PASADO alas singko na ng hapon noong magsimulang maubos ang mga tao sa covered court. Finally, malapit na kaming bumalik sa Manila."Maraming salamat po, Doctora. Sana po marami pa po kayong matulungan na kapos palad," nakangiti ako habang pinapakinggan ang mga pasasalamat ng mga naging pasyente ko.They went here to meet me and sent their gratitude to me. Binigyan nila ako ng mga kakanin at iba pang produkto na gawa sa Pampanga. Tuwang-tuwa naman ako dahil natulungan ko sila."Walang anuman po. Masarap po sa pakiramdam na nakatulong ako sa inyo," I smiled genuinely at them. "Salamat po sa mga 'to." I pulled up the plastic bag full of Pampanga's delicacy.We took a group photo with other volunteers, which will be uploaded on the website of Areno. We bid our good bye to the members of barangay Arayat before we entered our cars.This time, I'll ride with Reeve. Si Doc RJ na rin ang nagsabi na kay Reeve na lang ako sumabay kung gusto ko. Pumayag naman ako dahil sa iisang bahay lang nama
THE first rays of sunlight lit up my room, indicating that another day had dawned. I rubbed my blurry eyes and walked to the window. I pulled up the white curtain, revealing the pearly glow in the sky.Today is a rest day for all the medical volunteers. The Areno's director— my mom, gave us a two days rest day after the one week we spent on the medical mission. Today is a great day to rest and enjoy the freedom from the battlefield of my work.I took a deep breath before I headed to the bathroom to wash my face. I mentally listed everything I thought of doing today— yoga, cleaning the whole house, grocery shopping, binge-watching a movie, and maybe I can learn how to bake something!I was hopping on the stairs wearing a pair of ombre sports bras and leggings. I tossed my hair into a bun. I was holding a yoga mat when I bumped into someone. It causes me to drop the yoga mat.Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib dahil sa pagkagulat. "I thought you already left!" My eyes dropped at my phone to
PINANLAKIHAN ko siya ng mata nang marinig ang sinabi niya. How come he is directly looking at my eyes when saying those words? Hindi ba siya naiilang? Where is he getting all of his confidence?I bit the inside of my cheeks."May balak ka pa ba magpadagdag ng tattoos?"He shrugged. "I wanted to, but I won't get a new one if you don't like it." he retorts.I sighed. "I'm fine with you getting another tattoo. Huwag lang marami saka malaki."Napatango naman siya sa sinabi ko. Kumuha siya ng popcorn na nasa lamesa saka niya ako sinubuan na alanganin pa akong tanggapin. He smiled a little when I accepted the popcorn.I swallowed. "Have you had a girlfriend before?" kitang-kita kong natigilan siya sa naging tanong ko.Based on his reaction, he had women before."So, is it before or after we got married—" I yelped when he grabbed my arm and spun me around until I straddled one of his legs. My blood flared in my cheeks as he tightened his grip on my waist.Our eyes locked, and my heartbeat i
REEVE and I were eating breakfast when we both heard the doorbell. We glance at each other before Reeve decides to stand up and check. I was casually sipping my coffee when I heard a bark from the living room, causing me to turn my head.I quickly stood up to check if I was thinking right. My mouth parted when Beau and Scout came running to me, wagging their tails."Omg! Hi, babies!" I greeted them using my baby voice. I caressed their head and looked around, trying to look for their Dad.I felt the awkwardness when I saw a good-looking guy standing a meter feet away from us. Kausap niya si Reeve at kitang-kita kong sabay silang bumaling sa direksyon ko. I wanted to divert my gaze from them, but my eyes were stucked in their direction. I just gave them a reluctant smile. I heard footsteps coming closer in my direction. I stood up with dignity and met their gaze. The guest of Reeve was wearing a simple workout outfit. Mukhang kagagaling niya lang sa gym at nang matapos ay dito siya d
I lick my bottom lip and puff a breath. "Well, I don't know who spread that rumour, but it was Nurse Eva's rap. Siya ang nagsabi kung nasaan ako,"Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Nurse Eva at mabilis na nagtakip ng mukha. All of us looked at her. "Sorry naman, dra! Nagtanong kasi siya kung saan exactly iyong medical mission, wala naman akong balak sabihin pero. . . Ang gwapo kasi, 'eh.""Marupok ka, Evangeline!" Dra. Eunice gently hit Nurse Eva's arms, causing us to chuckle.I shake my head. "It's fine lang naman. But is he really that handsome?" I asked her."Opo, dra," she giggled. Napatingin siya kay Dale na tahimik lang sa gilid. "Uy, baka magselos ka, doc, 'ah? Don't worry, ikaw pa rin ang number 1 crush ko!" She proudly stated.Heat quickly drew on Doctor Dale's face. Dra. Eunice and Dra. Nikki teases them both. Tuwang tuwa ako habang nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa. Not gonna lie, they look suitable for each other."Hello po, doc! Hello po, Nurse Eva!" Some interns stopped at our
MABILIS akong nakarating sa bahay at bumuntong hininga nang maabutan si Reeve sa living room, nakaupo siya habang may binabasang mga files na nakalagay sa folder. He's wearing an olive green sweat shorts and a plain fitted black white shirt.I took an exaggerated sigh. He raised his head, and our eyes met. Ibinaba niya ang hawak na folder sa coffee table."Wife," His voice was pitched low and rough."Let's talk after the dinner," bungad ko sa kaniya at nilagpasan siya. Pumasok ako sa kwarto namin at naglinis ng katawan.Nang kumain kami ay parehas kaming walang imik. Mas nauna rin akong pumasok sa kwarto at naupo sa sofa. I crossed my arms on my chest while waiting for him. Handa na akong tanongin siya sa nangyari noon."Kelsea, wife," Reeve says while holding a glass of milk.Pinigilan ko ang sarili kong mapangiti dahil dinalhan niya ako ng gatas. I just gestured to the couch in front of me. "Sit," utos ko.Naupo siya sa couch na nasa harapan ko, humalukipkip at bumuntong-hininga. H
NAGING abala ako sa mga sumunod na araw sa trabaho. Hindi kami masyadong nakakapag-usap ni Reeve simula nang mapag-usapan namin ang nangyari noon. Para kaming bumalik sa pinakauna. A transparent barrier formed between us since I learned the reason behind our marriage.Areno's charity ball is only two days away, and I still haven't told him about Mommy's invitation. I don't know if I should inform him about it or if I'll just attend the charity ball alone.These past few days, I've realized a lot of things about our situation. Napatunayan niya ang sarili niya sa akin kahit sa maikling panahon lang. Kahit papaano naman ay nakilala ko na rin siya. My parents always tell me a great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to love their differences.And now that I am married, I want to use the values of my parents in our own situation. Tears, pain and financial woes, I won't give up on our marriage because a good marriage allows f
TONIGHT is the annual charity ball of the Areno Medical Center. Everyone who's working in the hospital was invited to attend the party. That includes the maintenance worker, support staff, Interns and other medical staff.Katatapos ko lang maligo at magbibihis na ako. I was wearing a robe while drying my hair. I told Reeve I would do my hair and make-up, and he agreed to it after I rejected his offer to hire a hairstylist and make-up artist for me.Dagdag gastos lang kasi iyon. I'd rather spend my money on much more important things. I started putting on some light make -up that could match my gown and my hairstyle. A video from YouTube was playing while I am putting on make-up. Nang masatisfied ako ay nagbihis na ako.I felt amazed when I looked at myself in front of my vanity mirror. My hair was in soft curls that matched my look. My make-up look was soft glam with peachy-nude lipstick. My gown is a rosegold sequin gown with a ruched cowl like neckline which reaches to my feet.Hu