Sweet Pacific Breezes (Provincia de Marina Series #4)

Kabanata 4

Kabanata 4

Sweet Pacific Breezes

I've always loved working, especially when it takes on matters about the ocean and marine life. I've always been fascinated with interacting with marine animals and connecting with the sea as if I was born for it. Kaya nang makahanap ako nang pagkakataon para makapag-trabaho agad, I did not waste any opportunity.

I graduated with a degree in Marine Biology. I wanted to become a veterinarian but I realized that I didn't want to hurt marine animals while I am treating them. I'd be having self-doubts whether I was there to treat them or give them more pain. Mas gusto kong mag-aral na lang kaysa pakialaman pa ang katawan ng nasaktang hayop. Madalas, hindi ako makatingin nang diretso sa mga hayop na nasasaktan. I end up getting teary-eyed because I always feel like I can also feel their pain. Mahirap na masyadong attached ang feelings ko sa mga hayop kasi imbes na makatulong ako sa kanila, mas lalo ko lamang silang pinapahirapan.

I guess being a researcher is what's meant for me. I was getting paid for answering questions that haven't been answered. I was getting paid for my diligent work. Hindi naman ako nagsasawang magbasa ng mga articles. Most of the time, I like receiving praises from my workmates because of my works. Kaya hindi ko inaasahan na ang pagiging researcher ko ang magiging daan para makita ko ulit ang dolphin.

It's like the universe was conspiring with me against that doctor and the odds are on my favor. I can't even wait to see his reaction once he knew that I will be working for him. All for my dear dolphin. Syempre, hindi ko naman hahayaang ihabilin na lamang siya roon. Even if the government agency already approved of the clinic and let them take care of my dolphin, hindi ko naman hahayaang hindi ko makita kung paano nila aalagaan iyon. As long as the dolphin is here on land, I don't think that she'll be safe.

"Ihahatid na kita, Cleora," Uncle Bruce said while he was putting on his black shoes.

Tiningnan ko lamang si Uncle. Napag-usapan na namin na hindi ko na kailangan ng taga hatid papunta sa clinic. Baka akalain pa ng mga tao roon ay tinatakot ko sila dahil police ang Uncle ko. I can make a good impression without having to present my Uncle.

"Come on, it's your first day. Hindi ko pwedeng ma-miss iyon. Magagalit ang parents mo sa akin kapag hindi man lang ako nakakuha ng litrato."

"Uncle, you're being sentimental." I can't help but roll my eyes. Tinawanan lamang ni Uncle ang aking reaksyon bago siya tumayo. He got his phone from the coffee table and aimed it at me. Simangot na tumingin lamang ako habang kinukuhanan niya ng litrato.

"That should do it, Uncle. Hindi mo na kailangan pang ihatid ako."

"No. Ihahatid na kita. You shouldn't feel weary on your first day. Although technically, this isn't your very first job. Ngayon lang naman kita ihahatid. Bukas ay pwedeng mag-isa ka na lang na pumunta roon."

"You should get me a car. I'm 23. Kaya ko rin namang mag-drive. I won't even bother you anymore kapag aalis ako at pupuntang malayo."

Whenever I bring that up, his response will always be 'I'll think about it'. Kahit alam ko naman na iyon ang isasagot niya, pinipilit ko pa rin nabilhan na niya ako ng kotse. I am earning some money but it doesn't suffice my needs—let alone afford a car. I've been working at the shop since I was sixteen. I became a pro diver when I was eighteen. At that point, I was earning a little more. But like what Uncle had said, my wants outweighs my needs.

Hindi naman problema sa akin kung hindi naibibigay ni Uncle ang lahat. He has his reasons why he couldn't and I genuinely understand. Minsan hindi ko lang mapigilang kulitin siya dahil bumibigay rin agad sa aking hinihingi. Uncle Bruce only has his soft sides for me. Kapag nasa trabaho na, bawal ang lalambot-lambot. People are also curious if he was also strict at home. Kung strikto nga naman si Uncle, malamang hindi ako makikita ng mga tao sa labas na kung saan-saan na lang nakakarating.