Always Been You

Twenty one

Dinner

The least I wanted to see are now infront of me.  They are non other than the mother and sister of Matthew.  Sadyang napakaliit nga ng mundo.  We acted as professional individuals.  May pabor sa akin yun.

We discussed on the possibilities of the operation.  If I were to be asked, I would risk to take it.  The downside is so minimal that it can be managed thru massive therapy as part of the post-operative recovery.

I made suggestions since ayoko maging alanganin ang gagawin namin.  We have to make it quick and precise.  Since they all agreed upon, ginawa kaagad namin ang nararapat.  

I agreed to do it for once.  I owe it to their family who have given consideration the time I needed it the most.  I am referring to my internship back in the Philippines.  

They say that past is part of your entire being.  No matter how you deny it nandiyan yun sa buong buhay mo.  All we can do is to accept what have been done.  There is no use of being indifferent with them.  Naging mabuti naman sila noon sa akin lalo na ng mommy niya.

"Laurice, thank you for helping us.  I am not surprised of what you've become today.  I am so happy for you."  alam ko marami pa siyang gusto sabihin sa akin pero di na ginawa.  As if there is this invisible line that she doesn't want to come across.

"So you are the famous Dr. Jennica Laurice Ocampo.  I never thought we could get a chance of meeting each other in this situation."  nahihimigan kong mataray ang ate ni Matthew.  I just saw her now.  Noong panahon na kami pa ng kapatid niya ay hindi kami nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na magkita.  siguro kasi nag umpisa din ata siya ng training sa America noon for her specialization.

I just smiled at her.  "Are you still single?" alanganin akong tumango sa biglaang tanong niya sa akin.

"My brother must have been still whipped until now.  Too bad, he is bull-headed up to now.  But I am still hoping he will go back to his senses the soonest time." saad niya.  She is straight forward na hindi ko napaghandaan ang mga sasabihin niya.  "I still prefer woman of substance rather than those slutty whose only expertise will be on ramps and cams.  They just bore me to death."  sabay irap nito sa kawalan.

"Wilma..." pagbabanta ni Mrs. Sandoval sa inasta ng anak.

Ngumiti lang ako.  Alam ko naman ano ang ibig niyang ipahiwatig.  Maybe I could start dealing with my past from them.  

"Whatever mom." sabat nito with her rolled eyes. "But it's nice seeing you here.  I like you a lot" bulong niya sa aking habang nakayakap sya sa akin.  I never felt so warmed by her simple gesture.  Siguro, kasi kapatid siya ni Matthew.  She also has a soft spot in my heart like him.  What the heck!

Napailing na lang ulit si Mrs. Arabella Sandoval sa papaalis ng pigura ng anak niya.  Madaming pa kaming napag usapan pagkaalis ng anak niya.  She also invited for dinner later na nahiya naman akong tanggihan.

Having dinner with them won't hurt a bit. 

Lumapit ako sa receptionist to confirm the reservation.  I wore a simple mustard A-line knee length dress.  It is free flowing and I just put slim belt on waist.  Mas pinili kong suotin ang nude strappy sandals to complement my dress.  I don't want to impress them on how I look pero nakakahiya naman kung magmukha akong alalay knowing the two of them.  They always bear classy looks.

Sinalubong ako kaagad ng mainit na yakap at halik ni Mrs. Sandoval.  "Iha! I'm glad you came." malugod niyang paunang bati sa akin.  "My daughter is at the powder room.  She will be here shortly." pagpaalam niya sa akin.  She is always kind and poised. Nakakapagtaka wala ni isa ata ang namana ng mga anak training sa kanya.

"Oh, hi there Doc Laurice."  bumeso siya kaagad sa akin pagka upo niya.  

"I want to thank you Laurice for being so kind and doing favor to do the surgery.  I also invited Dr. Ramirez but he declined.  May prior appointment daw siya." aniya sa malamyos niyang tinig.

"It's my honor to have trusted Dr. Sandoval-"

"Just call me Tita Ara Laurice.  No need to be formal." putol niya sa sasabihin ko.

"Yeah, and you can call me ate as well.  I won't mind."  Nakangisi nitong sabi sa akin.

Maya't maya may kausap na ito sa phone niya, it's facetime if I'm not mistaken. "hey brother!" masiglang bati niya na nakapagtigil sa akin.  

Nahigit ko pa lalo ang hininga ko ng marinig ang sumagot sa malaim niyang boses. 

Para akong nabingi sa pinag usapan nilang magkapatid.  I tried to focus myself talking with tita Ara.  Hindi ko alam kung pansin niya ang pagiging balisa ko.  Inalalayan niya akong sa kwentuhan namin upang hindi ako mailang.  She've known me better.  Alam naman niyang may nakaraan kami ng anak niya.  I quite distracted.

"We're having dinner actually.  I'm with mom and Dr. Laurice."  parang sumabog sa akin ang pagdeklara ni ate Wilma.  I felt my body frozen when she showed us on screen while talking to her brother.