Since Childhood

20: Denying the Truth

[Daniela’s Point of View]

Its been a week and two days since August’s wife had her second delivery. I become friends with her instantly. Our closeness somehow helped her with her fast recovery because she’s very cooperative in terms of medical purposes. Lahat ng do’s and don’ts ay sinusunod nya. Healthy rin si baby Amberlie. She gained few grams after a week which is sign of progress.

Ngayong gabi ang huling gabi nina Lara and ni baby Amberlie sa hospital because they will be discharge tomorrow. August already settled the papers of his daughter as well as the other supporting documents. The hospital bills is already paid too. Ngayon ay naglalakad kami papalabas ng hospital.

I’m using this opportunity to talk to him about his baby’s health. Busy kasi ako maghapon kaya ngayon lang ako nagjaroon ng pagkakataon na makausap sya.

“Salamat, Rhein. You were so hands on to your patients. Ang swerte ng mag-ina ko na ikaw ang naging doctor nila.”

“Masuwerte din naman ako. They were like my lucky charms. It was an amazing starting point.”

Nagpatuloy ang magaan naming usapan ni August hanggang sa makalabas na kami ng tuluyan ng building.

“Magiingat ka sa pagd-drive.” I remind him. Nagkailangan pa kami when he initiated a friendly hug. Napatawa na lang kami parehas habang nakayakap sa isa’t isa.

“Thank you so much, Doctor Rhein. I’ll be going.”

Natawa na lang ako biglang formality nya. I wave my hand and then he started walking away. I watch him go through the cars on the parking. Nang makasakay na sya sa sarili nyang sasakyan ay bumusina sya. For the second time ay itinaas ko ang kamay ko para kumaway. I was smiling the whole time.

Pinanuod ko sya na makaalis. When I’m all alone, I look at my right. I don’t know why I look that way basta napatingin na lang ako.

Despite of the darkness on the lot, and the number of cars, hindi parin nakaligtas sa mata ko ang isang sasakyan na kamukhang kamukha ng sasakyan ni Tim. I was staring at it. It’s impossible na kay Tim yun. What is he doing here kung kanya nga yon?Besides, hindi lang naman sya ang may ganoong sasakyan.

In the depth of my thoughts, a nurse came to me.

“Doc Daniela, may emergency po sa ward ng bagong pasyente.”

After informing me, the nurse and I run heading to our patient.

*             *              *

When I come home, ang una kong napansin ay yung dalawang maleta sa living room. One small, one big.

“Rhein, nanjan ka na pala. Tara na, let’s have dinner.” Mom says with a smile.

I followed her on the dining area while asking, “what was with the luggage?”

“Your dad and I will be leaving tomorrow. Perhaps you forgot, sa isang araw na ang wedding anniversary namin ng papa mo. I already filed for few days of absence.”

“Oh, shoot! Oo nga pala. It totally slipped off my mind. I’m so sorry mom. Wala akong naihandang gift.”

“I understand, nak. It would be better if you’ll come with us.” She encourage as we stroll on the floor of the dining area. Dad is arranging the plates and the glasses habang si manang Belinda naman ang nagsasandok ng mga putahe.

“Kayo na lang ma. It’s your anniversary, not mine.”

“Pero wala kang makakasama dito aside from your nanay Belinda.”