The Ice Queen's Rebound

Chapter 45: Gozar

Carmel Lucia

"We're both doctors, Carms, but we have two big differences." Sabi ni Madison habang nakaupo siya sa katabi kong mamahalin na kahoy na upuan. The comforting sounds of the crickets in the bushes filled my ears as we both stared at the fire in the pit. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa kanyang backyard na sobrang lawak.  We're seated at her patio with luxurious outdoor chairs and a table with a rectangle-sized fire pit in the middle. This is where Majalia and Cora would often cook some marshmallows on a stick, but not tonight, since when I came here Maja was already asleep.

Even my cousin and her husband, but she did not hesitate to open the door and make me some hot chocolate when I knocked. She knew that I was here for a reason.

Napabaling naman ako sa kanya. The soft yellow light of the fire gleamed on her beautiful face, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail, her right hand cradling the cup of chocolate.

"And what are those, Attorney DR-K?" Nanunuya kong tanong. Her hypenated last name's too long for me, so I settled with the first letters.

"I am a doctor of law, while you are a doctor of medicine." Nakangisi niyang baling sa akin.

"Yeah, no shít. I did not know that at all. I thought you went to law school to paint your nails and look pretty." Sarkastiko kong sagot.

She chuckled.

"And what's the other difference?" I asked before I sipped my hot chocolate.

"That I am not much of a dumb åss like you are right now."

"Psh, shut up, I am not. I am just playing my cards right, alright."

She sighed and settled her mug on the table in front of us. Tuluyan siyang bumaling sa akin at humalukipkip.

"You are really being stupid right now!" Her brown orbs almost popped out when she widened her eyes at me. "Really? You let that bítch sleep in your room and be kicked out of your own house. The fúck is wrong with your åss?" She threw her hands open as though she couldn't believe what I told her earlier.

Hindi ako nakasagot. I just sank on my seat.

"If Tita Miranda finds out, you will never hear the end of it."

I sighed softly, staying silent.

"That's why I came to you because you won't tell Nanay, right?" I cocked an eyebrow at her.

"How about my mom?---"

"Not Tita Ezra and even Tito Von!"

She made a face but nodded anyway.

"Fine. But look, we're not in some telenovela shît. You are a Gozar. Did you know what my mama did to my papa's crazy ex?"

I shook my head.

"She slapped the living shît out of her and dragged her åss on the floor, while she was pregnant with Kuya Ethan! And Tita Miranda cheered for her."

I could not help but giggle.

"No way."

She grinned and nodded.

"Yes, I'm telling you."

Sandali naman akong napabuntong hininga.

"But I don't think I can just do that, you know. That bubba-bîtch became his friend first before they became lovers, and eventually decided to be just friends again. No matter how I twist it, I won't be okay about the fact that I would hurt his friend, no matter how insufferable she is." I replied as I absentmindedly stared at my mug.