My Happy Accident

11

It's Saturday. That means no work, so I decided to get up at 10 a.m. I was just enjoying the first meal of the day when I suddenly remembered our second encounter. I've been wondering if ate Ly knows her. I mean, she was there when the school hosted a medical mission. It was probably not a coincidence to see her again at ate Ly's house.

By the way, I just moved into my new condo a week ago. I have the rest of the day for myself, so I intend to just lay in bed and enjoy eating while watching a movie. I was half-way through the film when my phone vibrated. Mafe, my younger sister, is calling.

"Ate?!" she frantically called.

"Where are you?" she asked again.

"I'm in a hospital. I need you here, please. I don't know what to do."

Nothing's sinking in, but I know my little sister's crying.

"Wait, where are you? What happened?"

I can't bear to hear her voice break.

"Mom lost consciousness, and I can't reach ate Jovi's phone. Dad's on his way here, but I really need you right now, ate."

I can sense panic in my sister's voice.

"I'll be right there as soon as I can. Just text me the hospital."

I didn't wait for another minute and rushed directly to the hospital. It texted Deanna on my way.

"Hey, D. Mafe said our mom lost consciousness. I'm on my way to De Jesus Medical Center. Can you meet me there?"

It didn't matter if she replied to my message or not. I need to get there as soon as possible.

I strode off my car as soon as I got to the parking lot, and there I saw Deanna comforting my sister.

"Hey."

I was so worried that both their presences just melted me. I hugged both of them in relief, seeing that my mother doesn't look so bad at all.

We were just having our moments when a doctor entered the room.

"Doc Ella, how's our patient?"

Deanna asked.

When I turned to face the doctor, I immediately recognized her face. Shock was written on all of our faces.

"You know each other?"

Turning my gaze to Deanna.

"We're from the same alma mater."

Deanna answered, a bit tense.

"Uhm, Jema, this is Doc Jorella Marie De Jesus. Her father owns this hospital. Doc De Jesus, this is Jema, my girlfriend."

Deanna introduced us to each other.

She awkwardly reached her hand to me for a handshake.

"You can just call me Doc Ella for short."

She went back to her cold expression. She then shifted her attention to her charts.

"So, your mom's alright. Her blood pressure just spiked up a little bit. I suggest you let her stay here for a day for further monitoring, but with some rest and some meds, she'll be free to go tomorrow."

I can't help but get lost in her voice. Despite being serious and composed, I really find her captivating.

"Now, if you'll excuse me."

She's on her way out of the room when I get back to reality, and Deanna thanks her.

"Are you okay?"

She asked me.

"We saw her at RV. The medical mission, right?" I asked her back.

"What? Did we?"

Deanna was confused, scratching her head.

"Yes, we did. She's the stranger I told you," I added.

"I didn't notice her, I guess?"

She said, still scratching her head.

We were just having those conversations when I noticed my sister sitting at our mom's bedside, looking so exhausted.

"Hey," I said to get her attention.

"Come here. I'm sorry. I wish I'd been here sooner."
I hugged and kissed her. I've never seen my sister so down.

"Mom's going to be fine. Don't worry."

I hugged her even tighter, reassuring her.

That was one long day. Am I a bad person for not totally feeling bad about the situation? I mean, if our mom wasn't rushed to the hospital, I wouldn't have the chance to know Ella, my stranger. I swear, there really is something unsettling about her. Whatever it is, I will definitely find out.