The Verdict: Atty. Elara Lynette Miranda

Chapter 36

"UMIIHI ka na lang ba dito da bahay? Tagal ko nang 'di nakikita pagmumukha mo." Bungad ni Mancini.

Ngumiti ako at dahan-dahan tinanggal ang aking sapatos.

"Nagreklamo ba ko no'ng 'di ka umuuwi?"

He shrugged. "Fair enough."

Napa-iling na lang ako at pumasok sa loob ng bahay. I put my purse in the sofa and quickly lay down.

"Where is Sergei?" Tanong ko habang mina-massage ang aking paa.

Nagkibit-balikat ang magaling kong kapatid at iniwan ako.

Agad kong inabot ang remote at naghanap ng mapapanood nang bumalik si Mancini na may dalang tray. May laman itong juice at pancake.

"Infainess, hindi siya sunog ngayon." Natatawang saad ko at umayos ng upo.

"I've been practicing." Wika niya.

I nodded and tasted the pancake.

"So, you and Selvantes huh?"

Mabilis kong nailuwa ang kinain ko at uminom ng tubig. Nabulunan ang sa sinabi niya, agad ko siyang tiningnan.

"True nga." Saad niya tsaka umupo.

"Wag mong isusumpa relasyon ko, wag mo kong damay sa pagiging broken mo ha." Tanging nasabi ko.

"Nah, I'm seeing someone already."

Ngayon naman 'yung juice ang naibuga ko.

"Salaula ka talaga." Saad niya tsaka kumuha ng pamunas.

"Already!? Sino naman aber?" Tanong ko.

"I'm not ready to introduce them." Saad niya.

I nodded. "Make sure, you'll introduce them to me."

He shrugged. "Okay."

Napa-ayos ako ng upo at tiningnan ang aking kapatid.

"Sit down, Lake." I commanded him.

Tiningnan niya ko at umupo sa'aking harapan.

"You're not okay." Agad na saad ko.

He smiled. "I'm fine."

"Do you need something? I can help you with that."

"I'll deal it myself, just enjoy your happy time with your boyfriend." He said and crossed his legs.

"I'll never set aside you so, better tell me now." I said.

He smiled. "I know you won't. Its really okay, I just need to think."

"Are you sure?" Tanong ko.

"Yes, why don't you sleep at Dev's place tonight? I'll invite my lover over."

I tilt my head. "You're gonna be fine?"