“Where have you been?” Jameson asked me curiously right after we attended a court hearing.
I put the papers and recorders inside my attaché case. I glanced his way and smiled a bit.
“I just had to clear my head a bit,” I replied.
He followed me as I walked outside of the court room. His eyes narrowed at me. I rolled my eyes as I already have an idea about what he’d say any minute.
“I had to work with Scarlett because you were done for couple of days! I was not able to work properly!”
“That just prove how unprofessional you are. Is it really difficult for you to separate your personal issues from your profession? What a loser!” I joked.
“That hurts! I just prefer working with you. Is that bad?”
I shook my head and laughed. “Got it! I will take that as a compliment.”
Jameson mentioned about some things I missed out during my soul searching in Basco Batanes. He informed me that Liese have won her case and the mayor who violated her was already in jail. I was too happy when I heard that news! I sighed in relief knowing that Liese finally got the justice she deserves. I know that what she had been through a lot and the trauma from everything that happened will remain but I hope she finds her peace eventually.
I stayed in my office for almost three hours to write my shorthand for the court case I am working on. I already lost count on how many times I yawn while writing the document.
The case was all about harassment and attempted rape. I don’t really understand why there are insane men who will do this kind of crime just to satisfy their needs.
Is it really difficult to lean the value of consent? If a woman says no, then that should serve as their cue to stop, right? This world needs more people with morality.
After what it felt like forever, I put all my papers and things inside my bag. I don’t want to do this anymore! I want to breathe and get freed from this case. I felt so tired that I want to go out and have some drink of my favorite liquor!
I smiled at my own thought. I could not remember the last time I went out and got drunk. It felt like ages ever since the last time I got wasted. Now, I am craving for my favorite drink’s taste.
I won’t go home without having a shot of tequila!
I was about to leave my office when I heard my phone rang. I searched for it inside my bag and immediately answered the call when I saw Chandria’s caller ID on the screen.
“Nathalie! Gosh, I miss you!” she blurted out from the other line.
“Hi there, Chandria!” I greeted her happily. “I miss you too! What’s up?”
“Where are you? You have a lot of explaining to do! I heard that you were with Evan in Basco Batanes? What did you guys do in there? You didn’t also inform me about it! You left me so confused! Are we still best friends?” she threw so many questions on me.
I sat on my swivelling chair and shook my head. I can’t help but smile widely as I remembered what happened in Batanes. I bit my lower lip. The vivid memory of Evan and how he kissed me sent shivers down my spine.
“What now, Risha Nathalie Saavedra?”
I chuckled a bit, “Chill, Chan! I want to have some drinks today. Are you in?”
“Oh my goodness! I was about to ask you the same thing! I was just shocked when I heard the news that you went to Batanes and you did not inform me about that!” then she laughed a bit. “I heard that there is a new high end bar near Bonifacio Global City! Shall we go ahead and check on it? I can pick you up! Where are you?”
“I’m still in the office,” I replied.
“Perfect! I will be there in thirty minutes, babe! I’ll see you!” she said and then she ended the call.
I smiled and shook my head. I am not even sure if drinking with Chandria is a good idea. She might end up grilling me with her piled up questions about my life.
I scanned through my phone contacts and stopped when I saw Evan’s name and phone number. Two days had passed and I haven’t heard anything from him yet. Not that he’s obliged to check on me from time to time alright, I am just curious as to what he’s probably doing right now.
In addition, we only have five days before the most awaited engagement party. I honestly don’t know any information that pertains to that event. Evan hasn’t told me the details and my parents haven’t brought it up too. I don’t even know what dress I should wear for that party. I pouted my lips. I may really need to ask my mom about it instead.
I had this urge to call Evan but I decided not to bother him right now. Instead, I went to the rest room and just fixed my hair. I let it hang freely and I also put some light make up on my face. Then, I removed my black formal coat and stared at my reflection on the mirror.
Black haltered fitted dress, a 4 inches black stilettos, a silver sling bag and my face with a light make up on... I think this is already enough!
After a few minutes, Chandria already arrived and so I decided to leave the office. I saw her Mercedez-Benz car in front of our building. I walked towards her car and hopped inside the shotgun seat.
“Hi there, Chandria!” I greeted her as I put my seatbelt on.
I was shocked when she hugged me tightly. She’s almost chocking me that I had to pinch her arm softly.
“I missed you so bad!” she exclaimed and then kissed me on my cheek.
“Don’t be so clingy. You’re making me cringe!” I complained and so she pulled away.
She glared at me as if she’s going to kill me, “You have a lot of things to explain!”
I laughed happily. I know... She missed a lot of happenings in my life and I owe her some details. Well, I will tell her some but I’m not going to be detailed about what recently happened.
I want some memories to remain as secret and special.
“I want to have some tequila shots first, Chandria. I was a little bit stressed because of the case I’ve handled today,” I hissed dramatically.
“I got you, babe! So, let’s go then!” she chuckled and then started the engine of her car.
I leaned my head on the headrest of my seat. The sky is turning red orange as the sun was about to set any minute. Chandria kept on talking about a lot of things while driving. I can’t help but laugh out loud when I learned about what happened on the exhibit she attended to. She messed up and I think it was funny!
It really feels good to have her as a best friend. Whenever I am stressed out, Chandria will come and rescue me.