Stay with me?

Chapter 12:

Its already been a month since I took the licensure examination. Syempre, kailangan 'kong maghanap ng trabaho dahil hindi naman natatapos duon ang buhay 'ko. I applied to multiple hospitals such as St. Lukes, Makati Medical Center, even tried reaching out to hospitals abroad. Wala pang limang minuto ay tumawag na agad sa akin ang MMC.

I went in for an interview and also ask if they're offering an Pediatric Residency program and luckily, they are. I also wanted to go as an emergency room doctor and luckily, ayun ang opening nila. Tinanong nila ako if I wanted to start immediately and I've thought about stopping life at its pace muna. Masyado akong nag focus sa future 'ko that I haven't got a chance to enjoy life.

"Is it okay if I start by July?" I asked the HR hoping that they'll allow it. "Perfect, Doctor Valdez." I smiled and thanked them for their offer.

As I stepped outside the hospital, I took a deep breath. This is the real life, Cass.

Nag-iisip ako kung ano bang pwede 'kong gawin in 3 months. I think travelling would be perfect?? Tutal its April and as far as I remember, its almost summer in Korea. I'd love to visit my birth place ulit after a very long time.

My family and I never went back to Korea after migrating to the states. I barely remember anything about the place kaya it would be fun to explore siguro. I'll just call Aiki since she's still there and wala na ata siyang balak umuwi ng Pilipinas. She promised me na uuwi siya after a few days nung nakapasa ako pero due to unfortunate circumstances, hindi siya pinayagan ng manager niya.

Me: Hoy ang sakit sa mata ng hair mo ante.
Aiki: Hello din sayo tangina mo po!

I laughed dahil namiss 'ko talaga si Aiki. She became so busy with filming and dancing kaya hindi 'ko na ito nakakausap.

Me: I'll fly to Korea next week. May gusto ka ba?
Aiki: Jinjja?? I want dried mangoes, pancit canton, century tuna nga din sis pwede? mga sampu
Me: Wala bang grocery diyan na may filipino foods?
Aiki: Magpapabili ba 'ko kung meron? Tanga mo din.

Hindi pa naman ako nakakabook ng ticket pero gusto 'ko na agad siyang sabihan dahil mahirap makahanap si Aiki ng free time. After a quick talk, I opened my laptop and searched for a plane ticket. One way lang muna ang binook 'ko dahil hindi 'ko alam kung kailan 'ko balak bumalik sa Pilipinas.

I booked a flight during midnight para umaga ako makadating sa Korea. 4 hours lang naman ang flight kaya alam 'kong hindi naman ako mapapagod. I also wanted to go explore the country by myself paglapag 'ko.

Kakabook 'ko palang ng ticket pero sinasabihan 'ko na agad si Ellie na mag-ingat palagi. I also offered to hire a private security pero sabi niya masyado na daw akong OA. She promised me naman na she will be safe and okay dahil most of her classes daw ay online. I asked her friends a favor din na bantayan ito.

I opened my cabinet and tried choosing the outfit to pack. Nilatag 'ko na ang large grey Rimowa luggage 'ko at ang medium sized nito. I plan on bringing only 3 pieces of coat para hindi ito makakatake up ng space, A LOT of oversized hoodies, pajamas, gym clothes, underwears, syempre mga formal na dresses and comfortable clothes too. On my other luggage, I plan on packing my necessities such as my make-up pouches, my skin care, my shoes! Magdadala ako ng 2 pairs of black heels since it will go with everything, 2 pairs of sneakers and most of it puro dunks or jordans na.

2 days left before my flight, I decided to go to the mall para bilhin ang mga pinapabili ni Aiki when I received an unexpected call from her.

Me: Ui, I was just about to buy the things you want.
Aiki: Cass! I'm sorry pero hindi kita mappick up on your arrival. I'm having breakfast and tons of meetings my Street Women Fighter casts.
Me: Oka--
Aiki: I already asked Tatter to pick you up.
Me: Aiki??????