For His Entertainment

Chapter Sixty-two

Napalingon ako sa biglaang pagbukas ng pinto. I think my mom felt the anxiety I've been keeping in so she pulled me closer to her and rubbed my arms gently. The silence in the living room was deafening, and I didn't like it. Everyone was tensed and I was the cause. Nevertheless, my dad, mom, and Kuya looked at me with gentleness like I'm the most fragile person in the world.

A woman wearing a collared crisp-white top with ruffles on the sleeves tucked in a silky black pants stood in the doorway, holding a brown attache case. Her brownish hair that matches the color of her case was neatly tied in a low ponytail, emphasizing her angled jaw and heart-shaped face.

My dad and Kuya stood up to welcome her and immediately upon acknowledging our presence, she gave us a warm smile.

The sound of her pumps was muffled against our carpeted floor as she walked long strides towards us. Mom and I also stood to greet her.

"Good morning, Atty. So. Thank you so much for meeting us here," Kuya took a step to offer his hand.

"Oh, c'mon, Steven. We don't have to be so formal," she chuckled but still shook his hand. Even when chuckling, she still moves with such finesse and formality. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Estero. A pleasure to meet you," she said, moving on to shaking my dad's hand and then, my mom. They both greeted and thanked her for coming before her eyes moved on to mine.

I focused on her light brown eyes and her soft expression. The empathy in her expression was telling me as if she understands because she's been here. "Hi, Ally. I'm Atty. Ginger So," she spoke without removing the smile on her lips. "You can call me Ginger. Don't worry, I will help you."

I sighed deeply and nodded my head. "Thank you, Ginger," I croaked, fully entrusting this case to her.

"But you need to help me, too," her tone became serious, sending shivers down my spine.

***

Binalik ko ang cellphone ni Ginger nang makalabas ako mula sa banyo. She asked me to take photos of the bruises that are still present in my body so she can submit it as evidence.

"It's a wise choice that you've finally decided to push through with the case, Ally. You're really strong." Ginger said while scrolling through the photos. Sighing, she pointed to the couch for me to sit. I obliged and she did the same. Without blinking, her eyes focused on mine as if she's being careful with her words. It was a relief that mom, dad and Kuya left us on the living room for privacy. Hindi ko na kakayanin makita silang lalong nasasaktan nang dahil sa akin. "I understand how hard it can be to report this type of cases lalo na't maraming mapanghusgang tao."

I sighed. "I've been silenced long enough. I need to learn how to voice out and fight."

She smiled weakly before turning her attention to the notebook lying flat on the coffee table. Kinuha niya ang ballpen sa kan'yang attache case at nagsimulang magsulat sa taas ng pahina.

"I have to admit, this is one of the highest profile cases I've handled," she said, her eyes now back at me. "The media is watching so we have to plan our every move. So I need you to buckle up. Whatever you're about to hear from the news or social media shouldn't affect you. Do you understand? Whatever he says - or whatever the people say - do not let them get into that head of yours. You're done doing that. You're better than that. Plus, we have the advantage. We have a lot of things we can use. Okay?"

I nodded obediently, finally feeling relaxed.

"Good. Now what we need to do first, while waiting for the doctor's report, is file a temporary protection order and a complaint in the OCP of where it happened and wait for the prosecutor's decision to file the case. I already asked my secretary to book us a flight to Palawan tomorrow. The sooner we get this over with, the earlier you'll be able to heal and move on."