Love Next Door

25 - I Need a Doctor

JERON

"Ayan, masyado ka atang na-pressure sa pagiging honor student mo, hindi ka na nagpapahinga.", I said as I handed her a paracetamol and a glass of water.

It's been two weeks and I've witnessed kung paanong madaling araw na namamatay ang ilaw sa kwarto niya, because she stays up late to study.

Mika and I have grown closer as friends. Kung dati, nawawala ang pagka-payapa ng street namin whenever I step foot inside her unit, ngayon, at ease na kami sa isa't isa. Just like now, she's lying on the couch while I sit on the carpet looking after her.

"Hindi naman eh. Mahirap lang talaga ang third year, tapos last sem pa.", she replied weakly.

"Diba sabi ko naman sayo, wag ka nang magpart-time? Your parents are more than willing to provide your allowance. May scholarship foundation nga para sa anak ng employees niyo, tapos ikaw, kumakayod ka to make both ends meet? Who does that?"

Tita Bhaby's right. Pag buo na yung principle ni Mika, hindi talaga siya magpapatinag. Kahit pa maging mahirap para sa kanya.

Nag-start na rin akong pag-aralan ang business namin, at syempre, ang real estate business nina Mika. In the first place, that's one of the main reasons kung bakit nila kami gustong ipakasal noon.

The other is that our parents think we're meant to be together.

I used to laugh when I think about the moment Dad and Mom told me that. Pero ngayon, kahit pa isipin ng lahat na hindi kami para sa isa't isa, I'd fight for us to end up together, even if it means breaking all the rules.

"Alam mo, kung sesermonan mo lang ako, uwi ka na lang. Wala ka man lang dalang chocolate.", she complained in a cute manner.

"First of all, bawal sayo yun ngayon. Magpagaling ka muna. And second, I won't leave you like that. Ang akin lang, pwede ka namang magpaalam sa FEast na huminto na eh."

"I know. But I love the people there. They've been nothing but good to me. Siguro... I'll stay until the end of year na lang."

"Fair enough."

Mika heaved a sigh.

"Hay, ano ba yan. Ako 'tong magiging doctor pero ako ang may sakit."

I reached for her face and brushed off the hair covering her forehead.

"Don't say that. You're human, first of all. Hindi unlimited ang lakas mo para gawin ang lahat ng bagay. You'll need someone to take care of you."

And I, Jeron Alvin Teng, am very willing to do that.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing.

...Incoming call... Dad...

"Hello Dad? Kumusta po?"

"Ron, I have news for you!"

I could imagine him smiling excitedly on the other line.

"Ano po yun?"

"There's a hotel business gathering happening next week! Many of the prominent entrepreneurs in the field are coming. And I think it would be best if you represent our hotel in the event."

"Po?!", gulat kong sagot.

I mouthed "Sorry" to Mika when her head turned to me.