One of the Boys 1 & 2 (Published by Pop Fiction)

Chapter Fifteen

Present

Gaudiloquent

What I liked about being a medical intern was I rarely had time to think of myself since I was always occupied. I couldn't, didn't, and must not think and care about my personal problems. Problems? I couldn't even think of one right now... or maybe, I could, but hey, I survived med school. I would definitely survive surgery department and Dra. Dela Rosa who despised me... A LOT.

Abby, Dyma, and I just got in the dorm from the hospital when my phone vibrated... multiple times. Kahit hindi ko tingnan kung sino yung nag text, I surely who they came from. Binaba ko yung bag ko sa sahig at humiga sa kama.

From: Apa Hizon

Message: Hey

Message: Busy ka?

Message: Get dressed in 10 minutes

Message: I'll pick you up

I rolled my eyes. Hindi ba niya kayang mag text ng hindi sunud-sunod? I mean, pwede naman niyang i-text na lang ng isang bagsakan.

From: Me

Message: Too tired. Can't.

From: Apa Hizon

Message: I know but this is very important

Pagod ako, mainit ang ulo ko, meron ako, naiirita ako sa lahat ng tao lalong lalo na kay Dra. Dela Rosa na pinapahirapan ako dahil type niya si Apa, sobrang hectic sa surgery department and my patient escaped kaya napagalitan ako lalo, at sasabog na utak ko. Ayoko na!

From: Me

Message: Kahit gaano pa yan kaimportante hindi ko na kaya so just stop being such a kid and let me get my rest

Pagkasend ko ng message, nagsisi agad ako dahil masyado atang harsh yung na-type ko, pero hindi ko na binawi. Hindi rin ako nag sorry. What?! I had my moments, too. I told you, I was irritated with everyone.

From: Apa Hizon

Message: I understand.

Message: Sorry

I hadn't seen him for days and I wouldn't see him for more days since he'd be at a conference, while I'd be at a medical mission the next day. Apa and I were fine. Friends pa rin kami at hindi rin ako umiiwas. Sobrang busy ko lang talaga at wala akong panahon problemahin buhay ko.

Ang dapat kong problemahin ay kung paano maka-survive sa surgery department at kay Dra. Dela Rosa.

"Ags, are you ready to face him?" Abby asked. "What if he's there?"

I buried my head under my pillow. "I don't know, Abby. I don't know."

-

The following day, sabay-sabay kaming nag punta ng mga interns, nurses, at doctors sa Caloocan as an anniversary celebration ng hospital. Dr. Villegas asked me to be his assistant doctor kaya ako nasama sa medical mission for children with cleft chin and cleft palette.

Habang nag-aayos kami ng medical equipment and supplies, inaasar ako nila Kirk at Anthony dahil naka-mask na ako eh wala pa namang mga pasyente and according to them, I looked agitated. Hindi ko na lang sila pinansin kahit nahahalata na nilang may pinagtataguan ako. I asked them to concentrate, but they weren't listening.

Kaya nilayasan ko sila at pumunta na sa children's ward para magpamigay ng mga laruan. Kahit kinakabahan yung mga bata, hindi nawala yung mga ngiti nila noong nakita nila yung stuffed toys na hawak ko. I stayed there for a while and talked to them and their parents.