BOOK 02: DOROTHEA (ON-GOING)

PROLOGUE

Wearing a casual brown trouser, topped with white polo sleeves with a corset below my chest. Brushing my soft and curly brown hair. Putting on makeup is like weaving magic into my reflection. Each brush stroke is a whisper of transformation- blending colors like an artist mixing paints on a palette. My face becomes a canvas, and with every stroke, my paint confidence, creativity, and a touch of mystery. It's a dance of brushes and powders, turning ordinary features into an extraordinary expression of self.

As I hold the sleek tube of crimson in my hand, I feel a surge of anticipation. Uncapping it, I reveal the rich, vibrant color that promises to transform my lips. The tip of the lipstick meets my skin with a gentle touch, leaving a velvety trail of red in its wake. With each careful stroke, my lips come alive, bathed in a bold hue that mirrors my inner strength and passion. The scent is subtle, almost floral, adding to the sensory experience as I define each curve with precision. As I finish, I see in the mirror a reflection that radiates confidence and allure, a testament to the timeless elegance of red lipstick.

"This is it. I am now licensed psychiatrist. Mrs. Marielle Carloza-Francisco, M.D." Pagbasa ko sa aking pin name tag.

A warmth enveloped my body like a soft, woolen blanket on a chilly evening, a tender kiss gently greeted my cheek. I turned to find familiar arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me close in a comforting embrace. The sensation was like being cocooned in love, where every touch whispered of safety and belonging, creating a moment that felt as timeless as it was precious.

As I look at my husband, I see a masterpiece of smoothness and clarity. His face is a canvas of well-toned skin, glowing with vitality and care. Bold, broad eyebrows arc gracefully over his bright, narrow eyes, which gleam with a quiet intensity, like stars in the night sky. His nose, with its gently sculpted bridge, adds a touch of elegance to his features, hinting at stories untold and dreams yet to unfold. In him, I find a blend of strength and softness, a portrait painted with love and admiration in every brushstroke of life we share.

"Good luck, misis ko. Alam kong matagal mo 'tong pangarap and finally naabot mo na." Aniya at pinisil ang aking mga pisngi.

"Hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng 'to kung wala ka, wala kayo na sumusuporta at naniniwalang maabot ko ang pangarap ko. Maraming salamat, mister ko. Sa lahat ng iyong ginawa para sa akin, at salamat hindi mo ako iniwan bagkus pinakasalan mo pa ako. I can't wait to have a little one from you." His chuckles echoed in our bedroom and after that he reached for my forehead to kiss it.

"Likewise, love. Only if you know that I want it badly right after our wedding night, but priorities first, we can make love once we're financially stable." He jokingly winked at me and I chuckled.

"Ich liebe dich," I kissed his lips and he kissed me back.

"Ich liebe dich mehr meine Liebe."

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

I was busy reviewing my prescription for my patient who consulted a while ago to me when Elleana calls me.

"Hi bakla! Ano? How's your first day of being M.D Psychiatrist? Taray ni ate oh, licensed psychiatrist na 'yan siya!" Naghuhumerantadong bungad ni Elleana sa telepono.

I laughed at her before I speak on the phone.

"Ikaw talaga ang exaggerated mo kahit kailan! Ito, first day na first day, sumabak kami sa matinding mind talks. Eme! Maayos naman, maraming clients ang nagpa-consult sa akin buong araw."

"Pagod ang lola ko, ah. Anyways, pinapasabi pala ni Hich punta ka raw mamaya sa bahay namin." Sabi niya sa kabilang linya.

"Bakit daw?" Tanong ko.