Theodore

AINE 7

Olivia tries her hardest to act as normal as possible after that emotional encounter she had with Theodore. It's been five days since that last encounter and she couldn't be happier with that. At least she can give her heart a break it deserves.

She thought she'll spend the rest of the day at home after that easy win for her this morning. Another rape case and fortunately, binagabag ng konsensya ang suspect kaya nag-plead guilty to. She was about to settle in her favorite sofa when she receives a call from the Martins matriarch at kahit hindi pa niya naririnig ang boses nito at kung anuman ang pakay nito ay may kaba na sa kanyang dibdib.

"Hello Tita." She greets her.

"Oh hello dear."

"You called." She smiled as if the person on the other line can see her.

"Yes I did. I called to ask you something. Are you in the office?"

"No Tita. I am home already."

"Wow this is new." Nilakipan pa nito ng isang mahinang tawa. She knows that people call her as one of the most hardworking lawyers. Siguro na rin dahil wala siyang ibang pinagkakaabalahan. She has no family and she has no lovelife.

"I took the day off po. I had a case this morning." She said in her usual soft voice.

"That's good. Can you come here in the house later? Don't worry this is not work related. Just wanna have dinner with you. Matagal na rin tayong hindi nagkita."

She knows the woman is up to something. Hindi na man masyadong matagal nung huli nilang pag-uusap. Maybe she wants to talk to her over some issues.

But she's in trouble if she would say yes. Baka maligaw sa mansion ang anak na siyang dahilan kung bakit hindi siya mapalagay.

"I don't take no for an answer." She hears her laugh.

"Pero Tita, I have something to do mamaya po. I've already gave my commitment."

The commitment she is referring is the Seminar in the neighboring city about the Anti-Violence Against Women in Children. She can't say no and even if she's free, she will say no. She can't handle another close encounter with Theo. Isang kalabit na lang ay baka umiyak na siya sa harap nito which will be the last thing that will ever happen to her.

"Aw that's sad. How about tomorrow?" hirit pa nito. Now she is sure, she's not just up for the meal and for the catching up. She wants more and as long as it doesn't have to do with him ay go lang siya.

"I am not sure po. I'll check." Hinding paumanhin niya.

"When will you be checking?"

Kung sa ibang pagkakataon ay siguro nasupladahan na niya ang matanda. She's persistent as that but because she's like a mother she never had ay hindi niya magawang mainis. Besides her and the whole family's been good to her.

"Uhm" tanging maisagot niya.

She wants to ask if Theo would be there also but who she's kidding? Of course he would be there in his parents' house.

"Tita..."

"I am waiting for your answer Iha."

She can imagine her face looking at her the last time they saw each other. She would look at her and then to Theo and then to her like she's thinking of something.

"Would you be mad if I will say no?" She asks, unsure if she is doing the right thing.

"I won't but I will be disappointed."