The Date [ Completed ]

Chapter 7 [05.20.2019]

"Good morning! Hi. I'm Dr. Maymay Entrata, your surgeon."

"So, you're the Maymay. Kaya naman pala nasisiraan na ng bait ang kaibigan ko."

"I'm sorry, what did you say?!"

"Ah... Eh, wala, wala. Don't mind me doctor. Siguro disoriented pa ko."

"Are you sure? Kasi if that is the case, I am going to request for a neurological exam for you. Just in case."

"No! I'm good. I swear I'm okay!... It's just that my friend, Edward...

"What about him, Mr. Santillan? Are you sure you don't need to see a neurologist?"

"He likes you, okay! Wait... Are you... Are you... are you blackmailing me?"

Works every time. "What? Of course, not, Mr. Santillan."

"Damn. Edward, you're on your own with this one." Narinig kong binulong ni Fern na di ko na lang pinansin.

"Mr. Santillan, now that you're awake,
our orthopedic specialist will come by today to discuss your leg injury. I'd like you to stay in the hospital for two more days. Just for observation and to rule out any complication with regards to your head injury."

"Okay, Dr."

"I suggest you stay with someone for at least a couple of weeks because of your condition. You need adequate rest for your injuries to heal."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of him." Isang babaeng maganda at sexy ang pumasok sa loob ng kwarto ni Fern.

Hmmm...girlfriend kaya? Oh, no!

"That's good. Hi, I'm Dr. Entrata. Mr. Santillan's surgeon."

"Cheska. Nice to meet you, Dr."

"Likewise. So... that's it, then. I'll leave you two, alone. I'll be back tomorrow."

Whew! Awkward! Alam kaya niya na makaka-date ko sana si Fern na stand-in ni Edward? Sus, andami ng twists! Kelan ba naging teleserye ang buhay ko?

"Umph!" Sa sobrang lakas ng impact, natumba ako, napaupo. Nakalasampak ako sa sahig habang naniningkit ang mga mata sa taong bumunggo sakin.

"I'm sorry, Miss... Maymay? What are you doing down there? Oh, right. I'm sorry, again. I would help you get up but my hands are full. Wait here, I'll help—"

"No need! I can do it on my own." Shit, yung slit ba ng palda ko yung narinig kong nag-'rip'?

"Here. Take my hand. Whooops. There. Are you sure you're okay? Sorry, hindi kita nakita before sa dami ng dala ko. Oh btw, these are for you."

Flowers?! Ang kailangan ko, blanket! Bakit ba kasi nakalimutan ko isuot yung coat ko?

"Ummm, Maymay?" Itinuro ni Edward ang likod ng palda ko.

"I know." Pilit kong tinatakpan ang napunit na palda pero walang improvement.

"I have an idea." Tinanggal ni Edward ang suot niyang jacket at itinali sa bewang ko.

"There. That should do it. So, where to next?"

Tiningnan ko ang nakataling jacket sakin at ang bouquet. Di na ko nagdalawang-isip pa.

"Back to the doctors' waiting room. I have spare clothes."

"Lead the way." Sabi niya pero hindi pa man kami nakakahakbang ng limang beses,

"Listen, I'd like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. That was rude and uncalled for."

"Okay lang yun. I tried to see you in Hannah's room that day pero wala ka."

"I should have given you a chance to explain. I'm so sorry."

"You're forgiven."

"Thank you. Here. Put your number in my contacts."

Kinuha ko ang inabot niyang cellphone at in-enter ang aking cell number. Nag-miscall siya sa phone ko pagkatapos.

"There. Now we have each other's number."

Nakarating kami sa waiting room. Nagpalit ako ng palda pagkatapos, ibinalik ko kay Edward ang jacket niya.

"So..." Sabay pa kaming nagsabi.

"Ladies first."

"No, ikaw na ang mauna."

"Do you... Can we have that coffee date...?" Nag-aalangang tanong ni Edward.

"Sure. You have my number. Just text."

"Okay. I'm going back to Hannah's room now. "

"Ok. Bye."

Natawa siya. "Okay. See you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow." Tugon ko sabay ng pagtango.

"Okay."

"Okay."

"Ummm...I better get going." Paalam ulit niya.

"Okay."

"Later."

"Bye, Edward."

Finally, tumalikod na siya at naglakad pabalik sa dinaanan namin kanina. Nagwave pa siya ng nakatalikod.

That was the longest and most awkward goodbye I have ever experienced.

Pero napansin ko, kahit di ko na tanaw si Edward, nakatayo pa rin ako sa may pinto.

And, I'm still smiling.