Substantiate Innocence (VDS1)

Chapter 2

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

This chapter deals with sensitive topic that could offend readers and affect their mental health.
Read at your own risk.

*************************************

We gathered at the covered field the following day, where some of us exercised and others did not. I was thinking about Ara and Carter from yesterday as I sat on one of the benches. I regret what happened and keep asking myself why I am not allowed to welcome guests. 
 
Abruptly, I caught sight of a fresh face among the cops chatting around the corner. Being perceptive about individuals, I'm positive he's new. 
 
When he swiftly turned to face me and glared at me, I was taken aback. Terrified, I turned my head away. 
 
“Huwag mo silang hayaang apihin ka,” an elderly woman said, who was just seated beside me. 
 
“Naging mahina at inapi-api na tayo sa labas, maging ba naman dito ay aabusohin parin tayo?” she continued, and this time she moved toward me, causing my body to instinctively recoil.
 
“Ako si Marissa, Ate Marissa nalang ang itawag mo sa akin.” I was apprehensive to extend an offer to shake hands with her, but as soon as I saw the genuineness in her eyes, I lifted my hand. 
 
“Ako po si Jam,” I said.
 
"Mag-iingat ka sa pulis na'yan. Iba ang paraan ng pagtitig niya sayo," she stated. She didn't even bother to look at me when she said that. 
 
There was silence for a period, during which I simply observed my surroundings. Considering the sheer number of women who are currently serving life sentences in this prison, pondering whether any of them deserved to live this life. 
 
When I consider my predicament in depth, I find it impossible to resist the thought that some of them might also be innocent people who have been duped by someone and are now victims of injustice. If that is the case, this universe will be the most repulsive thing I can imagine. 
 
"Naniniwala akong hindi mo kayang pumatay," she suddenly said, which made my eyes widen. 
 
"Nararamdaman kong napagkaisahan lang din ang kahinaan mo," she added, which made me even look at her. 
 
"Hija, palagay mo'y kaya mong itama ang lahat ng ito kung makakalabas ka?" 
 
"P-po?" I asked confusedly. She turned to face me with a sour smile, then turned back to face the busy women on the field. 
 
"Naniniwala akong karamihan sa atin dito, kagaya mo, inosente," she said, and I couldn't stop looking at them as well. 
 
"Mahina ang babae sa mata ng marami. Para sa kanila, mabilis tayong mapaikot. At kahit isigaw natin na inosente tayo, walang makikinig, walang maniniwala."
 
I inhaled deeply, and I couldn't help but agree. She's right; my weakness allowed me to be used. Someone took advantage of my already-shattered life to force me into even worse circumstances. 
 
I was fully aware that it was a ploy. However, I still don't know what to do because I was unable to identify how. 
 
"Si Shin, murder din ang kaso niya. Gaya mo, sinasabi rin niyang inosente siya. Araw-araw 'yan umiiyak hanggang sa sumuko ito at biglang nagbago. Idinadaan niya ang galit niya sa ganitong paraan." 
 
I gave Shin a glance. She was perched comfortably in a monoblock chair. She was undoubtedly lost in contemplation as she crossed her arms and stared at the dry soil in front of her.
 
"Kung makakahanap ka nang pagkakataon Jam. Huwag mong sasayangin. Nararamdaman kong kaya mong baguhin ang nangyayari sa buhay mo ngayon. Huwag kang gumaya sa aking naging mahina," she said. 
 
“Napagbintangan din po ba kayo?” I asked. 
 
“Hindi lang sa malinis na kamay nababase ang pagka inosente, hija. Ang katulad kong sadyang kilala sa masamang gawain, natural nalang ang mapag-bintangan,” she answered before getting up and leaving me speechless.
 
"Jam," The rookie cop approached me and called my name. I try to figure out why he appears so familiar as I stare at him. Even though I can't remember his name, I have certain memories in the back of my mind that warn me not to approach him. 
 
"Don't you remember me?" I frowned at him.
 
"It's me, Carlo," he said with a dirty grin on his face. When I confirmed who he was, I got up and left him there without thinking twice. 
 
The memories began to accumulate in my thoughts a month ago, the day I met Carlo. 
 
All I know is that he made me drink something that evening, and I woke up in bed by myself the following morning. Now that I'm feeling uncomfortable with the way he's staring at me, I have to step back. 
 
When I turn to face Carlo again, I see him still grinning. But because of that, I ran into someone. 
 
I swallowed when I saw who it was. 
 
"I'm sorry," I said, but she grabbed my hair and pulled me to her seat before I could escape. 
 
She never showed emotion on her face when she was by herself, but now that she noticed me, she snarled with rage and pulled me along with her. She forced me to sit on the chair, and I saw that everyone was staring at us. The police officers continued to talk nonstop, showing no concern for the current situation.
 
"I—I'm sorry, hindi ko sinasadya," I said, but she punched me in the face right away while two of her subordinates held both of my arms. Surprisingly, the other shielded us from the police's view.
 
She had a bigger build than I did, and she was clearly stronger. My head felt weak after her punch, and I started to have fuzzy vision. My mouth and nose started to leak blood, but she was too enraged to give a damn. 
 
When at last the police issued a warning whistle, I'm nearly unconscious here as everyone returns to their work. 
 
"Wilson! Ikaw nanaman!" stated the policewoman. I merely sent her a sidelong glance before my body gave out and landed on the dusty surface.
 
I awoke to find myself back in the shadowy prison. even when my body aches all over. I tried to sit up again, but all it did was hurt. I gave a grunt and let out a gasp before attempting once more. 
 
Eventually, the metal door opened as I managed to rise from the chilly floor, exposing a man's shadow standing in the doorway. 
 
“I need some water, officer. Please,” I begged, but when he abruptly raced over to cover my lips, I felt terrified.
 
Eventually, I saw his face, and I started to lose my tears.
 
“Carlo!” I cried.
 
“Shh, huwag kang maingay bibilisan lang natin,” he whispered, which sent shivers down my body. 
 
He gives me a devilish grin and then sniffs my neck. I started to shake my head in displeasure as tears started to flow.
 
“It's so disappointing to forget me easily when I made your night so incredibly memorable,” he said, licking my ear. I used my fingernails to scrape his face. Finally, he removed his hand from my lips, causing me to crawl.
 
Even though I was in discomfort, I got up right away, given that the door was wide open. 
 
“Saan ka pupunta, huh?” Before I could even manage to get outside, Carlo grabbed my hair. 
 
"Bitawan mo ako! Lumayo ka sa'kin, tulong! Tulungan n'yo ako! "I wept, hoping that the other cops would hear me. 
 
"Walang makakarinig sayo rito," he spoke before encircling my body with his hands and bringing me to the room's corner. 
 
"Carlo, tama na! Maawa ka sa'kin," I pleaded with him, but he seemed too busy unbuttoning my clothes. I moved side to side with him to divert his attention from what he was doing, but as a result, he choked me. 
 
“Huwag kang umaktong hindi ka sanay hawakan ng lalaki. Matagal ka ng puta!” He spoke before letting go of my neck. I landed on the floor and began crawling again, reaching for some air. 
 
He pulled my feet and made me face him. He placed himself above me while removing his pants. When I saw that his gun had fallen, I took it with all of my remaining energy and slammed it into his face.
 
Carlo rolled onto the floor, screaming in pain. I took that chance to get up and bolt from the shadowy prison. 
 
“P*tangina mo! Papatayin kitang babae ka!” He shouted. I rushed into the hallway, only to find myself trapped. For some reason, I am the only inmate here in this gloomy jail, and it appears vacant. Perhaps that's the reason he left the door wide open. Because he was aware that, despite having the opportunity, I still am unable to leave this place. 
 
"Sinabi ko naman sayo hindi ba? Huwag ka nang tumakbo, mabilis lang naman 'to," he said before reaching for my hair, biting my shoulder, and tore the shirt to reveal what he was itching to see. 
 
I let out a painful cry. 
 
"No! Stop it! Get away from me!" When he started taking off all of my clothes, I screamed. 
 
I'm still attempting to fight back as he violently puts a handcuff in my hand that he pulled from behind his back.
 
“Get away from me! No!” I yelled, but he punched me in the stomach. My body is in excruciating pain until he can accomplish his goals. 
 
“Tang*na ang sarap mo!” 
 
He pulled himself in and out of me, and all I can do is close my eyes and pray deeply. Tears express how hurt I am right now, and my spirit is itching for retribution inside of me.
 
I had not felt grace since the day my parents passed away. Is this what I get for it? If so, all I wanted was to be gone. I'm tired.
 
“Tang*na mo Carlo! Hanggang dito ba naman!” 
 
A policewoman let out a scream, hauled him over me, and covered my body with my already-torn clothes right away. 
 
Another four officers came, and I could tell that all of them were in disbelief at what had transpired. On the other hand, Carlo was still attempting to approach me while being accompanied by two policemen.
 
“F*ck Carlo, control yourself!” the woman yelled. 
 
“Get him out of here!” she continued. Carlo is forced to depart by the two cops, but even though I cannot see him anymore, what he did is now imprinted on my body and soul. 
 
The policewoman glanced at me, and I tightened my jaw because I could sense remorse and pity in her eyes.
 
“Let's bring her to the hospital,” she said. The two officers left with her, nodded, and carried me.
 
“I'll get something first,” the woman said. 
 
They carried me inside the prison. The policewoman returned shortly later, carrying another orange jumpsuit. She approached me and started to wipe the blood from the cuts on my face. 
 
“Leave us.” Without uttering a word, the two obeyed her command.
 
“What are you doing?” I asked weakly. However, she remained silent. She's just begun dressing me. After finishing, she removes something from her pocket. When I realize it's an anesthetic, my eyes enlarge. 
 
“W-what is that? Why do you have to-” before I could finish, she stabbed me in the side of my neck with a needle without thinking twice. 
 
When the liquid entered my body, my eyes slowly closed, and my hands lost control.
 
“Let's go,” she said before my consciousness left me.