Play Pretend

Chapter 56

#OLAPlayPretend

Chapter 56
Bluffing

It was quick justice. Given all the evidence we had and Mrs. Dela Vega's confession, everyone responsible for the conviction of my stepfather was put behind bars. Hindi nila nagawang lumaban, lalo na't ginawa ni Xaiver ang lahat upang madiin sila. Ni hindi sila nagkaroon ng tiyansang subukang depensahan ang sarili.

The authorities' involvement in the case has caused a huge uproar in the country. The people cried out about the rampant cases of injustice here in the country against the poor, which raised awareness among all. Simula noong press conference ng nanay ni Xaiver hanggang pagkakakulong nilang lahat ay laman sila ng balita.

The media tried to interview Xaiver, ngunit wala siyang pinaunlakan. Si Atty. De Alban ang humarap sa lahat para sa kanya. Some also learned about my identity as his stepdaughter. They invited me for an interview, but I refused as well. Buti na lang at hindi nila inilabas sa publiko ang pagkatao ko. I bet Xaiver pulled some strings to stop that from happening, and I appreciated him more for that.

I didn't want any unwanted attention, lalo na't kasama ko si Cami. Ayaw kong madamay siya at maapektuhan sa nangyayari.

"I'm so happy that everything's done. We can finally go home!"

It was another wine session with Macy and Wil at home. Wil also cooked us a premium rib-eye steak. It was a draining episode in our lives, so we felt like we needed to celebrate.

Natigil ako sa pag-inom at napaisip. For other people, I was sure they were thinking I only came back for my stepfather's case. Hindi nila alam na may mas importante pa akong bagay na dapat gawin bago bumalik.

"But I guess you still have something to do..." dagdag ni Macy nang mapansin siguro ang pagbabago ng timpla ko.

I looked up at Macy and nodded. "Kailangan ko pang ipakilala si Xaiver kay Cami."

Dahil tapos na ang lahat at wala nang dapat alalahanin, I believed it was finally the right time to introduce them to each other. Kailangan ko na lang isipin kung paano dahil kahit na nagkita na kaming muli, I was sure it still wouldn't be easy.

"When are you planning to do it?" Macy asked.

"Hindi ko pa alam." I still have yet to plan things out.

Ngumuso si Macy, tila may malalim na iniisip. I turned to Wil for answers, and I caught him smiling at her.

"Don't worry. You can stay here with Chantal," he assured her.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "You're leaving, Wil?"

He looked at me and nodded. "My vacation will end next week. I have to go back to work by that time, so I'll probably leave this Monday, or Tuesday if there is an early flight."

Nilingon ko naman si Macy. "Hindi ka sasama umuwi?"

"I can't leave you and Cami here," sagot ni Macy.

"Mace, huwag na. Kaya na namin ni Cami. Puwede ka naman nang sumama pauwi kay Wil."

"No matter what you say, I still won't leave you here alone with Cami. Kailangan mo ng makakatulong," pilit niya. "And besides, sayang ang bakasyon ko kung uuwi lang ako agad."

"Pero—"

"Chan, Wil can go by himself. Maiiwan ako ritong kasama ninyo." Macy was still adamant about staying here with us. "Pero kung maipapakilala mo si Cami kay Xavi bago siya umalis, I might consider going with him... depending on how things will turn out."

I pursed my lips nang natahimik ako. Alam ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"Kung hindi niya tatanggapin si Cami, I will drag you both back to the States right away. Kahit ako pa ang magbayad ng flight ninyo. I don't care. I will take you home."