The Lost Billionaire (MBBC#9)

44

Reeve

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"Naapektuhan ang kalahati ng utak niya, kaya hirap siya sa lahat. Not to mention, the physical treatment and other rehabilitation therapy have to keep going for him, plus his maintenance. It's costly." Doctor Martini Edwards explained everything to me. 

Mabuti nalang at kilala ako ni Marty Smith, ang head sa accounting unit kaya kausap ko ngayon ay pribadong doctor ng clinic na ito.

"But back to five years ago, the improvement of the patient has risen significantly. Hindi man mabilis, pero nakikita natin ang bawat pagbabago sa kanya. Noon nga halos hindi niya maigalaw ang buong katawan niya at nakahiga lang siya sa kama."

"But now, look at him. He can stand up and sit by himself onto his wheelchair. I don't think the verbal language will be back as normal. May chart siya sa gusto niya at itinuturo niya ito at n alalaman namin kung ano ang gusto niya sa pamamagitan nito."

I sighed and looked at the other room. Makikita ito mula rito dahil yari sa glass ang bawat dingding, at naglalaro si Madison na kasama ang lolo niya. May umaalalay rin sa matanda.

"How much does it cost for everything here?" I asked, and Doctor Martini paused.

"Frank de Matris covers it up from his insurance. Walang binabayaran si Melissa, maliban nga lang sa iilang gamot na wala kami, at sa mga bagay na gusto ng ama niya. She can freely buy them and other needs that the clinic doesn't cater. I don't think it will cost so much, because Frank insurance covers the lot."

My jaw tightened. I haven't asked Morris about Frank. I need to know what he does for a living and where he came from, and I bet Morris has his reasons for not telling me this. Dammit.

"Thank you, Martin. I'm also a friend of Frank, but he didn't mention this to me at all. Kaya nakakabigla na may ganito pala sa pamilya nila," pagsisinungaling ko. Ito lang ang paraan ko sa ngayon. Alam kong maraming mata na nakapaligid dito at mga tauhan ni Frank ito. 

"That's alright, Mr. Reeve... for Ms. Melissa, I'm happy to help," ngiti niya at bahagya ang pag-ngisi ko. Tama nga naman ako, may gusto ang hinayupak na ito kay Melissa. 

I inhaled deeply and calmed my senses. I smiled fakely and shook hands once again. We formally trailed off and went back to join the two, and the only expression Melissa's father could give me was his smile.

Alam kong kilala ako ng ama ni Melissa, pero hindi niya makuhang magsalita. Ramdam ko ito sa bawat titig niya sa akin at ngiti. At sa hindi ko maintindihan ay magkakaiba sa kanya sa tuwing si Madison ang lumalapit sa kanya. 

We returned late and ended up staying a little longer because Madison wanted to eat with his grandfather. Halata sa ugali ni Madison na mahal na mahal niya ang lolo niya, dahil siya pa mismo ang nagsusubo nito. 

It's impressive how Melissa raised him. She raised him beautifully.

"It's our secret, okay? Don't tell your mother because she may not want me to take you there back again."

"Yes, Tito Reeve. I promise!"

We did a pinky swear, and the little boy seemed happy. We got home with some takeaway food for dinner and had a nice dinner together with Melissa. The night ended well, and Madison fell asleep in his room. He was so tired but happy. 

"Salamat, Reeve."

"Not a problem, love. All for you, Melissa." Higpit na yakap ko sa kanya at sabay naming pinagmasdan si Madison hanggang sa makatulog siya. Bumaba na rin kami patungo sa kusina para makapag tsa-a.