Always And Forever

Meet the Sister

Before Bongbong could enter the vehicle. Irene stopped him and held both of his cheeks, examining his face. "Are you sure okay ka lang bumyahe at this state?"

He tried to brush it off, but winced when Irene's thumb brushed near his eye. "You're coming with me in Manila". The big brother blurted out.

"Ano?", Irene crossed her arm upon her brother's statement.

"I can't let you stay here. Something's wrong, Irene".

His younger sister just stared at him waiting for a clarification. Realizing how impulsive his suggestion was, he let out a sigh.

"They're hiding something. Nakita mo naman si manang kanina di ba? Alam n'ya kung bakit ganun mag react si papà. She knows something, and it makes me uncomfortable to leave you here knowing that they're plotting something without you knowing"

He glanced back at the huge wooden doors. "I want you away from here until I figure this out".

For a moment, Irene didn't reply. She just looked at her brother's pleading face. "What if you're just paranoid?"

"I'd rather be paranoid and wrong than let you stay here and find out I was right."

Irene uncrossed her arms. "Fine"

A sign of relief crossed his face. His hand reached for the car door and opened it himself. "Get in"

Irene's eyes widened. "What? You're not letting me pack?"

"Just buy the things you need in Manila". Bongbong gestured towards the door again. "I'll pay for everything".

That sounded like a great idea for Irene. She's about to exploit his brother. A knowing smile pasted on her face. "Sige". Before she lowered herself to enter the car, she pointed and gave her brother a threatening glare. "Better keep your word".

Bongbong just laughed and slightly pushed her inside. "Oo nga ang tigas naman nang ulo".

=

By the time their plane landed in Manila, the city has already calmed. Traffic was still heavy but much bearable compared to the early hours.

"Let's drop by the hospital, may kukunin lang akong documents saglit". Ferdinand informed his sister who's busy fastening her seatbelt.

The car pulled away from the airport with Carl managing the wheel and the siblings in the backseat. Bongbong stared out the window watching Manila pass by in streaks of headlights and familiar buildings. He is now feeling the impacts of the punches he received. As his wounds started to show the cardinal signs of inflammation. Suddenly, the radio that has filled their silence switched into breaking news with a voice that they all knew so well.

"The hospital recognizes the ongoing investigation conducted by the proper agencies."

It was a part of his interview that he gave to the reporters who swarmed the hospital earlier.

"We fully intend to cooperate, however we will not condemn our physician solely on allegations."

Camera shutters were picked up by the mic. Then a reporter spoke.

"But sir, public perception-"

Ferdinand's voice immediately cut through.

"Does not replace due process. Until competent authorities conclude otherwise. Dr. Riza Javier remains entitled of the same constitutional rights afforded to every Filipino".