Stairway to Her Heart #Wattys2017

Chapter 37: Partner

"God has a perfect timing."

*Winter Woods*

Tumikhim ako sa pangatlong baso ng wine at tumitig sa kahon na nasa harap ko. Undecided if I will open it up. I poured another wine on my glass again and drink it in one gulp. Hinawakan ko yung kahon ng dalawang kamay ko. Bahagya ko itong kinulog ng mahina. What's in here?

Takot akong malaman kung anong laman ng box so I just put it above the table again. Not now. My mind said. I don't want to handle another pain again. I stood up and lean my arms on the railings of my veranda here at my condo. Napasuklay ako sa buhok ko saka ko minasahe ang sentido ko.

I'm overthinking things again. Napabuntong hininga ako kasabay ng pagtingala ko sa kalangitan. Ang daming bituin sa langit ngayon. Even the moon is smiling at me. I admire those twinkling stars, after all, they use to shine so bright regardless of the darkness.

I'm okay these past days Mom, but why does your memories haunts me? Again?

*FLASHBACK*

Someone knocked on Winter's door. She asked kung sino ito at kaagad namang nagsalita si Sabrina na nasa kabila ng pinto. Pinayagan niya itong pumasok sa loob ng opisina nito at sinabing magsalita siya.

"Ma'am may bisita po kayo, sabi po niya na may importante daw po siyang sasabihin sainyo."

Napatigil si Winter sa pagpipirma dahil sa sinabi ng babae.

"Just make sure that it's not that jerk again." matigas na tugon ni Winter.

"No ma'am. Babae po ang naghahanap sainyo."

She was taken a back at Sabrina's response. Bigla siyang nakaramdam ng pagtataka at may kung anong kutob siyang naramdaman. Who could that be? As early as Winter wants to know who it is, she replied: "Let her in."

"Yes ma'am." Sabrina bowed before leaving.

Winter took a deep breathe as she lean on her swivel chair uncomfortably. She closed her eyes and calmed her system. Nakarinig siya ng pagbukas ng pintuan and that's the cue to open her eyes too.

Isang nakangiti, maputi at petite na babae ang sumalubong sa mga tingin niya. May hawak itong kulay puting kahon na halos binalot ng scotch tape.

"Hello po Ate Winter." Bahagyang nagulat si Winter dahil alam niya ang pangalan nito. Her curiousity became even bigger.

"Pardon me?" Kunot noong tugon niya.

"Ako po si Daniella Suarez. Anak ni Doctor Daniel Suarez." After hearing what the girl said, biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Winter. That name, that is the name of the doctor of her mother. Sadness and annoyance starts to cover Winter pero pilit niyang pinakalma ang sarili.

Napalunok siya. She don't know what to say.

"P-please take a seat." She offered. Ngumiti naman ang babae at nagpasalamat bago umupo sa upuan na nasa gilid ng office table niya. Kalong kalong niya ang dala niyang hakon.