Meet Me In Mabini (City Series #2)

Chapter 38

#MMIM38

"How are they?" tanong ko agad kay Margaux pagkarating namin sa BGH. This was the nearest hospital to their accident, kaya dito na rin sila cinonfine.

"Claude's awake.." Margaux had bloodshot eyes but seemed calm, just like how Vale was when he picked me up from work. "Hindi pa nasasabi sa kanya kalagayan ni Raffy.. he's weak."

Umupo ako at huminga nang malalim. Vale is with Franco, buying some food since it's pretty late now.

"Where's Luca?" tanong ko kay Margaux. She looked so tired and worried. I don't blame her.

"Nasa bahay nina Mama. Hindi niya rin kasi maiwan si Paul doon mag-isa, e si Papa nasa Cebu pa." She sighed. "Hindi ko alam kung paano sasabihin kay Claude."

"Ano kalagayan ni Raffy?" I asked.

"She's still in surgery.. there was brain damage," mahina niyang sagot. "The baby.. delivered naman through surgery pero very early pa raw kaya critical siya. She's in the NICU."

Halos maiyak ako nang marinig ko 'yon. I couldn't feel my legs. Raffy's dream.. Raffy has a dream to become a doctor. Sana naman hindi 'yon maudlot.

"I can't tell him, Nat." Umiling si Margaux. "They were just buying some fruits in a stall by the side of the road.. then a truck came out of nowhere. They were just buying fruits."

Margaux started crying again, kaya pinigilan ko na ang iyak ko para patahanin siya. Vale and Franco came back with some paper bags from a near fast food chain, and Vale immediately sat down beside me.

"Hungry?" tanong niya.

I gave him a small smile. Buong byahe, hindi kami nag-stop over at yung last meal ko ay ang breakfast naming dalawa dahil hindi ako nakapag-lunch sa sobrang busy sa office. I was planning to get some food after I left the office.. pero biglang ganito naman na ang nangyari

"I have to talk to Claude," I told Vale. "He's probably going crazy in there, not knowing what's happening to his wife and kid."

Vale was silent, but he nodded. Hindi ko pa nagagalaw ang pagkain ko pero binalik ko ulit 'yon sa paper bag at tumayo.

I left the waiting area outside Claude's room and went inside. Nakatulala lang siya sa kisame habang may luha na pumapatak sa gilid ng kaniyang mga mata.

I walked up to him and held his hand. He immediately squeezed mine while still trying to fight back the tears that were already betraying him.

"God." His voice cracked. "He's got her.. He's not taking her yet."

"He's got them." I smiled bitterly. "Raffy's still in surgery, and your daughter's in the NICU."

Dahan dahan siyang bumaling sa akin habang kumukurap. "Daughter?"

I nodded. Nakita ko agad yung tuwa sa mga mata niya nang sabihin ko 'yon. I laughed and held back my tears as we hugged. Sana talaga.. sana nandito si Raffy.

"Mr. Noestro," anang doktor na kapapasok lang. "Your daughter's stable now. Would you like to see her?"

Claude had hope and joy in his eyes as he nodded at the doctor. He had a cast in his arm and some stitches in his head, but other than that, he's fine naman daw. We both walked to the elevator and to the NICU.

Nakita ko agad ang maliit na katawan ng anak nila na naka-higa doon sa loob ng clear na plastic box. I could already see half of Raffy and half of Claude in her. She's beautiful.

"May pangalan na po ba kayong napili?" tanong nung isang nurse.

Lumingon sa akin si Claude. "I'm sure Raffy would love to name her after one of our favorite people."