Stonehearts 8: Peridot

Thirty Two

"Baby Kiera Victoria Hermoso?" The doctor's secretary called and I immediately raised my hand and carried Vi who's busy on her car seat nibbling on her new ice bear stuffed toy which she had picked from the numerous purchase Kiel made from Toy Kingdom. It has been her instant favorite, at kapag sinubukan mo namang kunin sa kanya, she'll sure throw a hissy fit.

I was a bit nervous driving today since I'm alone and Vi is still a month young for rear-facing car seats. However, I can't find someone to go with me today because everyone is busy. Mama has a jampacked day of events, Tanya's resting from her month straight graveyard duty from the hospital and Aiden is back in Iloilo for the opening of their new condominium there. On top of that, I have to bring Vi to a new pediatrician since her old one, the one Tanya recommended, relocated to the province.

As a first time mom, whenever Vi is concerned, lahat talaga kinaka-nerbyos ko.

"Good morning, ma'am. New patient po, 'no?" The secretary asked, confirming the receptionist note on the paper she's holding. I nodded my head and she gave me a smile in return. She then knocked on the door at the end of the hall before she opened it. "Doc, next patient na po." She announced before she let me and my angel baby in. I whispered my thanks and entered the pastel colored room.

It was decorated with furniture that are soft in the eyes. Everything is in baby or pastel color, including the chairs and even the examination bed. I discreetly gave Vi's new doctor a quick scan and damn if she looks familiar. Hindi ko lang maisip kung saan ko siya nakita.

She immediately stood and wrapped her elephant themed stethoscope around her neck. "Good morning, ma'am and good morning to you, little miss." She greeted while gesturing at the examination table.

"Good morning, Doc Torres." I greeted back. I saw her cringing but she immediately hid it with a professional smile.

"Palagay na si baby sa bed, mommy." She instructed which I followed. "Regular check-up lang tayo, baby." Para bang paalam niya kay Vi at nagsimula itong gawin ang physical check-up ng anak ko. Mukha namang relax at walang pake si Vi dahil panay lang ang subo niya sa laruan na hawak niya.

"Si Doctor Valerie Gonzaga ang dati niyong pedia, 'no?" She asked after the check-up. Vi is back on her car seat still munching on the bear while the doctor is writing on her pad.

"Opo, Doc. Siya ang nag-recommend na sa'yo ako magpunta."

"Kasabayan ko siya rati sa residency training namin. Siya lang kasi kasundo ko roon, kasi kami lang ang halos magkataunan." Simpleng sagot niya.

"Mukhang bata pa nga kayo parehas, Doc." I complimented which is in fact true. I think she's also from the same program, the ladderized program for aspiring Doctors, like Doc Val. Pero rinig ko sobrang hirap daw makapasok sa ganoon.

"Bata na pinapatanda ng mga problema." Pabiro niyang sagot kaya sabay kaming natawa. "So next month balik niyo para sa shots ni Victoria. I didn't find any problem with her, I went through all Doc Val's notes also so I'm confident I covered everything. Isn't that right, little miss?" She cooed which Vi answer with a giggle. "Sobrang advance ng anak mo, ma'am. Marunong ng dumapa."

"Doc, Dothy na lang." I pleaded at the same time brimming with pride for my little girl.

The good doctor gave me a sigh of relief. "Thank God, you opened that topic. Please call me Ace or Paz, which ever you feel comfortable. When you called me Doctor Torres, it sounded like you're calling my mother."

I let out a geniune laugh, halos kaugali niya nga si doktora Valerie. "Kaya pala sumimangot ka ng bahagya kanina, doktora."

Her face took a tint of pink in embarrassment. "Nakita mo pala 'yon! Nakakaloka. Pasensya na. Disclaimer ko talaga na tawagin na akong lahat 'wag lang Doctor Torres."