Chapter 11- Favor
C h a s i n g D r e a m s, L o s i n g H e r.
"Good morning, Attorney Valenti speaking." I heard her voice again.
I called her, to ask a favor regarding Xylla's father. I know she could help, but I'm not sure if she would.
Well, I should try.
"Good morning. Can we meet?" I asked directly, hindi n'yo alam ang kaba ko ngayon.
"Excuse me, who am I speaking with?" I forgot to introduce myself, my bad.
"I'm..." I was hesitant to say my name, but... here goes nothing
"this is Zarya."
She didn't respond. It was quiet, but my thoughts were too loud.
"What do you want?" Her tone changed. From a professional lawyer, to mean Iris.
"I need your help." I said, with a calm yet pleading tone.
As soon as I said those words. She dropped the call.
Wala man lang sinabi. binaba na lang talaga.
I'll try again next time. Perhaps, talking to her personality would do.
I was about to put my phone my away.
When all of the sudden...
__________________________________________________
Ryan's office? why there? isa lang naman ang office ni Ryan, and 'yon ay ang office n'ya here in the hospital. As far as I can remember, he doesn't have any spot in his dad's company yet.
So she's coming here in the hospital??
It's 9:05 AM already, and wala pa rin s'ya. Well, 9am naman ang sabi n'ya, baka traffic lang. excited lang siguro ako.
I'm just waiting at my office, kita naman kung andito na s'ya since magkatapat lang ang office namin ni Ryan.
"Zar? nag breakfast ka na?" Xylla barged in my office.
"Not yet, you guys can go first." baka mamaya nandito na 'yon eh.
"Why? may inaantay ka ba?"
"Yeah, may important meeting ako."
"oh, okay. I'll wait for you, brunch na lang tayo after mo." She said, and waved at me.
I immediately chased Xy, para mag breakfast na lang.
To be honest, kanina pa ako nagugutom, but I didn't had my breakfast, just so I could have it with Iris.
I can't deal with hunger anymore.
I saw xylla walking towards the elevator. So I rushed to her.
"Xy! wait" I held her hand as she was about to enter the elevator.
"Oh, I thought?"
"I'm hungry, ma l-late daw s'ya."
We entered the elevator together, nasa 1st floor kasi ang cafeteria namin.
We can't go out na since I have a meeting with Iris, baka mamaya eh dumating na 'yon.
"Sinigang sakin, xy." I told her, s'ya kasi ang kumukuha ng ulam, since nasa akin na ang rice, and drinks namin.
"I know, with lots of lots of radish and okra?" She smiled at me. She knows me very well na talaga.
"Mauna na ako ha, sunod ka nalang." I occupied the vacant table malapit sa hallway, para mas madali na lang umalis mamaya.
Today, it's just Xylla and I. We usually eat together every breakfast, kasi ganitong oras wala pa 'yong apat.
Actually, 10 pa talaga ang shift nila, including Xy. I don't know why this girl is always early. Masyadong dedicated siguro to.
I checked my phone baka nag message na si Iris.
But still no update.
"Here's for you." she gave me a bowl of sinigang, with lots of okra and radish. "And here's for me." She's having a tocino, egg, and hotdogs. She loves frozen foods.
Huge difference namin 'to, I love soup. While she loves dry foods. Ang boring naman kasi ng dry foods, while she don't think soup suits with rice.
"hatid na kita, Zar." Xylla insisted. We just finished eating, and masyado ko atang napasarap ang sinigang, I had fun eating.
"No need, okay lang." I refused.
"I have to change din naman, sabay na ako."
I forgot, hindi pa pala s'ya naka med scrubs.
While waiting for the elevator to reach the 10th floor. I can't help thinking about the meeting.
This will be the first time I'll be talking to her after the trip to El nido.
I'm not sure if she would help me, but I'll do anything to make her say Yes. I need to help Xylla, this is the least I can do for everything she had done for me.
How do I start my statement later? should I say hi to her? or should I be direct?
"Zar."
"Zarya, where here." Xylla broke my silence. Masyadong napalalim ang iniisip ko, andito na pala kami.
The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I checked Ryan's room. And I saw a figure of a woman, sitting in his chair.
"I thought may meeting ka?" Xylla asked when I was about to walk towards Ryan's office.
Whenever I have meetings kasi I usually do it in the conference room. Iwas issue, and mas safe.
"It's okay, it's just a casual discussion." I said, and walked away.
I turned around as I remembered that Xylla should not know about this.
"Xy, just call if you need anything. Do not barge in." I informed her, and she just nodded.
I entered Ryan's office, and I saw her.
She's sipping a cup of I don't know, probably coffee.
I stood beside the door, waiting for her to notice me, but I think she already did.
"You needed something from me, yet you made me wait 20 minutes?" her tone was cold, but it was always been cold anyway.
"I uh.. I'm sorry, I had breakfast with my-"
"I don't need your explanation." Her gaze is scaring the hell out of me.
I sat down in Ryan's visitor chair, which was infront of her.
"What do you want from me?" She directly asked. Wala man lang good morning?
"I need your help, Iris. I need you to handle my friend's dad case." I tried to act and speak professionally.
"what case?"
"He was accused of killing someone." I wasn't hesitant, I know she wouldn't mind me taking about it directly.
"Who's that friend?" She wasn't even bothered at all, I was right. She's professional.
"One of my co-worker here, Xylla." She's acting so calm, ang cool n'ya tignan. She's not even bothered.
"when is the hearing?" She asked.
"That's the problem, they always postpone the hearing schedule."
"And their lawyer didn't do anything about it?" her tone was chill.
"That's why I asked for your help."
"I could not help you with that."
I won't accept that answer, Iris.
"but you can." I refused to accept her answer.
She raised her brows at me. "What made you think I would help you with that?"
"Because you agreed to meet me... unless it's not the reason why you agreed." I tried my best to manipulate her, but her tough mind wasn't as tender as it used to.
She chuckled. "Pftt. Pathetic."
She closed her laptop, and started to compose herself to stand.
Is she trying to ditch me now?
"Iris, c'mon. Please." The word I hated the most came out of my mouth.
"I have tons of clients, waiting for me day by day. I can't handle such case where there is conflict with regards to the hearing." Dahil lang sa schedule ng hearing, she'll say no??
"That is why I asked you to help."
"Is it really about the hearing schedule, or is it about us?" I asked the most unhinged question I could ask.
Hindi ko na alam anong way ko kayang makuha ang loob n'ya, bahala na.
She laughed, and stood up. "You're such a hypocrite for bringing this up, is that how high you think of yourself? If so, then go find another lawyer that could solve your friend's problem."
"Iris, I-"
I didn't get to finish my word when someone barged in... and it was Ryan.
"Oh, sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you guys." He apologized right away.
"It's okay hon, we just ended out discussion." Iris responded, na para bang tapos na talaga ang pag uusap namin.
"Good, I'll wait for you at the lobby." He came to Iris, and kissed her.
Iris kissed him back. And she didn't even hesitate.
I mean, yeah. Why would she be hesitated, it's her boyfriend anyway.
Ryan left the room after they waved each other a goodbye.
That's what couples do right? Why am I feeling bitter about it? is it because I wished it was me?
"I have to go now."
While I am here, stunned frozen.
She stood up, and walked out of Ryan's office. She left me hanging again, but sorry Iris. I won't give up.
It's been a week since the first and last time na kinulit ko si Iris. I never planned to end it there, kaya susubukan ko ulit.
I'm now about to enter the company where she works. Nalaman ko kung saan dahil kay Ryan, I asked him kahit labag sa loob ko.
"Where is Miss Valenti's office?" I asked the girl who's sitting at the front desk.
"May I know your name po? and do you have a scheduled appointment with her?"
"Zarya De Luca." I didn't answer her second question, cause I don't have an answer.
"Okay, let me check." she opened her tablet, I think she's trying to find my name.
"Do you have a apoin-" Her phone rings, interrupted her words. "Wait a second" she said before answering the call.
"Good morning Attorney." She greeted someone on the phone.
I stood there, waiting for the call to end. Wandering my eyes, checking if she's around.
"Oh, okay po Attorney. I'll send her right away." she ended the call after.
"Ma'am, 5th floor po ang office ni Attorney Valenti. You can go there now." She said, which shocked the hell out of me.
how????
anyway, magrereklamo pa ba ako?
I smiled and thanked her, before leaving the lobby.
I didn't even have to look for her office, I saw her from a distance.
Kakalabas n'ya lang ng office, she has coffee in her right hand, and MacBook naman sa kabila. She looks so busy, hindi na ako magtataka.
I came to approach her, but....
Ryan entered the scene. He kissed Iris on the cheeks, as if they were the only person in this place.
That exact moment, I knew I shouldn't be bothered at all. I came here to help Xylla, not to torture myself.
But this damn feeling....
"zarya , you're here?" Ryan caught me.
I didn't hear Iris's words, but I think she told Ryan to leave her. Because he immediately did.
"Come to my office." Iris invited me, yet I feel unwelcome.
Sumunod naman ako sa kanya.
I don't know if she opened the door for me or she just came in first, and was absolutely not intended.
Ang delulu ko naman masyado.
"If this is about your friend's dad, I'm still out." Ang direct naman masyado, hindi man lang ako pinaupo.
"Iris, until now wala pa rin ang hearing." I informed her, baka sakaling magbago ang isip.
"Do you think I care?" She asked sarcastically.
"but you are a Lawyer."
"I only care about my client's cases, not for some random strangers problem."
"He's not a random stranger, he is the father of my best friend. Iris please, don't be cold hearted." I sounded so desperate, but I don't even care anymore.
"Why would I care about your..." she laughed sarcastically. "about your bestfriend?"
"Because she is a close friend of mine, Iris. And I'm-" no... I'm out, I shouldn't be included in this.
"What? tell me." She crossed her arms. "Because you are what?"
"nothing, nevermind."
Hindi ko alam, pero parang sinasakal ako ngayon. Na para bang ang hirap magsalita kapag s'ya ang kaharap ko.
"Zarya, I've told you before to find another Lawyer, there is so much option for you."
Yes, there is so much option for me. I don't know why I keep on trying harder.
I've been trying to convince that woman for almost a couple of months now. Almost every week, I tried to communicate with her.
But as usual, I received all parts of rejections in just one woman.
But I was busy these past few weeks, so I didn't had the chance to talk to her.
I heard she just won a big case, and I think it's time to ask her again.
For the last time.
If hindi talaga kaya, then I don't know what to do anymore.
I've reached out to several lawyer, including the veterans one. Pero kahit sila, walang nagawa sa kaso.
After I finish all these papers to sign, pupuntahan ko ulit s'ya sa office n'ya.
"Doc, lunch tayo" Kiro barged in my office.
I was surprised kasi nasanay ako na si Xylla ang sumusundo sakin sa office.
"Where's Xy?" I asked, when he entered my office.
"Mauna na daw tayo e, may important meeting daw s'ya."
Maybe it's about her dad's case. These past few days madalang nalang namin s'ya nakakasabay sa lunch, maaga rin mag leave.
It's fine naman since naiintindihan ko ang situation n'ya ngayon.
I know she's been through a lot already, kaya gusto ko din s'yang tulungan as much as I can.
She's been there for me ever since, and this is the least I can do for her.
"I'll leave the office early today, call me if it's urgent." I informed Ryan.
He just nodded, and smiled at me. I get it, he's busy. Halos buong araw na s'yang nasa laptop n'ya. I just noticed since magkatapat lang kami ng office.
Ryan and I has been so awkward since that business trip to Italy. Till now, I haven't heard any statement from him.
But the odd thing is, sobrang dalang ko nalang sila nakikita na magkasama ni Iris in public. I wonder if she knows something.
I called kuya Jun to fetch me, wala kasi akong dalang Car today.
"hello, kuya Jun. Pakisundo po ako sa hospital." I informed him over the phone.
"Okay po, sa parking area ko nalang po kayo antayin?" He asked.
"Sa front na lang po, I'll be waiting."
"Sige po."
I ended the call and get ready.
Kinuha ko ang purse ko and retouch a bit of my make up before going out.
I got my tablet while entering the elevator, I need to double check if I have an important meetings since I think matatagalan ako.
Fortunately, wala. So no problem at all.
I closed my tablet as reached the hospital lobby. Iiwan ko nalang sa front desk.
I waited outside for Kuya Jun to arrive, at naalala ko si Xylla.
What if I'll bring her with me? maybe that's more convincing.
Sa pagkakakilala ko kay Iris, she's too soft. To the point na hindi na s'ya marunong humindi. I just don't know what happened to the girl I used to know.
When it comes to Ryan, ang soft n'ya din. Pero pag saakin... nevermind.
Try ko kaya?
I called immediately pulled out my phone to call Xylla.
She's not answering.
I tried again.
Still no response.
Saang lupalop na naman kaya s'ya?
She's been missing since lunch time, and it's been a few hours, no signs of Xylla in the hospital.
Damn it. Wala talaga.
I saw kuya Jun pulling over, finally he's here.
He immediately got out of the car to open the door for me.
Nakaugalian na n'ya to, nagtatampo kapag tinangihan mo, so I just let him do it anyway.
I used the elevator and I finally arrived at Iris's office.
But something's telling me not to enter the room. I don't know, but this weird feeling just...
As I was looking closely to her office, I can clearly see the figures.
Just like my office, naka frosty wall din s'ya. But I may not be able to see the face clearly, but it's obvious.
Kabisado ko na si Iris, and I'm perfectly sure na s'ya yung naka black suit with straight hair.
But that woman standing beside her. She looks familiar, but I can't tell.
She's wearing a medical scrubs, that's for sure. She has.... I think curly hair? She's taller than Iris.
"Ah. Miss, who's with attorney Valenti?" I asked the lady who passed by.
"May meeting po s'ya sa isang VIP client." She said, which I didn't mind at all.
Well, yes I shouldn't mind. But why am I bothered?
I'm trying my best na makita ang mukha ng babae, pero I really can't.
"Ahmm... excuse me po." The lady cleared her throat. I immediately let go of her arms. "You can wait at the lobby na lang po, we can't interrupt kasi e." She added.
I forgot, hawak ko parin pala ang braso n'ya kanina.
"I'll wait here." I simply responded.
I waited at the corner, far enough for them not to notice me. Good thing may bench dito malapit sa elevator.
I don't know pero bakit parang ang weird talaga ng nararamdaman ko ngayon?
As their conversation lasts, parang nagiiba ang ambiance. More like a tense one, judging the way they communicate.
Iris started pointing fingers at that woman. Which created another confusion for me.
A lawyer would never argue like that with its Client, right?
This is nervously fun to watch.
When suddenly, the woman stood up.
Damn, are they arguing???
Iris slammed her desk with some.... is that an envelope?? Nagsilaglagan ang mga laman ng envelope, it was some sort of...paper? I'm not sure.
"oh, fuck." I mumbled to myself when the Iris came out of her office.
I immediately hid behind the wall, dahil sumunod naman agad ang babaeng kausap n'ya.
"xylla????" I whispered to myself when I saw her came out of that office.
fuck... it was her? why is she talking to Iris? what is happening??
Am I missing something out?! What!???
My thoughts are in chaos right now. I don't know what question to answer first.
Iris is walking towards the elevator, at nakasunod naman si Xylla. Which freaked the hell out of me.
Fuck.
Before Iris could enter the elevator, I think Xylla stopped her. Because I heard the elevator closing pero I can see their shadows.
I patiently waited for them to speak. And suddenly...
"What more do you need, Xylla?" Iris's voice was calm, yet full of rage.
"I'm sorry, Chiara. I didn't mean it, for God's sake!" Xylla responded, almost pleading.
Ano ba ang nangyayari?! tangina bakit wala akong alam dito!?
"What do you mean hindi mo sinadya?" Iris asked her, but it was obviously a sarcastic one. "Xylla you owe me a huge favor, and I asked you one thing. ONE THING xylla." Iris added, mas lalo lang nagulo ang isip ko.
"You asked me to take care of her, and I did a pretty good job. Now you're doubting me?" with almost cracked voice, Xylla responded.
I'm just here, standing at the corner of this damn office. Hindi ko alam, pero ang bigat sa pakiramdan kahit hindi ko naman alam ang pinag uusapan nila.
"Yeah, of course!" Iris totally lost her patience and raised her voice. "You guys fucked!, of course you did a good job!" Iris paused for a moment. " do you want me to celebrate-"
"Chiara we did not have sex, and that will never happen. fuck!" Xylla interrupted her words. Which surprised me.
WHAT?! sex!??? ano? ha!??
"Then what do you call it? hmm?" Iris keeps on talking sarcastically. "Cuddle? just kissing? tell me." She added.
Xylla went silent for a moment. It was an awkward silent between them.
"Chiara. We had a deal, I beg you to stick to it. Please." Xylla pleaded.
What deal are they talking about?? What is happening?
"Yeah, we had a deal, and you broke it first, so don't expect me not to do the same." Iris chuckled sarcastically. "I did my part already, you're dad is free."
"It's for the mean time, and you know it. my dad's case is still on-going, I... I still fucking need you." It was Xylla. She cracked her voice, she's sobbing.
"I bet you didn't think about that before you seduced her-"
"why would I seduce my bestfriend?, why would I seduce Zar-"
"Don't you ever fucking mention her name in public." Iris's tone was pointed, more like a threat.
And that same moment... I froze.
What does she mean by that? I am confused.
My hands shaked the moment she mentioned my name. She didn't finished her words, but I can't be wrong.
Seduced? Who seduced me? Xylla?? Anong pinagsasabi nito??
I can still hear Xylla's cry behind this wall. Na mas lalo namang nagpakaba sakin.
"I did not seduced her, Chiara please believe me." Xylla pleaded.
Fuck, why am I feeling bad about Xylla? I don't even know the context.
"Yeah, said those words again in my tomb." Iris kept her sarcastic tone, but it was obvious she's pissed.
I heard the elevator opened again, and I think Iris is leaving.
"Chiara, Wait!" then I heard Xylla.
"Xylla!" Iris yelled at her.
But it's not the yelling that bothers me. It's was because Xylla's phone is on the floor.
For sure it was Iris who threw it away.
When I heard the elevator closing, I immediately tried my best to ditch the scene.
I walked out normally, covering my face.
And yes, I made it to the stairs.
How can I use the elevator if Iris was in it, and Xylla is blocking the way??
I was about to walk downstairs when...
"Zarya." Fuck.
I know that voice. It's her.
I turned around, and I was right. It was Xylla, she's behind me.