Helix University 2: Kalidasa dela Cuesta

29: Cool Down

I am trying to update as much as I can. Sa kagustuhan ko pong makapag upload agad ay hindi ko na iniedit. So expect for some mispelled words and grammatical errors.

Thanks.

🔹🔹🔹🔸

Cassi

“Kalidasa dela Cuesta’s room number please.” Humihingal na tanong ko sa nurse na nasa information desk ng lobby ng hospital nina Kalidasa. Saglit na natigilan ang babae habang ipinagpapalit ang tingin sa akin at sa hawak kong soccer ball.

“Excuse me, ma’am, but what is your relationship with the patient?” The nurse asked professionally.

I was stoned. Dang! That question caught me. What should I say? That I am Kalidasa’s ex? I couldn’t even say that he’s my friend.

“Ma’am?” The nurse urged and I blinked.

“Uhm—h- he’s my… my s- schoolmate.” Nauutal kong sagot.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but sir Kali requested us to not allow any visitor inside his room.” Apologetic na sabi ng babae. Nahulog ang mga balikat ko.

“G- Ganun ba?” My voice cracked and I swallowed, “P- Pero, h- how is he, miss?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we are not allowed to disclose any information about our patients unless they are one of the family members. Lalo na po at anak siya ng may- ari ng ospital. Pasensya na po talaga.” Paghingi pa ng paumanhin ng babae.

“I- It’s okay. I understand.” I said in a strained voice. Nanghihinang nilapitan ko ang upuan sa waiting area at nananakit ang lalamunang naupo doon. Naluluhang napatingin na lang ako sa kandong- kandong kong bola ng marinig ko ang tinig ng mommy ni Kalidasa.

“Cassidy, hija?”

“T- Tita?” Gulat na napatayo ako yakap ang bola. Nakangiti siyang lumapit sa akin at tila ba ay relieved na makita ako. I instantly felt guilty. Here she is being so nice to me while here I am hurting his son with my unresolved trust issues and insecurities.

“It’s so good to see you here, hija.” Natutuwang yumakap ito sa akin at bumeso samantalang ako ay tila tuod sa pagkakatayo. Kumunot ang noo niya ng makita ang bolang hawak ko, “That young man, did he ask you to bring his soccer ball here?” Nagtatakang tanong ni tita.

Napalunok ako. What should I say? Tita Yassi seemed to interpret my silence with a yes. She heaved a breath and looked at me apologetically.

“I’m sorry, hija. Napakaimportante kasi ng bolang ‘yan kay Kali. Maski nga itong kakambal niyang si Rumi ay hindi ‘yan mahawakan. That was his dad’s gift to him when he graduated in senior high and it has Lionel Messi’s signature on it. Pinangalanan pa nga niya ang bolang ‘yan ng Haylee.” Napailing- iling ang ginang.

And I thought he was cheating with this soccer ball. I was so stupid!

“He was so cranky since this morning, hija,” Sabi pa ni tita Yassin na tila ba’y nagsusumbong sa akin, “he told his dad that his headache was killing him. That got me so worried so I immediately sent him here.”Nagaalalang napatingin ako kay tita. Napansin niya naman iyon dahil nangaalo niya akong nginitian, “He undergone with all the test needed so don’t worry.”

Doon lamang ako nakahinga ng maluwag.

“Anyway, why are you here in the lobby? Hindi ba’t pupuntahan mo siya?” Tanong pa ni tita. Pilit akong ngumiti at tumango. “Hay naku, Cassidy, buti na lang talaga at nandito ka,” Sabi pa nito habang iginigiya na ako patungo sa elevator, “hindi ko alam ang nangyayari sa batang ‘yan. Doon sa condo ni Lourd sila natulog kagabi at nagulat na lang ako ng bigla siyang dumating kaninang madaling araw with that hideous dark circles under his eyes. Dumiretso siya agad sa kitchen at nag- bake ng muffins.”