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The First Time

The Doctor said we needed to visit the hospital to do some tests. He said my condition was getting worse. So Dad decided to take me out because they couldn't do the tests at home. If they did, it would take a long time, especially with the advanced equipment they needed.

“Tine, we need to go to Dr. John’s hospital for a CT scan to lessen your agony and to check your condition. Anak, kaya mo bang lumabas?”

“Dad, yes, I’m okay. My head hurts a bit, but I can manage.”

“Tine, Sir, Sabihan ko lang ang driver para makaalis na tayo.”

“Thank you, Yanni and Dad.”

Honestly, I felt weak, but I didn’t say it to Dad anymore. I know how worried he is, and I know he’s feeling drained too imagine, managing the company on top of everything else. Sometimes I felt like I was a burden in his life.

“Patrick, this is Dr. Fuentes, our neurologist. She's assigned to do the CT scan on Tine.”

Honestly, this neurologist was beautiful. If you ask me what my dream profession is, it’s to be a doctor. Why? I want to help people who need help with their health. And I want to find a cure for my illness, for the illness that took my mom. Mom sacrificed her life for me, and I promised her that it would all be worth it.

“Let’s go, Tine” Dr. Fuentes said.

We went into a test room, and she had me put on a hospital gown. It was my first time, so I was nervous.

She had me face the X-ray machine, and then she started the scan. It took a while, so my neck started to ache. But it was okay. After 20 minutes, it was over.

“Tine, how are you feeling?” Dr. Fuentes asked.

“I’m okay now. Earlier, my brain felt like it was going to explode, but I’m okay now.”

I went outside and left Dr. Fuentes to take care of the results.

“Mr. Peter, these are the test results for Christine. As you can see, the blood vessels in Christine’s head are imbalanced, which is why she has headaches. But I’ve given her medicine to stop the pain. Here are some prescriptions.”

“Thank you, Dr. Fuentes.”

Even though I didn’t see the paper Dr. Fuentes gave him, I knew there was a lot there. Sometimes I felt like I was living off of medication.

Yanni and I got into the car, and Dad went to buy medicine.

“Tine, kumusta ang nararamdaman mo?” Yanni asked.

“I’m okay, Yanni.”

Dad came back with a lot of things not just medicine, but also syringes! Ugh, I hate those.

“Tine, Dr. Fuentes and Dr. John told me that you can go outside as long as you’re with me or with Faye.  Remember, you told me you wanted to go to the mall?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“So we’re going to the mall now so you can relax.”

So many firsts today! Helloooo, outside world, HAHAHA! I was so excited because it was my first time going to a mall. Weird, right? Before, I was always busy with Dad, and my situation was so bad that I was always at home. It’s a small joy, experiencing what normal people experience.

We went shopping, and I was so happy. It felt like, even if it was just for a day, I was normal. Before, it was always Dad, my cousins, or sometimes Yanni buying my clothes. I had no choice but to wear what they bought. This was my chance to buy the clothes I wanted. Before, I used to browse the internet and watch fashion shows on TV. I loved it. I wanted to tell Dad and Yanni what kind of fashion style I like, but it was embarrassing. And I knew they wouldn’t understand.

“Oh my God, those dresses! I want them, Dad. And this, and this, and this!”

It was my chance, so I grabbed the opportunity, girl! After shopping, we went grocery shopping. Yanni and Dad got the food, and I just followed them.  If I saw something I liked, I’d grab it.

It was so big and tiring, but I enjoyed it.  I stopped at the chocolate section when I noticed something. Wait, the guy who was also picking out chocolates, not too far away, looked familiar.

Because I’m not really good with remembering faces, I couldn’t recall where I saw him. Maybe I saw him on TV or in a magazine. He left quickly and went to another section. I followed Dad and Yanni, carrying my chocolates.

After grocery shopping, I thought we were going home because it was getting late. But Dad said we were going to eat at a restaurant. He told me that it was my Mom’s favorite restaurant, so I was excited. It wasn’t new to me I mean, I could eat the dishes they had there, just not at the restaurant. I mean, at home. We went in. Dad had a reservation, girl. He was prepared.

“Tine, what do you want to eat?”

“This Japanese dish, Daddy. I’ve never eaten it before, but I want to try it. It looks yummy.”

“Yeah, you’re just like your Mom. Both of you have the same taste, huh?”

“How about you, Faye?”

“Kahit ano po, Sir. Hindi ko naman alam ano itong mga to.”

Yanni, HAHAHA. She's become a part of our lives. Dad and I see her as part of our family now. Yanni’s parents passed away, and she grew up as an only child. She started working for my Dad' family when she was young, like seventeen, so basically, she grew up with my Dad. Sometimes I think, why didn’t they end up together? HAHA, kidding! I’ll get in trouble with Mommy if she hears that. I was just thinking… don’t get any ideas.

“Here’s your order, Ma’am and Sir.”

They set the food down, and we started eating. What else were we going to do? Play rock, paper, scissors? While we were enjoying our dinner, I saw that guy again. He was just passing by the restaurant. I seem to be seeing him a lot lately.

After dinner, we decided to go home. It was late, and I was tired. I get tired easily. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s a symptom of my illness, or maybe it’s a side effect of the meds I’m taking.

When we got back to the mansion, I went straight to my room to rest. I’d sort out the clothes we bought tomorrow.

Before I closed my eyes, I wondered:

“Who is that guy? He looks like someone I know, but I can’t remember.”