Beautiful Escape

pain

Nadatnan ko si Jho na nakahiga sa sahig.

"Oh my gosh! Jho! Hey! Wake up! Jho!"

Di siya sumasagot. I don't know what to do!!!

"Jho? Can you hear me???"

Hinimas ko yung ulo niya.

"Jho. If you don't want this date to push through, you can always tell me. Di ako magagalit! Wag ka lang mag joke ng ganito!"

I shook her shoulders. Her hands.

"Jho!!!"

She winced.

"Aray! Stop. Masakit."

"Oh, thank God! You're alive!!!"

I don't know what got into me but I hugged her right then and there.

"Huh? Bei? Are you okay?" She sleepily said.

"I should be the one asking you that."

Tinulungan ko siyang makatayo.

"Sit here."

"Thanks." She's hugging her tummy.

"What happened to you? Kanina pako tawag ng tawag and you're not answering!"

"Wag ka naman magalit. I tried answering. Tumakbo na nga ako kanina palabas ng CR kasi alam kong ikaw yung tumatawag. Biglang nag black out kaya na out of balance ako and di ko na alam anong nangyari. Ang sakit sakit kasi talaga ng puson ko."

Di siya nakatingin sakin. Hinawi ko yung buhok niya so I can see her face. It's pale and parang she cried.

"Hey. I'm not mad. I was just so worried. Patay ako kina Maki and Tina kung may mangyari sa'yo. Are you really okay?"

"No. Ang sakit-sakit kasi talaga."

She keeps on hugging her tummy. And I wasn't aware that I was holding on to her shoulders and slowly stroking her back.

We both stayed silent and when she slightly moved, I  immediately tucked my hands on my pocket.

Keep your cool, Bea.

"What now? Anong sasabihin ko kina Maki?"

"Go. Puntahan mo sila. Tell them I can't make it. Uuwi nako. I'll just call Ate Ella or magu-Uber."

I let out a big sigh. No, no, miss. Can't do.

"Where are your things?"

Tinuro niya yung bag sa office table niya.

"Eto lang ba lahat?"

Tumango lang siya.

"I'll take you home. Tatawagan ko nalang si Maki later. They'll understand for sure. Let's go."

I helper her up. Nilagay ko yung right hand ko around her waist and she leaned on me.

"Careful! Baka matumba ka. Tara."

I have her weight on my right side while her bag on the left.

Her hair's scent is intoxicating. And having her this close to me should feel awkward but it is the complete opposite. It feels surprisingly... comfortable.