako nakakaalis, mukhang nami-miss niyo na po ako."

She leaned in, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "Yeah.. Drive safely, okay? Wag mag over speed ha."

I chuckled, "Opo, Madam. Miss ko na rin po kayo agad." I said and kissed her forehead too.

"Ginagaya mo ako ah." She said, chuckling.

I nodded and kissed her on the lips. It was supposed to be a quick peck, but she pulled me by the waist, trying to deepen the kiss. I giggled, "M-ms. Risa, baka makita po tayo." I said between kisses. We pulled away and laughed softly.

"Sorry. Miss lang kita agad. You can go home na."

"Opo, Ms. Risa, makikita niyo pa naman po ako eh."

She nodded. "I know. Ingat ka."

As I got into my car, I looked back at her one last time. She waved, a small smile playing on her lips despite the worry in her eyes. I started the car and drove away. I knew things were going to be complicated from now on, but I also knew that being with Ms. Risa was worth it.