Borrowed Time (completed)

9. first aid

"Ano to?" Rj said when Meng handed him a small package when he rode shotgun again. Biboy was sleeping in the 2nd row with his earplugs on. Rj opened the package and found the airsickness bag and a small container of candied ginger slices.

"Uhmm...sorry ha pero nakita kasi kitang nasuka..."

"Oh shit! Sorry..." Rj mumbled.

"Okay ka lang? I mean, okay ka lang sa pagbiyahe sa closed na sasakyan?"

"Salamat...oo...oo...okay lang..." Rj said apologetically.

"Tikman mo yung candy..."

"Ginger?" Rj said as he studied the contents of the container.

"Oo. After kitang makita na sumuka ulit nung isang gabi, nag-research ako. Although walang mahanap na proof na may connection ang paggamit ng luya sa pagsusuka, effective naman daw. Plus nakakaganda pa ng boses..."

Rj hesitantly put one in his mouth. "Matamis...mainit..." he said after a few seconds.

"Sa sugar yan. Mainit talaga ang luya..."

Although Rj was appreciative of Meng's concern and present, the taste of the ginger was something he wasn't used to. He discreetly opened the bag in the guise of being curious about it then he turned away from Meng to spit out the ginger into the bag.

"Hindi masarap?" Meng asked when Rj turned and faced the dashboard of the van.

"Ah eh..."

"Okay lang. Hindi naman lahat ng tao mahilig talaga sa luya..."

"Sorry ha..."

"Walang problema." Meng smiled.

Just then, Rj had to open the bag immediately as he heaved into it. Thankfully, they were at a stoplight so Meng was able to rub his back as Rj vomitted. She immediately turned on the hazard lights and got a bottle of water from her little store. She also got some other candies.

"Sorry...sorry..." Rj kept on repeating as Meng drove back to the terminal. Despite having witnessed what had just happened, Meng was able to keep her composure and got them safely parked at the terminal. And except for the sealed airsickness bag, there was no other evidence of what had just happened minutes ago.

"Ako na magtatapon nyan..." Meng said as she extended her arm toward Rj who stood in front of her.

"Nakakahiya na talaga..." Rj said as he craned his neck to find the nearest trashcan. He didn't see any so he hesitantly gave the bag and the empty water bottle to Meng.