Jade

"Good morning Manila! Rise and shine! It's 4 on the dot. The sun is peeking. Traffic is gradually building up as an increasing number of protesters are accumulating along Roxas Blvd. eager to-"

Click.

"Shit." Jade cursed under her breath as she jolted from her restless sleep and snapped the life out of the alarm. She buried her face in her pillow and begged, five more minutes.

But then again, something changed her mind.

On second thought, no. I'm fighting the urge today.

Groggily, Jade checked the clock to assure her lethargic self that it's really the break of dawn.

"Four in the morning. Good Lord, parang katutulog ko lang ah." She mumbled, forcing her listless mind to ignite some sort of random consciousness. "Need to get up. Big day. Big day."

After successfully rolling out of bed, Jade sat up, closed her eyes and gave out a deep breath. "Isang hinga para sa nakaraan."

She took another deep breath, "Isang hinga para sa kasalukuyan."

Finally, she let out one last deep breath, "Isang hinga para sa kinabukasan."

This was a calming routine that Jade's mom, Amanda, taught her when Jade was still in college.

Amanda believed that by saying these words, it will set a positive tone for the remainder of the day.

At first, Jade was hesitant. Dutiful as she was, Jade was not really the type to give into some sort of voodoo crap just to get through the day. However, as she went into boarding school and was bombarded with the reality of being a law student, Jade was able to adapt her mom's method.

Surprisingly, it did wonders.

Half asleep, Jade tries to recall yesterday's events that made her into a sleep-deprived, mindless zombie.

Seeing the scattered reports on her desk and two empty grande-sized Starbucks cups, flashbacks of the case discussions with Tanya and Charles crossed her mind. Tanya, most specifically.

She can even hear her voice sneering inside her head. "Jade, this is a high-profile case that necessitates top priority. It should be handled with distinct accuracy and care. Treat this case as a very delicate baby - a baby who's going into desaturation and requires immediate medical attention."

Going into what? I don't even know what that means, Jade thought.

Tanya continues while maniacally glaring at Jade just to prove a point.

"Mr. Rutherford is a high-profile business tycoon who is very interested in our firm. Kapag napanalo mo itong kaso, he will completely turn over his account to us. We need him to entrust his business to our firm to establish credibility and stability. Don't screw this up, Jade."

Learning forward, Tanya gave out a stern demeanor at Jade, who, at that very moment wants to carnage the face babbling in front of her.

"We don't want another fiasco like the one that happened before, don't we?"

Intimidated and feeling a bit apprehended, Jade shakes her head and choked, "No, Tanya. Not gonna happen again."

"If this goes down, it's all on you. Intiendes?"

Remembering the look on Tanya's uncompromising face made Jade shudder.

Don't screw this up, Jade. Tanya's voice is like a sharp wind cutting down her spine, eating her soul and bleeding her brains out.

Jade shook her head hoping that the gesture will take Tanya's voice away from her brain.

"I have to hustle. Trial starts at 8. Need to be there by 7 for a quick client briefing. Traffic, please be kind to me."

Walking towards the mirror, Jade let out a sigh of disgust. "Ugh, I look horrible."

The person she sees in front of her looked familiar but definitely feels different. It's the first time in weeks since she gave herself a good look at the mirror – the bags nestling underneath her eyes looks like they're getting a life of their own, her hair all tangled up, running in different directions, and she's added up some weight.

Embracing the role of a junior litigator has completely taken over her life.

Jade snapped from her self-deprecation. "I should go get a shower."

Without wasting another minute, she took her towel, and rushed inside the bathroom.

4:30 am

*Phone buzzing*

Jade came rushing from the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around her body, still soaking wet and her hair dripping, soap suds seen on her back and shoulders. By the looks of it, Jade was in the middle of washing up when that call came in.

Charles. Shit. Is there a need for a wake-up call?

Jade swiped green.

"Charles! Oo, gising na gising na ako. I'm getting ready na. Yes, everything is set. I have my arguments ready. Oh, you did? They're on their way? Yes, I'll be there by seven."

Just as she was about to put the phone down, it buzzed. This time, a message came in.

Great, another one from the team.

Sender: Tanya

Jade, be your best. See you in court.

Tanya

P.S. Don't be late!

Jade rolled her eyes at the thought of being assassinated by her two seniors at 4:30 in the morning.

As if a call from Charles wasn't enough, Tanya was kind enough to give me that added pressure I certainly do not need at this very moment.

"Compose yourself, Jade. It's gonna work out fine."

Jade went back to the bathroom to finish what she started and after a while, went out all dried up.

Nervously rummaging through her closet, Jade finally fished out some decent clothes - clothes that are suitable for today's important case.

Contemplating on her choice, she let out an approving grin and muttered, "This will do."

5:00 am

Glancing over her clock, Jade commended herself for being able to stick to her timetable.

She meticulously studied herself in front of the mirror, checked her sides, turned around, and is quite impressed and pretty much satisfied for being able to select the suitable OOTD.

Jade owned an hourglass physique that will make those Victoria's Secret models cry with envy. She's gifted with a prominent jaw that outlines the tranquility of her face. Her defined waist gracefully curves out her hips making it easier for her to fit in any conservative yet flattering clothes.

Nonetheless, what made Jade even more attractive is her way with words. She can outsmart even the cattiest person on the planet and that person wouldn't even know what hit him.

It's for this reason that she has chosen to pursue Law school.

She thought, it would be more beneficial on her part if she took up something that already runs in the family rather than to chase a dream in...

*Phone buzzing*

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me! Now what?" Jade lashed out.

Irritated, she grabbed her phone and upon seeing who the nuisance is, to her dismay, Jade answered the call.

"Hello, Mama. Napatawag po kayo." Jade pondered as she grabbed her black heels and slipped one on her right foot.

"Well, good morning to you too, Jade. Is that how you greet your mom whom you haven't visited in a long, long time? You sound annoyed. Aren't you happy to hear from me?"

"No, Ma. I mean, yes. Yes, Ma, I am happy to hear from you but right now, I am in a bit of a hurry. And no, I am not annoyed I'm just a bit...anxious." Jade scowled as she struggled to fit her other shoe.

"Yes, well, about that-"

"Ma, can't this wait? I have to be in court by seven. I'm in a bit of a rush here."

"It will only take a minute or two, darling."

Exasperated, Jade let out a sigh of defeat. "Okay, Ma. Two minutes and not a minute more."

"I'll cut to the chase, then."

A short pause was heard over the line followed by a long, foreboding exhale.

"Jade, your father and I have decided... we are getting our marriage annulled and we want your firm to handle our case."

Jade's eyes widened, "Wait, what?!"

---

Althea

Underneath the radiance of the scorching sun, a growing number of activists carrying banners and signage bearing words of resistance steadily accumulate at the grounds of the Rizal Grand Stadium; altogether wearing white shirts bearing prints of a dark-fist hand with red bold captions: EQUALITY FOR HUMANITY.

A prominent voice can be heard in the background declaring an outcry through a megaphone:

"Ang sistema ng gobyerno ay kadalasang bulag at bingi sa katotohanan. Mas pinapaboran nila ang mga makapangyarihan at maimpluwensiya. Sa pamamagitan nitong mapayapang protesta, maipapakita at maipadarama natin sa pamahalaan at mas lalo na sa mga taong nasa..."

Father Rodriguez, who is a pastor advocating LGBTQ rights for years, stood tall in front of the growing crowd and continued with his rousing speech.

As the demonstrators grew in number, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to forge towards an unprecedented cause, someone struggles to make her way through the crowd.

"Excuse me. Padaan po." The plea spoken repeatedly until the person, who is also feeling a bit queasy and claustrophobic squeezes her way through, reaching for someone in front.

Batchi turned around and with astonished eyes exclaimed, "Bkit ngayon ka lang? First time mong ma-late ah."

Scrutinizing her friend's guise, she commented in repulsion, "You look like shit!"

Althea rolled her eyes and explained, "Sorry. Na-late ako ng gising eh."

"Na-late ng gising o wala ka pang tulog?" Batchi teased.

"Sira ulo."

Batchi let out a naughty smirk, took out a white shirt wrapped in thin plastic from a black bag then handed it to Althea.

"Here's your shirt. Magpalit ka." Batchi grabbed Althea's blouse by its sleeve and sniffed. "Parang ibang pabango ang naamoy ko."

Aware of where this is leading, Althea took the shirt from Batchi and replied, "It's not what you think."

Batchi gleamed at Althea's dismissal of what's transparently obvious.

"Whatever, Althea. Ako pa ang niloko mo. Anyway, the program's already starting. You're next on the list of speakers. Ladies' room is over there. Make it quick. We need you on the frontlines."

Althea grumbled, "Domineering as always."

Hastily, Althea stepped out of the crowd and scampered towards the direction Batchi indicated; only to find out, in absolute disbelief, that there are only two cubicles situated in that area – one has a cue of around 10 to 15 people while the other door boasted a mocking sign saying: Temporarily Closed.

"Anak ng tinapa!" Althea cursed under her breath. "Paano ba 'to?"

With desperation she tries to search for a spot – any place that's close to private, but the place was just swarming with people.

Then it hit her. "Yes, that will do."

Sneaking at the back of the stadium, Althea went up to one of its rows.

Careful that no one will notice, she walked in the middle of the long array of blue bleachers, sat on her haunches and took the white shirt out of her sling bag.

"No choice."

She made one last scan of the vicinity to make sure that no one's around to marvel at this embarrassing moment.

Althea started to unbutton her blouse, gradually exposing some skin, flawless in every inch. As the buttons part, the sleeves slid down, exposing her collarbones, shoulders and her well-defined backbones, rolling down to her chest and eventually, her undergarment.

Once all buttons came undone, she stripped off the blouse, tucked it inside her bag and unwrapped the shirt; her eyes still wandering around to check if someone's looking or might sneak up on her.

The coast is still clear.

However, if someone ever saw her undress, that person will be struck with awe and be hypnotized by Althea's attractiveness. Althea, in her fit form, will leave anyone breathless.

The humid wind brushed the contoured edges of her shoulders, along her nape revealing her tribal tattoo – a tattoo that until this very moment, made no introduction.

Batchi, though perceived to be Althea's closest buddy, still wonders what that tat meant and why it was crafted in an enigmatic manner. She is well-aware of Althea's two tattoos – one on her right wrist and the one on her side.

For days Batchi taunted Althea to spill the mystery behind her new tat but her friend remained locked up about it.

Batchi even pleaded Althea to proudly show her tat. Just so Batchi can study it microscopically and decipher the obscurity of the ink. But every time she does so, Althea fires back at Batchi saying that there are things in life only one should know.

So Batchi never insisted ever since.

But still, there was something about that nape tattoo that bothered Batchi. Like it was not just art tainted on the body but a sorrowful reminder. Reminder of what? Batchi speculated in her head.

Althea and her mysteries, Batchi frowned at the thought.

Overhearing that Father Rodriguez is nearing the end of his speech, Althea, all prepped up, hurriedly went down from the stadium and excused her way into the pack towards Batchi's direction.

"Finally! I thought you got nabbed or something. Susundan na sana kita eh." Batchi hollered while being drowned by the crowd's enthusiastic cry.

"Just encountered a few..." Althea paused to remind herself of that uncomfortable situation, "...predicaments."

Confused, Batchi shoved off Althea's statement. "Dibale. What's important is you're here na. Kanina ka pa hinahanap nung mga reporters. They need an official statement coming from a representative of this rally. And by representative, they mean the leader of the group. And by leader of the group, they mean you."

"Well, they would have to follow us along the way to get my statement. We are already a couple of minutes behind. I can no longer accommodate their questions at this moment. It will just delay us more than we already are."

"Sige. Ako na bahalang mag-sabi sa kanila. It's your turn to speak."

"Salamat, Batch."

Althea, feeling anxiety seeping in, steadied her cold, trembling hands as she walked in front of the highly charged-up crowd.

This is just like any other cases I've handled, she thought, repeatedly, trying to calm herself, deep breaths for every tread.

But no, she reminds herself, this is not just any other case.

In fact, this is the first time, in her entire career as a pro bono lawyer, that she would handle a high-profile case as sensitive and as precarious as this.

Althea is clearly aware of the circumstances and the weight of this event. No matter how fleeting their chances are, this gathering of support will prove to the magistrates that this case is not just something that they can shove under the rug.

Standing in front of the large assembly, Althea surveyed the population who are intently anticipating for some sort of rhetorical message coming from her. A lump of apprehension has blocked her voice.

Althea knew how valuable this case is to these people. 

Being condemned, discriminated, and even worse, being killed for who they choose to be is not something that the government should be taking lightly. Althea clenched her jaw at that inconvenient truth.

Father Rodriguez handed over the megaphone.

Althea cleared her throat and took a deep breath.

These people need a spark of hope.

"I think everyone of us who are here share the same sympathy for the victims." She affirmed with dignified eyes.

"Hate crime. Isa ito sa pangunahing problema ng mga taong napapabilang sa third sex. Isasantabi na lang ba natin na may mga taong namatay dahil lang sa pinili nilang maging malaya sa kanilang kasarian?"

Althea paused, took a chunk of air and continued.

"Ang totoo, salat sa karapatang pantao ang mga nabibilang sa third sex. Madamot ang sistema ng hustisiya sa mga taong ang tanging hinihiling ay patas na paglilitis. Paglilitis kung saan, ang naghahari ay ang mga taong kayang paikutin ang batas at ang mga nagpapatakbo nito."

Althea felt a pang of overwhelming sadness, giving her some trouble compounding her next sentences.

But as she looked at the hordes of people staring at her, seeing their eyes hungry for some sort of reprieve, Althea held a firm grip and concluded. "Kung meron man silang pera at kapangyarihan, meron naman tayong matatag na paninindigan at pagmamahal sa ating mga kapatiran. Hindi natin hahayaan na mauuwi sa wala ang pagkamatay nina Ralph Mendoza at Miguel Salazar! Hindi tayo magpapatinag!"

A wild roar of cheer and applause reverberated around the depths of the Stadium. The crowd now chants in chorus, "Hustisya! Hustisya!"

Feeling anxiety and tension leave her system, Althea was more hyped and motivated to take this to the streets. She walked towards the crowd as a round of reporters followed her, requesting for a short statement.

Batchi moved in the way of the reporters and reiterated, "Guys, we've already talked about this. Althea will give her statement along the way. So if you could please follow us, the march is about to start."

"Not bad." Batchi whispered to Althea who's now brimming with confidence, gaining a self-satisfied look.

Together with Father Rodriguez and a bunch of group leaders, Althea and Batchi carried a huge tarpaulin and initiated one of the most significant walks of their lives, to go up against the highest court in the land - the Supreme Court. 

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