My Happy Accident

18

The next morning feels like the best morning of my life. I remember how that nonchalant elf took me to a ramen house and drove me back to my condo. And guess what? I turned her shirt into a pillowcase. I mean, it's just for one night. It wouldn't hurt. I turned to my side and hugged that pillow with her shirt. A faint scent of Ella DJ filled my system.

"So this is how it feels to wake up beside her," I thought to myself.

This strange happiness I'm feeling, I've never felt with anyone else. I got up to freshen up and then browsed a flower shop. I ordered five sunflowers and cooked adobo for her. I had it sent to her with a note saying, "This is me thanking you. The shirt is to follow. I haven't done my laundry yet. -J"

I addressed it to De Jesus Medical Center, their hospital, and where she's also working.
I hope that didn't make her uncomfortable, but God, am I in love?

After Deanna died, it felt like a part of me also died with her. She left a spot in me, and she made sure nothing and no one could fill it, and there goes Ella. Ella is more than enough to keep me going, to inspire life in me, and to inspire me to love everything in it. 

It's been a week since we last spoke. It's also been a week since I started sending her gifts, foods, or flowers. I never failed to do so, despite the fact that I also need to get to work early.I don't know why I keep doing all this even when Ella just couldn't care less. Here I am, getting another delivery ready to be sent to her, when I heard a knock on my door.

I'm not expecting anyone today. I wonder who might be looking for me early in the morning. I opened the door, and everything went into slow motion again.
A familiar figure appeared before me. She's wearing a black shirt and loose jeans with her white shoes. Her hair is still wet, and her face draws no emotion.
 
"What's with all this, Miss Galanza?" 

Can she not speak in monotone for one second?

"Uhm," I nervously said, which made her brows raise.

"Can I court you?"

I asked, not knowing why I said that, and now I'm in a complete panic.

"What?"

"Uhm, do you want to come in?"

I asked, still in panic.

"No, and no. You cannot court me," she scoffed.

"I highly suggest you stop sending me anything because it creeps me out and those notes were really cringey, you know that?"

I'm already holding back my tears from when she said that.

"Now, if you'll excuse me."

She said that and started walking away from me again. 

I felt my heart sink for a moment, but I am not giving up. I am never giving up until I can call this girl mine. 

The next morning, I didn't send her anything. But here's the catch: I'm personally giving her these chocolates and flowers.

I went straight to the hospital's reception and asked for Ella.

"Good morning. Is there any way I can get to Doc Jorella De Jesus?"

I politely greeted the staff.

"Good morning; let me check for a while," she warmly replied.

"Oh, she's not on the rounds right now, but she's in her clinic, doing consultations. It's just on the other side of the hospital," she pointed me the way.

"Thank you so much," I said to her.

"Wait, Miss. It's Doc Jorella's secretary."

I stopped, looking in the same direction as hers.

"Good morning, Miss Mae. Someone's looking for Doc Jorella," the receptionist told her.

Her secretary nodded, and I followed her.

"So, you must be, J?" she almost laughed.

"How did you know?"

I answered, a bit embarrassed. 

"Well, I've eaten most of the chocolates and drank most of the coffee you've sent to Doc Jorella."

She now can't contain her laughter. 
"Ouch?"

I said I was a bit sad.

"But I never had a bite of your cooking. She never lets me have at it. She's taking it home," she smiled.

I turned my face down because I'm feeling all my blood rushing to my face.

We took some turns until we suddenly stopped. A sign on the door said, "Dr. Jorella Marie G. De Jesus, M.D., Cardiologist."

She's not mine, not yet, but for some reason, I felt proud.

We entered the room, and Ella's secretary readied their reception. It's not that long since someone entered. It was Ella, facing down her phone.

"Good morning, Doc!"

Her secretary greeted her.

"Good —" 

She didn't finish greeting her secretary.

"What are you doing here?"

She's not so happy to see me. My heart sank once again, but I didn't let her notice.

"I brought you some food," I said, giving her the paper bag.

Her face turned red, maybe out of anger.

She pulled my wrist out of the room.

"What are you doing?"

She asked, trying to lower her voice.

"I told you to stop. You're just wasting both of our time," she added.

"I'm sorry, I just want to show you how much you mean to me, and I am not going to stop until I make you mine."

I smiled while saying those words.

"I love you, Ella. I think it's crystal clear by now. I am not letting you disappear on me this time."

I leaned in to kiss her. She closed her eyes in anticipation. I also did, but I suddenly froze when she walked out on me again.

"Go home, Jema."

Her voice fainted in the distance as she headed back to her clinic.