Behind Every Playboy

Simula

Zaccarrio

"What's the status of the situation now?"

"The building is now secured attorney. Bantay sarado na rin po ang entrance at exit. We also hold the media outside of the building."

"How about the suspects? Any lead?"

"Sa ngayon po, wala pa Attorney. Pero umaksyon narin po ang mga police sa paghahanap sa mga suspects."

"Please make sure to secure us well."

"Yes attorney. Everything is now checked and secured. But we really highly advise na kung maaari po, you have to leave Manila untill things are clear here."

"That's also what I am thinking. I still have to talk to my grandaughter."

Sunod-sunod na boses ang naririnig ko. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako ngayon. Ang tanging pakiramdam ko lang ay malamig ang kwarto.

Dumilat ako at ang unang bumungad sa'kin ay ang maliwanag na ilaw sa ceiling. It was as if I'm in heaven, welcomed by the light of the bright sky.

"Amando, gising na si Aya." I heard an old woman's voice.

"Kindly call the Doctor, Zana." My grandfather said.

"What happened?" I ask, curious and a bit shock to what's going on. Bahagya akong bumangon mula sa pagkakahiga sa kama at tumulong naman si lolo at isang lalaki na naka suot ng dark gray checkered shirt at may white-polo shirt sa loob, black pants and black rubber shoes. I also saw a gun hung in his belt in his waist.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa takot. A sudden flash of memory came back in my mind.

I was in school, sa labas ng gate at hinihintay ang sundo ko. Ginabi ako sa tambak ng aming projects at activities since patapos na ang semester at summer break na.

"Aya? Sabay kana sa'min! Gabi na at delikado kung ikaw nalang isa ang maghihintay diyan." Gino, my classmate at groupmate din sa isang minor subject.

"Oo nga, Aya. Come on! Just text your driver at magpaalam ka na kami na ang maghahatid sayo." Si Clarise, girlfriend ni Gino at kaibigan ko.

"Oh no, no. Sige mauna na kayo Gino, Clarise. Parating na din ang driver ko, medyo natagalan lang dahil sa traffic." Gusto ko man sumang-ayon nalang sa offer nila pero ayaw ko naman silang maabala lalo na't anniversarry nila today as girlfriend-boyfriend.

"Sure?" Clarrise look at me worried.

Ngumiti ako at tumango to ensure them. "Yes, sige na mauna na kayo. Ingat!" I said and wave at them.

They both wave back and headed to Gino's car. Naka-alis nalang ang kotse nila at narito parin ako sa waiting shed, waiting for my driver. I called my driver many times but their situation is still the same. May nagbanggaan kasing kotse kung nasaan sila ngayon kaya mas bumagal ang pag usad nila dahil sa traffic.

My lolo kept on calling me every after ten minutes to check on me at ganoon din ang update ko lang sa kanya, na naghihintay parin ako sa driver at bodyguard ko dahil na stuck sila sa traffic.

My lolo, Teodorico Amando Silvestre, is the most strict and over protective person in my life. He is one of the most respected lawyer here in the Philippines. He graduated at the age of 24 and passed the board exam at 25. Hindi lang siya basta naka pasa, he topnotch the exam. Mataas ang IQ ni Lolo at hindi na ikaka-ila kung bakit sa batang edad, marami na siyang na accomplished. And even until today, he is still the best in his career.

Kaya sa dami ng achievements ni Lolo, hindi din maiiwasan na magkaroon siya ng maraming kaaway. My grandfather is a man of his words, a man of values and respect, a man who values the Philippine constitution and the law, and a man who can't be paid with money or anything. Kahit magaling at matalino si Lolo, he never sided to clients with thick pockets especially if that client is liable. Yes, it may be unprofessional but he said, he took law to protect the good ones, to serve who don't have the power, and to punish who are evil.