Rod's POV
I'm busy checking the copy of AutoCAD that Franky sent me. Well, okay naman lahat and now, masasabi kong pwede nang simulan ang bahay ng kliyente namin. The only thing to do is tawagan ang contruction team para masimulan na.
As I shut down my laptop, I grab my phone and check if there's any notification from Lizzy. Well, we haven't seen for a couple of days dahil natambakan ako ng trabaho and she's busy taking care of Tito Edward as well.
When there's no notification from Lizzy, I immediately turned off my phone and placed it down. I lean my back on my swivel chair and look up.
"I miss you, love.....so much...Pero don't worry, I understand". I drink all the water left on my glass then I've decided to send Lizzy a message again.
To Love:
Hi, love!
✅Message Sent.
To Love:
Are you free tonight? Let's have dinner naman.
I badly miss you🥺
✅Message Sent.
As I sent those message, I open my Instagram account. Unang bumungad sa akin ang post ni Gab. He's here in the Philippines na pala. Kaya pala good mood si Franky ngayon eh. I was about to react on Gab's post but someone knocked the door so I stood up and open it.
Rod: Yes po, Manang?
Manang: Nak, baba ka na daw sabi ng mommy mo. Kakain na.
Rod: Sige po, Manang. Sunod po ako.
Manang nodded so I smile then closed the door. Inayos ko lang muna ang drawing table ko and then immediately head to the dining room.
Emilia: Good thing you're here!
Lucas: Son?
Rod: Yes, Dad?
Lucas: Do you remember Mr. Guevara? Yung professor mo noong Architecture student ka pa?
Rod: Of course, Dad! (Chuckled) Hinding-hindi ko po makakalimutan yung matandang yun dahil isa yun sa mga nagpahirap pero pinakamagaling na professor namin noon. B-Bakit po? (Confused)
Lucas: He's our new client. Actually siya nga ang nagsabi na kung pwede daw eh, Ikaw ang gumawa ng rest house niya. Gusto niya daw makita kung gaano kagaling yung estudyante niya noon.
Rod: Sure, Dad (nodded) Sus! Basic lang yan (then laugh)
Lucas: May gagawin ka ba mamaya?
Rod: Wala naman, Dad.
Lucas: Good! So after lunch, puntahan mo siya sa University. Doon mo siya kausapin. Son, wag mo akong ipapahiya ha? Tsaka ikaw din, baka bumaba ang tingin niya sayo.
Emilia: Lucas! Tigilan mo nga yang anak ko. Mas magaling sayo yan noh. Tsk! Wala ka namang panama jan eh (then shook her head) S-sige na, anak. Kumain ka na (then smile)
That made me laugh secretly. Dad frown and was about to speak but Mom cut him and told him to continue his food. Jusko! Sa trabaho napaka-strikto niya pero pagdating kay Mom, tiklop agad eh.
I quickly took a bath and wear something formal. I didn't wear tux na. Only a polo and a not so fitted jeans. While fixing my hair agad kong naalala si Lizzy. Well, until now wala pa siyang reply so I've decided to visit her muna before going to the university.
As I parked my car, sakto naman ang pagdating ni Kuya Anthony. Their helper told me to sit muna and she'll call Lizzy pero sinabi kong wag na. She got confused so I ask kung nasa'n siya at ako nalang ang pupunta sa kanya.
I am now standing infront of her room. I knocked thrice but she didn't speak up. Well, maybe she's busy or what so ever kaya I slowly open the door. Good thing hindi ito nakalocked.
I saw her laying on her bed. Tulog na tulog eh kaya pala hindi sumasagot. I sit beside her and kissed her forehead which made her move and open her eyes.
Rod: Kaya pala hindi nagrereply ang mahal ko eh.
Imee: Huh?
She got confused so she immediately get up and reach for her phone. Agad naman siyang napasampal sa noo niya when she saw all my messages.
Imee: Sorry.
Rod: It's okay, love (then smile) Anyway, I just came here to check on you. May pupuntahan kasi akong client eh. Ahm, so I gotta go?
Imee: Okay (smile back) You take care ha? I love you.
Umabot ata hanggang tenga yung ngiti ko when I hear those words coming from her. Agad din akong napayuko eh which made her confused.
Imee: Bakit, love?
Rod: W-wala (shook his head and came closer to Lizzy) I will, love. I love you more (then kissed Lizzy)
She pulled out from the kissed so I smile and hug her tight. After a second, I stood up and told her na I'll going to the University. She simply nodded as reply and by the time I was about to open the door stop and look at her.
Rod: Love?
Imee: Hmm?
Rod: May gagawin ka ba ngayon?
Imee: Well, I'll check on Dad lang naman. I'll monitor kung iniinom ba niya yung mga gamot niya kasi — (didn't finish her words coz Rod speak up)
Rod: Babalik naman yung private nurse niya mamaya diba?
Imee: Yes.
Rod: Okay naman si Tito diba?
Imee: Y-yes (nodded)
Rod: Good so can we go out? I-I mean samahan mo'ko sa University, love.
Imee: Huh?
When she raised her left brow, I immediately walk towards her and sit beside her again.
Rod: Please? (Cute face)
Imee: I-inaantok ako (push Rod, lay on the bed, and cover her face with a comforter)
Rod: Love naman, please? Tsaka ang tagal na din nung huli tayong lumabas eh. Kaya let's go na besides ayaw mo bang makita yung University ulit? What about your professors? Hindi ka pumunta noong Reunion Party niyo, right? Maybe today is the right time to see them again. Kasama mo naman ako eh.
Imee: Next time na. Inaantok pa ako, Rod.
When Imee tell those words, I remove the comforter that cover her face. As usual, she gave me a death glare.
Rod: Mrs. Laurel, sige na po, please? Promise mabilis lang tayo doon then after that uuwi na din po tayo so that you can sleep right away.
Lizzy sigh and rolled her eyes on me. Jusko! Mukhang hindi na talaga effective ang pagpapaawa at pagpapa-cute ko dito. Silence hit us for a second and by the time she look at me, alam ko ng hindi talaga siya papayag so I simply nodded and stood up. When I walk away, I start whispering but loud enough in order for her to hear lahat ng sinasabi ko.
Rod: Ilang araw na ngang hindi nagkita, hindi pa nagrereply, ni hindi din tumatawag tapos ito lang pakiusap ko, ayaw pa. Tsk! Iba din. Parang hindi ako namiss ah (sigh)
Imee: May sinasabi ka ba jan Laurel ha?
I immediately turn back and by the time I was about to speak, there's a notification popped up on her phone which she grab right away. To be honest, that made me frown. Sino naman kayang napakaswerteng nilalang yun? So I crossed my arm and sit on the couch.
Imee: Love, anong magandang resto dito? Yung fancy resto ha (look at Rod) May alam ka ba?
I didn't speak. I look around and pretended na hindi ko narinig ang tanong niya.
Imee: Hoy! Laurel naman eh. Nagtatanong ako!
Rod: Bakit? Sino ba yan, Ivy?
Imee: I-Ivy? (Confuse)
Rod: Sino nga yan? ( Stood up then walk closer to Imee)
Imee: Si Gali. He's asking kasi kung saan daw pwedeng magdinner.
Rod: Ah so may dinner kayo? Okay! Kapag si Gab, pwede pero kapag ako hindi? Bakit nawala na ba antok mo? Edi siya na. Sino ba naman kasi ako diba? Fiance mo lang naman kasi ako, siya bestfriend mo kaya sa kanya ka sasama. Tsk! Anong oras ka daw susunduin? (Then look at Imee seriously)
Lizzy frown pero I just shook my head and went back to the couch para umupo. I even crossed my legs and get my phone also.
Imee: Pwede mo ba akong ihatid, love?
When she ask me, she did that sweet smile again. I was about to smile pero agad kong naalala na dapat nagtatampo at galit ako so I did a serious face again and speak up.
Rod: Just wow! (Shook his head and continue swiping his phone)
Imee: Joke lang! Ito naman eh (sit beside Rod and rest her head on his chest) Actually kaya nagtatanong siya sa akin kasi he ask Franky on a date daw.
That made me confused so I turned off my phone. Lizzy faced me and continue to speak up.
Imee: He's been courting Franky na pala and tonight will be their official date.
Rod: Oh okay. Well, good for them.
Imee: I'm so happy for Gab. Akala ko tatandang binata yun eh (then laugh)
Rod: Sige na love, I gotta go.
I didn't kiss her goodbye. I just stood up and immediately walk away. She stop me when I was about to open the door.
Imee: Hey!
Rod: What? (Serious face)
Imee: Okay fine! I'll come with you na. Just wait downstairs tsaka ipagpaalam mo ako kay Dad para alam niyang aalis ako.
I nodded as reply and by the time she enter the bathroom, agad akong napaupo sa kama niya. "Effective pa din pala ang pagpapanggap ko (then laugh) Wew!"
I go downstairs first to ask their helper kung saan ang kwarto ng Daddy at Mommy ni Lizzy. In fact, hinatid pa nga ako ng helper nila doon mismo sa tapat ng kwarto nila so I sigh deeply before knocking.
Maddison: Come in.
I slowly open the door and I was shock coz Kuya Anthony is there also. Agad ko namang nilapitan si Tito and ask kung kumusta na siya. Sa totoo lang he looks okay. Pero kagaya nga ng sabi ng mga Doctor, lalong humihina ang katawan niya kaya palagi nalang siyang nakahiga.
Edward: Mag-ingat kayo ha? Yung prinsesa ko, alagaan mo, iho.
Rod: I will, Tito (nodded and smile)
Edward: Never get tired sa pagiging masungit non ha? Alam mo naman yun, masungit pero mahal na mahal ka non.
Maddison: Dito ba kayo magdidinner? (Look at Rod)
Rod: D-depende po kay Lizzy, Tita.
Anthony: Ay Architect, kung ako sayo pakakainin ko muna yun bago iuwi dito. Kasi kapag yun nagutom? Believe me, hindi magrereply sayo yun mamayang gabi.
Our conversation goes on until inaya ako ni Kuya Anthony sa dining room just to have some drinks besides matagal din naman gumayak si Lizzy eh.
We reach the University half an hour. To be honest nahirapan talaga ako maghanap ng parking area coz compared before mas lalong dumami ang mga sasakyan.
As I hopped out sakto namang bumaba na agad si Lizzy. Pagbubuksan ko nga sana eh kaso hindi na nakahintay coz she wants to go sa Building daw nila and check if her name is still there. Iba talaga kapag famous HAHA.
Imee: Go and do your stuffs na, love. Ako naman I'll roam around.
Rod: Are you sure? Pwede pa naman kitang ihatid sa building niyo, love. Then after that pupuntahan ko na si Architect Guevara.
Imee: Hindi na ako bata, Rod. I can go there on my own (serious tone of voice)
Rod: S-sige, love. Ahm, j-just call me if need anything ha?
Imee: Okay.
I was about to give her a cheek kiss but she immediately turn back and walk away. "May nagawa ba ako? (Silently ask himself)". Napakamot nalang ako sa ulo and directly head to CEA building.
Nakilala ako ng ibang mga professors dito kaya we had a quick kamustahan lang bago ko pinuntahan si Architect Guevara. As I enter the room, he's currently discussing. To be honest, aalis na sana muna ako but he called me at agad akong pinakilala sa mga Architecture students. Minutes had pass he excuse himself so we can talk.
Architect Guevara: Wow! Alam mo Roderick, I'm so proud dahil isa ako sa mga naging professor mo dito sa universidad na ito.
Rod: Salamat din po, Architect, dahil pinagtyagaan niyo po kaming turuan noon. All the knowledge that you've shared? Maraming salamat po (then smile)
Architect Guevara: Walang anuman besides it's our job (smile back) Nga pala, kumusta na sila Ms. Perez, Mr. Ballada at Mr. Cabrera? Diba kayo ang magkakasama dati? (Tapped Rod's shoulder and start to walk)
Rod: Yes, sir. They are all Architects na din po and hanggang ngayon eh magkakasama pa din po kami.
Architect Guevara: That's good. Mabuti naman kung ganon. Ang nabalitaan lang kasi namin eh ikaw lalo na't you did your apprenticeship at Barcelona. You know what, the College of Engineering and Architecture is very proud of you (nodded)
Rod: Thank you, sir (then smile)
Architect Guevara: Oh anyway, since kasama mo sila Mr. Ballada, pwede bang kayong apat nalang ang gumawa ng rest house ko? Gusto kong makita kung gaano kagaling ang mga estudyante ko noon.
Rod: Oo naman, sir. Such a pleasure to do your rest house po.
Our conversation goes on until we talk about the purpose of this meet up. Well, kagaya ng dati siya pa din talaga ang pinaka ginagalang ng CEA Department. Bakit? Kitang-kita palang kasi sa tindig eh lalo na when he started to speak. Yung tipong he knows and tells everything pero hindi siya nagmumukhang mayabang.
It took us half an hour to discuss about the layout of his house. Babalik nalang siguro ako next week coz he really needs to go dahil baka nagkokopyahan na daw ang mga estudyanteng iniwan niya HAHA. Naalala ko tuloy sila Franky noon, everytime lalabas yung professor namin while we are having exams, dali-dali siyang uupo sa tabi ko para kunin ang papel ko HAHA.
While walking, I saw a lady selling roses. That made me smile so I immediately walk towards her and buy 3 roses. Since maaga pa naman, manliligaw muna ulit ako.
Imee's POV
It's so nice to be back. Madami ng nagbago pero I'm still happy kasi nakikita ko pa din ang pangalan ko sa mga boards around the university. Ang ganda pala sa pakiramdam na hindi ka nakakalimutan kahit na ilang taon na ang nakakalipas.
When I saw a chair, agad akong umupo kasi nakakapagod maglakad-lakad. I check my wristwatch coz until now eh hindi pa tumatawag yung lalaking yun. Anong oras na! I really wanna go home and sleep. Ilang araw din kasi akong puyat kaa-alaga kay Dad. Ang alam ko nga makakatulog ako maghapon ngayon eh but Rod ask me to go out. Hindi ko naman matiis dahil mukhang nagseselos na naman. I was about to stood up but my phone ring and it's Gali so I answered right away.
*On call
Gab: Hi, Gali.
Imee: Hello there.
Gab: Oh bakit parang malungkot ka? Ang tamlay ng boses mo ah.
Imee: Eh pano, ang tagal ni Rod. Uwing-uwi na ako eh.
Gab: (laugh) Bakit nasa'n ka ba? Gusto mo puntahan kita?
Imee: I'm here sa University. Tsaka anong puntahan? Eh diba may date ka? Dapat naghahanda ka na uy!
Gab: Oh eh ano naman? Mamaya pa naman yun Gali besides yung pasalabong mo na pinapabigay ni Mom, ibigay ko daw sayo agad.
Imee: Aww! Tell Tita thank you so much ha? Pero next time mo na idaan kasama ko si Rod eh.
Gab: Oh okay. Sige, I'll tell mom later.
Imee: Ay wag na pala. I'll message her nalang—Or better yet I'll call her nalang.
Gab: Okay (sigh deeply)
Imee: Grabe namang buntong hininga yan! Okay ka lang?
Gab: Actually I'm not.
Imee: Why? (Confused)
Gab: Kinakabahan ako, Gali.
Imee: Wow ha! Ngayon ka pa talaga kakabahan eh nililigawan mo na siya, right? Wait, Kelan ka nga pala nagsimulang manligaw sa kanya? Paano mo sinabi like through call ba— (didn't finish her words coz Gab speak up)
Gab: Basta! Akin nalang yun, Gali. Wag ka ng marites jan (then laugh)
Imee: K fine!
Gab: Tsaka nasabi ko naman sayo diba? This is our first official date. Yeah, nakakausap ko siya pero iba pa din yung...you know...yung talagang kaharap ko diba? T******! Kinakabahan talaga ako.
To be honest, that made me laugh. Bihira kasi magmura ang lalaking 'to kaya I'm sure sobrang kabado 'to HAHA. Our conversation goes on until someone tapped my shoulder so I immediately hang up.
Imee: Yes?
Student: Ate, may nagpapabigay po (handed one rose)
Imee: T-thank you (then smile)
Agad akong napangiti when I saw his lace coz it's a College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) lace. Hay naku! Ano na naman kayang pakulo ng lalaking yun?
As I stood up, I immediately look around pero ni anino niya hindi ko makita. While walking, there's a student stop infront of me again and handed one roses.
Student: Ate, may nagpapabigay po.
Imee: Sino daw? (Pabirong tanong)
Student: Hindi po sinabi yung pangalan, ate. Basta sabi niya ibigay ko daw po sayo yang Rosas.
Imee: Okay (nodded) Salamat.
Student: Sige, ate. Alis na po ako.
I simply nodded and continue to walk. I also holding my phone coz I keep on texting and calling him pero ni minsan hindi niya sinagot. Hayst! But by the time I reach the green house, he show up while holding a rose which made me smirk.
Imee: Ano na namang pakulo mo, Laurel? (then raised her left brow)
Rod: Shusshh! Call me Mr. R (then wink)
To be honest, pinipigilan ko talaga ang sarili kong wag ngumiti. God! This man talaga. Parang pinamumukha talaga niyang ako ang swerte sa aming dalawa eh. Like, ang swerte ko kasi he's my fiancé at siya ang mapapangasawa ko.
When he handed the red rose, he smile, caressed my hair and immediately hug me. Well, I wanna pulled out from his hug kasi pinagtitinginan kami ng mga students but he didn't let me. Mas lalo pa niyang hinigpitan eh.
Rod: Pasado ako (laugh silently)
That made me laugh as well. Naalala ko tuloy yung araw na bigla niya akong niyakap dahil thesis defended siya. After a second, I forcedly pulled out from the hug and push him slightly. When I look around, this was the exact spot din pala.
Rod: Oh bakit?
Imee: Tigilan mo na nga. Kota na! Pulang-pula na ang pisngi ko, Mr. R (shyly look at Rod) Tsaka pinagtitinginan tayo oh nakaka—(didn't continue her words coz Rod hold her hand which gave her a sign to stop talking)
Rod: Eh ano naman, love? Nahihiya ka ba? Kinakahiya mo na naman ba ako? Tsk! I knew it (shook his head) Palagi naman love eh. Wala namang bago doon (let go of Imee's hand) Everytime may tao, ayaw mong niyayakap ka. Ayaw mo din na nilalambing ka. Palagi nalang private eh. For once naman love, maging showy ka din.
Biglang na putol ang kilig ko nang bigla siyang magdrama. Hayst! Heto na naman po siya. I just sigh deeply and came closer. When he was about to look away, I told him to look at me.
Imee: Ayun na eh. Kinikilig na po ako eh. Bakit naman biglang nagda-drama ka na naman jan?
Rod: Hindi ako nagda-drama. Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo (look at his wristwatch) Ahm, Tara na. Iuuwi na kita. Sabi mo matutulog ka pa diba? So now give me your bag, ako na ang magdadala.
Well, hindi ko sana ibibigay but then again he immediately get it at agad na hinawakan ulit ang kamay ko. When he started to walk, I let go which cause him to face me.
Rod: Why? Let's go na, love.
Imee: Ano nga ulit sagot ko noon when you said nakapasa ka?
Rod: E-ewan. Hindi ko na maalala.
Imee: Sus! I don't believe you, love. Ano nga? Anong sabi ko?
Rod: Well, sabi mo okay.
When he tell those words, I immediately came closer again and speak up.
Imee: Ulitin mo yung sinabi mo kanina (then smile)
Rod: Huh? Alin doon? Ang dami kong sinabi, love.
Imee: Yung "nakapasa ako" thingy! Ulitin mo.
He gave me a questioned look and was about to speak but I told him na ulitin na niya ulit. Hayst! Ang hirap magpigil ng inis. Naudlot na nga yung kilig ko kanina eh. After a second, he said okay and speak up pero naman! Labas sa ilong. Hindi ganon yung pagkakasabi niya kanina so I told him na ulitin niya ulit but in a good and exact way kung paano niya sinabi noon.
Rod: Pasado ako (then smile)
Imee: Congrats, love.
When I smile back, I cupped his face then bring my face closer to him. Tinitigan ko muna siya before closing my eyes to kiss him. Yes! I kiss him infront of those students na naglalakad at nakatingin sa amin. Sabi niya maging showy eh, edi pagbigyan natin kahit na sobrang nahihiya na ako sa loob loob ko.
Imee: I love you, Mr. R.
After telling those words, I hug him and whispered "Oh ginawa ko na. Okay na ba? Pero tignan mo, lalo tayong pinagtitinginan ng mga students dito!". Well, that made him chuckled so he pulled out from the hug and kissed me once again which made the peeps kilig.
When we hopped in the car, he ask me if it's okay kung puntahan ulit namin yung favourite place nila Tita Emilia and Tito Lucas. To be honest sasabihin ko nga sanang hindi eh pero ewan ko ba! Bigla nalang akong napasabi ng "Okay" eh.
We reach the place in 40 minutes. The place looks different. Dumami na din ang mga kainan. Medyo nalungkot nga lang ako dahil nag-iba na din yung place kung saan kami umuupo ni Rod noon. If there's one thing na nagustuhan ko ulit dito is that this place become romantic. Siguro naisipan na ng may-ari na pagandahin ito since may magandang view ng sunset.
Rod: Love?
Imee: Hmm?
Rod: Thank you for saying yes na puntahan natin ito ulit ha? (Stop, faced Imee and hold her hand)
Imee: Tsk! Wala naman akong magagawa kung gusto mong pumunta tayo dito eh....Tsaka malakas ka kaya sakin (whispered)
Rod: W-what? Anong sabi mo? (Smiling)
Imee: Wala! Alam mo ikaw, napakabingi mo. Wala ka bang pambili ng panlinis sa tenga ha?
Rod: Wala na love eh. Nagastos ko na sa pagpapagawa ng bahay natin (then laugh)
That made me laugh as well. After a second, niyakap ko ang bisig niya and rest my head on his shoulder. Silence hit us. We just enjoy the view just like before.
Minutes had pass, agad kaming napalingon coz there's a band. They're singing for free which made this place more romantic (the song is "I love you always forever").
When the girl starts to sing, agad na lumapit sa kanila ang mga tao while me and Rod just stay where we are dahil rinig at kita naman kahit papa'no. I don't know pero the song makes me smile.
Imee: Love, diba pinangako mo sa sarili mo noon na one day madadala mo ako dito?
Rod slowly look at me so I did the same at sabay kaming ngumiti.
Rod: Yes, love.
Imee: Alam mo noong natupad yun, ako naman ang nagkaroon ng pangako sa sarili ko.
Rod: What is it? (Faced Imee and hold her hand)
Imee: I promised myself na someday babalik tayo dito nang tayo na and it finally happen ....... nakabalik tayo dito nang magkasama, masaya at magkawak ang kamay.
A smile automatically formed on his face again. Unti-unti din lumalapit ang mukha niya sa akin. When he cupped my face, the people starts to sing the chorus part. Naudlot tuloy pero that made us laugh at pinonood nalang ulit ang banda.
To be honest I wanna stop this moment kasi gusto kong hindi na matapos ang gabi na'to. Ewan ko pero ngayon ko lang ulit naramdaman yung ganto eh. Yung effortless but still ramdam ko yung saya.
When the chorus part starts again, kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap sa bisig niya and told him to face me. Since palagi niya akong kinakantahan, I've decided na ako naman ang kumanta para sa kanya. Sinabayan ko lang ang kumakanta while looking at him.
I love you always forever
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
I love you always forever
Near and far, closer together
Everywhere I will be with you
Everything I will do for you
While singing, I playfully raising my eyebrows and swaying our hands at the same time. Well, he's confused right now pero alam kong gusto niya din naman. After a second, I placed his hands on my waist and then wrapped my hands around his nape.
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop, never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and everything
He chuckled and hugged me tight but then again I pulled out right away coz I wanna continue the song. I don't care kung pinagtitinginan kami ng mga tao. Ang importante naman masaya kami.
Say you'll love, love me forever
Never stop, never whatever
Near and far and always and everywhere and everything
Rod let go of my other hand at agad niya akong pinaikot. When I faced him, our face were inches away kaya agad akong napatigil sa pagkanta. After a second, he pulled me closer and cupped my face.
Rod: Roderick and Lizzy, always and forever.
He smile so I did the same. I was about to speak but he immediately closed his eyes and kiss me. After a second, I closed my eyes as well and kiss him back.
Anthony's POV
We just finished eating our dinner. Ava were now helping our helpers para iligpit ang mga pinagkainan while our princess were now in Mom and Dad's room. Siguro umaarteng Doctor na naman yun dahil wala si Lizzy.
While doing my speech for tomorrow, my phone ring and as I check the caller's name, it's Lizzy.
*On call
Anthony: Gabi na, Lizzy. Tapos na din kaming kumain and yet wala ka pa. Pauwi na ba kayo?
Imee: We're finishing our dinner lang, Kuya. Siguro we'll be home around 9pm.
Anthony: Okay. Anyway, tinawagan mo na ba si Daddy? Kanina ka pa hinahanap non. Miss na daw niya yung Doctor niya.
Imee: Yep. Actually sinabi ko na din na uminom siya ng gamot.
Anthony: Good. Anyway, I'll hang up na. May tinatapos pa kasi ako.
Imee: Okay!
Anthony: Mag-ingat kayo pauwi. Sabihan mo si Rod.
Imee: Okay.
Anthony: Okay, bye.
When I ended the call, I immediately continue doing my speech. After a minute, I was shock coz someone scream upstairs. Agad akong kinabahan dahil parang boses ni Mom yun. As I enter the living room, nakita ko din tumatakbo paakyat si Ava so I hurriedly follow her.
As I open the door, all of them are crying including my daughter. Agad ko namang sinabihan ang helper na sabihan si Manong na ihanda ang sasakyan but then again, sabi ng private nurse ni Dad, may papunta nang ambulance mula sa Hospital nila.
When I walk towards Dad and hold his hand, he open his eyes and speak up.
Edward: W-wag na. Tawa-tawagan mo nalang ang kapatid mo. Tell her to come home, Anthony.
When he tell those words, I inform our helper to call Lizzy and tell her na pumunta sa hospital dahil sa ayaw at gusto ni Dad, dadalhin ko siya sa hospital.
When the ambulance arrived, Dad refuse to go pero I told him na hindi. Kahit pa magalit siya sa akin after this, okay lang. Dahil kapag nandito si Lizzy, sigurado akong ito din ang gagawin niya.
Nang maibaba siya sa ambulance, agad namang lumapit ang mga nurse and doctor to assist him.
Maddison: Edward please! Please hon, stay with us. Kaya mo yan, okay? (Crying)
Anthony: Dad, listen to me. Papunta na si Lizzy. Diba sabi mo ayaw na ayaw mong umiiyak siya? Kami? Kaya lumaban ka, Dad.
Maddison: Nandito lang kami, hon. Hi-hinding-hindi ka namin iiwan.
When Dad entered the Emergency Room, I hugged Mom. Sa totoo lang, gusto kong umiyak pero gusto kong maging matatag para sa amin. After 20 minutes, Lizzy and Rod arrived. When Mom saw her, she immediately stood up and hugged Lizzy.
We're now waiting for the Doctor. Hindi din mapakali si Lizzy dahil kada-segundo ay tumatayo at naglalakad siya pabalik-balik.
Rod: Love, calm down.
Imee: I can't! (Sigh)
I was about to speak but Doctor came out from the ER and informed us na critical ang lagay ni Dad. Kanina din daw ay huminto ang puso niya but good thing na-revive naman agad.
We wait for like 20 minutes bago nila tuluyang mailipat si Dad sa assigned room nito at nang pwede na pumasok, we immediately entered including Rod.
Around 11:03pm, nagising si Dad. Lizzy, Mom and Rod fell asleep so I called the Doctor to check him. As the Doctor left, I sit beside Dad. Actually he weakly chuckled and shook his head.
Edward: Alam mo ikaw, napakatigas din ng ulo mo. Pareho kayo ng kapatid mo. Sinabi ko na ngang wag niyo na akong dalhin dito sa Hospital eh.
Anthony: Kung matigas man po ang ulo namin Dad, dahil din po sa inyo yun. Mana po kami sa inyo eh.
Edward: Naman! (Then smile) But seriously, wag mong pababayaan ang Mommy mo ha? Bantayan mo siya. Tsaka yung kapatid mo, wag na wag kang magsasawang intindihin siya (felt difficulty everytime he breathe) Son, hindi ko man pinapakita o madalas nasasabi sa inyo pero....s-sobrang ipinagmamalaki ko kayo ni Lizzy kahit na hindi niyo piniling maging lawyer kagaya namin ng Mommy niyo.
I hate this feeling. Ayoko 'tong nararamdaman ko. Ayoko din lahat ng sinasabi ni Dad dahil parang may masamang mangyayari pagkatapos nito. By the time I was about to speak, Lizzy speak up kaya napalingon kami agad sa kanya.
Imee: Daddy! (Rest her head on Edward's chest) Daddy naman eh. Umalis lang po ako saglit, nandito ka na agad sa Hospital (sit properly and look at Edward)
Edward: Eh ikaw kasi eh, iniiwan mo'ko (weakly laugh) A-alam mo namang ikaw yung gusto kong maging Doctor eh.
Imee: Don't worry, Dad. Nandito na po ako. Hinding-hindi na po kita iiwan (her tears started to fall but still manage to smile)
Edward: Alagaan niyo ang sarili niyo ha? Wag kayong mag-alala, babantayan at gagabayan ko kayo palagi lalong-lalo na ang Mommy niyo.
Anthony: Wag ka namang magsalita ng ganyan, Dad.
Edward: Mahal na mahal ko kayo. Thank you for making me the luckiest Dad in the world. I'm proud of you, guys.
I was about to speak pero unti-unting pumikit si Dad. Kasabay din nito ang pagtunog ng ECG Machine. Mom immediately woke up at agad na nilapitan si Dad. When Lizzy was about to get the reviving apparatus, the Doctor and nurses came in.
Doctor: Hold on. Ma'am you can't do that.
Imee: Doctor din ako! I'll revive my Dad on my own!
When Lizzy tell those words, the Doctor shook his head and immediately tell the nurse to forcedly stop her. Rod held Lizzy at ako naman yakap-yakap ko si Mom dahil pilit siyang nagpupumiligwas.
Doctor: Performing chest compression.
Nurse 1: Defibrillator is ready, Doc.
Doctor: Set it to 120.
Nurse 2: 120? Clear!
Doctor: Repeat compressions.
Imee: No! No! No! Dad, wake up! (Crying)
Nurse 1: No response.
Maddison: Edward please! Breathe, hon (crying)
Doctor: Set it to 360.
Nurse 2: Clear!
Imee: Do everything you can! Save my Dad!
Maddison: Anthony your Dad! Please wake him up!
Doctor: Come on! (Performing compression and defibrillator)
When the doctor revived my Dad for the last time, the nurse replied "No response". The ECG machine still shows flat line.
Doctor: 360 joules defibrillated.
The Doctor look at Mom and shook his head. This time Mom cried even more as well as Lizzy.
Doctor: I'm sorry ma'am, sir. We did everything we can. We cannot revive him.
Imee: No! No! No! Daddy! Don't do this, wake up!
Doctor: Time of death 12:08am.
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