My Lover is the Son of a Mafia Leader

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Eli has his own version of an operating room. Not only that, but there's a small clinic too. According to him, people at the nearby town visits him for check-ups. He doesn't charge them, but he accepts their modest donation at times. He still has his license; however, he doesn't practice as he used to.

The room is simple. Cream walls, not peeling or dirty, just cream. Wala rin masyadong dekorasyon. When I entered earlier, the only noticeable thing around is the intravenous drips, monitors, a sink, a box of rubber gloves, hand sanitizer, and soaps. There's also a small room for patients to change, and the smell of chlorine surrounds the air.

It almost feels normal. Almost.

"It's my way of repenting," he says, I'm laying down on the surgical bed. I glanced at him, he's now done wearing his operating gown with his blue gloves and face mask, "I don't think I can be a doctor again. I'm helping the townsfolk because no one else would."

And I understand, we all have our own ways of repenting after all.

I didn't ask Eli about my mother. I don't think I am ready to ask questions, although there are many things in my mind.

Why did she change her name to Amelia? Did she run away from the Costas? If she did, why? How does Eli know my mom? What is my Uncle hiding from me? I wanted to ask these questions to Eli, but I don't think I am ready. Then when? When will I ever be prepared if I don't ask these questions now?

Lumapit siya sa surgery bed, "It'll be quick. Are you ready?" I lay there on the bed, and closed my eyes, matching my breaths with the beeping of the machine around the bed, a sign of my existence. I felt a slight pain when the needle pierced through my skin. "See you later."

My mind became foggy, like the time when I drunk vodka. The world became a blur, and it was so comfortable, I can feel myself lose consciousness, and the last thing I remember was how the ceiling is so gray it's depressing. 

"Auntie, Calista stole my toy again!" A girl wailed. Her voice is so sharp it could cut glass. She's my cousin, I think, but I don't like her as a cousin. She's very rude.

"Calista? Is that true?" Her voice was soft and comforting.

"But Mama, I didn't," my lips were pouting. Why is she lying to my Mama? I didn't steal her toy. I only asked if I could borrow it for a bit because I don't have a toy like hers.

Mama didn't get angry at me, she grinned at me. I knew then that she believes me, I always knew that. "I know, baby. Do you like that toy? We can ask your Papa to buy one for you."

I do like it, it's a doll with beautiful golden hair. I heard it's the most famous doll now, but then I remembered how Papa works too hard for us, and he's always tired. I sniffed, "It's okay, Mama. I don't want a doll."

There's sadness in her eyes when I said that, and I hate it when my Mama is sad. I don't like seeing her sad, because my chest hurts. "Are you sure, baby?" she asks.

I nodded, "Yes, I am a big girl now, and dolls are for kids." I stuck my tongue out to my cousin.

She frowned, "I am a big girl too!" she stomped her foot on the wooden floor as her voice shake, "I am a big girl too!!" she shouted.