Trisha's Diary

Dear Diary, 12

"I've already resigned. I'm actually leaving the country with my family. Balak namin tumira sa U.S. tutal e, andon din ang iba naming kamag-anak."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Talaga po? Woah! Goodluck po sa inyo. Ingat din po," I said. "Share ko lang din po. I remember when I was in highschool, mom actually wanted us to move abroad and she wanted me to continue my studies there until college. That was our plan when my dad died."

"Really? Hindi ka ba dapat maglalaw school?"

"Hmm, well, ang dami po kasing nangyari. I didn't want to live in the U.S. Mom and I had a huge fight about it. Long story short, luckily, I was able to convince my mom to study law and here I am, a lawyer," I said proudly. "That was the best decision for me. Wala naman po akong pinagsisihan."

He smiled back. "You are destined to become a lawyer then. Sa totoo lang, hindi lahat nabibigyan ng opportunity na tumira at makapag-aral sa ibang bansa. Ang dami na ngang gustong mag-migrate ngayon dulot na rin ng brain drain. Mahirap na maging empleyado ka lang dito. Para sa'kin e, maganda rin ang magiging kinabukasan mo kung natuloy ka sa abroad."

I bit my lip. "I guess I'm just lucky.."

"In a time like this, I'm scared for the future of my children and my grandchildren. Kahit sino namang magulang ay gusto maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng anak nila. You are lucky and privileged Beatrice. I'm not discrediting your hardwork. You earned this. You fought for this. But now, you have a bigger responsibility. You're fighting the people's rights including those who are still seeking for justice."

I looked down at my coffee. "Nakaka-pressure nga din po na buhay na ng tao ang nakataya.."

"Pinagdadasal ko rin na sana mabigyan na ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ng daddy mo," he said. "Your biggest fight is just about to begin. Stay strong Beatrice."

I slowly lifted my eyes on him. He was looking at me as if he can read my mind and the emotions flowing in my system. "I, uh...I'd be lying if I say that I'm not scared. I'm-"

"With everything that's happening right now, sana maging tapat ka."

I was about to speak but then the news on the tv here at the cafe caught my attention. The volume turned up and I almost threw up the coffee I drank when I saw the person on the tv.

"Makalipas ang ilang taon sa kasong robbery, kuha sa isang cctv footage ang plaka ng kotse na di umanong suspek sa isang krimen na robbery na nangangalang Joaquin Sanchez.  Kasalukuyan siyang nasa kulungan at nasampahan ulit ng panibagong kaso na magpapadagdag ng parusang life imprisonment ayon sa korte. Kasalukuyan pa ring hinahanap at iniimbestigahan ng pulis ang iba pang kasabwat nito sa krimen. Ang ibang detalye ay ibabahagi ni Rhen Macalaunan."

My body froze on my seat. My vision turned blurry. I can't feel my surroundings anymore. Attorney's voice echoed inside my ears. My eyes were still fixed on the TV.

"Beatrice."

I startled when I felt Attorney touched my hand. I immediately pulled away. He got shocked at my reaction. I looked away and quickly fixed my things.

"I have to go now Attorney. It was nice meeting you again. Thank you po."

He was about to speak but I didn't bother to wait for it. I hurried my way to the exit. As I was searching my phone inside my bag, I bumped into someone on the door.

"Ate Trisha? I mean, hi Attorney!"

I looked up and I was surprised to see Mark. He's wearing a white button up polo and black slacks. There's a coat in his arms.

"Oh, hey Mark. Sorry. I have to go. Bye," I said and walked passed him. I heard him called me but I ignored him

Finally, I got inside my car. Keith then answered my call after a few rings. I quickly wore my seatbelt and began to drive.