Caught On Fire (WAKAS)

VII.

The next few days, I busied myself working since I still have loads of cases to read. I heard a commotion outside my office. Kausap ko lang ang secretary ko habang nagaayos ng mga files. Lumabas naman ako at nakita kong pilit pumapasok si Tita Amanda, Sab's Mom along with her husband.

I sighed. Sinenyasan ko iyong guard ko na papasukin sila.

I was taken aback when Sab's Mom slapped me. Gano'n din ang Dad niya na sumugod sa akin.

"You ruined her!" Tinanggap ko lang ang bawat suntok na iyon hanggang sa humadusay na ako sa sahig. I wiped the blood using the back of my hand. I tried to stand and looked at them. It's my fault to begin with.

"I'm sorry..." it was the only thing I could say.

Nangyari na, wala na akong magagawa.

"Our daughter is nearly dying and you are here happily working! I'll destroy you, Grayson Padua. You hear me?" Sab's father said furiously.

"Sorry, Sir. I'm really sorry..." Nanatili ang tingin ko sa sahig.

"Let's go, Fernando What a piece of asshole! We should've not let you study, ang lakas ng amor mong saktan ang unica hija namin. Wait how we tear you pieces by pieces," Tita Antonia said.

They went outside. Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko upang ikalma ang sarili ko.

"Sir, what do you want?"

Tiningnan ko ang sekretarya ko. "Leave! All. Of. You. I said leave!" I instructed other staffs. They panicked and went outside too.

Fuck this life! I pressed my lips. Everything is in chaos! Heat flooded my veins.

Tinapon ko ang telepono at tinadyakan ng ilang beses iyong mesa, halos tumumba na ito sa lakas. I wanted to punch someone!

I ignored the damages and puffed a cigarette. Lutang ako habang tinitingnan iyong mga nakakalat. Tangina talaga!

I couldn't help the irritation as I threw myself on the bed, heavily exhaling. Inilagay ko ang braso ko upang takpan ang mata ko at sinubukang matulog.

For the past few months, I dealt with many things. My firm got abolished. Isa na lang akong public attorney ngayon. They really did destroy me but they can never rule over me. Mahirap banggain ang pamilya nila dahil mawawasak ka talaga. They can never tame me anymore! I'm done obeying their orders.

Can't I chase happiness this time?

I couldn't even explain how I feel now. My thoughts are so messed up that I myself can't understand.

I heard Sab's getting better and now migrating overseas. I didn't hear a word from her since the last time we talked.

Hanzel, Ginna's son already passed away. Hindi na kinayanan ng bata, halos mabaliw na ang kapatid ko no'n dahil sa pagkawala nito. We grieved for his loss.

Pero, sa pagkawala naman ni Hanzel may bago namang anghel ang pumalit. I believe every child is a gift and blessing. Kaya nga, hinayaan ko na lang si Ginna kahit ano pang mangyari sa buhay niya. Pinili na 'yan, panindigan niya 'yan.

She got pregnant this time, mabuti at pinandigan naman ng bagong tatay. Kung hindi babasagin ko talaga bungo no'n o di kaya'y ipapatapon ko sa Iraq. Tangina niya!

Life will always welcome you with surprises. Mahirap, pero 'pag hinarap mo makakayanan mo. Hindi mo pwedeng takbuhan ang problema mo kahit parang susuko ka na.

"Tangina mo brad, pang ilan mo na 'yan." I ignored Renz's remark and continued drinking. Kahit papaano'y naiibsan ng init nito sa aking kalamnan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.