Each Other

CHAPTER EIGHT

BITTERSWEET.

She doesn't expect him to come. She doesn't even think he read her texts and emails regarding tonight.

Samantha decided to take her mind off of things by talking to some colleagues.

She sees one of the head Neurosurgeons from another hospital, Dr. Ramos, heading her way.

When Mr. Ramos left, she was just waiting for the host's speech to end when she felt an arm encircling her waist.

She gasped and turned her head.

"Hi," Matt said, with a triumphant smile on his face.

She felt like she was dreaming for a split second. "Wha--What are you doing here?"

He pulled her closer and caressed her side, "I am here to support you. To watch you get your award, my love."

It is him who was always there for her. Always. No matter what.

He showed up.

She doesn't know why but her eyes were brimming in tears.

Matt gently wiped her tears, careful not to ruin her ayos. "Hey, hey... don't cry naman. You look so beautiful, baka masisira 'yung ayos mo. "

"Sorry, I--I'm sorry. These past few days kasi I... I didn't expect you to come tonight." She said.

He gently fixed her hair. "Mamaya na natin pag-usapan. 'Wag mo munang isipin." He rubbed her back, "It's your night tonight, Doc, and I'm very proud of you."

"But——"

"Sam, just for tonight. Let there be an us, please. 'Yung tayong dalawa. Let me be here for you, kahit tonight lang, give me that chance."

She pulls him in for a hug. Sam is just so happy that he's here that she obliges. Siya 'yung laging nandiyan.

As they pull apart, the emcee speaks, "Now, let us now call up on stage, our foundation award recipient, Dr. Samantha L. Mariano!"

"Oh, go! Wipe your tears na, Mahal. Tara, dali!" He nudged her and assisted her to the stage.

After she gave a little speech, she said thank you and finally went back to their table.

"You did so good! Congratulations, Babe!" He said and hugged her again.

"Thank you!" They sat, "They're all looking nga because ang guapo-guapo ng date ko," She smiled. She held his hand, "But really, thank you for showing up."

"Naks. Nagpapakilig ka pa, ha?" Matt smiled at her. "And, Sam?"

"Hmm?"

"I will always show up for you. Always." And they held hands.

—————

They were in the car post-ceremony and she wanted to clear the air.

"Matthew... thank you for coming. I really appreciate it."

"Ofcourse. Anything for you." He says without taking his eyes off the road.

He soon pulls up at her place. No one dared to speak.

"Kelan alis mo?"

"Two days from now." She looks at him. "Matthew, I'm sorry. I'm——"

"Shh... no, don't be. I should be the one apologizing." He takes her hand, "Hindi tama 'yung ginawa ko sayo atsaka 'yung mga pinagsasabi ko. Nadala lang ako ng emotions ko nu'n. I'm sorry, Sam."

"Matt, we can still do it naman. I will be with you, Matthew. I would love to."

He smiles and caresses the tops of her hand. "Don't make this harder for me. Marupok ako, Samantha."

"I'm not joking."

"Sam, hindi pa tapos ang dream mo. Ako, malapit nang matapos. I want you to do what you have to do first. Do your research and save more lives. Kapag naging successful na 'yung research mo, tingnan natin kung andito pa 'ko. Pero, I'm pretty sure I will be."

"Matthew, what are yo——"

"Sam, I'm letting you chase your dreams first. Kasi alam ko'ng kapag nagawa mo na ang lahat ng gusto mo sa career mo, pwede ko nang makamit 'yung huling parte nung dream ko."

She clears her throat, despite the tears, "A-ano ba 'yun?"

He chuckles and eyes her, "Ikaw."

She bursts into tears.

"Hey... don't cry." He pulls her into an embrace and she quickly hugs back, "I want you to be strong, okay? I want you to be the best Cardio thoracic surgeon that you can be. Kapag nandun ka na, then we'll talk 'business'." He chuckles.

"Gusto ko, maging masaya ka while you're there. One year or plus lang naman 'yun. Kayang kaya."

She sniffs, "Matt, I love you."

He sniffs, to keep his tears intact. "I know. And I do, too."

Matthew cups her face, "You're gonna do this, okay? I want you to follow your dreams. You deserve to achieve success. Ako, nagawa ko na lahat, pwera na lang ang pakasalan ka."

This brings more tears.

He unbuckles her grip and steps outside the car to open her door.

She walks to her doorstep and he just watches.

Before Samantha reaches her door, she turns around and calls, "Matthew..."

She heads his way and they share one last embrace. "Proud na proud ako sa'yo." He tries to lighten up but it just brings more tears, even to him.

He wipes them and fixes her hair, "Kaya aalagaan mo 'yang sarili mo." He cups her face, "Papakasalan pa kita. Okay?"

She nods and he leaves a kiss on her forehead.

Samantha finally goes to her door and waves bye. He has his hand balled into a fist, resting by his mouth to keep his tears at bay but he still waves back with the other, knowing that this might be the last time he'll see her in a long while.

And that was their goodbye.

Then again, this wasn't their time to be together yet, as fate says.

———

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