VIDA
" Go Ax! OMG! YES! AHHH! " I cheered for Axiel as he led his team to win the game
" Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganyan ka-ingay si Vida. Manang mana talaga kay Josefa. " I heard Papa Bong said
I asked the three of them to join me to watch Axiel's football game here in Las Vegas. Hindi kasi pinayagan si Tata Aimee na mag leave kaya sila nalang ang isinama ko, tuwang tuwa naman si Papa Bong dahil ilang years na daw siyang hindi nakakanuod ng live game.
" Ganyan din siya mag cheer noon kay Kuya Tommy eh. " hirit naman ni Tati Irene
" Magsitahimik kayong dalawa ipupukpok ko sa inyo itong bote ng tubig. " inamba ni Mommy yung tubig na hawak niya but I ignored them first and focused myself on the game
" GO AXIEL MY LOVE!! " I loudly screamed and I earned laughs from Tati and Papa
" Huy, babae. Easy lang. " sita ni Mommy pero nginitian ko lang
" Maka sita si Ate akala mo talaga hindi siya ganyan dati. " I heard Tati Irene teased my mom
" Kaya nga. I remember, you took a video of that Irene eh. Check it on your files then send it to me ha. " Papa Bong said
" Ay! Oo nga! Sige Kuya, that is noted. " Tati chuckles
" I said stop it, you two! " mahinang sigaw ni Mom
" You now know how annoying you are when you're cheering for Kuya Tommy before. I'm telling you Vida, she's more loud than you are. " Tati teasingly said
" At! May pa-banner pa yan si Manang noon. " Papa Bong added that made him and Tati laugh hard
" Can both of you shut it already? " Mama annoyingly said
Tumigil naman kaagad sila Papa Bong and Tati Irene after they successfully teased their sister. And as a rookie, Axiel did a very good job on leading his team to win their first game! He talks about this game almost every single day and it's worth the wait.
" You did a good job my love! " I said and clung my arms around his neck
" Thank you for coming and for loudly cheering for me. " Axiel said and kissed me on my cheeks
" Always, Love. " I replied
" You should also be thanking her mom. Because, Vida got her loud cheering from her mother. " Papa Bong teased again
" Papa, stop it na. Mom's not happy anymore oh. " I said and went beside my Mom and hugged her
" Love you, Manang! " Papa Bong went to us to squish Mama's face
" Ako din, I love you too Manang! " Tati rushed to us and kissed Mom on her cheeks with so much gigil
" Get off of me! Ang asim niyong dalawa! " I burst to laughter when mommy said that
" Sama talaga ni Ate oh, siya na nga minamahal eh. Palibhasa walang lovelife." asar pabalik ni Papa
" Okay lang maging maasim atleast hindi tigang noh. " Isa pa itong si Victoria
" Are you guys not going to stop teasing each other? Axiel and I are both hungry already. " I said and pick up my things and held my boyfriend's hand
" And excuse me? Ako walang lovelife? I have these two right here oh. " Momma said and went to me and Axiel
She lovingly looked at us and Axiel immediately offers his left arm to my mom that made me smile. He always told me how grateful he was to not just have me but to have my kuyas and especially to also have my mom. Axiel's mom and older brother died on a car accident a year before we met that is why he's very happy that he got closed with my family.
" Yeah, I'm claiming already that I am her favorite son-in-law. " Axiel chuckles as he held me and my mom
" Take note, 'ONLY' son-in-law. " I said
" See? Still got a lovelife you bagtits. " Mama said.
After Axiel's game, we ate dinner before we head to the airport and go home. Papa Bong asked Axiel to stay for the night since he's tired na and our shift tomorrow is very early. He just have to sleep on the couch hahahaha.
" You sure that you're okay here? " I asked him while handing him some pillow and comforter
" Yes, Lovey. Besides, your Aunt's couch are more comfortable than my bed, I think this costs millions. I could sleep here everyday. " He seriously said
" Is it actually. This couches are costing 1.3 million each. So, I hope your beautiful ass will sleep well tonight. " I chuckles
" Wow. I surely will. Good night, Lovey. I love you. " He said and he kissed my forehead
" Nighty night, Love. I love you too. " I kissed his lips before I went upstairs
" We saw that, Miss Bunny Bear. " I heard someone spoke behind me
It's Mom and Tati. Arms crossed while leaning on the wall beside their room.
" Saw what? " I asked and snuggle up on their middle
" That kiss. He kissed you on your forehead pero hinalikan mo siya sa labi. " Mommy said and I smiled
" Don't be jealous. As if you both haven't do that before. Kissing guys before wedding? " asar ko sa kanila
" Oy, I don't no. Ako kaya ang pinakamabait sa amin. " Tati Irene defended herself
" So, ako ang hindi? " Mom said
" Sino pa ba? The Rebel of the Family, who happens to ran away with my kuya's Dad. " I said and hugged my mom's waist
" Ah, talaga ba? Hey! Wag mong ihahalik sa akin yang labi mo ha, humalik ka sa lalaki. Jusko ka. " bumitaw si Mommy sa pagkakayakap ko at akmang papasok na ng kwarto niya
" Ay naku! Ako rin ha, mag mouth wash ka muna doon kung gusto mong humalik at yumakap sa amin. " same as Mommy, lumakad na rin papasok ng room niya si Tati Irene.
" Ang aarte porket anak ni Imelda. " I whispered
" I heard that Imogen. " they both said in chorus kaya tinawanan ko lang sila
I headed to my room to wash up and change. Nahiga na rin ako in a few dahil nakaramdam na din ng pagod ang katawan ko. Honestly, what happen on the past months are very draining. Parang hindi na nga natapos yung mga kung ano anong pangyayari sa buhay ko. But on the other side, I realized that at the end of the day, I will still back on track fighting and striving in life. And now, I'm not alone anymore. I am with my boyfriend, Axiel, the guy that saved me from drowning. And of course, with my dearest mother.
Kahit sobrang pagod na yung katawan ko, I still managed to get my pillow, safety blanket and headed out of my room to go on my Mom's room. I guess everyone are always wondering why me and Mommy have our own rooms on Tati Irene and Papa Bong's houses. That is because, my Tati Irene and Papa Bong swore to my mom that whatever happens, they will look after me and mom.
While I'm heading to my mom's room, I saw at the big clock that it's already past 11 pm and I know that Mommy is now asleep. So, I didn't bother to knock anymore and just enter her room.
And there I saw my beautiful mother, wearing her reading glasses and still reading Pride and Prejudice.
" It's past your bed time curfew, Maria Imelda. " I said and Immediately headed to her huge and tall bed
" Curfew? Ano ako teenager? " Mama said while raising her eyebrows
" Of course! You're our only single lady in the family, we should keep an eye on you. " I seriously said
" Aba! Excuse me hija, baka nakakalimutan mo na nanay mo ako. And what are you doing here in my room aber? " mataray na sagot sa akin ni mommy before niya ipatong yung libro niya sa bed side table. Actually, It's my book.
" Yes, I know you're my mother that's why I'm making bantay of you because you are pretty and single and I don't want anyone to court you since I want you and Tito Tommy get back together, And I am here because I want to sleep with you. " I said that in a very sophisticated way before I sat down on her bed and fixed my blanket
" Hoy! Anong get back, get back together?! No one will get back together. Especially him and I. Anak, It's over two decades already. And besides, I'm too old for that kind of thing. " Mommy said and just look straight at the ceiling
" Ma, everyone can still see the love in Tito Tommy's eyes when you're around. Can you at least try? Just for me and especially my brothers. " I said as I lay down
" Hindi ko alam, Anak. Masyado pang nakaka-overwhelm para sa akin yung mga nangyari sa atin for the past months. " Mommy honestly said
" So true, Mom. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one who felt that way. " I said and snuggle closer to her
" Hindi ba pwedeng mag focus muna ako sayo, anak? Limang taon din yung nawala sa atin eh. " Mommy hug me more closer now
" Okay, mother dear. " I said and yawned
" Go to sleep na daldalita, It's been a long day and you'll probably have a longer one tomorrow. " Mommy said and brushed my hair and kissed my forehead
Still hoping that Mom can still have a love life tho. But as of now, I will enjoy her arms around me and sosolohin ko muna yung pagmamahal ni Mommy.
Nagising ako sa malakas na tunog ng cellphone. Kung sino ka mang tumatawag, sana hindi masarap ulam mo ngayong araw.
" Mom? Is it yours? " I asked Mom but paglingon ko, wala na pala si Mommy sa tabi ko kaya kinuha ko nalang yung cellphone
" Hello? "
" Mom? " It's Kuya Borgy pala
" It's Imogen, Kuya. Mom's downstairs na ata eh, why? "
" Hi, stranger! Lola just asked me to call Mom and ask when will you guys be going home? She misses you na eh. " Kuya asked. Sa kanilang lahat, si Lola ang palaging atat na ata na makita at umuwi ako.
" I will just finish one surgery, Kuya. And then after I made sure that my patient is okay, we will come home already before Christmas. " I said and right before I stood up, Mom enters the room
" Who's that? " Mommy asked
" Kuya Borgy. "
" You heard that Lola? Your Therese will come home before Christmas. " We heard Kuya spoke with Lola
" Hi Lola! I missed you so much! Don't worry, We'll be home soon. " I said
" I miss you too, apo ko. Ingatan mo palagi ang sarili mo ha. " Lola lovingly said
" Ayan, Lola can sleep na since she talked to you already. Ikaw talaga gusto niyang tawagan kaso baka daw nagtatrabaho ka na eh. " Kuya Borgy said na ikinatawa ko dahil na rin sa itsura ni Mommy nung narinig niya yun
" So, second option lang pala ako Mommy? Ako kaya ang anak mo. " Mommy said that made me and Kuya laugh
" Alam ko yun Ime, namimis ko lang ang apo ko. " Lola said
" Hahahahaha naku Lola baka umiyak si Mommy. Sige na po, matulog ka na po at anong oras na diyan eh. I love you Lola! Love You, Manong! " I said goodbye
" We love you too, Imogen! Ingats! " Kuya said before hanging up the phone
" Good Morning Imelda ng buhay ko. " I greeted Mommy and hugged her
" Nakausap mo lang si Kuya mo, ang corny mo na. "
" Sus, tampo ka lang eh. Kahit naman mas miss ako ni Lola, mas gusto naman kitang kasama. " I sweetly said at baka mawala talaga sa mood to'
" Why so cheesy anak? Kanino mo ba namana yan? " I giggles at what Mommy said
" Hahahaha Ewan ko. Sige na Mom, magaasikaso na ako. " I said and kissed her cheeks and headed to my room
I fixed all my things and everything that I need for work today because It's going to be my first day back to work after everything that happened. Masyado na nga akong minamadali ng mga tao dito sa bahay eh pero I need to take a lot of time dahil ayokong madaliin ang oras dahil hindi pwede. Hindi ko rin naman ugaling magmadali dahil may consequences palagi.
" Imo? You all good in there, Lovey? " I heard Axiel outside.
" Yeah, I'm going down in a bit. " I shouted and gather all my things and got out of my room and headed down to the kitchen
" Ohhh. you look good on Papa's shirt. What happen to your clothes?" I asked him and sat on the stool across Mom who's preparing food
" I think you should ask Victoria Irene about that, anak. " Mom said and she's not just preparing breakfast but also preparing our baon
I remember when I was still a kid and studying, Mommy is committed to made me my lunch and snack for school. Like, literally everyday in my whole school years. Sobrang strict niya kasi when it comes to food na namana daw niya kay Lolo Macoy simula nung nagka pamilya siya.
" Why? Tati Irene! What's going on? " I shouted kaya pumasok din sa kitchen si Tati
"I forgot to put Chanel back on her cage, so she got Axiel's clothes ruined. Hehehe. I'm really sorry, Hijo. Don't worry, I will buy you a new one later." Tati chuckles and went to me to kissed my cheeks
" It's your first day back! Naiiyak ako, feeling ko first day mo sa school. " napahagalpak ako ng tawa kay Tati jusko
" Irene?!?!?! " Mom and Papa Bong reacted
" Biro lang! Eto namang dalawang ito hindi mabiro eh. " Tati said
" Here, Axiel, Vida. I made you your lunches. I made you both some Buttered Chicken and Pinakbet. " mas ginanahan akong pumasok dahil sa baon namin ni Ax hehehehe
" OMG! Thank You Mommy! " I stood up and went over her to give her a tight hug and kisses
" This is my first time to have packed lunch for work. Thank You, Tita Imee! " si gaya gaya na boyfriend ko, lumapit din sa amin at yumakap kay Mommy bago niya ayusin yung iba niyang gamit
" Akala ko masosolo na kita dito kasi wala dito sila kuya, may pumalit naman na bida bida. " I whispered pero narinig ni Mommy kaya pinisil niya ang pisngi ko
" Kasalanan mo yan noh, nag boyfriend boyfriend ka eh. Edi sana kung dinamayan mo ako sa pagiging single ko diba? " Mommy said while making gigil sa pisngi ko before ako i-kiss sa lips
" Sus, dami dami mong manliligaw eh. " I said
" Jusko, anak? Saan? " tawa ni Mommy
" Saan? Andiyan si Kuya Tommy ah tapos si PRRD gusto ka daw ulit ligawan sabi sa akin ni Sara. " Papa Bong said na nagpagulat sakin. He was making his coffee behind us
" What!?! Manliligaw siya kay Mom!?! " gulat kong sigaw
" Yup. And diba Kuya, bumalik din si Mark? Small told me that he and Philip reunite and Mark asked if single parin daw ba si Ate. " Tati added
" Ay, kaloka! ang haba ng hair ng Josefa namin, mas mahaba pa sa buhok ni Lola. " I joked
" Hoy! Magsitigil nga kayo! Kung ano anong sinasabi niyong tatlo! " sita sa amin ni Mommy
" Ayusin mo buhay mo Maria Imelda. Kasal muna bago sex ha? Jusko kapag ikaw nabuntis ng hindi kasal, sinasabi ko sayo. " I said and finished my breakfast
" IMOGEN!! "Mommy shouted
" We're going na nga. Irene, Bongbong, kayo na ang bahala diyan sa kapatid niyo at baka madagdagan ang manliligaw, ako ang mahihirapan niyan. " I jokingly said
" Yes po, Ma'am Vida. " Papa Bong bowed before I kissed his and Tati's cheeks
" Hehehehe, joke lang Mommy. I love you! " I kissed her cheeks too
Then, Axiel and I headed straight to the Hospital for our shift. A lots of Surgeries and another hell of a day is waiting for us.
" Ooooh, Welcome back Doctor Marcos! " I heard someone squealed and when I turn back, I saw Sophia just walked in the Lobby
" Sophiaaaaa! I missed you, Bebecita! " I squealed back and hug her
" Same here, Chula! How are you? I heard what happen to you. I'm very sorry. " Sophia said and rubbed my back
" I'm all good now, Bebé. You know me very well and I will and always survive. " I put my arm around her shoulders and we headed to the locker room
" By the way, my parents are coming over here and I need you. " she told me
" What?! Your mothers are coming over?! " I shouted and go directly to my locker and change into my scrubs
" Yes! With my aunts and with my dad! Because they wants to celebrate this coming holiday with me. Imo, I don't have a big place for them! " Sophia stated
" Why not— " I was cut off when all of our pager rang and the speaker loudly went off
" Calling the attention of all the Medical Personnel, please proceed to the Emergency Floor as soon as possible. Again, proceed to Emergency Floor ASAP." The Chief announced
" The heck? " Sophia blurted out
" Let's go, It must be a meeting. " I said and tie my hair before going out of the locker and headed down to the E.R
" Okay, Listen up everyone. There's a shooting happened on a college school, the police reports said that a gunman has a opened fire on student and faculty. So, let's all be prepare for more than 2o victims that will coming here. " the Chief informed everyone
" What the heck is going on that man's head? " I heard Ax said in frustration while we're walking out to wait for the ambulances to come
" There are 15 ambulances on the road, and there may be more to come. One of the incoming is three minutes out. " Our Head Trauma, Dylan said and the first five ambulance came
" This is one of the cops, Samuel Bond, 33, GSW to the left upper arm and right leg. He's the cop who took down the shooter. " the paramedics told the Chief and he immediately got it
" Professor Tomas Crown, 48, suffered an open skull fracture and blown pupil after falling out of a fourth-floor window. " Nadia pull the stretcher out
" He fell? " I asked
" He helped a dozen of kids out the window. " she stated
" He's herniating! Get him into the frontline and immediately get an OR! " I shouted and headed to the next ambulance
" What do we got here? " Sophia and I asked in chorus
" Harold Green, age 20, had a single entrance wound to the right fifth intercostal space but no exit wound. Lost vitals in front of us and this is the emergency Thoracotomy we called in about. " paramedics stated
" You did what? A Thoracotomy in field? " I asked
" No, we didn't. She did it. " Sophia and I looked at each other when the paramedics told us that
" I had to crack his chest. " A woman inside the ambulance said
" Aunt Cristina? "
" Doctor Yang? "
It's Doctor Cristina Yang. Sophia's Aunt and Godmother. She's also the most famous Cardiothoracic Surgeon in whole wide world that owns a Hospital in Zurich.
" Ummm, Do you feel the lesion? " I asked
" Yes, he's got a big hole in his right ventricle. But as long as I keep my hand here, I can feel a good heartbeat. " she said while pumping and covering the heart
" Auntie Cristina, what are you doing here? " Sophia finally asked
" Your Uncle Owen and I had a fight so I went here without them all. " Dr. Yang said and they roll the stretcher already
" Is that? " I heard Axiel asked
" Yes, she is. What a Goddess! " I said and went to the fourth ambulance
" What do you have for us? " Axiel asked
" 45, male, GWS on the right arm and he passed out 2 minutes ago. " paramedics immediately opened the ambulance door and to my shock, I saw someone that is very familiar to me
" MOM?!? " my freakin mother is inside the ambulance with the guy who got shot. She's wearing white blouse that is now covered with red blood.
" Tita Imee, are you okay? " Axiel asked and assist my mom to get down of the ambulance
" I'm okay, hijo. But my friend. He got shot, please help him. " mom said
" You're not shot? Any galos? Sugat? Walang masakit sayo, Ma? " I asked in panic and checked her
" I'm all good, anak. Don't worry about me. " she assured me but I'm not convinced
" Dr. Wolf, let's go inside and you take care of that patient. " I command him
" Dr. Marcos, the patients is already prep. Are you doing a craniectomy or craniotomy? " my resident went to me and informed me
" Craniectomy is our best shot. " I replied
" Can you do me a favor, Dr. Riley? " I asked her
" Yes, of course. "
" Can you please do an overall check up on her. Everything okay? She has Mild Persistent Asthma and do not give her Penicillin because she's allergic to that. If the tests are all clean, assist her to the attending's lounge. Am I clear, Dr. Riley? " I ordered
" Yes, Doctor. But, who she is? " she asked
" She's Imee Marcos, my mother and she's not familiar here so please do take care of her. Ma, please do what she says okay? I will be back at you later. " I said and kissed my Mom's cheeks and ran to the Operating Room.
To be continued....
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