SELENE [BOOK 2]

CHAPTER 6

“Mauna na ako, uwi ka na rin,” paalam ko sa sekretarya ko pagkalabas ko ng opisina ko.

She glanced at me and nodded. “Opo, Doc. May tinatapos lang ho ako sandali,” sagot nito.

“Sige,” tanging sabi ko na lang at lumabas na nang clinic ko.

Agad na bumungad sa akin ang tahimik na hallway ng palapag. I looked at my wrist watch. It's already 5:45 pm. Dumidilim na sa labas.

Naglakad na ako patungo sa elevator. Saktong paghinto ko sa harapan ng elevator may tumabi sa akin. Hindi na ako nag-abala pang tingnan ito dahil wala naman akong pakealam kung sino ito.

All I want right now is to go home and hug my kids. I already missed them.

Hindi naman nagtagal ay bumukas ang elevator. May mga tao sa loob ng elevator. Isa na roon ang doctor na nag-yaya sa akin kanina sa isang bar na tinarayan lang ako. I saw her rolled her eyes at me.

Napatingin sa akin ang isang kasama niyang doctor na busy makipag-usap sa katabing nurse. Agad na ngumiti ito sa akin.

“Doc, good evening,” bati niya. “Pauwi ka na?” Nakangiting tanong nito sa akin. Bumati rin ang iba pang nasa loob.

“Oo eh,” sagot ko. Pumasok na ako sa loob at tinalikuran sila. Tahimik na sumunod sa gilid ko ang katabi ko kanina. Pinindot ko ang ground floor.

I didn't bother opening a conversation with them. I just remained silent while waiting for the elevator to stop on the ground floor.
 
I let out a heavy sigh when the elevator finally opened, and it's now on the ground floor. Walang paalam na lumabas ako at dumiretso sa parking lot.

Kinuha ko mula sa bag ko ang car key at pinatunog ang sasakyan ko bago ito binuksan at pumasok sa loob.

Nilapag ko sa passenger seat ang mga gamit ko at inayos ang sarili. I brushed my hair using my fingers, started the car engine, and drove to my house.

I was about to enter the house when I frowned because I heard a familiar male voice talking to my children. The voice came from the living room. So, I walked towards where the living were, only to see the only person I least expected to be here.

“Solane. Lucas,” I called for my kids attention. They immediately turned their heads toward me when they heard my voice.

Lucas' eyes widened, and he gave me a big smile as he ran in my direction.

“Mommy's here, Mister.” I heard Solane say this to the man who's now staring at me with a clenched jaw.

I carried Lucas and kissed his forehead. “Mommy! Meet our new friend!” Lucas cheerfully said.

Napataas ang kilay ko sa narinig. Tiningnan ko si Nico.“Friend? Really?” I sneered.

I laughed without humor. It's impossible. Nico doesn't like children.

“What are you doing here in my house? How dare you come here without my permission.” I glared at him.

The smile on Lucas and Solane's lips disappeared when they heard what I said. I put Lucas down.

He stood up from his seat and put his hands in his pockets, still staring at me.

“Your kids invited me here,” he said and glanced at Solane beside him.

I looked at Solane. “What is he saying, Solane?” tanong ko kay Solane dahil siya ang ate at kasama ni Lucas kanina.

I know she has answers to my question.

Solane glanced at Nico before answering me. “We met him when Lucas and I went to the plaza earlier, Mom. He was there and played with us. He treat us to an expensive restaurant. He drove us home too; that's why, out of gratitude, we invited him in.” Solane explained at me.