"President Gregorio Palaez was assassinated in his own villa…"
My mouth went agape as I heard the news from my lawyer. He is… he is our only chance. His administration will definitely help us as he promised to sign the petition of having a different justice system, like how grandpop did when he was elected. Only if the leaders after him did not change it back to what it is. Judges can be paid!
Like now, it has been almost nine months and here we are, just taking the second session after the judge chose to end it without enough reasons.
"B-but he is our only hope." I mumbled and as I said that, the judge walked in and we all stood up.
"Please start." he said without any opening remarks or anything about the case. He sat on his chair and a lady spoke.
"I-I heard that she was was angry when she's talking to Mr. Nueva. They fought. M-mr. Nueva refused to kill Ms. Santos but M-ms. Gavin threatened her, I heard her say like 'Don't you dare to disobey me. I will surely cut your head.' and she laughed."
I was snapped back to reality when I heard that. Yes, I did say that I will cut his head but that was a joke! How could they use that…
"I think that was great evidence." the judge commented.
What? Is he really a judge?
I could feel my tears flowing down again. I felt my chest tighten and my breath began to shorten.
"Objection your honor, their witness haven't even taken an oath yet." my lawyer commented.
The people around us began to murmur things about it but he ignored it.
The court clerk stood up while holding a piece of paper which didn't even come from the judge. "Under the law signed by the President, Hesa Roberto, today and was said to be effective immediately; murderers, thieves, masterminds, rapists and other criminals shall be punished through the death penalty of their own choice."
Why does it feel like this was all made by the same person who's now enjoying the late president's life? What kind of law is this?
My lawyer and I furrowed our eyebrows. My tummy contracted and I almost fell on the ground. I felt my head ache. I suddenly felt the cool wind all over my body and I had goosebumps as I heard the verdict of the court, non-traditionally spoke by the foreperson.
"You, Lynale Mackenzie Gavin, was proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The punishment was already ready for you. Expect the officers to get you out of the cell tomorrow morning." she said shortly and they left the courtroom.
I don't get it. This is not the right way of processing cases and what I don't get is the feeling I feel now. My tummy hurts so bad…
"Mackenzie are you okay?" Attorney Manalastas queried and that is the last question I heard before feeling that my baby is going to be… born.
-
"Congratulations, ma'am. The baby's alive." the nurse said and gave me the best gift I'll receive before everything ends…
"C-can you lend me a phone? I-I wanted to tell my family." I whispered under my breath.
I could feel my breath being shorter and shorter but they still refused as the policemen told them to. "But we can call your lawyer, she's just outside of the room." another nurse told me.
I nodded in response. I just need someone who could...take care of my… my baby. Am I really allowed to call him my baby when I can't do anything for him?
"Mackenzie…" Attorney Manalastas whispered as long as she reached my bed.
"I-I know this is too much but... "
I couldn't say it… I couldn't let go of him.
If I did let go of him, I'm definitely letting go of my family, of my life and of everything I have.
But this is what should happen.
I'm not going to live after this day.
If letting go of all I have will be his peace, I should really do this.
Thinking about everything that happened made my head and heart ache. After this day, I won't see my mother. My mommy Daughty who did everything to make me happy. She sacrificed her career to save my reputation. She loves me. She did everything to help me, not until the court prohibited them from coming for the hearings. I know she's doing something but thinking that I failed her made me cry even more. All of her sacrifices will be buried as soon as I am.
I haven't felt the love that my real mother could give… I know she wanted to show it, haha. But how could she do it now?
My baby doesn't deserve to know that her mother...her mother was proven guilty without having the chance of explaining herself. He deserves to live peacefully; without knowing what happened after that nonsense and unbelievable verdict of the Supreme Court.
"...c-could you please take Psalm Simoun with you?"
I pursed my lips to stop sobbing. This is the first time I saw my baby and this would definitely be the last time as my lawyer nodded and hugged me.
I love you, Psalm Simoun Cruz.