Together but Separate

Chapter 12: Our First Times

Kate Rojas

I stepped out of the taxi cab after I paid the driver. I stood in front of a tall hospital building. This was the address that I got from the news. They said that Tito Niccolo was admitted here.

I arrived here in Italy this morning after a long twenty hours flight. I went straight to the hotel to drop off my luggage, so I did not have to carry it around.

I walked towards the entrance of the building. When I reached the receptionist area, I inquired for Tito Niccolo's hospital room number.

The receptionist answered me, "Is the patient expecting you, maam?"

"It is actually a surprise visit. The patient is my father-in-law," I said and showed her my identification card.

I saw her eyes wide open. "Are you the wife of Nicko Ferragni?" she asked surprised.

I nodded. "Yes."

"That's why you look familiar. Let me check you in in the computer system, maam," she said and worked on her computer. After few seconds, she faced me and gave me a visitor badge. "Mr. Ferragni is in a VIP room in the 7th floor, maam."

I smiled at her. "Thank you so much."

She smiled back at me. "You are welcome. I am glad to assist you today, maam."

After thanking her again, I went straight to the elevator. I went inside and got out when I reached the seventh floor. My heart was starting to beat faster as I approached the room. I began to feel nervous.

Would they welcome me? Or would they send me away?

Sa totoo lang, I did not really think about this well. All I wanted was to come here and see how tito was doing. I did not think about what I should say to them neither did I think about how would things go if I showed up in front of them unannounced.

When I reached the door, I stopped and took a deep breath. My heart was pounding fast. I felt like I was having cold feet.

Why am I so nervous of what they could possibly say to me? I could not back out anymore, could I?

I had traveled thousands of miles away. I could not back out now.

I took a deep breath and lifted my hand up to knock on the door then put it back down to hold my purse. I was holding it tightly because of nervousness.

"Per favore entra," I heard this Italian phrase coming from inside the room.

I was not sure what it meant, but I thought of it as a green signal to come in. So, I opened the door and went in.

The first person my eyes settled on was Tito Niccolo, who was laying down on the hospital bed. He looked very surprised to see me. His eyes showed that. Then I noticed Tita Jasmine sitting next to him. She looked surprised to see me too.

Without looking to the side of the room, I could already feel the presence of Nicko. I was sure that he was looking at me too because I felt it. But I was not sure of his reaction when he saw me. I did not want to look to know. What if he did not like that I came here?

I tried not to glance at him. I was nervous to find out his reaction.

"H-hi," I stuttered in my greeting.

Dahan-dahang tumayo si tita habang gulat na gulat siyang nakatingin sa akin.

"Kate?"

I nodded. "It's me, t-tita."

Nagkatinginan sila ni tito bago sila bumaling ulit sa akin. They still looked so surprised to see me.

"When did you arrive?"