"Thank you," I said after a long silence.
Nakita ko sa peripheral vision ko na pinatong niya rin ang siko niya sa wall barrier at tumingin sa itaas.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
Since you came back, not anymore.
"Yeah," I answered. "Alam mo, your presence always bothers me. I'm not used to you being here."
"But you have to do it again."
"As co-workers, yes," I let out a laugh. "Why are you here?"
"I heard no one comes here so I thought I could find peace here. I didn't know you were here." He said.
"Palagi naman akong nandito." Mabilis kong sagot. Silence enveloped us so I was the first to move. "Sorry, there's just so much going on in my mind right now. Thank you for this, I will return it," inangat ko ang panyo niya at nilagay iyon sa bulsa ng coat. I smiled at him and before I walked away at the same time I wiped my cheek because a tear fell again.
My thoughts disturb me for no reason. I'm having trouble. Why did Ralpkiel have to show up there? He is one of the reasons why I feel inferior now and then he will give me a handkerchief? Do I really need to get used to his presence again? O p'wede naman akong lumipat ng ibang hospital. But it's hard to start anew, I've been working here for several years. I wouldn't like to leave either.
Besides, why would I leave and start over? I wouldn't choose to leave here just because Ralpkiel came back. I don't let my feelings and life be affected just because of his presence, he still hurts me secretly. That's how I feel, I'm hurt because I hurt him. Wala akong pakialam kung ilang taon na ang nakalipas, just now, my heart opened again to see our past. I realized I wasn't fully healed, I was just distracted. Or am I?
Sobrang gulo. Sobrang gulo ko. Am I feeling this way just because of Ralpkiel's presence? Yes. No. Maybe? I don't know. What's with him? Wala naman, right? I don't know why his presence disturbs me every time we get close. Siguro may part pa akong hindi ko pa nagagawa. And I want to know that in the near future so that I can do and finish everything.
Everything.
I went back to work and went to the room where we doctors always meet. Just talked about every case that needs to be dealt with immediately, and the said website as well. Everything was discussed there so it took us a while. After I got out of there, I went straight to the nursing ward again, I just checked on the children there with a nurse and we also tested them. After we consulted them, we also told the others that they can leave the hospital na.
Hawak ko ang chart at may binibilugan habang naglalakad. I just have to do something. Huminto ako sa nursing station at nilapag ang chart bago pirmahan 'yung isang paper. Tinanggal ko iyon sa clipboard at binigay sa nurse para sabihing ipabigay sa doctor na nakalagay rin sa dulo ng paper. "Anyway, do you have Ralph Quezon's chart? Doctor Hermosa's patient," I asked. Ngumiti ako nang tumango ang nurse at sinabing kukuhanin niya lang daw.
I patiently waited for that while playing with my ballpen. I felt hungry so I looked at the time. Shit. Anong oras na hindi pa rin ako kumakain. "Ralph Quezon, 11 years old, diagnosed with pneumonia." My lips parted when I heard what she said.
Kinuha ko iyon at tinignan. "Is he confined now? What room number?" I asked. "Thank you," binalik ko na sa kaniya iyon at tumakbo papunta sa elevator. Mabilis kong pinipindot ang up para bumukas na, ang tagal naman! I was so ready to enter the elevator but I lost my life again when I saw who was the only person inside. Wala naman akong choice kundi pumasok nang tahimik.
He was leaning on the end kaya hindi ako lumapit doon, may kausap din siya sa phone. Pipindutin ko na sana 'yung floor kung saan ako pupunta but we're going out on the same floor kaya hinayaan ko na lang.
"I'll go home tonight, baby. Okay. See you later,"
Umirap ako nang patago at tumingin sa taas para tignan kung anong floor na. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang bumukas na ang elevator, mabilis akong lumabas. I am avoiding him. So, totoong may girlfriend nga siya. Cringe ng callsign, 'baby'? So old.
Pumasok ako sa ward at hinanap si Ralph. I examine each patient until I see him at the end. I closed the curtain and sat on the chair next to his bed. Wala ba siyang bantay? Why didn't anyone tell me he was here? I held his hand and rubbed it with my thumb. "I didn't know you were sick. You need to get better, Ralph. The person you've been waiting for is here again so you can play race car in SM," I chuckled, remembering Ralph's words, he wants to play race with Ralpkiel. "I'm sorry," I whispered.
Ever since I met him, he had a special place in my heart. Ever since Ralpkiel and I broke up, I've been visiting them all the time because there, I know I have something to spend time with. Nandoon din kasi Ralph, he reminds me of Ralpkiel kaya hindi ako nagsasawa na pumunta roon. For the whole year, it was as if he had become my son, as if I had raised him. I always borrow him there to take him to the mall. Play. Buy toys for him and his friends.
Why did he get sick? Every month, I also examine children there for free. Kapag day off ko, nandoon lang ako. Checking them up, playing with them, eating with them. Have I stopped paying attention to Ralph? Oh, God. He is very young. He has many more dreams waiting, I'm sure of that. So he should get better, because I'm also one of those waiting. I told myself, once I build a clinic, I will be able to adopt a child. My plan is to grow old alone.
I can't adopt right now because I don't know who I can trust to take care of it. I'm too busy at work. I still can't juggle taking care of a child and being a children's doctor. That's different. "Good night, Ralph," he's already sleeping. Tumayo ako at tinignan siya bago ako umalis. I went back to the nursing station and told them to move Ralph to a room where he would be alone. Kinausap ko rin si Dr. Hermosa bago bumalik sa pagta-trabaho.
Because my duty was so long today, I had to fight sleepiness while working. I just ate bread and drank coffee in the cafeteria when I remembered that I hadn't eaten yet. I just worked and studied until the sun rose again. Ugh, finally! I stretched in my office and felt tired. I yawned before grabbing my bag and putting the white coat on the clothesline.
Pagkauwi ko sa condo ay nakatulog kaagad ako sa kama. I wasn't even able to change my clothes and take a shower. Kaya pagkagising ko ay bad mood ako, everything I see irritates me because I don't like the smoothness of my skin right now. Kahit anong kalat ay nakakapagpainit ng dugo ko. I let my long hair dry with a blower while combing. When will I get a haircut? Hindi ko rin alam. Bakit ko ba kasi pinanghahawakan 'yung sinabi ni Maeve? That's not important and it's not true.
After cooking for my late lunch, I ironed the clothes that I will wear later. Finally, it's already Friday! Konting araw na lang at day off ko na. But I also couldn't sleep and rest that day. There is an event taking place at a 5-star hotel, it was the company's anniversary and my whole family was there. I'm sure they won't lose their co-workers and their friends. I only invited my close friends, still thomateneans. And Warren too.
"Fuck," I cursed the whole thing that was happening to me today after feeling something come out. Wala namang sign na magkakaroon na ako, huh?! Even sa app, next week pa ang nakalagay roon! "Tsk," tinali ko ang buhok ko at kumuha ng panibagong shorts para magpalit. Nakakainis.
I was so annoyed this afternoon, I almost opened the room that I haven't opened in a long time. Fortunately, I was able to control myself. Ayokong buksan 'yon. Before my duty, I took a run where there weren't many people. Nothing will bother me now. I sat on the bench when I stopped because I had come a long way. I opened my water bottle while I was out of breath. Kinuha ko ang phone ko na nasa bulsa ng jacket ko at tinignan kung ano ang notification na natanggap ko.
From: Unknown Number
Hi. This is Ralpkiel, Nurse Lea gave me your number because I asked. I just want to ask if you have thrown away the bottle of my versace perfume?
What the fuck?
Ang random naman niya?
Why would he look for that perfume? It's been almost a decade since I bought it for him, he didn't use it and just made it a display because it was a remembrance RAW. Pangatlong perfume ko raw iyon na iniregalo sa kaniya, he took that as 'i love you'. He's so... ugh! Why do I still remember that? That shouldn't be a concern.
Pero nasa room 'yon. Bahala siya. Hindi ako magre-reply. Hindi ko ibibigay, hindi ko kukuhanin. Kaya naman niyang bumili ng bago, why doesn't he do it? Bakit kailangan hanapin pa sa akin?
Hindi ko pinansin iyon at bumalik na sa pagtakbo, nag-taxi na lang ako pabalik sa condo para makapag-ayos na. Because I'm on duty in the emergency room today, I'm just sitting on the side while doing paperwork. I also talked to those who are also on duty here, wala namang patients.
"Meron pa lang branch 'tong hospital sa Japan. Ngayon ko lang nalaman," umupo 'yung isang nurse na may hawak na clipboard.
Really?
"Eh? Sino nagsabi?"
"Nakipag-usap ako kay Nurse Ezchavez,"
Oh.
So, any time, Ralpkiel could leave here again and return to Japan. I looked at the nurses who came in and they were rushing to bring in the person sitting in the wheel chair. Kaagad akong tumayo at inalalayan ang patient na makaupo sa kama. I touched his arm pero bigla siyang nag-flinch. It was only then that I realized that I knew this patient when I moved his hair from his forehead to treat the wound.
He had a motorcycle accident. The impact of the accident on him was not serious, he only had a wound on his forehead and his elbow. The movement of his left hand is also not good. It was injured so we put a plaster cast on it. Since Syd doesn't have a guardian, I put him in the ward first to rest. He also lost energy when he got to the hospital.
When I had nothing to do, I mustered up the courage to go to the cardiothoracic department. Kumatok ako sa office ni Warren pero walang sumasagot kaya binuksan ko na. The lights are off. Wala siya? I frowned. Pumasok ako para kumuha ng dutchmilk sa mini ref niya and left there to go to the nursing station.
"Is Doctor Warren on duty?" I asked them.
"No, Doc. He just finished his duty," I pouted when I heard his answer. Tinanguan ko na lang siya bago pumasok sa pinto kung nasaan ang mga hagdan. I sat on the stairs and leaned my head against the wall while looking at the glass window. Ininom ko ang dutchmilk.
Is Ralpkiel also on duty? I haven't seen him yet. What will I do if I haven't seen him yet? Why am I looking for him?
Nilapag ko ang dutchmilk sa gilid, I crossed my arms and closed my eyes. When will I breathe again? It's almost December, I plan to take a leave and run for a while.
"Are you sleeping?" I opened my eyes when someone spoke. Walang reaksyon ang mukha ko nang makita si Ralpkiel na nakatayo sa harapan, galing siya sa baba. Bakit naghagdan 'to? Umiling ako bilang sagot. I still look at him strangely. It's like I'm in college again, still in the same love. Still can't believe it. Everything.
Tinanguan niya lang ako bago niya ako lagpasan. I felt he was about to open the door when I spoke, which is why he stopped. "Do you know that my family is still looking for you to me?" I said without looking at him. I heard him sigh. "Please, visit them. I don't care if it's at home or in the company, we only meet inside the hospital. Thank you,"
My family always asks me for updates about him. They never respected me for my peace of mind. They never stopped reminding me about Ralpkiel. I just let them, that's what makes them happy. Nakayanan ko pa rin naman. Hindi ko nga lang alam kung ano ang ginawa ni Kiel sa kanila at nagkagoon. Tumayo na ako at naglakad pababa ng hagdan, leaving him behind. Like I always do.
Nawala na naman ako sa mood buong oras habang nagta-trabaho at nag-aaral. Bumalik na naman ang pagiging tahimik ko sa kahit anong sitwasyon, kung noon ay madaldal ako kapag kumakain kasama ang mga kaibigan ko or team, ngayon parang nasa ere na lang ulit ako. Sinasabayan ko na lang sila lalo na kapag si Doctor Ty ang nagsisimula ng asaran.
I just did my jobs again. Iyon lang naman ang palagi kong ginagawa. Duty, home, sleep, eat, repeat.
From: Nathalie
Hi, Ate Nads! Puntahan kita ngayon sa hospital, meet tayo sa cafeteria. Malapit na ako. :)
Oh. Ano naman ang gagawin niya rito? Magkikita naman kami bukas dahil sa event, 'di ba? I just replied to her, saying okay. Nag-ayos lang ako saglit bago pumunta sa room ni Ralph, naglabas ako ng malalim na hininga nang makitang tulog siya. Palagi na lang siyang tulog, hindi ko na naaabutang gising.
Kinausap ko na lang din 'yung bantay niya, sabi ko ay tawagan ako pagkagising ni Ralph. Dumiretso muna ako sa ward before going to cafeteria, sinilip ko si Syd sandali at nagulat nang nakaupo siya. His Mom requested na manatili muna siya rito para raw siguradong wala na siyang sakit na mararamdaman pagkalabas.
"Hey," Syd said when he saw me. Ngumiti ako sa kaniya at lumapit sa kaniya.
"Hi," I greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Feeling better. How are you?"
"I'm good." I answered. "How's Sydney?"
"She's good. They just came here earlier." Tumango ako. "Kayo ni Ezchavez?" Huh? We both looked up when someone pulled back the curtain that was covering us. Ralpkiel looked at Syd before me, he also left quickly. Maling curtain siguro nabuksan niya? It's awkward. "Ilang taon na kayo? 10 years? Woah, you have a very strong relationship." He even chuckled.
What?
"I stalked your Instagram account last year, I unfollowed others and then I saw your account. Hindi ka na active. Andun pa rin ang pictures niyo."
Pinasok ko ang kamay ko sa bulsa ng lab coat ko at inangat ang gilid ng labi bago tumingin sa sahig. "We already broke up. After he graduated college, I parted ways with him." I cleared. Kung hindi ko sasabihin, baka masabi niya pa sa iba 'yon.
Nawala ang energy ng mukha ni Syd nang marinig ang sinabi ko. "I'm sorry,"
"It's okay. We just did it quietly." Tinawanan ko pa ang sinabi ko. I'm right. I turned my back on him quietly, he left quietly. I chased my hopes quietly. Did he pursue his hopes quietly? Did he catch up? Maybe yes, he wouldn't be here today if he hadn't chased his hopes. Tinignan ko ang relo ko upang makita ang oras. "I'll go now, may gagawin pa 'ko. Send me your Gcash number for my advance gift for Sydney. Or i-cash ko na lang," nagpaalam na ako kay Syd nang sinabi ko iyon.
Sydney is his daughter. Kinuha niya akong ninang. He invited me sa wedding niya and Elle. It's a good thing that Syd made up his mind, he's learned from his mistakes. We just met at a mall, he invited me for coffee, we talked. He apologized properly, he regretted everything, he realized that everything he did was wrong. I don't deserve that, that's what he said. If only time could be turned back, he would avoid me.
Repentance really comes last after what's done, right? I forgave him. I'm fine with him, I've accepted it. Now, with Ralpkiel, I'm still not relieved. I'm the one at fault, I should also apologize to him for that, I'll fix my feelings when I do that. Hindi na ako mauubusan ng gana kapag ginawa ko iyon siguro. Nevermind. Parang closure lang ang ginawa ko kapag nangyari iyon, I don't respect him if I ask for closure.
Pumasok ako sa cafeteria at napahinto nang makita si Nathalie at Ralpkiel na nakaupo sa iisang table. I frowned and took a deep breath. What are they talking about at this time? I walked closer there and sat next to Nathalie.
"Your sister's here, Nathalie." Ralpkiel said, looking at me. Tatayo na sana siya pero nagsalita ako.
"No, stay here." I stopped him, reason why he frowned. Napalunok ako at iniwas ang tingin sa kaniya.
"See? Okay lang kay Ate na pumunta ka bukas sa event. She wants you to stay here nga, eh. Bukas pa kaya? Right, Ate Nads?" Napatingin ako kay Nathalie dahil sa sinabi niya. What the hell is she saying?! Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata pero nginitian niya lang ako kaya wala na akong nagawa.
"Of course, it's okay.." I smiled nervously. "Is it okay with you, Dr. Ezchavez?" I smiled at him.
"Yeah? Sure," tinanguan lang ako ni Ralpkiel kaya umayos na ako nang pagkakaupo. Tinignan niya ang relo niya at tumayo na. "Please, excuse me. I have something to do," nagpaalam na siya kay Nathalie kaya hindi na ako kumibo. Nang masigurado ko na wala na si Ralpkiel, tinignan ko si Nathalie.
"He's back na pala, 'no? Pumogi siya lalo," my sister laughed. I looked at her as if I was judging her. "Anyway, I came here to update about your clinic. Baka maging complete na siya next week, ready na lahat ng gamit. Will arrange it na lang ni Engineer and each floor will be checked for security."
Lumiwanag ang mukha ko. "Really?!" I placed a big smile on my face.
"Yes, yes. Lilipat ka na rin ba ng condo?" Tumango ako. Binuksan niya ang bag niya at mayroon siyang kinuha roon, brochure. Binigay niya sa akin iyon kaya tinignan ko. "That's a new work, baka lang gusto mo,"
"Thanks. I go to it when I don't have work."
"Okay, Ate. Aalis na rin ako, may meeting pa ako. And don't forget Nisha's gift daw bukas," Nathalie chuckled.
"Oh, yeah, right. Dadalhin ko bukas. Take care, Nathalie,"
I just bought a donut outside when I had break time. Warren wasn't around so I couldn't order someone to buy me a donut, nasa OR kasi. Sobrang busy niya kaya nabo-boring ako dahil wala akong kaasaran. Although, I'm busy. I just worked in my office and went to meetings.
Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko at nag-unat dahil sumakit na ang likod ko kakaaral sa sakit ng patient ko. Binuksan ko ang pinto nang mayroong kumatok doon.
"Doc, may nagpapabigay po." Inabot niya sa akin ang cup ng coffee siguro? Tinanggap ko iyon at tinikman nang umalis na 'yung nurse.
Oh.
It tastes good! Is this from Warren? Siya lang naman nagpapadala sa akin ng coffee latte. Im fairness, he improvised at work. It tasted better than the first one he gave me. I just drank it while I was working. Inasikaso ko muna ang papers ng mga bagong patient and mga bagong baby bago nag-break time. Isang oras na lang ay mag-a-out na rin ako. Finally! Monday na ulit ang trabaho ko. I hope I can sleep well later. I'll drink sleeping pill para mabilis akong makatulog at maiwasan ang pag-iisip ng mga bagay.
Nakita ko si Warren na nakaupo mag-isa kaya lumapit ako roon pero napunta ang tingin ko sa katabing table niya. It was Ralpkiel and a female doctor too, her eyes are narrow, her hair is short, she also has some bangs. Is that his girlfriend? I immediately averted my gaze from them because Warren had already seen me.
"Hi, Warren. Thanks for the coffee latte earlier, that was better than the one you made earlier." I even gave him a thumbs up. Umupo ako sa harap niya, I feel awkward! Ang lapit lang namin kay Ralpkiel.
Kumunot ang noo niya. "Hindi ako gumawa kanina? Baka nag-order ka?"
"Huh? Nurse Eron gave it to me. I didn't order because I was busy all day. Wala akong time..." Nagtataka na rin ako. Sino naman ang magbibigay sa akin nun? "I'm stressed, but it's lessened because I tasted a latte today." I smiled.
Warren chuckled. "Kumain ka na? May gusto ka?"
Umiling ako kaagad. "No, no. What time do you finish duty?" I asked instead. Naririnig ko si Ralpkiel pati 'yung kasama niyang nag-uusap, hindi ko maintindihan dahil japanese iyon! Maybe she is the one they say is his girlfriend? So, it's true. Meron nga siyang girlfriend.
"11 PM pa. 'Di kita maihahatid,"
"No, it's okay. Pick me up tomorrow na lang? Too lazy to drive," I requested.
"Yup, why not?" nginitian niya ako. "Hindi ako magtatagal bukas sa event. We have a family dinner, birthday ni Tita."
"Really? Greet her a happy birthday for me," excited kong sabi. Nag-usap lang kami tungkol sa clinic ko, it got to the point where I didn't even realize that they and Ralpkiel were still sitting there. Kami na ang unang umalis dahil nagpaalam na rin ako, may rounds pa ako bago mag-off-duty.
I just followed my plans the next day.
I parted my long hair in the middle and combed it. I'm done with my make up, like before, my make up is always balanced. A little light, a little dark. I made my long hair wavy and sprayed it to make it last. I wore a sweetheart neck ruched puff sleeve split hem velvet bodycon dress, it was maroon. I made sure all my things were complete in my bag before going down, Warren was already there.
We greeted each other when I got in to his car. I also talked to Maeve about where she is, she said she's close but there's too much traffic so it's better to go early. Mamayang gabi pa naman 'yon magsisimula pero kailangan talaga namin pumunta nang maaga. Maeve was right, sobra ang traffic.
I hugged my parents when I saw them inside, there were only a few people but they were getting more and more. Only businessmen, company friends, law school professors, family members, and friends are invited.
"Doctor Ralpkiel Ezchavez is also here?" napatingin ako kay Warren nang magsalita siya. "Close pala siya kay Adrian. Damn, look at him. He laughs with your brothers," kinalabit niya ako at tinuro kung nasaan sila.
He was wearing a long sleeve button up, dark blue, and black pants. It was rolled up to his elbow, the veins were obvious. He laughed again so that his eyes disappeared a bit, causing me to smile a little. I can't refuse it anymore, he's so gwapo. But I don't want to give up, I'm not down with him.
Our eyes met, he gave me a small smile but it disappeared when he saw Warren next to me. Napatingin ako sa phone ni Warren na tumunog, he excused himself to answer the call so he stood up. Tumabi sa akin si Maeve at tinanong kung alam ko raw bang pupunta si Ralpkiel ngayon. I just said yes, Adrian invited him first, nalaman ng parents ko, they invited him.
"Dapat kasama ang family niya, kaso busy yata lahat so siya na lang ang pumunta. Gwapo niya, 'no?" Maeve kept talking about him. We're just looking at him. Nakatayo siya kasama si Kuya Ashton, may pinag-uusapan sila.
"He is, Maeve. His girlfriend is pretty rin, I saw them last night."
"Oh my, babe. It's not his girlfriend pala, issue lang ng mga nurse 'yon. You know, Ralpkiel and I talked." I looked at Maeve because of what I heard, they talked? Why didn't she tell me? "I asked that from myself. Sabi niya wala siyang girlfriend. Sorry, I didn't ask if he still loves you." Tinawanan niya ako bago humigop sa tubig. Inirapan ko siya at napahilot sa gitna ng kilay ko.
Confirmed that he doesn't have a girlfriend and that he is still single until now.
"Bad news lang, I heard in other departments that many people are hitting up on him. Son of the owner kasi, besides that, he's also handsome. Mabait din, hindi na lugi 'yung magiging girlfriend niya."
"Maaga akong mapapainom ng champagne dahil sa 'yo." Tinignan ko siya nang masama.
"What a shame she's fucked in the head?" Maeve teased me. She laughed at me when she saw my reaction. May oras pa siya para alalahanin 'yon galing sa champagne problems, huh?
"Nads, sorry. I need to go. Lola is looking for me na raw," naputol ang pag-uusap namin ni Maeve nang hinawakan ni Warren ang balikat ko. I excused myself kay Maeve para samahan si Warren na lumabas ng hotel. "Sorry talaga,"
"No, no. It's okay. Don't be sorry because you can't spend your time here. Enjoy your time with your family," I said. Binuksan niya ang pinto sa likod at kinuha ko roon ang mga paper bag na puro laman ay laruan for my pamangkin. "Thank you," I hugged him.
Hinintay ko siyang makaalis bago ako pumasok sa loob. I looked down when someone shouted my name so my lips flashed a smile.
"Tatiiii!" Kinuha ni Adrian ang dala ko at sinalubong ko si Nisha. Binuhat ko siya kaya hinalikan niya ako sa pisngi.
"I missed you, cutie!" Naglakad ako habang buhat-buhat ko siya. Nakasunod lang sa akin si Adrian sa likod.
"I missed you, too, Tati. Where's my gift? Did you buy it for me?" She smiled.
"Of course," binaba ko siya at umupo ako kung saan ako nakaupo. Kinuha ko ang pinahawak ko kay Adrian at binigay iyon kay Nisha. She opened it and she jumped up and down for joy. That was the toy she found on her mommy's phone, unlimited lang kasi iyon. Mabuti nga ay nabili ko ang last stock.
Niyakap niya ako sa leeg at hinalikan ulit sa pisngi. "Thank you, Tati! You the best," she smiled at me. Pumunta siya kay Adrian at hinawakan ang daliri ni Adrian. "Tito, let's go to Mommy! She needs to see this!"
I just played with my nephew and niece on the side while the event was starting. They just watched there how the company started and how it grew. From a small law firm, to many tall buildings of company branches in different countries. Speech ni Dad, Kuya Ashton, and Mom.
"Before everyone starts eating, I want to congratulate my youngest son. You are a father-to-be," I gasped when I heard what Mom said.
People applauded and I was still surprised. Mommy went to him to congratulate him. I approached Adrian and Ryza. "Oh my goodness, Ryza, you're pregnant?!" Hinawakan ko ang tyan niya at hinimas iyon bago siya yakapin. "And my baby is going to be a father," he hugged me tightly and patted my shoulder. "Tell me when you need a check up, kakausapin ko ang best doctor ng ob-gyn," I smiled.
"Appreciated 'yan, Ate Nads. Sobrang thank you po," Ryza hugged me again.
"I will send you lots of clothes and things for your future child once the gender is known," sabi ko ulit.
"You don't have to do it. I mean, I'm a pilot," ngumiti si Adrian na parang nang-aasar siya at pinagmamayabang niya iyon. Alam ko. He's rich, they're rich, stable ang buhay nila. Kaya nila bumuhay ng kahit ilang anak, I am really really happy for them.
Lumapit ako sa table kung nasaan ang mga drinks at kumuha ng isang glass of champagne roon. Nginitian ko ang isang matanda na lumapit sa akin matapos niya akong batiin.
"Nadeleine Vienaiaz, right?" He said.
"Doctor Nadeleine Vienaiaz, Mister," I corrected him.
He smirked. Tumango siya sa akin at tinignan niya ang table kung nasaan ang family ko. "Your brother's wife is pregnant,"
"Yes," I answered.
It's uncomfortable.
"I am Attorney Choi, by the way. I'm your dad's friend from college,"
I gave him a small smile. "Good to know,"
Tinanguan niya lang ulit ako. He cleared his throat before looking around the area. "I see it, they all have and will have children."
"I know,"
Attorney Choi looked at me. "How about you?"
"What about me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"When do you plan to have a child?" He fucking asked a nonsense question. This old man! What the fuck! My tongue retreated because my eyebrows met. I ran out of words because I was holding myself back. "Sorry. I mean, aren't you embarrassed because they all have kids and you still don't? I guess you don't even have a boyfriend." He even laughed!
"I'm sorry, what—"
"Love,"
I couldn't stop myself but I was stunned when I felt a hand pull on my waist. My knees immediately softened when I realized that it was Ralpkiel who did it and that our bodies were very close to each other.
Hey!
* * *