The Verdict: Atty. Elara Lynette Miranda

Chapter 8

I WOKE up, from my deep shit and prepared myself for work. The dinner went well, I enjoyed seeing the drunk Devon again.

After driving him home, he opened his eyes and settled himself to his bed. I just made sure that he's fully settled before I leave him. I called my brother to pick me up and he scold me, what a luck.

A nearly 30 years old woman is being scolded by someone half her age. How ironic.

I quickly washed myself and stared at the mirror. I looked like hell, these days I have more nightmares, I cannot hold it anymore. Maybe, I'm reaching my end.

Mabilis akong kumilos at pumasok sa trabaho, tahimik ang lahat ng pumasok ako.

"G-good morning po,  Attorney." Bungad ni Oreo.

Nginitian ko siya at nagpatuloy ako sa paglakad. Pumasok sa loob ng opisina ko nang may natagpuan akong tatlong tao ro'n na presentableng naka-upo.

"What are you doing here?" I asked and placed my things on top of my desk.

Agad naman silang napatayo at lumapit sa akin. Nakipagbeso ako sa kanila at inutusan ang sekretarya ko para sa kape.

"Elara." Malumanay na saad ni Joshlee.

I looked at him. "Why are you all here?"

"Are you okay?." Napatitig naman ako kay Ophira.

Tumingin ako sa kanilang lahat. "I'm fine, no need to check on me. Visit Lavinia, she needs our support."

"Ano na ba ang nangyayari sa kaso ni Lav?" Tanong ni Joshlee.

Pilit akong ngumiti. "It will be okay."

"Hindi naman makukulong si Lav hindi ba?" Tanong ni Ophira.

"Teachnically, nakakulong na siya ngayon. But, I'll let her out soon."

"Kapag may kailangan ka, just call us." Tanong ni Aza.

Tumango naman ako. "Its okay."

"Puro naman its okay, its fine naririnig namin sa'yo! Hindi ka bato Elara, okay lang na makita ka naming nanghihina." Sigaw ni Kanluran.

"You look pale, are you even eating?" Tanong ni Aza.

"Did you sleep? You have dark circles around you eyes. Here I made this, eat it." Nag-aalalang saad ni Ophira.

"Thank you." Saad ko tsaka tumalikod.

Kasabay no'n ang pagpasok ni Dev. "Excuse me po. Can we enter na? Our team is already here, I don't think we will fit all inside."

Tumingin muna sila sa'kin at nagsalita si Viv. "Ayusin mo ang sarili mo, Elara. 'Yang trabaho mo ang magdadala sa'yo sa hukay."

Tumingala ako, pilit na pinipigilan ang luhang malapit nang bumagsak. I don't want them to see me like this. They have their own lives to worry, plus Lavinia I can't be one of it too.

"It's fine, I'll contact you guys later."

Tuluyan na silang lumabas ng opisina ko. Napa-upo ako sa swivel chair ko at napahilamos sa sariling mukha.

Kingina! Anong gagawin ko? Inis kong isinubsob ang mukha ko sa desk.

"Attorney." I heard Dev's soft voice.

I quickly wiped my tears. "We will continue the meeting later. Just gave me a a few minutes."

He didn't speak, I just saw his hand... Holding a handkerchief.

The tears poured out.

"Can you leave? I'll call you later." Nag-angat tingin ako sa kanya. "I'm just not feeling well right now."