My Boyfriend is a Freak (Published under Pop Fiction)

25: Mira

"Why haven't you entered the room yet?" tanong ni Vren kina Alexia at Mavi nang makarating kami sa Room 308, kung saan naroroon si Juli.

"Nakakahiya naman pong basta na lang kaming pumasok na wala kayo," sagot ni Mavi sa kanya.

"Oo nga, Sir Vren! Mamaya, nandiyan pala ang bruha mong ate – aray!" Kung ano man ang sasabihin pa ni Alexia ay pinigilan na ito ni Mavi sa pamamagitan ng pagbatok sa taratitat naming kaibigan.

But instead of getting offended, Vren just chuckled. "Don't worry about Vira. I'll keep her in check. And I don't really think she'll act unpleasant around you, not after you saved her daughter's life."

Akmang bubuksan na niya ang pinto nang saktong lumabas naman si Vince mula sa kwarto. He was still wearing his white coat, which looked really good on him. It's the same thing as Vren in his crisp suit; some people are just meant for certain get-ups. Then again, kahit ano naman sigurong isuot ng magkapatid na 'to ay babagay sa kanila.

I was about to say hi to Vince nang unahan ako ni Alexia.

"Hi, Doc Vince!" bati ng malanding nilalang sabay pa-cute na wave.

My boyfriend and I looked at each other and saw that we're both trying not to laugh. Beside Alexia, Mavi was doing the same.

Vince, friendly as ever, smiled at Alexia and said, "Hey, Alexia. How are you?"

"Eto, pretty pa rin!"

Our doctor friend chuckled. Then, he turned to Mavi and greeted her as well. "Hi, Mavi. Long time no see."

"Hello, Doc Vince," Mavi politely replied. "Dadalawin lang po sana namin si Juli."

"I could see that." Vince grinned.

"Well, get out of the way, then," sabi ni Vren sa kanyang kuya. Hinampas ko nga!

"What? He's blocking the door!" He gave me an extremely offended look. "Was it really necessary to hit me?"

"Ikaw talaga!" I hissed at him. "Igalang mo naman ang kuya mo kahit kaunti!"

Vince watched us in amusement. "No need to tell him off, Mira. Matagal na namang walang galang 'yang si Vren sa akin."

"Hindi pwede, Vince. Papatinuin ko 'tong mokong na 'to," nakangisi namang sagot ko sa kanya. "Gising pa ba si Juli?"

"Yup. Nasa loob din sina Vira at Miggie. Paano, mauna na ako sa inyo, ha? May lakad pa ako."

"That's really unusual of you. Akala ko, dito ka na sa ospital nakatira." Vren smirked. "Where are you off to, anyway?"

"I'm taking Hannah out for dinner," Vince replied in an offhand tone, which almost convinced us of his casualness if it weren't for his bright red face. Vren laughed while Alexia, Mavi, and I exchanged looks and giggled.

"You look like a fucking tomato," my boyfriend told his brother. "Oh, go on then. Good luck with your date."

"Thanks... I guess?" Vince replied, suppressing a smile. "See you around, guys."

The four of us watched as he walked away, surely thinking the same thought – things must be going really well between Vince and Hannah.

And after the heartache I unwillingly caused Dr. Montevilla, I'm happy to see that he's far from giving up on finding the right woman for him.

I really, really hope it's Hannah.

****

"Chocolates!" agad na sigaw ni Miggie nang makita niya kaming papasok sa kwarto. May kasama pa itong palakpak, na agad naman naming ikinatawa. Before Vren and I left earlier, we promised the little guy that we'll bring him his favorite treats when we return for another visit to his sister. At mukhang mas hinintay pa ng bata ang pasalubong namin kesa sa amin mismo.