Flowing Through Pages

Chapter 25

Chapter 25.

Nervous

"I want to go out," I told Warren as he blocked my path.

He bowed, his hands clasped in front of him. "I apologize, Miss Kalliope, but Don Greg instructed me not to let you leave."

Humilig ako sa wheelchair at pinasadahan siya ng tingin. Sa tono ng kaniyang pananalita ay mukhang hindi niya talaga ako papayagan.

I sighed. "Inform him that I want to go."

"But, Don Greg is currently out of the country."

"Call him, then."

"I am sorry—"

"Stop scaring him, Ate," a man interrupted us. Liningon ko ang papalapit na nakapamulsa at nakangising si Storm. He looked at both of us and tapped Warren on the shoulder.

"Good work. Ako na ang bahala kay Ate," nilahad niya sa dibdib nito ang dala niyang plastik at lumapit sa aking likod.

Warren looked at the insides of the bag in confusion. He opened his mouth to speak, but Storm quickly started pushing me away.

"What did you give him?" I asked.

He laughed. "A bribe."

"Yeah, what exactly?"

"Pandesal," natatawa niyang sabi.

I shook my head, a smile forming on my lips. Storm had a natural knack for humor. Out of the three of us, he was the most cheerful. That's why having him around is a breath of fresh air.

"Saan mo ba gusto pumunta?" tanong niya habang patuloy akong tinutulak papunta sa elevator.

"I need to find someone," I replied as we exited the elevator. My eyes widened at the sight of the crowded space. Sa dami ng tao ay aakalain mong mall at hindi hospital.

“Are you sure about that?” he asked, his voice filled with awe.

“I think so. Why are there so many people here?”

Sinimulan niya ulit akong i-tulak. “Our hospital is the top one in the Philippines. I should be used to it by now, but damn, it’s still surprising.”

I sighed, relieved to be in a wheelchair. At least I wouldn’t get tired searching for someone in this crowd.

“So, who are you looking for, Ate?” he asked. Pansin ko pa ang ilang mga babaeng tumitingin sa kaniyang mga naka hospital gown man o hindi. Well, Storm had that charm, with his bubbly personality and innocent face from Tita Andrea. Lau, on the other hand, took after Tito Lorenzo in looks and some of his personality.

"Just push me all the way to the pediatric ward," maikling sabi ko.

He halted abruptly, staring at me with wide eyes. "Why? Are you thinking your baby is still—"

I pushed his face away before he could say more. "No, just push me."

Umismid siya at tinulak akong muli. "Seriously, why do I need to push you? What’s the point of this automatic wheelchair?"

Patuloy siyang nag re-reklamo pero ay tinutulak pa rin ako. Pahinto-hinto pa kami dahil may gustong kumuha ng number at pangalan niya. If I didn’t give them a sharp look, they would keep trying. Mas napapatagal tuloy kami nakarating.

"Next time, just cover your whole face," I said, irritated.

He laughed. "Grabe! Aren’t you proud that your cousin is good-looking? And some guys want to approach you too, if it weren’t for your murderous stare!"