Echoing of Power and Passion

24 (Positive)

Miles knocked on the door, and when Alicia opened it, Miles could hear everything. She immediately hugged Alicia, trying to calm her down. As she helped Alicia to stand up, her eyes caught a bloodstain on Alicia's pajama.

"Alicia, may dugo ka?" Miles asked, her voice full of concern. Suddenly, Alicia collapsed, but fortunately, Miles was quick to catch her. A passing security guard saw the situation and rushed to assist them. Alicia, still weak, asked them to take her through the fire exit to avoid being seen by Risa, her voice barely a whisper, pleading not to let Risa know what was happening.

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She wakes up in a private hospital room and sees Tita Analyn and Maris asleep on the couch.

"Ahhh, aray!" She tries to get up but can't. Maris wakes up, startled by her sister's groan.

"Ate, gising ka na?" Tita Analyn wakes up as well and immediately calls the doctor. "Kamusta ka na, Ate?"

"Dumating na ang doktor," Tita Analyn says as the doctor enters and checks on Alicia. The doctor smiles at her.

"Congratulations, Miss Go. You're 7 weeks pregnant." Everyone is shocked, even though they expected a baby, as it was Alicia's first try with the Co-IVF operation, and it was successful right away. "The operation went well. Dr. Katie told me you're the first woman to undergo this procedure. Don't worry, I called her to give my congratulations."

"No, please don't tell her. I want to keep this pregnancy a secret, especially here in the city, since I'm carrying the mayor's child. I don't want her image as mayor to be ruined, especially now that she's planning to run for senator in the next election."

The doctor understood, as the patient has the right to keep personal information private. Only the nurse and the doctor knew about the pregnancy.

"I understand, Miss Go, and we will make sure this matter is not exposed to the public."

"Thank you, Doc. How's my baby?"

"Since we're expecting twins, they're both fine and still developing well. However, you need to relax and avoid stress. You're still in the first trimester, and it's a bit difficult, especially since it's your first pregnancy." Alicia nodded.

"Thanks, Doc."

"I'll refer you to Dr. Pascual, an OB-GYN who's great and a friend of mine, if you're interested."

"I'm sorry, Doc, but I don't plan to give birth here. I want to deliver in a faraway place to avoid complications."

"I understand, Miss Go. Well then, I'll take my leave. Congratulations again, Miss Alice." The doctor smiled and left.

"Ate, buntis ka na? Oh my god!" Maris squealed with excitement, finally happy to have a baby in their family.

"Pangako, aalagaan ka namin, Waping," Tita Analyn said.

"Salamat po, Tita. Sorry po kung nagdala ako ng gulo," Alicia responded. Tita Analyn held her hand.

"Mahal namin ang batang yan. Alam kong mahirap ang pinagdaraanan mo ngayon, pero nandito kami para sa'yo. Isa pa, hindi gulo ang batang yan, kundi pag-asa, para sa'yo at sa amin." They hugged Alicia, and since she was hungry, they all ate together.

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Risa is in her office, lost in thought. Ate Gie arrives.

"Mayora? Mayora? Yohoo!" Risa finally looks at her.

"Why?" she asks.

"Aren't you going to visit Alicia at the hospital-"

"What? What happened?" Risa stands up and grabs her bag.