LIVING WITH HER (COMPLETED)

Chapter 39: The Two of Us

Winter's.

"Excellent, Ms. Ku. Excellent. You never disappoint."

It's 6 PM Monday right now in Palm Springs California while 9 AM Tuesday in the Philippines. That's 15 hours in advance. I'm currently having a night class—virtual class—with Dr. Klaud, one of my professors in Feminy Medical University. I presented my medical research report that she just commended.

"Thank you, doc." I smiled.

"You never fail to amaze me," she continued.

I love hearing it. Compliments like that are a token of confidence.

After my report, she asked a few questions and spoke about medical matters, she discussed what should be discussed. Thirty minutes reporting and same goes with the discussion. Matapos ang purely seriousness lecture niya ay nagkwentuhan na lamang kami bilang pamatay oras. I swear, she had a lot of chikas about...I don't know, just pretty much everything. She's, no doubt, an absolute older version of my friend, Nikalien. Parehong madaldal at maraming kwento, at halos ay puro tango lang ang nagawa ko dahil hindi rin ako makasingit para magsalita.

"Alright. What time is it?" She asked, looking in the direction where her clock stands. Time to end this unnecessary conversation, I guess? Sinulyapan ko na rin ang oras sa monitor ko at saka lihim na napangiti nang makita na limang minuto na lamang ang natitira, and it's her usual time of dismissing the class. Kumbaga ay pahinga ko na ang natitirang five minutes. Isang oras at kalahati lang ang klase ko sa kanya at dalawang beses lang ito sa isang linggo—and I have no complaint. Dr. Klaud is a great teacher. Bihira at minsan ay mabilisang pagtuturo ang kanyang ginagawa pero hindi katanggi-tangging isa siya sa mga mahuhusay na professor at doctor sa paaralan namin. Bawat salitang namumutawi sa bibig niya'y pawang kaalaman—maliban lang sa mga chismis niya. Medical-wise, she's terrific! "Right in time. Let's call it a day, sweetie. I'm hoping to see you tomorrow. Same time. You'll be joining the entire class as I will discuss your promotion for internship." Nagtaas-baba siya ng kilay, ipinaparating na dapat akong ma-excite.

Ngunit wala akong naramdaman na tuwa. Marahil ay dahil sa hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring tumatanggap sa clerkship application ko rito sa California, which by the way...a little disappointing dahil hindi ako pwedeng umuwi ng Pilipinas para doon na lamang ito ipagpatuloy. That's not gonna work.

"Sounds great!" I lied.

"It is!"

I hope so.

"Thanks for today, doc." Paalam ko.

"Sure. I like it this way, though. So, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Certainly."

"Perfect! Magpahinga kana. Good night, Ms. Ku." she waved and turned off her microphone.

I smiled and nodded. "Bye, doc. Have a great one," and I left the meeting room. "Ugh. Finally!" Isinara ko ang aking laptop, at saka bagsak ang balikat na sumandal.

I stared vacantly.

I feel vulnerable, but why?

Natauhan ako sa isiping 'yon at napasinghap. Gusto kong pagtagpi-tagpiin ang mga nangyari at nangyayari sa'kin ngayon. May parteng naiintindihan ko at mayroon din namang hindi. I'm not a good person, but I think I'm not that bad either, right? May mas masahol pa sa'kin out there kaya minsan naitatanong ko sa aking sarili kung bakit ako? Bakit ako ang nasa sitwasyong 'to? Is this some kind of test that I need to pass? Because if only it has to do with medicine, I can probably ace it. But, unfortunately...it doesn't. It's way out of line.