"Anong balak mo sa mga reporter d'yan da labas?" My direct superior asked.
It's been days since our picture got published in the internet. It was followed by lots of speculations. May nag-post ng video namin noong grade 10. May kuha din na pumapasok ako sa office nina Paulo for a couple of times.
Our highschool classmates were bugging me and Pau but the two of us remain silent. Ariesa's a bit upset because I know, she knows it to herself. Regardless, I didn't say any word. I did not confirm anything to anyone. Kapag sinabi ko kasi sa isa, it will eventually spread. Hangga't kaya namin, gumagawa pa kami ng paraan. Right now, the best way to do that right is to control the information feom going in and out.
"I'm sorry for the trouble sir." Sagot ko saka yumuko. I was embarrassed because I know that I am becoming a nuisance. Ilang araw pa lang akong resident baka matanggal na ako kaagad.
"Don't be too hard with the kid!" Doc Prinster exclaimed when she dashed inside the general surgery quarters. Walang pasabi siyang umupo sa isang bakanteng swivel chair saka pinagkrus ang mga hita.
"Kahit gusto kong tanggalin ang isang 'to wala naman akong magagawa. Malakas ang kapit nito sa taas." I was a bit offended but I kept my head bowing. I have to deal with it.
"You're mistaken. You can't kick her out because she's a genius." Doc Prinster fired back. "We need her here."
In the end, Chief stayed silent as he instructed me to go out of the room.
I haven't gone home yet. It was normal for residents like me, especially first years na nasa general surgery pa. General surgeons and general surgeons in the making were all assigned in the emergency room. We are the one's who are responsible for trauma and emergency patients. Emergency room were also the busiest department regardless of time. There are instances na matutulog ka talaga na naka-scrub suit dahil galing ka sa surgery tapos ipatatawag ka ulit.
It was too hard to bear kaya most of the time, ibang department ang pinipili ng ilan for their residency. Kung mayroon mang mag-try, they are eventually transferring with just span of days.
General surgery are for those people who have a heart for patients. Unfortunately, karamihan ng mga doctor sa kasalukuyang panahon ay ginagawa na lang negosyo ang panggagamot.
"Care to share it with me?" A voice asked that made me lift my head. It was Adi on his doctor's suit. He's on his 2nd year of residency in cardiology now but he still looks good. Like he isn't taking anything hard.
"Sorry for the trouble." That's the first thing that came out from my mouth. I was too embarrassed for the trouble I am causing to a lot of people. Especially to him. Mula noon, palagi siyang nadadamay dahil sa akin.
But despite of hating me, he just hugged me tight. "I am always here, Elle." He whispered. "For the both of you..."
Being one of the heir of his family. Adi did his best so no reporter could go near the vicinity of the hospital. Noong isang araw kasi, while transferring an emergency patient, reporters suddenly flock over me. Mabuti na lang at naipasok sa emergency room nang walang palya ang pasyente. 'Yun nga lang, napagalitan ako nang sobra. Tinanggap ko na lang. Because I also know that I am at fault. Partially.
"I'm so sorry guys." This time, I was saying sorry to the direct people affected. It was midnight but I am wide awake because I was on my on-call duty. While waiting for patient, Stell invited all of us for a video call.
"Huwag ka mag-sorry. Wala kang ginawang masama." Said Felip while caressing his cat. Napangiti ako.
Felip's seeing someone right now. Well, I couldn't say he was lying to the public because his girl can't be considered as his girlfriend yet. I always get to hang out with the girl. She's considerate and she loves Felip so much to the point that she'll waiting for him. Half Korean, half Filipina. She's not known or even belong to a wealthy family but she's so hardworking and persistent. They both deserved each other so I support the two of them.
