BORROWED TIME

49

"Hmmmm hmmmm hmmmm... If only it could last a lifetime.."

I heard Bea humming as we are entering their house.

I'm glad she's a little bit fine now. Mukhang nakatulong talaga sa kanya ang pakikinig ng music. She has forgotten that today was exactly Jia's death.

"You have to take a rest now, Bea. Then mamaya, after lunch, you have to drink your meds."

I was about to go out of her room when she held my hand even before I could go out.

"Jho..."

"Y-yes?"

Napa-lunok ako as I feel a burning sensation inside my stomach.

"Pwede bang...dito ka na muna sa room ko?"

"Ha? Ba-bakit naman?"

"I want to talk to you..."

I was about to ask kung anong pag-uusapan namin pero inunahan niya ako.

"I want to know you more."

~~~~~~~~~~~

B E A T R I Z

"So pano ba? Ahmm... I'm Jhoana Louisse Agno Maraguinot. I...uh... I graduated Orthopedics in the Ateneo Medical School... I'm 25 years old, and I--"

"I already know that things about you. What I mean is.... Gusto kong makilala si Jho. Not Jhoana. But si Jho."

I stared at her, and so is she. And the longer we stare at each other's face, I am slowly admiring her facial features. From her eyes, her nose, her lips, her skin complexion. Very Filipina. I wonder how her boyfriend looks like.

Because a beauty like Jhoana, deserves a man who perfectly fits her.

"Huh???"

Kaya lang, medyo slow siya. 😶

"Gusto kitang makilala. Your unique side. I want to know... What is it behind those hospital coats and stethoscopes that makes you different from any other people."

She did not respond and we let the silence fill my room.

"Ah... I just thought maybe this is too late for us to have a casual conversation and get to know each other. However, I still wanted to know more about you. Sabi nga ni Doc Rex, you are not just my personal doctor anymore. Because by the time I started listening to you and your advices, you are slowly becoming a friend to me. And what do friends usually do? They are getting to know each other. And I'm just doing it now."

But still, she wasn't able to respond.

Ayaw niya ba akong maging kaibigan?

I heaved a deep sigh. "So, I guess...you don't want me to be your friend? Ayos lang kung hindi mo gusto. I just tried it anyway---"

"You want me to be your friend?" she asked me with surprise in her face.

I just nodded and smiled lightly.

Wala naman sigurong mawawala kung susubukan kong kaibiganin si Jhoana, right? After all, she has been so persistent to make me listen and follow her.

I guess, this is the right time for me to atleast let a part of my guard down and open myself to form a new friendship.

"Wow.... I did not expect that this day will still come. That you would want me to be a friend and not just your personal doctor."