Between the Ice of Hearts (Cold Hearts Series #1)

Chapter 18

One week without talking to Sage. It's really suffocating knowing that we're just in the same department and same work place. He tried to approach me multiple times but all I gave him in return is eye rolls and cold shoulder. Serves him right.

"Doctora, Dr. Soriano requested you to assist him on his surgery," paalam sakin nung nurse na nakatayo sa gilid ko.

I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "Tell Dr. Soriano that I have a surgery this afternoon."

I lied to the nurse. Ever since we fought, he's trying out his luck to talk to me and explain, but I always decline him in return. Wala akong pasyente ngayon at dahil Friday— wish me luck, because we tend to be toxic every Friday. Sana ay wag magsidagsaan ang mga pasyente ngayon.

"Pero Doc—"

"If he says no, bahala na siya sa buhay niya. I've got a patient to operate and there's other doctors to assist him."

Umalis na ako doon at nagtungo sa lugar kung saan hindi niya ako makikita. I know his surgery will take for hours and by that time, hindi na niya ako maaabutan.

It was already Saturday and it's still raining cold on Sage's shoulders. Up until now, hindi ko pa rin siya pinapansin at talagang sumusubok siya na makipagusap sa'kin. I'm hanging out with the junior residents, since they're under my guidance as the senior resident, kahit na minsan ay nasusungitan ko 'tong mga 'to dahil wala nang ibang ginawa ang mga 'to kundi ang magtanong. But these people are doing a good job on shooing Sage away, so I couldn't find a reason to snap at them.

Kakatapos ko lang sa isang surgery at nandoon ako sa nurses station as write papers habang katabi ko ang ilan sa mga residents.

"There he goes," I heard Nikko, one of the junior residents, mumbled.

Napalingon ako at nakita ko nga rin na papalapit na si Sage sa amin. I grabbed the other folder as I signed the last paper hurriedly.

"Addie— Dra. Bermudez," I heard him called.

Agad akong humarap sa mga junior residents and they stood in front of me, all ready.

"Okay, all of you, let's go and we'll do some rounds. We've got a long day ahead, so chop-chop!" I clapped my hands as I lead the way and leaving Sage behind. That rounds thing really saved me.

Sunod-sunod kong tiningnan at kinamusta ang mga pasyente. I asked the residents to be vigilant and keep an eye on them, as always. Pinaalala ko na rin ang post-op labs sa kanila.

"Dra. Bermudez, I'm glad that you came. I actually need to talk to you about something..." bungad ni Doc Hernandez sa akin.

"What is it, Doc?" I asked.

"I actually have this patient. I hope you don't mind," he started then he pushed the chart towards me. "I've got a conference to attend, so I want you to check on this patient. This surgery is on 4, so might as well, take his pre-op labs. You can ask Doc Soriano for help."

"No, Doc, it's fine!" sabi ko. He tilted his head, wondering what's with my sudden exaggerated reaction. I could feel my cheeks heat up. Nakakahiya!

"I mean, I can do it by myself. I just heard that Doc Soriano is currently in surgery, since he asked me to assist him, but I was doing my rounds that time, so I really couldn't join him," paliwanag ko. Eh totoo naman na busy siya.

"Sigurado ka ah? Basta 'pag kailangan mo ng tulong, don't hesitate to ask for help," he said, after buying my reason. "I'll go ahead."

I nodded. "Okay, Doc."

I did what he said then checked my patients afterwards. Dahil medyo late na rin, dumiretso na ako sa cafeteria para makakain ng lunch, or should I say, meryenda.