𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐷𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 (LeAga)

𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚎 : 𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑧𝑎

ɪɴɪᴢɪᴏ ᴅᴇʟ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴏʟᴏ

𝓽ꫝ𝓲𝘳ᦔ ρꫀ𝘳𝘴ꪮꪀ

"Alam mo, you're so maarte. Tignan mo, nakarami ka ding nakain. Sometimes we need to escape from reality. Grabe tayo makabawal sa mga pasyente natin pero ganon din naman tayo minsan, am I right?" Lea asked him. They are patiently walking on the side road of the Manila Bay. It's not quiet enough but it's fine for a peaceful talk. The polluted wind is embracing them but it's still feels good.

"I guess, in your situation. Ako kasi, I let my patients eat what they want only after the effects of anesthesia. What I am strict of is after the operation when they are already discharged. I know that suture is painful, and they really need to give their best care. I understand that most of my patients are business men or women , that's why sometimes they take risks but they still need to accept the fact that health is wealth." Ian explains, it's his first time to talk with Lea about their work and seems like he's enjoying the topic.

"Makulit talaga." Lea laughed while shaking her head, "But you know, I am proud of you. You've reached you're goal, lumagpas ka pa nga ata eh. Are you aware that you're one of the best Surgeons in town?"

Ian nods, "Yes, but I don't really think so. And that's not important for me. Naabot ko na ang pangarap ko but there's something missing. Parang may hinahanap parin ako at gustong gawin." He said full of sincerity. "And for your information, mas proud ako sayo. You're the youngest Doctor who recieved a Best Oncologist Award. And hindi bias 'yun ah, never pumasok sa isip nila na nakuha mo lang 'yon dahil Tito mo ang Chief Physician and soon to be CEO ng SLMC. Kilala ka na sa pangalan na 'yan at hindi na sa signature mo." He laughed as they sat on a bench where there are only counted people.

Lea's nose wrinkled after hearing what he said, "Signature? I don't remember having a signature."

"Am I right?" Ian tried to mimick her voice, "You always say that and most of the nurses are imitating you. You aren't aware, right?"

Lea's jaw dropped, she doesn't have any idea. "Yes, I am not really aware of that. Should I be flattered though?" She giggled.

"I think." He shook his head while laughing softly.

It's been silent for a mean time, they are just appreciating the view eventhough it isn't a view type of place. All they can hear is the loud beeps of the vehicles and some vendors who are selling balot.

"Gutom ka pa ba? Betamax and adidas aren't healthy and my stomach isn't satisfied." He said while looking at her.

"Just admit it, ang takaw mo kasi." Lea chuckled, "Just 10 more minutes." She pleaded because she's enjoying the moment.

"Oh, have you read the e-mail?" He reminded, "About the Medical Ball?"

Lea tried to recall if she did read the e-mail, "I didn't, 'yun pala ang pinag-uusapan kanina nung dumaan ako sa office. But, you can tell me about it." She smiled giving her trust to him about the e-mail.

"Ang workaholic ni Doc talaga," he shook his head. "It will be on November 17, 8pm. And uhm, I want to ask you something."

Lea sighed, her instinct is alive again and she already expect what Ian wants to ask. And she knows she doesn't have a choice though.

"Bring it on, Doctor Veneracion"

"C-Can you—" he took a heavy sigh, "Can you be my date?"

I. Knew. It.

Lea forced a smile, it's not bad after all to be Ian's date at the ball. The Medical Ball is a tradition of their hospital, it happens maybe early before or after christmas. It's like their thanksgiving day. That event is very special to every person working at the St. Lukes Medical Center because it's the 3rd get together they can do for the year. But this time it's not only by center, it's a celebration as a whole.