The Pawn

Chapter 17: Dr. Araneta? 👩🏻‍⚕️

"Her pen danced on the paper. Etching down memories, dreams and unshed tears. For she was his storyteller. And he was the story she never told."

***
IRENE's POV:

Smoke. A lot of it! Everywhere!!

I was just getting ready to start my usual rounds when the alarm came blaring through the entire hospital! Part of me wanted to just duck and cover and just save myself! But I can't.

People are shouting and the whole floor's just trying to run outside the building. And shit! The babies! So against my better judgment, I started taking them out to safety one by one. There are also hospital staff who's helping me while some are trying to save other patients as well.

It's starting to get harder to breathe because of the smell coming from the fire! Shit!!
My head's feeling heavier too. But I can't stop, paano ang patients? We know the whole building like the back of our hand! Nobody can navigate here better than us!

I was supposed to take another crib from the nursery when I feel someone behind me.

"Who-"
'Irene! Stop!!! Panget? It's me. Let's go..'
"Sam?"
'Are you trying to commit suicide? Ganyan mo gusto na ibalik kita kay Bella? Ha? Toasted ang Mami nya? Baliw ka ba? You have asthma!'

"Yung mga babies, they need help!"
'Which you can give to them by staying out front, check on them! Hindi kailangan na ikaw ang mag labas, stupid! Now let's go!'

Sam's right. I really am not feeling well.

"One more baby and then let's go."
'I hate you! Ang tigas ng ulo mo!'

After bringing one more baby outside, I have to stop on my tracks because my vision's getting blurry and I feel like I am choking on my own breath!

'Can you check their stat and- Irene? You okay?'
"I'm.. Sam.."

And then nothing. Everything just went completely black.

***
I woke up to the sound of Bella's laughter. It's loud enough to echo through the entire room.

Shit! This room? It's not- shit!!!! This is familiar!

Guest room sa bahay nila Sam.

'Hindi mo naman ako na miss.' Hell no, Sam! He's trying to pick up a fight with Bella again.

'Miss ahh! Super miss! Why you never called me as frequent as before na? May iba ka ng donut no, Anki? Kasi big girl na ako!'

No baby. He's just trying to maintain his distance kasi nagagalit ang Dada mo. But I'm sure, he misses you.

'Oh no, Bella! What if meron na nga?'
'I don't love you na! I'll pack Mami na, aalis na kami dito!'

Pack? Ako? Baka akala ng anak ko, para lang akong burrito! Wait.. what? No! No! I cannot be a burrito!!!!! Ever!!!! Lumpia na lang!

'Can Mami stay here, baby? Until she gets better.'
'Hmmmm.. can I come here? I mean, all the time? Like alllllll the time?'
'Of course! Like you live here all the time kind of all the time.'

That's it? Hindi sila mag aaway?

'Pa hug, Anki'

I can see that Sam pick up Bella. I've forgotten how masculine he is that by carrying Bella, he's making her look like a ball.. so small.

'Thank you for saving Mami, ha? Thank you Anki. Thank you. I don't know what I would do kapag wala ang Mami ko. Salamat Anki. I love you.'

Indeed, thank you Sam.

***
I've been staying here for two weeks now. I know that Sam doesn't mind, pero nahihiya na ako talaga kay Tita Vivian. It does feel like I am taking advantage of their kindness and generosity.