His Forbidden Obsession

ro-ughn

Source: https://www.wattpad.com/story/261473464-his-forbidden-obsession

His Forbidden Obsession

Volume 1 Author's note

Sypnosis

Prologue

Chapter 1: Kulam

Chapter 2: Docmonyo

Chapter 3: Non avete idea

Chapter 4: Curious Pússy

Chapter 5: Oopsie

Chapter 6: Lollipop

Chapter 7: Green Eyed Little Brat

Chapter 8: Something Hurts

Chapter 9: Tables Have Turned

Chapter 10: Isang Beses

Chapter 11: Distraction

Chapter 12: Mesherep Eng Bewel

Chapter 13: 'Wrong Sent'

Chapter 14: Stock Room

Chapter 15: Kiki De Montparnasse

Chapter 16: Trindade

Chapter 17: Hindi. Ka. Uuwi.

Chapter 18: Only Yours, Daddy

Chapter 19: Plok-Plok

Chapter 20: Kiel

Chapter 21: Someone He Used To Know

Chapter 22: IG

Chapter 23: Poor Peanut Butter

Chapter 24: Needy

Chapter 25: Magtiis Ka

Chapter 26: Good Night, Docmonyo

Chapter 27: Buti Na Lang Ay Gwapo Siya

Chapter 28: Willing and Hørñy Prey

Chapter 29: Foda, Sim

Chapter 30: lapresa214

Chapter 31: Your Hoodie

Chapter 32: Happy Birthday To Me

Chapter 33: Is it Normal for Sneaky Links to Give Gifts?

Chapter 34: Linkis-Free

Chapter 35: Boundaries

Chapter 36: Bakit Ngingiti-Ngiti Ka?

Chapter 37: Distraction 2.0

Chapter 38: Ayoko Na!

Chapter 39: We're Both Idiots

Chapter 40: Liv, Live!

Chapter 41: Now Is The Time

Chapter 42: You Must Be Vlanca Del Russo

Chapter 43: Exhibits

Chapter 44: Outweigh

Chapter 45: Huwag Kang Feeling Member Ng GomBurZa

Chapter 46: Oo

Chapter 47: Gone

Chapter 48: Happier Without Her?

Chapter 49: If My Ex Is That Masarap, I'm Not Even Gonna Try To Move On

Chapter 50: He's Your Housemate, Not Your Fúck Buddy

Chapter 51: Busy Day

Chapter 52: Strawberries and Spoons

Chapter 53: Your Other Baby

Chapter 54: Why Moan My Name?

Chapter 55: Hard. Fast. and Raw

Chapter 56: Reyna Ka Ng Karupukan, Gorl?

Chapter 57: ILYSB

Chapter 58: If You Can Take Eight Inches, Why Not Bear Eight Children?

Epilogue

Author's note

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales,

and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a
fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual
events is purely coincidental.

Sypnosis

Dr. Roy Ezekiel Arguello moved to another city to escape the pain of something that
happened to him, not long ago. He badly wanted to forget about everything, so he
buried himself with so much work...He's now the new Attending General Surgeon of
Grey-Shepherd Memorial Hospital and the new temporary Professor at Honoria Acosta
Medical School.

Work became his life. Alcohol was his friend and casual fùcking with hot women was
his past-time.

It was all working out for him just fine until a pretty, clever, and smart-mouthed
medical student named Martina Vlanca Del Russo came into his classroom. He didn't
like her the moment she walked in because she immediately reminded him of someone
he badly wanted to forget.

And so, he made it clear that he does not like her every chance he gets... And
Vlanca, who is confused and now upset brewed a 'revenge.' Gusto niyang malaman kung
anong dahilan, so, instead of just leaving him alone, she endured his treatment
everyday but she teases him every chance she gets.

He hated her even more because now, she is the reason for his blue balls, wèt
dreams and sleepless nights.

He cannot have her not just because he is years older than her.

It's also forbidden because she is his student...but no matter how much he tries,
he cannot stop thinking about her......and no matter how much he hates it, Vlanca
is now His forbidden obsession.

Prologue

Dr. Roy Ezekiel M. Arguello

Ilang mura ang pinakawalan ko habang nagmamaneho ako sa madilim at bahagyang

matarik na daan ng Kenon Road. Hindi ko alam kung gaano na ako kalayo mula sa
siyudad pero iyon lang ang gusto ko, ang magpaka-layo-layo. Gusto kong lumayo
hanggang sa hindi ko na maramdaman ang kirot ng puso ko o ang pagbagsak ng mga luha
na hindi ko inakala na iluluha ko para sa isang tao, kailanman.

Hindi na ako makapag-maneho nang maayos kaya naman mabilis kong inihinto ang
sasakyan sa gilid ng daan. Hindi lamang ang malamig na simoy ng hangin ang
sumalubong sa akin, subalit pati din ang malaking lion's head. Mas lalo lang
kumirot ang dibdib ko nang maalala ko na lagi ko siyang dinadala dito.

Nag-martsa ako patungo sa gilid ng bangin. Wala na akong makita kundi ang
kadiliman. My eyes were burning because of unstoppable tears.

"Pútangina!" Sigaw ko at umalingangaw ang puot at sakit sa aking tinig. "Hindi ko

alam kung saan ako nagkamali! Binigay ko ang lahat-lahat sa'yo. B-bakit hindi pa
rin ako naging sapat?!" Umalingawngaw muli ang sigaw ko sa buong Baguio pero walang
sumagot sa tanong na bumabagabag sa akin.

"Sean, baby, I want more...but you have to go....darating na si Roy maya-maya."

Tumulo ang luha ko habang namuo ang kamao ko sa galit at sakit nang maalala ko ang
sinabi niya sa kanya habang nakatayo ako sa pintuan. Kinakasakuklaman ko siya dahil
sa pagtataksik at sa sakit na dinulot niya sa akin pero alam ko na oras na tingnan
niya ako at humingi siya ng tawad, ay alam ko na tatanggapin ko siyang muli.

Ang tanga, alam ko, pero ganoon ko siya kamahal. Kaya naman bago pa mangyari iyon
ay umalis na ako at nagmaneho palayo sa kanya. And this is where my car took
me...and still, I couldn't escape her.

"Stupid fúcking love." Mariin kong sabi habang tinanggal ko ang sim card mula sa
aking cellphone.

I need a new start. Without her presence and without her memories clouding my mind.
I need to go somewhere else where I don't need to remember her everytime.

I cussed when I turned on my phone for the last time and saw Trinity on my
homescreen. Siya ang naglagay nito bago ako umalis para sa medical mission three
months ago. Nakaupo siya sa kama ko at nakatalikod siya sa camera. Wala siyang
ibang suot kung hindi ang whitecoat ko. Nakalabas ang kanyang makinis na mga
balikat, she was seductively looking at the camera while her light brown long curly
hair was down on her bare shoulders. Her beautiful green eyes were staring at me
through the camera and her red plump lips were parted.

Just like that, parang hindi niya ako sinaktan dahil kumakabog na naman ang puso ko
para sa kanya. It took all my willpower to turn off my dámn phone. I will probably
regret what I am about to do pero alam ko na kapag hindi ko ito ginawa ay wala
akong patutunguhan kung hindi pabalik sa kanya.

Lumunok ako at mas lumapit pa sa bangin hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang metal na

kalso sa aking mga binti. Huminga ako nang malalim bago ko ibinato ang cellphone at
ang sira kong simcard sa kawalan. There was that hollow in my stomach, like my
heart just dropped. I just threw away the device that is full of our memories.
However, I did not let myself feel regret. Instead, I wiped the stupid tears and
walked to my Range Rover.

I will leave before she reaches me. Aalis na ako bago pa ako maging tanga. Kaya
naman umuwi na ako sa aking apartment. I did not glance at any of our pictures on
the wall as I walked out with a suitcase of my belongings. I only looked back when
I was on the road and about to exit Baguio. This will be the last time that I will
ever set foot in this place and that will also be the last time that I will ever
let myself be attached and feel something for someone else.

Martina Vlanca Del Russo

"Miguel, bilis!" Sigaw ko mula sa sasakyan. First day ko ng medical school at

orientation pa and I am running late because of my little brother. Sandali ko naman
na tiningnan ang sarili ko sa salamin ng sasakyan ko. I am all ready with light
makeup and with my now light brown hair curled using a curling iron.

"Eto na, ate!" I heard him yell back and ran through the doors of his penthouse
building. Napailing na lamang ako. Nakasuot siya ng slacks ngayon at itim na short-
sleeved shirt. Habang patungo siya sa akin ay pinagtitinginan siya ng mga dumaraan
dahil kasalukuyan niyang binubutones ang damit niya kaya naman halos lantad ang
sikmura ng loko.

Hinihingal siyang pumasok sa sasakyan.

"Sorry, hindi ako nakapag-alarm kaya hindi ako nagising ng maaga." Bati niya sa
akin at nagpakawala ng hininga. He raked his slight-curly hair with his fingers.

"Na-late ang alarm o may babae sa penthouse mo?" Tudyo ko.

He pouted a little. "Na-late lang talaga, pramis."

I just chuckled lightly. I finally shift the gear to drive.

"Wait!" He said loudly nang tapakan ko ang gas, agad ko naman na ihininto ang
sasakyan. With furrowed eyebrows, I glanced at him.

"What?"

Ikinabit niya ang seatbelt niya bago ngumising aso sa akin.

"Safety first."

I grunted and rolled my eyes before I started driving again. Nasa mekaniko ang
sasakyan ng loko kaya naman nakisabay siya sa akin. Sabi ko ay tawagan niya si
Knight o kung sinong available sa bahay na mag-drive pero nagpumilit ang loko na on
the way naman daw, which is true, kaya pumayag na ako.

Nang huminto kami sa red light ay itinuloy ko ang 'pagbe-braid' sa surgical suture
na nakatali sa babang parte ng steering wheel ko. I am doing this to practice a
suture technique.

"Para saan 'yan" Tanong niya.

Bumaling naman ako sa kanya at ngumisi. His thick brows were furrowed and his green
eyes were full of confusion.

"Pina-practice ko lang ang mga daliri ko para sa mga babae ko." Banat ko at
kinindatan siya.

Napailing na lamang siya na ikinatawa ko.

"What can I say? The ladies love my fingers."

His naturally pink lips parted and his eyes widened. "Ate Vlanca!"

Pabiro ko naman siyang inirapan.

"Huwag ka ngang umakto na parang hindi ka pa nakaka-finger ng babae---"

"Ate kasi!" He said and his cheeks were now pink.

I chuckled loudly before I drove through the green light. Hay, ang sarap talagang
asarin ni Miguel, everytime and because I missed it, that's what I did the whole
ride, kaya naman bumaba siya mula sa sasakyan ko ng lukot ang mukha.

"Have a great day!" Pang-aasar ko pa. He just shook his head at me before he walked
inside the bookstore. I let out a belly laugh before I drove away. Na-miss ko si
Miguel at na-miss ko rin na asarin siya. I haven't seen him or any of my family in
weeks because of the medical mission. I also missed a lot of things here in Manila
like the tall buildings, cars, and the pollution.

However, the weeks that I was away were worth it dahil marami kaming natulungan at
may mga natutunan din ako mula sa mga doktor na naroon. At the same time, my
experience there was fun because I did things that you're not supposed to do, like
fool around with other medical students.

"Oy, Vlanca," Tawag ni Dakota habang nagbabalat ng clementine. I found her looking
at me with her brown eyes. She was wearing a pencil skirt and a pair of long
sleeves like me...and like other med students around here. Dakota is my friend and
nope not friends with benefits. Iyon ang una kong goal noong naging study buddy ko
siya noong first year pa lang kami. I mean she is cute and hot..and also smart.

Dark brown hair with bangs, high cheekbones, and slender. She was my type but
apparently, immune na siya sa kalandian ko, so, ayon. Three years later, here we
are, two pretty ladies who are good friends and about to become doctors.

"Yeah?" Tanong ko nang malunok ko ang nginunguya kong sandwich. Thankfully, hindi
naman ako late dahil alas nuebe pa daw ang orientation kaya naman nakatambay pa
kami dito sa cafeteria.

"Tingnan mo si Grace may nilalanding ibang babae." She said at ininguso ang lamesa
na may kalayuan sa amin. I bit my sandwich again.
"So?" Balewalang sagot ko bago tinapunan ng tingin sandali si Grace na ngayon ay
hawak na ang hita ni Leigh.

Kumunot ang noo niya habang nginunguya ang prutas.

"Huh? Wala lang sa'yo? 'Di ba naging kayo noong nasa medical mission tayo sa
Batanes?"

I snorted and shook my head.

"Oh, babe, we're not a thing...wala naman akong intensyon na makipag-relasyon, you
know I get bored in a 'singular' relationship."

Napatango siya. "True."

I swallowed the rest of the food in my mouth before I spoke again. "Aaand she also
told me na hindi niya ako talaga type at naging 'tool' lang ako sa 'lesbian
awakening' niya." Sinundan ko iyon ng bahagyang tawa. Imbes na matawa din ay
napaawang naman sandali ang mga labi ni Dakota.

"Aba't gago ba siya? She literally used you."

"So? At least she knows who she is now." My tone is laced with humor.

Napa-facepalm na lamang siya.

"Jesus, hindi ka talaga tinatablan o naa-attach kahit kanino?"

Umiling ako.

"Nope. I was just there for the fun... not for the complications, so, I don't take
it personally." Deretso kong sagot.

"Alright." Sabi niya bago ulit kumuha ng isang pirasong clementine at isinubo iyon.
"How about James? 'Yung matangkad at chinito na third year naka-make-out mo sa tent
noong nasa mission pa tayo?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, we made out, that's it."

Natawa na lamang siya.

"Hay, Vlanca, iba ka talaga, gorl." Iiling niyang sabi.

In my twenty-four---almost twenty five years of existence. I've never had a serious

relationship at all. Hindi dahil bitter ako or I've had a bad breakup. It's just
that I enjoy the fun and thrill of having one or more fling. But yes, one day, I
want to fall in love too just like my siblings.

Gusto kong mahanap 'yung tao na hindi lang pisikal na koneksyon ang mayroon kami
bagkus ay mas malalim pa doon. I want to find someone who I am going to be
terrified to lose...I said that because I know that once I felt that towards
someone, alam ko na totoo na iyon dahil iyon ang isang bagay na never ko pang
naramdaman sa mga taong dumaan sa buhay ko at sa mga kasalukuyan kong mga fling.

Naalis naman ako sa pagiisip ng binato ako ni Dakota ng isang pirasong clementine
sa mukha. Nasapo ko naman iyon nang mag-bounce iyon sa pisngi ko.

"Tara na, gorl. Alas nuebe na." she then said.

"Kaasar ka din, babe. Uso naman mangalabit 'di ba?" Nakanguso kong sagot sa kanya
bago ko isinubo ang prutas na binato niya sa akin.

Pabiro naman niya akong inirapan bago kami naglakad patungo sa lecture hall kung
saan magaganap ang orientation.

"Sino ang mag-o-orient sa atin?" Tanong ni Dakota kay Liv. Ang chismosa na
classmate namin na lahat ay nasasagap.

"Ay, teee! Buti nagtanong ka!" She widened her eyes. "DILF siya 'te! Ang narinig ko
pa ay mula sa Baguio at magta-tatlong buwan pa lamang siya dito sa Maynila."

I didn't pay much attention to what they're talking about. Most probably ay fake
news ang DILF na sinasabi niya. Bihira lang magkaroon ng gwapo na professor ang
school namin. In all of three years, isang beses lang at si Dr. Lim 'yun....siya
'yung inaasar ko noon bago mag-summer break. And other than that, probably none and
whoever they are talking about is probably a bald, middle aged, fat doctor.

"Gorl," Tinusok ni Dakota ang bewang ko habang papalapit na kami sa pinto ng

lecture hall.

"Oh?"

"Dr. Arguello daw ang pangalan at he's thirty-five."

I snorted.

"Older guys are not my type and he probably looks older than fossils."

"Hindi gorl. Liv showed me a picture, yummy nga."

"Talaga lang, ha." I replied habang isa-isa na kaming nagsipasok sa maliwanag at

malamig na lecture hall. Halos tatlong taon namin itong pinasukan. And now, this
would be one of the rarest times na papasok kami dito dahil paniguardo na nasa
hospital na kami ninety-nine percent of the time.

When we all settled down a man with chestnut brown skin and captivating eyes walked
in. Natahimik ang lahat nang makapasok na siya. He was wearing a red dress shirt,
which is neatly tucked in his black slacks. Sa loob ng ilang sandali ay ang tunog
lamang ng kanyang itim na sapatos ang ingay sa buong kwarto.

"That's him." Bulong ni Dakota sa akin habang hindi ko namalayan na natameme na

pala ako. Holy shìt, they were wrong. He wasn't a DILF because he doesn't look like
a dad at all. He was smoking hot.

"He can destroy me without any question." Narinig kong sabi ni Liv sa likuran
namin.

"Good morning," He said with a rich and low voice...yet his tone is somehow strict.
For a moment hindi ko maiwasan na mapatitig sa kanya. Ang kanyang itim na maikling
buhok ay malinis na nakahawi palikod. Nakakunot naman ang kanyang makakapal na mga
kilay habang seryoso siyang nakatingin sa buong klase gamit ang kanyang asul na mga
mata. His nose is prominent and his cheekbones were unmistakably nordic. Also,
there was stubble around his strong and defined jaw....and somehow my hand was
itching to feel it.

Napalunok ako. Jusko, what is happening with me? Why am I thirsting over this man?

"Tangina, gorl, baka maglaway ka na niyan sa lamesa ha." I snapped out when I heard
Dakota whisper.

I pouted a little. "Ha? Anong naglalaway ka diyan?"

Ngumisi lamang siya sa pag-deny ko, dahil alam niya na kahit na hindi ko sa sabihin
ay halata na attracted ako sa mesherep---I mean sa doctor na nasa harap namin. He
started discussing and oh, my, may mga ibang bagay akong napagbalingan ng focus
kaysa sa mga sinasabi niya.

And it includes how tall he is, how intelligent he sounds when he talks, and how
soothing his voice was. Ngunit hindi lamang iyon ang napansin ko dahil throughout
his discussion, he looked in my direction several times like he's seeing someone he
doesn't want to see.

Hindi ko sure kung guni-guni ko lamang iyon, o talagang nangyari iyon.

Natapos ang orientation ay isa-isang nagsilapit ang mga estudyante probably asking
him for tips and all..pero for all I know ay gusto lang nila ng way para makausap
siya. Nauna nang lumabas si Dakota pero nagpaiwan ako dahil gusto ko siyang
makausap. Hindi ko siya lalandiin, okay? The temptation to do that is immaculately
high, but I will not do it since last year ko na ito. Last thing I need is an
issue. Malakas lang ang loob ko last summer since sub lang noon si Dr. Lim and he
weren't as intimidating as this professor in front of me. Dr. Arguello definitely
looks like the Professor you wouldn't want to mess with.

That being said, gusto ko siyang makausap dahil may mga na-mention siyang surgeries
kanina na nakakuha ng interes ko at higit sa lahat ay General Surgeon siya. I
wanted to ask him for tips since General Surgery are one of my options when it
comes to specialties.

Nang maglakad ako patungo sa kanya ay may tatlo pang estudyanteng nasa harap niya
at kausap. Until finally, isang estudyante na lamang ang natira. Nangggaling ako
mula sa left-side ng lecture hall kaya naman nasa gilid nila ako. They were talking
and I don't want to be rude kaya naghintay ako, a few feet away from them, and
shít, kahit na may kalayuan pa ako sa kanya ay naamoy ko ang kanyang mamahalin na
pabango.

"Goodluck on your clerkship." Narinig kong malamig niyang sabi bago umalis ang
estudyante.

Napalunok naman ako. Bakit parang kinakabahan ako? Gosh, This is not the typical
me.

He then turned towards me, and holy crap, ngayon ko lang talaga nakita kung gaano
talaga siya katangkad. He must be over six foot because he was towering over me and
I literally had to look up to see his cold blue eyes.

And when we did, nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay...I just noticed that there was
a small slit on his right eyebrow. Ngayon nakatingin na siya sa akin ay mas lalong
lumamig ang kanyang mga mata. He looked at me like he'd seen a ghost.

"G-Good morning, Dr. Arguello." I almost squeaked. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit
parang nanghihina na ang mga tuhod ko ngayon nakatingin siya sa mga mata ko.

Hindi siya sumagot, but I noticed his Adam's apple bobbed.

"Why are you here?" He whispered. Mahina lamang iyon pero narinig ko pa rin iyon.
Hindi ko maiwasang mapalunok nang dumapo sandali ang kanyang tingin sa kulot ko
ngayong buhok.
His jaw clenched when his eyes returned to my face. His eyes grew darker with
hostility.

"Get out." He coldly said.

Kumunot ang noo.

"Excuse me?" Tanong ko.

His jaw clenched.

"Did I stutter?" Mariin niyang tanong. "I said, get out of my lecture hall,
orientation is over." Mas mariin niyang ulit na ikinaawang ng mga labi ko.

What the hell is his problem?

Chapter 1: Kulam

Martina Vlanca

"Hindi ko pa din alam kung bakit beastmode siya sa akin noong makalawa...like
kinausap naman niya ang ibang med student na nag-approach sa kanya, except me?"
Hindi ko na mabilang kung pang ilang rant kona ito kay Dakota. "Hindi ko talaga
alam kung guni-guni ko iyon o talagang tiningnan niya ako na parang multo ako na
kinakatukan niya at kinakagalitan niya at the same time." Dagdag ko pa habang
nakatingin sa lockers na nasa harapan ko.

"Is that even possible?" She asked as I felt her braid my hair.

"Siguro? But it was a weird look, like he hated me or something..."

She scoffed.

"Gorl, baka naman isa 'yun sa mga nilandi mo tapos umasa...ngayon galit na siya
sa'yo. Lagot ka." Pang-aasar pa niya na ikinairap ko....pero somehow, I actually
thought about it.

Inisa-isa ko ang mga nakalandian ko noon. No, I don't flirt with older men and if I
did really flirted with him, hindi ko siya agad-agad makakalimutan--

"Ow, naman, gorl!" Daing ko nang higpitan niya ang pagkakatali ng braid.
Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa locker room ng ospital. Kakatapos ko lang na i-french
braid ang buhok niya kaya naman turn na niya na i-braid ang buhok ko, kaya ngayon
ay nakaupo ako dito sa bench na nasa gitna ng mga locker room. Samantalang nakatayo
siya sa likuran ko.

"Ano? Napaisip ka, noh? Yan kasi, ang daming fling e." Tudyo pa niya na ikintawa
ko.

"Gaga, hindi noh...kung talagang nilandi ko siya noon...I wouldn't have forgotten
about him that easy."

"Sa bagay."
A beat of silence passed before I sighed dramatically.

"Pero kasi, gorl, hindi talaga ako matatahimik--"

She let out a light chuckle..like she's enjoying the fact that I am stressing over
that doctor.

"Gorl, I can't remember the last time na nabother ka ng ganyan sa isang tao."
Natatawang sagot niya.

"Huwag kang masyadong mag-celebrate..." I said that made her scoff. "This won't
last long, noh."

"Weh?"

"Oo nga kasi."

"Okay, sabi mo e." Tudyo pa niya na ikinairap ko.

"Dakota kasi."

Nangaasar naman siyang tumawa bago niya tamihik na pinagpatuloy ang pag-braid sa
buhok ko. Maaga pa ngunit narito na kami sa lockerroom ng Grey Shepherd Memorial
Hospital, ang isa sa dalawang ospital na ka-affiliate ng Honoria Acosta-Sison
College of Medicine. Dito kami na-assigned last year for Pre-clerkship as third
year medical students. Now, dito ulit kami ngayong taon for clerkship

And clerkship just basically means that we would apply what we learned from the
classroom. So, Instead of just dissecting cadavers and practicing on a robot or a
dummy. Ngayon ay kukuhanin na talaga namin ang vitals ng totoong mga pasyente,
admit them, do paperworks, do rounds with and shadow our new teachers---which are
basically the Attending doctors here.

I should be focused on that because that's what I've been looking forward to ever
since the day I entered medical school. This is one of the hardest years but this
is part of the dream. To be able to work with these great doctors, apply what I
learned for the past three years, and take in more experience and knowledge, so I
could efficiently save lives in the future.

That's what I am supposed to be thinking about...even talking about, but instead I

am bothered by a smoking hot and a very mean doctor.

Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko na magisip or magsalita tungkol doon, kahit na

dalawang araw na ang lumipas dahil hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit ganoon siya sa
akin.

I also didn't understand his effect on me and how I acted, because that morning,
instead of being my usual sassy self. I walked and got out like he told me to. I
was so intimidated by his dark look...and his commanding tone....and somehow my
perverted mind couldn't help but wonder; Is he that commanding in bed too---stop
it, Vlanca.

I sighed inwardly. Ah, basta bahala nga siya sa buhay niya. I will stop thinking
about it and focus on the things that I'm supposed to be focusing on. I just hope
na hindi na ulit kami magkita or okay lang kahit magkita kami, basta madalang lang.

Hindi nagtagal ay natapos na niya ang pag-braid sa buhok ko. Sakto din na dumating
na ang iba pang mga med student. Before the clock hits seven a.m. Nakapag-bihis na
kami from our casual clothes to light blue hospital scrubs.

Bago kami lumabas ay tiningnan ko muna ang reflection ko sa mapayat ngunit may
kahabaang salamin na naka-attach sa pintuan ng locker ko. Hindi ko maiwasang
mapangiti dahil suot ko na ngayon ang maikli na white coat.

"Let's go, let's go.."

Agad ko naman na isinara ang locker ko nang marinig ko ang boses ng Senior Resident
Doctor. Siya ang magdadala sa kanya-kanya naming mga first 'subjects'. Basically,
may apat kaming major 'subjects.' Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB-
GYN. Of course, may mga minors din kami such as ENT, Dermatology, etc.

Nahati kami sa iba't-ibang department. Si Dakota ay napunta sa Cardio samantalang

napunta naman ako sa Surgery kasama ng dalawa pang ka-batch namin. Akala ko ay sa
Surgery floor kami dadalhin ng senior resident bagkus ay dinala niya kami sa
emergency floor, dahil naroon daw ang mga attending. Ang emergency floor ay typical
lamang ang histura. May reception area kung saan may isang staff, paglingon mo sa
kaliwa ay may makikita mo ang treatment wards which just consists of hospital beds
at privacy curtains, samantalang sa right side ay naroon ang trauma rooms kung saan
agarang ginagamot ang mga malala na kaso.

Maraming beses ko na itong nakita subalit kada papasok ako dito ay laging naroon
ang kaba at adrenaline. Kaba dahil hindi mo alam kung anong kaso ang masisilayan
mo. Simpleng laceration lang ba na natamo o bali at nakalabas mga buto? It's
unpredictable but at the same time, it brings adrenaline in your veins because you
get to see how the doctors mend the patients with ease.

Pagdating namin doon ay bumukas ang automatic sliding doors at may dalawa agad na
stretchers na pumasok. Tulak sila ng mga doctor na kumuha ng case nila, may
dalawang lalaki na nakahiga sa dalawang stretchers. Sandali akong napalunok nang
makita ko na duguan sila at walang malay. Base sa narinig kong sabi ng paramedic ay
sumemplang ang motor nila. They both didn't have helmets kaya naman may mga head
injuries din sila. Akala ko ay doon ako ma-assign pero hindi tinawag ni Dr. Remulo
ang pangalan ko para sundan ang mga doctor na may hawak ng kaso nila. Maya-maya ay
may pumasok ulit na stretcher sa sliding doors.

Ang lulan ng stretcher ay isang payat at maputlang babae, nasa tingin ko ay middle
aged na. She was unconcious and she was wearing an oxygen mask. My eyes went to the
doctor who was helping to push her stretcher.

"Oh, cazzo. Mi stai prendendo in giro" Oh, fúck. You have got to be kidding me.
Mahinang bulong sa sarili ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Kakasabi ko pa lang na
sana hindi ko siya makita, tapos nandito din siya?! Ugh. He was dressed in a pair
of brown jeans and plaid shirt under his long white coat. Seryoso lamang ang
kanyang mukha habang tulak niya ang stretcher.

I immediately crossed my fingers. Sana naman hindi ako sa kanya ma-assign.

Please, please, please--

"Del Russo, Leabes, at Perez, pupuntahan natin si Dr. Arguello."

"Great." Sarkastikong bulong ko bago ko pinilit ang sarili ko na sumunod. Agad

kaming nakarating sa treatment ward kung nasaan ang pasyente...at syempre si Dr.
Arguello. Naabutan namin siya na nilalagayan niya ng heart beat monitor ang
pasyente. Naka-elevate na ang paa ng pasyente at nakahiga siya ng deretso. Ang
tawag diyan ay 'recovery position,' this helps brings their consciousness back.
"Is this them?" Tanong niya sa senior resident na kasama namin.

"Yes, Dr." Sagot ni Dr. Remulo bago siya naglakad palayo.

He sighed softly before he all shot us a cold glance.

"My name's Dr. Arguello and this will be the first patient you will see today.
Although her case does not need surgery, you will still be here and you will help
heal her, Understood?"

"Yes, sir.." We all murmured.

"Alright. Siya si Mrs. Garcia...dinala siya ng paramedics dito dahil nahimatay siya
sa gilid ng daan. Wala siyang signs ng heatstroke or heart attack, pero mayroon
siyang history ng anemia at mayroon din siyang sintomas ng napakababang iron.
Maputla na balat," He paused and gestured to the monitor. "Mabilis na tibok ng puso
at pagkawala ng malay. Because of that we will do blood transfusion to help
increase her iron."

Napatango naman kami.

"You," Turo niya sa akin.

"Yes, s-sir?" I asked.

"You know how to do Intravenous Cannulation?" He said while looking at me briefly.

Sunod-sunod akong tumango. I do know how to do that, they taught us that in med
school multiple times.

"Okay, then make it fast." Malaming niyang utos.

Lumunok ulit ako bago ako lumapit sa metal na
gamit at may ilang bag ng dugo. Umabot ako ng
grabbed a sterelized towel and sanitized Mrs.
ay dumampot ako ng cannula o 'yung karayom na
lalagyan.
lamesa sa gilid kung saan may mga
gloves, agad ko iyon na isinuot. I
Garcia's hand. Matapos ko iyong gawin
pangtusok at tinanggal iyon mula sa

Habang ginagawa ko iyon ay inutusan niya si Leabes na i-prepare ang tube at ang bag
ng dugo, na agad naman nitong ginawa.

You can do this Vlanca. I thought to myself habang hawak ko ang karayom. Nakatahi
na ako ng bulletwound at ilang beses ko ng na-practice itong procedure na ito sa
dummy. I do it flawless everytime....and it will be flawless too this time.

And so, without any second thoughts ay mabilis akong umabot tourniquet at itinali
iyon sa forearm ni Mrs. Garcia para lumabas ang mga ugat niya. Hindi ko alam kung
sa kaba o dahil nararamdaman ko ang titig niya sa akin kaya nanginginig ang kamay
ko. It's not definitely helping dahil hindi ko nakuha iyon ng first try.

Dámn it. Focus, Vlanca. Pretend like you cannot feel his piercing gaze.

"May itatagal pa ba 'yan?" Sarkastiko niyang tanong.

I bit my lower lip and I ignored what he said even if it brought an unpleasant
feeling in my chest. Nakailang tusok akong muli bago ko successful na naipasok sa
ugat niya ang karayom. I then removed the torniquet and attached the extension set,
iyon ang tube na naka-connect sa bag ng dugo na ngayon ay nakasabit na sa IV pole.
Nakahinga lamang ako nang maluwag nang makita ko na nag-stable na ang heartbeat
niya. It's just a matter of minutes until she regains her conciousness.

When I looked up at him, I saw him shake his head.

"You are a medical student pero kung tusuk-tusukin mo ang pasyente ay para mo
siyang kinukulam." Nangiinsultong komento niya habang walang emosyon siyang
nakatingin sa akin. My fist balled and my cheeks heated up in shame. Mas nadagdagan
pa iyon ng narinig ko ang mahinang tawa ng dalawang medical student na nasa gilid
ko.

Chapter 2: Docmonyo

Martina Vlanca

Lugo-lugo akong pumasok ng on-call room habang bitbit ko ang pagkain na binili ko
sa cafeteria. Pagpasok ko sa kwarto ay sumalubong sa akin ang limang double deck
beds na nakahilera, pati na rin ang isang lamesa at maliit na fridge sa gilid. Ito
ang 'on-call' room naming mga med student. Dito ay pwede kaming magpahinga tuwing
breaks or matulog kapag twenty-four hour ang duty namin.

Walang tao dito maliban na lamang kay Dakota na nakapwesto sa taas ng isang double
deck sa gilid. Tulad ko ay nakasuot siya ng light blue na scrubs at naka-braid pa
din ang kanyang buhok. Wala na ang sapatos niya kaya naman kita ko ang kanyang
puting medyas ngayong naka-indian seat siya at nakasandal sa dindging.

"Thank universe, you're here! Gorl, I'm starving!" She said loudly.

Hinagis ko naman sa direksyon niya ang isang paper bag na naglalaman ng mga
pagkaing binili ko sa cafeteria bago ako nagtungo dito.

"Thank you, 'di na kita babayaran ah...I'm pretty sure wala sa kalingkingan ng
allowance mo ang ginastos mo para dito." Pang-aasar niya.

Inirapan ko siya bago ko hinubad ang whitecoat ko. Ipinatong ko iyon sa tabi ng
kanya na nasa safety railing ng kama.

"Ewan ko sa'yo." Sagot ko na ikinatawa niya. She still jokes about that every now
and then. My allowance every month is not that big since twenty thousand pesos lang
naman 'yun. But she always argues and jokes that it's not.

Bago ako umakyat patungo sa kanya ay hinubad ko ang sapatos ko. With a sigh, I
rested my tired back on the wall and bent my also tired thighs into an indian seat.

Kumuha ako nang protein bar mula sa paper bag at binuksan iyon. I chewed on it like
I am chewing that mean doctor. Ugh, just thinking about him puts me in a bad mood.

"So, I heard kay Dr. Arguello--"

"Don't even say his name." Mariin kong sagot na ikinapito niya.

"I'm guessing, hindi na naman siya 'nice' sa'yo?"

Nalukot ang mukha ko bago ako bumaling sa kanya. She was now holding her egg
sandwich.
"I am telling you, walang 'nice' sa buto ng doctor na 'yun." I said and took
another bite of the bar. "Una, pinahiya niya ako at basically, tinawag niya akong
mangkukulam."

Napatigil siya sa pagnguya at bahagyang umawang ang kanyang mga labi.

"No way."

I scoffed.

"He definitely did....and you think, hanggang doon na lang 'yun....of course not,
marami pa siyang balak. So, we saw fourteen patients this whole morning and
afternoon, all of which needed either a blood test, urinalysis, freaking Hemoglobin
A1C, Bacteria Culture. test..whatsoever!" I paused and took a big bite of my
protein bar. Dakota is listening to me like she's amused...and concerned at the
same time dahil ngayon ay nakakunot na ang kanyang mga kilay at naka-scrunch na rin
ang kanyang ilong. "Tatlo kaming med student na nandoon pero ako lang inutusan niya
na dalhin iyon sa lab, isa-isa." I continued. Yes, para akong turumpo kanina na
paikot-ikot dahil manggagaling ako ng lab tapos babalik ako ng either emergency
room or hospital room...sa iba't-ibang floor.

"Dámn." Bulong niya. Tuluyan na siyang napatigil sa pagkain at ngayon ay nakikinig

na lang.

"That is not the best part, my friend." Nanunuya kong dagdag. "Kanina ay ginagawa
ang dalawang elevators..."

She nodded. "Yeah pero may isang natira kanina na available."

It was my turn to nod. "Si, si. So, 'yung isang natitirang elevator ay laging puno,
so, I had to take the stairs most of the time..biruin mo..nasa third floor 'yung
lab, tapos nasa sixth floor 'yung karamihan ng mga pasyente niya.."

I chuckled humorlessly before I took a bite again. Sandali akong napatingin sa

hawak kong pagkain dahil na-realize ko na naubos ko na iyon. I shove it in the bag
before I spoke again.

"And then, he had the audacity to tell me na ang bagal ko? Dio Mio."

Napalunok naman si Dakota. "Damn, mala-dimunyu pala siya. Thank universe napunta
ako sa cardio." She said before she ate her sandwich again.

Natawa naman ako. "May araw ka din sa kanya, maghintay ka lang."

"Well, hangga't wala pa ay iingitin muna kita."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Tell me more, then."

"Wala akong ginawa sa cardio kung hindi ang kumuha ng vitals at mag-observe ng
surgeries." She said after swallowing the food that was in her mouth. She then took
another bite.

"Anong surgeries?" Eager ko na tanong. Unfortunately, Arguello hasn't had any

surgical cases yet. So, kasaamaan lang niya, vitals, at lab results lang nakuha ko.

Ngumisi siya.

"Coronary bypass and angioplasty. Plus, Dr. Corpuz is an angel. Super nice and
super intelligent."

Nakanguso ko naman na isinandig ang ulo ko sa dingding samantalang dumukdok siya sa

balikat ko.

"Boohoo, you have the angel..tapos napunta sa akin demonyo?---wait,"

Nag-angat naman siya ng ulo bago siya kunot noong tumingin sa akin.

"I am so brilliant!" Nakangisi kong sabi. "Since nakaka badtrip tuwing naririnig ko
ang pangalan niya. may nickname na ako para sa kanya."

"Which is?"

"Docmonyo, a doctor and a demonyo. Boom."

Nakipag-apir siya sa akin bago siya natatawang nagsalita. "Brilliant ka nga."

"I know, I know.." Pabirong sagot ko na lalo pa naming parehong ikinatawa.

Nagpatuloy pa kami sa pagku-kwentuhan at pag-chismisan, naudlot lamang iyon nang

dumating na ang ibang mga med students. Kaya imbes na magusap kami ay kinain na
lang namin ang natitirang pagkain sa bag, which is yakult and two bars of snickers.
Nang matapos kami ay tumunog pareho ang hospital pager namin ni Dakota, sabay namin
iyon na binunot mula sa kanya-kanya naming bulsa at binasa iyon.

Sumimangot naman ako nang makita ko ang pangalan ni docmonyo sa screen ng phone na
ini-issue ng ospital sa amin kanina. Yep, this phone serves as our 'pager.'

"Tawag na ako ni Dr. Corpuz." She said.

I sighed and put my phone back in my pocket.

"Tawag na din ako ng napakabait kong attending." Sarkastiko kong sabi bago ako sa
kanya sumunod bumaba ng kama. Itinapon muna namin ang mga kalat namin sa basurahan
bago kami naglakad palabas.

I let out a breath as I fixed my white coat. I will only have to deal with him a
few more hours since hanggang alas singko lang ako ngayong araw. Thank the
universe.

***

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong pumasok, hindi na ako binulabog pa ni Miguel para

sumabay dahil nagawa na ang kanyang sasakyan. Pagdating ko sa ospital ay nilagay ko
lamang ang mga gamit ko sa locker at nagpalit, bago ako dumeretso sa practice lab
kung saan may mga equipments at dummy akong pwedeng pag-practice-an. That's the
reason why I went early. I survived him yesterday, today, I will make sure na wala
na siyang mako-comment pa sa pagtusok ko o sa kung ano mang posibleng procedure ang
ipagawa niya sa akin. Well, I hope na sa ibang surgeon ako ma-assign, twenty four
hour duty ngayong araw. I don't think na makakaya ko kung majority of the hours ko
siyang makikita.

Sobrang aga pa kaya wala pang ibang mga med students na narito. Si Dakota naman ay
on the way pa lang. Imbes na mag-drive siya ngayon ay magpapahatid na lang siya kay
Tito Dakila since on the way naman ang ospital sa work niya. Tito Dakila is a
Military Doctor. Nagta-trabaho siya sa Philippine Army Base sa Quezon City.

Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng pagtusok ng cannula nang marinig kong bumukas ang
pintuan. Paglingon ko ay si Dr. Remulo lamang pala iyon, ang payat at matangkad
namin na senior resident. Naka-manbun ang kanyang mahabang buhok at may hawak
siyang clipboard.

"Great, since nandito kana...you're gonna have to go to the sixth floor. Naroon na
si Dr. Arguello."

Umawang naman ang mga labi ko.

"What? Nandito na siya at sa kanya ulit ako naka-assign?" Sunod-sunod kong tanong.

Tumango siya matapos niyang humikab.

"On call kasi siya kahapon at ngayon....and yup, you have to go now since kanina pa
siya nagre-request ng med student."

I sighed softly before I cleaned up my mess. So much for practing, huh. Matapos
noon ay naglakad na ako sa bagong gawang elevator. Habang lulan ako noon ay tumunog
ang hospital phone ko. Umalis naman ako mula sa pagkakasandal sa dingding ng
elevator at binunot ang phone.

'Remulo said you're here. Go get Mr. Kayakin's lab result.'

Nabasa ko ang mensahe niya oras na dinala na ako ng elevator sa sixth floor.
Napailing na lamang ako bago ko pinindot ang third floor. I leaned on the wall
again. Sandali akong napatingin sa aking reflection sa metal doors. Tumaas sandali
ang kamay ko sa aking kulot na buhok, I woke up extra early curl it. However, I
didn't do my makeup, I am only wearing chapstick on my lips and a little mascara.
Kahit na light lamang ang pag-apply ko ay na-define nito lalo ang berde kong mga
mata.

Hindi ko pa suot ang whitecoat ko kaya naman naka-light blue lamang ulit ako na
scrubs. And my shoes were just a pair of white runners. I stopped checking out
myself when my phone made a 'ding' sound again.

'Bilisan mo.'

"Docmonyo, umagang-umaga ha." Bulong ko na lang bago ibinulsa ang cellphone. Hindi
nagtagal ay nakarating ako sa third floor. Habang naglalakad ako ay may mga
nakakasalubong akong isa o dalawang doctor o mahal sa buhay ng mga pasyente. I
smile at them kindly everytime.

Finally, ay nakarating ako sa tapat ng kuhanan ng lab results. Isang malaking

plexiglass glass barrier ang nagse-separate sa loob ng lab at dito sa labas, kaya
naman kita ko ang mga equipments at cabinets na nasa loob ng lab. Kita ko din si
Dr. Rohanisa na nakatayo at kasalukuyang may kausap sa telepono. She's a tall
woman, with glasses and short hair. She's wearing a long coat over her deep blue
scrubs.

"Yes, Dr. I'tll be there in a minute.." Narinig kong sabi niya bago niya ibinaba
ang telepono.

I smiled when she walked in my direction.

"Hi, I am here to pick up a lab result for Dr. Arguello--"

"Med student ka 'di ba?" Putol niya sa sasabihin ko.

"Yes po." Sagot ko at bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko.

"Thank gosh," Narinig kong bulong niya bago niya pinagpatong-patong ang mga folder
na nasa lamesa niya. Inilusot niya iyon sa opening ng plexiglass na barrier at
iniwan sa counter sa harap ko.

"Okay, so, nasa dulo niyan ang lab results para sa pasyente ni Dr. Arguello....and
then, do me a favor and pakibigay ang the rest sa mga doctor na nakasulat ang
pangalan diyan sa harapan."

"Uhh--"

"Please?" She nicely asked. "Wala pa kasing ibang med students o residents na
available..and the impatient doctors are calling and barking on the phone every
five minutes....so, please, it would be really nice if you give it to them."

"Oh, wow," Hindi ko maiwasang masabi.

"I know, my job is so wonderful." Sarkastiko niyang sagot. "So, will you help me?"

I nodded. "I'll take care of it." Sabi ko na ikinangiti niya.

"Salamat." She said and then walked back to her desk to process what I think is a
blood work.

Mabilis akong naglakad patungo sa elevator at pinindot ang unang floor ng doctor na
nasa taas ng stacks ng folders. I cussed under my breath when I heard the phone
make a 'ding' sound. With one hand, I carried the folders and pulled out my phone.

'Nasaan na ang lab?'

'Bakit ang bagal?'

Napapikit ako sandali at napahugot nang hininga ng mabasa ko ang mensahe niya.
Hindi na ako nag-reply dahil I literally can't since I am carrying alot of stuff
and mas babagal lang kapag nag-reply pa ako. And so, binulsa ko na ang phone ko at
dinala na sa mga doctors ang mga lab results nila.

Pakiramdam ko ay nahilo ako kakaikot sa mga floors upang mahanap ko silang lahat.
Finally, after what I think is five minutes isa na lamang ang naiwan sa akin na
folder at nakarating din ako ng sixth floor kung nasaan si Docmonyo.

After speed walking ay agad ko naman siyang nakita na naghihintay sa tapat ng

kwarto ni Mr. Kayakin. He was now dressed in a red dress shirt and dark slacks,
kontrang-kontra naman ang kulay ng kanyang puting whitecoat doon. When I looked up
to him, I noticed that his dark hair is a little disheveled. Napansin ko din na
magkasalubong ang kanyang mga makakapal na kilay at nasa deretsong linya lamang ang
kanyang mapupulang mga labi. Hindi ko maiwasang mapalunok nang masalubong ko ang
kanyang malamig na tingin.

For a moment, I saw his glacial blue eyes lingered on my hair and on my eyes bago
niya walang imik na kinuha ang folder sa akin. Isang beses lang niya iyon na
binuklat bago niya ako tinapunan ng masamang tingin.

"Hindi ka ba marunong bumasa?"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko.

"P-Po?"
Iniharap niya sa akin sandali ang harapan ng brown na folder. Shít.

"Do I look like Dra. Escudero to you?" Nanunuya niyang tanong na ikinalunok ko. Sa
kakamadali ko siguro kanina ay napagpalit ko ang kanya at kay Dra. Escudero dahil
magkasunod lamang ang mga folder nila.

"I'm sorry, sir, marami po kasing pinabigay sa akin and---"

"I don't want to hear it." He cut me off with a cold tone. "Go away. I'll go get
someone else who knows how to read to fix your mistake." Sarkastiko niya muling
sabi.

My mouth parted in disbelief. My chest tightened a little bit because whatever he

said, hurted me somehow. It was a minor mistake and he got so mad! Ugh, Dalawang
araw pa lang pero feeling ko ay sasabog na ako sa inis.

Nang tumalikod na siya ay pinukol ko siya nang masamang tingin sandali. No one's
gonna see it anyway since this hallway is empty and ilang pinto pa ang layo ng
nurse station.

"Pinaglihi ka ata sa sama ng loob." Mariin kong bulong nang ilang hakbang na ang
layo niya sa akin. Slowly, he stopped walking and turned to me with a dark
expression.

Oh, double shít, please, tell me hindi niya narinig 'yun?!

"Ikaw? Pinaglihi ka ba sa katangahan kasi lahat na lang namamali mo." He said with
a mocking tone before he turned his back on me and walked away. Ilang segundo akong
napakurap dahil hindi ako makapaniwala na tinawag niya akong tanga! TANGA!

I gritted my teeth and my fist balled in anger. Hindi talaga ako nagsisi na
binigyan ko siya ng nickname dahil Docmonyo talaga siya! Kinailangan ko pang
pilitin ang sarili ko na maglakad palayo dahil baka kapag hindi, ay baka ma-boljak
ko na siya sa inis!

Chapter 3: Non avete idea

Martina Vlanca

The word 'hate' won't even cover whatever I am feeling right now towards docmonyo.
Rather every pore in my body is seething with resentment for him. Not just because
he practically called me 'tanga.' But also because moments after he called me that,
nag-proceed siya na utus-utusan ako buong duty ko, from admitting patients,
delivering samples to labs and fetching them, habang nagsha-shadow lang sa kanya
ang dalawang magaling na kasama kong mga med student, ugh!

I am downright frustrated with him and at the same time, I officially hate him.

And by the way, hindi lang ako med student, dahil apparently ngayong tapos na ang
twenty-four hour kong duty ay assistant na niya ako dahi inutusan niya naman akong
bumili ng kanyang kape mula sa kalapit na Starbucks. Believe me, it took all my
willpower to not put poison in his stupid black coffee. For legal reasons, that was
a joke.
Despite my fatigue and bad mood, I still do my best to smile at anyone I passed by
here in the bright and white hallway. Napadaing naman ako sandali nang makalimutan
ko na, kung nasaan ang docmonyo ngayon, kaya naman binunot ko ang aking cellphone
mula sa bulsa ng scrubs ko.

I rolled my eyes when I read the message he sent me twenty minutes ago.

"Fetch me coffee and bring it to the on-call room 3B, on the second floor."

Dito sa GSMH ay may tatlong klase ng on-call rooms. Para sa mga Med students,
Resident doctors, at Attending doctors. Nasa third floor ang sa amin, samantalang
nasa second floor ang para sa residents at attendings. May pangmaramihan---like sa
isang kwarto ay may ilang double deck at mayroon din na para sa isang tao lang. I
am guessing ay doon lang sa pangisahan si docmonyo dahil from what I can see, he
doesn't like people.

And when I got to the second floor, I was right. Nasa rows ng pang-isahang mga
kwarto ang sinabi niyang room number. I sighed heavily as I stopped in front of the
door.

"Vlanca, bawal mo siyang sapakin, okay?" I peptalked to myself before I knocked

twice on the door. Hindi nagtagal ay narinig ko ang pag-turn ng doorknob at ng
kanyang mababa at...surprisingly hindi malamig na tinig. It was warm......and glad
even. Wala sa loob na napahaplos ako sa likod ng aking batok dahil tumindig ang
balahibo ko doon.

Luh, kinikilabutan siguro ako dahil hindi ako makapaniwala na may warmthness ngayon
sa boses ni docmonyo. Jusko, baka hallucination ko lang 'to sa pagod at puyat.
Ngunit nang tuluyan nang umawang ang pinto ay doon ko napagtanto na hindi 'yun
hallucination. He was now standing in front of me, pressing a sleek black phone
against his ear.

"Eu irei para casa assim que minha agenda melhorar...." He said to the phone but
his cold ocean-like eyes were now on me. Was he speaking Portugese?

Hindi ko na iyon napagisipan pa dahil automatic na bumaba ang mga mata ko. That
moment, I just wished I shouldn't have dahil bukas ang ilang butones ng kanyang
gray na dress shirt. Gulo-gulo pa iyon, mukhang kakapalit lang niya.

Napalunok ako nang makita ko ang kanyang nakalabas na matipuno at bahagyang

mabalahibo na dibdib. His two upper abdominal muscles were also visible...and that
made me swallow again. Jusko, Vlanca. You cannot drool over him just because you
saw his sculpted-like body! We hate him. Period.

I swallowed for the third time and quickly switched my gaze back to his face when I
finally gathered myself.

"Sim....Sinto sua falta também." Narinig ko pang sabi niya, which I completely did
not understand. I met his glacial eyes....it was blank, but his tone is nowhere
near emotionless. How can he do that? It also makes me wonder kung sino ang kausap
niya....they must be someone special to him since he sounded so friendly.

Akala ko ay iha-hang-up na niya ang tawag subalit walang imik lamang niyang kinuha
ang kape mula sa kamay ko at walang galang na sinara ang pintuan sa mukha ko. I
grinded my molars in annoyance.

"Thank you Vlanca sa pagdala ng kape at sa pagtitiis sa ka-démonyohan ko ah."

Bulong ko sa sarili ko habang gaya ko ang boses niya.
Ay nako, bahala na nga siya. Basta tapos na ang twenty-four hour duty ko. I will
just finish the little paper work I had left and I will head home and sleep.
Subalit hindi pa ako nakakalayo ay may narinig akong bumukas na pintuan.

"Del Russo." His voice grumbled. I shut my eyes and sighed inwardly. Cázzo. I just
hope na kung ano man ang sasabihin niya ay disente naman, dahil quite literally na
buong araw at gabi niya akong dinemonyo. Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pang mag-
holdback ngayong pagod na ako.

And so, as much as I don't want to. I fixed a fake smile on my lips before I turned
around. This time ay wala na siyang kausap sa telepono at nakasara na ang kanyang
damit. Ang hindi lang nagbago ay ang malalamig niyang tingin at ang nakakunot
niyang noo. For a moment, I noticed the small slit on his right thick eyebrow.

"Yes, sir?" My tone is too sweet.....so sweet that it could make his teeth hurt and
decay.

"Bago ka umuwi, gawin mo ang paperwork para kay Mrs. Alicia and Mr. Tala." Utos
niya habang hawak ang kape na pinabili niya sa akin.

Ugh, of course, may inutos na naman siya....but I smirked inwardly when I thought
of a comeback. Kinunotan ko siya ng noo na animo'y nagtataka ako sa sinabi niya.

"Oh, you sure you want me to do that, Dr. Arguello? Last I checked ay 'tanga' ako
sa paningin mo at 'hindi marunong bumasa'?" Sarkastikong tanong ko at humalukipkip.
I am kind of scared because he always has a meaner answer...and so, I expected that
but instead hindi siya nakasagot.

Instead, he stared at me for a moment.....and somehow, I saw amusement glinted in

his eyes for a few seconds.

"Del Russo, Gagawin mo ba ang inuutos ko o hindi?" Masungit niya lamang na tanong.
At that moment, I wanted to jump in joy since hindi siya sumagot ng mas matindi
pang comeback sa sinabi ko.

And so, I just sighed inwardly and nodded.

"Yes, sir."

Matapos noon ay walang kibo na niyang isinara ang pinto. Inirapan ko ang pintuan
bago ako bahagyang nakangiti na nagmartsa patungo sa nurse station at kinuha doon
ang mga charts ng pasyente na binanggit niya.

***

"Why do you smell like shít?" Salubong ko kay Dakota nang pumasok siya sa locker
room. Nasa magkaibang department ulit kami, kaya maliban sa mga break ay ngayon na
lang ulit kami nagkita. She's still in her white coat and the same light blue
scrubs, however her hair is now in a messy bun.

I scrunch my nose at her. Hindi naman masama at grabe ang amoy, it's just a faint
smell at OA lang ako dahil gusto kong asarin si Dakota. Matapos kong kuhanin ang
mga charts kanina ay dumeretso ako dito sa lockerroom kung nasaan ang laptop ko. I
finally took off my whitecoat and shoved it inside my locker. And then, pumwesto
ako sa isa sa mga lamesa na kakalagay lamang nila kahapon at nagsimulang gawin ang
paperwork para sa dalawang pasyente.

I was halfway done until Dakota walked in, and now that she's here, I decided to
shut my laptop and take a break. Sinalo ko naman ang inihagis niya sa akin na
Snickers bar.

"Ugh, amoy pa din ba?" Tanong niya at umupo sa katapat kong upuan.

"Hindi naman masyado, OA lang talaga ako pagdating sa'yo." I replied and opened the
chocolate bar. "Pero bakit nga? Pinaglinis ka ba ng solid bodily waste discharged
from the large intestine through the anus during defecation?"

A loud laugh rang through the room before she spoke. "Gaga ka, pwede namang tae na
lang e, buong definition pa talaga."

Pabiro kong hinawi ang buhok ko sa balikat ko bago ako sumagot. "Tsk, I gotta use
what I memorized, ya know."

Napailing na lamang siya bago kumagat ang kakabukas lang niya na chocolate bar.

"Well, nasa operating room ako kanina para mag-observe ng colectomy. I was standing
near the resident doctor who was doing the operation and suddenly, nag-rupture
'yung colon ng pasyente sa operating table." She said as she chewed the chocolate
in her mouth.

My mouth parted for a moment. "So, basically, sumabog 'yung tae sa operating room?"

She hissed and nodded.

"Yup, there was so much solid bodily waste discharged from the large intestine."

Tumawa naman ako at nakipag-apir sa gaga. Magkaibigan nga kami.

"So, nakatayo ako malapit sa table, so, it got on my pants and shoes...so,
pinalabas agad kami at pinag-cleanse sa kanya-kanyang mga locker room.
Unfortunately, my shoes were covered with it, so goodbye to my poor white
runners...and say hello to my new shoes." She paused and raised her feet to show me
her new kicks, which are a pair of old converse. "Pinahiram sa akin 'to mula sa
lost and found.....and I'm gonna have to return it tomorrow."

"Wow." I said in amazement and shock before I bit my chocolate bar. " "Well, at
least tell me that the patient survived...?"

She nodded eagerly.

"Magaling 'yung resident, so, kahit na nagkaroon ng situation na ganoon ay

successful naman ang surgery."

"Impressive." I genuinely replied since a rupture is one of the hardest situations

to encounter. So, really, it's a big KUDOS to the surgeon and to the whole surgical
team.

Maya-maya ay tinaasan niya ako ng kilay habang ngumunguya siya.

"Ikaw, what's up with you? Sure ako na eventful naman ang duty mo." She teasingly
said and wiggled her eyebrows.

Nakangisi naman akong kumagat ng chocolate bago ko sa kanya kinwento lahat ng

nangyari pati na rin ang nangyari kanina sa may tapat ng on-call room niya. The
whole time, she was either shaking her head, laughing, and then finally gave me a
high five when I told her about my comeback.

"Pero gorl, we've been together for three years...and we went out every now and
then....iniisip ko talaga kung isa siya sa mga nilandi mo noon for fun...pero hindi
ko talaga siya maalala. Now, it makes me wonder even more kung ano talaga 'yung
posibleng ginawa mo sa kanya para itrato ka niya ng ganyan.." Seryosong sabi niya
matapos ang ilang sandali. "There has to be something."

I scoffed and looked around before I answered. Wala pang ibang med student na
narito, they're probably at the on call rooms or somewhere else.

"Ooor he's just a sadistic devil who gets off on making me do everything." Nanunuya
kong sagot na ikinailing niya.

"De nga, seryoso....you can't really remember him from anywhere?"

Umiling ako. "Believe me, gorl, I have been thinking ever since the first time na
dinimunyu niya ako...pero wala talaga...this is the first time I saw him."

She sighed softly. "Well, dámn....if anything, you could report him you know..or we
could just transfer to another hospital......I could talk to my dad...malay mo
makapasok pa tayo sa ospital sa army base.."

Ngumisi naman ako. I also feel touched since she cares this much for me.

"Nah, promise, okay pa ako. I'll tell you kapag napuno na ako at kapag paplanuhin
na natin kung paano natin sisirain ang sasakyan niya." I winked.

Dakota giggled before she gave me an evil grin.

"Or we could just put five tablets of laxative in his morning coffee."

"Kaya magkasundo tayo e."

Tumawa naman siya at nakipag apir sa akin.

Nang mga bandang alas dose ay natapos namin pareho ni Dakota ang mga paperworks
namin. May balak pa sana kaming mag-mall o mag-hangout but we are both too tired,
so, instead napag-desisyonan na lamang namin na sa ibang araw na lang. I told her I
could drop her to her house since wala siyang dalang sasakyan. Pero nag-insist siya
na magpasundo na lang kay Tito Dakila. She said she didn't want me to drive any
longer since pagod daw ako.

Well, it's true I am hella tired, and so, hindi na ako nagpumilit pa. Hinintay ko
lang siya na masundo sa lobby ni Tito bago ako nagtungo sa parking lot. Now, I am
walking in the bright and sunny outside world. The sun's heat prickles on my skin
as I navigate through the wide parking lot.

I cussed under my breath as I squinted my eyes. Wala akong masyadong makita dahil
maliwanag ang sinag ng araw. I was looking for my car as I walked, Halos matumba
naman ako nang may mabangga akong matigas na dibdib.

"Usong tumingin sa dinadaanan."

My fist balled when I heard that familiar voice. Anak ng tokwa naman, hanggang dito
ba naman sa parking lot ay nakakasalubong ko siya?! Agad akong napaayos ng tayo at
napatingala sa kanya. It's annoying how the sun kisses his chestnut brown skin
perfectly and how it shines on his disheveled dark hair. It's freaking annoying how
it cast a light over his stupid smooth forehead, high cheekbones and his stubbled
defined jaw.

"Sorry, sir." I just said through my gritted teeth instead of arguing with him.
Ayoko nang makipag-sagutan sa kanya since I am physically and mentally drained for
today. Nag side-step na ako at humakbang palayo sa kanya.

"Ti odio così tanto." I hate you so much. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na
maibulong iyon. At kung marinig man niya iyon, I'm pretty sure hindi naman niya
naman maiintindihan iyon.

"il sentimento è reciproco." The feeling is mutual. I heard him whisper.

My mouth parted. He can understand and speak Italian too?! Fúck. Slowly, I turned
towards his direction. His face is still emotionless but his gaze was piercing me.
I tightly gripped the straps of the backpack that I'm currently wearing on my back
as I gathered the courage to say something.

"P-Perché?" Why? I finally asked him. "Huh? Ti ho fatto qualcosa di cui non sono a
conoscenza?" did I do something to you that I am not aware of?

He let out a humorless chuckle before his eyes briefly traveled from my still curly
hair and my eyes.

"Non avete idea." You have no idea. He coldy replied and left me standing there
without another word.

My mouth hung open in confusion as I watched him walk away. What the fùck does he
mean by that?!

Chapter 4: Curious Pússy

Martina Vlanca

"Oh, wow." Bulong ko sa sarili ko nang mabasa ko ang kinalabasan ng pag-search ko

sa pangalan niya. Apparently his mother is Dr. Brites Enia Morais. A Brazillian-
Italian General Surgeon, which might explain why he can speak both Portugese and
Italian. While his father is Ray Jakob Arguello, a full Filipino who used to be an
Operations Manager of a famous hotel.

It's six in the morning, instead of sleeping in, narito ako sa kusina. Nakaupo sa
stool at nakapatong ang Macbook ko sa marbled island counter. Researching him
because he pisses me off and kailangan ko ng mga sagot.

Napataas naman ang kilay ko sandali nang may nakita akong litrato niya na kasama
ang kanyang Nanay at Tatay. Docmonyo is standing between them, wearing a black-
green graduation gown and cap. May hawak siyang leather na diploma holder. There
was a 'Honoria Acosta-Sison College of Medicine.' embroidered on the front.

Sa kaliwa niya nakatayo si Dr. Morais. The formal dress fits her tall and slim
build. She has bronze skin, strawberry blonde hair, arched eyebrows, high
cheekbones, prominent nose, and a kind smile on her lips. She also has blue
eyes..it was somehow a lighter shade of blue than Docmonyo.
Samantalang si Mr. Ray Jakob ay nakatayo sa kanang bahagi niya at nakaakbay sa
kanyang unijo hijo. He was wearing a suit at nakangiti din siya. The proudness was
evident on his handsome face. He has much softer features than docmonyo but the
resemblance is undeniable. They have the same dark hair, chestnut brown skin,
cheekbones, and defined jawline. The only difference was their eye color, height
because docmonyo is much taller, and his features are sharper.

My eyes finally settled on him. He was smiling. Yep, smiling. Now that I am looking
at him, it feels weird....illegal, even. To see a wide smile on his naturally red
lips.

"What happened to you?" Hindi ko maiwasang mabulong dahil ang doctor sa litrato na
ito ay ibang-iba sa doctor na lagi kong nakakahalubilo sa ospital. He looks so
bright and alive here. It was evident in his blue eyes. The man in this picture
definitely looks way kinder and the type of person who wouldn't torture me with
scut work and would say mean things.

I scrolled some more at may nakita pa akong ilang mga litrato mula sa facebook ng
kanyang Tatay. Well, atleast, these are the pictures that are set into 'public.' Sa
lahat ng pictures na nahanap ko doon ay nakangiti siya at mukha siyang masaya.
Hindi ako chismosang tao, okay? Chismosa at nosy lang ako pagdating sa mga buhay at
ganap ng pamilya ko. But outside that, nope. I don't stick my nose in anyone's
business.....but now, I feel like that changed because I am wondering what happened
to him.

I scrolled some more and found more stuff.

"Dámn," Hindi ko maiwasang bulong sa sarili ko nang mabasa ko ang mga surgery na
nai-perform ng Nanay niya bago siya nag-retired. From Varicose Vein Removal to

Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is indeed brilliant since most of the surgeries she
performed throughout her career were all successful.

Nothing is out of the ordinary sa mga nahanap ko pa tungkol sa kanya. He studied

college in Sao Paulo Brazil, and then went back home here to study medicine. Did
his residency and became a fellow in Baguio City. He has no social media
whatsoever, he is a very private person. The internet says nothing about past
girlfriends, flings, friends, nothing.

Napabuntong hininga ako bago ako napahalukipkip. I woke up and got ready extra
early to get answers since ayaw niya sa akin sabihin kung bakit kumukulo ang dugo
niya sa akin at kung bakit sinabi niya sa akin ang kung ano mang sinabi niya sa
akin sa parking lot noong isang araw.

Researching seems like it's the only way, even if it is ridiculous. I was hoping to
find things like maybe I did something in the hospital that he doesn't like as a
doctor or maybe I look like one of his enemies, shít like that, but there is
nothing. Niente!

Napabuntong hininga ako at napatingin sa screen ng latop ko. Naroon pa rin ang
litrato niya na ini-click ko na nakangiti.

"Why do you hate me so much?" I asked like it's going to answer me. "And why did
you become so......mean and grumpy?"

"I was expecting to see you color your hair, rather than talking to a screen." Agad
ko naman na isinara ang laptop ko nang marinig ko ang boses ni Ate Maria. It's not
an ideal place to color your hair in the kitchen but it's a weirdly comfortable
place to do it for me...sometimes. Ever since I was in college ay kinukuluyan ko na
ng iba't-ibang kulay ang buhok ko. Why? Nothing deep, I just find it interesting. I
just stopped when the clerkship started since busy na ako.

"Sisterhood!" Bati ko sa kanya at tumingin sa aking harapan kung nasaan siya. Now,
she's getting a pan from the cabinet. Unlike me, she's wearing a thick robe. Naka-
lowbun ang kanyang shoulder length na buhok at nag-go-glow siya. Sana all na lang
talaga. Imbes na glow ang abutin ko sa ospital ay pundi ang inaabot ko dahil kay
docmonyo.

"I can tell na may jowa ka." Tudyo ko sa kanya at ipinatong ang baba ko sa aking
palad.

Hindi siya sumagot pero nakita kong ngumiti siya bago niya isinara ang fridge
matapos siyang kumuha ng egg at bacon

"How so?" Tanong niya habang nakatalikod. She's already preparing what she's about
to cook at the counter near the stove.

"You are glowing and now, you know how to cook."

Tumawa naman siya.

"Hindi ba pwedeng may eight hours lang na tulog at nanood ng youtube cooking
tutorials?"

Ngumisi ako.

"Well, I don't think kaya kang bigyan ng lovemarks ng eight hours na tulog at ng
youtube."

Natigil naman siya sa paghahalo ng itlog sa bowl at bumaba ang tingin niya sa
dibdib niya. Tumawa naman ako ng malakas. She then turned to me and shook her head.

"Oooh, nagpanic ka e. Sino ngaaa? Siya din ba 'yung nagbigay ng hickey na nakita ko
noon sa dibdib mo?"

She just shook her head again and proceeded to cook.

"Basta. You will find out soon." Tipid niyang sagot. Sandali naman na kumunot ang
noo ko.

"Okay. Pero bakit biyernes santo ang tono mo?" Takang tanong ko. She doesn't sound
excited about telling me about her boyfriend. It's so unlike her.

She clicked her tongue.

"Daming tanong e." She replied and turned to me. "Bacon o egg?" Pagbabago niya nang
usapan, which is also a subtle way to tell me to let the subject go.

"Both...and a toast."

Tumango naman siya bago nagpatuloy na magluto. Among all my siblings, si Ate Maria
ang pinaka-close ko. Though, don't get me wrong. I love all of my siblings, they
are all awesome, lalo na si Ate Madison. It's just that Ate Maria and I were
closer. She's been very caring ever since we were kids....and she's also a badáss
sister.

Growing up, she bullies me pero kapag ibang bata na ang nang-bully sa akin. Ibang
usapan na iyon, she will fight anyone who dares to call me stupid names, kaya lagi
siya noon napupunta sa principal's office. I felt bad for her but she always tells
me not to dahil daw natutuwa naman siyang manampal ng mga bullies.

We also vibe together, we have the same taste in music at nagkakasundo kami sa
kalokohan. I can't help but to smile as I remember the stupid yet fun things we
did. Sometimes, we land in jail kaya naman napapasakit din namin ang ulo ni Ate
Madison. I'm pretty sure she's relieved when our crimes stopped weeks ago.

We stopped noong nahuli siya after naming magpahabol sa pulis. Syempre, napagalitan
kami pareho....Pero wala akong ultimatum na natanggap. I was upset when she told me
what our parents gave her. She said she doesn't want to talk about it and so, I
respected that. I didn't mention it. Pero sinubukan ko na kausapin ang parents
namin. I told them, na whatever deal they have for Ate Maria is not fair, but they
wouldn't listen. Ang lagi nilang sagot ay it's for her own good.

And that's the thing about our parents, once their mind is made up, it's final. So,
wala din akong magagawa. Now, I just help Ate Maria to not get in trouble because
that's all I can do for now.

"Thank you," I told her when she slid a plate with bacon, egg, and toast in front
of me, like I requested. Yup, she started cooking for me noong nalaman niya na
sandwich, snickers, at protein bar ang nakakain ko kapag naka-duty ako.

"You're so not welcome." She replied playfully and finished her coffee. Matapos
niyang ilagay sa lababo ang ginamit niyang mug ay itinuro niya ang pan na nasa
stove. "May bacon at egg pa dito sa pan ha, ibaon mo 'yon." She said na ikinatango
ko.

"I'll go get ready na, I have an early shoot."

Sumaludo naman ako sa kanya habang ngumunguya. Napailing na lang siya at bahagyang
ngumiti bago siya tuluyang lumabas sa kusina. Nang marinig kong sumara ang pintuan
ng kwarto niya ay binuhay kong muli ang laptop ko. Bumungad muli sa akin ang
kanyang mukha.

Naalala ko na naman ang sinabi niya sa akin.

"You have no idea.." Bulong ko.

You have no idea, what? Ugh. I will find out the reason and what he meant. Even if
it means enduring his wonderful treatment of me. Hindi pwedeng hindi ko malalaman
because I am a curious pússy----I mean, cat.

***

"Alam mo, hindi na ako magsasabi sa Tatay ko tungkol sa clerkship....kasi naku-

kwento ko sa kanya na hindi madali at nakakapagod.....I wouldn't tell him about it
anymore since nakikita lang niya 'yun na opportunity para kumbinsehin ako lalo na
jowain o magpakasal sa mga sundalong anak ng mga kaibigan niya." Rant ni Dakota
habang naglalakad kami dito sa hallway ng ospital. "In that way daw ay hindi ko na
kailangang maghirap. Tapos nasingit pa niya na hindi na rin daw ako pabata, like
Colonel Dakila, chill. I am turning twenty five, not fifty two. Jeez. Also, I am
interested in being someone's doctor, not a freaking housewife. Not that there's
anything wrong with it. I am just saying that it's not for me and Colonel Dakila
doesn't seem to understand that." Dagdag pa niya at napailing.

I chuckled lightly. "Why is it so funny kapag sarkastiko mo siyang tinatawag sa

title niya sa Army?"
She giggled.

"I swear, the only way he'd stop is kapag may pinakilala na akong jowa, which is
like a big no to me."

"Well, gusto mo ba na rentahan ang bunso kong kapatid as fake boyfriend para
tigilan ka na ni Tito? Two hundred pesos lang." Pabiro kong suggestion. "One-fifty,
huling tawad na 'yun."

She giggled again and hit my arm.

"Gaga ka talaga, gorl. Inform na lang kita kapag napuno na ako." Pabiro niyang
sagot na ikinatawa ko.

Sabay naman kaming pumasok sa elevator nang bumukas iyon. Sa magkaibang department
na naman kami na-assign. She pressed fourth floor kung nasaan si Dr. Payatas, ang
head ng Plastic Surgery, that's where I was assigned for the last two days. Kaya
naman dalawang araw akong free mula kay docmonyo. However, that doesn't last long
since now, I am assigned back to him. I pressed the fifth floor with dread, since
naroon siya.

"Any closer to finding answers in his weird behavior?" Tanong niya habang
nakahalukipkip siya.

I scoffed.

"Feeling ko mas madali pa akong makakahanap ng kapre kaysa makahanap ng sagot at

rason sa behavior niya sa akin e." I replied. Yep, she knows about what happened in
the parking lot and what I wanted to do. Bago siya sumagot ay tumunog na ang
elevator.

"Well, goodluck, my gorl." She singsang as she stepped out of the elevator.

Ngumising aso naman ako.

"Thank you for the vote of confidence." I dryly replied as the elevator door
closed.

Nang bumukas ulit ang elevator doors ay sumalubong sa akin ang matao na hallway. It
didn't take me long to find the room that the senior resident told me to go to. As
I approached the door, I saw docmonyo standing near it. As usual ay suot niya ang
kanyang white coat. Underneath it, I can see a purple colored shirt and a pair of
dark slacks. He was holding a chart and his eyes were on them.

Nang maramdaman niya ang presensya ko ay tinapunan niya ako nang malamig na tingin
sandali.

"You're assigned to me again? How unlucky I am today." Nanunuya niyang sabi na

ikinakulo ng dugo ko.

Vlanca, breathe. Remember, bawal manapak ng Attending.

Bago pa ako magsalita ay pumasok na siya sa kwarto ng pasyente. Yup, he doesn't

give me a chance to talk and ask about what he said to me, every dámn time.
Bumuntong hininga na lamang ako bago ako sumunod. There we started the rounds with
two residents and two medical students. Nakapag-shadow ako ng mga limang minuto
siguro bago niya ako naging utusan ulit.

Hawak ang folder ay binabaybay ko ang hallway ng sixth floor. Yup, I just fetched
the tenth lab results for this morning, samantalang ang dalawang med student na
kasama ko ay naga-admit lang ng pasyente at kumukuha ng vitals, plus they get to
shadow docmonyo. Ugh.

Malapit na ako sa room kung nasaan siya pero napahinto ako sa paglalakad nang
bahagya akong kawayan ng doktor na nakasalubong ko.

"Hi," Bati niya sa akin. Napahinto naman ako sa paglalakad at tumango. Gumilid ako
kasama siya upang hindi namin ma-disrupt ang mga taong naglalakad.

"Yes..." I paused and briefly looked at his name on his whitecoat. A resident.
"Po?"

He's a few inches taller than me, brown hair, black hooded orbs, and a cute smile.
Not my type but cute.

"Drop the 'po' hindi naman ako ganoon katanda."

Bahagya naman akong ngumisi.

"Uhm...so, Alam mo ba kung nasaan ang radiology? I just transfered here and it's my
second day." He said and scratched the back of his neck.

"Oh, nasa second floor iyon, may floor directory naman malapit sa elevator, so, you
will see which room number is it." Sagot ko na ikinatango niya.

"Thank you. By the way, do you----"

"Del Russo!" Nagulat naman ako nang marinig ko na tinawag ni docmonyo ang pangalan
ko. Shít.

I smiled apologetically at him.

"Sorry, I have to go."

He looks like he was caught off guard kaya naman napatango na lamang siya bago ako
naglakad palayo. There, I saw docmonyo, standing outside the patient's door. As
usual ay nakakunot ang kanyang noo at magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay. Somehow,
his face has a darker emotion.

"Kasama ba sa utos ko na makipagdaldalan sa resident?" Masungit niyang tanong.

I bit the inside of my cheek to get a hold of myself.

"Sir, nagtatanong lang po siya ng direksyon." Deretso kong sagot.

Pagak siyang tumawa.

"Right, direction." Sarkastiko niyang sabi. "He is a resident, he knows this whole
dámn hospital." Parang galit pa niyang dagdag. Matapos noon ay kinuha niya sa kamay
ko ang folder at pumasok na sa kwarto ng pasyente.

Kunot noo akong napatayo doon sandali. Bakit ba galit na galit siya? Jeez.

"Hay, napaka-docmonyo mo talaga." Bulong ko na lang bago ko siya sinundan sa loob

ng kwarto. I have to be there since I get to see kung paano sinasabi ang results sa
patient and other stuff that involves patient care.

Masama talaga ang ugali ni docmonyo....sa aming mga residents lang. Pero pagdating
sa pasyente ay gentle siya. He gives excellent care and assurance. It feels like
you are with a different doctor. Tulad na lamang ngayong hapon, we're in a hospital
room of a nine year old boy with Hyperthyroidism. His name is Roland Bustos,
kasalukuyan siyang nakahiga sa hospital bed. He looks like a normal kid, he has
dark hair, pale skin, and a healthy looking body. To some he might look like a
normal boy in a hospital gown but he is everything but. As I observed him, I can
see the small goiter protruding in his throat, iyon ang isa sa mga physical
symptoms ng kanyang sakit.

"Hello, Roland." Marahan bati ni docmonyo nang matapos na i-present ng resident ang
case ni Roland.

Kalmado naman siyang umupo sa gilid ng kama ng bata.

"Ako si Dr. Zeke...you see this," Tinuro niya ang goiter ng bata. Tumango naman si
Roland. "Pinapahirapan ka niya na lumunok 'di ba?"

Tumango ulit ang bata.

"Well, hindi mo na kailangan na mahirapan pa dahil tatanggalin natin siya ngayong

araw."

Nalukot naman ang mukha ng bata. Agad siyang umusog palapit sa kanyang Nanay.

"N-No...masakit 'yun..." Kumapit siya kamay ng kanyang Nanay. "I'm s-

scared...mommy.." Agad siyang yumakap sa kanyang ina.

"Hey, buddy...no. Promise ko sa'yo, hindi ka makakaramdam ng sakit."

He pouted. "You're lying."

Umiling si docmonyo.

"No, buddy..." Sagot niya at sandaling may binunot na kulay orange na oxygen
mask---it's also a mask that's used kapag isasailalim na sa anesthesia ang
pasyente. "This is a special anesthetic mask for brave kids like you. Now, kapag
sinuot mo 'to bago ang surgery ay makakatulog ka lang and then when you open your
eyes, boom, you are already healed."

"You said, sleep? Hindi ko na ma-remember kung kailan ako huling naka-sleep ng
maayos."

I can't help but to feel bad for the kid. Kasama ng sakit niya ay insomia,
pangalawa lang 'yon sa ibang pang kaakibat ng sakit niya tulad na lang ng
restleness, poor concentration, gastrointestinal upset or vomiting, acid reflux,
etc. Fatigue, eye problems, and palpitations.

"And kapag ginawa natin ang surgery ay hindi lang matatanggal ang goiter mo,
makakatulog ka na ulit ng maayos, hindi kana masusuka lagi, at hindi ka na ulit
parang hinihingal lagi." His tone was so gentle and reassuring, that the worry on
the kid's face lessened. Dámn, he is good with kids.

"Promise, walang bad na mangyayari sa akin, Dr. Zeke?"

"I got you, buddy." I heard him reply sincerely.

I am standing behind him, so I couldn't see his face but I am sure that he's
smiling. I can't help but to wonder, what he looks like smiling upclose.
And so, less than an hour later ay nasa operating room na kami. May gallery naman
sa taas ng operating room kung saan pwedeng manood ang mga doctors at med students.
It's place with seats and big clear glass, kaya kita ang nagaganap sa buong OR.
It's a cool place and I would want to be there. However docmonyo allowed us to be
in the operating room, and of course, all of us are now here to witness the surgery
upclose.

It feels good to be in here...it's the type of unexplainable good. We're all geared
up with the blue disposable hospital gown, hairnet, our shoes were also covered.
There are two machines on the side. Parehong naka-attach iyon kay Roland, who's now
fast asleep because of anesthesia.

Sandali naman akong napatingala sa gallery at nakita kong may mga nanonood na mga
doctor at med students.

"Okay, time to heal this young man." Narinig kong sabi ni docmonyo kaya napabaling
ako sa kanya. Ngayon ay nakasuot na siya ng medyo kupas na green na scrubcap. May
maliit na heartbeat na design iyon sa kaliwang bahagi noon. Aside from that, he has
a mask on, a disposable hospital gown, and white gloves.

"Scalpel." Sabi niya na agad naman na iniabot ng scrub nurse. He then gracefully
made an incision in Roland's throat. There, I stood across him and watched as he
located the tumor. Habang inooperahan niya ang pasyente ay naririnig kong
nagbubulungan ang ibang med student sa tabi ko, discussing the thing he's doing.

I didn't care about that, I was so focused on his hand, holding the instruments
efficiently and cutting the goiter out.

"Do you know kung anong technique ang ginawa ni Doc?" Napatingin naman ako sa
lumapit sa tabi ko.

"Oh, it's you." Mahinang bulong ko nang makilala ko ang mga mata niya. It was the
doctor from the hallway.

"Yeah, it's me. Sambrano." Pakilala niya.

I smiled.

"Del Russo." Bulong ko. I hope he heard it since naguusap ng medyo malakas ang mga
med students na nasa tabi ko.

His eyes creased, so I know he smiled.

"Do you know tho?" Tukoy niyang muli sa incision na ginawa ni Docmonyo.

Tumango naman ako.

"It's Schobinger Flap."

"Del Russo." Agad naman akong napatingin sa diresyon ni Docmonyo nang marinig kong
tinawag niya ako. He paused what he's doing and gave me an icy cold look before he
continued what he was doing.

"Get out."

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko.

"P-Po?"
"Get out. Ayoko nang maingay sa OR ko."

Napaawang naman ang mga labi ko at napatingin sa mga med student na nasa tabi ko.
Tahimik na sila ngayon pero naguusap sila kanina at mas malakas pa! Bakit hindi
niya sila pinansin? E, halos bumulong na nga ako!

"Dr. Arguello--"

"Hindi kita kinakausap, Sambrano." He cut him off and gave me another look.

"Out. Now."

"B-But," Hindi ko na iyon natuloy dahil napansin ko na lahat na ng tao na narito sa

OR at pati na rin 'yung mga nasa gallery ay nakatingin na sa akin. Pakiramdam ko
pati ang talampakan ko ay namumula sa hiya.

"Are you deaf--"

Hindi ko na siya pinatuloy pa dahil agad akong naglakad palabas ng OR niya.

Mabilis kong hinubad at itinapon sa basurahan ang disposable gown ko at shoecover

sa scrub room. With my fist balled, tuluyan akong naglakad palabas ng hallway.
Nagmartsa ako patungo sa dulo ng hallway kung saan walang tao. I sat down on the
floor before I snatched my hairnet.

I gripped it tightly in my palm. I can still feel my face burn in shame. I have
never been humiliated like that. And that's it, that was my last straw.

Fúck being good.

Kung papahirapan niya ako buong clerskhip ko, papahirapan ko din siya.

Chapter 5: Oopsie

Martina Vlanca

"So, anong balak mo, gorl?" Tanong ni Dakota matapos siyang sumimsim sa kanyang
green tea.

Nagkibit-balikat ako bago ko sinawsaw ang pandesal sa kape na nasa harapan ko. I
shoved the warm and wet bread in my mouth. Gosh, it is so good.

Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa Jesse's, ang diner na malapit sa medical school. This
is an 80s themed diner. It's neat, the tables and checkered floors are always
shining. May music lagi na mellow na tumutugtog sa background, at higit sa lahat ay
masarap ang pagkain. Before I started med school, Ate Jillian and Kuya Creed
recommended me this place. Noong una ay akala ko ay baduy at hindi para sa akin.
But when I gave it a try, I loved the place.

Nahikayat ko din si Dakota, so, naging isa sa tambayan namin ito mula first year
hanggang ngayon. Specifically today, dito kami dumeretso after ng twenty-four na
duty dahil na-miss namin pareho ang handmade pandesal ng Jesse's and also, I wanted
to tell her about docmonyo. Well, actually, hindi ko na iyon kailangang gawin pa
dahil kumalat na iyon sa buong surgical floor. Mariin naman akong napanguya sa
tinapay nang maalala ko na naman ang ginawa ng magaling na Arguello na 'yon.

After niya akong ipahiya ay nagtungo na lamang ako sa on-call room kung saan
sumigaw ako sa unan. I shouted all of my frustration and nope, I didn't cry.
Because that docmonyo does not deserve any of my precious tears. Only my anger and
hate. Matapos kong sumigaw sa unan ay umalis na ako sa on-call room at nagtungo sa
gallery para manood ng surgery. I am not gonna miss a surgery just because of him.
So, umupo ako doon at binalewala ang mga tingin na binigay sa akin ng mga naroon.

Although, kahit na i-deny ko. It's still embarassing to sit there and feel their
stares.

Ugh, I really hate docmonyo-----actually, I loathe him. The thought of him has my
blood boiling and all I want to do is make him suffer every dámned day. That's what
I intend to do, ang problema ko nga lang ay hindi ko alam kung paano.

"Don't give me that 'I-don't-know' shrug. Ang dami mong options for revenge. Key
his precious Ranger Rover, laxatives, at kung ano-ano pa. Sky's the limit, my
friend."

Natawa naman ako matapos kong nguyain ang tinapay.

"Well, that sounds fun but I need something else, something subtle..." I paused and
ate another piece of bread. Inabot naman niya ang basket ng tinapay mula sa harapan
ko at kumuha din ng pandesal. "Something that would not necessarily get me kicked
out of the program and I want to make him suffer everyday."

She hummed as she chewed the bread. I sighed and leaned on the red and plush seat.
Dito kami naka-pwesto malapit sa glass window. Kaya kita mula rito ang mga sasakyan
na naka-park, ang iilang mga estudyante na tumatakbo papasok dito dahil bumubuhos
ang ulan.

I sighed as I thought of things to do. Umusog ako palapit sa lamesa at

pumangalumbaba. I looked at Dakota. Ngayon ay naka-bun na ang kanyang buhok, and
instead of scrubs, we're both wearing casual clothes such as blouse and a pair of
pants.

"Hindi ko pwedeng bagalan ang labs dahil ayokong madamay ang mga pasyente sa war
namin."

She nodded in agreement.

"I see, we're being responsible, huh?" Komento niya. Ngumising aso naman ako sa
kanya.

"I can't deny his orders since he's my teacher, I basically have to do everything
he says." I added and shoveled another pandesal with coffee in my mouth.

Tumawa nang pagak si Dakota.

"So, what? I'm back to keying his car or poking holes in his tires?" Nanunuyang
tanong ko.

"You said, you want him to suffer everyday like he's doing to you, so, gagasgasan
mo ang sasakyan niya at bubutasan mo ang gulong niya, everyday? Gorl, that's some
serious commitment." She sarcastically said again.

Inirapan ko naman siya.

"I don't know if you're being supportive right now or a hater."

She giggled. Napabuntong hininga naman akong muli.

"What can I do? What can I do to you docmonyo?" I whispered to myself.

Denying his orders, doing nasty stuff with his car, or putting laxatives in his
food are off the table......what can I do to make him suffer....

Agad na nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang may pumasok sa isip ko. Agad iyon na nakita ni
Dakota kaya tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

"From the looks of it, may naisip ka na."

I grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Paglalaruan ko siya." I replied.

"Hmm..tell me more, gorl."

"Maganda ako, that's already given." I flipped my hair jokingly.

She scrunched her nose.

"Sobrang humble mo talaga, Vlanca."

"I know." Sabi ko pa na ikinatawa namin pareho sandali.

"Annnd, I have excellent flirting skills and I am also hot as heck.....I can use my
assets to mess with him, everyday. It's like dangling a carrot in front of a
rabbit.....except he cannot have this carrot." Pabiro kong pinaraan ang kamay ko sa
katawan ko.

Dahan-dahan siyang napatango.

"So, you're saying you're gonna give your teacher.......blueballs?" Parang

alanganin niyang tanong.

I nodded eagerly.

"In short, pasasakitin ko na lang ang ulo niya sa baba every chance I get."

Sandali siyang napatitig sa akin bago siya napangisi.

"Well, heck yes, you go gorl!" She replied that it made me grin wider.

Humanda ka docmonyo. Matitikman mo na ang bangis ni Vlanca Del Russo.

And so, that afternoon, when I went home. I planned out the whole week and what I
am going to do each day. Kaya naman nang sumapit ang kinabukasan ay handa na ako. I
pulled up at the hospital parking lot with freshly curled hair and a bit more
makeup than usual. And most of all, a huge smile on my lips.

Halos sabay kaming dumating sa parking lot ni Dakota kaya naman sabay din kaming
nag-ready sa locker room. Oras na dumating ang senior resident sa locker room ay
nakabihis na kaming lahat. She then calls us one by one kung kanino kami ma-assign.
This is the first time na gusto kong ma-assign ako kay docmonyo. It would be easier
for me to mess with him.

"Calvente, Pediatrics. Pinapapunta ka na ni Dr. Blas sa fifth floor."

Dakota let out a sigh when her name was called.

"Good luck, sana hindi ka ma-expel." Pabiro niyang bulong sa akin bago siya
naglakad palabas ng locker room. Ngumisi naman ako sa kanya bago siya tuluyang
lumabas.

"Del Russo, Cardio. Also, you have to go now and get Dr. Corpuz patients' lab
results."

With a soft sigh, I went out of the door. I should be excited na hindi ako na-
assign kay docmonyo. But I am not since I have a plan....now, that I am not
assigned to him I will have to find a way to interact with him.

Pagdating ko sa lab ay hindi lang mga lab results ng pasyente ni Dr. Corpuz ang
binigay sa akin, bagkus ay pinabigay din sa akin ang mga lab results ng pasyente ng
ibang mga doctor.

I smirked when I saw docmonyo's name. Guess, I don't have to find a way after all.
And so, nagsimula na akong mag-distribute. . After going through different floors
and rooms, ay kay docmonyo at kay Dr. Corpuz na lang ang natira sa kamay ko na
folders.

Pareho silang nasa fourth floor, syempre, to execute my plan for today, inuna ko si
Docmonyo. There, I found him near the reception area. Wearing his usual whitecoat,
he stood in front of the reception table while he was busy reading something. I
looked around for a bit, walang tao sa paligid, perfect.

"Good morning, sir." Bati ko nang
maiwasan na malanghap ang kanyang
hospital and at the same time, he
the blue crisp dress shirt he was
coat. Ngayon ko lang din napansin
makarating ako sa harapan niya. Hindi ko naman
mabangong amoy, he smelled sterile---like the
smelled like expensive body wash. I also noticed
wearing and a pair of brown slacks under his
ang stethescope na nakasabit sa kanyang leeg.

After a few moments his cold eyes settled on me....well, first it went to my hair
and then to my face. He gave me a scowling look.

"Why do you keep on curling your hair like it will make you attractive?"
Nangiinsulto niyang tanong.

What a beautiful greeting. But instead of frowning and being pissed like he
expected me to, I didn't.

"Oh, nagseselos ka ba sa buhok ko?" Nanunuya kong tanong at bahagyang ngumuso. His
face is still blank but I saw his slitted-eyebrow cocked a little. "Kasi, I can
curl your hair too if you want. Magmu-mukha nga lang pancit canton ang buhok mo
since it's not long enough." Nangaasar ko pang dagdag. Kung dati ay hindi ako
sumasagot sa pangbu-bwisit niya, pwes iba na ngayon.

Imbes na sumagot ay bahagya lamang siyang napailing. I smiled inwardly.

"Where are my lab results?" Masungit na lamang niyang tanong.

Tumalikod naman ako at inabot ang folder sa lamesa.....but I dropped it. So, I bent
down and picked it up. And because of that movement lumitaw ang deep pink na lacy
thongs na suot ko.

I am sure as hell he can see it. I didn't stop there. I 'stumbled' and somehow
backed my áss against his crotch. Sandaling nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Bakit
pakiramdam ko ay may bote siya ng zonrox sa pantalon niya?

"Del Russo." Narinig kong mariin niyang tawag sa pangalan ko.

I ignored him and stood up properly. Pagharap ko ay madilim na ang tingin niya sa
akin. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang pagkuyom ng kanyang kamao. It's like
he was controlling himself.

"Oopsie, I'm such a clumsy person." I innocently replied. Nagtiim bagang siya. His
dark eyes were still on me. Instead of showing I'm intimidated or even apologizing,
I smiled seductively.

"Here's your folder." Sabi ko at inilagay iyon sa lamesa. "I'll see you around, Dr.
Arguello--"

"What was that about?" Mariin niyang tanong.

I shrugged.

"I don't know what you're talking about, sir." Inosenteng sagot ko ulit.

With that, I turned around and walked away bago pa siya makapagsalita. Habang
naglalakad ako ay hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti. It was fun messing with him.

Chapter 6: Lollipop

Martina Vlanca

So, far ay satisfied naman ako sa result ng plano ko. It was fun seeing him pissed
like that. The thought of him being bothered by me is bringing me some dose of
serotonin. However, a part of me couldn't stop thinking about his zonrox. Like it
couldn't be that big, right? But based on the brief feeling of it against my åss,
hindi iyon less than 250 ml of zonrox.

I can't help but to shake my head at myself. Mio dio. What are these thoughts,
Vlanca?

Sabado na ng hapon ngayon at kakauwi ko lamang mula sa twenty-four hour at FROM

duty. It was exhausting, bukas naman ay hindi na ganun kahaba since I'm just gonna
be on Pre-duty.

Okay, one might find that confusing, but basically, there are three 'types' of
duties.

Ang una ay Pre-duty, 'yon ang unang ginawa namin during our first day. Basically we
come in at exactly 7AM and then, madi-dismiss kami ng 5PM, six or seven sum naman
minsan kapag maraming pasyente na kailangang i-assist, i-admit, o kuhanan ng
vitals. Now, the twenty-four hour duty is pretty self explanatory. Kung pumasok ako
ng 7AM kahapon ay matatapos ng 7AM din kinabukasan ang duty ko.
However, hindi pa rin kami 'free to go' noon, kasi that's where FROM duty comes in.
From 7AM to 12PM naman 'yun. That's when we do our paperworks, mag-review because
yes, hindi lang kami nai-evaluate ng mga attending. We still have quizzes and
reports, and then so on. Then after, 12 PM tsaka pa lang officially matatapos ang
duty namin.

Well, hindi naman araw-araw ang twenty four hour duty. Naga-alternate naman kami,
like for example nag-twenty four kami ngayon, bukas naman ay pre-duty lang.
Alternate, kumbaga.

I sighed. It was kinda tiring to think about that. Kasalukuyan akong narito sa
aking kama at nakahiga. I am exhausted. Gusto ko sanang mag-party. I've always done
that, it makes my night feel alive. However, now that the clerkship has started. I
literally have no energy after twenty four hours of admitting patients, taking
vitals, changing drainage, and other stuff. Mas nakakapagod pa kung kay docmonyo
ako na-assign. Since kung nasa kanya ako ay, I would be basically a scut monkey aka
utusan niya.

I smiled as I remembered what I did to him today. It tastes like winning because
finally we're starting to get even. I can't help but to smile widely as I thought
about what I had planned for him tomorrow...and the next few days.

Roy Ezekiel

"Roy, can you stop?" Trinity asked. Her long light brown curly hair is dancing on
her back as she walks in front of a house.

"Why? Masama bang kuhanan ng video ang napaka-ganda kong girlfriend?"

I smiled bitterly as I heard my own voice. Her pale cheeks blushed when her emerald
green eyes settled on me.

"Oh, you are so sweet, my baby." She replied and smiled.

Narinig ko ang sarili ko na tumawa bago siya tumalikod mula sa camera at

nagsimulang maglakad muli. Mapait akong napangiti nang matapos ang video na nakita
ko sa videocamera ko. Apparently ay hindi lang siya sa cellphone ko may pictures at
videos. This one, I can't bring myself to delete it.

Binalewala ko ang pagkirot ng dibdib ko at ang bawal sa akin ng puso ko dahil nag-
play akong muli ng video.

"Roy, look at the strawberries! Dito kumukuha ng pang strawberry jam si Agnes!" She
said as she stood in the middle of the strawberry farm. Her voice has my heart
thumping.....and aching at the same time. Ang video na ito ay kuha sa Sitio La
Presa. 'Yung pinagshutingan noong sikat na television show dati. I never watched it
pero paborito iyon ni Trinity, kaya kahit na nako-cornihan ako ay pinanood ko 'yon
kasama siya. And knowing how much she loves that show, I took her there.

Umiling ako at ibinaba ang videocamera sa maliit na box na sa gilid ko. Laman noon
ay ang mga karagdagan pang mga litrato. Marahas kong binuksan ang bote ng Jack
Daniels na nasa gilid ko din at tinungga iyon. This is what I do everytime I go
home in this cold and empty house after long hours of duty. Uupo ako sa walang
buhay na kusina katabi ang alak at ang mga alala namin ni Trinity.

Nang mailagok ko ang alak ay inabot ko ang isang litrato. Kumirot muli ang dibdib
ko. It was a picture of us, she was wearing this beautiful blue dress. Malawak ang
ngiti ko at masaya ang tingin ko sa instax camera na hawak ko din, habang nakahalik
siya sa pisngi ko. My arms were also around her.

I snapped this picture on our third year anniversary.

My fist balled as my heart ached. I still love her, there is no question. No matter
how many times she took me for granted. Tàngina, ang hirap. Lumipat nga ako ng
ibang lugar at pinutol ang komunikasyon mula sa kanya ay hindi ko pa rin siya
matakasan. There are a lot of reasons why, not just because I still love her, but
because there is a certain reminder of her, in my dàmn workplace. That loud, brown
haired and green eyed Italian girl.

I threw the picture back to the box and drank some more alcohol. I know what I was
doing to her is unfair. She doesn't know anything but...I hate her. Hindi naman ako
si satanas, may guilt din ako, alright? Pero tuwing nakikita ko siya ay nadi-
distract ako. Even if, I want to be nicer but I just bring myself to fo it.

Because she looks like Trinity. The hair...the eyes, although, mas berde ang mga
mata ni Del Russo, however, it doesn't take away the fact that they have the same
features including the height. It looks like a younger version of Trinity. It was
uncanny.

Now, I know Del Russo hates me too, after everything that I did. I would hate me
too. I was expecting a sassy comeback like she always does. But then she suddenly
became flirtatious. It was confusing at first, but when I saw how much she enjoys
seeing my furrowed eyebrows and my grumpy expression.

I realized that she's doing that because she wants me to suffer, like I make her
suffer. Showing me that underwear...and backing up her àss like that against my
còck.

"Tàngina," Bulong ko nang maramdaman ko ang pagbukol ng pagkalalaki ko sa aking

pantalon.

Dàmn, it Del Russo. It's so wrong. I must not react because she's my dàmned
student, and I am literally ten years older than her. I should know better.

Pero walang pakialam ang nasa pantalon ko. It was throbbing. Fùck. Lumagok akong
muli ng alak bago ako tumayo at inabot ang cellphone ko mula sa marbled counter.

Maybe, I am reacting this way because I haven't got laid in two days. Kailangan ko
lang ilabas ang tension na nararamdaman ko. Sigurado ako na pagkatapos noon ay
kahit na maghubad pa si Del Russo sa harap ko ay hindi na ako maapektuhan. I could
go on being mean to her until she graduates and gets out of my sight.

And so, I dialed the number of one of my booty calls.

And less than an hour later, a long haired and thick woman is bent on my couch.
Nakahawak siya sa sandalan ng couch, samantalang nakapwesto ako sa likuran niya.
Mariin ang hawak ko sa kanyang malambot na bewang at mabilis ang aking pag-galaw.

"Oh, my god! Doc!"

I groaned and wrapped her hair around my fist. I then closed my eyes and focused on
my release.
'I don't know what you're talking about, sir.'

Nabitawan ko ang buhok ko ni Evy at napahawak na lamang sa kanyang mga bewang.

Jeez, why is her voice in my head? I did blocked out her voice when I tried, pero
sumulpot naman sa isipan ko ang mukha ni Del Russo.

Napamura ako dahil imbes na mawala ang libog ko ay mas lalong tumindi ang pagiinit
ng katawan ko. What the hell?

Pumikit akong muli subalit hindi na mukha niya ang pumasok sa isipan ko. I saw her
wearing those pink thongs, she was laying in my bed. Her legs were spread apart and
she was showing her pùssy and telling me that it's only mine.

And that I get to do whatever I want with it---

Agad ulit akong napadilat. Shìt, my mind won't fùcking stop.

Sinubukan kong ituon ang pansin ko sa babae na nasa harapan ko. I uncontrollably
thrusted in this woman's heat. Mas lalo siyang napaungol pero mas lang ako na-
frustrate.

And then, suddenly, I thought about Vlanca Del Russo's soft àss. In no time, I
grunted and spilled my cúm inside the condom that I'm wearing. Humihingal akong
huminto at napahahawi sa aking basa buhok.

What the fück just happened? I don't come this fast and most importantly, why was I
thinking about--

"Wow, ang bilis mo naman labasan ngayon." Narinig kong sabi ni Evy.

"Get out." I said harshly and pulled out of her.

"Of course, gago ka din pala." Inis niyang sagot habang pinupulot ang kanyang mga
damit. "Thanks for nothing because I didn't come, and by the way, you're weird
tonight." Dagdag pa niya bago niya ako inirapan.

Hindi na ako sumagot pa at hinayaan na lamang siyang padabog na lumabas mula sa

penthouse ko. Hindi na ako nagdamit pa matapos kong itapon ang condom sa kalapit na
basurahan. Napaupo na lamang ako sa couch at napatungga ng alak. I can't get over
the fact that I thought of Vlanca Del Russo while I was fúcking another woman.

The worst part is I cúm while I was thinking of her. Merda.

Martina Vlanca

"You paged me?" Sabi ko kay docmonyo. Ngayon ay martes at sa kanya ako naka-assign.
Lucky me. During the days na hindi ako sa kanya naka-assign ay nakikita ko siya sa
hallway or nakakasalubong sa lobby. And everytime, as part of my plan to play him.
Lagi ko siyang kinikindatan o binibigyan ng tingin. And as a return, he would glare
at me, which is considerably fun because that just means na nagalit ko siya.

"Hindi ba obvious o wala ka lang talagang common sense?" Harsh niyang sagot, na of
course binalewala ko dahil may plano ako sa kanya ngayon.

It seems like whatever I'm doing is really pissing him off, dahil magmula noong
linggo ay mas lalo nang sumama ang ugali niya sa akin. It includes more attitude
and also him paging me in the middle of my break, like right now. Wala siyang pake
kung I'm in the middle of the nap or in the middle of a meal. He would demand my
presence like a dictator.

Kasalukuyan akong nakatayo dito sa harap ng on-call room niya. He's not wearing his
white coat right now, ang tanging suot lamang niya ay t-shirt at pants since naka-
break siya. And somehow, this docmonyo still manage to pull it off like a model on
a runway. I also noticed that his dark short hair is a little disheveled.

"Aw, are you on your period at beastmode na beastmode ka?"

Sandali niya akong tinapunan ng matalim na tingin. I smiled at him.

"Well, nevermind that question, with period or not, araw-araw ka namang grumpy so,
It's really no surprise." Sarkastiko ko pang dagdag na ikinailing niya.

"Tigilan mo nga ako, Del Russo." Malamig niyang sagot without tearing his eyes from
the folder that he was analyzing.

"Yes, sir." Nilandian ko pa ang tono ko. He ignored me. I used that time to fix my
ponytail and pull out a lollipop from my pocket. Binalatan ko iyon at isinubo.
Hmm..cherry flavored.

Hindi nagtagal ay tumingin na siya sa akin para magbigay ng utos.

"Del Russo, get the labs and x-ray results of these patients' names..and.."

"Hmm.." I hummed while he talked. Habang nagsasalita siya ay nilabas ko ang

lollipop at sinipsip iyon habang nakatingin sa kanya.

His jaw was tightly clenched. That's right, mabwisit ka.

"Are you even listening or are you busy sucking on that lollipop?" Nanunuya niyang
tanong habang magkasalubong ang kanyang makakapal na kilay.

I pulled the lollipop out of my mouth with a 'pop.'

"I perfectly understand what you said sir, and just so you know, I can suck
other.." Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang katawan niya, sandali akong nag-pause sa
crotch niya bago bumalik ang tingin ko sa kanyang malamig na mga mata. "Things
too..." I added maliciously and put the lollipop back in my mouth while staring at
his now dark eyes.

"Cristo, me ajude." I heard him mutter in his mother tongue before he ignored what
I was doing and started saying what he wanted me to do again.

"Did you understand what I said?" Sabi niya matapos niyang ihayag ang sampung
utos---nope. Labinlimang utos ni docmonyo.

Bago ako sumagot ay inilabas ko ang lollipop mula sa bibig at dinilaan iyon sa
harap niya. Mas lalong dumilim ang tingin niya sa akin.

"Of course," I then replied and accepted the folder. "May gusto ka pa bang ibang
ipagawa sa akin, sir?" I batted my eyelashes and then, ibinalik ko ang lollipop sa
bibig ko.

He just shook his head in disbelief.

"I want things done in under an hour.." He said, ignoring my 'advances.'

I hummed in agreement. And bago niya isara ang pinto sa mukha ko ay nagsalita akong
muli.

"I think it's going to be fun, if there is anything else in my mouth, right now,
other than this lollipop." I suggestively said and licked the candy while staring
at him.

Nagtiim bagang siya.

"Give me that dámn lollipop." Galit niyang sabi at kinuha iyon mula sa bibig ko.
Itinapon niya iyon sa kalapit na basurahan at walang sabi-sabi niyang isinara ang
pinto sa mukha ko.

Imbes na mabwisit ako ay malakas akong natawa. Mission accomplished because I

pissed him off once again.

Chapter 7: Green Eyed Little Brat

Roy Ezekiel

Tahimik kong ikinaskas sa aking mga kamay at mga braso ng chlorhexidine gluconate
soap o ang sabon na pang-disinfect naming mga surgeons bago at matapos ang surgery.
Sa kabila ng malinis na amoy ng sabon ay hindi pa rin mawala sa ilong ko ang amoy
ng dugo. No matter how many surgeries, I've done. I felt like the smell of blood
always lingers afterward. Habang binabanlawan ko ang aking mga braso sa malalim na
lababo ay napatingin ako sa salamin sa aking harapan.

Mula dito ay kita ang operating room, maraming kalat na dugo sa sahig at may mga
cloth din na may bahid ng dugo sa surgical table. May mga hospital staff na
kasalukuyang nililinis iyon. The surgery that I performed with another good doctor
went well. Our case was unusual. Ang orihinal lamang na plano ay manganganak lamang
si Mrs. Quitain. She was rushed here kahit na nasa ibang ospital ang kanyang doctor
dahil mas malapit ang GSMH at malala na ang hilab ng kanyang tiyan. When her
dilation was already wide enough and it was time for her to push, that's when Dr.
Jene Sta. Maria discovered that there was no baby in the womb. Ilang beses pa daw
niya na sinilip pero walang bata sa amniotic sac. It doesn't make sense because in
all of nine months ay may bata sa ultrasound at lumaki ang tiyan ni Mrs. Quitain.

When Dr. Sta. Maria did another ultrasound, there is still a baby inside her, but
then she discovered that the baby was in the mother's abdominal cavity, floating
with her intestines, liver, and other organs. That's when they paged me 9-1-1 or in
layman's term: a fúcking emergency. It was a rare case of abdominal pregnancy and
the doctor who took care of the mother the whole nine months failed to detect it.
When I came in, I carefully made an incision and located the baby. Dr. Sta. Maria
took her out and then she ordered to bring her to the NICU asap.

Matapos noon ay naging unstable ang stats ni Mrs. Quitain at lumala ang kanyang
pagdurugo. Everyone held their breath as we did our best to control her bleeding,
and after three minutes of finding all the sources of bleeding, we controlled and
stopped it. Now, Mrs. Quitain is in the ICU. Marami siyang nawalang dugo pero
stable na siya. She could regain that lost blood and strength through blood
transfusion and a lot of rest time here in the hospital.
All the while, I was in that operating room, I could feel Del Russo watching me
from the gallery. For sure, ay isa sa mga med student na nasa operating room ang
nag-inform sa mga kaklase niya na may rare case, kaya nagsipuntahan sila sa gallery
kahit na naka-assign sila sa ibang doctor. Including Del Russo. When I glanced up
for a moment, I saw her in the sea of people. She was six-foot tall dahil nakatayo
siya sa isa sa mga upuan na naroon upang makakita siya. She was wearing her usual
light blue scrubs under her short white coat. Napansin ko din na nakatali pataas
ang kanyang buhok.

I met her bright green eyes for a split second before I look away and focused.
Hindi ko alam kung kailan ako naging aware sa tingin niya, pero matapos lahat ng
ginawa niya sa mga nakaraang araw sa akin. I became hyperaware of her
gaze...unfortunately.

When the surgery was over, I didn't glance up since I know that now that there are
no important matters in front of me, she will give me that flirty look once again.

"You were brilliant there, Roy." Sabi ni Jene nang pumasok siya sa scrub room.
She's wearing pink scrubs under her white coat. Nakapasok ang kanyang buhok sa
kanyang puti din na scrubcap. Nauna siyang lumabas sa akin upang tingnan ang
kalagayan ng bata.

I turned to her and smiled a little after I dried my hands with a disposable towel.

"Couldn't have done it without you, Jene." Tipid kong sagot. Look, I am not really
a social-type of person. Actually, I do not like interacting with people unless I
have to, since I am introverted and an only child. That's why I really never had
close-friends from school to the workforce. And that's okay with me, I am fine
being alone.

Akala ko ay hanggang doon na lamang ang interaction namin subalit lumapit siya sa
akin at hinawakan ang braso ko.

"Listen..Roy..you are a very good doctor and an attractive man."

Oh, no, here we go again. I know where this is going.

"Do you wanna..you know...hang out in my place?" Her delicate tone was suggestive.

"I appreciate the invite and I do think that you're beautiful.." She is indeed
attractive, long black hair, tall and slim figure, dark brown eyes, and thick lips.
"Jene. It's just that I don't sleep with co-workers even if it's allowed. I hope
you understand." Deretso kong sagot at umiwas sa kanyang hawak.

Disappointment crossed her face. Siya na ata ang pang-limang ka-trabaho ko na

nagtanong sa akin. Well, some would just grab my díck and tell me to go with them
to the stockroom, but of course, I will refuse.

"Hmm..okay, I do understand...but just so you know, the offer will always stand for
you." She then said and smiled seductively, ngunit wala iyong epekto sa akin gaya
na lang nanunuksong ngiti lagi na binibigay sa akin noong maliit na Italyanang
babae---I quickly stopped myself from thinking about that green eyed little brat.

"I'll keep that in mind." Sagot ko na lamang bago siya tuluyang lumabas sa pintuan.
Matapos akong magpakawala ng malalim na hininga at ibulsa ang aking scrubcap sa
breastpocket ng aking kakasuot lamang na whitecoat ay lumabas na ako. I inhaled the
smell of rubbing alcohol and medicine in the air as I walked. Ang hospital na ito
ay naging halos tahanan ko na sa loob ng tatlong buwan at tatlong linggo. It has
been alright, I don't need complications and sleeping with co-workers will do just
that. That's why I avoid it.

Complication. I scoffed when I remembered the green eyed Italian little brat. My
fist balled as I felt that brief heat course through my body. Del Russo does not
waste any time. She seduces me everytime she get. Hindi dapat ako nagre-react sa
kung ano mang laro niya dahil mali 'yon. Hell, I shouldn't have let her do that to
begin with. I should've given her a bad evaluation but that's not fair because even
if she is a pain to me, she is a smart student with a promising future. Well, I
should've reported her atleast---but then, anong sasabihin niya tungkol sa akin?

I make her suffer for a reason she doesn't know? I make her suffer because she
looks like the woman who used me and hurted me so much?

It's a sticky situation. However, in the last few days the reason I am giving her
more tasks to do is because I hated her even more. The best option is to keep my
mouth shut on whatever inappropriate thing she's doing to me. Ignore it, push her
away, and not fúcking react to her active seduction. Pero hindi nakikinig ang
katawan at utak ko sa akin. I am having these carnal and sinful thoughts about
her..... ..She invaded my mind like a parasite and which is why I hated her even
more.

Kahit na ayokong aminin sa sarili ko ay papanipis na ng papanipis ang kontrol ko.

Mas lumapit pa ang pagkanipis noon sa sinulid matapos niyang paglaruan ang lollipop
sa harapan ko noong makalawa. Sucking a dámn lollipop and looking at me like she's
promising me that how she's gonna suck my cóck? Púta merda, kinailangan kong itapon
ang candy at isara agad ang pinto, kasi hindi lang niya makikita ang umbok sa
pantalon ko. I had to close that dámn door to stop my control from snapping like a
twig. If that happened yesterday, I would've said 'fúck the rules' and pulled her
to my on-call room, pushed her on her knees, and made her suck my cóck until that
bratty mouth is dripping with my cúm.

My jaw clenched. Porro, I am so into deep shít. I had to tell myself every fúcking
day that it's all just wrong and forbidden thoughts. And it must stay that way. It
must never happen because I will definitely lose my job if I ever sleep with her,
because a student-teacher affair in this hospital is prohibited.

I shook my head and got her off my mind....atleast tried. Mabuti na lamang ay hindi
siya naka-assign sa akin ngayon.

Imbes na dumeretso ako sa cafeteria upang kumain matapos ang mahaba at intense na
surgery ay nagtungo ako sa ICU at binisita si Mrs. Quitain. I went there to check
on her vitals and tell her husband about the surgery.

"Maraming salamat po talaga, Dr. Arguello.." Sabi ni Mr. Quitain at kinamayan ako.
Narito kami sa labas ng ICU room ni Mrs. Quitain.

I symphatetically nodded as I shook his hand briefly.

"Wala po 'yun, Mr. Quitain, just doing my duty." I replied.

Ilang sandali pa kaming nagusap bago ako tuluyang umalis. Habang naglalakad ako ay
namataan ko si Del Russo na nakatayo sa gilid ng hallway, may kausap siyang babaeng
resident. After a few seconds of talking, she then handed her a chart. Pinabigay
siguro 'yon ng attending.
I should get the hell out of this floor bago pa niya ako makita kaya naman
nilakihan ko na ang hakbang ko. As I was about to approach the elevator that will
take me to the cafeteria, I heard that familiar voice behind me, that either gives
me a headache or a fúcking boner.

"Sir!"

Napahawak naman ako sa bridge ng aking ilong sandali. I didn't dare to look back
because god knows what seduction tactic she came up with this time. Nagpatuloy lang
ako sa paglalakad, not minding that there is a little brat speed walking beside me.

"Grabe, sir, iba talaga ang pagtanda no? Humihina na ang pandinig---"

With gritted teeth, I stopped walking and went to the side of the hallway. I
whipped my head in her direction and shot her a glare. Kapag hindi niya ako
nilalandi ay pang-aasar naman ang bala niya.

"What do you want?" Mariin kong tanong.

The little brat smirked. Oh, shít wrong question structure, bago ko pa mabawi 'yon
ay nakasagot na siya.

"Hmm...that's a rather complex question, sir. But since you're asking, I want some
certain parts of you to go in my--"

Christ, have mercy. She is definitely messing with me but she is getting bolder
everyday. I do not like it but my cóck says otherwise.

"What do you want?" I interrupted her.

She smiled this time. Ang kanyang mga berdeng mga mata ay puno ng pangaasar at
kapilyahan.

"Well, una gusto lang kitang asarin, and second," She cleared her throat and her
aura shifted. "I just want to say that I really look up to you as a doctor." She
said. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata, waiting for the catch. But there was
nothing but the genuineness in her eyes. "The case earlier wasn't easy and I don't
know any surgeon who could've done it better than you did." Dagdag pa niya.

For a moment, I just stood there and looked at her with furrowed eyebrows. Somehow,
her appreciation made me feel something else other than hate towards her, but it
just lasted for a couple of seconds.

"Okay, that's kinda cheesy...so, back to what I wanted earlier--"

"Enough."

Tinawanan lang niya ako habang papasok ako sa kakabukas lamang na elevator. Ngumisi
siya sa akin at nag-flying kiss habang sumasara ang mga metal na pinto.

I sighed and rested my back against the wall. Wala sa loob na napakagat ako sa
aking pang-ibabang labi. Del Russo is definitely something else.

A few hours later ay narito ako sa lab kasama ang mga med students. Narito kami sa
practice lab, kanya-kanya silang pwesto sa harapan ko upang makinig. Ngayon ay FROM
duty nila, they are all done with their paperworks, and it's time for instructions.
The room is dimmed since may presentation ako na naka-project sa dingding. I am
discussing an Abstract or a medical record. It's an extensive medical case I
handled a few years ago and they will definitely learn a lot from it.

As I was talking, my gaze drifted to Del Russo at the corner of the room. Unlike
her classmates, she was standing and leaning on the wall, at the far back. It was
dark pero dahil sa projector ay nakikita ko pa rin ang kanyang mukha. Nang mapansin
niya na nakatingin ako sa kanya ay bahagya niyang itinagilid ang ulo niya and
without breaking an eye contact with me, isinubo niya ang kanyang hintuturo. She
slowly pulled it out and then traced her pink lips with the tip of her forefinger.

I felt a surge of carnal heat in my body. My veins are rushing with blood.

And the most messed up thing is that my cóck fúcking twitched. Mérda. Del Russo
will be the death of me.

I clenched my jaw and glared at her grinning face. She knew what she was doing.

"That's it for today, everyone, you are all dismissed." Sabi ko kahit na may
natitira pang oras. I can't teach properly, now that I am aroused. I then switched
on the lights and turned off the projector with a little remote.

I never dismissed them early, kaya naman natigilan ang iba at napatingin sa isa't-
isa. Confusion is written on their faces.

"Lalabas kayo o gusto niyong mag-stay kayo dito hanggang alas-siete ng gabi?"

And without another look, they all started shuffling and rushing to the door. In
less than fifteen seconds, the room is cleared out and the door is shut......well,
that wasn't completely true dahil nandito pa si Vlanca Del Russo, who is slowly
walking, making sure her hips are swaying. It's not helping my potential boner to
calm down.

I caught a whiff of her scent when she stopped in front of me. Her hands are tucked
behind her back and there was a teasing smirk playing on her pink lips. I also
noticed some strands of her hair fell down on the side of her face.

"Ano pang ginagawa mo dito? Labas." Pagtataboy ko sa kanya.

She pouted.

"What if I needed an after-school lesson?" She taunted and batted her eyelashes.

"As if passing your classes with an 'Excellent' in every subject is not enough."
Nanunuya kong sagot. "Get out."

She licked her lips.

"Make me."

Dámn it, Del Russo. I glared at her but she didn't seem to waiver. I am so close to
doing things I am not supposed to do, like putting her on my lap and spank her áss
until it's raw and she learns not to push my buttons. Or make her come until the
name she could only remember is mine--fúck.

That must never happen. She's forbidden and you hate her. I reminded myself. I have
to put an end to whatever she's doing before it's too late.
"Stop it, Del Russo."

"Stop what, sir?" Inosente ang tono niya pero walang bakas noon sa kanyang mga
mata.

My fist balled.

"Stop seducing me. It's inappropriate and it's never going to work."

Liar.

Pagak siyang tumawa at bumuntong hininga.

"Talk about inappropriate things," She said and took a step forward. More of her
sweet scent whiffed my nose. She stood a step away from me and looked into my eyes
with those fiery green orbs. "Kung inappropriate na pala 'yung ginagawa ko? Then
what about you making me suffer from the first day I get here, huh?"

"Since I can't do anything about it...I think it's just fair that I make you suffer
my own way? Hmm, Dr. Arguello?" She asked and raised an eyebrow.

Wala sa loob na napalunok ako.

"I will try to be nice to you, stop ordering you around, and then you stop whatever
you're doing, deal?"

Sandaling napataas ang mga kilay niya, like she was surprised.

"I want other things too." She added, her tone wasn't malicious.

"And that's?"

"Why do you hate me the moment we met?..... What do you mean by 'you have no idea'?
In that parking lot, that day?" Tanong niya.

My jaw clenched. Merda. I knew that she would ask about that but I couldn't bring
myself to tell her about her....it's too personal and no matter how much I deny it,
the wound is still fresh. Talking about her still affects me.

"I will try being nice to you and I will stop ordering you around, that's the
deal." I firmly said, instead of answering.

Sandali siyang napatitig sa akin, curiousity and confusion gleamed in her eyes for
a moment.

"Well, then, I guess we'll both have to suffer....because no answers, no stopping

me." Sagot niya at bahagyang ngumisi. "I'll go ahead now and think of many more
creative ways to give you a boner, sir." Pilya niyang dagdag. She then walked out
of the door, leaving me mentally and séxually frustrated.

Chapter 8: Something Hurts

Roy Ezekiel
Naririnig ko ang impit na mga ungol ni Vlanca habang nakaluhod ako sa kanyang
likuran. She was bent over my office table, here in my house. She was gripping the
edge of the table as I buried my face in her wet and soft flesh. I palmed her áss
cheeks and parted her wider for me.

I groaned to myself when her delicious feminine musk coated my tongue. Giving in to
the temptation was the best fúcking decision I have ever made. She tasted better
than I imagined it to be.

"Ezekiel!" Naramdaman kong nanginig ang mga hita niya nang abutin ko ang kanyang
butil. I massaged it with my two fingers as I teased her entrance with the tip of
my tongue.

She reached behind and gripped my hair into her hands. Mas lalo siyang nanginig at
napaungol sa sarap nang ipasok ko ang dalawang daliri ko sa kanyang basa at masikip
na butas.

In no time she clenched around my fingers and came hard. Ibinuka ko ang kanyang
namamasang hiwa and I greedily slurped all of her juices like it's my favorite
drink. Mabilis ko siyang iniharap sa akin nang matapos kong dilaan ang kanyang
katas, she thought I was done with her, but I laid her on my table and kneeled
again in front of her.

Pinagparte ko pa lalo ang kanyang mga hita. I started licking her again, not giving
her a chance to recover from her previous órgåsm.

"Ezekiel." Naririnig kong nanghihina niyang bulong sa pangalan ko. I smirked

against her dripping flesh. I started to fúck her virgin hole again with my two
fingers as I sucked her clitoris in my mouth. I continued to feast on her pússy.
Sucking, licking, and slurping her. I don't let any of her juice drop on the floor,
it all goes in my mouth. My cóck twitched in too much arousal, I feel like my balls
are about to burst but I controlled myself....I want all my cúm to go inside her.

"Ezekiel..I've had too many órgásms already.." Ungol niya nang marating na naman
niya ang sukdulan. Nanghihina siyang nakasabunot sa aking buhok.

I pulled my face from the heaven between her legs and smacked her right åss cheek.
She let out a whimper

"Well, that's what you get for teasing me for a long time. Now, be a good girl and
take what I give you."

She moaned in response but I wasn't satisfied. I want to hear her coherently
answer.

"What's that?"

"Yes, s-sir."

"Good girl."

She then let out a loud moan when I started to bury my face again in her sweetness.

Kasabay noon ay ang pagdilat ng mga mata ko. Humihingal at pawisan akong bumangon.
I immdiately looked around, I was in my dark bedroom. Not in my office with that
little brat.

"Foder." I cussed in my mother tongue. I had another wet dream about Vlanca Del
Russo. That is bad news. Matapos ang engkwentro namin sa practice lab ay mas lalo
lamang tumindi ang epekto niya sa akin. For the past week since she started
seducing me, I have been unable to sleep properly because I always wake up in the
middle of a wet dream and with a raging boner--begging for Vlanca Del Russo's
pússy.

Mas lalo akong napamura nang tingnan ko ang pagkalalaki ko na nasa ilalim ng kumot.
It's erect and badly wants a release.

"Just go down already." Mariin kong sabi. "Please, we can't have her. We hate her."
I talked to it like a lunatic. I am desperate for my cóck to go down but instead of
listening to me, the fúcker just twitched and hardened even more. Padabog kong
ibinaba ang kumot at humiga ulit.

My séxual frustration increased. I no longer get pleasure from casual fúcking. I

don't enjoy it anymore because I can't éjacúlaté. Not unless I jáck off while I am
thinking about that little brat. Which is way worse.

It is worse because I can't stop thinking about Vlanca. As bad as it sounds, my

need for her grew every single day. I am starting to think that I am obsessed with
her, Not the psychopatic one, but the kind of obsession that makes me think of her
everyday and everynight....I'm obsesseed with her in a way that I can't touch
another woman or even myself without thinking about her.

It's sick, it's fúcking wrong because not only does she look like somebody I used
to know...she is also my student, but no matter how I remind myself, my whole
system won't cooperate. Not my brain, not my body, and certainly not my cóck. No
matter how much I hate it or fight it, Vlanca Del Russo is my forbidden obsession.

And for her, this whole seduction is just a game for her, her 'way' of punishing me
for hating her and also her way of getting answers from me. Little did she know
that this is how I react to it and she must never know.

Bumuntong hininga ako at sinubukang pumikit. Wishing I would fall asleep and just
forget about that little brat.

But of course, the moment I closed my eyes I saw her face with a teasing smile.

I cussed loudly. I am doomed.

Sleep deprived akong pumasok sa ospital kinabukasan. Though as a doctor lagi naman
akong kulang sa tulog dahil madalas ay natatawagan ako ng ospital for emergency
surgeries or kapag kailangan ako ng pasyente. However, this time and for the last
few days I am sleep deprived because of an illegal reason. Ngayong araw ay sa akin
siya na-assign. The whole time we were doing rounds, I was hyper-aware of her, and
to my surprise ay wala siyang ibang ginawa, except to wink at me and smile
seductively in secret.

Bilang kapalit noon ay sinasamaan ko siya ng tingin. Ang nakikita lang niya ay ang
emotionless at galit kong mukha pero hindi niya alam na tuwing ginagawa niya iyon
ay gusto ko siyang ipasok sa pinakamalapit na stockroom at turuan siya ng leksyon.

A lesson that involves her crying out of my name while I do filthy things to her.

But other than looks, walang siyang ibang ginawa. It's definitely peculiar, Vlanca
Del Russo going on with her day without messing with me? I mean I should be glad
because she's finally stopping..but somehow it doesn't feel right because that's
just too good to be true. Hindi niya nakuha ang gusto niya mula sa akin kaya I
doubt na hihinto siya anytime soon.

Although, I am trying to be optimistic and hope that she's finally stopping. Ngayon
ay narito ako sa harap ng kwarto ng bata kong pasyente. I am waiting for Del Russo,
hindi nagtagal ay naaninag ko ang paparating niyang bulto. As usual ay nakasuot
siya ng light blue na scrubs at itim na crocs. Nakataling muli ang kanyang buhok,
thank god, this time she didn't curl her hair. Hihikab-hikab niyang isinuot ang
kanyang whitecoat sa harapan ko.

She looked at me with her green eyes.

"Alam mo hindi ka na talaga nakakatuwa, Dr. Arguello. It's my break and you called
me again?" Pumamewang siya. "What if I am fingers deep in someone's pús--"

My jaw clenched before I interrupted her.

"What did you say?" Venom was laced in my tone. Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling
ang inis at galit sa tono ko matapos kong marinig ang huli niyang sinabi. I am
aware that she's bisexual---I may have or have not learned it last night. I
couldn't stop myself from searching her up. There is nothing wrong with her sexual
orientation but somehow, the thing that I have a problem with is the idea of her
touching another person and her being touched by another person, it makes my blood
boil.

"Wala." She deadpanned. "Why did you summon me, your highness?" Nanunuya niyang
dagdag at nag-bow siya na akala mo ay na-meet niya ang Queen ng England.

I ignored her sarcastic question and took a step forward without taking my eyes off
of her. Napalunok naman siya.

"What were you doing before I called you?" I asked again.

Kumunot ang noo niya.

"Why are you so pressed? It's none of your bus--"

"You have ten seconds to tell me what you were really doing before I write you up
for misbehavior." I interrupted her. I am aware of how hypocritical I am for saying
that.

"Geez, chill, I was eating in the cafeteria with Dakota." Seryosong sagot niya.
Something is defnitely wrong with me because that just brought me relief.

Pumamewang siya ulit bago siya nagsalitang muli. "Now, what is it that you want,
your highness?"

Napailing na lamang ako. Hindi nagtagal ay dumating ang dalawa pang naka-assign sa
akin na med student na sina Lim at Mariano. Hindi ko na kailangan pang tawagin ang
isang resident doctor na naka-assign din sa akin dahil na inform na siya sa case at
alam niya na papayagan ko siyang mag-assist. I give this time to that resident
doctor to do her research and prepare for the surgery we're about to do.

"I know it's your break and I apologize for interrupting it." Sabi ko sa kanilang
tatlo.

Bahagyang natawa si Del Russo at napailing. She did that as if she was amused that
I apologized. I ignored it and proceeded.

"Whoever can answer the most questions can observe the surgery closer, meaning you
will stand beside the resident doctor and see the patient upclose."

Para naman silang tatlong nabuhayan ng dugo, lalo na si Del Russo. Her eyes
twinkled as if she was a kid who found out that the rainbows are real.

"Ilan ang average na blood lead level ng isang bata?" I started.

Agad na nagtaas ng kamay si Del Russo. I nodded at her.

"About 1.4 micrograms per deciliter." She answered. "That's the average blood lead
level for five to fourteen year old kids."

"Good." Sagot ko. I didn't expect her to elaborate.

"What are the twelve symptoms of high levels of lead in a child's blood?"

They all raised their hands, nauna si Lim kaya naman siya ang itinuro ko.

"Irritability, Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, Abdominal pain, vomiting,

constipation......that's all I can think of, Dr. Arguello."

I sighed softly and looked at the other two, akala ko ay mauuna si Mariano na
magtaas ng kamay, pero syempre si Del Russo ang nauna. She looked really excited to
answer when I pointed to her.

"Developmental delay, learning difficulties, hearing loss, seizures, and eating

things that are not food such as paintchips, coins, etcetera." Flawless niyang
sagot. "The higher the lead count in the blood of the patient the more symptoms
will develop."

I crossed my arms.

"Follow up question: What are the common possible causes of increased blood lead
levels in children and in adults?"

Halos tatlong segundo lang siyang nagisip bago niya ibinuka ang kanyang bibig.

"In children, that would be lead based paint, lead contaminated dust in old
establishments, also contaminated water and soil. However in adults, the causes of
their high blood lead level is mostly from their occupations. For instance, battery
manufacturing, sandblasting, soldering, and automobile related jobs." She answered
without stuttering.

Sandali naman na napatitig ang dalawang kaklase niya sa kanya.

"I guess we have a clear winner." Sabi ko na malawak niyang ikinangisi. With
furrowed eyebrows, I couldn't help but to stare at her for a moment. Vlanca Del
Russo is an interesting creature because one moment she's this seductress and then,
the next moment, she's my quick-witted and brainy student.

Martina Vlanca
"Approximately forty pellet gun bullets." Sabi ko kay Dakota habang narito kami sa
gallery. Wala pang mga tao dito dahil wala pang surgery. We're just watching the
hospital staff prepare the operating room for docmonyo's patient.

"Ha?" Tanong niya at kumagat sa kanyang chocolate bar.

"Ang nine year old na bata na ooperahan diyan mamaya ay lumunok ng more or less
forty pellet gun bullets."

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata.

"Kaya kami pinatawag kanina ni docmonyo. He made us answer questions about blood
lead level since related iyon sa kaso."

She turned her body towards me and leaned. Her eyes says 'tell me more.'

"So, the patient's name was Justine Molina, obviously he is nine years old.
According to docmonyo ay dinala siya dito ng parents niya dahil ilang linggo na
siyang nagsusuka, hindi kumakain ng maayos, laging pagod, at constipated. That
happened matapos ang camping trip nila sa kabundukan. They mentioned na nagdala
sila ng pellet gun for food hunting....and dear Justine got bored and swallowed the
bullets without his parents seeing. And so, when docmonyo ordered an x-ray that's
when he saw the visible pellet gun's bullets. Because of that Justine's blood lead
level now is six micrograms pero deciliter."

Napatigil naman siya sa pagnguya at napaawang ang kanyang mga labi.

"That's almost triple the amount of a normal count. It's a miracle that the kid is
still alive." Komento niya. I nodded in agreement. The kid's state was indeed
dangerous.

"I'm jealous that you get to see the surgery upclose." Nakanguso niyang sabi na
ikinatawa ko.

"Gaga, as if hindi ka nag-observe ng craniotomy kahapon."

She grinned and then said, "Sa bagay. But yours is like rare and it's also a
miracle na hinayaan ka ni docmonyo na mag-observe nang malapitan, huh?"

"Well, thanks to my brain wala siyang choice." Sagot ko na pareho namin na

ikinatawa. "I swear ang plastic niya. He apologized to the other med students
kanina na interrupt niya 'yung break nila pero never siyang nag-sorry sa akin ng
ganoon" I added and shook my head.

I leaned on the chair as I remembered our interaction in the practice lab.

"I do not understand him, Like he's willing to take all my seduction instead of
answering my questions?" Sabi ko kay Dakota.

"Maybe he likes your seduction." Natatawang sagot niya at nanunuksong itinaas at

baba ang kanyang mga kilay.

I cringed.

"No way, we're both aware of how much that doctor hates my guts. There was no ounce
of lust in his face everytime I did it." Sagot ko.

That was a fact though. After everything that I did, there was no ounce of
attraction in his face and that makes me think na bukod kay Dakota ay siya lang ang
immune sa 'Kalandian Powers' ko. I like how it just pisses him off because that
just means that whatever I am doing is affecting him in a negative way. That's the
goal. I want him to be affected until he gives me answers.

"At hindi ko siya papatulan kahit gaano pa siya ka-hot. I just need the answers,
that's why I'm gonna do what I am about to do later..." Dagdag ko at ngumisi kay
Dakota.

She shook her head and smiled.

"Support ako, gorl, okay. Pero," She paused and pointed at me using her bitten
chocolate bar. "Siguraduhin mo na hindi ka make-carried away ha. Remember Attending
siya at estudyante ka, if ever something other than hate and teasing happens
between you two....you will be expelled and he will be out of job."

I nodded and sighed inwardly.

"I know...and I appreciate the reminder." Sagot at ngumiti sa kanya. "And as if

naman papatulan ko siya."

She chuckled and took a bite from the bar.

"It better stay that way....pero gorl, base sa mga naririnig kong chismisan ng
ibang mga doctor.....I heard he's really good daw."

I snorted.

"Baka fake news lang 'yan. I bet Dr. Arguello is a vanilla type of guy...like he's
gonna make you lay down, do two thrust and he's done in thirty seconds." I said
jokingly. But somehow, a huge part of me does not believe that. A man that looks
like him doesn't look like a vanilla type of guy or a man that finishes in thirty
seconds...but thinking that he does, is just funny.

She giggled.

"Hoy, gaga ka gorl,"

Tumawa naman ako bago ko inagaw ang chocolate bar niya.

"Del Russo." Docmonyo's voice grumbled my name.

Shít.

Agad akong napabaling sa entrance ng gallery. He was standing there wearing his
long white coat, hindi nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang suot niyang deep blue na
scrubs, it was a v-neck style kaya medyo litaw ang kanyang undeniably na matipunong
dibdib. Suot na niya ang kanyang green na scrubcap. My eyes finally settled on his
face. He has that cold expression...but somehow his eyes were dark, like he just
heard something he shouldn't have heard.

Oh, my freaking god, did he just hear what I said? With horror in our faces,
nagkatinginan kami.

"Time to scrub in." Malamig niyang utos at naglakad na palayo.

I sagged in my seat and breathed out.

"Gorl, akala ko narinig niya 'yung sinabi mo." Sabi ni Dakota matapos niyang
huminga ng maluwag.
"Thank heavens, he didn't."

Agad naman akong bumaba sa scrub room matapos na sabihin sa akin ni Docmonyo na
mag-scrub in na. Ngayon ay narito ako sa scrub room kung saan may tatlong malaki at
malalim na mga lababo, isang kahon na supply ng chlorhexidine gluconate soap, at
PPEs. I am now done washing my hands to my elbows kaya naman kumuha na ako ng gown
at ng iba pang gear.

And then after a few minutes ay nakatayo na ako sa tabi ng resident na maga-assist.
I think her name is Dela Cruz. She's short kaya naman kinailangan niyang tumayo sa
platform para maka-assist siya sa surgery ng maayos.

"Alright, let's start healing this young man." He said and then bumaling na siya sa
scrub nurse. "Scalpel."

He then made an incision to the boy's abdomen. Instead of flinching or cringing, I

carefully watched how he did the incision and sliced open the internal tissues. I
was in awe. Mula pagkabata ay hindi na ako takot sa dugo or nandidiri sa mga sugat.
Katunayan ay tuwing may magkakasugat sa mga kalaro ko noon ay lagi akong nagsa-
suggest na 'gamutin' iyon. I would clean the wound up with rubbing alcohol and put
band-aid, kasi 'yun yung ginagawa ni Mama sa sugat namin kapag nadadapa kami.

When I grew older I started reading medical books and watching medical shows. Took
all of the advanced placement classes in science, especially the ones that involved
human anatomy and genetics. When I finally graduated highschool, that's when I was
sure that I wanted to be a doctor. As I grew older, it just became clearer to me
that I wanted to help heal people and save lives.

That's what I told my parents, and they supported me. I took nursing as pre-med and
a couple of years later, here I am in an operating room as a fourth year med
student observing a surgery. That is one of my dreams and accomplishing that causes
an unexplainable joy in my chest.

I can't wait for the day to come na ako na ang may hawak ng scalpel o ng sunction
na ngayon ay hawak ng resident. She was putting the sunction in the places where
it's needed while Docmonyo is carefully picking out the bullets from the child's
intestine.

"That's thirty." Sabi niya nang maghulog ulit siya ng isang pellet gun bullet sa
metal na basin na puro din bala na may mga dugo.

I hate docmonyo, alright. He's not the person with the best attitude but he's a
gifted surgeon. I meant what I said in the hallway the other day. That I look up to
him as a doctor because I genuinely believed that, and see that everyday. He just
proved it once again since natapos niyang kuhanin ang limampung bala without major
complications. He stitched Justine's abdomen with a flawless technique and
stability. I feel like tutulo ang laway ko dahil ang ganda ng pagkakatahi niya. It
was neat and just perfect.

Nang matapos ang surgery ay nagsilabasan na kami. I took off the gown and the rest
of the PPEs. Matapos niyang mag-scrub out (or in simple terms ay tanggalin ang PPEs
at maghugas ng kamay hanggang elbows with the surgeon's soap,) me and the other med
students followed him to tell the good news to Justine's family.
They were all thanking, shaking hands, and hugging him. I can tell that he's
uncomfortable with the hugs but he accepted it anyway with a big smile. We then
proceeded to go out, and of course, being a good teacher that he is, may inutos na
naman siya sa akin while the other two med students were off to do paperwork.

"Iyon lang ba, your highness?" Sarkastiko kong tanong habang hawak ang folder na
dadalhin ko sa lab. Narito na kami ngayon sa labas ng kwarto ni Justine.

He rolled his eyes at me. "Would you quit calling me that?"

I pouted.

"Paano kung ayoko?..... Will you punish me, sir?" Nanadya na tanong ko at pumikit-
pikit pa.

Halos umusok naman ang ilong niya sa inis.

"Go away and do what I told you to do."

I chuckled lightly......but then before he walked the opposite way. I inhaled

sharply and put my hand against my chest.

"Something hurts." I said, napahimas ako sa dibdib ko. Imbes na tumalikod at iwanan
ako ay humarap siya sa akin.

He cocked an eyebrow and asked, "Where?"

Umiling ako at itinaas sandali ang kamay ko sa harap niya, non-verbally telling him
to go away.

"No, I'm fine." Sagot ko at naglakad na palayo. Wala naman talagang masakit sa
akin. It's all part of my plan. And so, I smirked nang maramdaman kong sinundan
niya ako. Yeah, fall into my trap, docmonyo.

"Del Russo." He authoritiavely called my name but I fought the urge to look at him.

"I'm fine, Dr. Arguello."

"Yeah, that's what most patients say when they're obviously not fine." Sagot niya.
I audibly gasped when he snatched my elbow and forced me to stop walking. It's
probably my imagination but I don't like how his warm and big hand made my skin
tingle.

He immediately let me go nang gumilid na kami sa hallway.

"Saan nga masakit?" Tanong niya ulit. Magkasabulong ang kanyang mga kilay at sa
mukha ko nakatuon ang kanyang asul na mga mata.

"I-It's nothing, let me go at gagawin ko na ang inutos mo." Pagtataboy ko sa kanya

para hindi siya maghinala.

Imbes na makinig sa akin ay kinuha niya ang folder na hawak ko at lumingon sa

gilid.

"Reyes!" Tawag niya sa isang med student. Agad namang lumapit si Reyes. She batted
her eyelashes at him and somehow, I didn't like that.

"Yes, doc?" She asked sweetly.

Hindi man lang nag-react docmonyo sa tono at sa tingin sa kanya ni Reyes.

"Dalhin mo 'to sa lab." He commanded flatly and gave her the folder. Sandaling
napatitig si Reyes sa kanya, couldn't believe that he just flatly told her to do
something other than making small talk first, like what most Attendings do.

"Did I stutter?"

Agad na umiling si Reyes at mabilis na nagtungo sa elevator. He then returned his

gaze to me.

"Now, tell me where it hurts." Seryosong tanong niya.

"Can we go to the exam room? I have to show you, it's been swelling and aching." I
really made my tone really concerned. It's bad to fake an illness, but technically
I am not faking any illness. I'm just pretending that something hurts. I am pretty
sure somebody has done that once in their lifetime to avoid school or avoid house
chores.

In my case, I did it because I have a plan for docmonyo.

"Okay." Mabilis niyang sagot at nagpatiuna sa paglalakad. He opened the closest

exam room and let me in after he flipped open the lights. Pumunta siya sa kalapit
na table at kumuha ng medical gloves. I watched him do that as I stood behind the
closed door.

"Sit down." Utos niya at itinuro ang itim examination chair.

I licked my lips and shook my head.

"That would not be necessary." I said in a seductive tone. I locked the door and
walked towards him.

His shoulders tensed and his face darkened. Binitawan niya sa lamesa ang gloves
nang ma-realize niya na nahulog na naman siya sa patibong ko.

"Del Russo...." His tone is warning.

"What?" Inosente kong tanong at tumayo sa harapan niya. And without taking my eyes
off of him, hinubad ko ang scrub top ko. Nag-igting ang kanyang panga nang makita
niya ang aking laced brassiere.

"What are you doing?" Mariin niyang tanong nang kinuha ko ang kanyang malaking
kamay. I can't help but to notice how thick and long his fingers were compared to
mine. My hold on the back of his hand is not tight, he could've just easily pulled
his hand away but he didn't.

"Telling you where I ache, sir." I innocently said.

"I think it's here.." Dinala ko ang kamay niya sa gitna ng dibdib ko, suddenly, I
felt the tips of my breasts hardened. I did not expect that.

Ngayon ko lamang napansin na wala na sa aking mukha ang kanyang tingin. His adam's
apple bobbed and his face looked like he just touched the holy grail---the
forbidden holy grail.

"No..I think it's here.."

He growled lowly nang dahan-dahan ko na ibinaba ang kamay niya sa aking malambot na
kalamnan. His jaw tightly clenched as his eyes followed his hand. His palm was
shaking a little like he couldn't believe he was touching me...or maybe it was
shaking because he's holding back.

The tension in the air was not part of my plan, but it was there. Igniting,
burning, and cackling like a campfire in a dark night. The warning bells in my head
were blaring, it was telling me to stop because this is far from what I planned,
which is just to tease him just enough until he's mad.

It's now far from my plan because his touch ignites flames of hot desire in my
body. And from what I can read in his face, he's not mad because he doesn't like
what I am doing. It looks like he is mad because he likes what I'm doing.

"Ay hindi pala, it must be lower..." I said and ignored the stop signs in my head.

He inhaled sharply nang dinala ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking puson. His left eye
then twitched like his patience just snapped right there because right before I
could even do anything else. He gripped my waist and pushed me against the wall.
The act made the unexpected heat spread through my body like a wildfire.

"Góddåmn it, Vlanca Del Russo!" He roared that made my eyes go wide. Madilim ang
kanyang mukha at nagbabaga ang kanyang asul na mga mata. "You do really know how to
push my buttons, you hórny little brat."

My mouth parted. My pússy clenched and my nipples hardened when he talked dirty
using his low and gravelly tone.

"The things that I would do to you..." He whispered huskily before he parted my

legs by kicking my feet apart. Wala siyang suot na whitecoat kaya naman nang
mapakapit ako sa kanyang braso ay ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang balat at ang tigas
ng kanyang masel. My grip on his muscled arm tightened when he placed his thigh
between my legs and pressed it against my flesh.

Oh, shít. My heart is beating so fast, not because I am scared but because of the
anticipation and the sudden rush of lust in my veins. I can feel his body heat
against my bare upper body. I can feel him everywhere actually. His smooth and warm
hand against my waist, and his thigh against my pulsating and now damp pússy.

A whimper escaped my lips when he pressed his thigh against my aching clitoris. I
suddenly forgot that I was gonna ask him why he hates me. Suddenly, all I can feel
is his hands, how sensitive I am to his touch, and most importantly, what filthy
things he could do to me right now. This has taken too far, we will both get in
trouble if this doesn't stop right now. I should be pushing him away...but I
didn't.

Instead, I decided to play with fire. I gulped and met his gaze. Ngayon ko lamang
napansin na halos magdikit na ang kanyang makakapal na kilay dahil sa
pagkakasalubong noon. His jaw is also tightly clenched like he's holding back a
dark urge.

"And what are t-those?"

He gave me a dangerous smile. He wrapped his thick and long fingers around my
throat and forced me to face him. I do not feel suffocated, rather I feel dominated
by him. He then leaned in. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanyang basa at mapupulang mga
labi.

"Like break a rule and show you what I do to hórny little brats who tempt me." He
whispered against my lips.
"Oh yeah?" I provoked him.

He leaned into my ear. Tumindig ang balahibo ko nang maramdaman ko ang mainit at
mabango niyang hininga sa aking tenga. I almost purred when I felt his stubbled
cheek brushed against my neck.

"Oh-fúcking-yeah, Vlanca." He replied as he caressed his thumb against the side of

my neck. Dámn it, why does he sound so hot cursing?

"I'm gonna start by stripping you down to nothing...and then, I will savor this--"

"Ah," I moaned when he pressed his thigh again.

"--Pússy with my mouth and fingers until it's quivering and wet enough for my
cóck.....and then, I will place you---not only in one position like a vanilla guy
would,"

Napalunok ako ako. He definitely heard my joke earlier.

"Itutuwad kita, ihihiga, itatagilid, ilalagay kita sa lahat ng posiyon na maisip

ko....and then, I will split open this hole with my còck and then fùck you until
you beg me to stop...which is opposed to your assumption of me being a 'thirty-
second-man'..." He said hotly then nibbled in my earlobe. Halos magliyab ang
katawan ko sa init.

"Although, I can make you come in thirty seconds if I want...and then make you come
again..and again for the next thirty minutes, even an hour..hm?"

Napalunok ako.

"Then, I will make sure that when you walk the next day. You will remember how I
corrupted your tight little hole." He whispered. My clit painfully throbbed and
wetness gushed out of me. My cheeks heated up because I am pretty sure he can feel
it against his thigh.

After a few moments, ay nabitawan ko ang kanyang braso dahil tuluyan niya akong
binitawan at ilang hakbang na nilayuan. I felt like my knees were jelly for a
moment. I then looked at him, his expression was still dark but there was a shade
of satisfaction in his eyes. Which tells me that he just played my game and he's
satisfied with my reaction.

"Do you have anything to say, Vlanca?" Nanunuyang tanong niya.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out..because I am shocked by how much he

affected me.

He smirked a little.

"That's what I thought. Now, get dressed." Utos niya at inabot sa akin ang damit
ko. I just clutched it in my hand because I still couldn't process what just
happened. I still couldn't believe that I am wordless and that my plan backfired.
"I said, now, Vlanca." He demanded again kaya agad kong isinuot ang top ko.

"Next time you lie to me. You won't like the consequences." He said and left me
inside the exam room like nothing happened. Imbes na sundan siya ay napaupo ako sa
sahig.

For the first time since I started my plan, I didn't get to walk out this time.
Instead, he left me dumbfounded with an undeniable ache and wetness between my
legs.

Chapter 9: Tables Have Turned

Martina Vlanca

I am fúcked---well, figuratively and about to be.

I am currently laying in my Teacher's bed---shít, that sounds so taboo and

illegal....well, because it is. But we both don't seem to care because no matter
how much we fight it. I somehow still ended up naked in his soft bed while Dr.
Arguello also ended up naked but he's feasting between my legs.

Either way, what we're doing is fúcking wrong but dámn, it feels delicious.

Mariin kong nakagat ang aking pangibabang labi nang paraanin niya ang kanyang
mainit at malambot na dila sa aking pagkababae. He then placed his thumb on my
aching clít and slowly, thrusted his hot tongue inside me.

"Oh, god.." Ungol ko nang kumalat ang masarap na kiliti sa aking katawan. I
involuntarily closed my legs but he held open with his strong hands.

With hooded eyes I looked down at him. He looks powerful and crazy hot between my
legs. His big hands were holding my thighs wide open for him, kaya naman mas lalong
pumutok ang mga muscles sa kanyang mga braso. He was staring at me while he ate me,
savoring not only my pússy but also my reaction.

Napapikit naman ako sa sarap nang ipasok niya ang kanyang dila sa aking butas. He
slowly fúcked me with his tongue as he pinched my aching clitórís in his fingers.
In no time, my flesh was quivering and I was about to reach my cloud nine but then,
he pulled away.

I glared at him.

"Not yet." He said after he pulled his tongue out of my püssy. He then parted my
legs wider to make room for himself. Slowly, he kissed his way up....I can't help
but to shudder when I felt his hard and veiny cóck lined up against my pússy.

Napahawak ako sa kanyang mga braso nang maabot nang kanyang mainit na mga labi ang
aking leeg. He looked me in the eye while he reached between us. Nabitawan ko siya
at napaawang ang mga labi ko nang paraanin niya ang ulo noon sa aking basa at
sensitibong pagkababae.

He smirked devilishly before he kissed my cheek and then to my ear.

"L-Let me come, please." I sobbed.

Instead of answering he just licked the shell of my ear as he continued to run the
fat tip on my clít, teasing me and driving me closer to the edge.

"Only if you take my cóck like a good girl." He whispered huskily.

"Vlanca! Uy!"

Agad naman akong napadilat at napabangon nang marinig ko ang sunod-sunod na tawag
ni Dakota. Malakas ang kabog ng dibdib ko at ramdam ko ang mumunting pawis sa aking
katawan. I feel hot and bothered.

I puffed out a breath and tried to collect myself together. I am not in his room
and it was just another wet dream..... A wet dream is not a good thing either.
Things are getting out of control faster than I have ever thought it would.

"Ayos ka lang?" Tanong ni Dakota nang mapansin niya ang pagkatulala ko sandali.
Wala sa loob na napatango na lamang ako.

"Sorry kung naistorbo ko ang tulog mo, mukha ka kasing binabangungot e." Sagot niya
at umupo sa tabi ko.

"How so?"

"For starters, namumula ka habang natutulog at may sinasabi ka na hindi ko

maintindihan dahil mahina iyon."

Thank heavens, she didn't hear whatever it was...because I wouldn't know how to
explain it.

"Oh, well, buti na lamang ay ginising mo ako dahil bangungot nga iyon." Sagot ko at
tinanggap ang binili niyang sandwich para sa akin.

She chuckled lightly and rested her back on the wall. Ngayon ay pareho nang nasa
sahig ang mga crocs namin. Pareho din kaming naka-indian seat.

"So, tungkol ba sa ghosts o sa mga bangkay na naroon ang panaginip mo?" Tanong niya
at itinuro sandali ang double doors na ilang talampakan ang layo sa amin. Yup, dito
kami nag-break sa hallway malapit sa morgue dahil maraming med students sa on-call
room. Hindi rin komportable sa locker room at maingay naman sa cafeteria. So, dito
namin napagdesisyonan na magtungo.

I looked at the double doors for a moment as I took another bite of my sandwich.
Well, some might fight it unappetizing to eat near the morgue. I was at first, pero
kapag madalas ka na ospital at nasanay kana ay wala na rin sa'yo 'yun. Actually,
you would want to be in a place like this since it is much quieter.

"No, it's even worse." Nakatulala kong sagot at kumagat muli sa sandwich. She left
me here not even ten minutes ago to buy us snacks, pero dahil sa pagkapuyat ko ay
hinila ako ng antok.

And no, it wasn't because of the twenty-four duties. It's because of Docmonyo.
Akala ko ay hindi ko siya mapapanaginipan dito sa ospital but clearly I was wrong.

"Zombies?" I snapped out of my thoughts when she asked again.

"No, and ayokong pagusapan ang bangungot ko." I answered. I am not lying, I
considered my wet dreams about him a nightmare dahil hindi ako makapag-pahinga ng
maayos. Most importantly, he stole my peace of mind because of his dirty words, and
hotness. I hate that I just admitted that.

Tinaasan naman ako ng kilay ni Dakota habang ngumunguya siya. I just noticed her
hair is down this time.

"It's that bad?"

"Yup, it is that bad." Seryosong sagot ko.

After a few moments, she let the topic go and we ate in a comfortable silence. Ever
since that day in the exam room. I was and still mindblown because of him. Hindi ko
inakala na may ibubuga siya. I am not a type of woman who easily gets affected,
rather, I am the type of woman who can easily affect other people if I wanted to.
So, it was definitely a big surprise to me.

It was surprise kung gaano ako naapektuhan...at nabasa dahil sa kanya. I can't
forget how my legs shook when he narrated the things he could do to me.

Wala sa loob na napalunok ako.

Docmonyo ignited something inside me that I couldn't extinguish. No matter how much
I try and no matter how much I remind myself that I hate him.

I can't forget how my name sounded from his lips, it was accented and firm, and
sexy---I don't want to go there. Hindi pa nga iyon ang masamang parte, the worst
part is that I dreamt of him ever since that day and embarrassingly enough, I
touched myself while thinking of him.

More than once and each time, I come harder than before. Which is so messed up.

"Hindi mo na ata binubwisit si docmonyo ah." Puna niya na agad ko namang

ikinalunok.

"I decided to leave him alone." Sagot ko. Kunot noo naman niya akong tiningnan.

"So, does that mean na nakuha mo na ang mga sagot sa tanong mo?"

Umiling ako.

"No, but I am done."

I am done because If I do it again, I will definitely commit some much more illegal
stuff. Also, hindi alam ni Dakota ang kung anong nangyari sa amin sa exam room.
Technically, if I were to go back in the time where they discussed the ground rules
in this hospital. They made it clear that any séxual affairs between students and
teachers are prohibited.

And what we did is not exactly an intercourse but it was something séxual. I don't
wanna burden Dakota with that information. It's better that she doesn't know about
it because if ever what happened between us gets out, kung sino ang mga involve o
nakakaalam noon ay mae-expel din. Dakota is a good friend and a dámn good student.
If ever, I do not want to put her in the position where she has to lie for me in
front of the hospital chief.

It's better if I am the only one who goes down because of something that I started.

"Gorl, sigurado ka bang wala kang lagnat? You don't sound like the Vlanca Del Russo
I know."
I chuckled.

"I-It's just that, I realized that whatever I am doing is silly and he's not worth
my extra time." Sagot ko na lang.

Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mga mata.

"Are you lying to me right now?"

"Maybe or maybe not." Vague ko na sagot. "But like seryoso, I am gonna stop
since...I....figured na hindi naman niya ako titigilan na demonyohin.. So, why
waste all this séxiness and juiciness on him?" Natatwang dagdag ko.

She let out a giggle.

"Fair enough."

I'd stop seducing him, but it doesn't mean I will stop finding a way to know why he
hates me.

"Tell me about the result." Sabi ni Sambrano. Siya ang cute na resident na
nagtanong sa akin ng direksyonnoon. Ilang beses na kaming magkasama na na-assign sa
parehong Attending, and throughout that time. I learned that he was nice and a good
fella to work with. Although, third year resident doctor na siya, he doesn't treat
me like an inferior.

Ngayon ay kasalukuyan kaming nakatayo malapit sa sa reception table dito sa first

floor. Hindi ko naman maiwasan na mapatingin sa isang treatment ward four. I can
feel him looking at me, pero hindi ako lumilingon sa gawi niya. Ever since what
happened, I avoided him and stopped annoying him.

I stopped since I can't look at him or be in his presence like before. Kasi dati
wala siyang epekto sa akin. He was just my plaything, someone to annoy...but ever
since the exam room, I couldn't look at him without those bad and dirty thoughts
creeping in my mind. I can't be near him without my body feeling like it's on fire.
Whenever I am around him I can't stop my nipples from hardening, or my pússy from
aching.

I sighed inwardly and shook him off my mind. I ignored his gaze and focused on the
case.

Nasa treatment ward ang pasyente na pina-handle ni Dr. Avenidez kay Sambrano. It
was a woman in her twenties who came in with an eye infection earlier. Obviously,
ay hindi malala ang kaso niya kaya pinayagan siya ni Dr. Avenidez na i-handle iyon.

So, Sambrano ordered an eye culture test to determine the cause of the infection. I
was glad I was assigned with him again since hinayaan niya ako na mag-swab ng
sample mula sa pasyente. Ngayon ay kaka-pick up ko lang ng resulta mula sa lab---
well, hindi lang ako this time since sabay namin na kinuha iyon.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko nang mabuksan ko at mabasa ko ang resulta ng test.

"What?" Bulong ko.

"Why?" Tanong niya nang marinig niya ako.

I licked my lips for a moment before I looked up to him. For a moment, I couldn't
help but to notice that when I met his brown eyes, it didn't affect me like how
docmonyo did. Ugh, stop thinking about him.

"The eye culture test is positive for a séxually transmitted disease, specifically
chlamydia....read it." I finally said and handed him the result.

"Chlamydia sa mata?" He muttered when he read it. "This is the first time na naka-
encounter ako nito. Should we go to Avenidez and ask him the possible reason?"

Napaisip din ako sandali. How is that possible? STD can be transferred obviously
through vaginal, ånal, and oral séx. Chlamydia could be spread through the mere act
of bare séx kahit na walang putukan na naganap. It could also be spread through
bodily fluids since the person who has this kind of STD already has infected bodily
fluids. I do not mean saliva or sweat. I meant cúm or vaginal fluid.

But with this patient, she only came in with a pink eye. She was talkative and
friendly, nakwento niya sa akin noong sinu-swab ko ang mata niya ay naga-aral siya
sa kalapit na university. She even told me that she goes out every now and then to
hook-up and have fun.

"Oh..." I said to myself when I realized kung paano napunta ang STD sa mata niya.

"I don't think we need to ask our Attending about this." Sabi ko kay Sambrano.

"Huh--how?"

"Are you messing with me or you really don't know?"

Mas lalong kumunot ang kanyang makinis na noo.

"I swear to you, Del Russo. Hindi ko alam kung anong ibig mong sabihin."

I cleared my throat. How do I explain it without sounding very.....malibog.

"Uh," Napakamot ako sandali sa ulo ko. He was curiously waiting for me to speak.
"She may have had a facial----" I gave him a 'look' hoping he would understand pero
nakakunot pa rin ang noo niya. "And then tumalsik sa mata niya 'yung ano, 'yung--"

His mouth parted as he went through all the stages of realization.

"Ohh.."

Dahan-dahan akong napatango.

"Yup."

Napakamot na lamang siya sa kanyang batok. Napabaling naman kami pareho sa aming
gilid nang may tumikhim. I fought the urge to gasp when I saw docmonyo. As usual ay
malamig ang kanyang ekspresyon. He's wearing his whitecoat, and instead of his
usual dress shirt and slacks. He's wearing scrubs today.

Napalunok ako nang maalala ko na 'yun ang parehong scrubs na suot niya noong---I
immediately stopped myself.

"Yes, Dr. Arguello?" Tanong ni Sambrano. Even if he is tall, kinailangan din niya
tumingala since Docmonyo is way taller than him.
"Why are you chit chatting? There is a patient waiting." Masungit niyang sagot. I
didn't bother looking at him and just looked at other patients.

"U-Uhm, hindi po kami nagku-kwentuhan, Dr. Arguello. We were discussing why the
patient came here to begin with, sir." Nauutal na sagot niya.

"Then do it," Utos niya na agad na ikinatango ni Sambrano.

"Let's go, Dr. Sambrano." Sabi ko at friendly siya nginitian, completely ignoring
him. I want to get away now since I don't like how his mere stare affects me. How
it brings tingles to places where there shouldn't be any tingles for him.

Habang naglalakad kami palayo ay hindi ko maiwasan na mapatingin sa kanya. He was

still standing in the same spot with arms crossed. There was a scowling look on his
face, as if he doesn't like how I am treating Sambrano. Instead of winking at him
or even smirking like I always do, I just looked away.

I was correct about the reason for her infected eye. Na-confirm namin iyon noong
magtungo kami sa kanya at nakausap ko siya. We then gave her antibiotic
prescriptions and asked her about the séxual partner who gave her the STD. Tinanong
din namin kung sino pa ang sumunod niyang mga naging partners. Kinailangan namin na
tanungin iyon upang matawagan sila at magpa-test dito sa ospital dahil most
definitely ay mayroon silang STD. If they are informed, they will be treated and
they would not go around spreading it.

Ngayon ay kasalukuyan akong naglalakad patungo sa main stock room dito sa fourth
floor. I was tasked to get gauze and bandages to stock up the emergency room carts.
Iyon ang cart na hinihila kapag may trauma case and unfortunately ay naubusan na ng
laman ang isa sa mga iyon. So, now, it's my task to stock it back.

"Dåmn, parang candyland 'to ng mga doctor ah." Bulong ko nang makapasok ako. Malaki
ang kwarto na ito, may apat na malalaking stante na puno ng mga iba't-ibang mga
gamit mula gloves, gauze, needles, betadine, lahat-lahat.

I was free to roam around since walang ibang tao dito. After I content myself from
looking around, I pulled out my hospital phone and looked at the list before I
started picking out the stuff.

Hindi pa ako nakakakuha ng first item ay may pumasok na. Napalunok ako nang makita
ko kung sino iyon. Agad akong nagiwas ng tingin at sinubukan na gawin ang task ko,
but I couldn't focus, not when Dr. Ezekiel Arguello is now standing two feet away
from me.

Napalunok ako. Humarap lang ako sa estante at nag-pretend na he doesn't exist.

"What happened? No teasing, huh?" Nanunuyang tanong niya. Hindi siya nakabaling sa
akin, he's also facing the shelf.

Hindi ako nakasagot. There are alot of thoughts in my mind right now. Thoughts that
I shouldn't be thinking about such as how good he smells, how I am sensitive to his
presence, and the things that we could do, now that we're alone.

I have to get out of here with the supplies or not. I can get them later when he's
gone. I was about to do it, but I failed because he stepped behind me. Shít. I
clutched my hospital phone in my hand as I shut my eyes for a moment. My heart
began to pound dahil ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan kahit na hindi
siya nakadikit sa akin.
Ever since that day in the exam room, there was an undeniable and taboo séxual
tension between us. No matter how I deny it or push it, it will always be there,
that's why I avoided him. I can't have him not just because I hate him, but also
because he's forbidden.

Even though he was behind me, the tension in the air suddenly became thick. Mas
lalo lamang nadagdagan iyon nang maramdaman ko na inilapit niya ang kanyang mukha
sa aking gilid.

"This is a surprise....Vlanca Del Russo got nothing to do and say to me?" He

whispered.

I clenched my thighs when the unexpected liquid between my legs seeped when I felt
his hot and minty breath in my ear.

"Dr. Arguello..."

"Relax, I'm just getting gauzes." Sagot niya at kumuha ng dalawang balot ng gasa.
And without a word, he left the room. Oras na makalabas siya ay doon ko lamang
napansin na nagpipigil pala ako ng hininga.

My god, he didn't even do anything but to whisper but here I am panting.

Chapter 10: Isang Beses

Martina Vlanca

Gabi na akong nakauwi sa apartment dahil imbes na umuwi agad after ng twenty-four
hour duty ay napagdesisyonan namin ni Dakota na magtungo sa medical school at mag-
aral ng bagong lessons sa study area. We could've studied everywhere pero pinili
namin ang eskwelahan dahil na-miss namin ang paligid. Inabot lang kami ng gabi
since in between ay nagchi-chismisan kami.

I also chose to spend most of the night studying and tiring myself since kapag
hindi ay nakamulat lamang akong hihiga sa kama. Laying wide awake and thinking
about docmonyo and our recent encounter.

Pagpasok ko sa apartment ay naabutan ko si Ate Maria na nakasuot nang mapakal na

robe samantalang nakaupo din si Miguel sa couch. Suot niya ang isa sa mga walang
kamatayang combo attire niya which is sweatpants and hoodie.

Pagod naman akong umupo kasama sila matapos kong ibaba ang backpack ko sa sahig.

"I have a serious problem." I told them. Sabay naman silang napabaling sa akin.

Alam nila ang tungkol kay docmonyo dahil noong dinedemonyo niya ako a few weeks
back ay nagrant ko sa mga kapatid ko tungkol sa kanya, at the breakfast table.
Because of that, I know that whatever I am about to say will shock the fúck out of
them.

"Which is?" Tanong ni ate Maria.

Kinagat ko muna sandali ang pangibabang labi ko bago ako tumingin sa kanila.
"I think I am séxually attracted to docmonyo." I finally spilled it, and I
shouldn't have probably used the term 'I think', dahil hindi understatement iyon. I
am sure that I am séxually attracted to him, no matter how 'illegal' it is, no
matter how much I deny it, and no matter how much hatred we have for each other.

It sucks but cazzo, my whole plan backfired in the worst possible way.

"Huh?" Malakas na tanong ni Miguel. Matapos noon ay pumwesto siya ottoman na nasa
harap namin. It's like he's trying to wrap his head around what I said. "Akala ko
ba ay ayaw mo sa kanya." He stated, in which Ate Maria nodded in agreement.

"Kulang na lang ay isumpa mo siya noong isang araw." She added. I then massaged my
temples because that is true. Yes, attracted ako sa kanya pero hindi ibig sabihin
noon ay tinigilan ko na siyang 'isumpa.' I still hate him.

"I know...but just humor me for a second. Wouldn't you be attracted too if you saw
this on your first day of school...and then you see him at the hospital, everyday?"
I asked them after I pulled out my phone and searched him up.

Pareho naman silang napatingin doon. Napapito naman si Ate Maria, samantalang
napataas ang mga kilay ni Miguel.

"That's docmonyo?"

"Si." I replied and put my phone away. "And I don't want to talk about it, I just
want to broadcast my frustration." I added. That's true, I am indeed frustrated.
Ayoko din siyang pagusapan dahil it's enough na nasa isip ko siya lagi at sa
panaginip. And besides, hindi pa din ako ready na sabihin sa kanila ang mga
kabalbalan kong ginawang kay docmonyo.

Ate Maria shrugged. "Fair enough."

"Well...I'd go gay for him if I didn't like pu--vaginas so much."

Napatingin naman kami parehas kay Miguel.

"Oy, hindi ka na virgin?" Nanlalaking matang tanong ko. Unlike our two other
brothers, Miguel is not a playboy nor a manwhóre. Instead, he is soft and a
gentleman. He doesn't parade around with women. And most importantly he is openly
and happily single, so knowing na may naka-pop ng kanyang cherry niya ay
nakakabigla talaga.

Namula naman ang kanyang buong mukha.

"Ow, shít! Sinong nakadali sa'yo?!" Malakas na tanong ni Ate Maria. I want to know
too kung sino ang unlucky na babae.

"B-Basta...i-it's someone.."

We both giggled.

"Okay, but like you're not a virgin anymore and you cannot say 'pùssy'?" Pang-aasar
ko pa.

"Hmm.. it's not that hard to say bilis...come on, say pússy--"

"Shh!"

Halos hindi ako makahinga sa katatawa sa pangaasar sa kanya. I was just forced to
stop when he was as red as beetroot, and literally glaring at me. He was just mad
at us for thirty seconds and then forgave us again for teasing him. It's funny and
it's ridiculous but that sums up my whole relationship with my siblings. We always
tend to fight with each other but then we always make up after.

And honestly, na-miss ko 'yon. Halos madalang ko na lamang silang makasama dahil
simula noong mag-start ang fourth year ko ay naging busy na ako. Hindi lang naman
kasi sila Ate Maria at Miguel ang binubwisit ko. Usually, noong hindi ako busy lagi
ay madalas akong walang paalam na magpapakita sa bahay nila Ate Reagina at Kuya
Ethan. I would play and swim with my niece, Eriz and then play with Heshika, their
golden retriever. Which I mention na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin maamo kay Kuya
Ethan. Also kapag naaabutan ko si Ate Reagina nagchi-chikahan din kami habang
nagkukulay ng buhok.

Kapag naman bet ko ang roadtrip ay I would drive down to Nueva Ecija to pester my
brother in his clinic, or pupunta ako sa bahay nila para dalhin sa mall si Corazon
at kumain ng ice cream. Sometimes, sumasama ako sa Unang Kalinga kasama si Ate
Jillian at manood ng surgery niya.

Hindi pwedeng hindi ko pestehin si Ate Madison. Madalas ay nags-sleep over ako sa
bahay nilang napakalaki ni Kuya Alejandro, I almost burnt down their kitchen once
when Kuya Alejandro let us help cook. I also annoy our parents by eating half of
the food in the pantry or taking home girls in my room. It was all fun.

I want to do all that again next time, but for now, watching a movie with two of my
siblings is enough. We chose to watch 'Minsan Lang Kitang IIbigin' ni Maricel
Soriano, Sasha Padilla, and some other dude. Eto 'yung movie na may iconic line na
'Wag mo akong ma-Terry-Terry!'

We were enjoying the scene and then ate Maria cracked a joke

"I am having an affair with Frida's fiance.." She said that made me snort.

"Good joke." I said samantalang sarkastikong tumawa si Miguel.

Akala ko ay messed up joke lamang iyon na naka-connect sa movie but then she was
really serious. I mean, she's really and for real having an affair with Frida's
fiancé. Walang pumasok sa isipan ko sa mga oras na iyon kung hindi utter shock and
just disbelief. I can imagine Ate Maria being other things but a mistress? No-
fúcking-way.

She might be reckless but she's not a relationship-wrecker. I know that for sure
until now. One might think na huhusgahan ko na siya agad-agad, at sasabihan ng
masasakit na salita, but no, none of that came into my mind.

All I wanted to hear next is her reason. What she did is not right but there has to
be a critical reason. And so, when she told us everything from where and how the
relationship started, the fake engagement, and everything else.

I was once again in shock dahil doon ko nalaman na peke lamang ang relasyon ni
Frida kay Kuya Neil, and that there was never in a relationship pero may feelings
si Frida kay Kuya Neil. And when she finds out what Ate Maria did, she will be
surely hurt.

And Ate Maria is not making any ounce of excuse. She's taking responsibility and
admitting what she did. I do not condone what my sister did and I have never been
in her position to understand it, but I love her and she is family. Even if the
world is against her, I will be by her side.

Besides, kahit na ngayong nalaman ko ang lahat ng iyon ay wala akong resentment na
nararamdaman para sa kanya. Ang tanging gusto ko lang gawin ay yakapin siya, and
that's what I did. I embraced her instead.

"I'm not gonna call you names or whatever. What you did is not right..it's
immorale, but you're my dàmn sister." Sabi ko habang yakap ko siya ng mahigpit.

"I didn't mean for it to happen...I fought it..I tried so hard...pero mahal ko si
Neil..and I'm going to fight for him, no matter what happened.."

Tumango ako. There was no judgement in me or whatsoever, all I felt at that moment
was that I needed to be there for her. Ganoon din si Miguel. Although he doesn't
know how to react to the situation, he is sympathetic and it is certain that he
loves Ate Maria as much as I do.

And so, I thought that was the only big revelation of the night pero dumating si
Kuya Neil sa pintuan na puro pasa ang mukha.

It was so bad I had to call the family doctor. Buti na lamang ay siya agad at
ginamot si Kuya Neil. He was now resting inside Ate Maria's bedroom. Hindi pa din
namin alam kung bakit at kung sino ang may gawa noon. We didn't wanna throw Ate
Maria more questions since she's already had enough on her plate for tonight.

Kinabukasan ay kahit na labag sa loob ko ay kinailangan kong pumasok. I want to be

there for Ate Maria but I know she can handle herself just fine, and that she has
things to do with Kuya Neil to figure out the whole Affair and the bruises thing.
Ngunit bago ako pumasok ay kinailangan kong tingnan ang pinanggalingan ng IV ni
Kuya Neil dahil apparently ay binunot niya iyon, which is a big no. Buti na lamang
ay walang indication ng infection.

Pumasok ako ng ospital as per usual, nalaman ko na naka-day off si docmonyo. I am

glad since I didn't have to deal with his teasing...because I might actually give
in this time because my head is not in the right place. I'm kinda distracted, but I
still functioned and didn't mess up anything. It was all going fine until I turned
on my phone and discovered na kumalat na sa lahat ng media outlet ang relasyon ni
Kuya Neil at Ate Maria.

Most importantly, I received a text that I had to go home. It's a family matter,
and so, kahit na sa loob pa ng three hours matatapos ang duty ko ay nagpaalam ako
sa Attending ko. Gladly she understood my situation.

Roy Ezekiel

It definitely feels weird that I am not in the hospital right now. It feels weird
to smell the fresh wind rather than the sterilized air. Nakakapanibagong marinig
ang huni ng mga ibon kaysa ang mga tunog ng hospital machines at mga busina ng mga
sasakyan. It feels the weirdest to stand here and see the green trees. Kasalukuyan
akong narito sa taas ng Mt. Maculot. I left my car at the bottom and hiked without
any device. I forced myself to take a day off and spent a day without seeing that
little brat. After our encounter in the exam room, my patience and control are now
hanging by a thread. I am an inch away from committing something I must not do.

Pakiramdam ko ay parang nanaginip ako noong naghubad si Vlanca Del Russo sa harap
ko. I thought it was all a dream but then, she took my hand and let me feel her
soft and smooth skin.

I know that I am in a deep shít the moment I pinned her against that wall. I
should've just stopped and walked away, but no, I placed my thigh between her legs
and put my hand around her throat. Akala ko ay mabibigla siya o matatakot, pero
hindi ko iyon nakita sa kanyang berdeng mga mata.

All I saw was anticipation and desire.

Mas lalo lamang lumala ang sitwasyon noong maramdaman ko ang kanyang basa at
malambot na pagkababae. The need to fúck her raged even more when I smelled her
sweet floral scent and I tasted her skin on my lips.

At that moment, every hormone in my body was screaming to touch her more and my
cóck was begging fúck her but I controlled myself and walked away, because that
can't happen. Despite the intense séxual desire I have been feeling for her, I
managed to control myself and walk away. Thankfully.

I had to move away today dahil napapansin ko na gumagawa ako ng mga bagay na hindi
ko dapat ginagawa, like follow her in the stock room. Hindi ko pinlano iyon pero
oras na marinig ko na inutusan siya doon ay sinundan siya ng mga paa ko. I didn't
know what my goal was but I wanted to be in the same room as hers. I wanted her to
look at me since she's been ignoring me. Instead, she's chit chatting and strolling
with Sambrano.

Dapat ay magalak ako doon, dapat ay magalak ako na may iba na siyang laruan, pero
ang tangi ko lamang nararamdaman ay iritasyon.

I don't want her to play around with other people. I need her to look at me, I need
to smell her, touch her, fúck her.

"Púta merda." I cussed. The whole purpose of this day off is to not think about her
and control myself, but here I am doing the complete opposite.

Martina Vlanca

Nang dumating ako sa mansyon ay naabutan ko na sila Ate Maria, Kuya Neil, at ang
mga magulang namin sa living room.

There in the living room, Ate Maria poured out everything she had been holding back
over the years. I never noticed that she was jealous of us, and I just realized
that when she started listing out things what our parents did. From when we were
kids, she had always been treated differently by our parents. And yes, nagtatanong
kami kung bakit ganoon, at ang laging sinasabi sa amin nila Mama at Papa ay dahil
kailangan ni Ate Maria na matrato ng mas strikto dahil mas stubborn siya kaysa sa
aming lahat. Whatever punishment she faces, she can handle that since she is
tougher than all of us, which is true.
I would've told her that but I didn't because all these years, akala ko ay ayos
lang si Ate Maria. She hid it so well that none of us noticed.

She always had been independent, curious, and adventurous. However, we weren't
aware of the comparisons since lagi pala iyon na sinasabi sa kanya ng parents namin
kapag wala na kami sa lamesa.

Our parents explained why and how it's not a comparison, and they also said their
reasons for their treatment of Ate Maria. It made sense, but even if it was right,
nasaktan pa rin si Ate Maria. Mama and Papa are now fully aware of that, so they
gave Ate Maria the apology she deserves all these years.

I can see the joy in her eyes when we all hugged her. And then, the gladness in her
face when we talked about the issue, about how she felt towards us, and other
things that we have to talk about as a family. It was an emotional and much-needed
moment and it definitely made our bond stronger than before.

Matapos noon ay napagusapan din namin ang talagang nangyari kay Kuya Neil. It was a
shocker to all of us, but then they figured out the next step like what to do with
that evil man named Benjamin. Also, akala ko ay may sabunutan na magaganap since
right after our talk, dumating si Frida... but thankfully it turns out that that's
not the case.

She's only here to tell the truth about her 'relationship' with Kuya Neil at
pumunta siya dito personally para ipaalam na walang hard feelings or bitterness na
may relasyon all along si Kuya Neil at Ate Maria.

Instead, she's glad it happened, because she wasn't attracted to Kuya Neil. She
came out to us as a lesbian. Once again, everyone was shocked because no one
expected it, not even me.

But that doesn't matter anymore dahil ang mahalaga ay walang nasaktan, walang
pagkakaibigan na nasira, at masaya si Frida. After everything had been cleared out,
all three of them went to Bulacan to stop the nasty headlines about Ate Maria.

I was happily watching them in the news announce the truth. Kitang-kita ko ang saya
sa mga mukha nila matapos nilang sabihin ang totoo. I was so proud of Frida and
very happy for all of them. I thought the night would all go well,

Not until I found myself driving to Bulacan because I saw Ate Maria got shot in the
fúcking news. Nang dumating ako sa ospital sa Malolos ay halatang devastated si
Kuya Neil. He tried blaming himself but I stopped him right there because it wasn't
his fault.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating ang buong pamilya. We all waited for the surgery to
finish. Akala ko ay makikita ko na siya agad pero hindi pa pala since nasa kritikal
ang lagay niya. All of us shed a tear, lalo na si Kuya Neil noong sinabi nang
doctor na may posibilidad na hindi na siya magising.

I literally cried in Papa's arms like a baby. It was scary and a numbing
information to learn....and it took me a half an hour of crying until I composed
myself.

We all wanted the best care for her, kaya hindi kami nagatubili na ilipat siya sa
GSMH. We did it as discreetly as possible for her safety, since the fúcker who shot
her is still at large. Ang tanging nakakaalam lamang na narito siya ay ang mga
healthcare professionals na naka-assign kay Ate Maria.

Simula noong ilipat siya dito kahapon ay bumibisita ako sa kanya everytime I could.
Mapa-break ko man or madaanan ko lang ang kwarto niya. Although, I do it fast dahil
kapag nag-stay pa ako ng matagal sa kwarto niya ay maiiyak lamang ako. And I know
that even if she is unconscious, she is aware of what is happening around her.
Ayokong marinig niya akong umiyak, I want her to think that I am staying strong and
optimistic like she wanted me to.

I was so preoccupied with Ate Maria's condition na hindi ko namalayan na wala pala
si Docmonyo dito sa ospital ng dalawang araw. Apparently, he took two days off and
ngayong araw lamang siya bumalik. Lucky me, sa kanya ako nakaassign ngayong araw.

Huminga ako nang malalim habang naglalakad sa hallway, I am trying my best to fight
the tears. Kakagaling ko lang sa ICU room ni Ate Maria. I checked her vitals and
it's fluctuating and that is never a good thing.

Kahapon okay naman siya e. I was telling her about the pretty patients and other
random stuff that I know she'd like to hear. I was about to do the same this
morning pero she's unstable and we're advised to stay out of her room for the
meantime.

Napahinto naman ako sa paglalakad nang maramdaman ko ang nagbabadyang mga luha.

"Crap," I muttered when it started rolling down my cheeks. I was trying to wipe it
all away.

"Vlanca, hold it together. Ate Maria is a tough woman." Bulong ko sa sarili ko

habang pinapahid iyon. Matapos noon ay nagpatuloy ako sa paghakbang patungo sa on-
call room in docmonyo.

As I was on my way, may hospital room akong nadaanan. Bahagyang nakaawang ang pinto
and I saw the nurses trying to revive the patient while the relatives were crying
on the side. They seemed so helpless.

Naginit na naman ang sulok ng mga mata ko. Nope, that's not gonna happen to Ate
Maria. She is strong and she will survive this.

Hindi ko namalayan na nakarating na pala ako ng on-call room niya ng may luha sa
mga pisngi ko. Agad ko naman iyon na pinunasan bago ako kumatok. Hindi nagtagal ay
binuksan niya ang pinto. For a moment, I couldn't help to notice how well the blue
scrubs fit his body.

"Kunin mo ang labs ni Mrs. Labajo.."

Tumango ako nang hindi siya tinitingnan sa mga mata. Ayokong makita niya ang ayaw
na magpaawat na mga luha na naguunahang tumulo sa nga pisngi ko.

"O-Okay." Sagot ko na lang.

"Are you seriously crying? Or parte na naman ba 'to ng patibong mo?"

With teary and bloodshot eyes, I glared at him. For the first time, I saw his eyes
widened and caught him off guard.

"My sister is literally in a coma, so utang na loob, sa ibang araw mo na lang ako
asarin." Naluluhang sagot ko.

Umawang ang kanyang mga labi sandali. There was an emotion that crossed his blue
eyes other than hate for a moment. I couldn't name it since it was brief.

"Where is she?" Tanong niya.

"S-She's here."

He silently nodded, face still void of emotion.

"What's her case and vitals?"

"GSW to the thoracic cavity. Her pressure is unstable as well as the rest of her
vitals ever since this morning." Deretsong sagot ko na ikinatango niyang muli. I
then looked down again and wiped my tears.

Akala ko ay itataboy na niya ako pero laking gulat ko nang ipalibot niya sa akin
ang matitigas niyang mga braso at marahan akong hitakin sa kanyang matigas at
mainit na katawan.

My eyes were wide as plates. My hands were frozen on my sides, I couldn't believe
that docmonyo is literally hugging me right now. And I thought I would feel
agonized by his unexpected gesture, but instead, I felt a warm and comforting
sensation in my chest.

"Isang beses lang to." Bulong niya na ikinairap ko sandali. Matapos noon ay
nanahimik siya at hinayaan niya akong sumandig sa matipuno at mabango niyang dibdib
habang nakapalibot sa akin ang kanyang mga braso.

Chapter 11: Distraction

Martina Vlanca

"Oh, kumusta si Ate Maria?" Tanong ni Dakota habang nakaupo siya sa empty
stretcher, dito sa gilid ng hallway.

Pilit naman akong ngumiti bago ako tumabi sa kanya. Kakababa ko lamang mula sa ICU.
Ate Maria is doing better than the other day. No fluctuations in her vitals and she
is not rejecting the medications she's currently receiving. Dahil doon ay masaya
ang buong pamilya sa waiting room kanina. For the first time in a couple of days,
they'd go home tonight with a bit of relief in their hearts. I just hope that
tomorrow, when they go back, Ate Maria is in the same better state...but a huge
part of me is hoping that she wakes up tomorrow.

Ate Maria's current state is definitely a huge silver lining, and I am thankful for
that. Pero kahit anong pilit ko sa sarili ako ay hindi pa rin ako mapanatag at
mapakali. I don't think that would ever go away unless my sister wakes up.

"Bumubuti na ang kalagayan niya." I replied with relief. Her round brown eyes
gleamed with gladness. She scooted closer to me and squeezed me in a brief hug.

"She'll wake up.." Dakota assured me.

Lumunok naman ako at pinigilan ang nagbabadyang mga luha. When we pulled away, I
looked at her sincerely.

"Thank you for covering for me when I want to go to her."

She clicked her tongue and poked my side.

"Ikaw naman, gorl. Wala 'yun."

Napangiti naman ako. I told her about Ate Maria the moment she was admitted. And
since then, Dakota has been so sympathetic and wonderful. Simula din noong na-admit
dito si Ate Maria ay pinupuntahan ko siya kahit sa kalagitnaan ng duty ko. It
wouldn't be possible kung hindi dahil kay Dakota. Because of her, I get to sneak to
the ICU floor and she'd cover me in a way that she'd warn me through texts, kapag
paparating ang Attending ko sa floor na dapat naroon ako. Without her warning, I
wouldn't be able to walk back to that floor like I haven't left.

Sa ngayon naman ay hindi ko kailangang mag-sneak since break ko naman. Sa internal

medicine ngayon ang duty ko. All day, I was shadowing Dr. Padua, getting labs for
the patients, and doing charts. She is a little bit strict but it was nothing I
could handle. Now, she put me on a half an hour break, at ten in the evening.

Napabaling naman ako sandali kay Dakota. She just yawned. She must be tired since
nasa emergency room siya buong araw at gabi.

"Idlip lang ako sandali." Sabi niya sa akin. Tumango naman ako at umayos nang upo
upang makahiga siya sa mga hita ko. "Gisingin mo ako pag tapos na ang break."

"Anong gusto mong form ng pag-gising ko sa'yo? Sampal o tapik?"

Inirapan naman niya ako na ikinatawa ko.

Matapos ang kalahating oras ay
hindi twenty-four hours si Dr.
for the day, and she has to go
brief interaction when he just
was weird since he didn't give
complaining.
natapos na ang break namin ni Dakota. Apparently, ay
Padua ngayon. She said she was done evaluating me
home. And so, pinasa niya ako kay Docmonyo. We had a
told me to be in the emergency room all night. It
me a workload like usual but hey, I'm not

So, I went there. Dito din naka-assign si Dakota. Akala ko ay makakausap ko siya
subalit naka-assign na siya sa isang pasyente na kakapasok lamang. So, I am now
here at the reception table, waiting for patients. As I was sitting, my leg
couldn't stop bouncing from anxiety....nababalisa ako dahil natatakot ako na baka
maging unstable na naman si Ate Maria. I also have pent up anger to whoever did
that to her.

Huwag na huwag akong mapupunta sa isang kwarto kasama nag suspect na iyon kapag
nahuli siya, dahil baka kung ano ang magawa ko sa kanya. I might not be good at
physical fighting but I have the ability to combine pharmaceuticals that can end
that fúcker's life in ten seconds.

Although, I know to myself that I wouldn't do such a thing. It's just an extreme
thought. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that somebody shot my sister in
coldblood and now, she is barely awake.

I let out a breath and stood up. Nilibang ko na lamang sarili ko mula sa pagiisip
nang malalim sa pamamagitan ng pag-organize ng mga folder na narito sa reception
table. I was on my last folder when I looked up and saw Docmonyo. Kakalabas lamang
niya mula sa trauma room. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nahigit ko ang hininga ko nang
magtama ang mga mata namin.
He's wearing deep blue scrubs with no whitecoat. His hair is bundled inside his
green scrubcap. Instead of glaring at me, he just gave me a small nod and proceeded
to walk into the hallway. Hindi ko naman maiwasan na maalala 'yung hug na binigay
niya sa akin noong isang araw. It was brief kaya wala naman nakakita sa amin. But
even though it wasn't long it felt like it was, and it was comforting, whether I
like to admit it or not.

Matapos ang araw na iyon ay iniwasan na niya ako. What I mean by 'iwas' is not
saying snarky comments nor giving me glares. He probably realized that I need a
break from his ka-demonyohan since I have a lot going on right now. Although,
walang pinagbago ang pagtrato niya sa akin. He gives me more workload whenever I
get assigned to him, except tonight. I'm still pissed about that but somehow, that
keeps me from worrying about Ate Maria too much.

We both now ignore each other in our own ways but that doesn't mean that the
tension between us stopped. It's still there....sizzling in the air whenever we get
close.

I shook my head and stopped myself from thinking about that. That's the least of my
concerns right now. I wanna just think about Ate Maria's well being and also, the
last thing that my family needs is another headline in the news.

Nang mga bandang eleven thirty ay napagdesisyonan ko na umakyat ulit ng ICU. Hindi
naman ako masyadong kailangan sa emergency room. There are more than enough
residents and med students there. Also, I didn't need Dakota to look out for me
since nasa on-call room si Docmonyo. And so, I took this rare opportunity to see
how my sister is doing. Malapit na sana ako sa kwarto ni Ate Maria nang makita kong
nags-speed walk sina Docmonyo at ang code blue team palabas ng elevator.

My first thought was: I'm dead since nahuli niya ako dito. Pero hindi na iyon ang
naisip ko nang makita ko na patungo siya sa kwarto ni Ate Maria. Pakiramdam ko ay
nahulog ang puso ko at nanlamig ang buong katawan ko. Wala akong sinayang na oras,
sumunod ako sa kanila. Nang makapasok ako ay lalong nanlamig ang katawan ko. The
rapid beeping of the machine pierced in my ears. The nurses are moving efficiently
to position Ate Maria, so they can resuscitate her.

At that moment, all I can feel is this ugly fear and panic. I was fúcking frozen.
One of my worst fears is happening. It barely even register to me that Docmonyo's
now looking at me.

"Pakilabas si Mr. Yvarrez, Del Russo." Utos niya sa akin. Ngayon ko lamang napansin
na narito din si Kuya Neil. He looks like he's about to break down.

Instead of doing what Docmonyo asked, I opened my mouth.

"B-But can I help--"

He gave me a stern look.

"No, you can't, Del Russo. She's your family." Mariin niyang sagot. "Now out with
Mr. Yvarrez." He authoritiavely added and ordered a strong dose of medicine.

Gusto ko siyang suwayin ngunit kung gagawin ko iyon ay hindi nila magagamot agad si
Ate Maria.The best thing that I can do is stay the fúck away, and so, kahit na
labag sa loob ko ay lumabas ako kasama si Kuya Neil.
"A-Ano 'yung code blue, ano 'yung gamot na sinabi niya?" Sunod-sunod na tanong
niya. His tone is broken.

I nervously swallowed.

"Code blue means either cardiac arrest or respiratory i-issues," I paused dahil
nararamdaman ko ang nagbabadyang mga luha. I inhaled and tried to stop it.
"Guessing from the medicine he ordered, it was respiratory issues. Ate Maria might
have had a hard time breathing because of something." I replied and anxiously
tapped my shoes on the floor.

She'll be alright...she'll be alright. I chanted in my brain.

I felt like I wasn't breathing correctly until the door finally fúcking opened.
Wala akong pakialam na nakatingin sa akin si docmonyo ngayon o nakatayo siya
pintuan. I walked through that door and let my tears fall.

"Ate Maria," Napahikbi ako nang makita ko siya. She was much paler this time and
her lips were almost white. Mabilis kong tinapunan nang tingin ang monitor, her
vitals are fine but she doesn't look well, and god, it made my heart ache.

As much as possible ayokong umiyak sa harap niya. I want her to know that I am
staying optimistic and strong for her, but after what happened just a few minutes
ago, hindi ko na napigilan ang mga luha ko. Nagu-una-unahan iyon na tumulo sa aking
mga pisngi habang marahan kong yakap si Ate Maria.

I know he's still here and alam ko na mase-sermonan ako but I do not give a fúck
right now. I am just glad that my sister is once again stable and that I am here
holding her. Mas lalong tumindi ang galit ko kay Aron. He was the gunman and dámn
him to hell.

Napilitan lamang akong bumitaw sa kanya noong nagtanong si Kuya Neil kung anong
dahilan ng pag-code ni Ate Maria. I wanted to know too since wala siyang history ng
respiratory and cardiac issues, so, it's really a surprise. I am just hoping na
sana ay hindi iyon surgical complication.

"Nahirapang huminga si Ms. Del Russo dahil sa medical condition na ang tawag ay
'shock.'..kaya umingay ang mga monitor at kaya tumawag ng code blue ang nurse na
naka-assign sa kanya."

Napatango naman ako. That makes sense, it's not a complication but still it
could've been a life and death situation. Mas lalo akong nanggalaiti kay Aron, sa
galit. I am not blaming anyone but Aron and whoever is involved. My sister's life
is in balance. Namnamin na niya ang natitira niyang araw na malaya, dahil hindi ako
papayag na hindi siya mabulok sa kulungan.

"Sanhi ito ng minor metabolic problems. I already gave her a dose of medicine to
stabilize her heart and to fix the metabolic issues....so for now, she's
stable....I will be watching her closely tonight to make sure there are no further
shocks."

I nodded to myself, forcing myself to believe that it's just a minor issue and will
never happen again. But if ever, I want to be around...and so, with hope in my
chest. Tumingin ako kay Docmonyo na ngayon ay seryosong nakatingin sa akin.

"Can I observe too?" Puno ng pag-asang tanong ko sa kanya.

Sandali siyang tumingin sa akin bago siya umiling.

"No, Del Russo. You're a family. It's a protocol that I assign you far away from
this case. You may visit her on your breaks but that's it." He flatly replied na
ikinaawang ang mga labi ko sandali. He was right but it was fúcking upsetting. I
find it upsetting dahil hindi ba niya ako pwedeng bigyan ng kaunting konsiderasyon
man lang? No fúcking negotiation, just a 'no'?

I am on the edge ever since this whole nightmare happened. What he said was my last
straw. Pakiramdam ko ay sumabog na sa dibdib ko ang kung ano mang frustration,
takot, pagod, at galit na nararamdaman ko dahil hindi ko na napigilan ang bunganga
ko.

"Oh really?" Sarkastiko kong tanong sa kanya. "Protocol my àss, Docm--" I almost
slipped but nabawi ko iyon agad. "Dr. Arguello....araw-araw mo akong pinapahirapan,
I'm pretty sure that against the protocol. Now, you won't even let me see my
sister." I did my best to tone down the anger in my voice.

Akala ko ay pagsasabihan niya ako or sisigawan pero seryoso lamang ang kanyang
mukha at malamig lang siyang nakatitig sa akin.

"Del Russo, how about we talk outside, hmm?"

I gritted my teeth. Hindi ko siya sinundan agad bagkus ay nagpaalam muna ako kay
Ate bago ko siya sinundan sa hallway. I could barely keep up with him dahil
malalaki at mabibilis ang kanyang mga hakbang.

"Go back to the emergency room. You can visit her in five hours, that's it." Utos
niya habang nakatalikod.

Napakuyom ang mga kamao ko sa inis. That is my next break.

"I was just gonna ask for this night, and you don't want to allow it? How cold are
you?!" Gigil kong tanong sa kanya. Alam ko na protocol talaga iyon and what I said
is not fair since I am doing things that are against the rules to him too. I am
just so full of this range of emotions at nagkataon na siya ang nakapuno ng salop.

Tumigil siya sa paglalakad at kalmadong humarap sa akin.

"Now."

I glared at him.

"Pronto soccorso il mio culo! Non c'è modo che io vada lì!" Emergency room my áss!
There is no way I am going there! I switched to my third language, so I can cuss at
him loudly. Hindi ko siya hinitay na sumagot at nag-martsa ako palayo. Buti na
lamang ay walang tao dito sa hallway.

Mas lalo akong nabwisit sa kanya nang sundan niya ako.

"Del Russo, where the hell do you think you're going?"

"On sono affari tuoi dannati." None of your góddåmn business.

Mas binilisan ko pa ang lakad ko, imbes na mag-elevator ay bumaba ako gamit ang mga
hagdan.

"Del Russo.." Tawag niya sa akin habang pababa ako sa first floor.

"Leave me alone!" Pinunasan ko ang mga luha na tumutulo mula sa mga mata ko.
Dumeretso ako sa underground parking lot ng ospital. I went to the darker side
since naroon ang sasakyan ko. I purposely parked it there yesterday, since I didn't
want the stupid media to spot me right away. Napamura ako nang ma-realize ko na
hindi ko dala ang susi ko.

Napaupo na lamang ako at napasandal sa gulong ng sasakyan ko. I covered my face as

hot tears rolled my cheeks.

"Vlanca,"

Fúck, he is still here. I don't want him here. Lumayo ako kasi ayoko na
mapagbuntunan ko pa siya lalo ng sari-saring emosyon ko. Suminghot ako at pinunsan
ang mga luha ko. Ngayon ko lang napansin na nakatayo pala siya sa gilid ko.

"Go away, please. I am not in the best mood right now and you don't want me to
project it all on you." Humikhikbing sabi ko sa kanya.

Imbes na umalis ay pumwesto siya sa gilid ko, he wasn't fully sitting down on the
floor, it was just enough, so, we're face to face level.

"Alis sabi e." I said again and sobbed again. I am pissed at him. Pissed for being
so calm, for not letting me see my sister often, and pissed at the root of my
anger, which is the fúcker who shot my sister!

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you......your performance have been affected
lately...if you stay to observe---"

"Shut up. Just shut up!"

I don't want to hear it because it's true. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit bawal namin
gamutin or kitain during our time of duty ang mga mahal namin sa buhay, kung nasa
ospital man sila. We tend to get preoccupied and end up not doing good. And dámn
me, he noticed it.

"I get that you're angry...and that you're worried....you need an outlet...and if
that means you have to yell at me, then go."

Sandali naman akong natigilan sa sinabi niya.

"I pushed your last straw and that's the least thing I could do."

Pagak akong tumawa at pinunasan ang mga luha ko.

"Since kailan ka nagkapakialam kung napuno na ba ako o hindi?" Nanunuyang tanong ko

at tumayo na. He then stood up too, completely towering me.

"Vlanca."

Bumaling ako sa kanya at sinamaan siya ng tingin.

"NO, I don't want to yell or even talk about it. I just wanna be distracted." Sabi
ko. My back is facing him since I am wiping my face.

"And how do you distract yourself?" He huskily asked.

Lumunok ako bago ako humarap sa kanya. Dahil sa mumunting liwanag ay kita ko ang
kanyang mukha. Bahagyang magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay, deresto ang kanyang
mapupulang mga labi, at madilim ang kanyang mga mata.
"Umiinom ako..." I replied and took a step forward.

"Or...nakikipaghalikan, at nakikipaghawakan sa kung sinong matipuhan ko."

His adam's apple bobbed.

Suddenly, the tension that we have always been avoiding is here, and now, I am sure
na hindi lang ako nakakaramdam noon ngayon. I saw his jaw clenched and his eyes
darkened even more.

"I'm pretty sure...we can't do that...right, Ezekiel?" I asked him before I batted
my eyelashes, completely provoking him. I warned him to get away from me, pero siya
'tong matigas ang ulo. So, tiisin niya.

Hindi siya sumagot. Bagkus ay nakita kong namuo ang kanyang mga kamao. When I
looked back to his face, his eyes were as dark as the night now, and he's glaring
at me as if I was his prey. I slowly licked my lips and ran my finger on his chest.

I want him to touch me, to kiss me, to distract me...but I know he wouldn't give
in. And that, we can never do it.

"So, if you would excuse me, I will find someone to dis--"

Hindi ko yon natapos dahil hinablot niya ang aking siko at dinala sa sasakyan niya.
My eyes widened nang may kinuha siyang maliit na remote mula sa bulsa ng whitecoat
niya at ginamit iyon upang i-unlock ang sasakyan niya.

He then opened the passenger's seat. My heart was pounding in anticipation but I
just stood there for a moment because I was shocked.

"Inside the fúcking car, now." Mariin niyang utos.

Chapter 12: Mesherep Eng Bewel

Martina Vlanca

"Saan mo ako d-dadalhin?" Nauutal na tanong ko sa kanya habang nakatingin ako sa

harapan. I can't see anything but the cement wall through his heavily tinted
windshield. My hands were on my lap, fidgeting as I waited for the answer that I
don't think will ever come. I was right, since ilang minuto ang lumipas ay
katahimikan lamang mula sa kanya ang natanggap ko. Hindi na ako nagsalita pang
muli, I didn't even spare him a glance, dahil baka kapag ginawa ko iyon ay may
magawa akong bagay na hindi pwedeng mangyari kahit kailan. Yes, I still have that
little self control and morals. Although, no matter how much I fight it, the heavy
tension never washed away, it is still in the air, thick like fog in the cold
mornings. It is not a good thing because It is slowly but surely clouding my
judgement.

I inhaled softly, agad ko naman na nalanghap ang kanyang mamahalin at panlalaking

amoy. His car smells like him too, but mixed with leather, since iyon ang covers ng
seats niya. Kakapasok lamang niya sa sasakyan and ever since he was silently
staring in front of him. He started the car pero hindi siya nagmaneho. Narito pa
rin kami sa mas madilim na bahagi ng underground parking lot. Hindi iyon sadya, its
just that medyo madilim lang talaga dito sa reserved parking area for Physicians.
Medyo pundi kasi ang ilaw. Nasa dulo ang sasakyan niya katabi nang pader, ang
susunod na sasakyan ay tatlong empty spots ang layo. There was only a few cars here
and no one was here but the two of us, so, really I doubt may nakakita sa akin na
pumasok sa sasakyan niya, add the fact na hindi kita sa CCTV ang parte na ito ng
underground parking lot dahil nga madilim. If ever, ang makikita lang nila ay
shadows, that's it.

I am still going through alot of emotions right now but it is undeniable that my
pússy is aching and throbbing for him. I unconsciously clench my legs when I
remember his tone. It shocked me, okay? Nagulat talaga ako noong pinapasok niya ako
dito sa sasakyan niya....he made me feel this fear, I felt it not because I'm
scared of him. It's just that I felt the kind of fear that erupted tingles in my
breasts down to my core. I found his authoritativeness seductive and in fact, I
want him to command me right now to go down on my knees and súck him until he's
hard, or command me to sit on his lap and ride him, or I want him to do everything
he promised me inside the exam roo---

"Medina, si Arguello 'to."

I was pulled out of my very bad thoughts when I heard his rich and low voice. I
clenched my legs again upang pigilan ang kiliti na kumakalat sa pagkababae ko.
Napalunok naman ako bago ako sa kanya lumingon. He's now pressing his personal
phone against his ear---alam ko na personal phone niya iyon dahil base sa itsura ay
latest iphone iyon at walang logo ng GSMH sa likod. I am curious since si Dr.
Medina ay fellow general surgeon na naka-duty ngayon.

"Can you do me a favor and keep a close eye on my patient....Mary Vanya Del Russo?
Yeah, alam ko na sasabihin mo na marami kang kaso and paperwork...so, I'm not
asking it for free...dahil bilang kapalit ay ibibigay ko ang ex lap at dalawang
kidney transplant cases ko sa'yo bukas."

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ko. He'll just give up big cases like that? Well,
for him hindi iyon big deal dahil sigurado ako na maraming beses na niya iyon
ginawa, but still it's alot of cases. There is unspoken rule in the hospital, when
you ask for a favor from another doctor. It's just a 'courtesy' na may
kapalit...it's either a parking space or cases. Iyon ang naririnig ko sa mga
Attendings. I just didn't expect docmonyo to do it for my sister......or for me?

"Yeah, nasa ICU siya, GSW to the thoracic cavity, no surgical complications but
minor metabolic issues......I want you to update me on her vitals through text and
if something happens, you call me......yeah, baka bukas na ako makabalik..sige,
salamat."

Bukas? And why?

Hindi nagtagal ay ibinaba na niya ang tawag. Hindi pa rin niya ako kinakausap
bagkus ay tumingin lamang siya sa screen ng cellphone niya at nagtipa.

"Tatawagan ko na lang ang tindahan ng alak para ihanda ang kung ano mang gusto mong
inumin." He said while typing something on his phone. "I am only allowing and doing
this because of your current situation. And I trust you wouldn't disclose that
information to anyone. Now, what do you want?" Dagdag niya at itinaas ang kanyang
may pilat na kilay.

Umawang ang mga labi ko. So, he locked me in this car with him, so, I can drink?
That's so against the hospital book. I would've appreciate it anyway and of course,
hindi ko sasabihin kahit kanino...pero hindi paginom ang gusto ko.
Bumaling ako sa kanya, he was silently watching me. I then licked my lips slowly.
Nag-igting ang kanyang panga lalo dahil sa ginawa ko.

"You know what I want." I seductively replied and I am not talking about the dámn
alcohol.

"Mayroong higit kumulang na sampong klase ng alak sa tindahan na ito. So, no,
Vlanca. I do not know what you want." Nagmamaang-maangan na sagot niya habang
nakatingin sa akin.

"Alam mo na hindi alak ang gusto ko. Ezekiel." I said, emphasizing his name. Akala
ko ay susuwayin niya ako dahil ginamit ko ang pangalan niya, but instead, he looks
pleased that I called him by his name. "I told you what I want before you dragged
me into your car.....the million-peso-question is: are you gonna give it to me?" I
asked him, taunting him.

"You know I can't." He replied.

I tilted my head and smirked.

"Can't or won't?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes." I flatly replied. "Can't just mean that you do not have the ability to fúck
me, and 'won't' just means you don't have the will to do it. So, yes, it matters."
Sagot ko. I then sighed dramatically when he didn't answer. I also know that he
can't do it because of the glaring obvious; He's my teacher and I am his student.
But right now, I do not care anymore. I just want to feel good....I want him to
make me feel good. And I am gonna do my best to get that.

"So, can't? That just means na tama pala ang assumption ko sa'yo na vanilla ka,
well, there is nothing wrong with that...it's just that I find it boring," I paused
and then cringed, pushing his patience even more. "Also na you just last thirty
seconds, at puro salita--"

Hindi ko na iyon natapos dahil next thing I knew ay nakakandong na ako sa kanya at
nasa dashboard na ang cellphone niya. Napaawang ang mga labi ko nang dumiin sa basa
kong pagkababae ang kanyang matigas at naghuhumindig na pagkalalaki. When I breathe
in, his delicious scent hits my nostrils, intoxicating me even more.

Our faces were so close.....so close I could smell his minty breath. So close that
I could see the stubbles around his strong jaw, see the scar on his left eyebrow,
count his dåmn eyelashes....and see how plump and kissable his lips were.

Napalunok akong muli nang hawakan niya ang pisngi ko gamit ang kanyang malaking
kamay.

"You little brat..." He whispered. "Dalawang araw akong lumayo para ma-kontrol ko
ang pagnanasa ko sa'yo dahil bawal iyon... I cannot do every filthy thing that I
wanted to do to you because you are forbidden. Do you understand that?" He paused
and ran his thumb on my jawline..and then he touched my lips.

I was stunned by his revelations. So, he is affected after all, a huge part of me
is glad to know that I wasn't the only one who was suffering.

"I have been controlling myself just fine and then you just keep on pushing
it.......I cannot do it because, you're years younger than me for fúck's
sake....and you're my student...and you know that."
Mas lalong nagliyab ang pagnanasa sa kanyang mga mata nang ibuka ko ang mga labi ko
at isubo ang daliri niya. I then sucked it and twirled my tongue on his finger like
I was promising that I'm gonna do the exact same thing to his cóck. I gasped when
it twitched against my core. He liked it.

"Vlanca.." He warningly said my name, and so, I let his thumb go.

"I am painfully aware of that too.....but just so you know, you are not taking
advantage of me..." I said. "I am asking you to do it, there is a big
difference ....and besides, I don't want anything but just a distraction...please.
I swear I am not gonna tell anyone because I am not stupid. Alam ko na yari tayo ng
mega-super pareho kapag may nakaalam nito."

His Adam's apple bobbed.

"But of course, if you don't want to do it....it's okay....gaya nga ng sinabi ko

kanina bago mo ako kinidnap dito sa sasakyan mo," I paused, although, I may sound
like I am taunting him, I am serious, I am not gonna force him to sleep with me. If
my persuasion tactic doesn't work. I will walk away. "I can definitely find someone
else--"

"No, you will not." He interrupted me with an angry tone. "I'm gonna give you what
you want. You'll get my lips, my fingers, my cóck, everything. You don't need
someone else to distract you....in one condition."

"W-What?"

"You won't ask me personal questions, that includes your previous questions." He
replied, his dark eyes were still on me, keenly observing my reaction.

Lumunok ako.

"Ang daya mo naman."

He scoffed softly and then answered, "You know from the beginning that I was never
fair."

Napayuko ako dahil totoo iyon. Noong unang beses kaming nagkita, madaya na talaga
siya dahil hindi niya ako hinayaan na magpakilala man lang. He just made up his
mind that he doesn't like me, and told me to get out of his classroom. I hated him
even more noong nagkasama kami sa ospital because then again, he is unfair to me.
He makes me do more work, and he's mean....and if I agree, I will never know why.

I will never know why he said what he said to me in that parking lot, or why he
acts a certain way towards me. I will never know because I am insanely attracted to
him and that he is offering the one thing that will divert my attention from all
these crazy emotions and things I have in my life right now.

Alam ko sa sarili ko na kapag lumabas ako sa sasakyan niya at humanap ng iba, hindi
ako makukuntento...and that I will find myself running back to him and agreeing to
his proposition.

Because as of the moment, he is the only person I find myself insanely attracted
to.

Pakshet talaga, docmonyo.

Huminga ako nang malalim matapos ang ilang sandali. Alright, if he's gonna do this.
I will make sure, I will be greedy to him. Sinalubong ko na ang kanyang tingin.

"Fine, I agree, I will not ask about it anymore,"

He nodded. Somehow, I saw a relief in his eyes for a moment before he smirked
sexily and cupped my cheek.

"Thank you.....now, let's get down to business---"

Akmang hahalikan niya ako nang umiwas ako. Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kanyang
makakapal na mga kilay nang tanggalin ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking pisngi.

"Wait lang, 'wag masyadong malibog. Mayroon din akong kondisyon."

His displeased reaction was replaced with curiosity.

"At ano naman 'yon?"

"We're not just gonna make out, kiss, and grind like I always do with other
people....I want first, second, and third bases.....tonight, tomorrow, and
whichever day I feel hórny. So, that means, you will give me whatever I want
whenever I feel hórny. Gets?" I asked boldly and fiercely.

He stared at me, there was amusement and fascination playing in his eyes. Matapos
ang ilang segundo ay tumango siya.

"Alright, I agree."

I grinned.

"Very good." I tapped his head, sumimangot naman siya na ikinatawa ko. Atleast, in
this way makakaganti ako sa ka-docmonyohan niya.

"Basically, I'm your fúck búddy, now?"

"Hindi, you're my..." I paused and rubbed my chin for a moment. "Flavor of the
month...since mabilis akong magsawa."

He smirked dangerously.

"We will see about that, Vlanca."

"There is nothing to see, Ezekiel. It always have been like that---"

Hindi niya ako pinatapos dahil hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong pisngi at siniil
niya ako nang marubdob at agresibong halik. The moment his lips touches mine,
sparks of heat and desire course through my body. His kisses were savage at sabik
niyang sinipsip ang pang-ibaba kong labi. Napadaing naman ako nang kagatin niya ang
lower lip ko at sinipsip iyong muli.

Dahil sa mga halik niya ay mas lalo akong nabasa at lalong tumindi ang init ng
aking katawan. Napakapit ako sa kanyang mga balikat nang ipasok niya ang kanyang
mainit at malambot na dila sa aking bibig. He growled when I caught it between my
lips and sucked on it before I let him explore my mouth, when he was done tasting
every part of my oral cavity. He went back to kissing me savagely, tinigilan lamang
niya ang mga labi ko nang halos maga na iyon at halos maubusan na ako nang hininga.

I am so wet down there...I know he can feel it. Unti-unti kong naramdaman ang
pagtanggal niya nang hairtie ko. He then buried his fingers in my hair and tipped
my head back so he could kiss my jawline.

"Oh, god." I panted when he planted hot and wet kisses on my skin, hanggang sa
maabot niya ang tenga ko. Napahalinghing ako nang dilaan niya ang aking earshell,
bago siya bumulong. "Just to remind you...I am going to take you however I want in
this car....and you are going to take it, understood?"

"Yes," I replied with a nod.

"Say my name."

"Yes, Ezekiel."

He groaned in approval.

"Backseat. Now." He whispered again. "When I get there, I want everything off
except for your underwear."

Hindi na ako sumagot pa, I just crawled from the frontseat to the backseat. I
hugged myself when the cool air hit my bareskin, my clothes are now pooled on the
floor. Ang tanging suot ko na lamang ay ang kulay peach kong lacy bra at panties.
As I sat there, na-realize ko kung gaano kalimitado ang space dito sa likod, pero
mas lalo lamang iyon na lumiit noong pumasok siya. Matapos niyang isara ang pinto
ay hinubad niya ang kanyang scrubtop. Ngayon ko lamang napansin na hinubad na niya
ang kanyang whitecoat kanina sa driver's seat dahil.

Nanunyo ang lalamunan ko habang nakatingin ako sa kanya. The little light that
passed through the heavily tinted windows gleamed on his chestnut brown skin. He
was a pure man. His arms were bigger than my thigh, putok na putok iyon sa muscles.
Napalunok akong muli nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanyang matipuno at bahagyang
mabuhok na dibdib. Wala sa loob na napadila ako sa aking mga labi nang bumaba ang
tingin ko sa kanyang namumutok din na anim mga pandesal. Grabe, kape na lang talaga
ang kulang.

Dahan-dahan naman na tumaas ang tingin ko sa kanyang mukha. His jet black hair is
now a little tousled because of me, and yet, he still looks sexy. Nakaigting ang
kanyang panga at deretso sa akin ang kanyang tingin. His eyes gleamed with a
different shade of darkness...

it was gleaming with lust, and hunger for me.

Hindi na siya nagsayang pa nang ilan pang mga sandali dahil agad siyang umusog sa
gitnang parte ng backset at hinitak ako sa kanyang kandungan. Napahalinghing ako
nang tumama ang kanyang matigas at galit na pagkalalaki sa aking harapan. Halos
mapunit ang bra ko nang tanggalin niya iyon. He threw it on the floor and then
grabbed my boob like a caveman. Napasabunot ako sa kanyang buhok nang ipaloob niya
sa kanyang mainit at basang bibig ang kaliwang tuktok ng aking dibdib, habang ang
isa ay nilalamas niya sa kanyang malaking kamay.

I heard him groan in pleasure habang gutom na gutom niyang sinisipsip ang tuktok ng
dibdib ko. I am certain na magiiwan siya ng mga marka but I couldn't careless
anymore, all I know is that it felt so good. And so, I let him feast on my breasts
while I grinded myself against his raging erection. Shít, now, that I am feeling it
so closely, I confirm na mas malaki at mas mataba talaga sa 250ml na zonrox ang
zonrox ni docmonyo. Jusko po, makakalakad pa kaya ako ng maayos pagkatapos nito?

I stopped my thoughts and just grinded myself against him. Mas lalo akong nabasa at
tumitindi ang masarap na kiliti sa pagitan ng mga hita ko. Kahit na nakaandar ang
aircon ay ang init-init ng pakiramdam ko.
The pressure on my lower belly ignited when I moved harder. I almost sighed in
disappointment when he let my nipple go with a 'pop', although, hindi niya ako
pinigilan sa pagkiskis sa kanya. It's just that pleasure lessened. I like how warm
and tingly his mouth is against my tips. Nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa dibdib ko ay
may mapupulang marka ako doon, napansin ko din na kasing tigas na ng bato ang aking
mga tuktok at basa na iyon sa kanyang mainit na laway.

I didn't even get to see my breasts for long dahil inilapit niya akong muli sa
katawan niya at hinalikan naman ang aking collarbone. He sucked and nipped my skin
there until it was tender.

The pressure on my lower belly intensified, when he held my waists and grinded me
harder against him. He pressed a kiss on my earlobe before he whispered hotly,
"That's right...make yourself come.."

Bumaba ang mga kamay ko sa kanyang mga braso habang bumibilis ang paggalaw ng
bewang ko.

"Oh, my! Ezek---mmpp.." He swallowed my moans in his mouth as he kissed me. Hindi
nagtagal ay nanginig ako sa sarap sa kandungan niya, wet heat gushed through my
aching hole, soaking my panties and his scrubs.

"Fúck, you are soaking wet. I want to get a taste.." He said at walang sabi-sabi
niyang ipasok ang kanyang kamay sa aking panties.

"Oohh.."

Napaungol ako nang mahina nang maramdaman ko ang kanyang mga daliri sa aking
sensitibo at basang hiwa. He cannot kiss me down there in this car because it's too
small, and so, instead, he gathered all my juices with his finger and then brought
it to his mouth. He groaned like he was pleased with my taste.

"Better than my fantasies." He growled. "I can't wait to devour your pússy in my
bed...but right now, I need to be inside your tight hole."

I want that too and so, I let him discard my underwear onto the floor, matapos noon
ay sandali akong umusog at pinanood siyang ilabas ang kanyang pagkalalaki mula sa
kanyang scrubs. He didn't take off his scrubs all the way, ibinaba lang niya iyon
hanggang sa kanyang tuhod.

And when his cóck sprang out, I literally gasped. It's tan and veiny. But that's
not why I gasped, napasinghap ako dahil sa haba at taba noon. Sigurado na talaga
ako na mas malaki siya sa 250ml zonrox bottle, napatingin ako sandali sa
palapulsuhan ko, kasi mas mataba pa ang pagkalalaki niya doon. His heavy balls were
resting beneath it, it looked full........full with cúm.

Oh, my god. He's literally gonna tear me into two.

"Backing out now, Vlanca?" He tauntingly asked as his huge cóck rested on his hard
abdomen. God, umabot na iyon sa kanyang pusod.

Umiling ako, my eyes still glued on his thing.

"Then come here and ride me." He said seductively, at itinaas baba ang kamay niya
doon. I can't help but to notice the velvety and angry head, it was leaking with
transparent pre-cúm.

"Shìt, mas malaki ka pa sa díldø." Hindi ko na napigilan ko ang sarili ko na masabi

iyon nang nasa kandungan niya akong muli. Hawak na niyang muli ang aking bewang, my
bare pússy is a few inches away from his massive member. Kumibot naman ang clítoris
ko sa isiping iyon.

"You have a díldø?" He asked. When I looked at him, there was a smirk playing on
his red and plump lips.

Umiling ako.

"Had. Past tense."

He cocked an eyebrow.

"And why is that?"

I shook my head.

"It's embarrassing.."

"Embarassing? Hmm...let me be the judge of that."

Sandali akong natigilan. I have the option to tell him that it's none of his
business but then I realized, we're about to have séx and I think it's important
for him to know that particular story.

"Fine." I replied that it made him smirk. Umayos ako ng upo at pinilit na ini-
ignore ang naghuhumindig niyang pagkalalaki. "Okay, I was an eighteen year old and
a second year college student who is very, very curious about herself."

He nodded silently, his eyes watching me.

"I was scared to explore with other people noon, since nursing student ako, we were
learning about diseases and I got paranoid about STDs. It was just a phase, don't
worry. But natakot ako noon na mag-explore....So, instead, nag 'self-exploration'
ako using a díldø I bought online....mukha kasi siyang maliit sa screen ng laptop
and when it arrived it was like seven inches..... I got pretty curious about
it...long story short, I used it on my," Inginuso ko ang pagkababae ko.

Dahan-dahan siyang napatango. There was a smirk playing on his lips.

"And then, napalalim 'yung p-pasok ko," I paused and cleared my throat. "And then
it hurted so much. After that, I threw it away and then from that day on, I never
let anything and anyone penetrate me, ever....like okay, given na, na malandi ako.
I like kissing, making out, and grinding with people but that's just it.....medyo
na-trauma ako sa sarili kong kagagahan."

Akala ko ay tatawanan niya ako pero bahagya lang siyang nag-chuckle.

"But hey, lesson learned.......and I also didn't do it with my 'past partners',

hindi lang dahil doon....it's also because it doesn't feel right yet."

Sandali naman siyang napatitig sa akin.

"Does it feel right with me?" He huskily asked.

Umiling ako.

"No. It definitely doesn't feel right with you," Natatawa pero totoo kong sagot.
His face stayed neutral. "But I am insanely attracted to you, so I want to do it
with you...and by just looking at your massive cóck.... I am already aware that
it's gonna hurt like a bítch again....so, can we please do it now, bago pa magbago
isip ko."

He smirked and pulled me closer. The heat sparked again inside me like a live
electric wire.

"You can always change your mind, Vlanca. I won't force you to do something you
don't want to do."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Kahit na matigas kana?"

"Kahit na nasa loob mo na ako. We can always stop." He replied while looking into
my eyes. "I won't do anything to you without your consent." Seryoso niyang dadag.
Sandali akong napatitig sa kanya, suddenly, I have this feeling in my chest. It
wasn't love, hell no. It's just that, whatever he said, just made him more
attractive to me...because that made me feel more comfortable about doing whatever
we're about to do. I felt like even if it's illegal on so many levels, and that
there are alot of risks, I felt like I did the right thing.

"Okay." I replied.

"Good. Now, kapag may ayaw kang gawin or hindi mo nagustuhan, you say 'red.' When I
hear it, it doesn't matter if I am already coming, I will stop, understand?"

I nodded.

"That's your safe word. So, kahit na sabihin mo sa akin na 'stop,' or kahit na
magkamakaawa ka, I won't stop....until you use your safe word. Are you alright with
that?"

Sunod-sunod akong tumango. "Yes."

"Good girl." He whispered huskily, and holy crap, it made my pússy clench.

He then pulled me closer again and ravaged my lips with a kiss. My nipples were
brushing against his bare hard chest. Inabot ko naman ang kanyang pagkalalaki sa
pagitan namin. I cussed again dahil hindi siya magkasya sa kamay ko. Cazzo, masakit
talaga 'to but I want this to happen.

"I want you inside me now, please."

"Cøndom." He whispered against my lips when we pulled away. Sandali naman akong
umalis sa kandungan niya. He leaned and opened the compartment in front of the
passenger's seat. Ilang segundo ang lumipas ay bumalik siya dala ang gold square
packet.

"Wow, boy scout, laging handa?" Banat ko.

He shook his head as he put the cóndom on his cóck. Nakalunok naman ako, hindi 'yun
umabot sa dulo. What the ƒúck? Nabitin ang condom sa kanya?

Hindi na ako nakapag-komento pa dahil hinitak na niya ako ulit sa kanyang

kandungan. I then breathed out and reached for his cóck. Halos manginig ang hita ko
nang paraanin ko ang ulo noon sa basang-basa kong hiwa. I did it again, this time
he growled and gripped my hips tighter.
"Quit playing around and put me inside already." He demanded.

"Bossy." Sagot ko at inirapan ko siya. Dahil doon ay siniil niya ako nang mariin na
halik, I took that time para itututok na sa entrada ko ang ulo. Hindi ko na siya
nahalikan pa at tuluyan kong nakagat ang labi niya nang maipasok ko siya sa loob
ko.

"Crap, you feel so good." He said as I lowered myself even more. Kumibot ang aking
butil at mas lalo akong nabasa dahil ramdam ko ang kanyang maugat na pagkalalaki sa
loob ko, it stimulates my walls, turning me on even more.

"Tangina," He groaned as he gripped my hips tightly.

I was soaking wet kaya naman madali siyang pumasok sa loob ko, and when I felt him
balls deep inside me, sabay kami parehong napalabas ng hininga. Meanwhile me, may
kasamang kaunting luha, kasi pú-tángina, sobrang hapdi! Nakalmot ko ang braso niya
dahil doon.

"Ezekiel..." I sobbed.

Umayos naman siya sa pagkakaupo at dinama ang braso ko. He then kissed my cheek and
wiped my tears.

"It'll pass."

It's a burning pain, and his cóck hurted more than the dildó. To distract myself, I
leaned and kissed his neck.

"Vlanca.." He moaned my name, and crap, I like it. Kaya naman ginalingan ko pa.

Inilabas ko ang dila ko at pinaraan iyon sa sensitibong parte ng leeg niya at

sinipsip iyon. I heard him hissed. I smiled against his skin, before I trailed my
way to his strong and stubbled jaw, and then to his now swollen lips. He grabbed my
face and kissed me.

Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman ko na ang pag-adjust ng katawan ko sa kanya. Slowly, I

rocked back and forth, hanggang sa kumapit na ako sa kanyang balikat at nagsimulang
itaas ang aking sarili, noong ulo na lamang niya ang nasa loob ko ay saka ako
bumaba.

Sabay kaming napaungol nang sumagad siya sa loob ko.

"Vlanca....fúck."

I started thrusting up and down in his lap, binuhos ko lahat doon ng pangit na
emosyon na nararamdaman ko. And dámn, it felt so good. I moaned his name again as I
felt him smoothly sliding in and out of me. Halos manginig ako sa sarap nang bumaba
ang kamay niya sa clítoris ko at minasahe iyon. Kasabay noon ay ang pagbaon niya
nang kanyang mukha sa aking umaalog na dibdib. He sücked them into his mouth, like
he was searching for breastmilk.

The familiar tingles spread through my body. Shít, shít, I'm coming. Hindi siya
tumigil sa ginagawa niya, hinitak pa niya ako palapit sa kanya. He continued to rub
my aching clít with his fingers as I bounced in his lap.

"Vlanca...that's it, fúck me.." He said hotly and then smacked my åss twice, mas
lalo pang tumindi ang init ng aking katawan nang maramdaman ko ang mumunting hapdi
sa aking puwitan. I am desperate for my release. And so, with sweat running down
both our bodies, I continued to ride him, I could feel every inch and ridge of his
cóck. He was filling me so good, and then, when he pinched my clít between his
fingers, and then tugged my nipple into his mouth. That's when I lost it.

Kinailangan kong kumagat sa balikat niya upang hindi ako sumigaw sa sobrang sarap!
I convulsed in his lap and released wet arousal around his cóck.

"That's right, come for me......good girl.." He whispered sexily.

Hindi niya ako hinayaang makabawi, instead ay inihiga niya ako nang patagilid kaya
nakaharap ako sa front seat, my legs were together. Samantalang natukod ang isang
tuhod niya sa upuan habang nakababa ang isa sahig.

"Ezekiel!" I moaned his name nang walang sabi-sabi siyang nagpakawala nang
malalalim at mabibilis na ulos. I yelped when his palm came down my áss again.
Nanghihina akong lumingon sa kanya, he looks so powerful above me. He looks like an
alpha claiming his territory. Nakahawak ang kanang kamay niya sa bewang ko,
samantalang nasa edge ng upuan ang isa. He was holding my waist tightly, so, hindi
ako mauuntog sa pintuan. Ganoon kalalalim ang kanyang mga ulos.

Pawisan ang kanyang mukha at gulo-gulo na ang kanyang buhok. His jaw was tightly
clenched and his eyes were gleaming with pure lust and desire. Hindi ko maiwasang
mapadila sa aking mga labi nang tumulo ang pawis sa kanyang abs pababa sa kanyang
adonis belt.

He smirked devilishly when he saw me watching him.

"Ahh--mmmhh." Kinagat ko ang labi ko upang pigilan ang ungol ko dahil mas rumahas
ang kanyang pag-ulos, kada-papasok siya ay tumatama ang kanyang dalawang bola sa
aking puwitan, at tuwing babawi ay maiiwan lang ulo sa aking loob, kaya kapag
pumasok ulit siya ay talagang malalim, masarap, at nakakatirik ng mata! Hindi ko
napigilan ang pangatlo kong sukdulan dahil inabot niya ang aking naninigas na butil
at minasahe iyon muli.

Napakapit ako sa kanyang maugat na forearm habang ramdam ko ang paglabas ng aking
mainit na katas. He growled when I clenched around him.

Wala siyang kapaguran dahil hindi siya bumagal. I had to reach behind me because
he's going fast and deep. It's not that it hurts me, it's just that it's so good!
My body was forced to hit another órgasmic blîss, more wet heat gushed out of me,
tumulo na iyon sa hita ko, dahilan para mas lalong gumagawa ng ingay ang pagiisa
namin.

Hinang-hina akong nakatagilid doon at balot ng pawis. Pansin ko din na nag-fog na

ang mga bintana dahil sa kalandian namin.

"Ezekiel, dahan-dahan lang," I told him dahil nagsisimula nang yumugyog ang
sasakyan, his thrusts were hard and deep. "Baka may makakahalata--" Hindi ko iyon
natapos dahil lumapit siya at hinawakan ang panga ko. Nilamukos niya ako ng halik
na parang hindi niya natikman kanina ang mga labi ko.

"You taste so fúcking good...and your pússy is so fúcking tight.." He whispered

dirtily, making my nipples hard. "And don't worry about that, no one's here." He
said and kissed me again, ngunit matapos ang ilang segundo ay huminto siya. "Kiss
me back." He demanded dahil hindi ko siya mahalikan na mabuti.

I tried again pero malalim kasi siya sa loob ko, hindi ko siya mahalikan dahil
napapahalinghing ako.

"Vlanca." He said against my lips. His dark eyes bore into mine.
"Ang sama talaga ng ugali mo. Alam mo na hindi kita mahahalikan ng maayos, when
you're seven inches deep in my---mmhh.."

Hindi ko 'yun natuloy dahil hinalikan niya ulit ako nang marubdob. He just let me
go when I made a sound in the back of my throat, since naubusan na ako ng hininga.

"Not that hard to kiss back, right?" He replied cockily. Inirapan ko siya. "And
correction, eight inches." He added na hindi ko na ikinabigla.

"Yabang." Nangaasar kong sagot.

Sandali siyang tumigil, akala ko ay bibigyan niya
magpahinga pero ibinukaka lang niya ako bago siya
Ngayonng maga na ang mga labi ko ay ang dibdib ko
He continued to kiss and súck me there while he's
na siya at bumigat na ang paghinga niya.
ako ng ilang segundo para
nagsimula ulit na umulos.
naman ang pinunterya niyang muli.
fúcking me, maya-maya ay tumigil

He reached for my clít and massaged it again.

"You're gonna come with me, understand?"

I nodded at napakapit ako sa kanyang mga forearms. It didn't take me long to reach
cloud nine again, after two more deep and hard thrust. He growled. I then felt his
huge cóck pulsed inside me and then the warmth of his cüm through the thin barriers
of the cóndom. He collapsed on top of me, his whole weight wasn't pressing against
me, rather just half of his weight, since ang upper body lang niya ang nakapatong
sa akin. After a few moments, He pressed a kiss on my sternum, before he rested his
cheek on my boobs. Basa ang kanyang buhok ng pawis, at ramdam ko ang pagkabog ng
dibdib niya.

As I was laying there, habang naramdaman ko ang pagod at ang hapdi sa pagitan ng
mga hita ko. It just sank into me; This is not a wetdream.

Bumaba naman ang tingin ko sa kanya. Walang sabi-sabi akong humila ng ilang hibla
ng buhok niya.

"What?" He grumpily asked and threw me a look.

"Wala chineck ko lang kung totoo ba talaga 'to o bangungot lang?"

He scoffed, and then maya-maya ay sinubo niya ang isa kong brown nipple at kinagat
iyon.

"Arguello, ano ba?!" Singhal ko at pinalo ang matigas niyang braso.

Ngumising aso siya.

"See? This is not a nightmare." Nanunuya niyang sagot na ikinairap ko.

"Umalis ka na nga, nabu-bwisit na ako sa'yo."

Syempre, hindi siya nakinig. Humiga lang siya doon. Napatulala ulit ako sa kisame
ng sasakyan niya. This is really real, I just slept with my teacher. Who I hate, by
the way.

Do I regret it? I don't know. Do I wanna do it again? Yes. What we did is

wrong...illegal...and very bawal. If ever someone finds out about this, we're both
fúcked....in the worst possible way. Pero shît, mesherep eng bewel, dahil kahit na
sa isiping iyon ay nagustuhan ko pa rin ang ginawa namin. It definitely made me
forget about everything I wanted to forget about and I want to do it again.

I then sighed inwardly. Lumipas ang dalawang minuto ay walang nagsalita sa amin,
tanging ang paghinga lang namin ang maririnig sa sasakyan. Maya-maya ay humiwalay
na siya sa akin. I hissed when he pulled out.

"Okay, that was fun, I wanna do it again." I told him as a joke.

Kinunotan niya ako ng noo sandali. Nangaasar naman akong ngumuso.

"Aww, why? Pagod ka na?" I paused and clicked my tongue. "Tsk, tsk, disadvantages
of being old."

His jaw clenched before he gave me a dark look.

"I dare you to say that again later, when you can't properly walk anymore, after I
fúck you three more times."

Nawala ang pangaasar sa mukha ko, at agad akong napalunok.

Chapter 13: 'Wrong Sent'

Martina Vlanca

"I said sit on my face, not squat, Vlanca." He growled beneath me.

"Sandali kasi!" Pinandilatan ko siya. I am too sore to take his cóck and so, he
found a way to eat me instead. I should've never challenged him because I know that
after this, maglalakad ako na parang nasagasaan ako ng rumaragasang zonrox ni
docm---I mean sasakyan pala.

Hindi siya magkasya dito sa backseat kaya naman halos upper body lang niya ang
nakahiga sa upuan, habang ang kanyang ang mga paa ay nasa sahig. Meanwhile
nakatapak din ang kaliwang paa ko sa sahig at nakaluhod naman ang isa sa gilid ng
ulo niya. Basically, I am hovering over his face. Ang kanyang malalaking kamay ay
nakahawak sa puwitan ko habang nakaharap ako sa tinted windows ng sasakyan niya.
Wala na kami sa parking lot, after the first round, nagmaneho siya patungo dito sa
talahiban na hindi ko alam kung paano niya nahanap. It was behind a tall abandoned
building. So, really, kahit na yumogyog nang yumogyog o umungol ako ng sobrang
lakas ay walang makakarinig o makakakita sa amin.

"Vlanca.." He impatiently said when I still haven't done what he commanded me to.
Sandali ko siyang pinukol ng tingin. As I was looking down on him, kita ko ang
bilbil ko. He doesn't even seem to mind that. I am contemplating my whole freaking
diet and lifestyle, since kung magaaan lang sana ako ay hindi ako maghe-hesitate na
umupo.

"Tsk, can we not? I will suffocate you, hindi ako magaan, sinasabi ko sa--AHH!"

Tila napatid na ang pasensya niya sa akin dahil hindi niya ako pinatapos dahil
hinawakan niya ang magkabilang puwitan ko at inupo ako sa mukha niya. My mouth
parted widely when my pússy landed on his hot mouth.
Napaungol ako nang dilaan niya ang basa at maga kong hiwa mula taas hanggang ibaba!
He groaned when he slurped my juice.

"Foda sim." Fúck yes. "I will die a happy man if I suffocate in your pússy." I
heard him whisper before his lips attacked my aching and swollen bud.

"A-Ahh, no, hindi ka pwedeng mamatay ng ganoon, dahil hindi ko alam kung paano 'yon
ie-explain sa mga pulis." Banat ko pa. I then heard him chuckle louder than usual,
and then he went back to business.

"La merda, pú-tangina, shít!" Napamura ako sa tatlong lenggwaheng alam ko dahil sa
sarap. He was rubbing his thumb on my soaking entrance while he was sucking my
bundles of nerves in his hot and wet mouth. I let out a shaky breath when I felt
his big hand travelled to my breasts. He then harshly grabbed one and molded it
into his hand. Napahawak ako ng mahigpit sa kamay niyang lumalamas ngayon sa dibdib
ko, dahil unti-unti nang kumakalat ang kiliti sa buong katawan ko. I am dizzy in
pleasure, hindi ko alam kung saan ako magpo-focus sa bibig ba niya na nasa
pagkababae ko o sa kamay niya na pinalalaruan ang tuktok ko?

All I know is that everything feels so fúcking good. I desperately chased my own
release by rubbing myself all over his mouth. Napatingala ako at napapikit nang
tumama ang ilong niya sa aking butil.

"That's it, rub your pússy against my face..." He urged me. When I did what I was
told, he then said, "Such a good girl." And holy crap, my pússy clenched at his
praise.

Hindi nagtagal ay hindi ko na napigilan ang pagkalat ng napakasarap na kiliti sa

aking buong katawan, my vision darkened for a moment as that tingles intensely
shoot in my core. Hinihingal akong tumigil sa pag-galaw nang maramdaman ko ang
paglabas ng aking mainit na katas.

Halos mapiga ko ang ulo niya sa mga hita ko nang dilaan at sipsipin niya ang lahat
ng katas na lumabas sa akin. I am too sensitive down there, my heat clenches
whenever I feel the stroke of his tongue. Nang subukan kong ilayo ang pagkababae ko
sa kanyang bibig ay mariin niyang hinawakan ang bewang ko, holding me in place.

"S-Shít, Ezekiel,"

Bumaba naman ang tingin ko sa kanya. He was staring at me with those dark blue
eyes.

He didn't let any juice escape, he even licked my groin to make sure everything
goes in his mouth. Hinihingal akong bumitaw sa sandalan ng upuan at sa kanyang
buhok. Akmang aalis ako sa ibabaw niya nang hawakan niya ang bewang ko.

"No, more." Pagtutol niya.

"No more." I replied. I am so tired, my body is already slicked with sweat and my
muscles are already aching. "Pagod na ako."

Hindi siya sumagot, bagkus ay napadaing ako nang walang hirap niya akong inihiga sa
upuan. I thought he'd let me close my eyes and let me take a nap but then I felt
him pressed an open mouth kiss on my wet slit.

I forced my eyes to open.

"Then, you just lay down there and you take what I give you, understand?" He said
huskily as he kneeled between my legs.The moonlight is barely seeping through his
tinted windows kaya naman wala akong makita kung hindi ang aninag lang niya. And
even then, I can see the ridges and how muscular his body is.

Kahit hindi ko makita ang kanyang mukha ay ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang tingin.

"Yes." I said.

"Good girl."

"Ano nga ulit 'yung sinabi mo kanina?" Bulong niya sa tenga ko habang nakahiga ako
sa ibabaw niya. Hinayaan lang niya ako dahil alam niya na pagod na talaga ako. We
just finished a couple of minutes ago. I used my safe word after he fúcked me for
the fifth time. I used it dahil hindi ko na talaga kaya. My legs are already
shaking, my pússy is sore, and I am sweaty as hell. When I told him my safe word,
hindi siya nag-hesitate na umalis sa ibabaw ko at hubarin ang condøm. And then, he
let me lay on top of him. I sighed, my nose scrunched for a moment dahil napalitan
na ng amoy ng séx ang kaninang leathery-scent ng kanyang sasakyan.

"Huh? May sinabi ba ako kanina?" Inosente kong sagot.

He smirked before he answered, "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Maya-maya ay tumingala ako sa kanya. Hindi ko na alam kung anong oras na pero medyo
maliwanag na sa labas. I can now see his dark hair, smooth forehead, his blue and
cold eyes that are now on me, his swollen lips, and stubbled jaw. Syempre hindi
nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang mga kanyang kilay.

"Che cosa?" What? He asked in Italian.

Imbes na sumagot ako ay nanghihina kong itinaas ang daliri ko doon. He didn't
flinch, kumunot lang ng bongga ang kanyang noo.

"Anong nangyari sa kilay mo?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang pinaparaan ang daliri ko
doon. Lumipas ang ilang sandali ay hindi siya sumagot. Noon ko lang na-realize na
nakatitig lang siya sa akin at na-realize ko din na ang lapit na pala ng mukha
namin sa isa't-isa. My eyes flicked from his lips to his eyes.

Tumingin siya sa buhok ko, he ran his fingers on my hair for a moment before his
gaze flicked back to my green eyes. As he was staring at me, his Adam's apple
bobbed and his expression hardened.

"No questions, remember?" Malamig niyang sagot at inalis na ang kamay ko mula sa
kanyang mukha. "Get off me, we have to go back to the hospital now."

And ladies and gentlemen, he's back to being ice-cold. Inirapan ko naman siya bago
ako umalis sa ibabaw niya. He doesn't need to tell me twice, and besides, we really
have to go back.

Habang isinusuot ko ang pangibaba ko ay hindi ko maiwasang mapadungaw sa disposable

traschan ng sasakyan niya. Nang dumungaw ako doon ay nakita ko ang mga condøm na
ginamit namin. I also saw the first one that we used. Alam ko na iyon ang una dahil
may dugo ang paligid noon. My blood. Napalunok ako. No wonder why it hurt so much.

I sighed. Technically, I gave up my virginity to him, and given our situation. I

should've regretted it pero hindi ko 'yon naramdaman. All I am right now is a tired
yet satisfied woman.

Nang matapos akong mabihis ay nasa labas na siya. Akala ko ay dederetso na siya sa
driver's seat, ngunit nagulat ako nang pagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at inalalayan
akong bumababa.

Hindi ako nakatapak nang matagal sa lupa dahil napatili ako nang binuhat niya ako
nang pa-bridal style. Pinukol ko naman siya ng masamang tingin.

"I can walk."

Hindi niya ako pinansin. Bagkus ay maingat lang niya akong binuhat at tinulungan na
umupo sa passenger's seat. He even put my seatbelt on before he shut the door and
walked to the driver's side.

Napabuntong hininga na lamang ako.

Roy Ezekiel

I am already aware that I do not like Vlanca Del Russo. Pero hindi ko maintindihan
kung bakit niyakap ko siya noong nalaman ko ang kung ano mang pinagdadaanan niya.
Maybe because I am not entirely a monster. I still have a heart, but I shouldn't
have hugged her but I did anyway. Hindi ko na dapat siya sinundan noong tumkabo
siya paalis ng ICU floor. I shouldn't have chased after her, or comforted her, or
told her to get inside my car after she told me she would find someone else to
distract her.

I took two days off to avoid her. To control my craving and need for her. I had to
do it because she's my one way ticket to destruction. I can never touch her because
of obvious reasons. But then she told me she told me she needed a distraction. When
she said that she would find someone else, it made my blood boil.

Hindi ko rin maintindihan ang aking sarili but all I know is that I wouldn't let
some fúcker touch her before I do.

When she told me that she'll find someone else, my control just snapped. Alam ko na
oras na ipinasok ko siya sa sasakyan ko ay wala nang balikan doon. And when she
climbed on my lap. I know that, at that moment. I'd break a rule and fúck her 'till
her pússy is sore.

And that happened...and I felt like an addict who got a taste of the best drug in
the world. She is way better than my fantasies, her taste, her smell, her pússy,
her mouth. Everything. I know that I would consume Vlanca, not just once, not just
in my car, not just in one position. I know that I will consume her like an addict.
I will consume her until I corrupt her for any other man.

The medical board will have my góddámn head if this ever comes out. If ever. Am I
worried about the consequences? Yes. Am I gonna stop? Fúck, no.

I am really into a deep shít.

Wala naman sa loob na napalingon ako sa kanya. Naka-recline ng bahagya ang

passenger's seat kaya nakahiga siya kahit papaano. She's facing the window kaya
hindi ko makita nang maayos ang kanyang mukha. All I can see is her long lashes,
pink cheeks, and messy light brown hair. Nakakumot sa kanyang katawan ang whitecoat
ko.

I can't help but to smile bitterly. This reminds me of a moment with another woman.
Which sucks....and even earlier, when she was laying on top of me and she stared at
me. She reminded me of her again.

She is not her, Roy.

I shook my head and focused on the road.

Martina Vlanca

"Nasaan ka kagabi?" Tanong sa akin ni Dakota habang nagsusulat siya ng notes para
sa upcoming quiz namin. It's our break time. Narito kami sa lamesa, dito sa loob ng
on-call room. Kakabisita ko lamang kay Ate Maria, I told her about my day---except
lamang kay docmonyo.

I haven't approached him since that night. I haven't even talked to him. My mind is
just full of worry and ayoko din na lapitan siya, because if I do, hindi
makakapagpahinga ang pechay ko. I know that I am gonna ask for his cóck. Buti na
lang talaga ay wala ako sa service niya ngayon araw. It means, I do not have an
excuse to be near him.

Napalunok naman ako sa tanong ni Dakota.

"U-Uh, kasi...ano..." Napakamot ako sa aking ulo. Her eyes are still on the paper,
buti na lamang ay naroon ang pansin niya dahil kung hindi ay mapapansin niya ang
pag-hesitate ko. "I needed s-some time away after Ate Maria coded, so I went out."
Vague na sagot ko. I didn't want to lie to her, so I just didn't tell her the whole
truth.

Tinanggal naman niya ang atensyon niya sa kanyang ginagawa at tumingin sa akin.

"Yeah, that's understandable." Sinsero niyang sagot. She then smiled and reached
for my hand on the table. "If you need anything at all, I'm here."

I genuinely smiled at her and nodded. I then squeezed her hand.

"I appreciate it."

Matapos noon ay bumalik na siya sa ginagawa niya. I sighed inwardly. Buti na lamang
ay hindi siya masyadong nagtanong nang gaano tungkol kagabi. Nang makabalik kami
dito ay sa underground parking lot ako nagpa-drop sa kanya. Dumaan ako sa hagdanan
at dumretso sa locker room. Doon ay mabilis at maayos akong nag-shower. I had to
since I literally smelled like him...and séx. Pagkatapos noon ay ipinasok ko agad
sa bag ko ang gamit ko na scrubs. I pulled out my extra one at binuksan ko ang
locker ni Dakota at kinuha ang kulay maroon niyang underscrubs, basically it's like
fitted longsleeves na pang doble sa scrubs namin. She wears it sometimes kapag
malamig or trip lang niya, and thank heavens. She didn't use it this time.

Sabihin ko na lang sa kanya mamaya na hiniram ko na. I know that she wouldn't mind.

Kinailangan kong isuot 'yon dahil may marks na iniwan si docmonyo sa taas ng boobs
ko at lower part ng chest ko. I can't risk anyone seeing that. Matapos kong tuyuin
ang buhok ko gamit ang tuwalya ay dumeretso ako sa emergency room, specifically sa
reception table, since doon ko naiwan ang whitecoat ko.

I then proceeded to be on the remainder of my duty like nothing happened except

hindi talaga ako makalakad ng maayos. Mabilis akong dumalaw kay Ate Maria at ini-
check siya. Thankfully, she was fine. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mamula tuwing
magkakasalubong kami ni docmonyo. Dahil kapag napapansin niya ang lakad ko ay
ngingisi siya sa akin. Grr. Nakakaasar siya. He knows what he did. Sigurado ako na
hindi ko muna siya tatawagan ng ilang mga araw, dahil ako at ang pechay ko ang
kawawa kapag pinairal ko ang kalibugan ko.

Ilang araw na ang lumipas ay hindi pa din nagigising si Ate Maria. Hindi talaga
mawala-wala ang pag-alala ko kahit na stable ang kanyang vitals. It doesn't mean
anything good, if she's not awake. Mas lalo akong sinugid ng pangamba nang maalala
ko ang three outcomes na sinabi ng doctor sa Malolos. If she doesn't wake up
anytime soon, she'll be a vegetable. However, I don't want to think about that,
just yet. It's a huge possibility, yes. It's indeed scary. But I have more faith in
Ate Maria. She's a hella strong woman and she is fighting. I want to think about
that and hold on to that silver lining.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako at napahawak sa dulo ng reception table. My body

still aches, especially the one between my legs. Everytime I walk, I remember all
the filthy things we did in that car.....I can't forget how his hands, fingers,
mouth, and cóck felt...just thinking about it never fails to bring these delicious
tingles all over my system.

Speaking of him, hindi ako ulit sa kanya na-assign. Nagkikita lamang kami kapag
binibisita ko si Ate Maria sa break ko. Yes, hindi ko na sinuway ang sinabi niya sa
akin na tuwing break na lang, because as much as I hate to admit it. He was right
about me being distracted if I keep on visiting kahit na hindi ko break. It affects
my performance negatively. Even though I hate him, I appreciate that advice
somehow.

Other than that and sometimes in the hallway, we don't have much interaction. I
prefer it that way for now. Dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na kapag lumapit ako sa
kanya ay hindi gagaling ng maayos ang pagkababae ko.

Matapos ang ilang sandali ay ipinatong ko sa table ang chart na hawak ko.
Kakarating lamang namin dito ni Dakota. Bago ko binuklat ang takip ay inayos ko
muna ang suot kong puting underscrub. Yes, it's been days, and I am still wearing
underscrubs, since naroon parin ang mga marks na iniwan niya.

I sighed inwardly bago ko binuklat ang chart. Sa peds ako ngayon at ito ang recent
chart na pinapaasikaso ni Dr. Blas.

"Ilang duty kanang ganyan." Sabi ni Dakota na ikinatigil ko sa pagbabasa.

Dahan-dahan naman akong napatingin sa kanya. She's wearing our usual scrubs but
without the underscrubs. Samantalang naka-french braid ang kanyang buhok.

"What do you m-mean?" Tanong ko.

"You started wearing underscrubs."

"I told you, they are c-comfortable." That's true tho, but that's not the main
reason why.

Pumamewang naman siya at tinitigan ako sandali.

"Hmm...okay. Makes sense because it does." She agreed. I chuckled nervously. "But
like

you walk weirdly....and you're glowing....what happened to you?" Sunod-sunod niyang

tanong na ikinalunok ko.

Pakshet. I knew that she'll ask about that.

"U-Uh----I....work out."

She scrunched her nose.

"Weh? Ikaw? Nagwe-work out?"

Yeah, workout, perfect excuse.

"I just started and uh, hindi ako nag-warm up.....so, ayon..I strained my muscles,
especially my legs." Once again, I wasn't exactly lying....but I am not telling her
the whole truth either.

She gave me a face and then slowly nodded.

"Hmm...it makes sense...but I can still smell something..."

"Gorl, feces lang 'yon ng pasyente na nilinis ko."

Tumawa naman siya at pabiro akong hinampas sa braso. Ugh, thank heavens, she let it
go.

"What's so funny?"

Napatigil naman ako nang marinig ko ang tinig ni docmonyo mula sa likod ko. Kaya
naman napatigil kami.

"None of your business, sir." Sagot ko. Dakota snorted subtly. She was interrupted
when her hospital phone beeped.

"Gorl, una na ako ah. Pinapakuha ako ng lab result ni Sta. Maria." She said and
then winked at me.

"Sige, gorl." I replied.

And then in less than five seconds, I am alone with him. Wala namang nurse na
nakaupo ngayon sa likod ng reception table and iilan lang ang dumadaan sa hallway.

"Vlanca," Tawag niya sa akin and I swear my pússy replied; 'Yes, Daddy?'

My god! Behave ka nga diyan, gorl.

"Yeah?" Sagot ko at dahan-dahan naman akong lumingon sa kanya, and I wish I

shouldn't have because dámn it, he looks delicious. Nakahawi ng maayos ang kanyang
itim na buhok, his jaw is now freshly shaven. His piercing blue eyes were now on
me. Nakasuot siya ng crisp green fitted dress shirt, kaya naman naaninag ko ang
kanyang namumutok na abs at matipunong dibdib. Naka-tuck in iyon sa kanyang brown
trousers. There's a leather belt looped around his pants and he's also wearing a
pair of black oxfords. To even make things better, he's wearing his long and
pristine whitecoat over that, his stethoscope is around the collar of it.

I shamelessly licked my lips.

"Kinda wanna ride you right now with your whitecoat on." Bago ko pa mapigil ang
sarili ko ay nasabi ko na 'yon.

Nagigting naman ang panga niya.

"Vlanca.."

"I'm just kidding, da--I mean, Dr. Arguello."

Napailing na lamang siya.

"What can I help you with today?" Sarkastiko kong tanong.

Hindi niya 'yon pinansin at may inabot lamang sa akin na folder. Nawala ang
pangaasar sa mukha ko at bigla akong sumeryoso nang makita ko ang pangalan ni Ate
Maria sa folder. Agad ko iyon na binuklat.

"I ordered a full blood work again and another type of test to see her current
status...and as you can see, it's all good.....And as her doctor, there's a big
chance that she'll wake up anytime soon."

Namuo naman ang mga luha sa aking mga mata habang binabasa ko ang resulta.

"I saw how worried you are these past few days....and I just thought that you
should know--"

Hindi ko siya pinatapos pa dahil niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit. Hindi ko maabot ang
balikat niya dahil sobrang tangkad niya, kaya naman ipinatong ko na lang ang pisngi
ko sa kanyang dibdib na matigas. I sniffed as happy tears started rolling down my
cheeks.

"Thank you....thank you..." Bulong ko.

Napapikit ako nang maramdaman ko ang kanyang mga braso sa katawan ko.

"No need to thank me...." I heard him say before we pulled away.

Natatawa ko naman na pinahid ang mga luha ko. I looked at the results again.

"Ikaw ang una kong sinabihan ng resulta.....gusto mo bang samahan ako na sabihin sa
pamilya mo?"

I grinned and nodded vigorously.

Matapos naming sabihin sa pamilya ko ang naging resulta ay lahat sila ay masaya.
They know that she's getting well, and are looking forward to seeing her awake.
However, hindi pa rin panatag si Kuya Neil. He still worries and I assure him that
she will be alright whenever I visit Ate Maria.

I thought my duty for this night would be the usual, you know. Labs, paperworks,
admitting patients, bisita kay Ate. But then it wasn't like that. Two things
happened, Ate Maria woke up. Yes, she fúcking woke up! When I was telling her about
docmonyo.

Grabe, I cried at that moment. Couldn't believe my eyes that after waiting, and
waiting, and waiting for a long time....she finally gained her consciousness back.
And when the other doctors checked her for possible deficits, nothing came up. She
is just really well.

Second thing, Ate Madison was rushed in here...into the hospital. And nope, it's
not a bad thing. It's just that she's in labor. She didn't want us to see her push
a human being kaya naman nag-stay kami sa kwarto ni Ate Maria. Only our parents are
there and my brother in law.

"Ow!" Natatawa naman akong napadaing nang batukan nga ako ni Ate Maria. Ngayon ay
kaming dalawa na lamang dito sa kwarto. Most of our family members went home,
including Tita Mira, and Tito Sam... Samantalang si Kuya Neil ay bumaba sandali
upang bumili ng pagkain na gusto ni Ate Maria sa cafeteria.

Ngayon ay nakaupo ako sa dulo ng kama niya habang naka-recline ang sandalan ng bed
niya, so, she's also sitting down, wearing the hospital gown. She's now also
regaining her strength and color, since hindi na siya ganoon kaputla.

"Sisterhood....inaasar ko lang naman siya tapos ayon....ilang beses namin na ginawa

sa sasakyan...I literally gave up."

Napailing siya bago napangisi.

"Kaya pala 'sherep-sherep' kapa diyan sa akin kanina." Tinusok niya ang bewang ko
na ikinatawa ko.

"Kasi nga mesherep...like rawr."

She laughed loudly.

"Gaga ka..." She said. "Siguraduhin mo lang na hindi mapapahamak diyan sa kalandian
mo ah." She warned me.

"Like what? Get pregnant? I'm on the pill and...honestly, I hate him alright...but
he can put a baby in me if he wants." Biro ko na ikinairap niya. "He is that hot."

"De kasi, seryoso....sticky 'yung situation niyo ngayon..."

I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, indeed. But Ate...I'm a grown woman. I can handle myself just fine...and
hindi naman ako papasok sa sitwasyon na hindi ko kayang labasan." Sabi ko at
kinindatan siya.

"Shet, double meaning ba 'yan? Kadiri ka!"

We both giggled loudly. Hay, Ate Maria is really back.

"In all seriousness," Inabot naman niya ang kamay ko. "I'm not gonna tell anyone
like you asked me too.....I'm just reminding you, if ever things get messier....you
know you can run to me."

Lumapit naman ako sa kanya at maingat, ngunit mahigpit siyang niyakap.

"I know.."
"Good, kasi kung hindi babatukan ulit kita."

I grinned as I hugged her tight.

Lumipas ang ilang mga oras, Ate Madison finally gave birth to a beautiful baby
girl. Majalia Yevah. Medyo nakakatawa lang dahil nahimatay si Kuya Alejandro noong
lumabas na ang kanyang panganay. When he woke up, he said he passed out because she
was so beautiful and he was really nervous. Tinawanan lamang siya ni Ate Madison.
Majalia is indeed lovely. We got the chance to see her habang buhat siya kanina ni
Ate Madison. She actually cried happy tears.

Ngayon ay tulog sa gamot si Ate Madison at namamahinga din si baby. I am sure as

heck na mamaya ay pupuntiryahin ko silang muli. Also, a few hours later, Ate Maria
is getting better and better. Although, wala si Kuya Neil dito ngayon sa ospital,
he has to take care of the court stuff. In which, I can't help at all. And
recently, I just found out that Aaron surrendered and confessed. Nalaman din namin
na hindi lang siya ang nagplano nang pagbaril kay Ate Maria. It's also Benjamin
Yvarrez. And god, I can't wait to see them in court. And as much as I want to help.
The best that I can do is wait and take care of Ate Maria.

It's actually time of my duty and my Attending today is kind, hinayaan lang niya
kami na manood ng surgery for an hour, since the next hour is already our break. I
wanted to hangout with Dakota, pero busy siya sa peds. And so, I just settled here.
Also, alam na rin niya ang tungkol kay Maria and she's very delighted as I am.

Ngayon ay nakatayo ako dito sa gilid gallery. I'm standing since puno na ang mga
upuan. Dr. Medina is currently performing a kidney transplant. Ito 'yung kaso na
ibinigay ni docmonyo noong isang araw.

Speaking of him, he's in there too. Although hindi siya nago-opera o nag-a-assist.
He's just watching closely. Ilang araw ko na siyang hindi nagagalit o naasaar man
lang, kaya pakiradam ko ay parang lalagnatin ako, kaya naman napangisi ako nang may
bright idea na pumasok sa isip ko.

To: FOTM

Yup, we exchange personal numbers noong isang araw din, since as I've told him.
He's my Flavor Of The Month, but he insists na fúck búddy ko siya. Syempre, hindi
ko siya pinapakinggan.

Ilang sandali akong nagisip ng creative way na magsend ng message.

'Nanghihina ako, I need vitamin cóck, now.'

Pinatay ko sandali ang cellphone ko at tumingin sa operating room. Nakatayo lang

siyang mag-isa sa gilid. I saw him pull out his phone and read my message. For a
moment, I noticed the usual scrubcap that he was wearing.

Tsk, nakasuot siya ng facemask kaya hindi ko makita ang reaction niya pero nag-type
siya ng message. Hindi nagtagal ay natanggap ko na 'yon.

'Ok, saan mo gusto?'

Dali kausap, ah. I grinned. Now, ngayon na lalabas ang totoong pakay ko.
'Ay, 'wrong sent' pala, sorry.'

Mabilis pa sa kidlat siyang nag-reply.

'And who is it for? Your another 'Flavor of the month?' I can feel his irritation
and sarcasm seeping through the screen. Mas lalo akong napangisi. I like him mad.
It brightens up my day.

'Oo, nabo-bored na ako sa'yo e.'

That's a complete lie. I just like to push his buttons.

'Vlanca, where r u?'

'Nasa pwet mo nagkakape.'

I snorted with my own reply.

I then saw him looking around the gallery, like he was feeling my stare. Nang
magtama ang tingin namin ay binigyan niya ako ng patay-ka-sa-akin look. Matapos
noon ay nagbitaw siya ng tingin at nagtipa ng mensahe. Hindi nagtagal ay nag-
vibrate ang cellphone ko. My heart and my pússy thumped at the same time when I saw
his message.

'Go to the second floor's stockroom, now.'

Chapter 14: Stock Room

Martina Vlanca

"To all the hospital staff, including the med students. Out of order ang second
floor's stock room dahil sira ang temperature system doon. We cannot keep sterile
supplies there until it's fixed because it requires a certain temperature. There
are also other things that need maintenance such as the lights, since from what I
can see ay malapit na iyon na mapundi. Kakatawag ko lang sa maintenace people. They
will arrive next week to fix things and steriliezed the whole room again, until
then, sa main supply room muna kayo kumuha ng mga kailangan."

Napangisi ako sa aking sarili nang maalala ko ang announcement ng Chief of Surgery
noong makalawa. From the events of the past days of my life, it completely slipped
off my mind until now. And that bastard remembered it, that's why he told me to go
there. And am I complaining? Absolutely not.

Ngayon ay naglalakad na ako sa hallway nitong second floor. I am several doors away
from the stock room. Kada hakbang ko ay ramdam ko ang pagkibot ng pechay ko at ng
pagkabog ng dibdib ko. They are in sync, what the fúck, right? But it's Ezekiel, he
can give me the lightest touch and he would still evoke these desires and sexúal
reactions from me, like no one else can.

Pagdating ko sa harap ng pintuan ay may malaking 'CLOSED TEMPORARILY' na nakalagay

doon. I looked around me for a moment, may iilang nurse na dumadaan, kaya naman
yumuko ako sandali sa cellphone ko. So, I'd just look like I just paused from
walking and checked my phone for pages from Doctors.
Nang wala nang mga taong dumadaan ay agad kong kinuha ang metal AmEx Blackcard ko
mula sa card holder ng cellphone bago ko 'yon binalik sa aking bulsa. Since closed
temporarily ang stockroom na ito, they disabled the electric lock, like 'yung
pinagsa-swipe-an namin ng I.D para makapasok. Ngayon ay manual lock na lang, and I
can easily pick it with my card.

I was taught by the best; Ate Carmel. When I learned that she was an agent, kinulit
ko siya na turuan ako ng mga techniques. She was ready to teach me lessons about
guns and knives, but I told her that that's not what I'm interested in. I told her
I wanted to learn how to pick door locks, deadbolts, and even interchangeable core
cylinders. Why? Wala lang. It's cool for me, okay? And she didn't disappoint, she
taught me everything I wanted to know.

So, ang doorknob na ito ay sisiw lang, because in less than ten seconds ay
nakapasok ako sa walang laman na stockroom. Agad kong binalik ang walang gasgas ko
na card sa lalagyan at pinaandar ang mapupundi nang ilaw.

I then texted Ezekiel, I informed him that the door is unlocked, and that he could
just easily twist it. I then put my phone back and looked around. When I say, wala.
I mean wala talagang mga gamit dito, except sa dalawang mataas at malaking estante
sa gitna ng kwarto. The built-in shelf on the wall is also empty. Napansin ko din
ang maliit na lamesa at isang brown na upuan sa gilid. Lahat ng stockrooms dito ay
may ganoon. It's for the people who get supplies, so they can gather it together on
the table without a mess.

I stopped looking around when I heard the door open and the lock clicked. My heart
pounded as his intoxicating and delicious scent filled my lungs. My skin ignited
with heat, and the tension in the air thickens like smog in the city.

Hindi na ako nakatalikod pa ng tuluyan dahil mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang siko ko
at idinikit ako sa dingding. Napalunok ako nang magsalubong na muli ang tingin
namin. Madilim ang kanyang mukha, especially his blue eyes, it was dark with anger,
raw need and desire. His sharp jaw is tightly clenched, like he was holding himself
back.

Napalunok ulit ako.

"H-Hi...?" Bati ko na parang wala akong ginawang kalokohan sa kanya.

Instead of answering, he slowly gave me a dangerous yet sexy smirk formed in his
naturally red plump lips. My nipples strained against the fabric of my brassiere
when he wrapped his big hand around my throat. I can still breathe freely because
he wasn't choking me. It's his show of dominance, and god, did it make my made
pússy clenched in arousal and might've made it say; 'Choke me, Daddy.'.

"What am I gonna do to a little brat like you?" He said huskily while looking into
my eyes, his breath has a hint of mint and caffeine, and god, I want to find out
his taste.

And instead of shutting the hell up, like I'm supposed to do, kung gusto ko pang
makalakad ng maayos bukas. I smiled sweetly and opened my mouth.

"I don't know....maybe like me fúck me, so I don't get bored?" To push his buttons
further, tinaasan ko pa siya ng kilay.

He smiled darkly as he took off his tie. And then, right before I can come up with
a smart-åss comment, itinalikod niya ako. Agad kong naramdaman ang malamig na
dingding sa aking kaliwang pisngi, habang naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng tali sa
mga kamay ko sa aking likuran. Holy shít, I can't move my hands.

"Too tight?"

Umiling ako. I gasped when he pulled my bottoms down until it pooled around my
ankle. Namula naman ako. He made a sexy sound and then pinaglaruan niya sandali ang
maliit at manipis na garter ng white thongs ko. My nipples hardened even more.

"Do you remember your safe word?"

I nodded.

"Yes. Red."

And instead of praising me like he usually do, he answered, "Marunong ka rin pa

lang sumagot ng matino."

I bit my tongue to stop myself from talking back. Napangsinghap ako nang maramdaman
ko siya sa aking likuran. I exhaled audibly when I felt his huge erection straining
against the crack of my bare åss. I melted against him when I felt his hand on my
waist, and then slowly, it slid down to my bare thigh, and then I thought he was
gonna finally touch me there, but he didn't. To my disappointment, his hand just
went back to caress my arm.

"Open your mouth." He whispered in my ear before he licked the shell of my ear.
Mahina naman akong napaungol bago ko ginawa ang utos niya.

"Suck." He commanded when he placed his two fingers in my mouth.

I didn't just suck, I swirled my tongue and licked it until it was soaking wet. He
groaned in approval as I felt his hard erection twitch against my åss.

"Such a naughty girl.." He said and then without warning, he shoved his hand inside
my panties.

"AH---mmmmpph!" I almost moaned loudly when he inserted his two digits that are now
wet my saliva, inside me. Siniil niya ako nang mariin at mainit na halik kaya hindi
ako napaungol nang malakas. He ravaged my lips like he was hungry for me and at the
same time, he kissed me like he was punishing me for my behavior earlier. I
couldn't care less which one because I liked it either way. I like how he sucked my
lips and tongue-fúcked me until I was out of breath. And dåmn me, I loved his sweet
and a little minty taste.

"Quiet. You don't want anyone to hear how much of a dirty and needy little brat you
are, hmm?"

Nang hindi ako sumagot ay naramdaman ko ang palad niya sa aking puwitan. My nipples
ached even harder because my body liked the pang of pain on my åsscheek.

"Y-Yes..."

"That's a good girl."

Mariin naman akong napakagat sa aking pangibabang labi at napasandal sa dingding

nang bilisan pa niya ang paglabas masok ng kanyang mga daliri habang ang kanyang
hinlalaki ay minamasahe ang aking naninigas na butil. I was so wet that the
intrusion and withdrawal of his fingers are now making a sloppy sound.

"Ezekiel.." I whimpered his name.

"Your moans are for my ears only.....Just like how this pússy is only for me.."

Napaungol ako nang mahina nang diinan niya ang pagpasok. Mas lalo lamang akong
lumapit sa sukdulan.

"Please.." I whimpered again because I could feel myself approaching my climax. I

clenched around his moving fingers when he sucked my earlobe.

"Oh, are you about to come?" He mockingly whispered.

"Yes, please, please..."

"No." He flatly said and stopped his fingers.

Napamulat ako at sinubukan na lumingon sa kanya, but he was pressing me against the
wall. Nakatagilid ang ulo kaya naman, all I can see right now is just his face with
dark emotion.

"N-No! Please.."

Hindi siya nakinig sa pakiusap ko. Ang sakit na ng puson ko, I can feel my upcoming
release seeping and so, I tried to move my hips but then he smacked my åss.

"Stop." He growled.

"Ezekiel..don't do this to me...I want to come..please." I begged him.

He only smirked, and then languidly, he moved his fingers again. I wiggled because
it's not enough to make me come.

"Then, you shouldn't have said what you said earlier." Mariin niyang sagot. I then
felt his big hand come down on my åss again. Napasinghap ako nang idiin niya ang
sarili niya sa aking puwitan. "When you're hørny, or you're in heat...you don't ask
for anyone else....you only ask me. Do you understand?" He fiercely asked.

"Yes.." I replied while shamelessly grinding my pússy against his fingers. I was
about to reach my heaven pero tinanggal niya ang kanyang mga daliri at inipit akong
muli sa dingding, kaya ako hindi ako makagalaw. I wanted to touch myself and reach
cloud nine, but then I remembered my hands were tied. That's why he did it in the
first place!

"Dåmn you!"

"Hmm...that's not a very good mouth you have, Vlanca." Sarkastiko niyang sagot.
Matapos noon ay ipinasok niya ang kanyang kamay sa scrubtop ko. Itinaas niya ang
bra ko at hinanap ang tuktok ko. Mas lalo lamang nagliyab ang katawan ko sa
pagnanasa, at the same time, my frustration grew since I can't have my release,
he's teasing me, punishing me, bringing me to the edge but not giving me my
release.

"I-I'm sorry for what I did.......I will let you do anything to me.....just let me
come." I babbled because I am so desperate for him to take me to that cloud nine.

"Whatever I want?"

"Yes!"

"Hmm..very well, then, I will let you come, if you let me take you home....tomorrow
night...and every after your pre-duties."

"Sobra naman 'yon. Pre-duties ko na lang next week---ahhmpp!"

I was interrupted with my own muffled moans nang ibaon niyang muli ang dalawang
daliri niya sa loob ko. He pulled out his hand from my top and massaged my aching
bud with that hand. Halos manginig ang mga hita ko sa sarap.

"Ayoko na sa susunod na linggo lang. I want you always after every pre-duties.... I
figured na kulang pa sa'yo 'yung ginawa natin sa sasakyan. If I have you in my
house, I promise, you will not get bored. Because I can fúcking give whatever you
want.." Mariin niyang bulong habang pinaglalaruan niya ang pagkababae ko. My fists
balled behind my back, the tingles were now spreading all over my body. My heart is
racing and my body is sweating. I can feel my release approaching.

My brain is already clouded with lust and frustration but I perfectly understood
what he said...including his delicious promise.

"That's too m-much..." I managed to say. Sa kanya ako uuwi majority of the days in
the week. The hórny part of me wants that but I feel like that's just too much.
"And I was just joking....I wasn't bored....wala din akong ibang kalandian, ikaw
lang, I swear."

For a moment, he groaned like he was pleased with my confession. Mas lalong namuo
ang kamao ko dahil malapit na talaga ako, and then he fúcking slowed down his
fingers again! This time, he stopped massaging my bundle of nerves.

"Don't care, I want you in my bed every after your pre-duties..."

"I hate you." I sobbed.

"Oh, I know, little brat." He chuckled darkly. "All you have to do is say yes, and
I will let you come."

I am so desperate...and I feel like I am going to lose my mind if he denies me

again, and so, without so much thought, I opened my mouth.

"Yes...yes...pumapayag na ako."

When I glanced at him, he smiled. A rare fúcking smile.

"Good girl."

I almost whined when he spun me around but then he kneeled in front of me. He
ripped my seven-thousand-peso underwear. Binuka niya ang basang-basa ko nang hiwa
gamit ang kanyang dalawang daliri. It was a freaking good thing he was holding my
legs, because if he didn't, I would've fallen down when he covered my aching and
wet flesh with his hot mouth.

Halos dumugo ang labi ko dahil sa diin ng kagat ko doon nang maabot ko ang aking
nakakahibang na sukdulan. Ramdam ko ang paglabas ng aking mainit na katas.
Nanghihina akong tumingin sa kanya, his dark eyes were staring at me as he drank
all my juice. Hindi ko siya mapigil sa pagdila at paghalik sa akin doon dahil
nakatali ang mga kamay ko sa aking likuran.

"Kiel...I'm too senstive--oohh.."

Of course, he didn't listen. He lapped and sucked my pússy lips until he slurped
all of my juices. My heart is racing and my knees are jelly. When he finally
unlatched his mouth, my pússy was so sensitive it was quivering.

He then made his way up, by planting hot kisses, itinaas niya ang scrubtop ko at
hinalikan ang aking tiyan, pataas sa aking dibdib. He removed the tie on my wrists
and took off my remaining clothes, matapos noon ay tumingkayad ako at hinalikan
siya. I didn't mind that I could taste myself from his lips.

As I was kissing him, bumaba ang kamay ko sa belt niya. I unbuckled it and grabbed
his raging hard cóck. I then placed my thumb on the tip and rubbed the pre-cúm all
over his sensitive head. I smirked inwardly nang mapatigil siya sa paghalik sa akin
sandali. He cupped my face and kissed me harder afterwards.

"Wala akong condøm na dala." He whispered against my lips, when we pulled away. "I
am clean...is it okay if I fúck you raw? I'll pull out."

He edged me until I am literally begging for my own release, hindi ako papayag na
hindi ako maka-third base! Kaya naman sunod-sunod akong tumango.

Matapos noon ay hinitak niya ako sa gilid ng kwarto kung saan may upuan. He then
sat on it after he pulled down his pants. Hinitak naman niya ako sa kandungan niya,
and then in one go, I sat on his huge and veiny cøck. Halos malamukos ko ang
whitecoat na suot niya nang sumagad siya sa kaloob-looban ko.

But unlike on my first time, hindi ko na kinailangan na mag-adjust pa ng matagal.

My body accomodated to him right away. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa aking bewang
habang nakabaon ang kanyang mukha sa aking dibdib. He was sucking and licking my
boobs like he didn't taste them before.

"Huwag kang mag-iwan ng marks sa dibdib ko or sa leeg ko.." I told him.

"It's okay...I already left marks somewhere else." He answered sexily before he
went back to business.

I had to mask my moans with hums because I can't really stay quiet. Not when his
cóck is deliciously hitting all my spots, while his fingers are massaging my
clítoris. Slight pain bit my scalp when he wrapped his hands around my hair, he
then tilted my head and kissed my jawline while I fúcked him. Ngayon ko lang na-
realize na suot pa rin niya ang whitecoat niya habang nagta-taas baba ako sa
kandungan niya. That feels so freaking illegal and at the same time hot!

Unti-unting tumaas ang mga halik niya hanggang maabot niya ang tenga ko. He moaned
in my ear when I rotated my hips and clenched around his cóck.

"Fúck, you're such a good girl."

"I know."

He smirked and then massaged my clít. Hindi nagtagal ay nararamdaman ko na naman

ang napakasarap na kiliti na unti-unting kumakalat sa aking buong katawan.

"That's right... bounce on my cóck..just like that." He urged me as he pinched my

nipples in his fingers.

My pússy is now so wet that my juice is running down my thighs, while his cóck is
thrusting in and out of me, it was deep, that his heavy balls are slapping against
my åss. Nang maabot ko ang sukdulan ay napakalmot ako sa ngayong litaw niyang abs.
Kinailangan ko siyang siilin nang halik upang pigilan ang mga ungol ko. Matapos
noon ay bumitaw siya sa halik at mariin na hinawakan ang aking magkabilang bewang.
"Ahh...Ezekiel.."

Mariin at marahas siyang umulos mula sa ilalim ko. Kumapit ako ng mahigpit sa
kanyang whitecoat habang nanghihina akong sumandig sa kanyang katawan.

"Come for me again." He whispered in my ear.

"I c-can't." Nanghihina kong sagot.

"Yes, you can Vlanca."

And then without pulling out, binuhat niya ako at pinakapit sa walang lamang
estante. Kung may laman lamang iyon ay kanina pa iyon nagkalaglag dahil sa rahas at
bilis ng kanyang pagulos. I can hear his pelvis slapping against my åss!

"Ezekiel...oh, god...mmmhh!"

Ang kanyang isang matigas at matipunong braso ay nakahawak nang mariin sa bewang
ko, samantalang ang isang kamay niya ay inabot ang aking sensitibo at naninigas na
buti. That's when my órgasm just hit me like a freaking wrecking ball! Nanginig ang
mga hita ko habang nararamdaman ko ang paglabas at pagtulo ng katas ko sa kanyang
kahabaan na naglalabas masok parin mula sa loob ko.

"Vlanca...f-fúck.." He moaned as he buried his sweaty face in the back of my neck.

And after a few more thrusts, he pulled out and then made me kneel in front of him.
For a moment, I couldn't help but to notice how erótic he looks right now, his face
is sweaty, ngunit bakas doon ang sarap. His hair is a mess yet he looks sexy. Medyo
lukot at bukas ang kanyang dress shirt, his pants are pooled on his ankle.

The most erotic part that made my pússy clench is that he was stroking his cóck
with his whitecoat on.

"I'm gonna come...shít.....open that sinful mouth."

I did what I was told and then moments later, I felt his hot and thick cúm hit my
tongue.

He groaned my name habang inilabas niya lahat sa bibig ko. Matapos noon ay
hinihingal niyang hinawakan ang panga ko.

"Show me," He commanded. I then opened my mouth and showed him his thick and white
cúm on my tongue.

"Good girl, now, I want to see you swallow every single drop."

He didn't need to tell me twice. I swallowed it while looking him in the eye. I
even licked the sides of my mouth. He smirked.

"Such a good naughty girl." My pússy clenched at his praise.

With shaky legs, he helped me stand up. I hissed when I felt the soreness between
my legs. Kaka-recover ko lang tapos eto na naman ako. Jusko po.

"Stay here." He said after he made me sit on the chair. Ngayon ay nakaayos na ang
damit at pangibaba niya. Medyo lukot nga lang ang scrubs niya dahil sa akin. He
then proceeded to pick up my clothes that were scattered on the floor. Ngayon lang
nag-sink-in sa akin ang ginawa namin dito sa kawawang stock room.
Pabasbasan ko kaya 'to mamaya? But I don't think a blessing could undo what we did
here, gosh.

As I was sitting there, bumaba ang tingin ko sa aking pagkababae. My mouth parted
for a moment. Ngayon ko lang na-gets 'yung sinabi niya kanina habang nasa kandungan
niya ako. Hindi nga siya nag-iwan ng kiss marks sa dibdib ko dahil sa pechay at sa
inner thighs ko naman niya iniwan ang mga 'yon. It was pinkish and almost red, huge
dots. Freaking docmonyo!

Hindi nagtagal ay nakatayo na siya sa harapan ko dala ang stack ng damit ko. I saw
my ripped underwear on top of the clothes. He shamelessly put it in his pocket
before he smirked.

"You like?" Nanunuya niyang tanong, tinutukoy niya ang pesteng chikinini na iniwan
niya sa baba ko.

"Ginagago mo ba ako? Mas lalong hindi ako makakalakad ng maayos nito." I replied
through my gritted teeth.

He licked his lips.

"That's the goal." Nangaasar pa niya lalong sagot.

Pinukol ko siya ng masamang tingin. Akmang hahablutin ko ang mga damit ko nang
ilayo niya iyon.

"Ako ang naghubad, ako din ang magbabalik." He said and then crouched in front of
me, so he could help me wear my underwear.

Chapter 15: Kiki De Montparnasse

Martina Vlanca

"Oh, wow." I said as I walked in Ate Madison's VIP hospital room. Ayaw pumayag ni
Kuya Alejandro na sa regular room mapunta si Ate kaya naman narito siya. It looks
like a luxurious hotel room, from the yellowish-modern ceiling lights, minimalist
paintings on the walls, the long beige couch on the side and to the table for three
people. Ngayon pa lang ako nakapasok dito, since mostly, I assist patients in the
emergency room. I didn't have to worry about patients at this time or my attending
for today since it's my breaktime. I used this to visit my sister, kaysa
puntiryahin si docmonyo.

Speaking of that man, after we blessed the stock room and dressed me up. We went
out like nothing happened, except kinailangan kong maglakad (more like umika since
my girlie down there is really sore.) patungo sandali sa locker room upang kumuha
ng fresh underwear na maisusuot since he ripped and took the one that I wearing,
grr. That was one of my favorites.

Luckily, I survived my whole shift yesterday. Today, kahit gusto ko siyang bwisitin
or hingan ng vitamin cóck ay hindi ko ginawa, since he's really busy. He has a lot
of patients and cases. I made a mental note to check on him later. Well, binabawi
ko na ang sinabi ko kanina, a little teasing wouldn't hurt.

Nang maisara ko na ang pinto ay si Ate Madison ang una kong nakita, she's still in
her hospital bed with her hospital gown on. Laying and looking much better than
yesterday. Hindi siya mukhang in-pain, since her face seems more relaxed.

And also, she is not alone.

"Mi chica!" Bati ni Ate Carmel. Oh, my god. I missed her! Kasalukuyan siyang
nakasuot ng hospital scrubs at whitecoat. Although, she doesn't work here anymore,
pero siya pa rin ang nagpaanak kay Ate Madison at kasaluluyang nagpo-provide ng
neonatal care ni Majalia. She could do that since binigyan siya ng hospital
privileges ni Chief Geryis. They have a good history, since Ate Carmel used to work
here.

"Na-miss kita ng bongga! Saang butas ka ba kasi nagsusuot?" Natatawa kong tanong
nang maghiwalay kami. Last time I saw her was more than three months ago. Since
then, some of her features have changed, tulad na lamang ng kanyang balat, it
became a darker shade of bronze. It's like she's been out in the sun for months and
her hair is now longer and is now dyed in jet black. Mas lalo lamang bumagay sa
kanya iyon at na-highlight noon ang kanyang mga mata at kagandahan.

"You don't wanna know kung saang butas ako nagsusuot." She replied suggestively
that made me cackle. I then walked to the other amazing women that are in here and
greeted them. Ate Reagan is sitting on a chair near Ate Madison's bed with glowing
red hair and skin. Nakasuot siya ng washed jeans at brown na sweather. Samantalang
nasa tabi naman niya si Ate Jillian na ngayon ay buhat si Majalia. Ate Jillian's
wearing a simple red with a touch of royal blue dress that reached her knees.

"Hi, bebe." I said and gently kiss her forehead bago ako nakipag-beso kay Ate
Jillian.

As I've all greeted them, they told me na nasa cafeteria ang mga mister nila kasama
ang mga chikiting. The kids got hungry that's why. Meanwhile Kuya Alejandro went
home and cooked Ate Madison's favorite request. And because of that, I still
believe that romance is not dead.

"Hey mga b-word." Bati ni Ate Peyton nang pumasok siya sa hospital room. Nakasuot
lamang siya ng joggers at simpleng t-shirt. Nakipag-beso naman siya sa amin bago
siya umupo siya sa tabi ni Ate Carmel. Nasa couch sila pareho, samantalang narito
naman ako sa paanan ng kama ni Ate Madison. Nasabi ni Ate Peyton na tapos na silang
i-build ang kaso, she's just taking a break for a few minutes and then she'll be
back at the firm to polish it.

Sandaling naningkit ang mga mata ko sa kanilang dalawa, lalo na kay Ate Carmel. She
looks like a giddy puppy, now that she saw Ate Peyton. It seems friendly, but I can
sense something else from her gaze.

"Is it just me o may iba kay Vlanca today?" Sabi ni Ate Reagan, kaya naman
napatingin ako sa kanya. Ngayon ay buhat na niya si Majalia. She's gently rocking
her as we speak.

"Huh?" Takang tanong ko. Napatingin naman silang lahat sa akin, they all titled
their head like I'm sort of fascinating animal in a zoo.

Shít, I hope they didn't notice the way I walked, or that I'm still wearing a
longsleeves under my scrub, or 'yung maingat kong pagupo dahil medyo mahapdi pa ang
pechay ko.

Maya-maya ay naalis lamang ang tingin sa akin ni Ate Reagan dahil umiyak na si
Majalia.
"Oh...the sweet, precious angel is hungry..." She said and gently passed her to Ate
Madison Tumigil lamang si Majalia nang buhatin at i-breastfeed na siya ni Ate
Madison. I can't help but to smile as I saw that gentle look on my sister's face as
she cradle the baby in her arms.

"Alam ko na ang something kay Vlanca." Sabi ni Ate Jillian.

Bago pa niya 'yon masabi ay bumukas muli ang pinto.

"What's up mothertruckers?" Sabi ni Ate Maria in a hushed tone because she's aware
that dear Majalia is resting while consuming milk in her mother's arms.

Agad ko naman siyang nilapitan at inalalayan. She's now wearing regular clothes but

hitak hitak pa rin ang suwero niya.

"Maria!" Suway ni Ate Madison sa kanya. All of us have a concerned look on our
faces. She shouldn't have gone alone like this.

"Chill lang kayo..I'm okay. I was gonna visit Majalia, but then, hindi naman ako
na-inform na may sorrority meeting pala dito." She said as I guided her to sit down
on the couch. "Tinakasan ko si Neil noong pinabili ko siya ng food, since, I know
he won't let me go, given my condition." She answered when I asked her how she got
here. I just shook my head and then sat back in my place.

"Oh yeah, sorrority meeting tungkol sa after glow ni Vlanca 'to, sister."
Nakangising sabi ni Ate Reagan at tinaas baba ang kanyang mga kilay.

The rest of the ladies nodded in agreement.

"I can see it now. Huh." Ate Jillian said as she nodded.

Imbes na magsalita ay nasamid na lamang nang bahagya si Ate Maria. Kilala niya kasi
kung sino ang nagbigay sa akin ng 'after-glow'.

"Yieee, don't lie. Nadiligan ka, no?" Bulgar na tanong ni Ate Madison.

I chuckled before I bit my lower lip for a moment

"Oo na."

Ngumisi naman sila.

"Good job, welcome to the club." Sabi ni Ate Peyton. "Did you come tho? Cause the
s-word does not mean anything kung hindi nakarating ng langit." She said, the whole
time Ate Carmel is amusingly looking at her.

Tumawa naman kami nang bahagya, habang hindi ko naman maiwasan na mamula. I just
realized that she's censoring her words because of Majalia, and somehow, even
without the blatant word mention, the question still feels vulgar. And so, I
couldn't help but to blush before I answered, "I did..."

"Then, hooray. It's worth it, then." Sabi ni Ate Jillian at kinindatan ako.

Natawa naman ako sandali. It's indeed worth it, even with the consequences.

Maya-maya ay tumayo na si Ate Madison at marahan na inilagay sa crib na nasa gilid

niya si Majalia na ngayon ay payapang natutulog.

"I want to ask you guys something...." I trailed, kaya naman natigil sila sa pagku-
kwentuhan sa isa't-isa. Suddenly, ayoko nang tanungin pa iyon, just imagining how
will it sound... "but never--"

"Spill." Agad na sabi ni Ate Reagan.

"I mean you're technically all my sisters and I shouldn't ask these innapro--"

"Once we hear it, then we'll decide kung inappropriate 'yan, so, spill it, baby
sister." Sabi pa ni Ate Madison na ngayon ay nasa kama nang muli.

Huminga naman ako nang malalim bago ako nagsalita.

"Hindi ko alam kung paano..." How do I put it into words? "Uhm...mag-buko juice." I
may have grinded and fooled around with men, but I haven't put any manhood in my
mouth nor cúm except Ezekiel's. He is good at eating me down there, and I thought,
I want to return the favor, (kapag hindi ako nabwisit sa kanya).....but first, I
have to know how.

After a few moments they all got what I'm talking about and let out a chorus of
'oh's.

"Well, that's basic," Si Ate Reagan.

"Medyo mahirap for me pero keri.." Si Ate Jillian, slightly blushing.

"Nakakangawit ng panga pero keri nga." Si Ate Madison.

"I do agree with Ate Madison and Ate Jillian." Si Ate Maria. "Pero mesherep talaga
gawin kapag gusto mo."

Bahagyang napaawang ang mga labi ko sa mga iba-iba nilang mga sagot.

"Preach, sister!" Nakipag-apir si Ate Reagan at kay Ate Maria sandali.

"Never tried it because it looks like a tedious job." Tanging sagot ni Ate Carmel.
"In my opinion, it's easier to go down on women...right Atty. Santiago?"

Ngumising aso lamang sa kanya si Ate Peyton.

"Walanjo, nanahimik na ako e." Natatawang sagot niya bago pabirong hinampas sa
tiyan si Ate Carmel. She just giggled.

For a moment, I stared at them..I can't help but notice how Ate Carmel looks at
her. Ate Peyton's now busy reading whatever she pulled out from the bag, she was
carrying earlier, so, hindi niya pansin iyon. Ate Carmel's gaze wasn't
sexúal....it's more profound than that....something is going on with these two---or
atleast may something si Ate Carmel kay Ate Peyton. I can tell...and hindi aalis ng
ospital na ito si Ate Carmel nang hindi niya sa akin sinasabi.

"Uhm...so, given my question...who's gonna tell me how to do it?" I finally asked.

Kumuha naman ng saging si Ate Maria mula sa kalapit na fruitbasket at inihagis iyon
kay Ate Reagan na ngayon ay nakangisi.

"Okay, lesson number one, baby girl...you will...."

It was my turn to smirk as I listened to her. I will indeed have tricks for him
tomorrow.

"May something sa inyo ni Ate Peyton." I stated habang naglalakad kami ni Ate
Carmel dito sa hallway. Kasalukuyan kaming naghahanap kami ng stretcher sa gilid na
pwedeng tamabayan sandali. There are only ten minutes left of my break. I used most
of it to learn some interesting information and also laughed with my sisters. It
was definitely a worthwhile moment, since by the time their husbands and kids came
back, we're all dying from hushed laughter.

Kakabalik lang ni Ate Peyton sa firm and then the rest of the family left Ate
Madison, Majalia, with Kuya Alejandro to rest.

"No, we're friends." Sagot niya. We then walked to the nearest stretcher we found
and sat on it. Narito iyon sa dulo ng hallway kaya naman walang masyadong tao na
dumaraan sa harap namin.

"Please do not tell me there are benefits."

Umiling siya at isinandig ang ulo niya sa dingding matapos niyang hubarin ang
kanyang whitecoat. She then put it in her lap.

"I wish." She humorously replied.

I chuckled lightly.

"I see the way you look at her, Ate Carmel....she's engaged and you know that,
right?"

Nagbitaw siya ng tingin at tumingin lamang sa kanyang harapan.

"Alam ko na engaged na siya, Vlanca....believe me, I know." She paused and

swallowed for a moment.

"Then why did I see what I saw?"

A beat of silence passed before she looked at me. Hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita.

"I'm just curious, is all....but if you don't want to tell me it's okay."

Ilang sandali siyang nanatiling tahimik bago siya dumaing.

"Nagkakilala kami noong binubuo namin 'yung kaso ni Alejandro. I made her blush and
nervous when I jokingly flirted with her because that's what I do when I am
stressed."

I nodded and smiled a bit. I am well aware of that.

"Dapat joke lang 'yon but I find her reaction adorable.." She smiled a little.
"Though at that time, alam ko na straight siya at may boyfriend, double kill 'di
ba?"

Pagak naman akong tumawa.

"Pero given that fact, tinigilan ko siya. We continued to work on the case. My
whole plan was after the whole thing, I'll just accept a mission out of the country
and move away, pero shêt, the more that we're together, the more I see how
intelligent, sexy, and funny she is, and that alone made me fascinated with
her....We became closer and I found myself loving her personality. Still, I didn't
tell her about what I felt. And I knew that I was even more fúcked the moment her
texts made me smile. But for her...we're just friends...which dapat ganoon
lang...pero no matter how I forced myself. I want to be more than just her friend."

"I can steal her if I want, pero, that's not who I am, besides Ivanov is a good
guy, I won't do that to him. So, I didn't confess and I settled with friendship. To
make it work, kumuha ako ng mga mission na malayo sa Pilipinas. We stayed in touch
kahit noong nasa ibang mga bansa ako.....I called her, she called me.....and hindi
niya alam kung gaano ako napapasaya ng tawag niya. We stayed friends, and then,
maybe two months before the engagement, nagkalabuan sila ni Ivanov, dahil noong mga
panahon na 'yon ay malala pa ang commitment issues ni Ivanov. It showed noong
tinanong siya ni Peyton about weddings and growing old together..." Tumigil siya
sandali at bahagyang napadaing. "A conversation that I wish she had with m-me
instead."

"And then given his issues, hindi siya sumagot at nagpaalam lang na aalis. He was
terrified of it and then of course, Peyton got hurt really bad." She paused.
"Madison was pregnant at that time...and ayaw niyang magalala siya. So, she called
me...and when I heard her crying, hindi ako nagdalawang isip na magpa-extract sa
mission. I flew the jet from Dubai to here, she stayed in my apartment. I let her
cry and drink. At that moment, gusto ko lang masapak si Ivanov, since hindi niya
alam kung gaano siya ka-swerte na gusto siyang pakasalan at makasamang tumanda ni
P-Peyton." Her voice cracked, and I saw her eyes watered kahit na hindi siya
nakatingin sa akin. She just continued to look at her twisting fingers in her lap
for a few seconds before she started speaking again.

"Though, I didn't say anything to her. I just let her be...let her cry and
drink...and then, habang iniinom niya ang pang-lima niyang soju, which made her
very drunk, she started saying how lucky she is that she has me, nasabi din niya sa
akin noong unang nilandi ko siya ni-contemplate niya 'yung buong séxuality niya
since I made her feel tingles." Tumawa siya ng pagak sandali at umirap sa hangin.
"And what really even messed me was when she said that when we're together, she
sometimes wonders how it feels to be my woman...or my man... I finally thought that
it was her confession...pero dinagdag niya 'yung 'since sobrang caring ko na daw as
a friend'..." Napailing siya sandali.

"Dåmn..." Hindi ko maiwasang mabulong.

"That's not the best part yet...kasi after niya 'yun sabihin at ubusin ang isa pang
bote, she climbed on my lap and kissed me."

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Oh, fúck.." Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko.

"Don't get excited, It was a drunken kiss, and I was aware of it.... but no matter
how I deny it, a part of me was ready to risk it all for her because she fúcking
kissed me and I love her.....a part me of me was wishing it was real but then she
said, it was a mistake, a drunken m-mistake.

I told her it was fine...and then I tucked her into
reality, for me, it was everything. Nasaktan ako ng
karapatan na masaktan since I know it's always been
and will never know about my feelings. I don't want
ruined."
my bed after she puked.... in
bongga, pero wala akong
one-sided, and she never knew
what I have with her to get
"I'm sorry.." I said sincerely and reached for her hand. Hindi maiwasang kumirot
sandali ng puso ko para sa kanya. "D-Did she remember what she said and did?" Hindi
ko maiwasan na matanong.

She smiled sadly and wiped a lone tear.

"No...and I never told her. Sinabi ko lang sa kanya na sumuka siya, that's
it.....and then, she thanked me for being there....and then I've spent the rest of
my 'emergency mini vacation' being a masochist....dahil tinulungan ko silang
magkaayos kahit na gusto kong samantalahin 'yung oras para ipakita kay Peyton na
mahal ko siya...na maybe, I am better for her." She shook her head again and
scoffed. "I pushed Ivanov to fix up his issues and be the man that my Peyton d-
deserves. And thank heavens he did, I helped him plan the engagement....now,
they're...." She sniffed and breathed out, "H-happy. Peyton is finally happy with
him."

I squeezed her hand for a moment, she then glanced at me.

"And you are?"

"Happy, too.." She said and then smiled, but it didn't reach her bloodshot eyes.
"As long as Peyton's happy, I am too."

Ilang sandali ng katahimikan ang lumipas, since tigalgal pa rin ako. Maya-maya ay
marahan niyang piniga ang kamay ko at bahagyang ngumiti.

"And that's why you saw what you saw, mi chica." She finally said.

"I do not know what to say." I replied and then hugged her. I really don't know
what to say since just hearing it from her is painful enough....what more na sa
kanya pa na nangyari?

"It's okay...I'll be fine.." She whispered as she rested her chin on my shoulder.

"Are you tho?" Tanong ko nang maghiwalay kami.

She shrugged.

"Let's just put it this way; One day, magiging okay na ako and then I will be at
her wedding as her maid of honor," Seryoso niyang sagot na ikinatango ko nang
bahagya. "Or I will be at her wedding as her kidnapper." There was humor in her
tone, but why do I feel like she's serious about that?

Martina Vlanca

The hours passed by and I am still a little shaken up about what happened between
Ate Carmel and Ate Peyton, although she told me not to think about it too much,
since once again, she assured me that she'll be fine. I hope she does. I can't
imagine her pain.... seeing someone you love....with someone else is a pure
torture. I may have not experienced it yet, (and I hope I don't) but I am sure that
it feels like hell.

Ngayon ay narito na ako sa emergency room, kakagaling ko lang sa gallery. Docmonyo

is still there but operating on his fourth patient of the day, and it's just two in
the afternoon. I wanted to stay and watch him perform an ex lap pero pinatawag ng
Attending ko. She's instructing me to assist a patient with a resident.

Now, this patient is a female, her name's Maggie San Pedro, twenty-three. Nagco-
complain siya na nanghihina siya, at nahihirapang huminga. When I did a physical
exam, I noticed some discoloration on her skin. Now, that's not normal...It's
definitely symptoms of something. She's currently laying on the bed, here in
treatment ward seven.

"Kailangan ko lang po na magsagawa ng oral exam, ayos lang po ba 'yon?" I asked for
her consent, agad naman siyang tumango at ibinuka ang kanyang bibig. I turned on my
small flashlight and right off the bat, I saw something in her mouth, specifically
sa kanyang ngipin, it's like she applied some type of cream on the left side of her
teeth.

"Uhm, Ms. San Pedro, may nilagay po ba kayong cream sa ngipin niyo?" I asked right
after I stopped checking.

"Oo, pampamanhid na cream kasi sumasakit ngipin ko kagabi pa...."

"And nagsimula po ang nararamdaman niyo, kagabi din?"

Tumango siya. Okay, whatever she's feeling has something to do with that cream.

Agad ko naman na isinulat sa clipboard ang lahat ng na-observe ko. Maya-maya ay

dumating na ang resident na kasama ko, which is Basil. Dala niya ang file ni Ms.
San Pedro.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," He said and I nodded in affirmation, because it's
true. She has no past medical histories but a few colds over the years. Now that we
cannot find what's the root of her symptoms, we had to draw out a sample of blood
to test, to see and be sure about what we rule out of her symptoms.

"Okay, ikaw na ang mag-draw ng blood. Let's see your technique." Sabi niya na
ikinatango ko. He moved away a few inches and observed

I immediately put on the gloves, carefully unpacked the syringe and set it down the
table first. Kumuha ako ng torniquet at lumapit sa aking pasyente. I fixed a
friendly smile, hoping that it would somehow lessen the worry in her face.

"Ms. San Pedro, kailangan ko po kayong kuhanan ng dugo upang malaman natin ang kung
ano mang dahilan ng nararamdaman niyo. Ayos lang po ba 'yon?"

Tumango naman siya.

"Oo naman."

Now that I have verbal consent, I carefully wrapped the torniquet around her arm. I
still can't help but to look at the bluish things on her arm.

"Okay, hindi po 'to masyadong masakit. Mararamdaman niyo lang po ang pagpasok ng
karayom, and then after that, you should be fine." I told her, in which she nodded
again. "Breathe in and in 3, 2...1.." Then pinasok ko na ang karayom.

"Ayos," Sabi ni Basil. I smiled a little before I pulled the plunger to extract
blood. I was especting the usual red, crimson, liquid. Pero napatitig kaming tatlo
sa kasalukuyang likido na pumapasok sa hirringilya.

Ilang beses akong pumukit at dumilat, hoping that it some sort of hallucination but
it wasn't.

"Pú-tángina, bakit blue 'yung dugo ko?" Gulantang na tanong ni Ms. San Pedro.

Her blood is really fúcking blue. A dark shade even.

"Hoy, doktor sagutin mo ako? Mamatay na ba ako huhu."

Umiling kami pareho ng resident matapos kong bunutin ang karayom at tapalan ng
band-aid ang pinanggalin noon.

"Hindi po." Maagap na sagot ni Basil. "For now, magpahinga muna po kayo....dadalhin
lang po namin ito sandali sa lab and then we will be back to inform you, okay po?"
He said gently. And then we went on our way and as we were walking, I was thinking.

"I have never encountered this," Sabi niya ngayong pabalik na kami sa emergency
room. The lab said it would take fifteen minutes. "All I know is that the
discoloration of the blood has something to do with her iron and oxygen, it could
be inadequate."

Tumango ako. It's true. Agad naman kaming nakarating sa reception table ng
emergency room. I glanced at our patient. She's still there, on her phone.

"Okay," I said at bumaling ako kay Basil. I just noticed his long hair, chubby
figure, and tall build. "Oxygen and Iron basically sustains the human body,
correct?"

"Correct."

"Kapag walang sapat na oxygen, discoloration happens....like kapag patay at hindi

na humihinga ang isang tao, nagiging blue ang kanilang mga kuko, even their skin."

"Yeah, but the things buhay si Ms. San Pedro."

"Yes, and she's having a hard time breathing, which means her oxygen in her body is
not enough. Which may be the cause of bluishness in her skin and in her blood." I
paused and grabbed the clipboard with her paper on the table behind us. "But how is
she still alive with blue blood...." I murmured to myself as I read it.

After skimming through, I snapped my fingers and smiled at him. Tumaas naman ang
kanyang mga kilay, urging me to go on.

"She put something in her tooth because it hurts."

"And then it must be some sort of product of benzocaine." He added. Benzocaine is a

form of anesthetic or pain reliever for toothache, canker sores, etc. It can be in
a gel or cream form, which could be sold to the general public in drugstores
nationwide.

"And there's a lot in her mouth, right now, and too much benzocaine can cause the
iron in her blood to surrender the electrons, now that can cause either deformity
or discoloration of the blood...and in her case it was the latter." I paused to
catch my breath because I was speaking so fast from excitement, since I may have
cracked the case. "That being said, if the lab results indicates what I said, Ms.
San Pedro may have a case of methemoglobinemia." It's a case of hemoglobin that
does not carry oxygen, and the too much benzocaine must have triggered that.

"So, we can prescribe her with ascorbic acid if ever, dahil makakatulong ito na
ibaba ang level ng methemoglobin sa dugo niya, thus can reverse the symptoms and
the color of her blood."

Napatitig sa akin na animo'y may tîtî na naka-drawing sa noo ko.

"You don't even need me to tell you that you're correct, because you already know
you are." He replied without a condescending tone. Napangiti naman ako. "You're a
gifted student and I hope you know that."

My heart warms at his compliment because it was sincere. Mas lalong lumawak ang
ngiti ko bago ako nakipag-high five sa kanya.

"Thank you, Basil."

Minutes later we got the result...and just like Basil said, I was right. We had to
explain the situation to Ms. San Pedro, noong una ay nag-freak-out siya but then
she gradually understood the situation. Basil then wrote her some prescription and
scheduled her for a check-up in the following week. Matapos noon ay naka-encounter
pa kami ng ilan pang mga kaso, thank heavens, nothing is extreme.

Huminga ako nang malalim habang nag-strecthing dito sa loob ng on-call room. No
one's here since most of them already left, including Dakota. It's the end of our
shift and she had to leave early since she has a dinner scheduled with Tito Dakila.
Ngayon ay narito ako sa gilid ng isang bunk bed, I'm stretching my limbs and arms,
since kakatapos ko lang gawin ang paperwork ko.

I also stretched my neck while Olivia Rodrigo's Brutal is playing on my airpods.

"God, it's brutal out here..." I said and hummed the instrumental.

Kumapit naman ako sa kalso ng upper bed at ini-stretch naman ang mga braso ko. My
shift ended and I haven't seen docmonyo. Hindi dahil it's my choice, it's just that
we're both busy, especially him. I heard that before four P.M ay naka-tatlong major
surgery na siya at several minors.

I'm thinking of dropping by at the gallery mamaya after ko magligpit. For now, I'm
gonna savor the song and stretch. Akmang tatanggalin ko ang kamay ko sa kalso ng
pangibabaw na kama ay nang maramdaman ko ang presensya niya sa likuran ko pati na
rin ang pamilyar niyang amoy.

Humigpit ang kapit ko sa metal nang maramdaman ko ang pagkalalaki niya sa bahagyang
mahapdi kong pwetan. I felt his warm and hig hand on waists and then another one
snaked in my scrub bottoms.

"Did you lock the door?" I asked him as I took out one airpod and threw it on the
bed.

He just grunted in response and pressed a hot kiss on my neck.

Napahigpit ang kapit ko nang walang sabi-sabi niyang ipasok ang kamay niya sa scrub
bottoms ko. I inhaled sharply when he cupped me down there. I felt his fingers
tighten on the material of my underwear. Hinawakan ko naman ang kanyang mamasel at
maugat na forearm.

"Utang na loob, do not rip it, it's Kiki De Montparnasse beaded lace thong--"
"Kiki-What?" He whispered in disbelief.

"It's twenty nine thousand pesos and it's one of my faves, so, do not rip it, if
you're gonna fúck me." I felt a smirk against the skin of my neck.

"Twenty nine for this?" Nanunuya niyang tanong habang pinaglalaruan ang laced
material non.

Umirap ako sa hangin.

"Yeah, walang basagan ng trip."

He chuckled lightly

"Interesting....but I am not here to fúck...I just want some taste.." He said hotly
and then dipped his fingers in my folds, he then brought it to his mouth and sucked
it. My nipples hardened. My gosh. "I don't want to fúck you just yet because you're
gonna need a lot of rest for tomorrow." He suggestively whispered and kissed the
shell of my ear. Goosebumps broke out in my skin.

Yup, I am still aware of the agreement and I still agree.... Pero I said that the
agreement will not start until tomorrow, kahit na it's twenty four hour duty
tomorrow. I have to stall him atleast a day, kailangan ng pahinga ng pechay ko.

"Also, I want to rest." He added that made my eyebrows furrow.

Bago pa ako makapag-tanong ay pinapulot niya sa akin ang airpod na nasa kama bago
niya ako inihiga doon. He took his shoes off and his deep blue scrubtop--sandali
akong napalunok dahil doon. Matapos noon ay pinagkasya niya ang sarili niya sa kama
at pumwesto sa gilid ko. Basically, kalahati lang ng katawan niya ang nakapatong sa
akin dahil mapipisa ako kung 'yung buong katawan niya. I can feel his hard, warm,
and bare body. I tried my best to ignore the tingling sensation in my body.
Samantalang ang kanyang mga braso ay nakapulupot sa akin, while his head is resting
on my boobs.

Why is my heart pounding so loud? And I hope he doesn't hear it.

"Bakit hindi ka pumupunta ng gallery maghapon?" Tanong niya na bahagyang ikinabigla

ko. I didn't expect him to ask that, and most importantly, I didn't expect him to
lie like this with me.

"Na-miss mo ako noh?" Tudyo ko.

"Is it because you're with that dark-haired doctor?" He ignored my playful question
and asked that instead with a somehow unpleasant tone.

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"First of all, pumunta ako doon pero pinatawag agad ako, and I was busy like you
all day... Second, the dark-haired doctor is my cousin named Agent Carmel Jonas.
Third, how the fúck did you know who I was with?"

Hindi pa rin siya nakatingin sa akin, bagkus ay naka-sandig lang ang pisngi niya sa
dede ko.

"She's a new doctor in the building...med students talk and words go around."
Simpleng sagot niya na ikinairap ko.

"Kala ko stalker kana...chismoso ka lang pala."

Hindi na siya sumagot pa, bagkus ay humiga lang siya nang ganoon sa ibabaw ko.

"Hoy, Ezekiel...doon ka nga matulog sa on-call room mo. It's more comfortable
there." Pagtataboy ko sa kanya. Hindi ako sanay na ganito siya. It's weird but
somehow a part of me wants more of this.

My god, where did that come from?

"No, I want to sleep with your títs in my hand and my face." He replied, matapos
noon ay ipinasok niya ang kamay niya sa scrubs ko. I gasped when he grabbed my
boob.

"I h-have to go home."

"Thirty minutes lang.."

I sighed inwardly.

"Fine...but, you have to listen to Olivia Rodrigo while you fall asleep."

Inangat naman niya sandali ang kanyang ulo at kinunotan ako ng noo. His beautiful
eyes were hooded because of fatigue. My fingers are itching to brush his slightly
disheleved black hair but I stopped it.

"That's the deal or get your hands off of me."

With a grunt ay kinuha niya ang airpod na pinatong ko sa gilid ng ulo ko kanina.
Nakasimangot niyang isinuot iyon.

"I'll never win with you, woman." He muttered.

Ngumiti naman ako nang malawak at ini-play ang Traitor. I immediately heard the
melodious humming of the intro in my right airpod, since nasa kanya ang left.

"Tse, arte mo, napapayag mo nga ako na kanain mo ako every after pre-duty ko e."

He smirked.

"Fair enough," He replied. Matapos noon ay sumiksik siya sa leeg ko at hinawakan

ang dede ko. I almost shuddered when I felt his warm breath against my neck, and
his lips brushing against my skin.

"Ang sabi mo dede lang, ba't nasa leeg ka na--"

"Huh? I can't hear you, I'm sleeping."

Napairap na lang ako.

Chapter 16: Trindade

Martina Vlanca

"Psst," Mahinang tawag ko at tinusok ang pisngi niya pero tanging mahihinang hilik
lang ang sagot niya sa akin. I can feel his hot breath and his lips barely touching
my skin because his face is buried in the crook of my neck. Wala na din sa dibdib
ko ang kamay bagkus ay nakapalupot na iyon sa bewang ko ang kanyang matigas na
braso. Jusko, ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya pati na rin ang tigas
noon.

Tahimik lamang ako na napabuntong hininga. He is clearly tired dahil oras na

ipinikit niya ang kanyang mga mata kanina ay borlogs na siya. I said thirty-minutes
lang pero noong ginising ko na siya ay sabi niya ay 'five-more-minutes' pa daw,
pumayag ako dahil hindi ko alam na ang version pala niya ng five minutes ay another
thirty-minutes.

Ay nako, docmonyo. Ako pa ang napag-trip-an niyang gawin teddy bear. Although, this
whole behavior of his is very unexpected....hindi ko alam na may nage-exist pala na
ganito niyang side.

I tried to poke his cheek again pero wala, he is asleep as a rock. Hinayaan ko na
lamang siya, maybe five more minutes and then I will push him to the floor after.
That sounds like such a good plan.

Bahagya naman akong napasinghap nang tumugtog ang upbeat part ng Killing Me Softly
ng Fugees. It's really loud and as a good citizen, tinanggal ko ang airpod sa tenga
niya, may awa pa naman ako kahit papaano.

"Ba't mo tinanggal?" He grumbled.

I rolled my eyes. So, the devil is awake.

"Ay wow, gising ka na pala." Sarkastiko kong sagot.

Hindi siya sumagot, without taking his face off of my neck, kinuha niya ang airpod
sa kamay ko at ibinalik iyon. He just once again laid there like nothing happened.

"Three minutes, I will leave whether you like it or not."

"Fine." He groaned. The music is still faintly playing in my airpod.

A stranger to my eyes, strumming my pain with his fingers...

"Grabe ang ugat ng forearm mo." I said nang i-trace ko ang daliri ko doon.

"I lift weights."

"Oh, nagli-lift din ba ng weights ang titî mo kasi maugat din e."

He made a 'tsk' sound na ikinatawa ko. Lumipas ang ilang minuto ay tinulak ko ang
kamay niya pero binalik niya 'yon sa dede ko.

"Kiel nga....kailangan ko nang umuwi." I said and stopped the music. "Pinagbigyan
na kita.."

He grunted bago niya inilagay sa gilid ko ang airpod na suot niya kanina pa.
Matapos noon ay itinukod ang kanyang magkabilang kamay sa magkabilang gilid ko, in
an attemp me to get off me, pero hinawakan ko ang matigas niyang braso.

"Wait, patingin muna ako ng abs mo." Walang hiyang sabi ko.

He rolled his eyes and did what I asked. He is on top of me, supporting his own
weight. Wala man lang kahirap-hirap sa kanya iyon. Nakangisi kong hinawakan ang
kanyang matigas na dibdib pababa sa mga pandesal niyang matitigas. The whole time
ay nakatingin siya sa mukha ko, pinapanood niya ang ekspresyon ko gamit ang kanyang
mapupungay at asul na mga mata.

"Masakit?" Tanong ko at pinaraan ang aking daliri sa mga kalmot ko sa abs niya.
It's already healing but the sides of the scratches are still pinkish.

Umiling siya. "No."

I nodded softly. Maya-maya ay bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanang tagliran niya. There's
a small tattoo there. Hindi ko 'yon nakita noong nagmilagro kami sa sasakyan kasi
madilim doon, hindi ko din nakita iyon noong nasa stockroom kami dahil masyado
akong, let's say; malibóg at that time. Now that we were not doing anything else, I
noticed it. It's definitely Portuguese or some other language he knows because I
couldn't understand it.

Trindade. That's what it says. It's small and written with dark ink and is in
cursive form. Judging from the appearance, mukhang pina-tattoo niya 'yon a couple
years ago.

Akmang hahawakan ko iyon nang mahuli niya ang kamay ko.

"Don't." Mariin niyang sabi, parang napapaso ko naman na ibinalik ang kamay ko sa
matipuno niyang dibdib. Questions raised in my mind such as why? But then I
remember that I agreed to never ask him anything.

Napalunok ako nang sinalubong ko ang kanyang madilim na mga mata. His face seemed
hostile now. It's like I did something wrong to him.

"W-What's that?" Tanong ko pa din. Pero imbes na sumagot siya ay siniil niya ako
nang mariin na halik. It wasn't passionate nor sweet. It was
dominating....harsh....and hot. I moaned in his mouth when his lips deliciously
kissed and consumed my lips.

Napaawang naman ang mga labi ko nang kagatin niya ang pangibaba noon at dilaan
iyon. He then took the opportunity to ravage my mouth with his tongue.

I felt dizzy in sensations when he finally pulled away. Hinihingal ako at kumakabog
ang dibdib ko. My lips are still tingling from his kiss. He wasn't done with me
dahil bumaba pa ang halik niya sa panga ko hanggang makarating siya sa tenga ko.

"Hindi tayo pwedeng lumabas ng sabay." He whispered, in which I nodded in

agreement.

"I-I'm going out first." I replied, with the unspoken question and curiosity still
in my mind. I didn't attempt to ask him again since he made it clear that I'm not
gonna get an answer from him.

I shook my head, I shouldn't have asked, It's none of my business. And besides it's
not like I care, it's just that his reaction was somehow weird.

And so, without saying another word ay tumayo na ako mula kama. I straightened my
scrubs at binulsa ko ang cellphone ko kasama ang airpods. He then watched me gather
my things from the table nearby as he sat down on the bed, still half-naked.

I threw him a look noong dala ko na ang mga gamit ko. His cold blue eyes were
trained on me.

"Ingat ka." He said, I stared at him for a moment because I've heard a hint of
gentleness from his tone, that i've never heard him use on anyone before.

Instead of saying anything ay tumango na lamang ako bago ako lumabas ng pinto.

Agad naman akong nakauwi nang apartment. It's almost seven in the evening and I was
expecting that I was alone, kaya naman nagulat ako nang makita ko si Miguel na nasa
couch, relaxing and wearing his 'walang kamatayang' outfit.

"Hi, Ate!" Masiglang bati niya.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong ko at umupo sa kabilang dulo ng couch, matapos

kong ibaba ang bag ko sa sahig. I then snatched the glass of wine in his hand.
Imbes na magreklamo gaya ng usual niyang ginagawa kapag inaagaw ko ang either food
or drink niya, ay ngumiti lang siya. "Do you want some more?" Tanong pa niya na
ikinaningkit ng mga mata ko.

"Why are you weirdly jollier......than usual?" I asked and then tinungga ko ang
laman ng buong baso.

He sighed and smiled.

"Masaya lang ako dahil makukulong na rin ang mga sangkot sa kung ano mang nangyari
kay Ate Maria."

Napatango naman ako.

"Okay, I get it now." Seryoso kong sagot. I am relieved too by that news.

A couple of days ago ay nahuli na ang lahat ng mga sangkot, naibunyag pa nga nila
ang isang sekretong drug den sa isang casino. In which, Kuya Neil shut down
immediately...And weirdly the suspects there, including Benjamin are already tied
up and ready for the police. That's some weird shít right there but no one in the
family is complaining, certainly not me, in fact, we are thankful for whoever did
it. At kung malaman ko man kung sino 'yon, I will definitely give them lots of
rewards like car, money, or whatever they desire, since what they did massively
helped in getting the culprits. Unfortunately, we weren't able to express our
gratitude since walang bakas or traces ng identity at ebidensya na naiwan ang
vigilante na iyon.

Also because of Aron's full confession and the new evidence, nabuo na rin nang
tuluyan ni Ate Peyton at Kuya Neil ang kaso, they're just waiting for the trial
date. I am so happy and I can't wait to see the sons of bítches behind bars. I am
also happy to know that my siser, Ate Maria is recovering very well and is now
relieved. Kaming dalawa na lamang ni Miguel ang narito sa apartment since she
already moved in with Kuya Neil in a secure and peaceful house here in Metro.

Inabot ko naman ang bote ng wine na nakapatong sa ottoman at sinalinan ang baso. I
then handed it to my little brother while I drank straight from the bottle.

"Anyway, ba't nandito ka? Wala kang pasok?" Tanong ko.

Umiling siya matapos niyang uminom ng wine. I can't help but notice his eyes for a
moment, it looks like our father's. Well, he mostly took his traits from our
father. From the height, color of the hair, and eyes. Ang kaibahan lang ay may
kahabaan at mas medyo kulot ang buhok ni Miguel.
"I'm suspended." He replied.

"Suspended sa bookstore?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong bago uminom ulit ng wine.

The sweet and bitter taste never fails to make my nerves all fuzzy.

He shrugged.

"Yeah, I had a little accident and broke a rule....but I'll be back next week."
Sagot niya.

I scoffed.

"Anong accident? Did you spill ink again?

He hissed.

"Well.....It's worse than that....I m-misprinted alot of book covers." He paused,

like he was contemplating whether he would tell me about it or not.

"Meaning?" I trailed...so, wala siyang choice kung hindi sabihin sa akin ang buong
storya.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair for a moment.

"Basically, nalagay ko 'yung cover ng children's book sa isang batch ng hardcore

erøtica books."

Natuptop ko ang bibig ko.

"Miguel!" I said as I giggled loudly. "Oh, my god, please tell me you are lying."

He bit his lower lip, his cheeks were already blushing.

"I wish I was." Sagot niya, his tone truly indicates that he's regretting what he
accidentally did. Inabot naman niya ang backpack niya sa sahig sandali at binunot
niya ang libro na ang title ay 'Super Donkey and Her Friends.' The cover is totally
for kids since may animated na donkey at iba pang cute animals. When he handed it
to me, I flipped the cover and I literally gasped when I saw the first page.

It was pure, dirty, hot, smút!

I shut the book right away and covered my mouth as I laughed loudly. Sa sobrang
tawa ko ay hindi ako makapagsalita. I had to put the bottle on the floor, so, I
could hold my stomach since it's already starting to hurt from all the laughing.

"The batch ended up being shipped to one of the locations.....it took me an hour to
realize my mistake. By that time, may mga nakabili na.....so, a few minutes later,
walang tigil na nagri-ring ang bookstore phone sa mga complaints ng mga magulang ng
mga bata na nakabili noong libro. They were expecting pictures and words of baby
donkey.....instead it contains stuff on how to make a baby....in the kinkiest way
possible." He said and hissed.

I threw the book in his lap, habang mamatay-matay ako kakatawa.

"Ate..." Namumulang ungot niya.

My chest heaved as I did my best to stop laughing.

"Oh, miguel.." Sabi ko na lang.

"Now, I'm suspended, But thank heavens, the kids who bought it didn't know how to
read yet. They just complained to their parents, kung bakit wala daw pictures 'yung
book, and when the parents checked it, that's when they found out."

Napailing naman ako at napatungga ng alak.

"My god, Miguel..." I said after I gulped . "Kasi kung ganoon, my gosh, you will
pay for their longtime therapy." I replied.

Napalagok na lang siya ng alak at natawa nang mahina.

"Shít, you made my night bunso...but I'm hoping na hindi kasing lala niyan ang
pangalawang ginawa mo." I added nang maalala ko na dalawa pala ang ginawa niya.

He shook his head and smiled a bit.

"No, I assure you, it's not."

"How come?"

"I had fun doing it and no one's affected negatively but me." Vague na sagot niya
na ikinakunot ng noo ko. He noticed my curiousity and so, right before I could ask
more, he said, "That's all I can tell you....you know, company policy."

Dumaing naman ako at nag-thumbs down gesture.

"Boo,"

He just chuckled.

We talked some more, and then later on, we decided to order food na lang, since
pareho kaming walang kwenta sa kusina. Although marunong na siya nang kaunti na
magluto pero

I don't wanna let him cook just yet and risk burning down our apartment. Kaya naman
binunot ko na ang phone ko upang magpa-deliver ng pagkain. Instead of pulling out
my iphone, 'yung hospital phone ko ang nabunot ko.

The locksreen turned on automatically and I saw docmonyo's name on the screen. It
was a page from earlier, usually kasi ay hindi ko na pinipindot pa ang mga mensahe
ng mga doctor since nababasa ko naman mula sa screen.

And now, I saw him once again....it made me think of him....and our encounter
earlier in the on call room. Bumalik din sa isipan ko ang tattoo niya.

"Trindande," Bulong ko nang maalala ko ang nabasa ko.

"It's actually pronounced as 'trin-daaje'"

Napatingin naman ako kay Miguel. He wasn't looking at me since nakatuon ang kanyang
mga mata sa T.V. He's currently holding the remote and finding a movie from
Netflix. He must have heard what I said.

I rolled my eyes. I forgot that he's Polylingual. Learning languages was one of his
hobbies.

"Okay, google translate." Sarkastiko kong sagot na ikinangisi lang niya. "Pero
anong ibig sabihin noon?"

"It means Trinity in Portugese."

Dahan-dahan akong napatango. Trinity? It must be something or someone important to

him, kasi naka-tattoo sa kanya e. Ezekiel Arguello doesn't seem like the type of
person who would just tattoo random words on his skin.

He's not like that. It's either the word meant a lot to him or there's someone
named Trinity in his life.

Sandali naman akong napaisip.

Pero wala namang 'Trinity' na naka-link sa pangalan niya noong ilang oras ko siyang
ni-research. It makes me wonder, who is that to him or what is that to him?

"Ate, I'm hungry...can you please order food now?"

Naalis naman ako sa pagiisip nang marinig ko ang malambing na boses ni Miguel.

"Yeah, just a sec." Sagot ko at wala sa loob na binunot ang isa kong phone mula sa
pocket ng scrubs ko.

I don't wanna think about it. Whatever and whoever this Trinity is, is none of my
business at all. All I want from him is his body and the fun times, that's it.

Chapter 17: Hindi. Ka. Uuwi.

Martina Vlanca

'Nasaan ka?'

Umirap naman ako nang mabasa ko ang napaka-welcoming na page ni docmonyo. It's
currently six in the morning and kadarating ko lamang dito sa ospital. I just got
in on time to see Ate Madison and Majalia checked out of the hospital. Ate Carmel
cleared them both out. She requested to be extracted from her mission specifically
para lang mapaanak niya si Ate Madison at maalagaan si Majalia. Her stay is
temporary, although that doesn't mean na aalis na agad siya ng Pinas. She'll still
hang here for maybe a week and then she'll be gone again. I do really hope things
get better for her.

Humikab naman ako sandali habang hinihintay ko ang order kong iced-coffee dito sa
cafeteria. Nalimutan ko kasi dumaan sa Jesse's upang bumili ng morning coffee, and
so, I have to settle with the cafeteria. Buti na lamang ay walang masyadong tao
kaya mabilis na nagawa ang order ko. Ngumiti naman ako sa tindera at pinasalamatan
siya nang abutan niya ako ng straw at malaking plastic cup na naglalaman ng malamig
na kape. I then typed a response as I sat down on one of the vacant seats.

'Ayos nang bungad natin ah.'

'Where are you, Vlanca?'

'Tsk, grabe talaga, huwag mo nga ako masyado nami-miss.'

Tumawa naman ako sa kalokohan na ni-reply ko. For sure ay umuusok na ang ilong noon
dahil hindi ko siya sinasagot ng matino. Maya-maya ay nag-vibrate ang cellphone ko.

Dr. Arguello Calling..

I rolled my eyes bago ko 'yon sinagot.

"Yes, your highness?"

He clicked his tongue and then irritatingly asked, "Answer my question."

Sumipsip muna ako nang kape bago ako sumagot.

"Nasa ospital na. What do you want?"

"Get me coffee from the cafeteria and bring it when you report to me."

"Okay, pero bakit ako sa'yo magre-report? Sa cardio ako ngayon ah." Takang tanong
ko. Nakasalubong ko ang head resident kanina habang patungo ako dito. So, I took
the opportunity to ask him kung kanino ako naka-assign ngayon.

Sandali siyang natahimik.

"Not anymore, I talked to Corpuz...... Sa akin ka na ngayon."

Hindi ako nakasagot agad at ilang sandali akong napakurap. Alam ko ang ibig niyang
sabihin pero kasi 'yung choice of words ay delikado. If I didn't know any better
and I was naive I would've thought na double meaning 'yun. But nope, I am neither
of those and I just think that it's ridiculous.

"Okay, possessive much?" Natatawa kong sagot.

I just heard him scoff.

"Do not forget my coffee." And then he ended the call.

Napadaing na lamang ako bago ko ibinalik sa bulsa ng aking scrubs ang hospital
phone. Kinapa ko naman ang isa kong bulsa at kinuha ang birth-control pill case ko.
I need this now more than ever since I had lots of séx and will be about to be
railed again after my duty. My nipples tightened and my clít pulsed in excitement.

Just imagining him, on top of me, his sweaty and muscled body....

Nanuyo bigla ang lalamunan ko at agad akong napasipsip ng kape. Now, if he thinks
na dahil may mangyayari sa amin ay hindi ko na siya bu-bwisitin buong araw at gabi
ay nagkakamali siya. He is very, very wrong since I have very bright plans for him.
Cue evil smile.

"Sarap naman ng breakfast mo." Bati ni Dakota sa akin when I popped the pill in my
mouth and downed it with the delicious bitter coffee.

Ngumising aso ako sa kanya. I texted her earlier na dito niya ako mahahanap kaya
naman narito siya agad. She then sat on the opposite chair. Like me, she's wearing
our usual scrubs and whitecoat. Our only difference is she's not wearing a white
underscrubs like me. Nakalugay ang kanyang buhok katulad ng akin. I made a mental
note to get a hairtie from my locker, bago ako mag-report kay docmonyo, since gusto
ko talaga na nakatali lagi ang buhok ko, every duty. My hair is still wet from the
shower. Unlike the beginning of the weeks of my duties, I no longer wake up extra
early to do my makeup or curl my hair since I prefer to use that time to rest.
Humikab naman si Dakota bago niya kinuha ang halos kalahati na, na iced-coffee.

Imbes na gamitin niya ang staw ay binuksan niya ang lid noon at sa gilid uminom.
Agad na nalukot ang mukha niya nang matikman niya ang kape.

"That taste like battery acid," Sabi niya at napaigik.

Ngumisi naman ako at sumipsip muli sa straw nang ibalik niya sa akin 'yon.

"I like my coffee strong."

She grimaced and shook her head.

"Gorl, that is not a coffee." She said and pointed to the cup. "Ampalaya 'yan na
nilagyan ng tubig at yelo." She added that made me chuckle loudly.

"Kumusta pala ang dinner?" Tanong ko.

Her nose scrunched up.

"The dinner did not go well. My father set me up once again."

"No way."

She sighed.

"I really wish it wasn't real pero it was dahil pag-uwi ko ay hindi lang ang Tatay
ko ang sundalo na nasa bahay. There was this clean-looking, tall, muscled, military
man on the table too. It was too late to even scold my father for setting me up
once again. So, kahit na ayaw ko ay I was forced to sit down with him, get to know
him and all. Apparently his name is Herman and army-engineer siya at nasa platoon
siya ng Tatay ko. Nakita daw niya ako noong sumama ako sa army base noon. Na-love
at first sight daw siya sa akin." She followed it with a gag. "And then, ngayon
lang daw siya nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob na humingi ng permission sa Tatay ko na
ligawan ako."

"Naks naman!" I said as I giggled. "Romance is not dead, my gorl."

She sighed heavily and scoffed.

"I do not need romance in my life, you know that." She said that made me nod.
That's true. Dakota always prioritizes her career over romantic relationships. High
grades and good hospital performance makes her happier than a man and flowers.

"Pero apparently, gustong-gusto siya nang Tatay ko para sa akin. Herman had him
under his 'prince charming spell.'" She said and rolled her eyes. "After the
dinner, tinapat ko siya...I told him the usual 'it's not you, it's me' line."

Tumawa naman ako. "Gaga 'di pa kayo nagsisimula ni-break mo na agad."

She shrugged and chuckled.

"I mean kaysa naman paasahin ko siya. Mas masakit 'yon."

Napatango ako. "Valid point."

"And so, anyway I told him na there is nothing wrong with him. It's just that I do
not want to be in a relationship yet or ever. And that career is always first for
me. So, asado na ako na parang 'yung mga dating manliligaw ko lang siya, na
maiintimidate doon at lalayuan ako... pero aba,"

"Shet, this is getting jucier." Nakangisi kong sabi habang nakikinig sa kanya.

"He said, 'Okay, I respect that pero hindi mo ako mapipigilan na mahalin ka kaya
maghihintay ako kahit gaano pa katagal'. Non-verbatim but you get the idea."

My mouth literally parted and I grinned with second hand killig, pero walang
reaction si Dakota kundi cringe.

"Gorl, It's clear as heck na smitten sa'yo si Engineer Herman ah." Tudyo ko at
itinaas baba ang mga kilay ko.

She sighed and shook her head.

"Ugh, I hope it's just infatuation."

Nag-kwentuhan pa kami ni Dakota tungkol sa kung ano-anong mga bagay hanggang sa

oras na ng trabaho. Naghiwalay lamang kami
second floor, ngayon ay lulan naman ako ng
floor. As the elevator moved, I thought of
be on her side only, but I'd be lying if I
things that Engineer Herman would possibly
days...or even weeks.
noong kinailangan na niyang bumaba sa
parehong elevator na patungo sa fourth
her current situation. I know I should
say that I don't want to hear more
do for my dear friend in the coming

Dala ang iced-coffee ko na hindi ko pa rin nauubos ay bumaba na ako sa elevator

nang maabot noon ang fourth floor. Habang naglalakad ako ay nginingitian ko naman
ang mga taong nakakasalubong ko sa hallway. Finally ay nakita ko na si docmonyo na
nakatayo sa tapat ng pinto ng isang hospital room. His back is facing me kaya naman
ang nakikita ko lang ay malapad niyang mga balikat at ang likuran nang kanyang
humahaba nang buhok.

As I approached closer, naririnig ko na may kausap siya and after a few more steps
I heard more and then I saw the sleek black phone pressed against his ear.

"Sim, estou bem mãe." He said softly. "E sì, mangio anche in orario, mamma......non
ti preoccupare per favore...."

He was switching between Portugese and Italian. Hindi ko naintindihan 'yung una
since obviously I don't speak that language, pero I perfectly understood what he
said the second time since it's my third language.

'And yes, I also eat on time, mom......don't worry about it please....' Iyon ang
sinabi niya. I can't help but to smile to myself. Aba, mabait at malambing pala si
docmonyo pagdating kay Mama Arguello. He does have a soft spot afterall.

"Cosa?" What? His tone then shifted. The cheeriness was replaced with something
somber...like he wasn't glad to hear whatever his mother was telling him. "Chiede
tutti i giorni?.....no, non dirglielo, per fevore." He said in Italian. His tone
was firm and nowhere near friendly.

'She asks everyday?....no, don't tell her, please'

Kumunot ang noo ko. Whatever conversation he's having with his mother is none of my
concern, he made that clear....but somehow.....it makes me wonder; who's 'her'? And
why does he seem so angry at 'her'? My natural intense curiosity crawled into my
chest like a snake.

Baka pinsan niya.....kapatid? No, he's an only child.....maybe ex? But then again,
I didn't see anything in my research that night.

Or baka private o lowkey 'yung relationship nila noon? My subconcious butted in. I
immediately shook my head.

I am jumping into conclusions and I should not be doing that since it's none of my
business.

And so, right before I could even go into the rabbit hole and feed my intense and
unwelcomed curiosity, pinuwersa ko na ang sarili ko na humakbang nang dalawang
beses palayo. There, I busied myself with my own phone by reading Gray's Anatomy
through an ebook. It's an excellent medical book, it's easy to comprehend and I
absorb the information like a sponge everytime.

Okay, this might sound like I'm a 'pick me' girl, pero, I don't read like normal
people. I can read four hundred to five hundred words per minute and at the same
time understand what I was reading. It's a special ability that I am thankful to
have since it really helped me in med school.

Nakadalawang baliktaran na pahina na ako nang mapansin kong natapos na ang tawag.
Kaya naman pinatay ko na ang cellphone ko at binulsa iyon.

"Dr. Arguello." I called him after a few moments.

Agad naman siyang humarap sa akin. Bumaba naman sandali ang tingin ko sa kanyang
suot, he's wearing his usual deep blue scrubs over his whitecoat. I also just
noticed the stethoscope around his neck. As I was checking him out, I could
definitely feel the heat of his gaze.

Nang bumalik ang tingin ko sa kanyang mukha ay magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay,
his eyes were not the usual arctic. At this moment, it was warm with anger.

"Everything alright?" I shouldn't have asked that, dahil alam ko na isha-shut out
niya lang ako, but somehow that question just came out of my mouth knowing the
consequences.

And so, as expected he didn't answer, his jaw just clenched and his eyes grew
darker.

"How much did you hear?" He asked pertaining to the phone convo.

I swallowed.

"Not enough to understand what's going on." Sagot ko na lang which is true. I don't
really know what's going on. All I know is that there is 'her.'

He stared at me for a moment.

"A-And if may naintindihan man ako, wala akong pake." I added which somehow made
the emotion in his eyes darker. Ilang sandali pa siyang tumitig sa akin bago siya
naglayo ng tingin at ibinulsa ang kanyang telepono.

"Where's my coffee?" Malamig niyang tanong at tinapunan ng tingin ang hawak kong
malapit nang maubos na kape.
Natampal ko sandali ang noo ko. Masyado akong nag-enjoy na daldalin si Dakota at
nakalimutan ko ang utos niya.

"Shemay, I f-forgot....I'll go get it---"

"No. 'wag na." Masungit niyang sagot at walang sabi-sabing kinuha ang hawak kong
plastic cup. The large cup looks smaller, now that his long and thick fingers were
enclosed around it. Hindi ko rin maiwasang mapansin ang mga ugat sa likod ng
kanyang kamay. Bahagyang tumaas ang manggas ng kanyang whitecoat kaya naman hindi
ko maiwasang mapansin ang black straps at ang dark themed clock face ng kanyang Tag
Heur watch na suot. I knew the brand since my father likes to collect expensive
watches and as a kid I always went to his closet to look at the drawer full of
watches that my mom bought for him. I was always amazed with different designs and
looks of the watches.

Naalis naman ang tingin ko doon at napatitig sa kanya nang ininom niya ang ice-
coffee ko gamit ang straw na pinaginuman ko. He didn't even flinch at the
bitterness of it.

Irritation grew in my chest.

"Hey, akin yan!"

He just smirked grimly as he continued to sip my freaking coffee. He looked at me

like he was enjoying the obvious irritation on my face.

"Why are you drinking my coffee?!" Inis kong tanong sa kanya. "Pwede naman kita
bilhan ng sa'yo. It's mine at may laway at DNA ko na 'yan!"

He stopped sipping and licked his lips while looking at me. Matapos noon ay
humakbang siya palapit. His intoxicating scent enveloped my senses like a spell,
and his warmth radiated on me.

"Oh, you little brat." He whispered with an accented tone and gosh, it made my
pússy throb.

Gorl, jusko, wrong timing ang pagkibot mo!

His stare was intense and I badly wanted to look away but his blue eyes were
hyptonizing.

"I have devoured your pússy and drink your juice like my life depends on it....and
you're concerned na matitikman ko ang laway mo?" Nanunuya niyang bulong na
ikinapula ko. "Might I add that I also consumed those pretty lips," Bumaba ang
mainit niyang tingin sa aking mga labi sandali. "And sucked on that velvety tongue
like it's my favorite candy."

Napalunok ako at mas lalo pang nag-init ang aking mga pisngi. I was literally out
of words.

After a few moments, he took a step backward. Pinaraan niya sandali ang kanyang
dila sa kanyang mapulang pangibabang labi.

"And I plan on doing it all again to you...soon." He added and then continued
sipping the coffee while keeping his eyes on me.

Hindi ako nakasagot. My cheeks were just flushed and my fists were balled with
annoyance.
"Mmmm.." He hummed when he stopped sipping. "Mas mapait sa preference ko pero
coffee is coffee." He said and threw the now empty container in the nearby trash
can. Matapos noon ay naglakad na siya na parang walang nangyari. Despite my flushed
face, I was forced to follow him until I kept up with his long strides.

"I hate you." I said through gritted teeth. Bigla naman niyang binagalan ang
kanyang mga hakbang, and then when no one was walking around us. He licked those
sensual and plump lips again with his gaze fixed on me.

"Say that again to me when I'm balls deep inside you later." He whispered that made
my lips part once again.

Freaking docmonyo.

That morning ay nag-round kami as per usual. We met with several of his patients,
checked their incision healing progress, vitals, etc. And as usual ay I did the run
to the lab and picked them up when they're done. The afternoon came ay sa emergency
room naman kami. Doon ay pinanood niya ako kasama ang dalawa pang med student na
mag-lagay ng IV, mag-admit at kumausap ng pasyente.

We thought it would be the usual boring afternoon pero, not even thirty minutes
later ay may stretcher na ipinasok ang isang paramedic. A man that looks like in
his mid 20s, tanned, medium black hair, and flabby is lying on it.

"Hindi ako lasing, promise!" Bulol niyang sigaw sa paramedic na nagtutulak ng

kanyang stretcher at may hawak ng IV fluid. "Bro, pare, chong, I am completely
sober!!"

"Okay, in the count of three!" Sabi ni docmonyo nang maipasok namin siya sa
treatment ward. Pinasunod niya kami ni Quintana---ang isang med student.
Samantalang pinaiwan niya si Reyes kasama ang isang resident upang ipagpatuloy ang
pag-admit sa isang pasyente sa treatment ward four. Kailangan namin na ilipat sa
hospital bed ang pasyente. We can do it by lifting the sheets under the patient but
we have to be careful kaya kailangan ay may bilang.

Napadaing ang pasyente nang mailipat namin siya.

"Status?" Agad na tanong ni docmonyo habang chini-check niya ang responsiveness ng

pasyente.

"Peter Solas, 26 years old, Type-O, B.P 140/80, pulse is in the 90s. Bumangga siya
sa malaking puno ng Narra sa gilid ng daan. He's not complaining of any pain but in
the head and chest areas. Masama ang tama niya sa dibdib dahil hindi gumana ang
airbag ng sasakyan niya nasa steering wheel." Paliwanag ng Paramedic na ikinatango
ni docmonyo. He then thanked her before she left with the stretcher.

Napatingin ako doon. Bukas na ang kanyang damit dahil kailangan na makita ni
docmonyo ang tinamo niyang mga pasa. May malaking halos kulay ube na pasa sa
kanyang dibdib, his upper ribs do not look good either. That is painful and he's at
risk for possible internal bleeding, and now, one might wonder kung bakit hindi pa
siya sumisigaw sa sakit. Well, it's because of the natural adrenaline of our body.
Our system enables it once we get massive injury, so, we don't exactly feel how bad
the impact of the injuries is, right away, but once it wears out. It will
definitely hurt like a bítch.
"Mga doc, hindi ako lasing..." He said again and hiccuped. I am now wearing gloves
and holding a tweezer-like equipment to take out the shards of glasses on his
forehead. Yup, may mga bubog ng windshield ang kanyang noo. It's not deep tho, but
it's bleeding. "Promise, apat na taon na akong hindi umiinom...."

Mr. Solas is obviously drunk dahil amoy na amoy ang alak mula sa kanya. But I
didn't say anything and continued doing the job docmonyo told me to. Paulit-ulit
niyang sinasabi sa amin na hindi siya lasing at hindi siya uminom hanggang sa
nawala na ang adrenaline sa katawan niya at naramdaman na niya ang full impacts na
mga tinamo niya.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating ang Neuro at Ortho. They checked him as well, he has
broken ribs and luckily, no head trauma. We then had to take him to get a CT test
to see if he needs surgery. Kaming dalawa ni docmonyo ang umakyat kasama ang
pasyente dahil inutusan niya si Quintana na pumunta sa lab at ipasa ang blood
sample. We had to test his blood too.

"Sir kailangan kong kapain ang bulsa mo kasi bawal ang kahit na anong magnetic na
bagay sa loob ng machine." I told him, he hummed. Hindi siya makatango ngayon dahil
amy brace na sa leeg niya.

Wala akong ibang nakapa sa bulsa niya kundi apat na metal coins----well, now that I
am holding it, I noticed that they are not coins. They are Alcoholics Anonymous
chips. Ang Alcoholics Anonymous ay isang programa para sa mga gustong mag-quit na
Alcoholics. Mayroon silang meeting kung saan pwede silang magkwento tungkol sa
kahit ano, their experience from alcohol and other things and they will remain
completely anonymous.

Ngunit bago ka pumunta sa meeting na 'yon ay kailangan mong mag-swore na itatakwil

mo na ang alak habang buhay at mamumuhay ka ng sober. These chips are like rewards
for your sobriety. You get chips at your first twenty four hours being sober, and
then kapag naka-one month ka na, the program will replace the '24 hour' chip with
one month chip, and then so on.

Alam ko ang tungkol dito dahil dating alcoholic ang isa sa mga teacher ko sa med
school. I know about it because she told us her story, she told us that she used to
be alcoholic, she told us how it destroyed her life and how she got better through
the AA program. Pinakita pa nga niya sa amin ang kanyang sampong chips, which is
equivalent to ten years of being sober.

And for Mr. Solas, he has four chips, which means apat na taon na siyang sober.
This couldn't be right. Ang alam ko ay kapag nag-relapse ka or kapag na-break mo
ang sobriety mo ay kukuhanin nila ang chips mo. Because you have to earn it back by
being sober again.

"Hindi ako nagsisinungaling kapag sinabi ko na hindi ako lasing at hindi ako
nakatikim ng alak sa loob ng apat na taon.....pwede mong tawagan ang sponsor ko."
Nanghihina niyang sabi nang mapansin niya ang reaksyon ko. 'Sponsor' ang tawag nila
sa taong pwede nilang tawagan kapag nate-temp silang uminom, basically, they are
the person that makes sure that they don't fall off the wagon. It's a term they use
if a sober person drinks again.

"Will do, sir--"

"Please, believe me....'Yung huling beses na tumikim ako nang alak ay noong napatay
ko ang girlfriend at anak ko dahil sa aksidente." A tear fell down from his eye.
Bakas ang sakit sa kanyang mga mata. "Believe me when I say na gugustuhin ko pang
putulin ang dalawang mga kamay ko kaysa uminom muli ng alak."
Hindi ako nakasagot. I looked at him with sympathy.

"Hindi ko alam kung sumpa ito pero noong isang linggo lamang ako nagkaganito, kada
kakain ako ay pakiradam ko ay lasing ako o nakainom..no one would believe me."

I slowly nodded.

"I-I understand, sir....but for now kailangan niyo pong huwag gumalaw kapag pumasok
na kayo sa machine..." I told him softly. He said nothing and just let me make sure
that he's okay. Matapos noon ay nag-thumbs up na ako kay Docmonyo sa bintana. Agad
naman akong lumabas sa machine room at umupo sa tabi niya.

Sa harap namin ay ang monitor na magpapakita sa amin nang resulta ng C.T ni Mr.
Solas. Nakikita din namin na gumagalaw ang makina sa pahabang salamin na nasa taas
lang ng monitor. Walang sinabi si docmonyo habang marahan kong pinaglalaruan ang AA
chips sa kamay ko. He knows that I am thinking about the situation.

All the odds are against Mr. Solas. I mean, he's obviously lying because he smells
like alcohol.....but the story about his girlfriend and son? That's not something
you lie about unless you're a sociopath.

"He's telling the truth." Basag ni docmonyo sa katahimikan. Nang lumingon ako sa
kanya ay ini-o-offer na niya sa akin ang kanyang cellphone. He must have heard my
conversation with the patient through the speaker since may ganoon na feature sa
kwarto na ito. It's a safety measure, so kung uncomfortable o kailangan ng tulong
ng pasyente ay maririnig namin ang tawag nila.

Kinuha ko ang cellphone mula sa kamay niya. It was an article four years ago, about
a drunk driving incident where a twenty year old woman was dead as well as her
newborn son. Ang naka-survive lang ay si Mr. Solas. That is downright tragic, makes
sense that he wanted to be sober and away from the alcohol.

"Posible na nag-relapse siya after four years, It's sad but that happens." He said
when I handed him his phone back.

I sighed and leaned on the chair.

"Four years is a long time of sobriety....maybe he couldn't accept it." Dagdag pa

niya nang hindi ako sumagot.

"Yeah.." I whispered. "That's the only logical reason." I finally answered after a
few moments. Wala sa loob na bumaba ang tingin ko sa hawak kong AA chips. Docmonyo
is right and he is indeed logical but as crazy as it sounds, my gut tells me that
Mr. Solas is telling the truth about not drinking at all.

"Galing siya sa weekly meetup namin bago siya maaksidente..hindi ko alam na

nangyari ito sa kanya hanggang natanggap ko ang tawag kanina mula sa ospital.."
Sabi ni Kuya Kevin, ang kanyang kaibigan at sponsor. He looks like he went here
straight from work dahil nakasuot pa siya ng kanyang manager uniform. He's medium
built, brown eyes, and with a balding hairline.

Narito kami sa couch ng hospital room ni Mr. Solas. Kakatapos lang ng hospital
rounds for this night. I shouldn't be here, I should be at the emergency room
taking other patients since hindi pa oras ng observation ng pasyente. But somehow,
hindi ako matahimik. Kaya naman sinamantala ko ang oras na may surgery ngayon si
docmonyo, so, hindi niya ako mababawal na pumunta sa pasyente kahit hindi pa oras.
And also, hindi naman ako kawalan sa emergency room dahil maraming eager na med
students doon.

Mr. Solas is now sleeping soundly because of the heavy sedation. Luckily ay walang
internal bleeding na lumabas sa CT. Kailangan lang niya ng heavy sedation dahil
malala talaga ang mga pasa na natamo niya, and add the fact that his ribs are
broken. He only requires observation through the night and tomorrow.

"I'm sorry.." I said sympathetically, he just smiled sadly at me. Ngayon ay hawak
na niya ang AA chips ni Mr. Solas. He's also aware of his friend's relapse which
made the situation even more sadder.

"Pero kahit na anong isip ko ay hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na uminom

siya....kung hindi lang dahil sa blood test ay hindi ako maniniwala." He followed
with a scoff. "He hated alcohol with all his being, given what happened..."

I nodded softly. Sandali pa kaming nagusap bago ako lumabas ng kwarto at nagtungo
sa on-call room kung nasaan ang laptop ko. Hindi talaga ako matahimik. I know, I
look crazy because I literally have no basis or evidence that this is a medical
mystery but my curiosity wouldn't shut the fúck up, and there is only one way to
stop it.

To feed it and to try to prove me wrong that there is no medical mystery at all.
Kaya naman umupo na ako sa kama habang nasa kandungan ko ang laptop. I am staring
at the search engine, thinking of where to begin.

"The cause is the alcohol..." Bulong ko sa sarili ko. "Kung hindi niya ini-take
iyon....his body is somehow producing it on its own.."

Yes, I am painfully aware na kung gaano kabaliw ang ideya na iyon, but am I gonna
stop? No.

My family owns a multi-billion winery and brewery industry. I don't need to

research the process of making alcohol since I know it by heart. And so, I thought
about it.

"Yeast.." Bulong ko. Iyon ang susi sa paggawa ng alak. Hindi magiging beer ang
beer, o wine ang wine kung wala 'yun. It converts the sugars of the fruits and
gives the taste of the alcohol. Yeast is also present in our everyday food such as
bread and cake.

And then, I thought about Mr. Solas. Sinabi niya sa akin na nagsimula 'yung
'pagkalasing' niya nang hindi umiinom last week. Now, if he didn't drink alcohol
then what did he drink or ate since last week that might've caused his condition?
Agad naman akong tumayo at nag-speed walk patungo sa kwarto ni Mr. Solas, sakto
naman na palabas na si Kuya Kevin sa pintuan.

"Kuya Kevin!" Tawag ko, agad naman siyang lumingon.

"Okay ka lang, doktora?" Takang tanong niya nang halos humihingal akong huminto sa
harapan niya.

"Yes, and about to be a doctor pa lang po." I replied and smiled. "Anyway, may
nabanggit ba sa'yo si Mr. Solas na may specific diet siya na nagsimula last week?
Tulad ng high carbs? Keto?"

Sandali siyang nagisip pero agad siyang umiling.

"Or may madalas ba siyang kinakain na tinapay mula noong isang linggo tulad ng
biskuit, cake, tinapay, o cupcake?" Tanong kong muli. Those food groups contain a
lot of yeast and might've triggered the condition.

"Ay oo!" Sagot niya matapos ang ilang sandali. "Lagi niyang nababanggit ang cupcake
na binibili niya sa malapit na bakery sa bahay niya. Lagi siyang nagdadala sa AA
meetings noon and lagi din siyang kumakain noon."

Fúcking bingo!

"Okay, okay, thank you!" I said and speed-walked back to the on-call room and went
back to my laptop.

I started researching cases that are caused by consumption of high yeasts and not
even two minutes later, I found it.

"Auto-Brewery Syndrome." I whispered. Lahat ng sintomas ng pasyente ay narito and

even the cause, which is consumption of high levels of yeasts.

Pagak akong natawa at pinaraan ang aking mga daliri sa aking buhok.

I wasn't crazy at all and Mr. Solas is telling the truth. Hindi siya uminom,
instead nag-po-produce ng sariling alak ang katawan niya tuwing kumakain siya ng
pagkain na naglalaman ng mataas na yeast, and the said yeast ferments the
carbohydrates in his stomach and then eventually produce alcohol. I just had to
prove it.

And of course, I went to docmonyo. I waited for his surgery to be done and then
started telling him. Syempre pinagalitan niya ako noong una dahil once again, I
didn't follow what he said, which is to stay in the emergency room. Nawala din iyon
noong narinig niya ang buong kwento ko and while I was telling him everything, he
looked at me like I am telling him the answer to an impossible equation rather than
looking at me like I was a crazy lady.

It was obvious that he was amazed and stunned as he listened to me, kahit na
straight face lang siya the whole time. Narito pa rin kami sa loob ng scrub room
kung saan ko siya ini-corner. He was standing on the opposite side of me, so the
huge sinks were behind him.

Pumamewang naman siya habang nakatitig sa akin.

"Your brain never fails to amaze me." Seryoso niyang sabi sa akin.

"Insulto ba 'yan?" Sarkastiko kong sagot since I am not used to this version of
him. The version that somehow appreciates my abilities rather than insulting it
like he did on my first day.

He sighed softly and rolled his eyes at me. Natawa naman ako.

"Tsk, just kidding. Alam ko na amazed na amazed ka sa akin." Mayabang kong sagot at
ini-flip ang hair ko na mas lalo niyang ikinasimangot. "Anyway, papayagan mo ba
ako?" I asked him.

His arms flexed when he crossed it above his chest.

"You're saying that you want to wake the patient and feed him yeast?" He asked and
cocked an eyebrow. I still have to prove that Mr. Solas has ABS and that's the way
I can do that.

"If you put it that way, it sounds unethical....pero hindi ko naman siya papakainin
ng isang kutsarang yeast. I'm gonna feed him cupcakes that contain yeast...and
then, we'll see how he reacts. We'll also take another sample of his blood to test.
Kapag may mataas na levels ng alcohol iyon, it just confimed his disorder."

Dahan-dahan siyang napatango, hindi ko alam kung nagha-hallucinate ba ako o

talagang may nakitang ngiti sandali sa kanyang mga labi.

"Okay." He then said that made me grin.

And so, we did my plan. I fed Mr. Solas with the cupcakes and not even two hours
later, he smelled like alcohol and the blood tests were positive with alcohol too.
It just confirmed his disorder. Naiyak siya at sunod-sunod siyang nagpasalamat sa
akin dahil daw naniwala ako sa sinabi niya and that I made an effort to actually
find out. It made my heart melt, to be able to make a difference in someone's life.
It's so fulfilling.

I replied to him with a big smile and high five since I can't hug him. Despite the
pain that he's currently feeling, he was smiling so wide like me. Sandali pa kaming
nagusap bago niya kinailangan nang bumalik sa pagpapahinga, but before that,
Docmonyo gave him antibiotics for ABS. It will treat it.

"Wala muna pong cupcakes for the meantime, ha?" I softly said to the patient habang
unti-unti nang umeepekto ang sedative na ibinagay sa kanya. He needed it again
since his injuries are painful once again.

He smiled and then saluted before he dozed off to sleep.

Of course, the whole hospital heard what happened hindi mahuhuli doon si Dakota. I
told her everything about it of course and the whole time she was smiling and eager
to hear every details

"Badåss." She said after and gave me a highfive. Tumawa naman ako.

Ala una na nang madali araw at narito kaming muli sa emergency room. Usually, at
this around ay walang masyadong pasyente, mostly mga lasing lang mula sa barfight o
lasing na kailangan ng banana bag. I am currently standing on the side of the
reception table samantalang nakaupo si Dakota sa likod ng table at inaayos ang mga
papel na naroon. She's in Trauma today kaya narito siya buong araw at magdamag.

Hinanap naman ng mga mata ko si docmonyo sa paligid, since I want to do my plan

ever since this morning. Agad ko siyang namataan since he's the tallest in the
room. May kausap siyang nurse sa tapat ng trauma treatment room. Like an instinct,
he felt my stare kaya nagtama ang tingin namin. I can tell that the nurse is
talking kahit na nakatalikod siya sa direskyon ko, dahil panakha-nakhang tumatango
si docmonyo.

When I made sure that no one was looking and that Dakota was busy with the papers
on the table. I tilted my head and licked my lips like how I lícked his come from
my lips sa stock room. Nagsalubong naman ang kanyang kilay at nagigting ang kanyang
panga.

I bit my lower lip and batted my eyelashes at him. Nagbitaw naman siya ng tingin at
nagpatuloy sa pakikinig sa nurse. I waited until they finished talking and when
he's finally alone in the corner, I pulled out my phone and selected a picture of
mine last night when I was popping a birth control in my mouth.

I don't want condøms tomorrow. I want your cüm inside me, please?

Pinatay ko ang cellphone ko at tumingin sa kanya. He just pulled out his personal
phone. He inhaled sharply when he read my message. Matapos noon ay nagtipa siya ng
mabilis na mensahe at tinapunan ako nang madilim na tingin.

Be careful what you wish for, you little brat.

I took that as an encouragement and so I went to google and looked for a three
second video or a gif of a donut dripping and filled with white cream, I then sent
it to him.

If my pechay doesn't look like this tomorrow, I don't want it.

Fúck tomorrow, I can fill you up like that right now.

Ngumisi naman ako bago ko binulsa ang cellphone ko. Agad akong lumapit sa grupo ng
med students at nakihalubilo sa kanila nang makita kong papalapit na siya. He
cannot ask me to step away, now that there are multiple witnesses in the area.

"Yes, Dr. Arguello?" Inosente kong tanong nang huminto siya sa harapan ko.
Sininghalan lang niya ako bago siya nagmartsa palayo.

The morning came, we did the usual rounds once again and checked Mr. Solas. The
antibiotics responded which made his digestive system better. We all did the usual
routine, check vitals and admit patients, until finally, alas dose na ng tanghali.

And nope, we don't get to go home just yet. Bago kami umuwi ay kailangan muna
naming makinig sa thirty-minute anatomy lecture ni docmonyo. Narito kami ulit sa
practice lab na nagsisilbing classroom namin dito. He's standing in front of the
class and discussing a specific anatomy and going in depth about it. Nakasuot na
siya ng crisp pink dress shirt, slacks, at blackshoes. He's freshly showered now.

Nang magtama ang tingin namin ay kinindatan ko siya pero hindi niya ako pinansin.
Masama at mainit ang tingin niya sa akin buong duty ko, which I deserve for teasing
him all night....and I am not done. Since it's the last five minutes of the class,
it's time for my last stunt for the day that will immaculately push him to the
edge. Kasalukuyang nakatayo ang isa kong kaklase since docmonyo asked him a closing
question about the lecture. Narito ako sa pinakadulo ng classroom kaya wala namang
posibleng pwede mag-peek sa phone ko. I then selected the núde I took the other
night and sent it to him.

As I put my phone in my pocket, he dismissed the class. Isa-isa nang nagsilabasan

ang mga kaklase ko. As everyone made their way out, he checked his phone. Napangiti
ako nang agad niyang pinatay iyon at napahimas sa kanyang noo.

When everyone was out, I then stood up and slowly walked towards him. Nakapamulsa
na siya ngayon at masama ang tingin niya sa akin. He looks like a predator that is
about to pounce on his prey.

"Goodbye, Dr. Arguello. Have a nice day." I said sweetly.

"Where do you think you're going?" Mariin niyang tanong.

"Uuwi na, duh?" I answered him like I don't know what he's talking about.

He smirked devilishly

"Hindi. ka. uuwi." He emphasized each word as he stared at me with those blue and
piercing eyes. "Pagbabayaran mo ang ginawa mo sa akin buong maghapon at magdamag,
hanggang bukas ng umaga. So, go and pack up your stuff 'cause you are going home
with me." He whispered.

Chapter 18: Only Yours, Daddy

Martina Vlanca

"Kiel, dahan-dahan lang, makakauwi din tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya dahil halos lumipad
ang sasakyan sa bilis ng patakbo niya.

Napalunok naman ako nang masama niya akong tingnan. Incredible frustration is
present in his dark eyes, as well as the primal and raw lust. Ikinikom ko ang bibig
ko at tumingin na lang sa dinadaanan. Oh, well. if it isn't the consequences of my
own actions.

We left the hospital less than ten minutes ago where I showered and changed. I
don't usually shower in the hospital after my duty since I usually do it at home.
But I did, this time, because I am kinda conscious about how I smell knowing what
we're about to do. I then changed from my worn out 24 hour scrubs to a now red
skater skirt and a white fitted croptop longsleeves. Sa sasakyan niya ako sumakay
since he said that we'll go to his penthouse together. Hindi na ako umangal since I
have angered him enough for this day. And so, pinakuha ko na lang sa isa sa mga
miyembro ng family security team ang sasakyan ko at pinauwi iyon sa apartment
building ko.

"Cazzo." Mura niya nang mapahinto kami dahil sa redlight. Sobrang higpit ng hawak
niya sa steering wheel dahil halos mamuti na ang kanyang kamao. My heart was
pounding and my blood was rushing through my veins. I am not scared of him, it's
just that I know that I am going to be mercilessly fúcked. It should scare me but
It didn't. Instead I am excited. Excited to be bent, to be spanked, to be roughly
railed by this man--

Natanggal naman ako sa pagiisip nang maramdaman ko ang malaki at mainit niyang
kamay sa lantad kong hita. Nang tumingin ako sa kanya ay deretso lamang ang tingin
niya sa daan. An audible gasp left my lips when his hand hitched higher until it
reached my inner thigh.

I thought he was gonna do something but then his hand just stayed there.

Caressing and holding my flesh tight as he drove with one hand. Somehow it made my
stomach flutter.
Hindi nagtagal ay naabot na namin ang building ng kanyang tinitirhan. He parked in
the underground parking area. Bago siya bumaba ay kinuha niya ang Jansport kong
backpack mula sa likod at isinabit iyon sa kanyang kanang balikat. I basically
hopped out of his car when he opened the door. Wordlessly, we walked together
towards the elevator.

Habang paakyat ang elevator ay hinawakan niya ang lantad kong bewang at hinapit ako
palapit sa matigas niyang katawan. As the numbers go up, his shoe lightly taps
against the floor, like he's impatient or more like his patience is hanging by a
thread.

And I was right.

And as soon as the elevator doors opened. He practically dragged me into his
penthouse.

And as soon as the door shut, I wasn't able to look around dahil agad niya akong
nilamukos ng gutom na halik. I heard the 'thud' of my backpack on the floor as I
buried my hands in his soft hair. He sucked and bit my lips before his tender and
warm tongue delved into my mouth, tasting each corner like he hadn't done it
before.

"Oh, It's gonna be a long day and night for you, you little brat." He whispered
against my lips when he pulled away. "You have a lot to pay for." Dagdag niya bago
niya ako hinitak sa pahabang matte black na couch. Umupo siya sa couch, inabot niya
ang isang square na throw pillow at inilagay iyon sa sahig sa kanyang harapan.

"Kneel." He commanded.

I gulped before I did what I was told, Hindi ko kinailangan pang humanap ng
komportableng position para sa mga tuhod ko dahil malambot ang unan na nilagay
niya, as a matter of fact, it felt soft and nice against my knees. Tumingala naman
ako sa kanya at pinanood siyang buksan ang kanyang dress shirt. Chiseled abs and
chestnut skin greeted my vision.

I licked my lips at the view.

"Take my còck out." He said quietly.

With shaky hands, I unbuckled his belt and took out my favorite long, thick, and
veiny playmate. It looks like it's glad to see me too since the head is red and
dripping with clear pre-cúm. His size and girth looks intimidating and alam ko na
sasakit ang panga ko nito. Although, it's alright since I like the idea of pleasing
him. Also, gusto ko din na testing-in ang natutunan kong mga lessons mula kala Ate
Reagina.

"Good girl. Now, su---oh, fúck!" Hindi niya iyon natapos dahil agad kong hinawakan
iyon at isinubo ang matabang ulo. I wrapped my lips around the tip, tightly and
súcked it like a freaking vacuum.

"You're gonna drive me insane, woman." He breathlessly whispered habang nakatingin

sa akin gamit ang kanyang nagbabang titig. I let out the head with a 'pop' bago ko
dinilaan ang pre-cúm na tumulo mula sa butas. His brows furrowed and his blue eyes
became even more hooded because of lust.

I definitely took that as encouragement dahil matapos noon ay nilabas ko ang dila
ko at pinaraan iyon sa kahabaan niya hanggang basa na iyon ng laway ko.

"That's right....make it nice and wet for your pússy....just like that..." He hotly
instructed. His burning gaze still fixed on me.

"Like this?" I innocently asked and licked the base while looking at him. Umigting
ang kanyang panga at mas lalo pang nagdilim ang kanyang mga mata.

"Good girl."

My pússy quievered at his praise. Matapos kong sipsipin at dilaan ang tuktok at ang
maliit na butas ay hinawakan kong muli ang kanyang kahabaan at dahan-dahan kong
itinaas baba ang aking mga kamay. Hindi siya magkasiya sa kamay ko.

"Cazzo di merda.." He growled in pleasure. Napapikit siya at napasandal nang

tuluyan sa couch.

And dåmn it, mas lalo pa akong ginanahan dahil sa masasarap na ungol na lumalabas
mula sa kanya. He even became sexier now that his neck is flushed and his adam's
apple is protruding.

What makes my clít pulse and my nipples tighten is the fact that he's under my
mercy. I may be the one who's kneeling down but I have the power here. I have the
power to make him crazy with only my mouth and hands, and that made my inner vixen
pur.

Kanina ay ang ulo lang ang pinagtutunan ko ng pansin. Now, I have the courage to
take him whole in my mouth.

Vlanca, don't choke. I told myself as I slowly ease his length into my mouth.

Mas lalo pa akong ginanahan nang marinig kong inungol niya ang pangalan ko nang
halos mangalahati na ako. I can't take him anymore further since I already felt the
head hit my throat. Namuo naman ang luha sa mga mata ko at naramdaman ko ang urge
na dumuwal, but I applied the tricks I learned to fight my gag reflex.

Shít, kalahati pa lang ay halos mabulunan na ako.

He cursed again in his mother tongue when I licked the sides while he's in my
mouth. Halos maulol siya nang itaas baba ko ang kamay ko sa kanyang kahabaan habang
subo ko ang taas na parte noon. Pain bit my scalp as his grip in my hair tightened,
he then started thrusting his hips. I can feel the veins and the thickness of his
girth rapidly brushing against the inside of my cheeks as he fúcked my mouth.

"Look at me." He huskily commanded

With his cóck in my mouth, I glanced at him. Pleasure is evident in his handsome
face.

"That's right, look at me with those pretty eyes while you súck my cock."

The cords of veins in his neck are now popping. With my gaze still on his face. I
took him deeper until he bumped the back of my throat again. I watched his pupils
dilate and his mouth part.

"Vlanca..." Halinghing niya.

Mas lalo pa siyang ginanahan dahil mas humigpit ang hawak niya at mas lalong
bumilis ang kanyang paggalaw, he doesn't care that his length is now covered in my
spit or that it's making sloppy and wet sounds in my mouth.

"Pütangina," Malutong niyang mura bago tuluyang nalukot ang kanyang mukha sa sarap.
And holy shít, if it isn't the séxiest thing I have ever witnessed, I don't know
what is.

Mas lalo pang rumahas ang kanyang pagulos sa aking bibig. I had to open my mouth
wider so he could fit. His eyes are now tightly shut as a bead of sweat formed in
his smooth forehead.

"Shít, shít, Vlanca, I'm coming." Hinihingal niyang sabi.

With spit running down my chin, I started bobbing my head up and down faster.
Napakapit na lamang ako sa kanyang hita nang mas lumalim pa siya. There, I kneeled
before him and let him take my mouth with his hands tightly gripping my hair.

After a few seconds, he growled my name like a wild animal, before I felt his warm
and thick seed hit the back of my throat. Inalis ko ang kamay niya sa buhok ko at
iniluwa ang kanyang pagkalalaki matapos niyang punuin ang lalamunan ko. I had to
pull away or I would gag since he released so múch come. Hindi ko nalunok lahat
dahil may tumulo pa sa aking baba.

For a moment, he rested his back on the couch and looked at me with a satisfied
expression on his face. He then reached towards me and used his thumb to put it
back in my mouth.

"Every single drop.." He muttered.

I licked his thumb while keeping my eyes on him. He then effortlessly lifted me and
placed me on his lap; his now flacid thing resting between us. It's wet with my
saliva. Napasandig naman ako sa kanyang balikat.

"Gesu Cristo, Vlanca you sucked the soul out of my cóck." He said that made me
chuckle. "That was fúcking incredible." He added that made me smirk. Umayos ako
nang upo at humarap sa kanya. Itinaas naman niya ang kanyang kamay at pinahid ang
luha sa pisngi ko bago niya ako hinalikan sandali.

"Where'd you learn that?" Somehow that sounds like a trick question.

I pursed my lips for a moment. "All I can say is that women are amazing instructors
and that I happened to be a good and fast learner." I replied.

Napataas na lamang siya nang mga kilay.

"So," I paused and drew circles on his hard chest. "Ibig sabihin ba noon ay okay na
at bayad na ang ginawa ko sa'yo?"

He smirked devilishly, his fingers began to lift my shirt.

"Oh, no, that was just a warm up."

"Please, fúck me.." I sobbed when he ran the fat tip on my soaking folds. He didn't
made me ask again this time dahil walang sabi-sabi niyang isinagad ang kanyang
pagkalalaki! Halos mamuti ang mga kamao ko sa higpit nang kapit ko sa couch. He was
now on top of me, ang isang kamay niya ay nakahawak sa sandalan ng upuan,
samantalang ang isa ay nakatukod sa gilid ng ulo ko. It didn't take him long to get
hard again, earlier. Mas mabilis pa siya kay Flash na hinubad ang damit namin
pareho at matapos noon ay marahas niya akong inihiga dito sa kawawang furniture.
"Ezekiel!" I screamed his name as I felt him in the deepest part of me. Hindi siya
nagsayang ng oras dahil hinugot niya iyon at noong ulo na lamang ang nasa butas ko
ay sinagad niya ulit sa akin iyon.

"That's right, scream my name." He said huskily habang walang awa siyang umuulos sa
aking pagkababae. He parted my legs wider, my feet are dangling next to his head
since nakapatong ang mga binti ko sa kanyang mga balikat. Napapikit naman ako nang
abutin niya ang pagkababae ko, he gathered some of my juices and spread it on my
aching bud before he massaged it with two fingers.

I can't help but stare at him. Ang kanyang matipunong katawan ay pawisan na ngayon,
his hair is now sexily disheveled, lust and desire is clearly written in his face.

I sobbed his name as I felt the familiar tingle spreading all over my body. When he
made another deep thrust, my whole body shook and I almost saw freaking stars--my
orgásm, no. I didn't just orgâsm. I hit another level of orgasm, dahil habang
umuulos siya ay naramdaman ko ang mainit kong katas na lumalabas mula sa akin; I
fúcking squirted all over his cóck. Right before I knew it, he pulled out his
manhood and latched his mouth onto my heat slurping my juices, not letting any drop
escape.

"Ooh! Ezekiel---wait--"

I tried to close my legs because my flesh was so sensitive pero pinagparte lamang
niya iyon lalo. Wala akong ibang nagawa kung hindi humiga doon at sumabunot sa
kanyang basang buhok.

"Mmmhh..fúcking delicious pússy." He whispered before he licked my slit and súcked

on my bundle of nerves. My whole body shakes and I let out a loud moan when another
orgåsm hit me like a huge wave! In which, he also licked and slurped every drop.

As I laid there, sweaty and powerless, he plunged his cóck again without warning!
This time ay kumapit na siya sa mga bewang ko. Hindi na nakataas ang mga binti ko
sa kanyang mga balikat, bagkus ay malawak na lamang na nakaparte ang aking mga
hita. Ngayon ay nasa ibabaw ko na siya, his hard chest and squishing my boobs,
while his lips are torridly kissing mine.

Humiwalay lamang ako sa kanyang mga labi nang maubusan na ako ng hininga. He used
the opportunity to plant kisses on my cheek, down to my jawline, and to my
earshell.

"Did you mean what you said in the text?" He whispered in my ear as he was fúcking
me fast and balls deep.

"Y-Yes. I need your cúm in me."

He let out a sensual groan.

"Then, you're gonna get what you ask for....you take all of it, every single
fúcking drop of my seed, understand?" Mariin niyang tanong na sunod-sunod kong
ikinatango.

"Yes, yes, oh god.."

And after a few more strokes, I felt his hot and thick cúm flooded my walls. My
pússy quievered as he unload everything inside of me.

"Vlanca.." He moaned as he slowly made deep strokes, making sure that everything
would be inside me. Nanghihina ko naman na nabitawan ang kanyang buhok. I then
stared at the ceiling for a moment as I felt his seed in me. It feels...odd since
never pa akong nagkaroon ng ganito sa loob ko...at the same time, I liked it.....it
felt erøtic and so dåmn høt.

My heart is still racing and I was still recovering when he got off on top of me.
Akala ko ay aalis na siya pero pumwesto lamang siya sa nakabuka kong mga hita.
Napadaing ako nang dahan-dahan niyang hugutin ang kanya. With eyes dark in lust and
primal need he looked at what he had done. Napaawang ang mga labi ko at mahina
akong napahalinghing nang ginamit niya ang ang ulo ng kanyang pagkalalaki upang
ikalat ang kanyang katas sa labas ng aking pagkababae.

"Hmm..looks even better than the gif you sent me." He cockily said.

When I looked down....It's a mess down there, my brownish pússy lips are now
covered with the white streaks of hia thick fluid, samantalang balot din ng kanyang
katas ang aking loob, it was evident since it was dripping out of my hole down to
my åss.

"C-Can I wash it off now?" I asked after a few moments.

His jaw clenched before he shook his head.

"But I-It's dripping..."

Without an answer ay tumayo siya at hinanahap ang underwear ko sa nakakalat naming

mga damit sa sahig. For a moment, I looked around, his penthouse is not huge.
Instead, it's built to accommodate one or two people, it's more like a bachelor's
pad. May napakalaking T.V screen sa harap ng couch, a fancy looking cofee table. My
eyes didn't miss the floor to ceiling glass walls, and mayroon ding dalawang
manipis na parang divider wall ilang hakbang mula sa magkabilang gilid ng malaking
couch. It's there not for the sake of foundation, it looks like it's there for
aesthetic purposes, like you can hang pictures, paint it, whatever, pero wala
siyang ini-design doon.

No picture frames, paintings, nor a personalized touch in this house.

Natigil naman ako sa pag-obserba nang makita ko siyang lumuhod sa gilid ko. He made
me sit before he slid the undewear up my legs.

"Lift your hips for me." He said softly para maisuot niya sa akin iyon.

"There, no more dripping." He said after he stood up. He then leaned and kissed my
lips. "I'll go get you something to drink, you need to hydrate since you still have
a lot to pay for." He added and pressed another kiss before he walked away bútt
naked.

When he said that I still have a lot to pay for ay hindi siya nagbibiro dahil
pinainom lang niya ako ng tubig at pinagpahinga ng ilang minuto. Matapos noon
pinatayo niya ako, dinala ako sa likuran ng kawawang couch at itinuwad doon. His
hands are now tightly holding my waists, his pelvis hítting my åss as he
deliciously fúcked me from behind.

"Oh, god." I moaned weakly. Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi kumapit sa sandalan
at isandig ang noo ko doon. Balot na ng pawis ang buong katawan ko at halos
manginig na ang mga hita ko. I already have my third ørgasm, my juice is already
soaking my sensitive folds and yet it still not enough for him.

My mouth parted and my moans became louder when he planted firm and hot kisses on
my spine as he mercilessly thrusted in and out of me.

"You like how I fúck you hard and use this pretty little body like a fùcktoy,
aren't you, Vlanca?" He dirtily whispered when he finally reached my ear.

With my eyes shut close and my fists gripping the poor couch, I nodded repeatedly.

"Yes..."

Without stopping, he reached around to cup my heat that is still covered with his
cóme. habang naglalabas masok siya ay tumutulo na sa mga hita ko ang inilabas niya
kaninang katas. It's downright filthy....but holy shît, I find it hot.

"You like how I use this pússy, hmmm?" He growled in my ear.

"Si, Si," I answered in Italian. "Please, don't stop!"

I yelped when he småcked my åss. "Good girl,"

And then he gathered his çome on my labia and used it to massage my clitoris once
again. Impit akong napaungol nang marating ko na naman ang sukdulan ko.

"That's right..come around my cóck." He whispered as I came.

"...I can't stand up anymore...please," I begged him since my legs are about to
give out.

Without pulling out he carried me back to the couch and made me lay down. Mariin
siyang humawak sa mga bewang ko bago niya ako siniil ng mainit na halik. His
manhood is still buried deep inside me.

"You said that I'm your flavor of the month, and until then, no one gets to touch
this pússy but me, si?" He whispered against my swollen lips. His eyes were darkly
staring into mine.

"Yes, yes..ahh!"

I was interrupted with my own whimpers nang magpatuloy siyang umulos. Wala akong
ibang magawa kung hindi kumapit sa kanyang maugat na forearm na nakatukod na ngayon
sa gilid ng ulo ko, habang ang isang kamay niya ay mariin pa din na nakahawak sa
aking bewang.

"Look at me." He commanded as he buried himself again and again. Nanghihina akong
tumingin sa kanya.

"This pússy is mine." He said sexily as he reached down and massaged my clít with
one hand.

I nodded mindlessly since I am about to reach another ørgasm that I am not even
sure how I can reach after the countless ones I've had.

"Only," Thrust "fúcking" Thrust, mine." Thrust, thrust.

And that's when I lost it again. I moaned his name so dåmned loud as my whole body
shook. Pakiramdam ko ay nagdilim ng ilang segundo ang paningin ko sa sarap. After a
few moments, mas lalo pang rumahas ang kanyang pagulos, it was rapid and deep that
the couch is already creaking.

"Do you understand, Vlanca?" He growled in my ear. I nodded repeatedly.

He groaned in approval before he buried his face in my breasts and in one more
fluid stroke.

He released his warm seed inside me, sobrang dami niyang nilabas muli dahil tumulo
palabas ang iba mula sa akin. I couldn't careless about that because the delicious
tingles spread all over my body once again. Napakalmot ako sa kanyang likod nang
maabot ko na naman muli ang aking sukdulan.

Lumunok naman ako upang basahin ang tuyo ko nang lalamunan sa kakaungol. I brushed
my messy hair away from my face as he trailed kisses from my breasts up to my
shoulders, and then at the crook of my neck.

"I want to hear you say it." He demanded.

"Yes, it's yours." I answered. My mind is still hazed because of the toe-curling
orgåsm I just had.

"Only yours, Daddy." I whispered mindlessly.

Agad niyang binunot ang kanyang mukha mula sa aking leeg. He stared at me with
furrowed eyebrows.

"What did you just call me?" Bahagyang humihingal niyang tanong habang nakatukod
ang kanyang matipunong mga braso sa magkabilang gilid ko kaya hindi niya ako
madadaganan.

Nanlaki ang ang mata ko nang na-realize ang nasabi ko. OH CRAP!

"U-Uh," My cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

Oh, my god, I make too many daddy jokes that I actually blurted out the word after
séx. Oh, my gooood?!

May nanunuksong ngiti na sa kanyang mga labi habang ramdam ko ang pagiinit ng aking
mga pisngi.

"I didn't mean t-to c-call you that...It was an accident."

He licked his lips before he arched his slitted eyebrow.

"No, call me that again--"

"Ezekiel."

Ngumisi siya.

"Hmm..so, I'm your daddy now, huh?" Nangaasar niyang tanong. "You like it when
daddy f--"

"Roy Ezekiel" I screamed matapos noon ay hinitak ko siya palapit at ibinaon ko ang
mukha ko sa kanyang leeg. I had to do it since my face is currently heavily
flushed. "I-I always joke about 'daddy stuff' in my head...it's just you were so
hot and I wasn't thinking straight---ayokong i-explain...and can we please not talk
about it?" I said against his damp skin.
Kahit na hindi ako nakatingin sa kanya ay alam kong may nanunuksong ngiti sa
kanyang mga labi.

"No, say it again---"

I pulled my face out of his neck and glared at him.

"I'm leaving---"

He leaned down and interrupted me with a kiss.

"Biro lang." He said against my lips at sinundan iyon ng suwabeng tawa. Sandali
akong natigilan doon, I have never heard him laugh like that. It was carefree and
just attractive. A part of me wants to hear more of that.

I yelped when he smacked my åss.

"Let's go for another round, baby girl--ouch!" Natigil siya ng kinurot ko ang
bewang niya.

"Ezekiel, isa." I warningly said.

He chuckled before he carefully pulled out and helped me sit up. I hissed nang
maramdaman ko ang katas niya sa pagitan ng hita ko.

"Your swimmers..." I told him as he stand infront of me. His now soft cóck dangling
between his legs.

"Yeah," Sagot niya matapos niyang isuot ang kanyang boxers na pinulot niya sa
sahig. "Let's take care of that in the shower.....and then we'll fúck again." He
added that it made my mouth part.

I looked at him with a look of disbelief in my face, hoping that he was joking but
dolce gesù bambino, he is not.

Chapter 19: Plok-Plok

Martina Vlanca

Ang maligamgam na tubig ay mahinang umaagos mula sa shower head na nakapakat sa

kisame. The water is cascading down the floor habang nakaluhod si Ezekiel sa
harapan ko. Isang oras na ata kami dito sa kanyang rather fancy shower stall,
since, after he rinsed the soap all over my body earlier ay hindi na siya nakatiis.
Pinaupo niya ako dito sa small stone bench bago siya lumuhod sa harapan ko. He
knows that I am too sore down there since hindi kami agad nakaabot ng banyo kanina.
Tinira muna niya ako ng ilang beses sa kama bago siya pumayag na maligo na.

Ang isang kamay ko ay nakakapit sa dulo bench, samantalang ang isa ay mahigpit na
nakasabunot sa kanyang basa at malamot na buhok. Ang aking mga hita naman ay
nakabuka at nakapatong sa magkabila niyang mga balikat.

"Oh, dio." Oh, god. "It's so good....you're doing so good." I panted habang
nakabaon ang kanyang dalawang daliri sa loob ko, samantalang subo niya sa kanyang
mainit at basang bibig ang aking sensitibong butil. The water is supposed to cool
me down but it doesn't seem that way because my body is burning with carnal lust,
my heart is thumping so loud I could hear it ringing in my ears, and delicious
tingles were starting to shoot down my core.

Mas lalo pang tumindi iyon nang mas lalong rumahas ang paglabas masok nang kanyang
mga daliri sa aking loob, it was rough and fast that it was making wet and
squelching sounds. While his hot and tender lips are wrapped around my clítoris.

"Ezekiel," I chanted his name as my breathing became even more labored, the
delicious pressure in my lower belly starting to intensify. Nang sinisipsip niya
ang butil ko at isagad niya ang daliri ko sa aking loob ay napasigaw ako sa
nakakaliyong sarap!

I screamed his name once again as my whole body shook in so much pleasure. Warm
juice gushed out of my entrance, walang tumulo sa sahig dahil dinilaan at nilunok
niya lahat iyon.

Humihingal akong tumingin sa kanya. From my here ay kita ko ang mga muscles sa
kanyang matipunong likuran, his biceps and triceps are flexing as he slowly moved
his finger inside me. Ang kanyang buhok ay gulo-gulo dahil sa akin, and somehow
that did not diminish his séx appeal, if anything, it just added to it.

He was still busy slurping everything pero hinugot niya ang kanyang daliri mula sa
akin. My pússy quievered in emptiness for a moment. Habang nakatuon sa akin ang
kanyang magagandang mga asul na mga mata ay dinilaan niya ang kanyang mga daliring
nanggaling sa akin. Napaawang ang mga labi ko.

"I want more.. " His sexy voice grumbled as he held my hips with one hand.

Napahawak na lamang ako sa kanyang kamay na nasa bewang ko habang dinidilaan at

hinahalikan niyang muli ang sensitibo kong pagkababae. As his wicked tongue lapped
my clítoris, he was staring into my eyes, watching my face distort and eventually
watched my legs shake because of another earth shattering orgásm he gave me.

My mouth parted nang makita ko ang ginagawa niya gamit ang isang kamay niya. My
body became even hotter nang makita kong nakahawak iyon sa matigas na pagkalalaki
niya. The blunt and red tip is moist with pre-çum and the thíck and long body is
popping with veins and is standing in attention.

Nakakatuyo ng lalamunan ang nakikita ko. He was mås†ürbåting while he was eating my
püssy. Bumilis pa lalo ang paggalaw ng kanyang malaking kamay doon habang hindi
naman pumalya ang paghalik niya sa pagkababae ko.

Delicious tingles filled my body once again. It feels illegal to watch him but I
can't stop. It just turns me one even more.

"Vlanca.." He murmured against my flesh when he pulled away for a moment. It seems
like he was touching himself because he enjoys kissing me down there and holy freak
it made me even hørnîer.

His grip in my waist tightened as he fúcked me with his tongue. My breathing became
uneven and without another second, mariin akong napasabunot sa kanyang buhok,
meanwhile my toes curled as I exploded once more.

He let out an animalistic groan before he licked every last drop of my juice and
then slowly, he worked his way up. He planted hot kisses on my soft belly, until he
reached my breasts. Iniwan lamang niya ang mga dibdib ko matapos niyang magiwan
nang mapulang marka sa underboob ko.
He forced me to stand up and when I looked down he was still touching himself.

"Let me help.."

"No," He growled and then spinned me around until my cheek was resting on the cool
and wet tile. Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman ko ang katas niya sa balat ko.
Specifically on my åss. He marked both of my åsscheeks with his warm and thíck
loads, some even dribbled down my áss crack.

I weakly leaned on the wall. Ramdam ko ang pag-agos pababa ng kanyang katas sa
aking balat.

"Mine." He said hotly before he smacked my åss with his palm. I get that he's being
possesive over my body, but somehow it feels weird because more part of me wants to
be claimed by him.

Dolce gesù bambino, where did that come from? Agad ko naman na ipinilig ang isiping
iyon.

"Give me my kiss." He demanded nang iharap niya ako sa kanya at hapitin ang aking
bewang. Tumingkayad naman ako at siniil siya ng halik.

"Sorry, hindi po for sale ang pwet ko." Banat ko sa kanya nang maghiwalay ang mga
labi namin. "Pero 'yung Dion Lee croptop ko na kasalukuyang nasa living room floor
mo ay available, it's only fifteen thousand pesos....pa-mine na lang kung bet mo
'yun." Dagdag ko pa habang nakatingin sa nakakaasar na gwapong mukha niya. Ngayon
ay nahulog na sa kanyang makinis na noo ang ilang hibla ng kanyang buhok. Water
droplets are currently covering his black thick eyebrows. Some waterdroplets slid
down the scar on his other eyebrow. Tumulo naman iyon sa kanyang makakapal din at
mahabang pilikmata.

He shot me a glare and cupped my åsscheeks like a caveman.

"Isso é meu." Mariing bulong niya habang madilim na nakatitig sa akin. I may not
understand what he said but dåmn it, he sounded sooo séductive speaking in his
mother tongue. "Eu vou foder isso logo e vou marcar suas entranhas com meu
esperma."

He didn't give me a chance to say a sassy comeback because he attacked my lips with
a hot and demanding kiss.

"How do you still have the time to ƒúck me? Last time I checked, Professor ka pa
din sa med school 'di ba?" I asked him casually like there is nothing wrong in our
current situation. I also wondered since lagi siyang nasa ospital and may time pa
nga siya na maglagi sa pépe ko.

"Sub na lang ako ngayon dahil gusto kong mag-handle pa ng additional na mga kaso sa
ospital." Tipid niyang sagot na ikinatango ko na lang. Makes sense.

Ngayon ay nakaupo ako sa isa sa mga upuan na narito sa kanyang island counter. A
simple yet pricey light illuminates the whole space. Although, his kitchen is not
big, rather it was cozy. May mga standard cabinets, stoves, a huge silver fridge, a
microwave, and any other appliance that looks like it hasn't been used for months.
"Hmm..your house is fancy but not big enough for me." Biro ko as I sat down on one
of the stools. We're both freshly showered, nakasuot lamang siya ng itim na sweats
at puting sando. Samantalang suot ko ang malaki niyang robe, there is also a pack
of ice resting on my sore kitty.

"What a humble comment coming from one of the Del Russo Princesses?" Sarkastiko
niyang sabi, humor is laced in his tone. His back is currently facing me since
kasalukuyan niyang sinasalin sa plato ang pina-deliver naming mga pagkain. Because
it turns out na pareho kaming walang kwenta sa kusina.

"I'm kidding, my god." Sagot ko at inirapan siya ngayong nakaharap na siya sa akin.
Dala niya ang plato ko ng pagkain na may kutsara't-tinidor sa gilid. "Also, freak
you, we're not 'Princesses'." Dagdag ko pa at tinuro siya gamit ang tinidor
sandali.

Ngumising aso siya.

"Whatever you say, your highness."

"That was my line, thief." Inirapan ko ulit siya bago siya tumalikod para naman
isalin ang pagkain niya sa plato mula sa container (okay na ako sa container kumain
pero he insisted na isalin daw). His place is not huge since there are only two
rooms; his room and a guest room. Sa guestroom niya ako dinala, kung saan kami nag-
plok-plok bago kami naligo sa bathroom din doon. It definitely made me wonder why
we didn't do it in his room like normal people.

"Why didn't we do it in your room?" I blurted it out before I could even stop
mysef. I wasn't sure if I was imagining but I think I saw him freeze for a moment,
pero nabawi din niya agad iyon. "Serial killer ka noh? Doon mo tintago ang mga
ebidensya, noh?" I added it to make it less serious.

He rolled his eyes nang makaharap siya sa akin matapos niyang kuhanin ang pagkain
niya sa counter na malapit sa stove. His food is a rare medium steak with a bunch
of delicious-looking french fries on the side. Ugh, I'm definitely gonna steal some
from him.

"There are personal things there." Sagot niya nang hindi tumitingin sa akin.

Sandali naman akong natigilan. He is really serious about 'no-personal-stuff.'

Hindi ko rin maiwasan na magisip sandali, does he have issues or is he just a very
private person?

I internally shook my head. Why am I wondering? I'm just here for the good séx and
expensive food, kaya naman kinuha ko na ang tinidor na napatong sa plato para
makakain na ako. My brows furrowed when I looked down at my food. It was the food
that I asked for; buttered shrimp and it smells mouth-watering. There is only one
issue.

"Ang sabi mo ay gusto mo ng buttered shrimp." Sabi niya nang mapansin niya ang
expression ko. Ngayon ay nakaupo na siya sa tabi ko. We just used the same products
and yet he smells better than me, how is that possible?

"What's wrong with your food?" Tanong niya pa matapos niyang ngumuya ng steak.

Napakamot naman ako sandali sa aking batok.

"Well, nevermind...it's not a b-big deal." Sagot ko at humarap nang muli sa pagkain
ko.
He clicked his tongue and then rotated my chair in his direction. Dåmn it, epal ang
moveable stool na ito.

"What is it?" Tanong niyang muli habang nakatuon sa akin ang kanyang mga mata. As
usual ay nakakunot ang kanyang noo.

Sandali ko naman na kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi ko bago ako sumagot.

"Kasi 'yung buttered shrimp na niluluto ng family chef namin ay walang balat..."
And I never really learned how to properly peel a shrimp or prawn since I didn't
bother to teach myself. I bit my tongue so hindi ko iyon matuloy.

Hindi siya sumagot bagkus ay tumayo siya at kumuha ng isang plato matapos siyang
maghugas ng kamay. He returned to his seat and snatched my plate.

"Oy, you don't have to do that." I told him nang magsimula siyang balatan ang mga
hipon isa-isa.

"I can do it." I pouted.

Tumigil siya sa pagbabalat nang hindi binibitawan ang hipon. Itinaas niya ang may
pilat niyang kilay, non-verbally telling me; talaga?

I sagged on my seat and sighed in defeat.

"Fine, do it."

"That's what I thought." Sarkastiko niyang sagot bagot siya nagpatuloy sa

pagbabalat noon. Isa-isa ay nilagay niya ang balat nang hipon sa malinis na plato
and he left the peels in the other plate. And I sat there and watched him do
it....and of course, I stole fries from his plate.

"You should've told me you wanted fries." Sabi niya habang binabalatan ang malaking
hipon.

"Eh, nahiya ako e." Natatawa kong sagot because it was a joke. Hindi ko kasi alam
na may fries 'yung inorderan namin na resto.

He gave me one of his rare chuckles as he continued to peel the thing.

"Si Vlanca Del Russo? Mahihiya? Sa akin?" Sarkastiko niyang sagot.

"Tse." I replied and snatched another fry.

"Here." He said after a couple of minutes. Kakaupo lang niya dahil kakagaling lang
siya sink upang maghugas ng kamay. He then slid the plate of now peeled shrimp in
front of me.

"And here too," Dagdag niya at isinalin sa plato ko ang halos lahat ng fries niya.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapatitig sa kanya. He just blankly looked at me for a moment,

but somehow these gestures made me feel something....like this weird warmth in my
stomach. Napanguso naman ako at tinusok ang kanyang matigas na braso dahil
nagpatuloy lang siya sa pagkain habang nakatitig ako sa kanya.

"What?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay habang ngumunguya ng sliced steak.

"Oy, 'wag ka ngang ganyan. Magi-guilty tuloy na ako niyan kapag aasarin kita." I
tried to give back the fries but he shook his head and made a sound with his
tongue.

"Eat it. You need alot of food since the night is still young." He suggestively
replied and gave me a devilish smirk.

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata sandali.

"Sige na, lumalamig na ang pagkain mo." Dagdag pa niya. Ilang sandali ang lumipas
bago ako bumuntong hininga.

"Fine....and thank you," Alanganin kong sagot.

"You're most definitely not welcome." Sarkastiko niyang sagot na ikinairap ko.

"Tse."

And I do really need the energy since an hour after we ate ay kumana na naman siya.
He bent me right beside the bed and then I rode him, noong napagod ako ay nag-døggy
style ulit kami. When I was too tired to take it standing, nag-missionary naman
kami hanggang sa hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang ørgåsms ang naibigay niya sa akin
at ilang posisyon pa ang nagawa namin. Ngayon ay nakahiga ang kalahati ng katawan
niya sa ibabaw ko, he just cåme inside me...for I don't know how many times
already.

As I stared at the ceiling, I noticed my surroundings. This guest room is very

plain and also not personalized. Kulay gray ang pintura ng mga dingding, there is a
huge T.V mounted on the wall, a king sized bed, and windows. It's straightforward.

Napatingin naman ako kay docmonyo sandali. I can feel his hard and warm body
against mine. Pareho kaming pawisan ngunit none of us seem to care about that. His
hands are resting on my either said habang nakabaon sa boobs ko ang kanyang mukha.
Wala sa loob na inabot ko ang kanyang basang buhok at pinaraan ang aking mga daliri
doon, napatingin siya sa akin. For a moment, I stared into his eyes. I couldn't
read his expression but his brows furrowed. When I tried to touch his cheek ay
mabilis niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko at tinulak iyon palayo.

He then rolled off of me, humiga siya sa tabi ko but he put distance. Napakagat ako
sa aking labi sandali. Another thing about him; he definitely does not like pillow
talk nor a gesture of intimacy. It should not affect me but I could not explain
because somehow there is that tiny irksome....even galling feeling that crossed in
my chest.

I shook it off immediately. Tsk, guni-guni lang 'yun.

"I should go home," Sabi ko sa kanya at umupo na kahit na masakit ang katawan ko.
Wala naman akong planong mag-sleepover. I should get home now since madilim na din
at alas dies na ng gabi. "Hindi mo na ako kailangang ihatid, I can just call one of
the security people from the mansion." I added and clutched the duvet to my naked
chest.

Agad siyang umiling.

"No, ihahatid kita." He firmly replied and then stood up. Pinulot niya ang boxers
niya sa sahig at isinuot iyon. For a moment, the dim lighting from the lampshades
kissed his beautiful chestnut skin.
Hindi na niya ako kailangang ihatid. It's not his obligation and I am capable to go
home on my own. And when he saw that I was about to disagree, he gave me a stern
look.

"I insist." He authoritatively said.

Sandali akong tumingin sa kanya. He's really serious kaya naman hindi na ako
nagprotesta pa at nagtungo na lang sa living room upang pulutin at isuot ang damit
ko.

Chapter 20: Kiel

Roy Ezekiel

"That woman! May kapal ng mukha pa siyang pumunta dito at magtanong tungkol sa'yo
na parang wala siyang ginawang masama." Bakas ang pagkainis at galit sa tono ni
Mamá. Halata iyon sa kanyang magandang mukha dahil magkasalubong ang kanyang arched
na mga kilay at mariin na magkadikit ang kanyang mga mapupulang mga labi.
Samantalang nasa tabi naman niya si Papa, hindi rin maganda ang timpla ng kanyang
mukha. Nakapalibot ang kanyang braso sa lantad na mga balikat ni Mamá dahil
nakasuot siya ng blue na sleeveless top. Samantalang naka-simpleng t-shirt lamang
si Papá. He was caressing her bare arm in an effort to calm her down but it didn't
seem to work since it was still obvious that she was pissed.

Well, dapat ay usual skype lamang namin ito. Where we both sit in front of a
screen, they ask how I am doing, I ask them the same thing, and we talk about other
stuff, completely avoiding the topic that they really wanted to talk to me about.
It has always been the same for the past couple of months since I left Baguio,
however it was different this time as one can tell.

As expected ay wala pang isang linggo mula noong umalis ako ay nagsimulang magpunta
sa bahay si Trinity asking about my whereabouts. I pleaded na huwag nilang sabihin
kay Trinity ang kinaroroonan ko. Wala naman siyang matatanong sa dating ospital na
pinagta-trabahuhan ko dahil wala akong mga kaibigan doon at wala akong sinabihan
tungkol sa paroroonan ko matapos akong mag-resign. Kaya naman ang obvious choice
lamang niya ay ang mga parents ko.

Pero nitong mga nakaraang linggo ay dumadalas na ang pagpunta ni Trinity sa bahay.
Dumadalas na ang pagtatanong niya sa mga magulang ko kung nasaan ako o kung ano
mang impormasyon. My parents, of course, are now curious more than ever about what
happened. It's been a couple of months and I no longer want to keep them clueless
about the situation anymore. I am also ready to talk about her. And so, I did. I
managed to tell them everything without the blinding anger or pain in my chest, nor
the tears on my cheeks or the urge to throw the table across the room.

And when I was done, they were not obviously happy.

"Dapat sinabi mo agad, anak. Hindi na dapat pa namin ini-entertain ang mga tanong
niya at ang pagpunta niya dito." Sabi ni Papá.

Napatango naman ang aking Mamá.

"Yes and I was so nice to her! She had the nerve to tell me na wala siyang alam na
posibleng rason kung bakit bigla ka na lang lumisan ng Baguio." Galit na dagdag
niya.

Four months ago, right after I disappeared from Baguio, sinabi ko lamang sa mga
magulang ko na tapos na kami ni Trinity. I didn't tell them how or why. They had so
many questions because I was in a relationship with Trinity for seven years. Pitong
taon ng buhay ko na iginugol ko sa pagmamahal at pagpapasaya sa kanya. Pitong taon
sa loob ng relasyon na ako ang agrabyado pero paulit-ulit kong ini-deny at hindi
pinansin dahil nga mahal ko siya ng sobra.

And her unfaithfulness was my last straw, it was my breaking point. It was the
thing that made me see and realize all the wrongs in our relationship. Hence the
reason I left.

Ang relasyon namin ni Trinity ay hindi normal, komplikado kasi ang sitwasyon niya
noon kaya naman tago lamang kami sa publiko. Hindi kami naging normal na mag-
nobyo't-nobya na may mga litrato sa social media or lantarang lumalabas. Kapag
lumalabas kami ay kailangan ay kaunti o walang tao sa paligid. Ang alam noon ng
publiko at ang pakilala ko sa mga magulang ko sa kanya noon ay matalik lamang na
kaibigan. Subalit kahit na ganoon ay hindi nakaligtas sa kanilang mapagmatyag na
mga mata ang katotohanan sa relasyon namin ni Trinity.

I guess that's one of the wonders of parents, they can read their children well and
smell the lies even from afar. And so, noong isang taon na kami ni Trinity, they
confronted me and asked me to tell them the truth. They are my parents and I don't
see the point in lying since they already busted us. And so, I confirmed their
hunch na nobya ko si Trinity, sinabi ko din sa kanila na sekreto lamang kami dahil
komplikado ang sitwasyon ni Trinity. Noong una ay syempre nagalala sila para sa
akin pero sinigurado ko ang mga magulang ko na ayos lang ako doon, na hindi nila
kailangan na mag-step-in para sa akin dahil alam ko ang pinasok ko at mahal ko si
Trinity.

After a few more convincing, they did not objected. They loved Trinity not just for
the sake of me. They loved her because she was a lovable and charming person. Also,
my parents are happy that after twenty eight years of being single ay may
ipinakilala na din ako na nobya.

Our relationship continued being in the dark, lowkey, and secretive. I was
happy......we were happy. My parents grew to love her even more as they got to know
her. Pumupunta kami sa bahay nila tuwing Christmas, o kung ano mang holiday or
kahit walang ocassion. Trinity would bake cookies with my mom, converse with my Dad
about cars. She was a sweetheart. Iyon ang isa sa mga rason kung bakit ako nahulog
sa kanya. She was people's person. I remember I observed her sometimes talk to
other people and I would smile because I would see how much sunshine she brings to
them.

And as I've said earlier, nabigla ang mga magulang ko noong umalis ako at ang
tanging sinabi ko lamang na rason ay dahil naghiwalay na kami ni Trinity at may
malaking job offer akong tinaggap dito sa Maynila. Noong sinubukan nilang magtanong
ng adisyonal pa na impormasyon ay imbes na sumagot ay sinabi ko na hindi pa ako
handang pagusapan noon ang mga dahilan dahil sariwa pa noon ang sugat. And my
parents being the best, they respected that fact.

"Huwag na huwag siyang magkakamaling bumalik pa dito dahil makakarinig talaga siya
sa akin nang hindi kaaya-ayang mga salita.."

I shook my head.

"Ma, please that wouldn't be necessary."

Nagsalubong lalo ang mga kilay ng Mamá

"Not necessary? Pitong taon mo siyang minahal, you swallowed your pride for her and
endured things that you should not have endured, pumayag ka na gawing sekreto, at
nakuha pa niyang gawin sa'yo iyon? How dare she?" She said, anger is still
noticeable in her tone.

Hindi ako nakasagot agad.

Hearing it all at once brings up the unwanted ache in my chest. Wala sa loob na
napatingin ako sa gilid ng lamesa ko na may litrato ni Trinity. Kuha ito sa Sitio
La Presa, nakatayo siya sa likod ng foggy strawberry farm. We went back here again
on our fourth year anniversary. She was wearing a cute purple hoodie and simple
jeans. May hawak siyang malaking strawberry. The tip of her nose is pink because of
the coldness. Dull ache passed my chest when I saw the joyous stretch of her lips,
her smile was so wide na halos mawala na ang kanyang mga mata. Hindi ko natiis
itong dalhin kasama pa ng ilang mga litrato. I know, pathetic.

Wala sa loob na itinaob ko iyon.

"Love..would you please relax.." Narinig kong sabi ni Papá kay Mamá. My mother
shook her head and scoffed.

"I will deal with her at the right time, Ma..." I said gently. "But please, ayoko
na ng gulo...."

"Gulo? Deserve niya ang gulo matapos nang ginawa niya sa'yo."

I softly looked at her.

"Ma..please." I said again. "I promise I will deal with her in time...but not now.
I'm still not ready to face her yet, but I will, okay?" I assured her.

Papa softly looked at my mother.

"Love, narinig mo si Roy...please, let our son be." Sumangayon naman si Papá.

A few seconds had passed and her face still had a hard expression, but after a few
moments it softened.

"She caused me great happiness and.... sorrow....and it's not going to be easy to
face her." I honestly said. It was the truth. Up to now, I still do not know how to
face her because I know that she still holds that very special place in my heart.
It was the result of seven years of devotion for her.

And because of that, I cannot face her because I know that I will just forgive her
and run back to her.

"Oh meu bebê precioso.." Lumambot ang kanyang tono. "I'm sorry, Mama just loves you
very much and you know that I don't like it when somebody hurts you, il mio
ragazzo."

Napangiti naman ako. Papa smiled at me too.

"I wish I could hug you right now."

Mas lumawak ang aking ngiti.

"It's okay, Má. Masaya na akong nariyan kayo ni Papá para sa akin."

"I'm sorry, Ezekiel. She didn't deserve you, anak."

Sandali akong natahimik. There is that burning feeling in my chest when I think
about her with another man....but I immediately shrugged it off.

A beat of silence passed us before I finally spoke.

"Sabi mo ay pumunta siya sa bahay kahapon..." I trailed.

"Oo at iyon na ang huli." Sagot ni Papá.

"....K-Kumusta siya?" Hindi ko napigilan ang aking sarili.

"Ezekiel..." He said..like he's warning me to not go down that road. Where I'd ask
her and then I'd end up hurting myself with the information.

Mapait akong ngumiti.

"Pitong taon din 'yon, Papá. I wish it's that easy to stop caring or think about
her..... I really wish...."

Papá stared at me like he understood what I was feeling.

"She's okay, she was of course sad since hindi niya alam kung nasaan ka...and still
charming."

Napalunok naman ako. The idea of her hurting still affects me.

"Naghiwalay na sila ni Sean as expected..." Dagdag niya.

Kumuyom ang kamao ko nang marinig ko ang pangalan ng hinayupak na iyon.

"And just like she told you, ay lumago na ang Huang Car Dealership, pati na rin ang
agency ng mga Liung."

I nodded. Agad ko na binago ang topic bago ko pa hayaan ang sarili ko na magtanong
pa nang magtanong tungkol sa kanya. We continued to talk for a while before the
call finally ended.

Pagod naman akong napasandal sa aking swivel chair matapos kong ibaba ang screen ng
aking laptop. I reached for the picture frame on the table and stared at it for a
moment. Trinity's parents are both Chinese. They are both from Liqian or now called
Zhelaizhai. Isang maliit na village iyon sa Tsina na karamihan ng natives ay may
combination ng Green eyes at blond hair. It might sound like I made it up but it
was true. Kaya kahit hindi European decent si Trinity ay berde ang kanyang mga
mata. Pale light skin is also common in that region.

Her parents moved here in the Philippines in the 80s because of business ventures.
They decided to live here and build a business and it bloomed. Trinity is their
only child and the only heir of Huang Car Dealership. Nakwento niya sa akin na
strikto ang kanyang upbringing, at mataas lagi ang expectation sa kanya dahil only
child siya. And as a result of that, she always needed her parents approval in
basically everything.

She always plays by the rules, the only time that she's carefree and truly happy is
when she's with me....atleast that's what I saw.
Tumayo naman ako at lumapit sa box ng mga litrato malapit sa kama. I sat on the
edge of the bed and dumped the picture frame I was holding in the box. I smiled
bitterly when I saw a picture of us in the hospital, that's where I met her.

Nadulas siya sa shower niya, I found her in the emergency room in pain and with a
broken arm. When I first saw her, I wasn't that attracted to her. She just looked
like any other beautiful woman but when we started talking while I treated her.
That's where I started to like her. Nakita niya kasi ang isang video game sticker
sa I.D ko noon. Turns out it was her favorite video game too. She sounded so cool
and yet elegant as she talked. Nagusap kami noong gabi na iyon hanggang sa
nagpalitan kami ng numbers bago siya na-discharged.

And then the first date happened and as I got to know her, that's when I knew that
she's the one for me.

As the time passed by and as our relationship developed over the months, she
started telling me the truth about her family. Doon ko nalaman ang magiging rason
kung bakit kailangan namin na magtago.

And when I said that our situation is complicated...I mean it.

Sariwa pa ang alala sa akin, nasa kusina kami noon at nagtanong ako sa kanya kung
bakit isang taon na kami ay hindi ko pa rin nakikilala ang kanyang mga magulang. At
kung bakit hindi pa kami pwedeng lumantad sa publiko. Hindi ko malilimutan kung
gaano kapangit sa pakiramdam noong nalaman ko na ang dahilan nang lahat nang iyon
ay dahil nakapangako na siya na ikakasal sa iba.

I remember how I just stared at her in disbelief. In rage, in confusion, and in

pain. That all this time, she was meant for someone else. and I firmly told her
that it wouldn't happen. I told her that I will fight for her and I will head to
their house at that moment and ask for her hand instead.

But she stopped me, she begged me not to go and wait. Sinabi niya sa akin na
kailangan niyang gawin iyon para sa family business nila. Wala na din siyang
magagawa dahil napirmahan na ang kasunduan sa pagitan ng pamilya niya at ng pamilya
ni Sean Wei Liung, isang taon bago kami nagkakilala. Noong nakilala niya ako ay
gusto na niyang mag-back-out pero dahil pirmado ay wala na siyang magagawa.

My jaw clenched in anger as I thought about him.

Si Liung ang nag-iisang anak ng isa sa mayaman na mga pamilya sa Baguio. May ari
sila ng isang malaking advertising agency at producer din sila ng interior ng mga
sasakyan. Ang nakalagay sa kasunduan ay magpapakasal sila ni Liung at mananatili na
kasal sa loob ng limang taon alang-alang sa negosyo. They needed each other for
publicity, boost in the market and for the widening of the two companies.

They just need to do it for five years since after that time, they are certain that
the companies will widen and be at the top of the market. By then, they no longer
need each other and they can just divorce.

She said that she knows that it's a lot to ask for and yes, it is. Pakiramdam ko ay
nakalunok ako nang isang box ng thumbtacks noong mga oras na iyon dahil hindi ako
makapagsalita. Pero nagmakaawa siya sa akin na huwag ko siyang iwan at magtiwala sa
kanya. It's good for us because after the deal she can do whatever she wants with
her life and that she can be with me without her father disapproving and bothering
us, since she's done her part of the company.

When I looked into her teary eyes, I couldn't resist it. I should've left because
it's not fair and I'd rather die than to see her marry someone else, even if it's
just for business but I fell in love with her...hard.

And that's the thing about falling in love, it could be either good for you or it
could destroy you. And for me, unfortunately, it was the latter.

At that moment, I thought that It's just a few years of waiting, we could still see
each other but still in secret. And above all, she promised and told me that it's
pure business, and that Sean also is in love with someone else. Kaya kahit na hindi
sumasangayon ang utak ko at kahit ayoko ay pumayag ako. Tinanggap ko dahil mahal ko
siya.

And so, on our second year anniversary. I was thirty and already an Attending
doctor. She's twenty seven. I watched her marry Sean Wei Liung.

The pain to see her with someone else was numbing but I endured it because it
wasn't real. At ang pinanghahawakan ko ay ako ang mahal niya.

Syempre ay kinailangan kong ipaliwanag sa mga magulang ko ang sitwasyon. Noong una
ay syempre ay tutol sila dahil ako ang agrabyado. Mariin akong pinayuhan ng Papá na
umalis na lamang dahil hindi talaga maganda ang sitwasyon pero hindi ako sumunod.
Imbes ay sinigurado ko na ayos lang ako doon at ipinaalam ko din sa kanila na hindi
ko kayang iwan si Trinity.

At alam ng mga magulang ko na hindi nila ako mapipigilan kapag may gusto ako kaya
naman makalipas ang ilang mga linggo ay naging ayos din sila sa sitwasyon.

Kaya naman lumipas ang mga linggo, buwan, at taon ay ang laging kasama ni Trinity
ay si Sean, Mapa-family functions, events, at sa bahay nila. Magkaibigan pa rin
kami sa publiko at nagmamahalan naman sa sekreto. Tuwing gabi lamang kami nagkikita
sa isang shared condo.

It went on and when she was away ay ginugol ko ang sarili ko sa trabaho. I earned
more money and invest in stocks to make myself richer, so, when the time that
Trinity's deal with the Liungs are over. She will live a lavish life with me. I can
spoil her, buy her a big house, a fúcking island with my own money. Anything that
she wanted.

Another year had gone by, mas kumonti ang oras na pwede kong ibigay sa kanya dahil
tumutunog na ang pangalan ko sa ospital, more patients wanted me. I became busy and
Trinity did not fully understand it. Lagi siya sa akin na nagagalit kapag hindi ako
nakakapunta sa condo noon dahil either stuck ako sa operating room o may emergency.

And when she's angry, she will not talk to me for days. And of course, I'd
apologize and make it up to her by giving up a case to another doctor or giving up
an opportunity for a brief medical mission so I could be with her.

Hindi ko iyon ininda noon at hindi ko nakita ang mali doon dahil gusto ko lamang
siyang makasama at makitang masaya.

Pero dumating ang mga araw na hindi na ako pwede pang magbigay ng kaso sa ibang
doctor at kinailangan kong mag-stay sa hospital nang mas mahaba. I expected her to
not be pleased at that moment but I was completely surprised when she said that it
was fine. That she finally understood and I was so happy for that.

I completely trusted her and I was completely blinded by my love for her that I did
not notice that the reason why she's okay that I am always busy is because she's
already seeing another man right in front of me. It was the man she told me to not
worry about, but he ended up to be the åsshøle that I found her in bed with, after
I got home from the medical mission she encouraged me to take.
My heart ached and anger erupted in my chest.

Mariin kong inabot ang isa pang picture frame niya sa bedside table ko. Minahal at
pinagkatiwalaan ko siya pero saan naman ako dinala noon?

Imbes na kasiyahan ay pagtataksil at sakit lamang ang natamo ko.

A bunch of commitment and trust issues too. Pathetic.

Pinaraan ko ang daliri ko sandali sa picture frame. Nakangiti siyang muli dito sa
litrato. May hawak siyang game controller at nakaupo siya sa couch ng condo namin.
She was wearing my shirt here and we were playing video games for hours.

Ang kanyang mga berdeng mga mata ay kumikinang sa kasiyahan at ang kanyang kulot na
brown hair ay nakatali sa isang ponytail. I remember I used to always tie her hair.

With a tightly clenched jaw, I dumped the picture in the box. I absentmindedly
thought about Vlanca when I saw Trinity's eyes.

Napailing naman ako nang biglang nabuhayan ang pagkalalaki ko nang pumasok sa
isipan ko si Vlanca Del Russo.

Sure, she reminds me of Trinity but at the same time she doesn't. They are alike
but at the same they're really not. As I spend time with her and get to know her, I
slowly find out that though they have a couple similar features, they have nothing
in common.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako at napatitig sa kisame.

Magmula noong magsimula ang aming set-up ay ito lamang ang oras na nahanap ko ang
sarili ko sa kwartong ito. I barely thought of my ex nor the pain she caused me.
For the first time in a couple of months, I am thinking about work and when's the
next time I'll see Vlanca in my bed. Not mental pain nor torture but pleasure and
lúst.

I like having that little brat around. She just got home after the duty today,
hindi muna kami magkikita dahil mag-aaral siya para sa quiz bukas and after that, I
can have her and I couldn't wait. She makes my cóck happy and I like her company.
No personal questions nor emotional attachments. All we have is pure physicality.

However, I noticed that she likes to touch and talk after séx...and somehow, it
raises warning bells in my head. I don't like it, it's a possible attachment and
right before it even began, I avoid it.

I can't wait to have more fun and dirty times with her. My body only wants and
craves hers, nobody arouses me like she does. And I am sure that it's the same for
her.

That's why we keep each other for. Fun and dirty times. Nothing else.

I do not have a single plan on falling for her or even developing feelings. And if
she ever ends up falling for me, I will drop her the second she does, because after
everything that I've been through. There is no way I will do love nor emotional
attachment ever again.
Martina Vlanca

A week had passed by, I feel like in my twenty-four years of existence ay ito ang
unang linggo na dilig ako ng sobra. Walang patawad kumana si Ezekiel sa kama pero
ang kung anong ikinainit niya during séx ay siya namang ikinalamig niya after. It's
not an issue for me though, it's just one of the things I notice. Either way, I am
fine even though I always end up too weak to go home pero kahit na ganoon ay umuuwi
pa din ako. Dahil hindi naman niya ako ini-invite na mag-stay and I don't plan on
doing that either.

Also, last week ay nakulong na ang mga gunggong na gumawa ng masama kala Kuya Neil
at kay Ate Maria. Finally, after the trials, justice has been served. Now, Kuya
Neil and Ate Maria are in Bali, Indonesia. Taking their much awaited vacation bago
sila magplano ng kasal.

"Thank you," Sabi ko sa doctor sa lab ng inabot niya sa akin ang mga lab results ng
mga pasyente ni Docmonyo. Although, we're sleeping together, wala akong special
treatment. Ako pa din lagi ang scut monkey niya. Grr.

Nang makarating ako sa harap nang kanyang on-call room ay ilang beses akong kumatok
bago siya nagbukas ng pinto. His tall and huge frame greeted me as well as his
annoyingly handsome face.

"Eto na, Kiel." I said. I made up that nickname since nahahabaan ako sa pangalan
niya and I just call him that kapag kami lang dalawa.

He gave me a look as I handed him the folders.

"You always call me that stupid pet name." Masungit niyang sagot nang kinuha niya
ang mga folders mula sa akin.

Ngumuso naman ako.

"Wow, of course, lalagnatin ka nga pala kapag lumipas ang isang araw na hindi
masama ang ugali mo sa akin." Nangaasar kong sagot. "And fyi, Nickname lang naman
iyon dahil ang mouthful ng pangalan mo, but since you're a hater, I will stop and
just settle with 'Roy.'" I said and then tumalikod na, grr, nakakasira talaga siya
ng hapon.

"Tsk, Del Russo." He said bago pa ako makalayo.

With a sigh ay napatigil ako sa paglalakad at humarap sa kanya. He was still

standing in the doorway dressed in his deep blue scrubs and carrying the folders in
his one massive arm. There was a hesitant expression on his face.

"Ano?"

"Come closer."

"Paano kung ayoko--"

"Please?"

Napataas naman ang mga kilay ko, aba marunong din palang mag-please ang docmonyo.
And since he asked so nicely, lumapit ako sa kanya. His intoxicating scent flooded
my nose as I craned my neck to meet his gaze.

"So, ano na?"

Tumahimik siya sandali, it like he was contemplating if wheter he would say what he
was about to say or he'd just shut his mouth because it's a bad idea. Lumipas pa
ang ilang segundo bago siya lumunok at nagsalita.

".....W-Wala akong sinabi na hindi ko gusto..." Sagot niya at nagiwas ng tingin

sandali.

Natigilan naman ako doon ng ilang segundo.

"But you called it stupid. It's the same thing." Humalukipkip ako.

He clicked his tongue and glared at me.

"If you don't call me that nickname, I will make you do more scut." Or in
docmonyo's dictionary it means he likes it but is too prideful to admit it.

Imbes na ngumisi ay inirapan ko siya.

"I don't care. You still said it's stupid." Makulit kong sagot. "Roy." Diinan ko pa
iyon.

"Del Russo." His tone is warning.

"Roy," Ulit ko pa habang nakatingin sa mga mata niya. Nagsalubong ang kanyang mga
makakapal na kilay. "Kiel is stupid anyway, right, Dr. Roy?" Pangaasar ko pa.

Napabuntong hininga siya at napairap nang ma-realize niya na hindi ako titigil
hangga't hindi ko naririnig ang gusto kong marinig. He knows that too dámn well.

"Such a little brat," Bulong niya pero narinig ko iyon. "It's not stupid, happy?"

Ngumuso ako at nag-hum sandali. Humimas pa ako sa baba ko.

"Kulang pa ng isang word...starts with letter 'S.'"

"Vlanca.."

"Roy." I said with the same tone.

He then clicked his tongue in annoyance and let out a breath.

"I'm sorry." He said in a grumpy tone na ikinangiti ko nang malawak.

"See, it's not that bad to apologize, Kiel."

Nagiwas siya ng tingin bago siya napailing.

"Kiel," He repeated it to himself. Somehow, I saw a ghost of a smile appear in his

red and plump lips. "Eu não entendo o que está acontecendo comigo.." He whispered,
it was so fast and low that I couldn't understand it. Despite that ay hindi iyon
ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko.

"Ay, shét, napangiti ka ba?" I asked at mapangasar na tinuptop ang bibig ko.

Agad naman siyang umiling kasabay noon ang pag-seryoso nang mukha niya.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Masungit niyang sagot.
"Hindi e, nakita ko e--"

"Del Russo, get lost, bago pa kita utusan ulit." Putol niya sa akin. Mabilis pa ako
sa alas kwatro na nag-speed walk habang may nakakalokong ngisi sa mga labi ko.

Chapter 21: Someone He Used To Know

Martina Vlanca

"He has such talented hands." Bulong ni Dakota habang nakatingin siya sa surgery na
nagaganap sa operating room sa baba. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa gallery, spending
our break watching Docmonyo skillfully perform an Appendectomy surgery while we
eat.

Yup, the sight of the patient's guts and rotting appendix is really mouth-watering.

"Aha, agreed." Sagot ko, hoping she wouldn't notice the suggestive tone in my
voice. Docmonyo is currently doing an incision to fully remove the patient's
appendix. Hindi ako nakapag-scrub in dahil sa ibang doktor ako ngayon naka-assign,
specifically ay nasa emergency room ako.

Siguro ay mga twenty-minutes na kaming narito and ever since we got here ay
napapansin ko ang kanyang panakha-nakhang mga tingala dito sa gallery. It was
subtle and discreet but I noticed his blue eyes searching for me.

"Kinakain mo pa rin 'yan?"

Napabaling naman ako kay Dakota nang marinig ko ang kanyang tanong.

"Yup," I replied and then kumuha ako ng dalawang piraso ng putong puti at nilagyan
iyon ng ginayat na inyog sa tuktok bago ko iyon sinubo. I have a whole container of
it currently placed on my lap. I am still eating pero kanina pa tapos si Dakota.

"He cooks really well and that makes him a husband material. So, ano pang
hinihintay mo? Gora na sa kasal, gorl." Nangaasar kong dagdag na mas lalong
ikinalukot ng mukha niya. And yup, kay Sargeant Engineer Herman galing ito.

"Haha, you're very funny." Sarkastiko niyang sagot.

I chuckled lightly. Hindi ako makatawa nang malakas dahil may ilang mga med student
at doctor din dito na nanonood ng surgery.

Well, as expected ay hindi pa rin sumusuko ang masugid na manliligaw ni Dakota.

Herman brings food everyday since last week, mapa chicharon, menudo, hanggang sa
putong puti na may ginayat inyog. The thing is, he cooked all of it and syempre,
mostly ako ang nakikinabang since Dakota doesn't really eat that much.

Although kahit i-deny niya ay alam kong nagugustuhan niya ang mga pagkain.

"Lagi ko naman sinasabi sa kanya na masasayang lang effort niya....pero ayaw niya
talagang tumigil...I mean, what did he see in me? I am a basic, career-centered
cold bítch. As far as I know walang matinong lalaki ang gusto ng jowang ganoon" She
paused and shook her head. "Hindi ko alam kung anong catch niya."
I ate and swallowed two more putos before I answered.

"Or maybe, wala naman talagang catch......maybe he's just genuinely really into
you." Sagot ko at sumubo ulit ng puto. "I mean nilulutuan ka niya everyday? That's
better than chocolates and flowers in my opinion."

Hindi siya agad nakasagot, bagkus ay wala sa loob na napatingin siya sa surgery na
malapit nang matapos. When we came in ay halos half-way na ang surgery, so, it will
not take long 'till docmonyo is finished.

"And I think that deserves a chance for a first date...you know.." Tudyo ko pa.
"Ain't gonna hurt if you....try."

Nakanguso naman siyang bumaling sa akin.

"Siguro...maybe, I don't know. I will see."

I grinned and poked her side.

"Yiee,"

"Vlanca nga."

Tinawanan ko lamang siya.

Hindi na natapos ni Dakota ang panonood ng surgery dahil her Attending paged her.
It must be important or it's about labs since 'yun yung usual reasons kapag pine-
page kami during break. The surgery went well. They then wheeled out the patient to
recover in the hospital room. At that time ay tapos na rin ang break ko. I haven't
had the time to mess with him since na-page na din ako ni Padua.

And for the next few hours ay hindi kami nagkita ni Docmonyo. We were both busy
from different floors. I shadowed Padua, ran to the lab, admitted patients, you
know, the usuals. Nang mga bandang alas sais na ng gabi ay ipinasa na niya ako sa
ibang doctor since she's not on duty for twenty-four hours. She passed me to
docmonyo. Ngayon ay narito na ako sa second floor kung saan ko siya imi-meet. I
needed to meet him since he's gonna tell me what I'm gonna do for the night. Habang
naglalakad ako ay hindi ako mapakali dahil sa nakalugay kong buhok. I put it on one
shoulder earlier and now, I switched on the other side but still hindi pa rin ako
komportable. Ugh, mas prefer ko talaga if nakatali ang buhok ko. Nakalugay lamang
ito ngayon dahil nag-snap 'yung hairtie ko, on my way here. Hindi na ako nakadaan
sa locker ko upang kumuha dahil nasa elevator na ako noong maganap iyon.

With a sigh ay hinayaan ko na lamang na lumugay sa likuran ko ang aking buhok. A

few more steps ay kita ko na si docmonyo. Naabutan ko siya sa reception table, he's
standing in front of it, when I briefly peeked behind the tall table ay walang tao
sa likod noon. It's just him, maybe he's covering this whole floor. This time, he's
not wearing his white coat, just his deep blue scrubs, his thick dark hair is
covered with his green scrub cap, at mayroong stethoscope na nakapalibot sa kanyang
leeg.

Bumaling naman siya sa direskyon ko nang papalapit na ako na animo'y naramdaman

niya ang presensya ko. I wanted to say something annoying to him pero I can't do
that since I am annoyed with my own hair.
His blue eyes stared at me like he was weirded out na tahimik ako. Also, he stared
at me like he knew that something was bothering me.

"What is it?" He silently asked as he fixed his gaze on me.

"Nakalimutan ko na magdala ng hairtie."

Hindi siya sumagot bagkus ay ibinaba niya ang ballpen na hawak niya at ipinatong
iyon sa ibabaw ng clipboard. He reached down to the table and grabbed a blue
disposable glove from the box. Hinawakan niya ang pasukan ng parte ng kamay noon.
He ripped it apart hanggang nakuha niya 'yung rubber part ng gloves. Mukhang blue
iyon na laste.

Did he just make a makeshift hair tie for me?

"Here." He said and offered me the rubber bad but I was still kinda shook about
what he did kaya naman hindi ko iyon agad nakuha.

After a few moments, he impatiently shook his head and turned me away from him, so
my back is now facing him. Bago pa ako makapag-protesta ay naramdaman ko na iniipon
na niya ang buhok ko sa kanyang mga kamay, and right before anyone can see it ay
naitali na niya ang buhok ko.

When I turned to face him, hindi ko maiwasan na paraanin ang kamay ko sa aking
buhok sandali. Hindi sabog-sabog ang pagkakatali noon. Hindi rin masakit at
mahigpit. It was just right, comfortable and neat. It's like he'd tied a woman's
hair alot of times in the past.

At sino namang babae iyon? I couldn't help but to wonder, but it's none of my
business, and if I try to ask, I know he'll shut me out.

And why do I care?

I was so preoccupied with my own thoughts that I didn't notice that he was looking
at me. Hindi ko alam kung guni-guni ko lamang iyon ay iba talaga ang pagtingin niya
sa akin. He looked at me like this whole situation was familiar to him. From the
look on his face, it seemed like I reminded him of someone he used to know.

That's weird. I thought to myself.

He didn't let me see the emotion in his eyes since he turned away and got the
clipboard and pen from the table.

"Tara na, magra-rounds pa tayo." Malamig niyang sabi bago nagpatiunang maglakad.

Natapos ang rounds ay nag-stay ako sa second floor kasama ang dalawa pang med
students. There, we stayed for a few hours, checking the patient's vitals and
running to the lab for tests. Nang sumapit ang alas onse ng gabi ay pinag-break
niya kami. The two med students immediately went to the caf, samantalang nagtungo
naman ako sa on-call room sandali upang kuhanin ang tira kong puto sa ref. I also
bought my usual extra strong iced-coffee from the cafeteria. I wanted to hangout
with Dakota but she was watching a surgery, upclose. Kaya naman bumalik na lang ako
sa reception table at umupo doon. I then put the container anmy phone on the table.
I opened my notes app and read the notes for the next quiz, while I ate.
Hindi ko naman namalayan na nasa harapan na pala ng lamesa si Docmonyo. Napansin ko
lamang siya noong marinig ko siyang magsalita. Pinatay ko naman ang cellphone ko
bago ako tumingin sa kanya.

"Wala akong nakitang available na puto sa cafeteria ah." Sabi niya habang nakatayo
sa harapan ng reception table. Gamit ang isang kamay ay hawak niya ang isang large
cup ng iced-coffee, it's the same flavor as mine, I knew it since nakasulat iyon sa
cup using a sharpie. So, he copied my coffee flavor, huh. Hindi ko maiwasang
mapansin ang bahagyang pagkalilis ng sleeve ng kanyang whitecoat dahil sa
pagkahawak niya sa cup kaya naman lumitaw ang kanyang mamahaling relo.

"No, may nagbigay sa akin." I replied.

He stopped sipping and his brows furrowed.

"Who?" Agad niyang tanong.

Ngumisi ako.

"Sasabihin ko kapag sinubukan mo."

"No." He flatly replied. Ngumuso naman ako.

"Isa lang," I said and offered him the container.

Tinitigan niya iyon sandali and then his gaze went back to me.

"Dali na," Pamimilit ko. "Bago ko pa maubos." Dagdag ko pa dahil may tatlo na
lamang na natitira.

After a few moments, bumigay din siya. He huffed out a breath before he put his cup
down. Inabot niya ang container at kumuha ng isang puto bago niya sa akin ibalik
ang lalagyan. His jaw moved gracefully as he chewed the delicious treat.

"Sarap 'di ba?" I asked when he was done chewing it.

"Kanino galing?" Tanong niya imbes na sagutin ang tanong ko.

"Kay Engineer Herman."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya.

"Chi cazzo è quello?" Who the fúck is that?

Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata. I knew he switched to Italian, so, no one would
hear him actually cuss.

"Non maledire, è molto carino e mi piace." 'Wag ka ngang magmura, he is very nice
and I like him.

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kanyang makakapal na mga kilay.

"I like him for Dakota since he's courting her." I elaborated.

His jaw then relaxed and his brows seemed to have more distance from each other
than earlier.

"Tsk, hindi masarap." Sabi niya matapos ang ilang segundo.

I mocked him before I ate the last one.

"You are such a hater."

He rolled his eyes before he leaned on the table. He then licked his plump lips
while staring at me.

"Sai cosa è delizioso?" Alam mo kung ano ang masarap?

Napalunok naman ako. Dámn it. Why does he sound so sexy speaking my third language?

"Che cosa?" What?

"Le patatine che ordineremo e mangeremo dopo che avrò finito di fotterti, più
tardi." The fries we'll order and eat after I'm done fúcking you, later.

Nanuyo naman ang lalamunan ko at hindi ko maiwasang mamula dahil naramdaman ko ang
pagkibot at unti-unting pagkabasa ng pagkababae ko. I am definitely gonna have his
cóck after my duty.

My cheek is pressed against the door of his frontdoor habang pinaparaan niya ang
basa at mainit na ulo ng kanyang matabang pagkalalaki sa aking basang hiwa. I do
not remember our way here to his penthouse. All I know is that I barely got through
my duty after what he said last night. I was sitting on his lap, grinding against
his erection as he drove us home. Halos kaladkarin niya ako paakyat dito at hindi
na kami nakaabot sa kwarto. He just threw our stuff on the floor and pressed me
against the door.

Malayo na sa pagiging maayos ang damit kong ipinalit sa scrubs na suot ko kanina.
May skirt is now bunched around my waists, ang butones ng blouse ko ay nasa sahig
na, punit na din sa dalawa ang aking bra.

"Please," I begged him when he teased my wet and sopping entrance by just inserting
the fat head. My body is burning in carnal lust. "Please, Kiel, fúck me."

He grunted in approval and without wasting any second, he pounded his glorious,
thick, and veiny cóck deep inside of me until I felt his heavy balls slapped
against my åss.

Halos tumirik ang mga mata ko dahil doon!

"Shít, this pússy is mine." Bulong niya at nagsimula nang umulos. Mariin niyang
hawak ang bewang ko gamit ang isang kamay habang ang isa naman ay minamasahe ang
aking naninigas na butil. Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman ko ang pagyanig ng aking
buong katawan sa sarap! He groaned as he felt my juice covered his hard cóck.

Without stopping, he leaned forward and attacked my lips with a savage and hot
kiss. He nipped and chewed on my lips. Nang magsawa siya ay ipinasok naman niya ang
kanyang mainit na dila sa bibig ko at matapos noon ay sinipsip niya ang aking dila
habang marahas pa rin siyang naglalabas masok sa akin.

"Come for me," He whispered against my lips and then kissed me again.

Hindi pa rin tumitigil ang kamay niya sa pagmasahe kaya naman hindi ko napigilan
ang bugso ng pangalawa kong kasukdulan. I sobbed his name as I came all over his
cóck once again.

Humihingal akong humiwalay sa kanyang mga labi. Kung hindi niya hawak ang bewang ko
ay kanina pa ako natumba dahil nanghihina na ang mga tuhod ko. I just noticed that
my body is now covered in sweat. My heartbeat is also racing and I feel weak. I
pushed the wet hair from my face and caught my breath.

Slowly, ay naramdaman ko na huminto siya. My pússy clenched and my juice dripped

down my inner thighs when he pulled out. Right before I could ask what he was about
to do, tuluyan na niya akong hinubaran. Meanwhile him, he just had to kick off his
scrubs around his ankles, since nahubad ko na kanina ang kanyang pangitaas. He then
carried me. I let out a cry when he plunged his cóck back inside of me. He urged me
to wrap my legs around his strong waists.

"Kiel," I moaned weakly habang buhat niya ako papasok ng guest room. He then lay me
on the bed and without wasting any second, malawak niyang ibinuka ang mga hita ko
at nagpakawala muli ng mga ulos.

Kinailangan kong kagatin ang mga labi ko upang hindi ako sumigaw.

"Take every inch like a good girl." He groaned.

"Yes, yes," I sobbed his name as I felt my release building up. Mas bumilis pa ang
kanyang paglabas masok. Inabot naman niya ang aking magkabilang dibdib. He buried
his face on my chest and there, he feasted on them by sucking and licking the tips
like a caveman while molding and massaging my breasts.

"Kiel, oh god!" I moaned loudly.

My heels dug on his hard buttocks as he mercilessly fúcked my pússy. Humigpit ang
sabunot ko sa kanyang buhok nang maramdaman ko na naman ang pagbuo ng masarap na
kiliti sa aking buong katawan.

"I'm gonna come.." I said breathlessly habang hinahalikan pa rin niya ang dibdib
ko. I feel so overstimulated in an insane way! With a final súck on my now wet and
hard nipple, he released it with a 'pop.' He then traced hot kisses from my
collarbone, to my neck, and then to my ear.

"You're gonna come with me, understand?"

I nodded repeatedly.

"Good girl." My pússy clenched around him.

With his face buried in my neck. He slammed his cóck harder and deeper until I felt
the head hit my g-spot over and over again! Sa bawat pagulos niya ay sumasabay ang
paglangitngit ng kama habang umaalog naman ang mga dibdib ko. Nang isagad niya ang
kanyang pagkalalaki at pisilin niya ang aking butil ay hindi ko napigilan ang
sarili ko na isigaw ang pangalan niya. My mouth parted and my whole body shook in
waves of euphoria.

He grunted my name and then I felt his hot and thíck cúm mixing with mine, inside
me. Hinihingal niyang itinukod ang kanyang magkabilang mga braso sa aking
magkabilang gilid, so, his upper body wouldn't crush me down. Ngayon ay pareho
kaming hinihingal, pawisan, at mabilis ang kabog ng mga puso.

"Kiel." I said.

"Yes?"
"May surprise quiz ba bukas?"

"That's the first question you thought to ask me after I came inside you?" Nanunuya
niyang sagot na ikinangisi ko.

"Grabe, hindi ka naman mabiro.." I said while I traced the muscles in his back.
"Pero baka naman..."

He groaned in annoyance. Natigil ako sa pagtawa sandali nang hinugot niya ang
kanya. My pússy quievered in emptiness while our mixed juices settled inside my
hole. With a soft sigh ay humiga siya sa tabi ko.

Obviously, I am joking. Ever since the day that we met ay wala akong special
treatment sa kanya. Mas lalo akong walang special treatment ngayong nagkakantunan
kami. Napabaling naman ako sa kanya sandali, hindi ko maiwasang mapansin ang kilay
niya.

When he noticed that I was staring at him, he turned to face me. His hair is now a
mess and some of it is sticking on his forehead. The light throught the curtains
was illuminating on his handsome face.

"What happened to your eyebrow?" Hindi ko maiwasang matanong. That's one of the
things that physically stood out for me when I first saw him. Thoughtlessly, I
raised my left hand in an attempt to touch his eyebrow pero bago ko pa iyon magawa
ay nahuli niya ang kamay ko.

"Boring story." Malamig niyang sagot at marahang itinulak ang kamay ko palayo. "I'm
gonna go order food." And then he stood up and walked out of the room.

Napabuntong hininga ako at napatitig sa kisame. I know that he was gonna do that
and I felt stupid for trying. I felt stupid for being curious.

I shook my head.

We have been hooking up for a month now and it's not that hard to pick up his
habits. Ang isa sa mga napansin ko ay ang pagiging distant at malamig niya after
séx. He always finds a way to avoid conversations, my questions, or any physical
touch. He's emotionally unavailable or....maybe he's restricting himself. I do not
know. Maybe, he's just naturally like that or someone has made him this way.

And who would that be? My subconscious whispered.

I sighed heavily and stopped that thought.

Why am I wondering again? It's none of my business and I should not care. But
somehow, I still find myself speculating and the other thing is, why am I letting
his behavior towards me bother me when it shouldn't have?

Chapter 22: IG

Martina Vlanca

"Sisterhood!" Masigla kong bati kay Ate Maria. It's now the first week of October,
sa loob ng ilang linggo ay tatlong bansa na ang nalilibot nila. Ngayon naman ay
nasa Italya sila, they are staying in our house, in Lombardy.

My sister is definitely blooming and living her best life. The sun is shining down
on her beautiful tanned skin. The white criss-cross bikini is sexily hugging her
curvy body. Nakakalat ang kanyang shoulder length na buhok sa ulunan ng recliner
seat na kasalukuyan niyang hinihigaan. I am pretty sure she's at the pool area.
Samantalang nakapatong naman sa isang pabilog na lamesa sa gilid niya ang 1949
Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru at dalawang wine glasses. She definitely took
that from our father's wine collection. Also, I didn't see much of Kuya Neil since
kasalukuyan siyang nasa kusina at nilulutuan ng Pastillas si Ate Maria since nag-
crave siya noon. They couldn't find anything at the store when they tried to look
for it, so my loving brother-in-law decided to make it from scratch.

And that shít right there is a real type of love. Sana all.

"Hello there, my dear sisterhood." She said in a sing-song tone that made me grin.
"It's been a while since I used that term."

Natawa naman ako. Sa kanya nag-originate ang endearment na 'Sisterhood.' She

thought of it since she got bored calling Ate Madison, 'ate' or referring to me as
'Vlanca.' Or calling our brothers by their name or with the term 'Kuya'. So, ayon.
She thought of 'Sisterhood' and 'Brotherhood' as her unique endearment for us. She
uses it when she's in the mood or bet lang niya talagang mang-asar. And syempre, I
use it too kapag bet ko.

"How is Italy so far?"

"Well, it's the same. Warm and Venice is still slowly sinking. I wish I could say
more pero

hindi naman kami masyadong lumalabas since nage-enjoy si Neil na binyagan ang
kwarto."

I chuckled as I rested my back on the fairly soft mattress of the bed. Kasalukuyan
akong narito sa on-call room. It's my break and wala namang tao dito kaya dito ako
tumambay. And even if I wanted to hangout with Dakota. She's busy and so, I decided
to bother my sister instead.

"Tsk, tsk, I will bet my whole trustfund na madadagdan na ang mga pamangkin ko pag-
uwi niyo."

She grinned.

"Sooo, how are you and 'docmonyo'?" Tanong niya at gumamit pa siya ng air qoutes sa
docmonyo.

"Syempre nagtitikiman, duh."

Tumawa naman siya. Another week had passed and my routine with docmonyo just stayed
the same. We go to work, we fúck, repeat. It's bliss.

"And might I add he's very....seloso."

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay, bago niya inabot ang baso sa small table at nilagok ang
laman noon.

"Did I miss something? Last I check ay FuBu kayo tapos seloso siya?" She paused and
shook her head. "Ay nako, Vlanca."
"It's not like that....I promise, he doesn't have feelings for me."

He doesn't even stay, hold, nor talk to me after séx. It's impossible that dear
docmonyo has feelings for me other than lust and hate.

"It's just that, he's possessive...to my body. Which is expected because honey,
knowing how hot I am. I'd be possessive too."

She giggled loudly.

"Gaga...but I love the confidence!"

Napangisi naman ako sandali.

"But yeah....napapansin ko 'yon. And also, he's cold....and distant after the you
know what."

"Hmm...and is that an issue?"

Umiling ako.

"Hell no."

Tinitigan niya ako sandali, like she's not buying my answer because somehow, for
her it sounded like I am convincing myself instead of her.

I let out a chuckle.

"I am not lying. It's true. It's not an issue."

Lumipas ang ilang segundo ay napabuntong hininga siya.

"Martina Vlanca siguraduhin mo ah. Kasi kapag naging issue na sa'yo 'yan. I
strongly suggest that you get the hell out of that arrangement kasi alam natin
pareho na hindi maganda ang kalalabasan noon." She said while using her 'big
sister' tone.

I nibbled on my lower lip for a moment. I am certainly not falling for him. His
behavior just bothers me because of my natural intense curiosity. I know, sinabi
niya na I can never ask him anything and thinking about it will just lead to
nowhere good. Pero hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang sarili ko na mag-isip.

I've had flings in the past that lasted more than a week. And some of them were
like Ezekiel.

Emotionally unavailable, possessive, and cold. (But not as hot as him.)

And usually kapag ganoon ang behavior nila. It always boils down to their exes.

Exes who did them horribly wrong. Either the ex cheated, took them for granted, or
broke their heart into pieces.

It's always those three reasons. And usually, kapag may ganoong issue ang past
flings ko. I don't really mind. It's alright for me since it's like a win-win
situation for both parties. They have fun with me without any strings and I don't
worry about possible attachment since obviously they are still emotionally stuck in
their exes.
Now, it makes me wonder if ganoon ang nangyari kay Ezekiel. I know, wala akong
basis doon. Since wala akong nakitang ex sa internet? No facebook, Instagram,
Twitter, nothing.

Comparing him to my past flings with a really bad break up is a stretch and I'm
most definitely jumping into conclusions, but I can't help myself.

Maybe something else made him that way or he's just naturally like that. I don't
know. I'm gonna stay wondering until the day I finally find out but I know to
myself that, that will never come.

Le sigh.

I stopped my thoughts about that since It's none of my business and pinapahirapan
ko lang ang sarili ko para sa wala.

"Ano, nag-sink in na ba sa'yo ang sinabi ko at na-realize mo na nahulog ka na?"

Nang-aasar na tanong ni Ate Maria.

Inayos ko naman ang pagkakahawak ko ng phone sa harap ng aking mukha bago ko siya
inirapan.

"Ewan ko sa'yo, sisterhood."

Tumawa naman siya.

"Sige na, Official na tinataboy na kita. Naamoy ko na ang lutong pastillas hanggang
dito sa labas. I'm gonna give it a taste and also taste my fidanzato." Kumindat pa
siya na ikinailing ko.

"Grabe, oy. Uso ang pahinga sisterhood." Natatawang sagot ko.

She chuckled as she put back her now emty glass to the small table.

"Not when the díck is good."

Napatango ako. "I mean, true."

"Di ba?!" She widened her eyes in agreement.

Pareho kaming napahalakhak sa kagagahan namin.

"Sige na tinataboy na din kita. Ti amo,"

Napatingin naman ako sa pintuan ng bumukas iyon. Iniluwa noon si Docmonyo. He's
wearing his usual deep blue scrubs. Tinanggal naman niya ang kanyang green na
scrubcap bago niya ini-lock ang pinto. I am pretty sure na kagagaling lang niya ng
operating room since I heard that he's performing Laparoscopic Nissen
Fundoplication, it's a sixty to ninety minute surgery. It's usually done to
patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia.

I was planning to watch after the call pero nevermind since tapos naman na. He then
stalked towards me with furrowed eyebrows. Itinaas ko naman ang kamay ko sandali,
telling him to not approach me since may ka-videocall pa ako.

"Ti amo, I'll see you soon, honey." Ate Maria said and mockingly used the call sign
I sarcastically used earlier.

Nagsalubong naman ang mga kilay na docmonyo.

"Wait," I mouthed at him nang lumuhod siya sa kama at lumapit pa sa akin.

Pero syempre, hindi siya nakinig. Hinubad lang niya ang kanyang deep blue scrubs.
Ipinatong niya iyon sa gilid at ibinuka ang mga hita ko at pinagkasya niya ang
sarili niya doon. He then lifted my scrubtop and planted hot kisses on my belly.

My pússy quievered. Leche, docmonyo!

Pinatay ko naman ang camera nang sumubsob siya sa leeg ko at halikan ako doon.
Habang ang isang kamay naman niya ay naglulumikot na sa loob ng scrubs ko.

I let out a shaky breath. Fúck.

"Hoy, babae ka. Sino 'yan?" Malakas na tanong ni Ate Maria. Nakita niya siguro ang
ulo ni docmonyo kanina noong ibinaon niya ang mukha niya bago ko napatay ang
camera.

I then saw him took a peek on my cell phone screen with furrowed eyebrows. He went
back to business when he saw that it was my sister.

"Si ano ba 'yan...." May nakakalokong ngisi sa kanyang mga labi niya. I know, that
she knows kung sino ang lalaking kasalukuyang ngumangatngat sa leeg ko. I dug my
fingers in his hair in an effort to pull his face from my neck, so, I can talk to
my sister. Pero kinuha lang niya ang kamay kong iyon at hinawakan iyon sa gilid
namin.

"Sino ba 'yan, si Ford? Caleb? Josiah, or si Maverick?" Nakangisi niyang inisa-isa

ang ilan sa mga exes ko. "But it couldn't be Grace, she has a long hair. Pero Zoe
or si Nova ay parehong may short hair."

Tumigil naman si Kiel at napatingin sa akin. He doesn't look like he's pleased at
all.

"Ate Maria---"

"Oh! how about Troy? The tall engineering student, 'yung kinukwento mo sa akin
kanina." She was obviously lying because she wanted to mess with me, now that she
knows that he is here.

I regret mentioning to her that seloso si Kiel.

"Sisterhood..."

She ignored me and just grinned like she's enjoying messing with me, kahit hindi
niya ako nakikita dahil nakapatay ang camera ko.

"No? Oh, how about si Svaldo. 'Yung cute na med student?"

"Alright, that's it. I gotta go." I replied that made her chuckle.

"Sige na nga....if you wanna keep it a secret kung sino 'yan." Kinindatan pa niya
ako bago niya ibinaba ang tawag.

Nang maibaba ko ang cellphone ko sa gilid ko ay nakatitig pa rin siya sa akin.

Magkasalubong ang kanyang mga makakapal na kilay at mariin na magkadikit ang
kanyang mga labi.

"She is messing with me," I said but he just stared at me with those dark blue
eyes. "You know that I am not seeing anybody but you."

He didn't say anything but from the look on his face. I know that he's satisfied to
hear that.

Matapos noon ay bumabang muli ang kanyang mga labi sa aking leeg.

I whimpered when he sucked and licked my jugular. Napahaplos naman ako sa kanyang
mamasel na likuran.

"Hindi ka marunong maghintay--ahh," Hindi ko na iyon natuloy dahil naitaas na niya

ang bra ko at nahanap na ng kanyang kamay ang tuktok ng aking dibdib.

He then planted hot and wet kisses on my jawline until his lips reached my ear.

"I am very hørny and I would like to play with the pússy that belongs only to me."
He whispered before he pushed my panties to the side.

That afternoon, I went back to duty like I didn't just get fingered-fúcked and
eaten inside the on-call room by the hottest doctor.

"What happened to 'You're-just-my-flavor-of-the-month, huh?" He tauntingly asked me

as he fúcked me from behind. Mahigpit ang kapit ko sa gilid ng kama habang mariin
niyang hawak ang mga bewang ko. He was leaning forward kaya naman ramdam na ramdam
ko ang kanyang mainit at matigas na katawan sa aking likuran.

His stubbled cheek is next to mine.

"I was wrong..." I sobbed. Yep, I was so wrong. "Please, please, just make me
come.." I begged him.

He smirked against my cheek before he grabbed my jaw and gave me a savage kiss.

I am not really the one who usually likes to admit their mistake but this time I
would. Okay, mali ako noong sinabi ko na flavor of the month ko siya. I think
that's the mistake that I am proud to admit since I cannot get enough of his díck
and I will definitely be hooking up with him more. That's why I agreed with him
earlier, in a heartbeat.

Hinihingal akong humiwalay sa kanyang labi. Napadaing naman ako nang ibalot niya
ang aking buhok sa kanyang kamao. Forcing me to look up and meet his intense eyes.

"That's right, this body is mine......until we both decide otherwise, si?"

"Yes...yes," I chanted, hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko na salubungin ang

kanyang mga ulos.

"Good girl." He growled. I whimpered when he briefly pulled out and then binuhat
niya ako sa paanan ng kama. Inihiga niya ako doon at itinaas ang aking mga paa sa
kanyang mga balikat. My åss is now hanging in the air and then with my legs wide
open and my feet hooked on his hard shoulders, he plunged deeply until his balls
hit my åss crack.

"EZEKIEL!" Sigaw ko at halos mapunit ko na ang bedsheet niya nang kumapit ako doon.

He smirked because he knew he hit my spot and without letting me adjust, he

pistoned his hips and pounded me like I am a rag doll. My toes then curled and my
whole body trembled as I felt my órgasm hit me like a tsunami wave.

Syempre, hindi siya nakuntento lang sa ganoon. After he made me come twice, he
pulled me in the middle of the bed. He kneeled between my wide open legs and fúcked
me while he súcked on my títs.

He let my nipple go with a 'pop' and then proceeded to slam his cóck so deep,
naramdaman ko ang kanyang ulo sa aking matres!

"Vlanca," He moaned. Mahigpit niyang yakap ang katawan ko habang paulit-ulit siyang
bumabaon sa loob ko. Nanghihina akong napakapit sa kanyang mga braso dahil naabot
ko na naman ang sukdulan ko.

After a few more hard and deep thrust. He growled like a wounded animal and
released all of his seed deep inside me.

When he made sure that every drop of his cúm is in me. He slowly pulled and laid on
top of me. And as usual ay hindi siya fully humiga sa akin. Ang upper body lamang
niya ang nakapatong sa akin habang nakaunan siya sa mga dibdib ko. We're both
panting. My heartbeat is racing like I just ran a freaking mile.

We stayed like that for a minute, until our heartbeats calmed down.

I looked down at him. He's still using my breasts as a pillow. I also noticed how
his hair is wet from the sweat and how messy it was.

And I felt that urge again.

That urge to fix his hair and ask him things I must not ask.

And If I do that, I know how it will end.

Kaya naman noong naramdaman ko iyon ay hinawakan ko na ang matitigas niyang mga
balikat, urging him to get off of me. Itinaas naman niya ang kanyang ulo mula sa
dibdib ko at tumingin sa akin. He looked at me with furrowed eyebrows. His cheeks
were a little bit flushed.

"What? Alis na." I said.

Sandali siyang tumitig sa akin bago niya iyon ginawa. I then scooted closer to the
bedside . table, ignoring his cóme shifting inside me. I'll definitely clean up
later. I then grabbed my phone near the lampshade. Matapos ang duty ay dito kami sa
penthouse niya dumeretso. Hindi ko na alam kung pang-ilan na itong ginawa namin sa
kwarto.

We did it first on the kitchen counter and then on the couch. Noong hinayaan niya
akong magpahinga ng ilang minuto ay dito ako pumunta sa guest room upang mag-
cellphone. It didn't take long for him to follow me here and eventually fúck me.
"Ordering food?" Tanong niya habang nakasandal ako sa headboard at hawak ang
cellphone ko. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapasulyap sa kanya. Ngayon ay nakadapa na
siya, nothing is covering his delectable and glorious body. Nakapatong ang kanyang
pisngi sa unan, habang nakadantay sa mga gilid noon ang kanyang matitipunong mga
braso. He is facing me and looking at me like he's curious about what I was doing.

Umiling ako habang nags-scroll.

"Nope."

"Then, what?" Tanong niya, may bahid ng pagtataka ang kanyang tining.

"IG." Sagot ko.

"Huh?"

"Instagram." I told him at tuluyan nang humiga. Tumagilid ako, completely turning
away from him. I gripped the duvet against my naked body as I scrolled. This is how
I manage my curiosity. This is how I stop myself from touching him or asking him.
This is how I distract myself now.

Nakakailang scroll na ako ay hindi hindi pa rin siya umaalis sa kama gaya ng normal
na ginagawa niya. What's up with him?

Ah bahala siya. I'll just scroll a little and then I'll go shower.

"Okay, Ms. girl..." Bulong ko nang makita ko ang post ng isa sa mga kalandian ko
noon. She posted a picture posing in front of a lake wearing a cute croptop and
shorts. She definitely looks good.

As I was scrolling, I didn't feel him move or walk away. Instead, I can feel his
stare boring holes in my back kaya naman matapos ang ilang scrolls at likes ay
bumaling ako sa kanya. And when I did ay nahuli ko siyang nakatingin sa akin, not
on the hot girl on my phone. He was looking at me like he's puzzled that I was
using my phone instead of paying my attention to him like I always do.

"She's an ex-fling." Sabi ko at ipinakita ang screen ng phone ko. "She's cute,
right?"

Ni hindi niya tinapunan ng tingin ang cellphone ko.

"I don't care." Sagot niya. Padabog siyang tumayo at nagmartsa patungo sa banyo.

Kunot noo ko naman siyang pinanood na naglakad palayo. Anong problema niya?

Chapter 23: Poor Peanut Butter

Nope, this is not a drill. May update talaga today. Kaka-gulat ba? 😂. Wala kasi
ako kaninang sixth block, so, nagsulat na lang ako kaysa gumawa ng school works na
iniwan ng teacher ko. ('wag tularan si author HAHAHA.)

But don't worry, I'll submit it on time. ;)

Anyway, happy reading. Love y'all! ❤

ro-ughn.

***

Martina Vlanca

The next day came, ay sabay kaming dumating sa ospital. Well, hindi ako nag-sleep
over sa penthouse niya. It's just that nagkataon na sabay kaming dumating sa
parking lot, hence, we're now riding the elevator together. Hindi pa siya naka-
scrubs instead, he's wearing a black formal polo-shirt that hugged his biceps
deliciously. Nakasampay naman ang kanyang whitecoat sa kanyang naka-bent na forearm
habang may backpack sa kanyang likuran.

My eyes shamelessly roamed down to his veiny forearm, I then noticed his Tag Heur
watch attached to his left wrist. Samantalang naka-tuck in naman sa kanyang light
brown khaki pants ang kanyang pangitaas. A slick black Bottega Veneta belt was
looped around his waist. I can tell the brand from the patterns. While a pair of
black oxford shoes were covering his feet.

Hmm.. muy caliente.

"Good morning!" Bati ko sa kanya.

Tinapunan naman niya ng tingin gamit ang kanyang mga asul na mga mata, habang
magkasalubong ang kanyang makakapal na mga kilay. He didn't say anything to me nor
greeted me. Ibinalik lang niya ang kanyang tingin sa kanyang harapan. For a moment,
I couldn't look away from his side profile. His prominent nose and nordic
cheekbones were protruding in a way that it highlighted his features. His lips were
not as plump right now, since, it's pursed together, like he's pissed or something.

Bahagya naman akong napanguso. He is grumpier today.

Tinusok ko naman ang kanyang matigas na braso. Tumingin siya sa akin at tinaasan
ako ng kilay.

"Oy, meron ka ba?"

Masama niya akong tiningnan.

"Biro lang, ang grumpy mo kasi...I mean, grumpy ka naman talaga pero mas grumpy ka
today."

Hindi niya ako pinansin. Nag-séx naman kami kagabi, hindi ko alam kung anong
problema niya. Hmp, bahala ka nga diyan.

Habang paakyat ang elevator ay napahikab ako. I then adjusted my backpack and
gathered my now dry hair in my palms. Lagi kong inilalagay ang itim kong hairtie sa
aking palapulsuhan since burara ako.

I sighed in disappointement when I didn't see it on my wrist. Saan ko na naman

naiwan iyon--

"Here," He said and then pulled out my hairtie from his pocket.

"Nakita ko sa coffee table kanina bago ako umalis ng bahay." Malamig niyang sabi.
Agad ko namang kinuha ang hairtie ko mula sa kanya at ginamit iyon na pamusod sa
aking buhok.
"Thank you."

Hindi na siya sumagot pang muli. When I took a peek at the elevator numbers, ay
isang floor na lamang ang layo namin sa floor kung nasaan ang lockerroom ko. Mas
mauuna ako sa kanyang bumaba dahil a floor away pa kung nasaan ang kanyang on-call-
room. I was getting ready to go down pero bago bumukas ang mga metal na pintuan ay
marahan niya akong itinulak sa blindspot corner ng elevator, which means the
audioless CCTV cannot cover or see it.

"Kiel," I breathlessly said with my back against the metal. He looked in my eyes
for a moment before he wrapped his big hand around my throat and attacked my lips
with a harsh and dominating kiss.

He then nibbled on my lower lip before he let it go. Humihingal akong tumingin sa
kanyang malalamig na mga mata.

"Akin ka pagkatapos ng duty mo." Mariin niyang bulong at lumayo sa akin na parang
walang nangyari. A few seconds had passed, the elevator doors opened. I had to
collect myself before I stepped out. Dio, what just happened?

Pagdating ko sa lockerroom ay naroon na si Dakota. As per usual ay nag-palit na

kami ng scrubs, stick our things inside the locker and then look for our respective
Attendings. Ngayong araw ay magkahiwalay kami. She's in Derma while I am in Neuro.
And now, I am here on the surgical floor, narito ang mga operating rooms at mga ICU
rooms. I took a peek on the surgical board near the floor's reception table. Doon
kasi nakalagay ang mga schedule ng mga operations ng mga doctor. Kauna-unahan ang
pangalan ni Docmonyo sa mga doctor na may early surgery. It says there that he was
gonna perform an extensive abdominal and thoracic cavity surgery with another
doctor. Tsk, I wanted to watch pero obviously, but I couldn't.

I was pretty bummed out since it's a major surgery and hindi ko mapapanood iyon,
pero nawala din agad iyon nang ma-meet namin ni Dr. Sancho ang pangatlong pasyente
namin. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa emergency room. I am standing on the side with
another resident while Dr. Sancho talk to the patient. At this moment ay magsha-
shadow lamang ako at mago-observe ng ginagawa niya.

"So, ano ang problema natin, Mr. Vidal?" Tanong ni Dr. Sancho matapos niyang i-
examine ang mga vitals ng pasyente habang nililista ko iyon. He's a doctor in his
late thirties, tall, and medium built. Like Docmonyo he's wearing the same deep
blue scrubs and a long white coat.

Napabuntong hininga ang pasyente. Kasalukuyan siyang nakasandal sa naka-recline na

hospital bed. He's wearing casual clothes, he also has long hair, and a swarthy
complexion. According to the file ay dalawangput-limang taong gulang na siya at
wala naman siyang malalamang sakit na na-record sa kanyang medical history. Kung
tutuusin, he is a fairly healthy and athletic young man.

"Hindi ko alam kung paano sasabihin, doc." Parang nahihiyang sabi niya. "Titiisin
ko na lang sana pero sobrang sakit talaga ng mga headaches na nararanasan ko."

"Kailan nagsimula ito, Hijo?" Tanong ng doctor.

"Noong nakaraang buwan lamang po."

Tumango naman si Dr. Sancho bago niya inabot sa akin ang file ni Mr. Vidal.
"Okay, ayon dito sa chart mo ay hindi ka naman palainom, hindi ka rin umiinom ng
labis na kape, you also sleep well. Ang mga kalabisan at kakulangan ng mga ito ay
ang primary na dahilan ng mga migraines o sakit ng ulo."

Napakamot sandali si Mr. Vidal sa kanyang batok.

"Ang sabi mo kanina ay may hindi ka alam kung paano sasabihin. Hinihikayat kita,
Hijo, na sabihin iyon sa kung anong paraan mo kaya, kasi maaring makatulong iyon sa
pag-diagnose natin ng dahilan ng sakit mo ng ulo." Sabi ni Dr. Sancho.

Napalunok naman si Mr. Vidal at napakamot muli sa kanyang batok.

"Doc, kasi po....nararamdaman ko lamang ang matinding sakit ng ulo tuwing nanonood
ako ng ano.......ng bold."

There was no amusement in Dr. Sancho's face but mere curiosity. Samantalang
nagkatinginan kami ni Basil sandali dito sa gilid. Siya ang resident na kasama ko
ngayon.

Headache because of watching pørnográphy? This is definitely the first time I've
heard of it. And I am curious as hell to know more about it.

"Okay....so, for the past month ay iyon ang dahilan." Sabi ng doktor matapos niyang
mag-take note gamit ang chart.

Tumango ang pasyente bago siya sandaling napayuko.

"Well, you have nothing to be ashamed of for seeking help, Hijo."

Bahagya namang ngumiti si Mr. Vidal.

"Pero kung hahayaan mo ako ay kailangan kong magtanong ng mga personal na bagay sa
'yo upang malaman natin ang kung anong mali sa'yo. May ideya na ako kung ano ang
kondisyon mo pero kailangan kong maging sigurado, kaya kailangan kong magtanong."
Sabi niya.

"Yes, Doc." Walang paga-alinlangan na sagot ng pasyente.

And so, after his verbal consent. Dr. Sancho started asking questions while we
observe and learn how to properly execute awkward and invasive sounding questions
without making the patient uncomfortable.

Matapos ang mga tanong na iyon ay iniwan namin sandali ang pasyente upang i-discuss
sandali sa amin ni Dr. Sancho ang kaso ni Mr. Vidal. Ayon kay Dr. Sancho ay
nakararanas ng kondisyon na tinatawag na Primary séx headaches ang atleast one
percent ng populasyon, isang beses sa buhay nila. At ayon sa mga karamihan ng mga
nakararanas noon ay during órgasm nila nararamdaman ang sakit ng ulo o habang
tumataas ang libóg sa katawan.

Thank the universe na hindi ako parte ng isang porsyento ng mga taong nakararanas
noon dahil with docmonyo's appetite in bed and with his ability to give me multiple
órgasms? I'd have a long, long, long and absolutely excruciating headache if ever.

So, with the said condition in mind, iyon dapat ang diagnosis ni Dr. Sancho kay Mr.
Vidal pero hindi iyon ang nagyari dahil maraming factors ang hindi nagtutugma sa
kondisyon na iyon. Kasi una sa lahat sumasakit lamang ang ulo niya kapag nanonood
siya ng pórn pero hindi sumasakit ang ulo niya kapag nagma-mástúrbåté siya or when
he's having séx.
And that's what made his case a mystery.

It took all of us a long time to figure it out but there is really no specific term
for his condition. Nasuyod ko na ang kadulu-duluhan ng database ng ospital para sa
mga rare medical case that was ever recorded here, read every medical book at my
disposal, I even resulted to google pero wala talaga. Dr. Sancho even consulted
other doctors including docmonyo.

In the end, we all ended up with two conclusions; first is that the headaches are
caused by muscle contractions in the neck and jaw. Samantalang ang ibang mga doctor
at med students ay nagsasabi na pwedeng overly sensitive na blood vessels iyon.

But when we conducted a test on the patient. Neither of the theories were indicated
in his lab results, since his blood tests and CT scans are clear. Kaya naman
niresetahan na lamang siya ni Dr. Sancho ng pain management medicine at pinayuhan
din siya na bawasan ang panonood ng pørn para hindi masyadong ma-trigger ang sakit
niya ng ulo.

"Tsk, wala talagang sagot." I whispered to myself as I scrolled on a site full of

medical databases. Kasalukuyan akong nakatayo sa kusina ni docmonyo, suot ang lukot
kong peach colored tight shirt without bra. I am bent on the counter habang halos
nakasubsob ako sa phone ko. I was wearing a bra earlier but in docmonyo's house, I
don't need to wear it since either hinuhubad or pinupunit niya iyon.

I swear one of these days talaga ay sisingilin ko na siya

Habang ang pangibaba ko naman ay ang aking Eres leandre lace trim thong. It has
cute and sophisticated white garter and borders. Meanwhile the crotch has yellowish
lace design and almost see through, and as for the backside. It hides nothing but
my åsscrack. I bought it from France for two hundred euros, definitely worth it
since it's very comfortable and very séxy. In fact ay nate-temp nga siyang punitin
ito kanina but I practically begged him not to since these ones are limited
edition.

Katatapos lang muli ng duty namin pareho, and like he told me earlier in the
elevator; Sa kanya ako after ng duty ko. And before I left, hindi na ako nakaligtas
sa mga tanong ni Dakota. She's been asking about my whereabouts lately, since
usually ay hindi ako ganoon kagala, and if ever naman na mag-gagala ako ay nag-aaya
ako. I am not really secretive about my whereabouts. And lately, I am, since I
don't say anything. Napapansin na rin siguro niya na lagi akong nagmamadaling umuwi
or lagi akong may pinupuntahan. So, to not raise any suspicions ay nag-aya ako
bukas na gumimik after school.

Ako ang naunang mag-clean up kaya naman nasa banyo pa si docmonyo ngayon. Right
after I cleaned up ay, I picked up my phone, not to use IG but to scavenge more
information about the case earlier, pero wala talaga akong mahanap kundi dead ends.

I sighed and closed all the tabs on my phone. I've already satiated my curiosity,
it's time to give it a rest.

"Tsk, dov'è quel piccolo marmocchio?" Tsk, where is that little brat?

Napataas naman ako ng kilay ng marinig ko ang boses ni docmonyo mula sa hallway.
Looks like he's done showering at mukhang nagtataka siguro siya dahil wala na ang
mga damit ko sa sahig, since I folded it and put it on the couch, at wala na din
ang cellphone ko sa bedside table since I am using it.

"Nasa kusina." I said and went back to closing all the tabs.

Narinig ko naman ang mga yabag niya at habang papalapit siya ay naamoy ko ang
kanyang pamilyar na shower gel at ang kanyang natural na panlalaking amoy.

"Enough with that stupid gram." He said from behind me.

Napalingon ako sa kanya at halos matuyo naman ang lalamunan ko. Ngayon ay
nakasandal siya sa kitchen counter hawak ang isang jar ng peanut butter. Basa pa
ang kanyang buhok at ang suot lamang niya ay ang kanyang gray na sweatpants. It was
barely hanging on his hips kaya naman kitang-kita ko ang kanyang adonis belt.
Mamasa-masa pa din ang kanyang matitipunong dibdib at namumutok na mga pandesal. I
also noticed that he is barefooted.

"H-Hindi naman ako naga-IG." Sagot ko at lumunok.

He cocked his scarred eyebrow and didn't say anything. Bagkus ay binuksan niya ang
jar ng peanut butter at ibinaba ang takip noon sa gilid niya. He then dipped his
finger and got a thick glob. And without taking his eyes off of me, isinubo niya
iyon at dinilaan.

"Hmm..delicioso..." He said after he licked it off of his finger. "I bet it's even
better when I eat your pússy with this peanut butter."

My nipples tightened and my pússy quivered. The tension in the air thickened like a
smog in the air. Dámn it, why did I find it hot?

He smirked devilishly.

"You want that, you naughty little brat." He stated because he saw how my nipples
hardened and how flush my cheeks are.

And yes, I do fúcking want that.

Napalunok ulit ako nang maglakad siya patungo sa akin dala ang peanut butter jar.
He then put the said jar on the marble island counter. I swallowed again when he
stepped in front of me in his full height, completely towering over me and making
me feel like a mouse caught in a trap.

His eyes were now dark with lust and desire for me. Halos nanginginig naman ang
kamay ko nang ibaba ko ang aking cellphone sa lamesa.

And without wasting any second ay binuhat niya ako sa counter. He then parted my
legs and pulled my underwear down my ankles. Exposing my glistening wét pússy to
him. My heart hammered in my chest.

I didn't get to touch him since he kneeled before me and parted my legs so wide.
Napasinghap ako nang hitakin niya ako palapit sa dulo ng counter.

"Bella fottuta figa.." Beautiful fúcking pússy. He whispered against my flesh.

"Kiel," I whimpered when he slowly blew hot breath on my slít, making my clít throb
in pleasure. Inilabas naman niya ang dulo ng kanyang dila at habang nakatingin siya
sa akin ay pinaraan niya ang matigas at basang dulo noon sa aking hiwa.

"Ooh...Kiel, please," I gripped his hair.

He chuckled lowly.

"Always impatient." He muttered before he grabbed the jar next to me and dipped two
fingers. He then smothered the peanut butter all over my folds. It felt weird but
at the same time it felt weirdly good.

Kumuha ulit siya at muling ipinahid iyon hanggang balot na ng peanut butter ang
pagkababae ko. He dipped his fingers once again and made a trail of peanut butter
on my stomach. Pinahubad niya sa akin ang aking top, matapos noon ay pinahiran din
niya ang magkabilang tuktok ng dibdib ko noon.

He smirked at the sight as he put down the jar beside me. I definitely look like a
desert to him now.

"Don't you dare close your eyes, you understand?" He huskily asked and then kneeled
before me.

"Yes," Sagot ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.

"You're gonna watch me eat this delicious pússy, si?"

I nodded repeatedly.

"Si, si."

"Good girl."

Matapos noon ay inilabas niya ang kanyang dila at sinimulan niyang paraanin iyon sa
labas ng aking pagkababae, slowly licking off the peanut butter on my flesh. He
lapped his tongue like I am his favorite dessert. He was taking his sweet time,
teasing me.

"Ahh.."

Habang mariin akong nakakapit sa kanyang basang buhok ay pinagparte niya ang mga
labi ko at nagsimulang dilaan ako doon. It started slow until his tongue was
mercilessly lapping the peanut butter off of my wet pússy! Nahihirapan na akong
dumilat nang dahan-dahan niyang ipasok ang kanyang dalawang daliri habang
sinisipsip niya ang aking butil.

"Kiel..please.."

Humawak siya sa hita ko nang akmang isasara ko iyon. His mouth is still latched on
my clitøris habang pabilis na ng pabilis ang paglabas-masok ng kanyang mga daliri
sa loob ko. Sa bilis noon ay gumagawa na iyon ng ingay at mas lalo pa akong
tinutulak sa kasukdulan.

"Oh, god..I'm coming! Kiel, shít!" I can no longer say any coherent words because I
can feel my approaching climax, it was so freaking close, I could taste it. My
heart is now freaking pounding and beads of sweat are now forming on my temples.

He groaned against my flesh at mas ibinuka pa niya ang mga hita ko. I almost sighed
in disappointment when he pulled out his wet and thick digits. Ngunit agad iyon na
napalitan ng sarap ng ipasok niya ang kanyang dila sa aking loob. With his wicked
and dark eyes on me, ginamit niya ang kanyang mga basang daliri upang laruin at
pisilin ang aking butil, meanwhile his tongue was fúcking my wet hole. Hitting my
freaking g-spot over and over!
Hindi na ako mapakali at halos makalbo ko na siya sa higpit ng sabunot ko sa buhok
niya.

"Kiel, I'm gonna come," I sobbed as I pushed his face closer to my pússy.
Nagliliyab na ang katawan ko sa init at parang sasabog ako sa sarap! I started
desperately gyrating my flesh against his face. He groaned like he was loving what
I was doing./

Nang isagad niya ang kanyang dila at mariin niyang pisilin ang aking namamagang
butil ay doon na ako napahiyaw at tuluyang napahiga sa malamig na counter.

"Ezekiel!" Nanginig ang buong katawan ko at halos mabaliw ako sa sarap na

nararamamdaman ko. Holy. Fúcking. Shít. The órgasm that he gave me took me out of
this world! And for a solid minute, I felt all my warm juice gushed out of me.

"Tama na, please.. Ahh!" My whole body trembled because of the after-shocks of my
ørgasm, nanginig muli ang katawan ko nang patuloy niyang dilaan at sipsipin ang mga
labi ng mga pagkababae ko. He was making sure that he sucked and drank all of my
juice in his bestowed mouth. He even pushed me up a little, so he greedily licked
the juice that dripped down my åss-crack.

Hinihingal kong binitawan ang kanyang buhok.

"Hmmm.. I knew it would be delicious." Bulong niya ngayong nakatayo na siya sa

aking harapan. May bakas pa ng peanut butter sa gilid ng kanyang mapupulang mga
labi at parang binagyo ang buhok niya dahil sa akin.

"You always eat me like I am your last meal." Nanghihina kong puna.

He smirked before he leaned down and licked the peanut butter off of my belly.

"Ohh, Kiel.." I whimpered nang maabot ng maiinit na mga labi niya ang tuktok ng
aking dibdib. Habang nalulunod ako sa masarap na pagdila at paglalarong ginagawa
niya sa aking mga dibdib ay naramdaman kong ibinaba niya ang kanyang sweatpants.

He then rubbed the fat tip on my folds that are soaked with his saliva and my own
arousal. Napakapit ako sa kanyang mga balikat.

Nang maubos na niya ang peanut butter sa dibdib ko at halos basa na iyon nang laway
niya ay idinasog niya ako sa kanyang matigas na katawan.

"You ready?" He whispered in my ear as he teased my wet hole with the típ.

"Yes." I breathlessly answered.

Sabay kaming napaungol nang punuin niya ako ng maugat, mahaba, at mataba niyang
pagkalalaki. He didn't start out slow, he started fúcking me fast and deep.

Habang naglalamas-masok siya ay tinanggal niya ang pagkakatali ng buhok ko. He then
wrapped my hair around his fist and titled my head up, so I could meet his blazing
eyes.

"Who is fúcking you?" He hotly asked while looking into my eyes.

"You----AHH!" Napaawang ang mga labi ko nang bumagal ngunit mas lalo lamang dumiin
ang kanyang mga ulos. Kaya naman halos tumirik ang mga mata ko tuwing papasok siya.
It was so deep that everytime he thrust, his balls were slapping my åss!

"Who?"
"You, Ezekiel." I sobbed.

He growled.

"And I own this pússy, si?" He possesively asked.

"Yes, yes, it's only yours, I swear."

Siniil niya ako ng mainit na halik at binitawan lamang niya ang mga labi ko nang
maubusan na ako ng hininga. He was smiling darkly at me, pleased to know that my
body is only his.

"Such a good girl," My pússy clenched at his praise. "And good girls deserve to
come."

Napatili ako nang bumaba ang kamay niya sa aking butil habang bumilis at mas
rumahas pa ang kanyang mga ulos. The sound of our slapping flesh was echoing inside
his penthouse. Napupuno na din ng mga ungol ko ang buong buhay niya.

"Ah, ah!"

Napakapit ako sa kanyang puwetan nang patuloy niyang pinaglaruan ang aking butil
gamit ang kanyang mga ekspertong daliri.

Nakagat ko ang kanyang balikat at nakalmot ko ang kanyang puwitan nang maabot kong
muli ang aking sukdulan. Nanghihina at pawisan akong napasandig sa kanyang matigas
na katawan habang walang kapaguran pa rin siyang umuulos sa akin.

After a few more thrusts, he moaned my name and filled me up with his cóme. My toes
curled when I felt it flooded my insides.

"Shít," Hinihingal niyang sabi bago siya umalis sa ibabaw ko at humiga sa aking
tabi. Pareho kaming pawisan at hinahabol pa rin ang mga hininga habang nakatitig
kami sa kisame ng kusina. Yep, we also fúcked in the kitchen floor. Was it
comfortable? Heck no. Was the séx on the floor good? Heck yes.

Nang kumalma na ang heartbeat ko ay sandali akong lumuhod at inabot ang cellphone
ko mula sa island counter. Since tinatamad pa akong tumayo at mag-clean up ay maga-
IG muna ako sandali. Napangisi ako nang makita ko ang halos wala ng laman na peanut
butter jar. It's almost empty since I also used peanut butter on him. I put it on
his cóck and sucked it off of him. I also put it on his abs and other parts. I
definitely had fun and unfortunately, I will never look at the poor peanut butter
again without having flashbacks of all the filthy things that we did.

"Huwag mo nang pagurin ang sarili mo na mag-search tungkol sa kaso ni Vidal. It's a
mystery case." He said as I was scrolling on my phone. I'm now laying on the floor
again. Medyo nagulat naman ako sa inasal niya, he doesn't talk after séx and now,
he does? Woah, mindblown.

Bumaling naman ako sa kanya. Ngayon ay nakatagilid siya sa aking direksyon at

nakatukod ang kanyang kamao sa kanyang sentido. His biceps are flexing and the dark
hairs from his pits are also visible. Meanwhile his heavy gaze is currently fixed
on me.
"I know....I'm not searching, I'm using IG." I replied and turned away from him.

"Go, ikaw naman maunang mag-shower. Tinatamad pa ako." I said while looking at the
screen.

I then continue scrolling. Ngayon ko lang napansin na hindi ako masyadong

nakakapag-IG sa ospital or sa bahay, since mas gugustuhin ko pang matulog o mag-
aral. Now, I get the time to do that after séx since hindi naman fan ng pillow talk
'tong dear FuBu ko.

"Hmm, I see, getting yummier, huh?" Bulong ko sa sarili ko nang makita ko ang post
ni Charlie. He was also my ex-fling. He was shirtless here and posing next to a
mural wall. Nasa Illinois na siya ngayon, and the last time we met in person was
two years ago and before, he was really thin. Now, he's gaining some muscles and
apparently has a chest tattoo.

"Anong 'yummier'?" His voice grumbled behind me kaya naman humarap ako sa kanya.
He's still in the same position, nakatilid at nakaharap sa akin. He is still stark
naked, his lóng cóck resting against his muscled thigh. His face is just much
grumpier and annoyed.

"He looks like a scrawny fúcker." He harshly said.

"Kiel." Pinandilatan ko siya but he seemed unfazed.

"He doesn't have these," He said at mayabang ini-flex ang kanyang mamasel na mga
braso na mas malaki pa sa mga hita ko. "I have eight packs and I have a huge díck."

"Ang yabang mo talaga." Singhal ko at inirapan siya.

"Kasi may ipagyayabang naman ako." He cockily replied and smirked. "Unlike that
estupido, he's ugly at walang binatbat sa akin 'yan." Dagdag pa niya na ikinatitig
ko sa kanya sandali. What is up with him? Why does he seem so mad over my small
comment?

"Ewan ko sa'yo. Atleast he has a sexy tattoo." Banat ko at ipinakita ang chest
tattoo ni Charlie. Hindi naman maiwasan ng mga mata ko na bumaba sandali sa
tagliran niyang may tattoo na maliit. Still don't know what that means.

When I looked back at him, halos umusok ang ilong niya sa inis dahil ini-defend ko
pa si Charlie.

"Inacreditável." He muttered bago niya inagaw ang cellphone ko. "Enough of this
stupid Instagram."

"Hoy!" Protesta ko ng tumayo siya at padabog na inilagay iyon sa kitchen counter.

He then bent for a moment at walang kahirap-hirap akong binuhat na parang sako ng
patatas sa kanyang balikat. And since I am upside down, nakita ko ang mga kalmot ko
sa kanyang matigas na puwetan.

I yelped when he bit my áss cheek.

"Ezekiel ano ba!" Pinalo ko ang kanyang matigas na likuran, pero hindi man lang
siya dumaing. Nagpatuloy lamang siya sa paglalakad habang buhat ako patungo sa
guest room.

"Vou te foder forte no chuveiro até que você não tenha mais energia para usar
aquele app idiota." I'm going to fúck you hard in the shower until you don't have
the energy to use that stupid app anymore. He said that in an angry tone. I did not
understand any bits of what he said since it was in Portugese.

Chapter 24: Needy

Roy Ezekiel

It didn't work.

Well, merda, Nothing works. Because for the past few days, I have been fúcking
Vlanca more than usual or always having her ride my cóck, or give her more órgåsms
hoping that she would just fall asleep and be too tired to pick up her dámn phone.
Why would I do that? Well, because I am upset, upset that she looks at other people
while she's with me. I do not like it. I am not jealous. I am just territorial.

I don't like it when she looks at other people. I don't like it that she finds them
attractive. It upsets me, it pisses me off.

Dapat ay masaya ako na tumigil na siyang magtanong sa akin. Dapat ay nagagalak ako
na hindi na niya ako hinahawakan matapos kaming magtalik. Dapat ay iyon ang
nararamdaman ko. Pero sa kung ano mang kadahilanan ay hindi iyon ang nararamdaman
ko.

Hindi ako masaya doon dahil binibigay niya sa ibang tao ang atensyon niya.

Ngayon ay narito kami sa kama at katatapos lamang ng pang-limang round namin

ngayong gabi. Nakahiga ako dito sa kanang bahagi, walang saplot, at nakalukipkip.
Ang aking mga mata ay nakatitig lamang kay Vlanca. Nakabalot ang puting duvet sa
kanyang katawan pero hindi noon natatakpan ang kanyang likuran at ang séxy niyang
puwitan.

Even just the mere sight of her delectable body can make me hard, but somehow,
instead of just pulling her closer and fúcking her again. I just find myself
glaring at the device she's holding. I just find myself watching her slim fingers
scroll on the screen and tapping the 'heart' icon on the pictures that she finds
attractive.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapabusangot dahil doon.

Akala ko kanina ay mapapagod ko na siya, but here she is, still holding that stupid
phone.

That's what she's been doing for the past three weeks. Holding that thing and
scrolling on that stupid app....and acting like I don't exist at all. I only exist
to her when she's finally hørny.

I scoffed softly. Then again, there is nothing wrong with that and I should be
glad....but somehow, I am not glad. I am fúcking annoyed.

"Ooh..she hot."

I gritted my teeth when I heard her whisper that while looking at a woman's
picture. At the back of my mind, I certainly knew that I like it better when she
annoys me with questions or even tries to touch me. Instead of using her phone. I
know that now.
I just don't like it because I am afraid of intimacy.

Intimacy leads you nowhere good.

I sighed heavily.

Gumalaw naman siya, pero imbes na tumingin sa akin ay nakatuon pa rin ang kanyang
atensyon sa kanyang cellphone. Gumalaw lamang siya upang umupo at sumandal sa
headboard. Medyo madilim dito sa kwarto dahil ang kanang lampshade lamang ang naka-
andar. Subalit kahit na ganoon ay kita ko pa rin ang kanyang katawan na balot ng
duvet. Naka-tuck sa likod ng kanyang mga tenga ang kanyang gulo-gulo at nakalugay
na kulay kapeng malambot na buhok.

Kadalasan ay nasa loob lamang siya ng ospital kaya naman mas pumutla ang kanyang
maputing balat. The light from her phone gleamed on her smooth forehead, arched
dark eyebrows, thick lashes, and her bright green eyes. She was softly chewing her
lower lip---a mannerism of hers. While she scrolled.

Humugot naman ako ng hiniga. Hindi pa rin niya ako pinapansin.

At bakit ba ako naiinis na hindi niya ako pinapansin? This is not me. I am never
needy of someone's attention. Not even Trinity's.

Now that my ex crossed my mind. I was expecting a blow of pain in my chest, but
somehow, thinking about Trinity doesn't seem to bother me that much. Instead, I am
more bothered with the fact that Vlanca is not giving me attention like usual. Gesù
Cristo, What is wrong with me?

Tumayo na lamang ako at pinulot ang boxers ko sa sahig. O-Order na ako ng makakain
dahil alam kong maya-maya ay maghahanap na ng pagkain si Vlanca.

"Anong gusto mong kainin?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang nakatayo sa tapat ng paanan ng
kama.

Hindi niya ako napansin daihil masyado siyang busy sa cellphone niya.

I gritted my teeth.

"Vlanca.."

No response.

"Vlanca, can you atleast listen to me?" Nilakasan ko ang boses ko.

She heard it now dahil dahan-dahan siyang bumaling sa akin habang hawak pa rin niya
ang cellphone niya.

"Yeah, sorry, what is it?" Sagot niya at tumingin sa akin, ngunit nawala din agad
iyon ng tumunog sandali ang kanyang phone.

Now, her attention is back to the phone. She's typing while there's a smirk on her
lips. My fist balled.

This feels familiar. It was like when Trinity was in bed with me and she's texting
her 'friends' which I now know was Sean. Hot flame of anger filled my chest.

"Sino ba ang ka-text mo at sobrang importante kaysa sa akin, huh?!" Napasigaw ako.
Napatingin siya agad sa akin habang malaki ang kanyang mga mata sa pagkabigla.
And right before I could even stop running my mouth, the words that I can no longer
take back fell right through my lips. "Are you gonna meet them after this, huh? Is
my díck not enough for you?"

Bakas ang pagkabigla at pagkainsulto sa kanyang berdeng mga mata.

My chest heaved and regret hit me when I realized what I just said.

"Vlanca, I-I,"

"First of all, do not fúcking yell at me." Mariin at galit niyang putol sa akin.
She threw the phone on the bed and marched towards me with balled fists. I don't
seem to mind her now naked body, since I am just focusing on how I just insulted
her.

My back straightened when she pointed a finger at me. Magkasalubong ang kanyang mga
kilay at bakas ang galit sa kanyang mukha.

"Second of all, how dare you say all those accusations--"

"I'm sorry--"

"Do not interrupt me!"

Umikom ang bibig ko. I am regretting what I just said. I couldn't control my mouth.
I was projecting on to her.

"Ka-text ko si Dakota dahil sa wakas ay matutuloy na ang gimik namin na na-purnada

dahil sa lecheng mga quizes na binigay mo. At last I check, wala ka dapat problema
sa pag-gamit ko ng cellphone because remember when I try to touch you or even make
small conversation? You say nothing and you leave, so, where do you think that
leaves me, huh?" Nanunuya niyang tanong.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Nakatitig lamang ako sa kanyang mga mata at bahag ang aking
buntot.

"Gusto mo ba na humiga ako sa tabi mo at tumitig sa kisame, o magmakaawa na may

sabihin ka. Is that what you want?" She sarcastically asked that made me wince.

"I am s--"

Inikom ko ang bibig ko ng itaas niya ang kanyang kamay sa aking mukha.

"Shut up," She said through gritted teeth. "And don't order shít for me because I
am leaving."

"Vlanca..." I tried to touch her elbow when she turned around.

Tinabig niya ang kamay ko at humarap siya sa aking muli, her eyes still blazing
with anger...and I can see that she was hurt.

"Do not touch me nor follow me." Mariin niyang sagot. Mabilis niyang kinuha ang
kanyang cellphone at pinulot ang kanyang mga damit sa sahig.

"Vlanca, I didn't mean--"

I shut my mouth when she threw me a glare. Matapos noon ay agad siyang naglakad
palabas ng kwarto. Less than a minute later, I heard the front door closed and
opened.

Napaupo ako sa dulo ng kama at napahilamos sa aking mukha.

Chapter 25: Magtiis Ka

What's up? I'm back with another update haha. 😎😂

Happy reading po. Love y'all!

-ro-ughn.

***

Martina Vlanca

"Ano, G na ba bukas o may pupuntahan ka na naman?" Nanunudyong tanong ni Dakota

habang nagbibihis kami dito sa loob ng locker room. Bukas na natuloy ang gimik
dahil twenty-four hour duty kami ngayon. So, obviously, bukas pa ang tapos ng duty
namin and bukas pa kami finally makakapag-gala.

Sandali akong ngumisi matapos kong hitakin pababa ang scrubtop ko.

"Of course, I have nowhere else to be." Sagot ko. There is no way in hell na
makikipag-séx ako kay Ezekiel after ng ginawa niya kagabi.

Ma-attitude naman kasi talaga si Ezekiel. We are all aware of that. Pero iba ang
ang attitude niya kagabi. He snapped at me for using my phone? Eh, ano bang gusto
niya? magtitigan kami? Beg him to say something? Siya naman 'tong may sabi na huwag
na huwag akong magtatanong o hawakan siya. Now that I have found a way to cope with
his conditions, tsaka siya nagka-problema?

And don't even get me started with what he said after that. Alam ko na matabil ang
dila niya. He showed me that on my first day here. Wala akong problema doon dahil
balat kalabaw naman ako pag dating sa mga insulto pero below the belt ang mga
sinabi niya kagabi.

His accusations sliced through my skin like a blade. Him giving me an attitude
because of late lab results or messing with him are okay, but accusing me of seeing
other people? Hell no. I was hurt because it wasn't true. I am self aware, which
means alam ko na malandi ako pero comitted ako sa arrangement namin. That means
that I know that I am not supposed to sleep with other people while I am sleeping
with him. I know that.

And I have never indicated anything that I am seeing other people behind his back.
I am not admiring anyone behind his back either. In fact, pinapakita ko pa nga sa
kanya ang mga tao na sa tingin ko ay magaganda o gwapo, sexy o macho. I even showed
him my past flings. Like literal na wala akong tinatago sa kanya.

And what really rubbed me the wrong way is when he made it sound like I was a slút
who can't get enough of one dick.
"Are you gonna meet them after this, huh? Is my díck not enough for you?"

I winced as I remembered what he said, word for word. Nasaktan ako at galit ako

kasi hindi ko inakala na masasabi niya 'yon tungkol sa akin. Dåmn him for that.
Makipag-séx siya sa sarili niya ngayon.

"Sure ka na G na? Hindi ka na magka-kansela tulad kagabi ha." Dakota said and shut
her locker. Last night was supposed to be our chance since half-day lang kami and I
was just gonna hook up with Ezekiel until ten. Pero nagkaganon nga siya, so, nawala
ako sa mood, so after kong magpasundo kay Janna ay tumawag ako kay Dakota na hindi
ako makakapunta. I told her that it's fine kung siya na lang muna ang gumimik pero
syempre, hindi pumayag si Dakota. She's not gonna do tequila shots without me. And
so, bukas kami matutuloy.

"G na G ako. Walang makakapigil sa akin na uminom ng libreng alak." I replied and
winked at her after I put on my white coat. Sa The Elite kami pupunta kaya naman
for sure libre ang alak.

She grinned and gave me a high five as we walked out of the locker room.

"Tequilla shots will fúck me hard, I can feel it." Sabi niya na ikinatawa ko. She
meant that it will give her a hell of a headache the next day and it's freaking
true.

"Harder than Herman can?" Tudyo ko.

Nalukot naman ang mukha niya.

"Hindi rin, I really have a feeling na gentle siya."

I let out a giggle.

"Goorl!" Tili ko at tinusok ang bewang niya.

Pumunta kami sa reception table ng floor dahil naroon ang resident na magsasabi
kung kanino kami ngayon naka-assign. As she was saying kung sino ang mga attending
namin for today ay talagang nagwi-wish ako na sana hindi si Ezekiel. I don't know
how to deal with him or see him with my blood boiling and my pússy throbbing.

Those two are not a good mix since it could just result in angry séx.

And buti na lang ay narinig ata ng universe ang hiling ko dahil sa Peds ako napunta
at hindi sa kanya.

"See ya, gorl!" Sabi ko kay Dakota. She gave me a flying kiss before I turned
around and walked towards the elevator. Maiiwan siya dito dahil narito ang
attending niya sa floor na ito.

Nasa fourth floor si Dr. Blas kaya naman pinindot ko ang 'up' sign ng elevator. I
then pulled out my phone to kill time. When I view my notifications, may bagong
nag-send ng follow request sa akin sa IG. Yup, my account is private with fifty-
thousand followers.

@drea__ has requested to follow you.

And then there's others. I swiped it away and went to my ebook instead. Mamaya ko
na aalamin kung sino ang mga iyon. The elevator then made a 'ding' sound kaya naman
pinatay at binulsa ko na ang phone ko.

When I looked at the wide open metal doors, a huge and the last man I want to see
today greeted my eyes.

"Good morning, Del Russo." Bati niya sa akin. His plump lips stretched into a
smile.

Namamalikmata ba ako?

But unfortunately, I was not hallucinating. He's really standing inside the
elevator, wearing his deep blue scrubs, whitecoat, and a pair of surgeon sandals.
Hababg may hawak siyang malaking iced-coffee and according to the writing on the
side, it looks like the same flavor of the coffee that I always order.

"Dadalhan sana kita ng kape sa locker room mo." He said.

I rolled my eyes. I get it, he's being nice because he knows he fúcked up. But poor
him, he hurt me....and kapag nasaktan ako, ma-pride ako. So, good luck na lang.

It's gonna be a long while before he even gets to touch my body again.

"No, thanks." I dryly replied and walked away.

Maghahagdan na lang ako kaysa sumabay sa kanya sa elevator.

"Del Russo," Tawag niya habang sumusunod sa akin. Hindi ko siya pinansin at
itinulak lamang pabukas ang pintuan papasok sa hagdanan. I started treading up and
I can feel him following me.

"Vlanca..." He called pero hindi ko pa rin siya pinapansin. Finally, I am on top of

the stairs. Pero bago pa ako maakyat ulit sa isang flight of stairs ay naramdaman
ko na ang mainit at malaki niyang kamay na humawak sa aking siko.

"Ano ba!" Piniksi ko ang kamay niya at masama siyang tiningnan. "And no, kung ito
ang paraan mo para makausap ako. It's not gonna work because I am not going to talk
to you." Singhal ko sa kanya.

Nanatili lamang ang titig niya sa akin habang napalunok siya sandali.

"Okay...but can you please take the coffee? You always drink one before your shift
starts."

I crossed my arms.

"I don't need your stupid coffee. I already had one."

Kahit hindi. Hindi na ako nakababa kanina dahil mahaba ang pila sa caf at
magsisimula na din ang shift ko.

And it would really be awesome if I just had a sip of that coffee, pero ang issue
lang ay galing sa kanya iyon. So, nevermind.

Sandali siyang napakamot sa kanyang batok. Hindi usual na malamig ang kanyang mga
asul na mga mata. Instead, they were softly looking at me and it's definitely weird
to see him like this.
"Oh, sige, lalagay ko na lang sa ref sa on-call room mo, para kapag gusto mo ng
kape mamaya ay hindi mo na kailangang bumili." He insisted.

Sandali akong natigilan.

"You can't go there." I said instead to hide my amusement with the fact that he
doesn't want to give up easily.

He then gave me a look and said, "You know I can....and you also know that I have
been there many times.."

Inirapan ko siya. Cocky.

"Bahala ka sa buhay mo." Sabi ko na lang bago ako tuluyang umakyat sa hagdanan. "At
huwag mo na akong sundan!" I added as I went up the stairs.

My day went on as usual except. I am kinda bothered because of him. But

nonetheless. It's the same. Rounds, vitals, and then rounds ulit. I also admitted
patients and did charts. I also get to observe surgeries up close, kaya naman
habang nagtatanggal ng tumor sa leeg ng isang batang pasyente si Dr. Blas ay
nagsusulat ako ng notes sa notebook.

Sumapit ang break ko ay nagtungo ako sa on-call room. As I sat on the bed, I kept
thinking of what he said earlier. About the freaking coffee. I am curious if he
really did it.

Kaya naman noong hindi ako nakatiis ay tumayo na ako. Nang buksan ko ang fridge ay
may nakita akong isang large cup ng may laman na purong kape. Habang may isang
container ng putong puti mula sa Jesse's. I knew that it was meant for me dahil may
nakapakat na sticky notes sa mga gilid noon, that says;

Vlanca's :)

A smiley face? The heck, this is fúcking weird. Kung hindi ko lang nakilala ang
handwriting niya ay hindi ko talaga aakalain na siya ang nagsulat noon.

I then reached for the paper when I noticed that there's other writing on the
bottom part.

"Controlla il congelatore per il ghiaccio." Basa ko. Ang ibig sabihin noon ay
tingnan ko daw ang freezer para sa yelo.

Kunot noo ko namang binuksan ang babang parte ng ref. Agad ko namang nakita ang
isang malaking cup ng chipped ice na may pangalan ko din. Katabi iyon ng ibang
inumin at pagkain ng ibang med students.

Wala sa loob na isinara ko iyon at napasandal ako sa ref. Hindi ko naman alam na
seryoso siya.

I chewed on my lip for a moment. Contemplating whether I should drink the coffee
and eat the puto. I mean...it's food...and drink.

But when I remembered what he did. Nawala ang appetite ko. Nevermind.
And so, naglakad na ako pabalik sa kama at inabot ang binder ko bago ako lumabas. I
am still full kaya naman imbes na magtungo sa caf ay nagpunta ako malapit sa morgue
kung saan may stretcher na pwedeng tambayan. Wala si Dakota ngayong break since
Herman took her out on a brunch date. Yep, finally, pumayag na siya and I am happy
that she is finally putting herself out there.

I was nose deep into my notes na hindi ko napansin na may lumapit sa akin. I just
noticed it when I smelled the person's familiar scent.

"Hi, Vlanca.."

Alam kong si Ezekiel iyon kaya hindi ko siya tinapunan ng tingin. I told you, I am
prideful when I am hurt.

But why the fúck is he here? I checked the surgical board and I know that he has an

ex-lap scheduled at this moment. Why is he standing in front of me carrying a

paperbag?

Lumipas ang ilang sandali ay nagbuklat ulit ako ng pahina. Wala akong maintindihan
sa binabasa ko ngayong malapit na siya sa akin, but I want him to get the message
that I am still pissed at him.

And that I want him to get away from me.

As I 'read' I can still see him standing. From my peripheral vision, kita ko na
suot pa rin niya ang kanyang whitecoat but this time, i can see him wearing his
green scrubcap.

"I fúcked up, I'm--"

"Shut up. Hindi ako interesado sa kung ano mang sasabihin mo." I said through
gritted teeth without looking at him.

I heard him sigh softly. Nang lumipas ang ilang sandali at na-realize niya na
seryoso ako ay ipinatong lang niya ang paperbag sa gilid ko. He then pulled out
something that looked like paper and a pen. Tumayo siya sa tapat ng pader at ginawa
iyon na patungan para sa papel and for a solid minute, he stood there and wrote
something on the paper.

After a few moments, I heard a ripping sound and then he folded it and put the
paper next to the paperbag. And without a word, he walked away.

Out of curiosity ay inabot ko ang papel na iyon nang malayo na siya. Napailing ako.
It was a prescription paper. Iyon ang papel na ginagamit niya kapag nagre-reseta
siya ng gamot sa pasyente.

Can we please talk? I was an åsshøle and I didn't mean what I said to you.

I rolled my eyes when I read what was written on the top of the paper and then
unfolded the rest of the paper.

Here's the buttered shrimp and fries from the resto that you like. Huwag kang
magalala sa mga hipon, binalatan ko na 'yon gamit ang kutsara at tinidor.

Kumunot ang noo ko at tiningnan sandali ang nasa bag. Don't tell me he ditched his
surgery so he can peel freaking shrimp?
Well shít, that's what happened. Ayon sa mga nakalap kong impormasyon mula sa mga
med students ay ipinasa nga ni Ezekiel ang kaso sa fellow doctor niya. He gave the
case to another doctor so he can buy me food and peel the thirty pieces of large
shrimp.

Oo din, kinain ko at binilang ko. That was food and traydor ang tiyan but that does
not mean that whatever he did is now okay.

I just don't know how to feel about his efforts. This side of him is completely
alien and weird to me. And I do not exactly know what to feel about it either.

But one thing's for sure tho. I am still mad at him and he's not getting pússy any
time soon.

Le sigh.

After my break ay nanatili akong naka-assign kay Blas. Nagbago lamang iyon noong
sumapit na ang gabi dahil hindi siya twenty-four duty like other doctors. At
talagang nangarap ako na sana ay sa ibang doktor ako mapunta huwag lang kay
docmonyo

pero agad akong nanlumo noong nalaman kong sa kanya din ako napunta.

I had no choice but to be with him and so, I just did what I could. Which is to
ignore him. Although it was hard since we're literally working together, I managed.
Through out our ten hours together ay Hindi ko siya kinakausap o tinatapunan man
lang ng tingin unless it's work related or I really have to. By his expression I
can tell that he's getting impatient and that whatever I'm doing does not please
him at all.

Well, sad for him, I don't care. He inflicted it upon himself. Not my fault that
he's getting the silent treatment.

"Eto 'yung mga lab results noong tatlong pasyente mo." Malamig kong sabi at inabot
sa kanya iyon. Narito ako sa harap ng kanyang on-call room habang nakatayo siya sa
nakaawang na pinto. Alas singko na ng umaga at ako ang nag-volunteer na kumuha ng
labs. I always get a task that's away from him and the sad part about this task is
I have to give it back to him. Which is why I'm here.

"Vlanca..can we talk?" He said, sounding like he does not care about the labs at
all.

Napalunok ako at tumingala sa kanya.

"Tungkol ba 'yan sa lab o sa grades ko?"

Umiling siya, his eyes were softly looking at me.

"No..."

"Then I am leaving." Mariin kong sagot at tumalikod na.

"Foda-se isso." Narinig kong bulong niya bago ko naramdaman ang kamay niya sa siko
ko and in less than ten seconds ay nahablot na niya ako papasok sa on-call room
niya. My back is now against the wall and I am staring at him in wide shock. I
couldn't even notice my surroundings. All I can see is his dark hair under the
fluorescent light on the ceiling. My hands are itching to brush away the strands on
his forehead, but I stopped myself.

His jaw is tightly clenched and his blue eyes were fixed on me. Noong sinubukan
kong humugot ng hininga ay tanging mabangong amoy lamang niya ang aking nalanghap.

"Ezekiel, ano ba. I can't be here!" I said and pounded on his scrubs-cladded hard
chest but he didn't move an inch. Nakatitig lamang siya sa akin.

"Stop calling me that." Mariin niyang sagot. The folders are now on the floor and
both of his hands are now gripping my waist.

"It's Kiel to you."

Hindi ako sumagot. My heart is hammering my chest but I kept my glare at him.

Instead of glaring back, his brows furrowed a little and his eyes softened.

"Hindi dapat kita sinigawan, at inakusahan ng walang katotohanang mga bagay." He

huskily said and winced like he remembered the exact moment he said horrible things
to me. "And I am a huge åsshøle for doing that to you."

And in his dictonary, that means I'm sorry. But It's not enough, I was hurt.

Nang hindi ako nagsalita ay naramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking pisngi. Hindi
ko alam kung imagination ko ba iyon o talagang nagsusumamo ang kanyang mga asul na
mga mata.

"Vlanca," He hoarsely said. "Kausapin mo na ako, p-please.....hindi ako sanay ng

ganito tayo."

Tayo?

Lumunok ako bago ko tinabig ang kamay niya. I am still not swayed by his actions
because I can still hear what he said to me and it still hurts.

"Edi sana inisip mo 'yan bago mo ako ininsulto, so, magtiis ka." I replied and
pushed him away. Matapos noon ay agad akong lumabas mula sa on-call room. When I
was finally far away from him, I had to stop walking because I just realized how
much my heart was racing.

Chapter 26: Good Night, Docmonyo

Surprise! It's me again hahaha. Happy reading! ♡

-ro-ughn.

***

Martina Vlanca

"And that's why patient care..." Nagpatuloy sa pagdi-discuss si docmonyo tungkol sa

patient care. Nakikinig ako pero hindi ako nakatingin sa kanya. My gaze is just
fixed on my notes, writing down whatever I think is important. Although, kahit na
nakayuko ako ay ramdam ko ang mainit niyang tingin sa akin, pero syempre hindi ko
iyon pinansin. I don't wanna look at him because I am still mad at him. And as
ridiculous as it sounds, I am thinking about what he said earlier.

'Hindi ako sanay ng ganito tayo?'

I scoffed inwardly. Tayo? What does he mean by that?

I'm pretty sure mali lang ang wording niya at ang ibig lamang sabihin noon ay hindi
siya sanay na sinusungitan ko siya, or better yet, hindi siya sanay na maging
mabait sa akin.

Lumipas pa ang ilang mga minuto ay natapos na siyang magsalita. I then shut my
binder and tuck the pen on the side of it. I know, I should've used my laptop to
take notes pero mas prefer ko pa din ang old fashion way. Since I'd observed that I
can retain more information and easily digest them when I am physically writing my
notes.

"Class dismissed." He finally said, kaya naman mabilis na nagsitayo ang mga kaklase
ko mula sa mga lab chairs. They carried it back to its respective places before
they headed out.

"Tequila shots here I come!" Masiglang sabi ni Dakota nang maibalik namin ang aming
mga upuan.

"Heck yeah." Nakangisi kong sagot.

Hindi ko pinansin si Ezekiel gaya ng lagi kong ginagawa. And as I walked beside
Dakota, I could feel his heavy stare burning holes in my back. It's pretty hard to
not look back but I managed until I heard him call me.

"Del Russo," Sandali akong napapikit nang tawagin niya ako. Fúck.

Napatigil kami pareho ni Dakota sa paglalakad.

"I'd like to have a quick conversation with you." He added.

Sandali naman akong tiningnan ni Dakota. I can't fight him now that my friend is in
the room.

Kaya naman ngumisi ako sa kanya at kinindatan siya.

"You can head to the locker room first. I'm pretty sure may iuutos lang 'yan." I
replied even though I do not know what the hell he wants this time.

She snorted and shook her head.

"Well, good luck, gorl." Nanunuksong sabi ni Dakota at tuluyan nang lumabas ay
isinara ang pinto.

My smile fell as I walked back to him. Kasalukuyan siyang nakatayo sa tapat ng

dingding kung saan siya nagpo-project ng slides kanina. Unlike earlier, he's now
wearing a light colored dress shirt which is tucked in his dark pants. At imbes na
surgeon sandals ang suot niya, ay itim na oxford shoes ang nakabalot sa kanyang mga
paa. His dark hair was just pushed back and his eyes were on me.

"Ano?" Walang ganang tanong ko. I was forced to meet his gaze.

Hindi siya agad nagsalita. Bagkus ay may inabot siya sa backpocket niya. My brows
furrowed when I saw him pull out his thick leather wallet. When he opened it, I saw
thick one-thousand bills, as well as gold, platinum, and black cards on the side.

Binunot niya ang slick na itim na card bago niya ibinalik ang kanyang wallet sa
kanyang bulsa. He then offered the card to me.

"Use my card kapag gumimik kayo mamaya ng kaibigan mo. Use this to buy food too
since you have to eat before you drink."

Because eating before drinking can slow down the passing of the alcohol in the
small intestine, therefore also slowing down the process of the absorption of the
alcohol in the bloodstream.

But why does he care about that? And first of all, bakit niya alam ang gimik namin?

"How did you know about that?" Inis kong tanong, still not taking the stupid card.
Hindi ko siya kinausap buong araw at magdamag unless it's about work, so,
obviously, I have never told him our night out.

Sandali siyang kumamot sa kanyang batok.

"I may have heard it."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. I clutched the binder closer to my chest as I stared
daggers at him.

"That was none of your business."

He nodded.

"I know..but I heard it anyway. So, it's my business now."

Inirapan ko siya. Ang kapal talaga.

"Please just take it." He said softly and offered me the card again.

"Are you buying my forgiveness?" Nanunuya kong tanong na ikinailing niya agad.

"I'm just trying to make it up to you for being a huge åsshøle....and I want to
make it up to you by being a supportive....fúck buddy..." He whispered the last
part.

Tinitigan ko lang siya habang nakakunot ang noo ko.

"And giving me money is your way of being a supportive friend? Hmm.." I let out a
humorless chuckle. "How about you don't accuse me of sleeping with someone else
behind your back and not basically call me a slút? How about that? I think that's
way better than money, don't you think?" Sarkastiko kong tanong.

Dahan-dahan na bumaba ang kanyang kamay na may hawak ng card sa kanyang gilid. I
saw regret crossed his eyes before his head bowed for a moment.

"Vlanca..." He softly called. Mas humigpit pa ang hawak ko sa binder. Dámn it,
bakit iba ang epekto sa akin noon kapag tinatawag niya ang pangalan ko gamit ang
tono na iyon?

I inhaled sharply when he reached for my hand. Small sparks danced on my palm. What
the hell was that? Agad kong binawi ang kamay ko at masama lamang siyang tiningnan.
"Patawarin mo ako, please." Marahan niyang sabi habang nagsusumamo ang kanyang mga
mata. "..I really am sorry....I was angry...and I-I...." He paused and swallowed.

"What?" I asked him.

Umiling siya.

"You did not deserve that kind of treatment. It was shítty at malaki akong gago. I
promise I will do better....just please, give me a chance." He sincerely said.

Hindi ako sumagot agad. I just stared at him for a good few seconds, weighing what
I should do. He messed up and he's aware of that. And he's also making efforts, not
just apologizing with words..

But somehow, I am feeling curious....once again. There has to be a root of his

behavior that night. He would not just accuse me, just because. It could have been
his possessiveness talking or maybe...he had a bad break up.

But then again, that's just pure speculation. I am just guessing since I quite
literally know nothing about his past.

And it's not my business to dig and so, I shrugged that thought away.

I should just forgive him now...but I still want him to know that I am hurt and
that if he ever does that kind of shít again, he is more than welcome to find a new
fúck buddy because I will leave his åss with no hesitation.

Yes, kaya ko siyang i-tolerate pero I have my limits.

And so, I sighed softly and then replied, "I'll think about it."

He let out a breath of relief and smiled. Again, he looks handsome......but It's
fúcking weird to see his lips form in a smile.

"Anyway, hindi ko kailangan ng pera mo. I have my own black card." Sagot ko. Wala
dapat akong card at dapat ay thirty thousand lang ang allowance ko every month.
Pero ang sabi ko sa parents ko ay hindi ako makakapag online shopping using cash. I
also reminded them that for the last three years in med schooI. I have been on top
of my classes, and so, they caved in and gave me a card. Napapagalitan lang ako
kapag nage-exceed ng hundred fifty thousand ang expenses ko every month.

I mean, can you blame me? I like silk bed sheets, expensive clothes, and food.

"Yes, and hindi mo na kailangang gamitin 'yung iyo dahil pwede mong gamitin ang sa
akin."

Pangungumbinsi pa niya na ikinailing ko. Although, that's nice but I don't want his
money.

"No." I said.

He then sighed.

"Okay," He gave up. "Pero buksan mo ang binder mo at ipakita mo sa akin 'yung mga
notes na sinulat mo. I'll check if you jot down everything important."

I didn't hesitate since I may be mad at him but acads is life too kaya naman ginawa
ko iyon. As I was busy flipping through the pages, he stepped beside me to see my
notes.
After he was done checking everything, I left the classroom and met Dakota in the
locker room. Noong maabutan ko siya ay nakaupo na lamang siya sa bench since hindi
siya nagbihis. She's just gonna shower and change in her home, and that's what I
decided to do too. Kaya naman matapos naming kuhanin ang mga gamit namin ay
nagtungo na kami sa parking lot.

She brought her car with her this time. That's why I didn't need to drop her off. I
waved at her as her car drove out of the parking lot. Kinapa ko naman ang bulsa ng
scrub bottoms ko since doon ko hinulog kanina ang susi ko bago ako lumabas ng
locker room.

Napakunot naman ang noo ko nang may makapa akong ibang bagay bukod sa susi ng Camry
ko.

"That bastard." Bulong ko habang nakatingin ako sa black card na may Roy Ezekiel
Arguello at nine digits sa gilid na nakaukit.

I shook my head and chuckled dryly. He must've slipped it there when I was busy
flipping through the pages of my binder.

Ibinulsa ko namang muli ang card at binunot ang cellphone ko nang marinig ko ang
message tone noon.

From docmonyo:

Keep it. I'm not trying to buy your forgiveness, I swear. I just want to be a
supportive friend..

Sandali naman akong napangiti at napailing doon. Supportive friend mo mukha mo.

i just want you to keep it, and then you can decide if you want to use it or not. I
am fine with either way.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako nang patayin ko ang cellphone ko at ibulsa iyon. He
is really persistent.

Sandali ko namang binunot at tiningnang muli ang card niya. Well, I guess it's free
food and drink tonight.

"Iba talaga kapag club-owner ang brother-in-law." Nakangising sabi ni Dakota sa

akin na ikinatawa ko. Ngayon ay narito na kami sa VIP section ng The Elite. Which
is here on the balcony. We're currently sitting on the luxurious plush seats while
the lights above us dance with the crowd in the dancefloor below. The music is so
loud that we can barely hear each other.

"Oh, it's been a while.." I hissed after I did a tequila shot. I can drink hard
liquors right away since we ate alot before this and yes, I used his card.

Dakota giggled. We're both very dressed up tonight. Parehong nakakulot ang mga
buhok namin at pareho din kaming naka-make up. However, she's did a smokey eye look
meanwhile nag-eyeliner lamang ako. Dakota's rocking her high waisted flare jeans, a
black sheer crop top, and a pair of heels. Habang ako naman ay nakasuot ng gray
lacy bralette with matching red leather tube skirt and red heels.

Hindi pa nga nag iinit ang puwitan namin sa upuan ay ilang beses na kaming
sinubukang landiin ng mga tao sa paligid pero sad for them, we are here for the
drinks and besides, wala akong ganang makipaglandian since ang nasa isip ko lang ay
Ezekiel.

And nope, not in that way.

I am thinking about him because siya ang gusto kong landiin and I am pretty sure he
will lose his mind once he sees my outfit. But sad for him, too, since galit pa rin
ako sa kanya.

As the time passed by, nagkuwentuhan kami ni Dakota habang umiinom, and the next
hour came we're no longer talking. We're just dancing with each other and screaming
the lyrics of the pop song that was playing. Another hour had passed, we're too
tired...and drunk to shake our hips kaya naman ngayon ay nakaupo na lamang kami
habang tumatawa sa mga walang kwentang bagay na pinaguusapan namin.

"Oy, story tayo!" Bulol kong sabi kay Dakota matapos kaming magtawanan.

She grinned and nodded. She then scooted closer to me.

"Shet, gorl, 'yung eyelash mo." I drunkenly reached for her faux eyelashes and
fixed it dahil nakalaylay na iyon.

Matapos noon ay inilabas ko ang cellphone ko at nag-boomerang kami habang hawak

namin ang tig-isang baso namin ng Martini.

"Fúck, we're so hot." Conceited kong sabi matapos kong i-post iyon sa story ko.

Dakota laughed.

"Yes, we are."

"Alam mo ba kung bakit may Martina ang pangalan ko, gorl?" Tanong ko sa kanya
matapos kong lagukin ang alak. It burned my throat and it made my vision swirl even
more but I couldn't care less.

"Hmm..hahaha, hindi ko knowsh, gorl," Bulol niyang sagot sa akin habang nakahiga
siya sa mahabang upuan.

Ngumuso naman ako.

"Shinabi ko na sa'yo yorn!"

Maya-maya ay suminghap siya at tumawa. Itinukod naman niya ang kanyang mga siko
upang mai-elevate niya sandali ang sarili niya.

"YERS! Naalala ko na kung bakit Martina ang pangalan mo, Kasi noong ginagawa ka
nila Tita ay nakainom sila ng Martini! OMG!" Malakas niyang sabi.

Tumawa ako at nakipag-apir sa kanya.

"Oo, gorl! Kaya pala hindi nila shinabi sha sa akin 'yung meaning ng name ko until
I wash...eighteen."
She giggled.

"Shot pa nga!" She said and sat down.

Inabutan ko naman siya ng shot glass na may rum. Akmang aabot ako ng alak ay nang
mag-vibrate ang cellphone ko sa aking kandungan. When I opened it, it was a direct
message in IG.

11:45: @drea__ replied to your story.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Yup, I accepted the person since hindi naman mukhang creepy ang
kanyang insta profile. His feed is public and the only post is a view from Baguio,
tapos ang profile picture niya ay picture ng stethoscope from google. I know that
it was a 'he' since his pronouns are in his profile too, which are he/him.

His whole profile just screams; 'It's my first time using instagram and I don't
know what the hell I am doing' instead of 'I'm-a-creep.'

Kaya naman tinanggap ko siya as a follower. I was curious kung anong sinabi niya
kaya naman binuksan ko ang message niya.

'You look drunk. Do you want me to come pick you up?'

My brows furrowed. What the hell?

I was about to freak out but then he sent a picture.

And it was Roy Ezekiel Freaking Arguello.

Nanuyo naman ang lalamunan ko sa ini-send niyang picture. Napatingin ako kay Dakota
since she can't see that our teacher is sending me a freaking sexy selfie.
Nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag nang makita kong nakahiga pa rin siya sa kanyang
upuan at hawak ang kanyang cellphone.

Tumingin naman siya sa akin at ngumisi. The lights from the ceiling were dancing on
her face and messy hair.

"Gorl, ka-séxt ko si daddy herman habang naka-duty siya." Bulol niyang sabi at
sinundan iyon ng tawa. She is definitely drunk because she will never say that
soberly.

"Séxt?" I asked again.

She giggled.

"Aha, we were having fun until I told him that I am drunk, but anyway, I am still
gonna séxt him." Tinaas baba pa niya ang mga kilay niya na ikinatawa ko. When I
peeked at her phone, she did not send any pictures she'll regret. That's good.
She's only texting him.

And so, I scooted away. Imbes na pigilan siya sa ginagawa niya ay tumawa lang ako.
I can't wait to see her face tomorrow, when she finds out what she did.

Nang maalala ko na ka-text ko pala si docmonyo ay umusog naman ako sa dulo ng

upuan. Kahit na umiikot na ang paningin ko ay nakita ko pa din na gamit niya ang
kanyang kanang kamay sa paghawak ng cellphone, basa at medyo gulo-gulo ang kanyang
buhok. He's looking at the camera but he looks confused dahil bahagyang
magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay. I can also see that his gray shirt is soaked
with sweat, at dahil doon ay bumakat ang abs niya sa kanyang damit.
Napalunok ako.

He's in the gym at this hour since I can see equipment behind him. But I couldn't
care less about that. I am curious about his account.

'Pucha snc3 whn ka nagkainsta gorl?'

I couldn't even type properly.

'Just the other day...and based on your typing, you're already drunk.'

I pouted and typed again.

'Enang lasong? ND aH?'

Three seconds later he already has a response.

'Yup, I am definitely coming to pick you up.'

Roy Ezekiel

Hindi ako nagdalawang isip na magpalit agad ng damit at lumabas ng gym nang maisend
ko ang huli kong mensahe.

"Shít, bilis." Bulong ko habang naghihintay ako na mag-green ang red light.

I went to the gym at this hour to distract myself from thinking about the possible
people who can flirt with her or touch her. I went to the gym instead of following
her like a creep because I am being a supportive fúck buddy. That means I'm gonna
let her go out without being an åsshøle and a territorial fúck buddy. Because I
meant what I said, I am gonna make it up to her and I am gonna show her that I am
clearly regretting all the harsh and untrue things that I said to her.

I am gonna earn her forgiveness dahil hindi ko gusto na galit siya sa akin. I don't
like the silence. I was so used to her voice annoying me for the past months and I
couldn't stand not hearing it for just a day.

It's fúcking ridiculous, I know. Hindi ko rin maintindihan ang sarili ko.

I should've just left her alone for this night and let her enjoy it, but I couldn't
stop myself from checking the stupid IG since she already accepted me as a
follower. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na buksan iyon matapos akong tumakbo sa
treadmill.

Siya lang ang tanging pina-follow ko doon at ang una kong nakita ay ang kanyang
'story.' I couldn't stop myself from replying too and so, here we are.

Nang makarating ako sa parking lot ng club ay agad akong naghanap ng malapit na
malalagyan ng sasakyan ko. When I saw one, I immediately took it and before I
headed out, I grabbed my baseball cap and wore it. I still need to stay lowkey.

Mabilis at malalaki ang aking mga hakbang papunta sa entrance ng club, pero
napahinto naman ako nang makita ko si Vlanca. Alam kong siya iyon dahil sa buhok at
sa damit na suot niya.
But the problem is a man wearing a military uniform was carrying her towards the
parking lot. An inexplicable amount of anger coursed through me and my fist fúcking
balled. Halos patakbo akong lumapit sa gagong iyon.

"Hey!" Tawag ko.

Napahinto siya at agad sa akin na lumingon. Hindi ko makita ang mukha ng gago dahil
nakasuot siya ng military hat.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makita niya ang galit sa mukha ko.

"Pare--"

Agad kong inagaw sa kanya si Vlanca at maingat siyang binuhat.

"Hmm..ano ba.." Protesta niya dahil napurnada ang tulog niya sa pagkaka-agaw ko sa
kanya mula sa pùnyetang lalaking nasa harap ko.

"Sorry, little brat." I whispered to her and then looked at the fúcker in front of
me.

My face hardened.

"Where the fúck were you gonna take her, huh?" Gigil kong tanong sa kanya. He's
definitely in the military. He looks like he's in his late twenties, he's tall but
I am taller and more muscular.

"U-Uh, Pare, ako si Sargeant Herman Prado." Itinuro niya ang pangalan na naka-
embroid sa kanyang kanang dibdib. My anger deflated when I heard his name. Herman?
The name is familiar.

And then after a few moments, it clicked.

"Oh," I said when I realized who he was. "Ikaw 'yung manliligaw ni Dakota, hindi
ba?"

Tumango siya.

"Oo, pare." Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo bago niya itinuro ang SUV na kasalukuyang
nakaandar at naka-park sa gilid namin. "Nalaman ko kasi na lasing na si Dakota kaya
naman sinundo ko na siya at nasa loob na siya ngayon ng sasakyan. Binalikan ko si
Vlanca dahil hindi ko sila kayang buhatin ng sabay. Iuuwi ko sana siya sa kanyang
bahay."

Sunod-sunod akong tumango.

"Pasensya na, Sargeant, at Salamat."

He chuckled a little.

"Wala 'yun.....Dr. Arguello, hindi ba?"

Shît, he recognized me.

"Ikaw ang guro ni Dakota at ni...." Sandali siyang tumigil nang ma-realize niya na
hindi ko lang estudyante is Vlanca.

He sighed a little and nodded to himself when it sank into him.

"Anyway, pare, mauna na kami ni Dakota. At hindi kita nakita ngayong gabi." Sabi
niya. I relaxed and a smiled a little. "Kung ano man kayo ay hindi ko na iyon
concern pa. Basta ang alam ko ay may mabuting lalaki na sisiguraduhin na hindi
malalagay sa kapahamakan si Vlanca at siyang nag-uwi sa kanya. That's what my
Dakota would know."

"Salamat pare at pasensya na ulit."

Tumango siya.

"Walang anuman."

Bago ako tumalikod ay may bigla akong naalala.

"Sargeant," Tawag ko sa kanya dahil nakatalikod na siya.

Humarap naman siya sa akin at tinaasan ako ng mga kilay.

"Ikaw ang nagluto at nagdala noong mga puto, hindi ba?" Tanong ko. Iyon ang mga
puto na nagustuhan ni Vlanca.

Tumango siya.

"Oo,"

"Natikman kasi ni Vlanca at nagustuhan niya....maari mo bang ibahagi sa akin ang

recipe noon?"

I don't know why I asked but I just had a strong urge...and I wanted to see her
smile like how she smiled when she was eating those puto.

Ngumisi naman ang sundalo at binunot ang cellphone niya sa kanyang bulsa.

"Oo naman, may IG ka ba? Send ko na lang sa'yo thru DM's."

I can't believe I am saying it but thank fùck there's Instagram.

"It's okay, let it all out.." I said habang nakaluhod siya sa harap ng toilet bowl
habang nakatayo naman ako sa kanyang likuran. I am currently trying her hair while
she vomits her guts out. Oras na makauwi kami dito sa penthouse ko ay nagising
siya, hindi para sermonan ako dahil inuwi ko siya dito, bagkus ay para sumuka.

She still very much drunk matapos niyang sumuka since hindi siya nagreklamo na
narito siya sa penthouse ko. Except she was exploring the house like she haven't
seen it before, habang sinusundan ko siya para masigurado ko na hindi siya madadapa
o matatama ang ulo niya kung saan dahil gegewang-gewang pa din ang lakad niya.

Also, she's now wearing my hospital hoodie. Nahagilap niya iyon kanina sa sasakyan
habang pauwi kami. And now, she doesn't wanna take it off, even if it looks like a
dress on her.

She continued to 'explore' and then she reached my bedroom and opened my bedroom
door.
My heart pounded.

"Vlanca, hey, not there." I said.

Bago ko pa siya mapigilan ay nakapasok na siya doon. She didn't turn on the lights,
instead, dumeretso siya sa kama ko at humiga doon.

"Shét, kaya pala ayaw mo ako dito ay dahil mas malambot ang kama mo!" She yelled
and giggled. "You gatekeeper..." She murmured and started looking around.

"Wow, turn the lights on! Gusto makita pictures!" She demanded like a kid.

Merda, merda.

Bago pa niya maabot ang mga iyon ay mabilis kong kinuha ang mga litrato ni Trinity
sa magkabilang bedside table at inilagay iyon sa box na nasa gilid ng kama.

"Heeey, bakit mo tinanggal!" I heard her wine.

I am confused and upset because I can't feel anything but one emotion as I put all
of her pictures in the box.

Noong una ay binura ko ang mga natitirang litrato niya sa cellphone ko dahil
kailangan ko ng storage para sa Instagram. I downloaded it because I wanted to see
what's Vlanca's fascination about that stupid app. Habang binubura ko ang mga
litrato niya na na-retrieve ko mula sa iCloud account ko ay hindi ako nanlumo,
nasaktan, o nanghinayang gaya noong itinapon ko ang cellphone ko.

"Bahala ka diyan, I am so shleepy.." I heard her say as I opened my walk in closet

while carrying the box full of my memories with Trinity. I bent down a little and
put it down on the floor.

I mean, I should feel something right? It was a seven years of relationship. But
instead all I can feel is that as if there's a huge burden that was lifted off my
shoulders. I felt that exact feeling as I put the box inside the bottom part of the
cabinet.

There is definitely something wrong with me.

"Ezekiel!"

Agad akong lumabas ng tawagin ako ni Vlanca. Naabutan ko siyang nakahiga pa din sa
kama ko.

"Yes?"

"Lika dito. Hug me." She demanded. "Bilish na!"

I sighed and then did what she asked after I turned on the lampshade. She likes
physical touch. That's one of the many things I noticed about her. Nang humiga ako
sa tabi niya ay mabilis siyang umusog palapit sa akin. Iniunat niya ang braso ko at
ginamit iyon na unan bago siya yumakap sa akin.

Inalis ko naman ang nakatabing na kulot na buhok mula sa kanyang mukha at tinanggal
ang pagkakatali ng buhok niya para makahiga ng maayos. I then put her hair tie
around my wrist.

As I looked at her, I realized that she may have some physical similarities with
Trinity but they are nothing alike.
Trinity will never be like this. Careless and drunk. She's responsible and she has
stability.

That's another thing why I fell for her in the first place. This little brat is
nothing like her. She's trouble and she doesn't mind getting drunk.....but she's
also witty, fun, and smart...

For some stupid reasons, I caught myself smiling because she is incredibly smart
but she doesn't know how to peel shrimp. It's an irony indeed.

"Alam mo," She said.

"Ano?"

"Shometimes, I wonder kung natural kang mailap o kung may nanakit sa'yo.." Bulol
niyang sabi habang bahagyang nakadilat ang kanyang mga mapupungay na mga mata.

Natigilan ako sandali.

"Well...may nanakit sa akin....someone I loved very much.." I answered because I

know she will not remember this moment when she wakes up.

"Hmm...." She hummed. "Shet, marunong ka pa lang magmahal?"

Kahit na lasing siya ay hindi pa rin mawawala ang pangaasar niya sa akin.

"Matulog ka na nga."

She pouted.

"Biro lang" she said. "But she sucks for hurting you...fúcking shucks." She
murmured and then pulled me closer. Ibinaon niya ang kanyang mukha sa aking leeg.

And without thinking so much, I pulled her closer to me, allowing myself to feel
her without getting sèxùal.

It feels...weird....and new to me and the way she feels against me....feel right,
somehow.

"Good night, docmonyo." She said before I heard her snore.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko. What did she just call me?

Chapter 27: Buti Na Lang Ay Gwapo Siya

Martina Vlanca

How the hell did I get in here?

Iyon ang unang pumasok sa isip ko nang buksan ko ang aking mga mata. Hindi ko naman
maiwasang mapaigik nang maramdaman kong kumirot ang aking ulo. I was in The Elite
with Dakota, we were having fun, and then umiinom kami ng marami, and then, nag-
story ako, tapos I drunkenly texted Ezekiel. He said that he'll come pick me up
because obviously, I was drunk. Tapos nag-blackout na ako after kong tumira pa ng
isang dry martini at isang baso ng Vodka.

That's all I can remember....and he actually picked me up because I am in his bed

and not on the club floor. And I also know that this is his bedroom because this is
not what his guest room looks like. Ang kwartong ito ay may mas maraming bintana
kaya naman tumatagos doon ang liwanag. At mas malaki din ito kaysa sa guest room
dahil may gray couch set sa isang gilid nito. May malaki ding T.V na nakapakat sa
dingding sa tapat ng kama. Malapit doon ay ang isang working table na medyo mahaba
at gawa sa kahoy. May itim din na swivel chair malapit doon. Guessing from the
thick stacks of papers on the table and the laptop, that's where he works.

And as I looked around I just noticed that his walls are smokey gray rather than
bright colored. I suddenly remembered that he told me not to go here because of
personal things....but I don't see anything personal at all.

That's weird, I thought.

My head pounded again. Shít, that's the first aftermath of endless shots of
tequila, rum, vodka and dry martinis.

And the second aftermath is me ending up in docmonyo's bedroom with him beside me.

His matte black duvet is currently shielding us from the coldness of his air
conditioner. Nakahiga siya sa tabi ko habang nakayakap sa akin ang kanyang
matipunong braso. His head is not resting on the pillow like mine does, rather it
was resting on my boobs.

I stared at him in surprise, is he really sleeping next to me? My fúck buddy who
doesn't like physical touch unless we're having séx slept with me? What kind of
sorcery is this?

Itinaas ko naman ang kamay ko at hinawi ang kanyang buhok sandali. Nakatagilid ang
kanyang mukha kaya naman kita ko mula dito ang kanyang malantik at makapal na mga
pilikmata, ang bridge ng kanyang matangos na ilong, at ang bahagyang nakaawang
niyang mga mapupulang mga labi.

My brows knotted as I peeked under the duvet. Is he really wearing a white apron?
What the heck. As I was about to touch it, I caught a glimpse of the blue Vacheron
Constantin wrist watch that I was wearing. Bigla akong nagpanic nang makita ko ang
oras. I quite literally have less than forty five minutes to sort myself out and go
to the hospital.

Cazzo!

Certainly ay madami akong tanong but I have to get out first pero paano akong aalis
kung ginawa niya akong human teddy bear?!

Sandali akong nagisip ng strategy and when I finally did ay dahan-dahan at pikit
mata kong hinawakan ang kanyang isang matipunong braso. When I attempted to remove
it, hinigpitan lang niya ang lingkis noon sa akin.

"What do you think you're doing?" My mouth parted when his deep morning voice
grumbled, for a moment, my pússy quivered in response. Gorl, kalma, galit pa tayo
sa playmate mo.

Weh? My stupid subconcious whispered.

"Why are you hugging me?" I retorted. I felt him stiffened.

"Sorry, gigisingin sana kita upang kumain pero naidlip pala ako." Sabi niya matapos
na humiwalay sa akin. Tumayo na siya at kinaskas sandali ang kanyang mga mata.
Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapalunok nang makita ko na mahabang puting apron lamang
ang suot niya.

Habang putok na putok ang mga masel sa kanyang mga braso. I had the urge to ask him
to take off the apron so I can see what's underneath but I stopped myself. I am
more curious about the fact that he......cooked?

"What happened?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang nakaupo sa headboard ng kama. I have

been with him for a couple of months, and I trust him. Kahit masama ang ugali niya,
I know that he will not do anything that will harm me. I know that he will do
what's best for me even I am not awake to see it.

"And bakit ako nandito sa..kwarto mo?" Hindi ko maiwasang matanong.

Sandali siyang kumamot sa kanyang batok, kaya naman nag-flex muli ang mga muscles
sa kanyang biceps, habang lumitaw ang itim na mga buhok sa kanyang kili-kili
sandali.

"Well...nalasing ka at ini-text mo ako.."

I nodded slowly as I folded my arms crossed over my chest.

"Yes, I do remember that."

"And so, I came to the club to pick you up....and when I got there buhat ka na ni
Herman at dadalhin ka na niya sa sasakyan niya para iuwi ka kasama ni Dakota."

Umawang ang mga labi ko.

"Hindi ko siya agad nakilala, so, I panicked and I may have said mean things.."

"You did what and he saw you?" I asked with my eyes wide open.

"Yes...but don't worry he is cool."

"But he saw you."

Shít, shít, hindi pwedeng malaman ni Dakota.

Tumango ulit siya.

"Yes, he did see me but as I said, he's cool with it. So, he also did not see me.
Ang malalaman lang ng kaibigan mo ay may naguwi sa'yo, pero hindi niya sasabihin
kung sino." He elaborated that made me calm down. Okay, mas lalo ko pang nagustuhan
si Herman.

I nodded silently in understanding.

"And h-how did I end up here?" Tanong ko.

He smirked a little.

"You 'explored' my house after you threw up and then barged in here to pass out in
my bed."

Umawang ang mga labi ko. I certainly do not remember any of those.
"I-I," I was speechless. My god.

"Pero okay lang 'yon." Marahan niyang sabi na ikinalunok ko.

"I'm sorry...you said that you have personal things here and I-I..."

Umiling siya at bahagyang ngumiti.

"Don't worry about it, I told you, it's okay." Sagot niya. "Anyway, tumayo ka na at
kailangan mo nang kumain dahil male-late ka na." He said gently and walked towards
me. When he was standing in front of me, he offered his hand to help me up.

Hindi na ako umangal at tinaggap ang kanyang kamay. I then shyly met his blue eyes
which were softly looking at me.

"Thank you....not only for this but also for last night....and I am sorry for
barging in here." Seryoso kong sagot.

"You are welcome.." Marahan niyang sagot habang nakatingin sa akin. Hindi ko
maiwasang maglayo ng tingin dahil may kung ano akong naramdaman sa tiyan ko bukod
sa gutom.

Pagdating namin sa kusina ay may nakita akong plato na nakahain sa island counter
table. Sa gilid noon ay may mga kubyertos na, coffee with ice, and then pain
reliever pill. Wow.

Sandali naman akong napatitig sa kanya nang marahan niya akong ipaghitak ng upuan.
Okay, another wow, since he never did that until now.

"Salamat..." I murmured and sat down.

"Kain na..." He said before he walked towards the opposite chair and sat down.

Kinagat ko ang pangibabang labi ko sandali habang nakatingin sa plato sa harapan ko

na may bahagyang lusak na scrambled eggs, sliced tomatoes which made me think that
the reason it's perfectly sliced is not because he's a good cook but because he's a
surgeon, sa kabilang gilid ng plato ay may tatlo dark brown na hotdog which I think
na red at hindi dapat brown, at may malaking scoop ng rice na may consistency na
malapit sa lugaw.

But somehow, I don't care about that. I care about the fact that he made an effort
to do all this. And in some way, it made me feel that flutter in my stomach once
again.

"Hindi ko pa masyadong gamay 'yung rice cooker......at napalakas 'yung apoy noong
pinipirito ko 'yung itlog at hotdog.." Sabi niya.

Napatingin ako sa kanya nang may ngiti sa labi ko, and for the first time that
we're together I saw him pout like a kid.

Oo, ngumuso si docmonyo.

"I know my cooking sucks...." He said silently.

"Wala akong sinabing ganoon." I replied and got a fresh tomato with my fork. I have
to eat since I need to take the pain reliever.

"Because you didn't need to say it."

"But I am happy that you tried."

His eyes met mine.

"Really?"

I nodded as I chewed.

"Oo."

I saw him bite back a smile before he grabbed his coffee mug and sipped from it.
Yup, he doesn't eat anything for breakfast. Habang hawak niya iyon ay tsaka ko
napansin ang band-aid na nakabalot sa kanyang kaliwang hinlalaki. When he placed
back the mug on the table, he then proceeded to remove his apron. That's when I
stopped eating the smooshed egg, and my eyes widened.

May mga mapupulang marka na nakakalat sa kanyang dibdib at matigas na kalamanan na

halatang dulot ng oil splatter.

Ibinaba ko na ang hawak kong tinidor at walang sabi na inabot ang kanyang kamay na
may bandaid, matapos niyang ibaba sa upuan sa tabi niya ang apron na hinubad niya.

"Wala 'yan--"

"You cut your surgeon freaking fingers?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong sa kanya. I
am freaking out dahil kahit na may minor injury lang ang kamay or forearm ng mga
surgeon sa ospital kahit na paso lamang iyon, small lesions, cuts or any small
injuries that can make their skin open in any way, they are not allowed to perform
surgery until the injury closes up.

"Maliit lang 'yan. Namali lang ako ng hiwa noong hotdog."

"Mapapatay ka ni Chief Geryis, you know that?" Sabi ko sa kanya habang hawak ko ang
kamay niya.

Si Ezekiel ang isa sa mga finest surgeon ng GSMH. And our Chief never fails to let
him know that tuwing magkikita sila, she even called his hands a 'gifted-million-
peso-hands' noong magkausap sila sa hallway. I knew about it dahil kasama niya ako
noon at ang iba pang mga med students dahil sa kanya kami naka-assign noon.

And there is nothing untrue about what the Chief said. He can save a life with his
hands in an exceptional way. Certainly, not everyone can do that.

Ezekiel then made a sound with his tongue like it was ridiculous. He hissed when I
opened the bandaid.

"Vlanca, don't--" He said like he was scared na makikita ko ang sugat niya pero it
was too late since nabuksan ko iyon.

Pinukol ko siya ng masamang tingin. He just smiled and shrugged like it would make
me feel better.

"Yeah, we have different concepts of 'maliit.'" Sarkastiko kong sagot sa kanya and
closed the wound again with the bandaid.
"Don't worry about it, little brat...gagaling din 'yan.." Sabi pa niya. "And I am
not the only General surgeon available in the hospital." He reasoned out.

"Still, you hurt yourself." Inis kong sabi. "And what about that?" Tinuro ko ang
mga paso sa kanyang katawan.

"Did you put any ointment?"

Umiling siya matapos niyang hawiin sandali ang kanyang buhok.

"It's not a life and death situation--"

"Kiel, just get the dámn first aid kit." Putol ko sa kanya dahil hindi na niya
kailangang tapusin ang kanyang sasabihin dahil alam ko na ang ibig sabihin noon ay
'hindi-ko-pa-nilalagyan-ng-ointment-ang-burns-ko.'

Imbes na tumayo ay ngumiti lang siya. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Bakit hindi ka pa kumikilos?"

"You called me Kiel..."

I pursed my lips. He cares about that more than the fact that he hurt himself in
the process and that he's not gonna be able to perform surgeries for a day or two?
What is wrong with him?

"So? Bakit abot langit ang ngiti mo? Galit pa rin ako sa'yo." Sagot ko.

Ngumuso siya at tumayo na. Napansin kong muli ang kanyang itim na jersey shorts at
bakat na bakat ang pwet niya doon.

"Hindi naman abot langit ang ngiti ko ah?" Sabi lang niya bago tumayo at kumuha ng
first aid kit mula sa banyo.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapailing na lang at sumubo ng sliced tomatoes ulit. I then took
the pain reliever pills and downed it with iced-coffee.

Napatango pa ako sandali sa sarili ko at sumimsim ulit dahil nakuha niya ang tamang
pait na gusto ko.

Pagbalik niya ay pinatayo ko siya sa harap ko habang nakaupo ako. Kinailangan kong
i-adjust pataas ang upuan ko para maabot ko ang dibdib niya. Matapos noon ay
binuksan ko ang kit at hinanap ang ointment doon. I then squirted some on my
fingers and started gently wiping it on his burns.

As I was doing that, I think about last night, that he took care of me when I was
shítface drunk to the point that I cannot remember anything from last night or how
I put on his hoodie na hindi ko pa rin hinuhubad hanggang ngayon dahil komportable
iyon. And that he cooked a hearty breakfast even if he hurt himself in the process.

Just to earn my forgiveness...

Ibinaba ko na ang lalagyan ng ointment pabalik sa lalagyan ng kit matapos kong

mapahiran ang huling paso niya.

Bumuntong hininga naman ako at hinawakan ang kanyang toned na mga bewang sandali.

"Sige na, pinapatawad na kita.." I said as I looked him in the eye.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"Pero...I don't want you doing anymore stupid things like cutting your fingers.
Yes?"

Sunod-sunod siyang tumango habang seryosong nakatingin sa akin.

"At hindi ka na magseselos?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

Lumunok naman siya bago siya naglayo ng tingin sa akin.

"Hindi naman ako...... nagseselos."

Tinitigan ko lamang siya habang nakataas ang kilay ko. His shoulders sagged.

"Fine...I am...... territorial. I just don't like it when you look at other women,
especially men." Halos nakanguso niyang sabi. "And I certainly dislike it when they
flirt with you.."

Itinaas ko naman ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang matigas niyang braso sandali.

"Okay...I understand...but Kiel, you have to trust me when I say that I'm committed
to our arrangement. You also have to understand that yes, I admire them or they may
flirt with me but you're the only one I go to bed with. Ayoko na pagdudahan mo
iyon..." I softly replied.

Sandali siyang natahimik bago siya tumango.

"Yes....." He paused and looked me in the eye. "I trust you, Vlanca." He said that,
like it may be hard for him but he said it anyway because by the look in his face
he does really mean it.

Ngumiti naman ako at inabot ang kanyang pisngi.

"Thank you."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay kong nasa pisngi niya at dinama iyon sandali. He held the
back of my hand like he was glad that I was touching him and that it feels....new
to him.

"Vlanca,"

"Oh?"

"Docmonyo, really?" He amusingly asked and cocked his scarred eyebrow.

Nanlaki naman ng todo ang mga mata ko. Oh, my god, don't tell me nasabi ko sa kanya
iyon habang lasing ako--

"Yup, you told me about it while you were drunk, little brat." He confirmed like he
read my mind.

Lumunok naman ako habang dahan-dahan kong pinadausdos ang kamay ko sa kanyang
lalamunan hanggang sa kanyang braso dahil hindi ko pwedeng hawakan ang dibdib at
abs niya dahil may mga paso siya doon.

"Well...ginawa ko 'yung nickname na 'yon dahil magaling kang pahirapan at sungitan

ako." Pagamin ko dahil iyon ang totoo.
Imbes na ikairap at ikagalit niya ay ngumisi lamang siya ng malawak. And boy, does
he look even more handsome.

"Fair enough and that was creative....." He said and slid his hand on my thigh.

"Kiel.." I whimpered when his hand found my inner thigh.

"Pwede ko sa'yong ipakita kung saan pa ako magaling.." He suggestively said. It was
so inviting pero hindi pwede dahil siguradong male-late kami pareho.

Bahagya naman siyang napanguso nang hulihin ko ang kamay niya at tanggalin iyon sa
aking hita.

"You know we can't."

He pouted again.

"How about after my duty...." Sabi ko na ikanawala ng nguso niya.

Matapos noon ay bumalik na siya sa kanyang upuan, and unlike earlier, the
atmosphere is much lighter and pleasant.

And as I was eating the meal that he cooked, I couldn't help but to think na buti
na lang ay gwapo siya dahil maalat talaga 'yung itlog at mapait 'yung hotdog.

Chapter 28: Willing and Hørñy Prey

Happy reading mga gorls! Hope you enjoy this one. See you next update. Mwah! 😘

-ro-ughn

***

Martina Vlanca

"I want to lick you like a candy and ride you like a crazy cowgirl--"

"Goorl, kapag hindi ka tumigil tatanggalan talaga kita ng esophagus!" Banta sa akin
ni Dakota habang pilit niya sa akin na inaagaw ang kanyang cellphone. Matapos kong
kumain ng umagahan sa bahay ni Kiel ay umuwi agad ako sa apartment ko upang
magbihis sa aking scrubs at kuhanin ang mga gamit ko. Habang gumagayak ako ay
pinakuha ko naman kay Miguel ang sasakyan ko mula sa parking ng The Elite, since,
he was laying on the couch and playing COD when I got home.

Bago niya ginawa ang utos ko ay hiningan muna niya ako ng pangbili ng COD coins ba
'yun. Ay ewan ko.

Buti na lamang ay hindi masyadong traffic kaya nakarating agad ako sa ospital.
Sakto na dumating na din si Dakota kaya naman sabay kaming nakapaglagay ng gamit sa
locker at sabay din kaming papunta ngayon sa fourth floor kung nasaan ang mga
Attending namin.

When Dakota came in she told me about the texts. I acted innocent and asked her to
show me like I haven't read it last night. Noong pinakita niya sa akin ay tsaka ko
inagaw ang cellphone niya.

"Isa, Vlanca! Ibibigay o ibibigay?"

"Third option please!" Sagot ko at nag-speedwalk patungo sa elevator and thank the
universe, it opened when I clicked the 'up' button. Pagpasok ko ay buti na lamang
ay walang tao kaya naman nakangisi kong hawak ang cellphone ni Dakota. When she
finally came in and the doors closed. I started dramatically reading the messages
again.

"Oh, Herman, I want to bounce on your soldier habang suot mo ang uniform mo----"

"Ow! I want to drink you up like wate---"

"VLANCA! SHUT THE FÚCK UP!" She screeched and finally managed to snatch her phone
back. Napaupo naman ako sa sahig habang hawak ko ang tiyan ko dahil mamatay-matay
ako katatawa.

She sat down beside me and 'punched' me on my arm.

"I hate you," Hinihingal niyang sabi.

"You love me." I replied and gave her a 'kissy face.'

She mocked me and put her phone in the pocket of her whitecoat. Her face is now
flaming red at bahagyang nagulo ang kanyang bangs.

"Well, because of that situation, hindi na ulit ako iinom." She said with a sigh.

"Sinabi mo din 'yan matapos mong sukahan ang backseat ng sasakyan ko." Sagot ko na
ikina-cringe niya. That was true, it was from two years ago, when we passed our
second year. She drank a lot dahil siya ang isa sa may pinakamataas na score sa
tests. I wasn't sober enough to drive, so, inuwi kami ni Papa from The Elite. He
drove my car while I was dead asleep on the frontseat habang sumuka si Dakota sa
likod. I had to replace my whole interior and seat in the back.

"But this is a different kind of stupidity." She said and pointed at her phone in
her pocket. Ngumisi ako. "At ikaw na gaga ka, ba't di mo ako pinigilan?"

"Oy, pinigilan kaya kita."

Kumunot naman ang kanyang noo. She doesn't remember it kaya naman sinabi ko sa
kanya na matapos kong maka-text si docmonyo. (of course, I didn't tell her the name
blatantly. I just told her may ka-text ako.) ay tiningnan ko ulit siya and when I
saw that the messages she's sending are getting dirtier and dirtier, I tried to
stop her because I know that this exact same thing is gonna happen.

Pero ayaw niya talagang magpaawat.

"You tried to slap me, gorl, when I tried to get your phone."

Napapalatak siya.

"Edi dapat sinampal mo din ako, tapos sabay agaw ng cellphone ko." Sagot niya na
ikinatawa ko.

"I do not condone violence, my gorl." I replied and winked at her.

Inirapan niya ako bago niya ibinaon ang kanyang mukha sa kanyang mga palad sandali.
Tumayo naman ako dahil nag-ding na ang elevator. I then helped her stand up.

"So, anong sabi ni Daddy Herman?" Pangaasar ko habang palabas kami ng elevator.

Pinukol niya ako ng masamang tingin nang inasar ko siya gamit ang pinangtawag niya
kay Herman kagabi.

"I'm kidding."

She just shook her head.

"Well...he was nice and a gentleman about it. He said that he understood that it
was a drunken moment..."

I nodded. I so love Herman for her.

"But gorl, that was about the séxt part......mayroon pa akong kahindik-hindik na
ginawa."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

She leaned closer and then whispered, "I made him touch...me..noong pauwi na
kami.."

Napatuptop ako sa bibig ko habang napatitig ako sa kanya.

"Like I don't remember everything from last night pero naalala ko iyon ng buo.
Jusko," She said habang namulang muli ang kanyang mga pisngi. "I got off with his
hand...and then I also humped him noong naiuwi na niya ako."

"Dakota..."

"And although I was drunk. I wanted it and I....liked it...pero hiyang-hiya talaga
ako sa ginawa ko..." She said and shook her head.

"I don't even know what to say, that was so unexpected...?" Alanganin kong sagot.

"I couldn't even believe myself too...." She said and sighed. "But anyway, inaya ko
siyang mag-dinner as an apology for my not-so-me-behaviors,"

I nodded slowly as I looked at her.

"Fair enough....pero 'yun lang ba ang dahilan kung bakit gusto mo ulit siyang
makita?"

"And I also wanted to see him."

I grinned and poked her side.

"Yieee. Saan kayo magdi-dinner?"

Nakangisi siyang bumaling sa akin.

"Sa hotel, gorl."

Pinandilatan ko siya.

"GOORL!"
She giggled loudly.

"Joke lang, diyan lang sa may cafe.." Seryoso niyang sagot.

"...na malapit sa SOGO?" Pangaasar ko.

Pinalo niya ang braso ko.

"Gorl!"

I chuckled loudly.

Nasa dermatology ako ngayon samantalang kay Kiel naka-assign si Dakota. Unlike my
other subjects, Derma is very chill for me, and my Attending for this subject is
also chill, that's why I love her. All morning, I just watched and shadowed her
while she saw patients. Mostly teenagers with bad pimple breakouts, eczemas, skin
lesions and the most interesting part is the skin bumps biopsies that she did on
several patients. Ang mga pasyenteng ito ay mayroong mga abnormal na maliliit na
bumps sa kanilang likod. Mahalaga na matingnan iyon at ma-biopsy ng maigi upang
matanto kung may taglay na iyon na cancer or clump of flesh lang. If ever it was
cancerous, mahalaga na ma-detect agad iyon at maagapan agad iyon upang hindi na
lumala pa.

I watched her do more of that and then I ran to the lab for more tests for the
patient's either blood or urine. Buong umaga ay hindi kami nagkita ni Kiel, I heard
that he's assisting patients' in the emergency room and seeing more of them for
either consult or a check up. Iyon ang inaasikaso niya ngayong araw since hindi nga
siya makapag-opera dahil sa kashungahan niya.

Sumapit ang break ay dito kami ni Dakota malapit sa morgue pumwesto muli since may
empty stretcher na pwedeng tambayan.

"Wow, since when ka natutong magbalat ng hipon?" Tanong niya habang kumakain kami.
May hawak akong bowl ng buttered shrimp. Samantalang may hawak at may kinakain din
siyang pagkain na dinala ni Herman. Which is giniling at rice. I tried it and dámn,
it's good.

Now, one might be confused as to why I have peeled buttered shrimps. Well, ten
minutes bago ako mag-break ay inabutan ako ni Kiel ng paperbag. Hindi ko alam kung
saan niya nakuha ang time na ibili at ipagbalat ako ulit ng large shrimps.

I do appreciate it. I just couldn't help but to think na pinatawad ko naman na

siya, why does he still keep being nice to me?

Oh, well, I don't wanna think about it too much. I might as well enjoy it while it
lasts.

"U-Uh, it was given by someone." Sagot ko na lang.

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay habang ngumunguya siya.

"Someone.....hmm..siya din ba ang naguwi sa'yo kagabi?"

Napalunok naman ako agad. She smirked.

"Sabi ni Herman ay may naguwi daw sa'yong lalaki kagabi. I know that hindi lang
basta-bastang lalaki iyon.." She trailed.

I cleared my throat and ate another delicious shrimp before I answered, "Just one
of the.....bodyguards..."

She hummed.

"Bodyguard. Hmmm.." Sabi niya habang bahagyang naniningkit ang kanyang mga mata.

She then shoved another spoon of giniling and rice in her mouth before she
continued eyeing me.

"You know you have to tell me about them...because I will find out one way or
another."

Napaubo ako. Inabutan naman niya ako ng bottled water mula sa kanyang gilid. I
accepted it after I put down my bowl of food on my side.

"Oy, biro lang...I'd understand if you want to keep them a secret. It's just that
you always tell me tuwing may kinakalantari ka."

Muntik ko nang mabuga ang tubig ko dahil sa tawa. That was true tho, alam niya
lahat ng mga naging exes ko for the past three years and it's definitely
understandable that she's wondering. Although, wala akong kailanman na kinalantari.

She was giggling as she watched me wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. Inabot
ko ang naka-french braid niyang buhok at nangaasar na hinitak iyon.

"Ow!"

"Grabe ka naman, gorl. Kinakalantari talaga?"

She grinned. Uminom naman ulit ako.

"Syempre, joke lang. Masyado ka kasing naging seryoso e....you looked like I just
caught you hooking up with a Teacher or something." She said as she took another
bite of her food.

Sunod-sunod akong napaubo. Dåmn it, she's uncovering my secret without even knowing
it.

"Oh, dahan-dahan lang." She told me with wide eyes.

"Ikaw kasi e."

Tumawa lamang siya.

Nagpatuloy pa kami sa pagkain pero maya-maya ay bumuntong hininga siya bago siya
nagsalita.

"Anyway, ano na nga pa lang nangyari doon sa 'oplan seduce docmonyo'?" She asked
and used airqoutes.

I shrugged to hide my surprise in her question.

"I stopped," Tipid kong sagot. "It's just a hopeless plan." I added.
It's hopeless because now, I don't have answers but I am sleeping with him. I bit
my tongue.

"Well, fair enough. Ang sungit-sungit niya buong umaga, at nasabon niya si Medina
dahil sa labs."

I snorted. Oo nga pala, naka-assign siya ngayon kay Kiel.

"Let me guess hindi niya ginawang alphabetical order 'yung lab results." I replied
after I chewed the last remaining shrimp on my bowl.

She gave me a 'how-the-hell-did-you-know' look.

"Yup, and dapat on time lagi 'yon. Tapos kapag nagpapabili siya ng kape kailangan
fifty-percent ice lang."

She nodded slowly.

"Dåmn."

I chuckled softly as I put down my empty bowl next to me. Kinuha ko naman ang water
bottle ko at uminom mula doon.

"Ang sama talaga ng ugali niya. I feel like siya 'yung type ng tao na walang soft
side at hindi marunong manuyo."

Nasamid ulit ako. Oh, that's where she's wrong.

"Bakit pa ba ako magugulat na may dala kang twenty-thousand peso Black Zhivago Eye
of the Horus pants and twenty-eight thousand peso na Nili Lotan white Miera Shirt
sa loob ng Jansport mong backpack?" Sarkastikong sabi ni Dakota habang inaayos ko
ang butones ng blouse na ipinahiram ko sa kanya. "Gorl, nakita ko lang 'tong suot
ni Naomi Campbell at ni Kate Moss sa Youtube noong isang araw, tapos pamalit mo
lang 'yung mga damit na inirampa nila sa Paris Runway?"

Bahagya naman akong natawa.

"Oh, sila 'yun?" I genuinely asked.

"You bought their clothes and you don't know who they are?"

I shrugged.

"Sorry naman. Nakita ko lang kasi 'to sa ads. I thought it was cute. Sakto naman na
nasa Paris sila Ate Maria. So, I asked her to buy it for me and ship it through
courier service." Sagot ko at inayos ang pagkaka-tuck in ng blouse sa pants. "Pero
syempre sa black card ko lahat ikinaltas ang expenses."

Napailing na lang si Dakota.

"There is alot of 'rich people behavior' to unpack in that answer."

I scrunch my nose. "Stop it."

She just mocked me.

"There." I smiled widely and stepped back after I was done fixing it. Wala namang
ibang med student na makiki-usyoso dahil nakauwi na silang lahat. We just stayed
back since we both used the locker room showers and we both agreed na hindi maganda
ang dress na naibaon niya for her date with Herman. Buti na lang ay dalawang set ng
damit ang nadala ko. And so, I made her choose which one she likes and she chose
the pants and blouse. Instead of the Sei black leather gathered skirt and the
Torqouise Venice top, which I am currently wearing right now.

Dakota looks so stunning. Basa pa ang buhok niya kaya naman nakalugay lamang iyon
sa kanyang mga balikat habang nakatabing sa kanyang noo ang kanyang bangs. She's
also wearing a light make up. The blouse highlighted her beige skin and it hugged
her slim figure. Meanwhile the color of the pants went well with the brown two inch
heels she's wearing. Also, the length and the style of the pants accentuated her
legs, making it seem longer.

I covered my mouth and then say, "I am telling you. Hindi lang pagkain ang papasok
sa loob mo mamaya, gorl."

Her eyes widened. "Vlanca Del Russo!"

I laughed and went to hug her.

"Enjoy your dinner." Sabi ko nang maghiwalay kami.

She grinned.

"And enjoy whoever you're seeing." She replied and winked.

"Oh, Definitely. I will lick him like a can---"

"Isa, Vlanca." Putol niya sa akma kong pag-qoute sa ini-send niyang dirty message
kay Herman kagabi.

"Del Russo."

"Dr. Arguello."

Kaswal ang bati namin sa isa't-isa dahil may kasama kaming isang resident doctor na
pababa din. Magkatabi kami sa likod habang nasa harap naman ang resident. As the
elevator's going down, walang hiya akong tumitig kay Kiel habang ramdam ko ang
mainit niyang titig sa akin. I can see his hand twitching, like he was itching to
touch me, to feel me but he can't because there is someone else in the room.

Basa pa ang kanyang halos kulay uling na buhok at medyo magulo iyon. Nakasuot siya
ng puting fitted poloshirt, hindi nakasara ang dalawang butones noon kaya naman
nakalitaw ang kaunting bahagi ng kanyang matipunong dibdib. It was hugging his
torso well that I could see the ridges of his abdominal muscles and toned waists.
Naka-tuck in iyon sa kanyang gray na slacks, which embraced his brawny thighs.
Meanwhile the usual black oxford shoes are covering his feet.

Kumibot ang pagkababae ko. Dåmn it, why does he have to be so freaking sexy?!

Napansin ko rin ang nakalabas at galit na mga ugat sa kanyang kaliwang forearm,
dahil ang kamay niya na iyon ang may hawak ng kanyang kulay army green na duffel
bag. I also couldn't help but to notice his expensive watch wrapped around his
wrist...and is that my hairtie next to it?

Kaya pala hindi ko mahanap at kinailangan kong kumuha ng bagong pamusod kasi suot
niya 'yung lagi kong ginagamit?

I shook my head. Mamaya ko na siya sisitahin tungkol doon dahil ang sherep-sherep
talaga ng hitsura niya. His jaw then tightly clenched when the elevator doors
opened on the second floor. The doctor then finally stepped out.

Oras na sumara ang pinto ay ilang hakbang siyang lumapit at marahan akong itinulak
sa blindspot ng elevator. I heard the 'thud' sound of his bag on the floor and then
I felt his fingers buried in my hair before he ravaged my lips with a hot and
passionate kiss. Nanlambot ang mga tuhod ko nang maramamdaman ko ang kanyang mainit
at malambot na mga labi na humahalik at sumisipsip sa akin.

Wet heat gushed from entrance while the fire of lust licked my veins. Napahawak ako
sa kanyang mga balikat habang ipinasok niya ang kanyang dila sa aking bibig. He
slurped and sucked my tongue until his minty taste was imprinted on my pallet.

"Hmm.." I moaned in his mouth as my hand travelled to cup his erection.

Doon na siya nagbitaw ng halik. Madilim at puno ng pagnanasa ang kanyang mapupungay
na mga asul na mga mata habang nakatitig siya sa akin.

"É ridículo mas eu senti sua falta, little brat." Bulong niya sa mga labi ko. I
didn't understand it since it was in portuguese.

"I don't know what the heck you just said, but same I guess." Sagot ko na lang na
ikinangisi niya sandali.

"Sim, eu realmente senti sua falta." He said huskily which once again, I didn't
get.

He then pressed his luscious lips against my lips for a lingering kiss before he
moved away from me and helped me stand up properly. Shít, ano ba 'yan? Halik pa
lang ay nanghihina na ako. Kinuha naman niya ang kanyang duffle bag na nabitawan
niya at bumalik sa pagkakatayo niya sa pwesto.

"Umuwi na tayo bago pa ako hindi makapag pigil." He whispered while eyeing my body
like a predator, prime and ready to pounce his prey.

And fortunately, I was the willing and hørny prey.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating kami sa kanyang penthouse. As soon as the door shut,
he didn't pounce me right away. He just crouched and took off both of our shoes.

"Whoo," I heard him whisper noong makatayo na siya. He reached for his back for a
moment.

I smirked nang makaisip ako nang pang-asar sa kanya. Ang dapat kong gawin ay
manahimik na lamang at hindi siya galitin pa kung gusto kong makalakad ulit ng
maayos bukas, but of course, I didn't shut up and actually told him my pang-asar.

"What?" Tanong niya nang maramdaman niya ang titig ko.

"I think kailangan mo ng supplements like Centrum."

Napalunok ako nang magsalubong ang kanyang makakapal na mga kilay. I slowly backed
up.

"Hmm, really?" He tauntingly asked and stepped forward. I nodded even though I knew
I was treading on very thin ice.

"Yeah, alam mo na... kapag tumatanda kailangan na ng suporta para sa lakas....and

maybe you also need Anlene Gold too. You know old people tend to have brittle
bones." Nangaasar kong sabi dahil kanina ay napahawak siya sa likod niya. I know
that it was just a cause of a busy day in the hospital and not because of his age.

But I wanted to mess with him, and I think I am getting what I wanted since now his
smirk is dangerous.

"You think so?" He asked amusingly. He then curiously folded his arms across his
hard chest.

"Aha...in fact, I don't think you can't chase after me..." I taunted him and
dropped my backpack on the floor.

His smirk turned devilish before he took off his shirt. His greek-god like body
came into my view, making my mouth water.

"Vlanca.." He said calmly, making my heart thump and my body hum in excitement.
"Kung ako sa'yo ay tatakbo na ako, kasi kapag nahuli kita ay hindi kita titigilan
hanggang mapuno ka ng katas ko, at manginig ka mula sa dami ng orgasmø na naabot
mo--"

Mabilis akong tumakbo kahit na kumikibot na ang kipay ko dahil sa mahalay niyang
mga salita.

"Kiel! I was joking!" I yelled.

"Too late, little brat!" He said as he ran after me.

I can feel him getting closer and closer because he's much fitter and has longer
legs than me. Shét!

"Cazzo," Mura ko nang maabot ko ang hallway.

Without thinking so much, I grabbed the first doorknob I could reach and it was his
bedroom. The familiar smell of musk and his body wash filled my nostrils when I
swung the door open.

And there was nowhere to run to here. Ang tanging narito ay ang kanyang malaking
kama, couch set, at ang kanyang working table. I can't go to his bathroom since if
I run in that direction, he can definitely catch me.

And instead of being scared. I was fúcking excited.

Tumalikod naman ako at humarap sa kanya. Ang kanyang madilim na mga mata ay
nakatitig sa akin, it was burning my skin with desire. Habang ang kanyang malaki at
malapad na katawan ay nakaharang sa doorway. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapansin ang
paghingal ko samantalang mukhang hindi naman siya napagod.

"Oh, no, looks like you have nowhere to run to, you little brat." He whispered.

Napalunok ulit ako. My clít is pulsing in arousal.

Ngumisi lamang ako at tumakbo pa rin kahit na wala na akong mapupuntahan. In a

speed of lightning, his strong arms caught my waists and trapped me against his
table. I whimpered when his hard and throbbing cóck nestled between my åss cheeks.
And then with adequate roughness, he grabbed my jaw and crashed his hot lips
against mine.

He chewed and sucked on my lips 'till it was swollen and we were both out of
breath.

"Hmm..delicious lips," He whispered when he pulled away. My mouth then parted when
he planted hot kisses on my jawline, hinawi niya ang buhok ko sa isang balikat bago
niya hinalikan ang aking punong tainga. "We will see who needs dåmn vitamins after
I am done with you." Bulong niya.

Napahawak ako sa kanyang maugat na forearm ng kagatin niya ang earlobe ko at dilaan
iyon.

"You look so ravishing in these tiny clothes.." Bulong niya habang marahang
pinaglalaruan ang manipis na material ng aking top. Slowly, his hand travelled down
to my bare stomach and then to my skirt. I thought he was finally gonna do
something but then he stepped away, matapos niya akong iharap sa kanya.

Napadila ako sa aking pang-ibabang labi nang makita ko na wala siyang ibang suot
kundi ang kanyang gray na slacks. With the little light that was seeping through
the curtains, I could see his massive arms and his delectable body.

"Strip for me." He commanded, he was a few steps away from me but I can feel his
body heat radiating towards me.

I didn't say anything. I just obeyed him. Without taking my eyes off him, I took
off my top. My tips hardened nang isunod kong hubarin ang aking bra.

He groaned and cupped his erection while staring at me.

"Stop." He commanded huskily when I was about to take off my skirt. "Turn around."

Three seconds after I obeyed him again, I felt him behind me. Napasinghap ako nang
marahas niyang itaas ang mini-skirt ko hanggang sa maabot noon ang aking mga bewang
at lumitaw ang aking puwetan. My body hummed with lust when he cupped my åss cheek
in his greedy hands.

"All mine.."

He leaned forward for a moment at hinawi niya ang mga papel na nasa lamesa.
Napatingin naman ako sa kanya.

"Hands on the fúcking table." He whispered in my ear before he dropped to his

knees.

I obeyed him once again. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa lamesa nang ibaba niya ang
underwear ko hanggang maabot noon ang aking mga tuhod. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang
pagpartehin niya ang aking mga puwitan gamit ang kanyang malalaking mga kamay. My
mouth then parted nang maramdaman ko ang mainit niyang laway sa pagitan ng aking
puwitan.

"S-Shít." I moaned when I felt his finger playing with my other puckered hole. "No,
wrong hole.."

He chuckled sexily.

"Don't worry, I am not gonna take it yet.." He said and then spat on my slít. Holy
shít! Matapos niyang ikalat ang kanyang mainit na laway sa hiwa ko ay walang
pasintabi niyang inilukob ang aking basa at pumipintig na pagkababae sa kanyang
bibig.

"Kiel!"

Halos mamuti ang mga kamao ko sa higpit ng kapit ko sa gilid ng kanyang kawawang
lamesa.

"Hmm..so fúcking good.." He groaned against my flesh before his ruthless tongue
attacked my aching búd! "I missed this delicious pússy." He whispered again that
made my clít throb in arousal.

"Ahh..my god!" Napaungol ako nang malakas nang ipasok niya ang kanyang dalawang
daliri sa aking loob habang sinisipsip niya ang aking namamagang butil. My nipples
pebbled against the cold surface of his table.

Kiel was ruthless yet his assaults were mind-bending and out of this freaking
world!

Nagsimula siyang lapirutin at laruin ang aking butil sa kanyang bibig habang ang
kanyang mga daliri ay pabilis ng pabilis ang pagulos sa aking loob. Tuwing sasagad
siya sa loob ko ay hindi ko maiwasang mapaungol dahil nararamdaman ko na tumama ang
kanyang kamao sa basang pagkababae ko dahil sa lalim ng pagbaon ng kanyang mga
daliri!

Ramdam ko din ang unti-unting pagkalat ng masarap na kiliti sa aking katawan at

halos magliyab ang katawan ko sa init! Hindi siya nakuntento sa ginagawa niya dahil
pinagpalit niya ang kanyang bibig at daliri.

My legs shook in pleasure when his wet fingers pressed and circled on my clít
habang sumisipsip naman ang kanyang mga labi sa katas na lumalabas sa akin,

"Ooh.."

He lapped my pùssy lips with his tongue bago niya ipinasok ang kanyang mainit na
dila sa aking basang-basang butas!

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na abutin at sabunutan ang kanyang buhok. The
delicious tingles were starting to intensify all over my body habang walang
kapagurang naglalamas masok ang kanyang dila sa aking loob, filling my hole and
stimulating my g-spot!

"Kiel!"

He groaned when I started rolling my hips, thrusting back and grinding against his
face. My heart is now pounding in adrenaline whilst I can feel the rolls of sweat
dripping down the side of my face.

"Yes...give that sweet and delicious juice to me.." He said when he replaced his
tongue with his fingers. "That's it, fúck my fingers. Come all over it."

His dirty mouth and his talented fingers sent me to the edge kaya naman hindi ko na
napigilan ang ang pagkalat nang nakakaliyong sarap sa aking katawan!

"KIEL!" Nanginig ang buong katawan ko!

"AHH!" I screamed nang isagad niya ang kanyang daliri sa loob ko habang walang awa
niyang sinisipsip at dinidilaan ang labas ng aking pagkababae. Nabitawan ko ang
kanyang buhok at napakapit ako sa lamesa habang patuloy na lumalabas ang katas mula
sa akin. Humihingal akong napasandig sa lamesa habang kumakabog ang aking dibdib.

Hindi siya doon natapos dahil pagkaraan noon ay pinataas naman niya sa akin sa
lamesa ang isang hita ko para mas lalo akong nakabukaka at para makain niya ako ng
maayos. He made me cóme in that position until I was sobbing his name, and my
juices were already dripping down my thighs. He ate me until my pússy lips were
sensitively quivering against his stubbles.

Now, my panties are on the floor together with the rest of my clothes. Nang tumayo
siya mula sa likuran ko ay hinang hina na ako at halos bumigay na ang mga tuhod ko.

"So, who needs a Centrum now, huh?" Smug niyang tanong habang tinatanggal niya ang
kanyang belt, matapos noon ay tuluyan niyang ibinaba ang kanyang slacks.

"Ikaw pa din." Nangaasar kong sagot kahit na halos hindi na ako makatayo nang
maayos at nakahiga na ako sa kanyang lamesa.

"Hmm..say that again, later." He said and then I felt his blunt tip on my soaking
entrance.

Hawak ang magkabilang bewang ko ay sumagad siya ng ulos!

"Pútångînå!" Sigaw ko at napaangat ang ulo ko mula sa lamesa. My püssy walls

clenched around his veiny length. He didn't let me adjust, he just pushed me down
the table and wrapped my damp hair in his fist.

And he didn't start out slow.

He started ƒücking me in an animalistic manner. The slams of his cøck were furious,
deep, and savage.

"Whose pússy is this, huh?" He asked in my ear as he reached for my clît.

"It's only y-yours, Ezekiel."

"Perfect answer." He grunted and massaged my clít as he pounded me hard and fast. I
can feel him everywhere. His hard and sweaty body embracing me, his pelvis hitting
my åss everytime he plunged in, his breath in the back of my neck, and his voice
whispering fîlthy things in my ear.

I couldn't do anything but take all of it, lay there, and let him use my body like
a toy. And somehow, that turned me on even more.

I gasped when he pulled me against his hard body.

"Kiel!" I moaned loudly nang bumilis at mas lumalim pa ang kanyang ulos. He then
grabbed my boob and molded it in his greedy hands as he mercilessly fúck me from
behind. Nanginig muli ang buong katawan ko at napasigaw ako nang maabot kong muli
ang aking sukdulan.

Dahil doon ay mas rumahas pa ang paglabas at pagpasok niya to the point na umaasog
na ang kawawang lamesa patungo sa dingding.

"W-wait," I told him. "Yung lamesa!" Sabi ko sa kanya noong tuluyan iyon na tumama
sa dingding dahil sa mararahas niyang pagpasok sa akin.

He just groaned bago siya tumigil sandali upang hitakin ang lamesa pabalik. And
without pulling out, he laid me on the table and continued slamming his cóck. His
fingers reached for my clìt and stimulated it. I almost lost my mind in so much
pleasure!

"Harder, please.." I begged him.

And he didn't disappoint. Mas lalong lumakas ang langitngit ng lamesa at mas lalo
kong naramdaman ang mariin na pagbaon ng mahabata at mataba niyang pagkalalaki sa
loob ko.

While he was doing that, he leaned forward and ravaged my lips with a kiss.

"Greedy little pùssy." He whispered habang hinihingal ako dahil sa kanyang mga
halik. "And I fùcking love it."

"Ahh!" My mouth parted when he moved faster. I then rotated my hips and meet his
harsh thrust. I am sweaty, tired, and yet desperate for another release.

Napasabunot ako sa kanyang basang buhok sandali habang sinasalubong ko ang kanyang
mga ulos. For a moment, I couldn't help but to stare at him, nakatukod ang kanyang
mga kamay sa lamesa, dahilan upang mag-flex ang mamasel niyang mga braso. I
couldn't help but to touch the watch he was wearing.

Nang ibalik ko ang tingin sa kanyang mukha ay nakita kong tumutulo ang pawis sa
kanyang sentido pababa sa kanyang pisngi. Magkasabulong ang kanyang makakapal na
kilay, and his eyes were dark with lust and desire. Meanwhile his abs were flexing
as he pistoned his hips. Fúcking me to oblivion.

And watching him drive between my legs. All sweaty and turned on is a freaking
eròtic sight.

"I'm gonna come, Ezekiel." I told him habang pinaglalaruan niya ang aking mga
dibdib. As a response, he súcked on my tips habang mas diniinan pa niya ang kanyang
bawat pagpasok. This time hindi niya pinigilan ang pagusog ng lamesa o pinansin ang
pag langitngit noon.

He let my nipple go with a 'pop' and held both of my hips in his strong hands.

"You can do it, little brat.....come for me." He commanded huskily while looking
into my eyes. My body jerked when his fingers found my bundle of nerves again.

"Come," Thrust. "Around," Thrust. "My," Thrust. "Cóck." Thrust, thrust!

My toes curled and my pupils dilated as another ørgasm hit me like a wrecking ball!
Napakalmot ako sa kanyang braso habang ramdam ko ang pagbalot ng aking mainit na
katas sa kanyang naghuhumindig na pagkalalaki!
"Good girl." He said and smirked at me. "Oh, you like that." He whispered huskily
when I clenched around him.

I just moaned weakly in response.

"Vlanca, fúck I am coming too.." He groaned after a few moments, and then with one
more ram of his massive and thick còck. His eyes shut and his swollen and red lips
parted. "Vlanca.." He gripped hips my tighter as he unloaded everything inside me.

I moaned as his warm and thick fluid coated my inner walls. Habang nakakapit siya
sa bewang ko ay nagpakawala siya ng mabagal ngunit malalalim na ulos, making sure
that his cúm is buried deep inside me.

Humihingal at nanghihina akong napabitaw sa kanya. For a moment ay walang nagsalita

sa amin. The only noise in the room was our heavy breathings at ang papalakas na
langitngit ng lamesang hinihigaan ko.

Shít.

Nagkatinginan kami nang ma-realize namin pareho ang ibig sabihin noon. Kaya naman
bago pa ako bumagsak kasama nang kawawang lamesa ay nahitak na niya ako palapit sa
kanyang matigas at pawisan na katawan. My arms were around his neck.

With him still deep inside me and his cúm dripping down my legs, he carried me as
we both watched the poor table collapse on the floor.

My mouth is wide dahil natanggal pareho ang mga paa noong kahoy at mukhang
mamahalin na lamesa! Noong tumingin ako sa dingding ay may gasgas na iyon dahil
kanina ay kumaskas ang lamesa bago niya hinitak iyon pabalik. Hindi ko rin
maiwasang mapansin ang nakakalat na papel sa sahig, karamihan noon ay nakakalat sa
kanyang swivel chair.

"Hala." Iyon lamang ang tanging naiusal ko. My heart still thumping from our
previous session. "We demolished your table."

He just chuckled.

"It's okay, I can always buy a new one." He replied. "Ayos ka lang?" He asked
gently, he sounded more concerned of me more than the fact that we both destroyed
his furniture.

Tumango naman ako habang hinahawi niya paalis ang basa sa pawis kong mga buhok na
pumakat sa aking noon at pisngi.

He then gave me a peck on the lips before he took me to his bed. Hindi pa rin niya
hinuhugot ang kanya. He just stayed inside me habang nasa ibabaw ko siya. His
weight is not pressing me down since he was supporting himself with his hands.

When I raised my hand to swipe away the hair on his forehead...I was half expecting
him to push my hand away.

...but he did not....

Tahimik lang niya akong pinanood na hawiin iyon. Matapos noon ay kinuha niya ang
kamay ko---he did not push it away. Dinala niya iyon sa may pahabang peklat niyang
kilay.

"Napaaway ako noong nasa kolehiyo ako. May isang gago na sumuntok sa akin gamit ang
asero. Nagkaroon ako ng malaking pasa sa mata at pumutok ang kilay ko dahil doon.
Kinailangan ng doktor na tahiin ito ng mahigit limang beses para hindi bumuka at
lumitaw ang laman."

I couldn't help but to cringe because I can imagine the image and how painful it is
that for him.

"Sinabi sa akin ng doktor na hindi na mawawala ang peklat unless ipapa-plastic

surgery ko. Pero pnili ko na huwag nang ipatanggal." Dagdag pa niya.

Ngumisi ako.

"Why? Because the ladies love it?

Bahagya siyang tumawa. His finger caressed the back of my hand as he held it.

"Not really...actually, some hated it because they thought it was ugly." He replied
and look away for a moment.

Pinaraan ko naman ang daliri ko sa peklat niya sandali.

"Sabihin mo sa akin kung sino at jojombagin natin, dahil maling-mali siya. Ang hot
mo kaya lalo dahil diyan."

His lips stretched into a smile.

"You'll fight for me?" He huskily asked.

I licked my lips. Hindi ako nakasagot agad. It's suppose to sound a playful
question and yet....it felt profound...

Or I'm just thinking about it too much.

"Oo naman. Magaling akong manabunot." I replied.

He let out one of his rare chuckles again.

"Now you know...you always ask about my scar, right?" He asked gently that made me
nod.

Ibinaba ko naman ang kamay ko sa kanyang may stubbles na pisngi. For a moment, I
was stunned because I didn't expect him to say that.

He just broke whatever rule he told me because that was a personal thing, but it
felt

undeniably good that he opened up to me....for the first time in months.

I wanted to ask him more questions but I don't want to push my luck. There are
other times for my other questions.

"That's interesting." Sabi ko. "Martina's my name dahil my parents named me after
the alcohol they drank when they made me."

He was caught off guard dahil nanlaki ang mga mata niya. Natawa naman ako pero
napaungol ako sandali dahil naramdaman ko na gumalaw siya sa loob ko.

"You share something, I share something, para fair." I managed to add.

"I'd like that." He replied while looking into my eyes.

He then grinned wolfishly. I whimpered nang maramdaman ko na nabubuhay na naman ang
pagkalalaki niya.

Dumausdos pababa ang kamay ko sa kanyang matipunong braso nang inilapit niya ang
kanyang labi sa aking tainga at mapang-akit na bumulong, "Looks like Kiel Junior is
ready again, hmm?"

Chapter 29: Foda, Sim

Good evening, gorls. Happy reading! ♡

***

Martina Vlanca

"Kiel.." Nanghihina kong ungol dahil walang kapaguran pa rin siyang naglalabas
masok sa akin. Pareho kaming pawisan, ang mga ungol ko at ang pagtatama ng aming
mga katawan lamang ang mga ingay na pumupuno sa kanyang kwarto. Narito pa rin kami
sa kanyang kama subalit nasa sahig na ang kanyang duvet at mga unan. Gulo-gulo na
din ang kanyang couch set dahil dalawang beses niya akong pinatuwad at pinahiga
doon bago ako nagmakaawa sa kanya na bumalik na kami sa kama dahil gusto ko nang
humiga.

Humiga nga ako pero hindi pa rin siya tumitigil.

Ngayon ay nakaluhod siya sa likuran ko habang nakaupo ako sa kanyang kandungan. My

back is against his sweaty and hard chest. I am tightly holding onto the headboard
of his bed while he mercilessly pounds my sopping wet and sensitive pússy from
behind.

"Ahh!" Naisandig ko ang aking pawisang noo sa headboard na kinakapitan ko nang

abutin niya ang aking namamagang butil. His fingers expertly massaged my bud in a
circling motion while his huge cóck stimulated my g-spot.

"Oh, my god, Ezekiel.." Mariin akong napapikit nang maramdaman ko na papalapit na

naman ako sa aking sukdulan.

Ang isang kamay ko ay napabitaw sa headboard at napasabunot sa kanyang basang buhok

nang paulanan niya ng halik ang aking leeg. I tipped my head back on his shoulder
while his sinful lips assaulted my neck with sensual and hot kisses.

"No marks.." I reminded him. He just groaned while his kisses went north. "Give me
my kiss." Hinihingal niyang bulong sa aking tenga, habang mabagal ngunit malalim
siyang umuulos. Agad ko naman na itinagilid ang ulo ko at sinalubong ang kanyang
mainit na mga labi.

"Wag sa loob.." I whispered against his lips after we kissed.

Ang daming beses na niya akong naputukan ngayong gabi, baka kapag dinagdagan pa
niya ay mawala na ang talab ng pill na ininom ko kanina. It sounds ridiculous but I
don't want to take any chances.

"Why? You took a pill this morning." He replied huskily.

"Yeah, and she is already fighting for her life in my ovaries right now since
kanina ka pa paputok ng paputok."

A chuckle rumbled from his chest. When I looked at him, suddenly, his smirk turned
dark.

Napamura ako dahil hinigpitan niya ang hawak niya sa mga bewang ko at mas binilisan
pa niya ang paglabas at pagpasok sa aking basang butas. He was so furious that the
bed was already moving with us. Napabitaw ako sa kanyang buhok at tuluyang kumapit
sa headboard.

My back then arched when his palm came down my åss.

"And you love it, don't you?" He whispered huskily before he nibbled on my earlobe.
"You love it when I fill your tight little cúnt with my seed."

Mas lalo lamang nagliyab ang katawan ko. Even if his fingers abandoned my bundle of
nerves, it's still pulsing in arousal because of his dirty mouth.

"Don't you?" He repeated.

"Yes.."

He groaned.

"Good girl." He praised me, that made me clench around him. "You also like it when
I fúck your tight little hole and mark your womb with my hot, hot cúm.." He dirtily
whispered while he repeatedly slam his cóck inside me like there is no tomorrow!

He then wrapped my hair around his fist and made me look at him. He made me stare
at those beautiful yet dangerous blue orbs.

"You're my filthy little brat..." Mariin niyang sabi habang nakatitig sa aking mga
mata. "I am the only one who gets to do all these dirty things to you because this
body is mine alone, Vlanca." He hotly whispered bago niya inabot ang aking
namamagang butil at pinisil iyon habang sumagad siya!

My toes curled because he was balls fücking deep inside me!

"KIEL!"

Halos tumirik ang mga mata ko at napasigaw ako nang sumabog ang napakasarap at
nakakaliyong kiliti sa aking buong katawan! I was panting while I clamped and came
around his veiny cóck.

My pússy then quivered in emptiness when he pulled out. He pulled me to my knees.

Walang pagaalinlangan kong inabot ang kanyang pagkalalaki. It was slick with my
juice but I couldn't care less. I wanted to please him like how he pleases me all
dåmn time.

Tinanggal niya ang nakatabing na buhok sa aking mukha at hinawakan iyon. I then
slowly pumped the base while I put the angry and wet tip in my mouth.

He hissed.

"Just like that....suck it." He urged.

His abdominal muscles hardened and his grip in my hair hardened when I took him
further until his head hit the back of my throat.

Through my teary vision, I saw his jaw clenched tightly. Hindi niya ako hinayaan na
bumawi, sinimulan niyang igalaw ang kanyang bewang. I bobbed my head to meet his
thrust even though my spit is already running down my chin and I am already gagging
because of his size.

"Vlanca." He growled. Mas lalo pang bumilis ang kanyang pagulos sa aking bibig,
filling my mouth over and over. Humawak ako sa kanyang matitigas na bewang at
matapang na sinagad siya sa lalamunan ko.

He moaned my name as I felt his cóck jerk inside my mouth. I then slowly pulled
back, seeing his hard length covered in my saliva.

Humihingal siyang nakatitig sa akin habang nilulunok ko ang nilabas niya. I didn't
stop sucking even if I can feel him filling my throat with warm cüm. Nanginig ang
kanyang mga tuhod dahil doon.

"Vlanca...meu Deus! Stop, stop."

I smirked and just wrapped my lips around the sensitive head and poked the hole
with my tongue. Nagpakawala siya ng mura habang nalukot ang mukha niya sa sarap.

"You...little..brat.." Hinihingal niyang sabi matapos kong iluwa ang malambot na

niyang pagkalalaki. And yes, I swallowed everything.

With his hard chest panting, he reached for my cheek and wiped my tears.

"Did I do a good job?" I asked innocently and batted my eyelashes.

"Woman, you did not need me to confirm that."

I giggled as he pulled me up, I didn't get to stand up for long dahil binuhat niya
ako ng pa-bridal style.

"I'm gonna bathe you." He said.

"Weh? More like; ligo after mong maka-isa."

His brows furrowed.

"Hindi kaya."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Ligo after kong maka-dalawa." Sagot niya na ikinairap.

His bathroom is way bigger than the other one, pagpasok namin ay sumalubong sa akin
ang malinis at puting granite sink at counter. As he carried me, I saw my
reflection on the huge mirror above the sink and when I looked down, I saw brown
cabinets under the sink. Everything looks neat, from his huge bathtub on my left
side to the big shower stall near it. And unlike the other bathroom, mayroon 'tong
malalaking tinted na mga bintana, kung saan kita ang mga nagtatasang gusali at ang
mga ilaw noon.
Bago kami naligo ay umihi muna ako since ayokong magka-UTI, considering the fact na
ilang beses akong naputukan at napasukan. Matapos noon ay dinala niya ako sa
shower, and of course hindi nga siya umisa. Dumalawa siya bago kami tuluyang
naligo.

And by the time we're done, I am definitely clean, however, my legs are shaking and
my pechay is sore. Napahawak ako sa sink dahil hindi ako makatayo ng maayos.

"Careful." Smug niyang sabi habang binabalot niya ang puting tuwalya sa kanyang
bewang. Inirapan ko siya pero hindi ko maiwasan na mapansin ang mga tumutulong
droplets ng tubig sa kanyang matipunong katawan. I then noticed the marks I left on
him. I have scratches on his arm, hickeys on his collarbone and abs.

Somehow, I am pleased that I have my marks on him. So, if ever another bítch
decides to take off his clothes, she will know that somebody already owns this man.
Which is me.

The idea of somebody else touching him and leaving marks like I did makes my blood
boil. I am sleeping with him and I definitely do not want anyone doing that too
with him.

"Saan ka pupunta?' Tanong niya at hinapit ang bewang ko, kaya naman hindi ako
nakalayo agad. Inilapit niya ako sa kanyang katawan at hinalikan sandali ang aking
leeg.

"Kukuhanin clothes ko." Sagot ko at tiningnan siya sa salamin. His hair is still
wet and messy, yet I find it sooo sexy. Habang magkasalubong ang kanyang makakapal
na mga kilay.

Napatili naman ako ng iikot niya ako mabilis na buhatin sa paupo sa counter.
Ibinuka niya ang mga hita ko at pinagkasya doon ang kanyang sarili. Hinigpitan kong
muli ang pagkakatali ng roba kong suot dahil bumuka iyon dahil sa ginawa niya.

"And then you will drop me home." I added that made his jaw clench.

"Maulan sa labas." Sabi lamang niya at binuksan ang isang drawer. That was true, it
is rainy outside but hindi naman iyon naging issue sa kanya dati kapag hinahatid
niya ako pauwi, after séx. Why is it suddenly an issue now?

I then saw him pull out a fresh white towel from the bottom cabinet. Bago ko pa
matanong kung anong gagawin niya ay dahan-dahan niyang ipinatong sa ulo ko iyon, he
proceeded to gently rub it on the top of my wet hair and made his way to the other
parts of my hair.

Napatitig naman ako sa kanya. Hindi siya sa akin nakatingin dahil focus na focus
siya sa ginagawa niya.

"Che cosa?" He asked. Our faces were so close that I could feel his warm breath on
my lips.

"Why are you drying my hair?" Tanong ko sa kanya. He's never done it in the weeks
that we were hooking up. The routine is we ğck and shower together. I walk out,
get my clothes, we both get dressed, and then it's either ihahatid niya ako o
magpapasundo ako.

That's our normal.

"Because it's wet." Sagot niya nang hindi ako tinitingan.

Umirap naman ako.

"No shît it's wet." Sarkastiko kong sagot "But why tho?"

Sandali siyang tumigil at tiningnan ako.

"Dahil gusto ko." He flatly replied and then returned to what he was doing.

I snorted to hide my surprise because I wasn't expecting him to say that.

"I wanted to dry it up, so I can wrap it around my fist again while I fúck you in
this sink."

My mouth parted. Kaya naman pala e.

"Ang libøg mo talaga." Sabi ko at tinusok ang matigas niyang dibdib.

Ngumisi siya.

"Like I don't know that."

Umirap ako.

"Loko. We can't fúck anymore. Uuwi na ako after mong tuyuin ang buhok ko."

He stopped and stared at me for a moment, he was about to object but then his brows
relaxed and then he nodded at me.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko sandali. "What?"

Umiling siya.

"Nothing. I agree na ihahatid kita after nito, okay?" Sagot niya at nagpatuloy
lamang sa ginagawa niya.

I just briefly shook my head. Madali naman palang kausap e.

Akala ko ay matapos niyang tuyuin ang buhok ko ay makakalabas na ako sa banyo at

makakapagbihis para makauwi na. But no, I found myself bent over the counter after
he seduced me. Yes, marupok ako at jusko naman, hindi ka din ba bibigay kapag may
hot at gwapong doktor na nag-striptease sa harap mo?

Yeah, I don't think so.

Akala ko naman ay one round lang since nakarami na siya pero hndi siya nakuntento
sa isa dahil matapos noon ay inupo niya ako sa parehong counter at pinabukaka.

He also made me ride him on the floor and we also did doggy style against the
heavily tinted windows.

I had to beg him to stop dahil literal na hindi ko na kaya. My eyes are literally
about to close and I feel like I was gonna pass out from exhaustion. Sa sobrang
pagod ko ay kinailangan niya akong tulungan na umupo sa bowl upang umihi. I hissed
when I felt my urine flow dahil mahapdi na ang pagkababae ko.
Jusko, sana talaga hindi busy sa hospital bukas dahil mahihirapan akong lumakad
nito.

"Hatid na kita?"

Umiling ako habang nakakapit ako sa kanyang mga leeg, he was effortlessly carrying
me in a bridal style.

"No. I want to sleep."

"Foda, sim." Narinig kong bulong niya, I was too tired to even comprehend it.

"What did you say?" I asked and let out a big yawn.

"Wala." Mabilis niyang sagot.

I shrugged it off since I was really tired. I didn't even notice na dinala niya na
ako sa kama. Nalaman ko na lamang 'yon nang maramdaman ko ang malambot na kutsyon
na lumapat sa aking likuran. Hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman ko ang kanyang matipunong
braso na yumakap sa bewang ko, kasabay noon ay ang pagbaon ng kanyang mukha sa
aking leeg. I unconciously placed my hand around him. We're also both naked that's
why I can feel his body heat radiating.

"Why do I have a feeling na pinagod mo ako para hindi ako makauwi?" Inaantok kong
bulong.

At imbes marinig ko ang boses niya ay mahihinang hilik at ang kanyang mainit na
hininga na tumatama sa aking leeg lamang ang sagot niya.

Chapter 30: lapresa214

Hey y'all! you probably do not want to know about this but here's a random fact I
learned today: ang recorded na most female ørgåsm in one hour is 134...

Yup, you read that amount right. I have no idea how that's physically possible lol.

But anyway, I just put that random fact there because ang boring naman kung 'good
evening' lang 'di ba? Hahaha jk. Hope you found it interesting as I did.

Happy reading and see you next update, gorls! 💖

-ro-ughn

***

Martina Vlanca

"Thank you--"

"Wait!" Sabi niya akmang bubuksan ko ang pintuan. Habang hawak ang bukasan ng pinto
ay humarap ako sa kanya. Nakasuot lamang siya ng jacket sa ibabaw ng kanyang puting
sando, samantalang ang kanyang pang-ibaba ay sweatpants lamang. It's normal clothes
and yet he managed to look expensive.
Maaga akong nagising kanina pero siya ang naunang bumagon. When I woke up, he had
already cooked and thank heavens, the hotdog was no longer burnt and the egg was a
little better than last time. He also know how to use the rice cooker now, kaya
naman maayos na ang kanin na nakain ko. All in all, that was a good breakfast.

"What?"

Hindi siya sumagot, bagkus ay lumapit siya at hinawakan ang aking panga. He then
gave me a torrid and long kiss. He chewed on my lower lip before he pulled away.
Humihingal naman akong tumingin sa kanya.

"Now, you can go." He huskily said na ikinairap ko.

Halik pala ang nais ng loko.

"Napakalandi naman talaga." Komento ko na bahagya lamang niyang ikinangisi.

"I'll see you in the hospital."

"Or not." I replied as I stepped out carrying my bag and wearing my clothes from
yesterday. Ang kaibahan lang ay nilabhan na niya iyon sa kanyang washer at dryer
habang naliligo ako kanina kaya naman mabango na iyon at hindi na lukot-lukot.

"I'm kidding, docmonyo." I added nang pukulin niya ako ng masamang tingin.

Nag-flying kiss pa ako bago ko isinara ang pintuan at dumeretso sa elevator, since
dito niya ako sa underground parking lot hinatid. Kaunti lang ang taong nagpa-park
dito dahil mas accesible ang parking lot sa labas. And so, dito ako nagpapa-drop
lagi since mas favorable ang area na ito sa amin since the people here are little
to none.

Mabilis naman akong umakyat at nagtungo sa apartment namin ni Miguel. Hindi ko siya
naabutan sa couch gaya noong mga nakaraang araw. For sure ay nasa bookstore na iyon
or may iba na naman siyang pinagkakaabalahan bukod sa COD.

Nang makita ko ang oras ay mabilis pa ako sa alas-kwatrong nagbihis at iginayak ang
backpack ko. I then came out of the apartment and went directly to the parking lot.
Hindi ko sinakyan ang car ko kahapon patungo sa penthouse ni Kiel. Sumabay lamang
ako sa kanya at pinakuha ko na lang sa isa sa mga bodyguard ang Camry ko mula sa
ospital, hence the reason my car is sitting pretty in the parking lot.

The traffic was bad pero hindi naman ako na-late kaya nakadaan pa ako sa cafeteria
for my morning coffee. However, when I got to the locker room ay halos wala ng med
students na naroon. They are most definitely done changing and already with their
Attendings kahit na maaga pa. We already know where and who to go to dahil ini-page
lamang sa amin isa-isa ang pangalan ng Attending at specialty na naka-assign sa
amin ngayong araw.

Nang matapos kong ilagay ang mga gamit ko sa locker at isuot ang whitecoat ko ay
kinuha ko ang malaking plastic cup ng kape sa kalapit na bench. I then threw a pill
in my mouth and downed it with coffee. Instead of heading out, umupo lamang ako sa
bench at hinintay si Dakota. She still have fifteen minutes to get in here bago
siya mapagalitan ng resident dahil sa pagiging late.

"Shít, shít, late na ako."

Napangisi naman ako nang maya-maya ay marinig ko ang bulong at mabibilis na yabag
ni Dakota.
"Hindi kaya." Sagot ko nang tuluyan siyang makapasok. Her eyes widened in joy when
she saw me. Halatang nagmadali ang gaga dahil hindi maayos na nakasuklay ang
kanyang buhok, and her bangs are still scattered on her forehead.

"Gorl!" She beamed. "Buti nandito ka pa."

"Of course, I will wait for your åss."

She winked at me as she shoved her bag inside the locker. Nakasuot na rin siya ng
scrubs na light blue, she's just now pulling out her white coat and stethoscope
from her locker. We then walked out after she wore those and fixed her hair.
Parehong nasa fifth floor ang mga Attendings namin kaya naman sabay kaming sumakay
ng elevator.

"Sooo....Did you ride Herman's soldier---"

"You wouldn't really let that go, would you?" Nanunuya niyang putol sa pangaasar
ko.

"Fine. Edi anong nangyari? Hmmm?....Did the clothes get torn up? I mean, wala akong
problema doon as long as naka-action ka."

She rolled her eyes and rested her back on the metal wall.

"Nope, walang napunit huwag kang mag-alala. Bukas ko na ibabalik 'yung mga damit
after kong labhan--"

"Good, ayokong isuot 'yon ng may bakas ng DNA ng soldier ni Herm--"

"Vlanca, isa!"

Tinaas ko naman ang aking libreng kamay at tumigil sa pagtawa ng pukulin niya ako
ng masamang tingin.

"Walang action na naganap, fyi." She said that made me stare at her in confusion
for a moment.

"Ay weh?"

She sighed and nodded.

"Kumain lamang kami....nag usap...we strolled around, and then he kissed me." Sabi
niya at bahagyang nag-blush, and like a mannerism, she tucked her loose hair behind
her ear.

Dahan-dahan naman akong napatango at napangiti.

"Okay, miss gorl. Love that for you." Genuine kong sagot na malawak niya din na
ikinangiti.

"Pero,"

Tumuwid ang likod ko at napangisi ako.

"Gusto ko ang tono ng 'pero' na 'yan."

"I brought up the séx thing,"

I nodded vigorously.
"Nasabi ko sa kanya na nagustuhan ko 'yung nangyari noong isang gabi kahit
nakakahiya and if it's alright with him....we can take it further..."

"Aha," I replied while nodding. I look like a kid who's listening to her mother
read her favorite story book.

"He said na it's definitely alright, and he wants me too...but we should wait."

"So, are we happy about that, ooor?"

"Syempre happy, I find it sweet and thoughtful...he makes me want him more...but, I
don't know what he's waiting for or what I am not ready for since it's just séx."
Dagdag niya.

Napatango naman ako.

"Baka naman Dom siya na may séx dungeon." I blurted out that it made her cough
repeatedly. She then looked at me with wide eyes.

"I feel like hindi darating 'yung araw na hindi ako masha-shock sa imagination at
thoughts mo."

I snorted. Sakto naman na narating na ng elevator ang fifth floor kaya naman sabay
kaming lumabas.

"I mean, I am not kink shaming or anything but he is sweet and very gentle...I
can't imagine him being that."

I chuckled.

"Looks can be deceiving, gorl." I shrugged.

"Or sometimes, things are what they appear to be. If anything, he could be a..... "
She leaned closer to me and then whispered, "Submissive, you know."

I giggled and looked at her.

"So, ano, you're gonna top him?"

Nalukot naman ang mukha niya at napailing siya.

"Gorl, it is seven in morning would you let it go?"

"Hmmm..I can sense some," I paused and gestured my hand on her face. "Dominatrix
energy." I whispered and wiggled my eyebrows at her.

"Stop it."

And instead of doing what she asked, mas lalo ko pa siyang inasar.

"Mistress Dakota, I've been a very bad gi--"

"Ugh," She sighed in frustration that made me grin wider. "Vlanca, umagang-umaga,
lubayan mo ako."

I just chuckled in response.

Dakota and I did not have any more time to fool around when we finally reached our
Attendings. Nasa Neuro siya ngayon and Dr. Sancho has a lot of operations on the
surgical board so sigurado na magiging busy si Dakota either sa labs or sa
observations. Samantalang nasa Plastics naman ako. We did rounds and then I
shadowed Avenidez when he saw patients. I was thankful na walang masyadong labs
dahil wala ako sa mood masyadong maglalakad given the fact na sore ang aking
pechay.

Our cases were interesting dahil may mga pasyente na nagpa-consult for BBL or
Brazilian Butt Lift, and rhinoplasties. Now, they ask for consultations because
either they were born with birth defects or may event na nag-cause ng deformities
sa specific body parts na gusto nilang ipa-opera. Iyong dalawang pasyente na gusto
ng BBL ay dahil iyon sa deformities sa kanilang pang-upo since birth. Tapos 'yung
isa naman na pasyente ay gustong ipayos ang kanyang ilong na na-deform din dahil sa
kanyang abusive partner noon. His ex-partner hit him with a smoldering hot iron on
his face dahilan para halos madurog ang kanyang ilong at nagtamo din siya ng mga
burn marks sa kanyang mukha dahil doon.

It was heartbreaking to know that he's been through that and he's also brave for
overcoming that. He also told us that his ex-partner is already in jail, and he
wanted this surgery because he wanted to completely move on with his life. So, Dr.
Avenidez formed a plan to reconstruct his nose and also lessen the burn marks on
his face. Habang inie-explain ni Dr. Avenidez ang plano sa kanya ay mababakas ang
tuwa sa kanyang mga mata. The positive reactions are also reflected in the other
patient's face as we told them about the overview of their surgeries.

And as we were doing that, I realised that being a Doctor is not just about saving
lives. I mean that's a crucial part of the job but I also realised that being a
Doctor also means that you get to change lives.

I want the great privilege to be able to do all that, and that right there is
another reason why I wanted to be in this field.

My eyes started to water. Sandali naman akong natigilan. My god. Why am I emotional
today?

Napailing naman ako at tumigil sandali sa reception table ng third floor. Nautusan
ako ni Avenidez na kumuha ng labs, and he's not that strict about labs being on
time kaya makakahinto ako kahit papaano. I leaned on the table and pulled out my
phone with one hand.

"Kaya pala e." Bulong ko at ibinalik ang phone ko sa aking bulsa matapos kong
makita ang date. I am already PMS-ing. A week, days, or even hours before my
period, I get 'crazy' like I experience mood swings, irritability, bloating, and
random cravings.

And speaking of irritability ay naiirita ako ngayong nakalimutan ko na naman kung

saan ko nailagay ang pamusod ko.

I just sighed heavily and did my tasks. Hindi na ako nakapaghanap pa ng pamusod or
even bothered trying to tie my hair because I have been busy all morning. Ilang
beses kaming nagkakasalubong ni docmonyo sa emergency room, since he's there
assisting patients while I follow Avenidez or I admit patients.

"Thank you, Del Russo." Sabi ni Dr. Avenidez matapos niyang iutos sa akin ang mga
labs na dapat kong kunin sa third floor.
Matapos kong ngumiti sa kanya ay tumalikod na ako upang magtungo sa laboratory. And
as I was walking, I felt him following me, and then now, walking beside me. Suot
niya ang kanyang usual scrubs at whitecoat. He's wearing normal shoes today and not
his surgeon shoes since hindi pa rin siya makakapasok sa operating room.

"What?" Tanong ko sa kanya at hinawi ang nakakairitang buhok mula sa mukha ko. I am
definitely gonna look for a makeshift hair tie after kong kuhanin ang labs.

He didn't say anything, naka-poker face lamang siya. Hindi ko naman maiwasang
mapansin ang suot niyang scrub cap. His dark hair is gathered in it, kaya naman
walang nakatabing sa kanyang makinis na noo.

"Wait." He said and stopped in his tracks. Kunot noo naman akong sumunod. Bago ko
pa siya matanong ay nahitak na niya ako papasok sa walang taong exam room.

Nanlalaking mga mata ko naman siyang tiningnan nang sumara ang pinto.

"Kiel!"

He didn't say anything bagkus ay inilapit niya ako sa kanya. Matapos noon ay
naramdaman ko na iniipon niya ang buhok ko sa kanyang malaking kamay. All the while
I was staring at him.

"I kept your hair tie because of this." Bulong niya habang tinatali ang buhok ko.

Napanguso ako.

"Kasi burara ako."

"I did not say that, little brat." He replied softly, his eyes were still focused
on my hair.

"There are just instances that you're....forgetful." Dagdag niya at tinapunan ako
sandali ng tingin.

Humalukipkip ako habang hawak ko pa din sa kamay ko ang listahan ng mga pangalan ng
mga pasyenteng kailangan kong kuhanin ang lab results.

"Ini-english mo lang na loko ka."

He chuckled softly. As he was tying my hair hindi ko maiwasan na tumingin sa

kanyang biceps na nagpe-flex. I smirked, his scent then filled my nose as I leaned
in para mahawi ko ang whitecoat niya.

"Huwag kang gumalaw, magugulo 'yung---ow!"

Napadaing siya nang kagatin ko ang matigas niyang braso. That felt awesome and so,
I bit him again.

"Ow, Vlanca." He said and pulled me away. Looks like he was done tying my hair
since my head already felt lighter than earlier and wala nang nakatabing sa mukha
ko na buhok.

"What the..." He trailed as he inspected my pinkish bite marks on his bicep. Nang
tumingin siya sa akin ay magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay, not because he was
mad, but because he was confused.

Nag-peace sign naman ako sa kanya.

"Sorry. Nanggigil ako sa'yo." Nakanguso kong sagot.

Napailing na lamang siya.

"It's okay..." He replied softly.

I then grinned.

"I want one more." I said that made his eyes wide. ".....pretty please?"

He sighed and rolled his eyes bago niya hinubad ang isang manggas ng kanyang
whitecoat.

"Just one." He replied and offered me his veiny and muscled arm like I'm some sort
of a zombie.

After our encounter in the exam room ay hindi na ulit kami masyadong nagkita after
noon since we were both busy. He sees his patients, I run to the lab and also
observe surgery up close. I get to stand near my Attending and see him make an
incision, sew skin together, and transfer fat from the stomach to the buttocks.

For a solid few hours, I stood there in amazement, observing while absorbing
information. All of Avenidez' surgeries for today were done by seven p.m, after
namin na sabihin sa family ng huling pasyente ni Avenidez ngayong araw, ang
magandang balita ay pinag-break niya ako kasama ng dalawa pang med student.

I was standing for hours and I had to hold my urine since I didn't wanna miss a
moment of the surgery. So, finally noong nagamit ko na ang banyo ay grabe ang
relief ko, doon ko na din nakita ang kulay pulang dugo ---confirming my hunch this
morning. Buti na lang ay may vending machine ng libreng either tampons or sanitary
pad sa banyo kaya nakapagsuot agad ako ng pad.

When I walked out of the bathroom, a kick of pain in my belly hit me. Freaking
cramps, buti na lang talaga ay naka-pills ako dahil kung hindi ay unbearable ang
sakit noon.

I was gonna hangout with Dakota like I did earlier during lunch, pero nasa
operating room pa din siya kasama si Sancho. I think she's watching a nerve
decompression surgery. I wanted to watch pero wala ako sa mood. Kaya naman pumunta
na lang ako sa locker room at kinuha ang airpods ko mula sa aking bag. I then went
inside the on-call room and laid down.

Napadaing ako sa ginhawa dahil finally ay naipahinga ko na din ang likuran ko.
Habang nagpe-play ang 'California King Bed ni Rihanna' sa magkabilang tenga ko ay
hinanap ko ang numero ni docmonyo mula sa hawak kong cellphone.

'You busy?'

Mabilis siyang nag-reply.

From 😈 (and yes, that emoji means 'docmonyo' to me) :

'Yes, I am texting you while my patient's guts are all over the table.'
Umirap ako.

'Loko, you're still not allowed to do surgeries until tomorrow.'

From 😈:

'What do you want?'

I pouted and typed a response.

'I want food.'

From 😈 :

'What kind of food?'

To 😈:

'I want the wagyu steak and fries from the resto you always order from after we
fúck. So, can you tell me the name, so I can order?'

From 😈:

'I'll do it.'

Hindi ako sumagot pa. I just sighed and lay down while I listened to California
King Bed over and over again.

"Maybe, I've been California dreamin', yeah, yeah!"

"Del Russo, maawa ka. May natutulog!"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko ang boses ni David sa kabila ng
malakas na kanta. Shít, hindi nga pala ako mag-isa.

"Sorry!" Sagot ko na lang at nakinig na lamang sa musika.

Maya-maya ay tumunog ang cellphone ko. When I checked it out, it was him.

From 😈:

'Punta ka sa on-call room ko.'

Hindi ako nag-hesistate na ibalik sa lalagyan ang airpods ko, ibulsa iyon at tumayo
na. It is food, afterall, that's why I had no hesitation, and maybe he's just gonna
make me pick it up from his room. When I finally reached his on-call room door ay
isang katok pa lamang ang nagagawa ko ay binuksan niya agad iyon.

"I--ay!" Napasinghap naman ako nang agad niya akong hitakin papasok sa loob noon.
My eyes widened when his full height towered me. When I looked up to him, his brows
were deeply furrowed.

"Tapatin mo nga ako, buntis ka ba?" Seryoso niyang tanong.

"Huh?--Wait--What?"

"You bit me this morning," He pointed to my faint bite marks on his arm. I can
perfectly see it, dahil maikli lang ang sleeve ng kanyang scrub top. "You didn't
like your usual buttered shrimp,"
Yup, dinalhan niya ako kaninang lunch but I didn't really want it, so I forced him
to eat it with me.

"And now, you're craving steak?"

It makes sense why he would think that way because this is the only month that we
became kinda close out of bed. For the last two months we have not talked unless
it's about work or dirty talk. So, I won't blame him kung bago sa kanya ang period
symptoms ko. But still, I had to purse my lips to stop myself from laughing since
he is very serious and I find it very funny.

"I....don't know," I paused and crossed my arms. Napalunok siya. "You tell me,
because I currently have a sanitary pad on and there is a lot of blood coming out
of me right now. Not to mention bad cramps." Nakahalukipkip kong sagot.

Dahan-dahan naman na nawala ang kunot ng kanyang noo and slowly, everything clicked
in his mind. It clicked to him that I wasn't pregnant, instead, my unusual behavior
was a cause of my monthly period.

He then raked his hair with his fingers before he sighed in relief.

"Oh," Iyon lamang ang naiusal niya. "S-Sorry."

I just puffed out a breath.

"Nasaan na ang pagkain ko?" I asked instead. Hindi ko naman maiwasan na tingnan ang
kanyang on call room sandali. It looks simple. May simpleng queen sized bed na
nakadikit sa dingding, a bedside table near it kung saan doon nakapatong ang lamp
na lumiliwanag sa buong on-call room.

Ilang hakbang sa dulo ng kama ay isang pahabang singular locker, which I assume is
where he keeps his stuff. And here to my right is a table and a swivel chair. May
mga papel, laptop at isang malaking brown na paperbag sa lamesa.

I hissed nang sumipa na naman ang sakit sa puson ko. When he noticed it his jaw
clenched.

"Stay here." Sabi niya and then he walked out of the door.

I awkwardly stood there not knowing what to do. A few minutes later, he came back
with his pocket full of chocolate bars, guessing from the brand, it was from the
hospital bending machine, at may hawak din siyang brand new hot compress, na
sigurado akong ninakaw niya sa stockroom.

"Did you get that from the stockroom?" I asked with a squinted eye.

"Yes." Sagot lang niya at kinuha ang brown na bag, he took out the two large
containers. He placed it on the bed together with the plastic utensils. Kinuha din
niya ang mga chocolate bars sa bulsa niya at ipinatong iyon sa tabi noong mga
pagkain. I can't help but salivate because I really like those chocolates.

He also got his MacBook from the table and placed it beside the food.

Matapos noon ay lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ako sa siko. He was about to
guide me to his bed but I spoke.

"No. Kiel. I can't be here." Protesta ko.

He gave me a firm look, and then replied, "You can be here."

"Kiel--ay!"

He carried me like I weigh nothing and then placed me between his legs, kaya naman
ngayon ay nakasandal ako sa kanyang matigas na katawan. Inabot naman niya ang
heating pad sa bedside table. He took it out from the plastic and enabled it.
Dahan-dahan naman niya 'yon na nilagay sa puson ko.

"Okay lang 'yung position?" Bulong niya.

Tumango ako. I cannot argue with him with the heating pad since it really soothed
my pain.

"You don't have to do this." Sabi ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Seryoso lamang ang
kanyang mukha habang inabot niya ang container ng steak. Hindi pa rin niya ako
pinansin at binuksan lang ang lalagyan. He then put the fries and the gravy with
the steak, in one container.

"Kiel kasi."

He stopped mixing the food and looked me in the eye with those blue orbs.

"You're right. I don't have to do this but I want to."

I felt a flutter in my stomach, hindi ako sigurado kung gutom ba 'yun, o iba na.

"But--"

"Shh, and let me feed you." He interrupted me at marahan na itinapat ang kutsara sa
bibig ko. When I looked at it, I saw the fries, gravy, and steak all together. It
smells soo good and I know it's gonna be delicious.

Kaya naman Inirapan ko siya bago ko ibinuka ang bibig ko. The flavors exploded in
my mouth as I chewed it. Okay, dåmn, that's really good.

"Get the laptop, I have surgery tapes you can watch while you eat."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro ko na inabot ang laptop niya.

"Anong password?" Tanong ko matapos kong ngumuya at lumunok. Nakapatong na sa

kandungan ko ang kanyang laptop.

It took him a few seconds before he answered, "lapresa214. Low caps and no space."
He replied, it was almost like a whisper. I don't know what his expression is
because of our position.

"La presa as in the place?" Hindi ko maiwasang matanong. "Ang random naman ng
password mo." Puna ko. It couldn't be random, I just said that hoping that he would
correct me and tell me an answer...pero pagak lang siyang tumawa.

"Yeah....random."

Random or ayaw mo lang sabihin? I thought.

It shouldn't affect me either way but because of my curiosity, I am affected.

Even if I wanted to keep on asking him about it. It's not my place and not my
business.
And so, I just let it go.

Sinubuan niya ulit ako bago niya sinabi sa akin kung nasaan folder ng mga videos ng
past surgeries niya. I clicked on the first one and I immediately saw him, clothed
in full PPE while his hair was covered with his green scrub cap. Kahit na
natatabingan ng mask ang kanyang mukha ay alam kong siya iyon dahil sa kanyang mga
mata at sa kanyang height. May nakikita din akong dalawang nurse na nasa tabi niya
pati na din ang mga aparato sa kanyang likuran.

"I am Dr. Roy Ezekiel Arguello, General Surgeon here at Baguio General Hospital. I
am about to perform a gastric bypass on Mrs. Facundo, our patient on the table. She
gave me her consent to record this for the purposes of educating the future
doctors. That being said, let's begin."

And then for the next thirty minutes ay pinanood ko siyang mag-perform ng surgery.
Habang nakasandig ako sa kanya at sinusubuan niya ako ng pagkain.

Chapter 31: Your Hoodie

Hey y'all. Your gorl is back with another update haha. Happy friday and Happy
reading, mwah! 😘

-ro-ughn

***

Martina Vlanca

"If you really hate period blood and cramps that much, magpa-buntis ka na lang,
Vlanca. I assure you, no cramps and bleeding for nine months." Natawa naman ako sa
sinabi ni Ate Madison. Kasalukuyan ko siyang ka-videocall dahil bigla ko siyang na-
miss and I also wanted to see Majalia. Kakauwi ko lamang mula sa hospital, and
while I was laying on the couch, I saw Majalia for like a couple minutes until she
cried and then my sister had to calm her down, and eventually, she fell asleep
again.

Kaya naman nakipag-chikahan na lang ako sa kapatid ko, and I also ranted to her
about what I am feeling and being a smart åss that she is, ay iyon ang sinagot
niya.

"I think I can settle with a little cramps every month, kaysa sa Braxton Hicks,
UTI, frequent urination during pregnancy...and a child? Pass." Sagot ko na
ikinatawa niya. I mean, I don't hate kids. I can be good with kids, like I can play
with them, be their person, pero most of the time ay napapaiyak ko lang sila. Kaya
naman ako ang least favorite ng mga pamangkin ko, but I know that they still love
me.

I also want to have kids of my own someday but definitely not now. I still have a
lot of goals and growing up to do.

Ini-adjust ko naman ang isa sa mga hot compress na kasalukuyang nakapatong sa aking
puson. Isa ito sa mga nilagay ni docmonyo sa backpack ko. Oo, he shoved a few hot
compress packs in my backpack before I went home. I know that it was him because
who else would do that? At imbes na awayin siya tungkol doon ay dumeretso na lang
ako ng uwi after niya kaming i-dismiss dahil wala talaga ako sa mood.

And ayoko din siyang awayin since what he did during my break felt really....nice.
Well, more than nice. He made me feel well taken care of, relaxed, and I also
learned alot from his videos.

"Ugh, nakalimutan ko na med student ka pala." She replied to me and that made me
giggle. She's now in the kitchen, I can tell from the background.

"You have a point since hindi talaga masayang makaranas ng Braxton Hicks," She
followed it with a sigh. "At I can't picture you having a kid...yet. I am pretty
sure na papaiyakin mo lang 'yun imbes na patahanin." Dagdag niya at sumubo ng
grapes na kinuha niya kanina sa ref nila. Naka-puwesto siya ngayon sa dining table,
and from the angle of the phone I can see that she was wearing a huge shirt
meanwhile her hair is in a messy

"Or better yet, pareho kaming iiyak."

She chuckled. "Hindi malabong mangyari 'yon."

Tumawa kami pareho.

Nagkwentuhan pa kami hanggang sa umiyak na naman si Majalia. Kuya Alejandro was

taking care of her pero hinahanap niya talaga ang amoy ng kanyang ina kaya naman
kinailangan na namin na magpaalam sa isa't-isa.

"Hoy, basta, sabihin mo sa akin kapag may plano kana sa birthday mo." She told me
with wide eyes.

"Sì, sì, lo farò.." I replied and then the call ended.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako at ibinaba ang cellphone ko sa aking tabi.

Yup, my birthday is coming up, actually next week na 'yon since it's on the 29th of
October. And for the first time ay wala pa akong plano. Usually, ay sa clubs ko
nise-celebrate ang mga iyon or sa private island with my family and friends. This
year, maybe I will go with the second one only, since wala ako sa mood na mag-
party-party. Kaysa mag-blackout drunk at makipaglandian ako ay gagamitin ko na lang
ang mga oras na iyon upang mag aral dahil iba at mas mahirap ang rigor ng school
year na ito.

And as if naman papayagan ako ng isa diyan na makipaglandian. IG nga lang

pinagseselosan na niya e.

Le sigh.

So, no parties for me for the meantime. I will be definitely in the mood to party
kapag naipasa ko ang post medical school tests like the board at kapag tuluyan na
akong ganap na doctor.

Kapag nangyari iyon ay wala talagang makakapigil sa akin na mag-party. Not even
him....well, mapipigilan lang niya ako kung by that time ay sneaky link ko pa din
siya.

Yes, hindi ko siya flavor of the month, but, let's face it, our agreement's ending
is inevitable. It's just really a matter of time.

Kung magiging tapat ako ay ayoko na matapos agad ang kung anong mayroon kami o
kahit isipin man lang ang katapusan noon. I mean, we shouldn't be doing this thing
to begin with since it's technically illegal and it can destroy his career and my
future career, but even with that in mind, I still don't want what we have to end
just yet.

He was my first fling or sneaky link that lasted this long. He's the only one that
I wanted like this.

Regardless, sa mga gestures niya these past few weeks. It's undeniable that he just
has this pull towards me that I can't explain. It's definitely a physical
attraction but somehow it also feels more than that, and like I told you, I can't
explain it.

I felt it the first moment I saw him, I still felt it kahit na noong dino-docmonyo
na niya ako, and I am still feeling it. It's like I am a moth drawn to a flame.

And even though the flame can hurt me, I still want to be close to it and see it,
always.

Natigil naman ako sa pagiisip nang marinig ko ng sunod-sunod na katok sa pintuan.

My brows furrowed, it couldn't Miguel since may susi naman siya e.

"Sandali!" Sigaw ko dahil kumatok muli ang taong iyon. "Tángina, nagmamadali, may
lakad?" Inis kong bulong habang halos patakbo kong tinungo ang pintuan. When I
looked through the peephole, I saw a tall man wearing a beige ball cap and a blue
facemask. From my view, I can see that he's wearing a maroon hoodie, denim pants,
and a pair of slippers.

When I saw his eyes, I immediately knew that it was Kiel.

Agad ko naman na binuksan ang pintuan at hinitak siya papasok. Unlike in his place,
things are not sooo discreet here. I live on the 'normal' floor, what I mean by
that is I have neighbors who can see him. Unlike in his penthouse, there is
absolute privacy since he almost has a whole floor to himself and an elevator that
directly takes you to his pad from the ground floor.

"Hi," Bati niya sa akin at tinanggal ang mask niya. "Sorry for the unannounced
visit."

I stepped back and squinted my eyes at him.

"How the hell did you get in here?" I asked dahil hindi ko naman sa kanya na-
mention ang apartment number ko.

"I have my ways."

I rolled my eyes and then sarcastically replied, "You and your ways."

He just smriked.

"But anyway, you can do anything to me in bed but period séx is where I draw the
line." Dagdag ko na ikinakunot bigla ng kanyang noo. I said that because It's
either he's here for séx or probably.....other things.

"I am not here to have séx, little brat." Kalmante niyang sagot.

"Then ano?" Takang tanong ko.

Napakamot naman siya sa kanyang batok. "G-Gusto lang kita kamustahin.."

"At bakit....?" I asked him immediately to hide the fact that I was taken aback. He
already took care of me in the hospital. It's not necessary for him to come all the
way here and check on me.

He sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Because I am not a monster." Deadma niyang sagot. "May emosyon din ako bukod sa
libøg. Okay?"

Napadila naman ako sa aking pangibabang labi at napatitig sa kanya sandali. Fair
point.

"Okay, sorry naman.....pero I am strong indepent woman who can han--"

"May dala akong puto.....at more steak...." He interrupted me at itinaas ang dala
niyang brown na bag. Gigil ko iyon na hinablot na agad niyang ikinangisi.

"Fine," I sneered and checked it out. May dalawang clear container ng putong puti.
It looks homemade. And the other containers are filled with steak and fries.

My shoulder sagged as I fixed my stare back at him. Itataboy ko na sana siya but
then hindi ko magawa dahil nga sa gesture niya. Ang balahura naman ng ugali ko kung
itataboy ko siya matapos niya akong dalhan ng pagkain.

"Salamat..." I said genuinely.

He gave me one of his rare smiles before he answered, "You're welcome."

"You can stay...if you want..."

Sandali siyang tumitig sa akin, he looked surprised that I told him that.

"I can?"

Ngumuso ako at tumango.

"Oo naman...pero kailangan mong umalis bago makauwi ang kapatid ko. He's gonna be
home around eleven." I said that made him nod repeatedly.

"Si Miguel?"

"You're such a stalker." Irap ko.

"Or maybe your family is just really famous."

I just mocked him bago ako tumingkayad at kinuha ang kanyang ball cap. Hindi siya
nagreklamo. He just watched me wear it with amusement in his eyes.

"It's cute, so, it's mine now."

Napailing na lamang siya.

"Na-cute-an ka din ba sa hoodie ko kasi hindi mo na binalik?" Nanunuya niyang

tanong na ikinairap ko. That's true tho, I took home his hospital hoodie and never
returned it. I just keep it and wear it whenever I like.

And no, it doesn't mean anything. It's just that I liked the material and it's very
comfortable.
"Yeah, and...... baka umuwi ka mamaya ng walang pang-itaas since the hoodie you're
wearing is also cute."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at mabilis na tinakpan ang harapan ng hoodie niya. Natawa
naman ako.

Akala ko ay magiging awkward na narito siya ngayon sa tinitirhan ko pero it turns

out, it's not. Hindi talaga siya talker, so, most of the time ako ang dumadaldal
pero kapag may silent moments ay imbes na ma-awkward-an ako doon ay komportable ako
iyon. And yeah, hindi siya talker pero pakialimero naman siya. Noong inaya ko siya
sa kwarto ko ay hindi siya nag-initiate ng anything séxual, bagkus ay nag-roam siya
na parang superbisor sa kwarto ko.

He checked out my T.V on the wall, my study table two feet away from it. 'Yung mga
litrato ko sa mga dingding, my freaking bathroom, my closet---in which he
shamelessly took two of my panties. He said that it's for his 'me-time-sessions.'

Ay nako, Kiel.

Nang magsawa siya ay umupo na siya sa tabi ko. Nagulat pa siya dahil sa kinis at
lambot ng silk covers ng kama ko.

"Hoy!" Daing ko nang inagaw niya ang plato ng steak na hawak ko. Hindi niya ako
pinansin bagkus ay nakatingin lang siyang sumubo ng steak.

"Go, study. I'll feed you." Seryoso niyang sabi matapos niyang ngumuya.

Hindi na ako nakipagaway pa at binabasa na lang ang mga notes na nasa binder ko.
Yup, we have a quiz tomorrow. It's very crucial for me to study hard every time
since ang content ng very quiz at test ay hindi lang general surgery. It's
literally everything. From Peds, Anesthesia, patient care, anatomy, and anything
else that they teach us on a daily basis.

Kaya naman hindi ako nagsayang ng oras na magbasa at mag-memorize. Habang tahimik
naman niya akong pinapanood at sinusubuan. An hour had passed, I already absorbed
loads of information, and yet, malayo pa ako sa last page.

I sighed inwardly and flipped the page.

Napalunok ako nang makita ko na Pediatric Anesthesia at Pre-Oprative section na

iyon. It's my least favorite part, dahil may mga mouthful terms na mahirap i-
memorize, and I already felt overloaded with information.

Kaya habang nakatitig ako sa mga terms ay hindi ko maiwasan na maluha. Fúck. My
tears are also shallow given the fact that I am menstruating. Dåmn it. Mabilis kong
tinanggal ang binder sa kandungan ko at pinunasan ang tumulong luha sa pisngi ko.

"Hey, hey..." He softly called me when he noticed it.

"Ang hirap mag-doctor, püta." Bulong ko habang naluluha ako. Kahit gaano ka
katalino o katyaga sa med school, there is going to be a point na maiiyak ka na
lang talaga, either sa physical or mental exhaustion, and of course, frustration.
Throughout the three years that had passed, at some point I have reached that limit
every now and then, and thank heavens, I have Dakota she helps me get through and
vice versa.

I am feeling the same frustration right now but much more intense since the terms
are overwhelming, too much to process and just---fúck. Habang tumutulo ang mga luha
ko ay narinig ko ang pagbaba ng plato sa bedside table. He held me and effortlessly
lifted me in his lap. I didn't even fight him because I just feel so exhausted.
Now, I am straddling him while I sob uncontrollably on his shoulders. All the while
ay nararamdaman ko ang marahan niyang paghagod sa aking likuran.

"Ang hirap-hirap naman kasi ng mga quiz mo e." Hikbi ko. I am not blaming him and
he knows that. He also knows that I just need some outlet because he's been in my
position before. He was a med student after-all.

"Do you want me to do something about it, hmm?" Malambing niyang tanong.

With my face soaked in tears pinukol ko siya ng masamang tingin. I then met his
soft stare and calm yet concerned face.

"Hell no." Mabilis kong sagot na ikinangisi niya. I knew he was messing with me.
"Kaya ko naman pero syempre iiyak muna ako."

He smiled a little and wiped my tears away.

"I know...and I am joking." He gently said. "Hindi mo ako kailangan na baguhin ang
kung ano mang naroon o sabihin sa'yo ang mga sagot dahil hindi mo 'yon kailangan.
You don't need any handout because you are fúcking gifted, Vlanca Del Russo."
Seryoso niyang sabi habang nakatitig sa mga mata ko.

Imbes na tumigil ang luha ko ay umagos lamang iyon lalo. But the heavy and dreadful
feeling in my chest is now gone. Rather it was replaced by flutters in my stomach.

"You mean that?"

"I do." Mabilis niyang sagot. "And it's okay to feel like shít, feel tired and to
feel like this, it's a human thing, but don't you dare give up because you are
going to be a bad åss doctor."

Natawa naman ako. Hindi ako sanay sa ganitong ugali niya pero I like it.

"You're gonna save lives and walk in the operating room with your small legs. I bet
kailangan mo noong tapakan kasi hindi mo maaabot 'yung surgical table.." Nakangisi
niyang sabi habang hawak niya ang pisngi ko.

Instead of crying more ay natawa ako. Now, I can't even remember that I was feeling
bad earlier. He motivated me and now he made me laugh.

"Wow, 'yun talaga ang concern mo?" I asked rhetorically, hindi ko napigilan ang
sarili ko na yakapin siya.

He welcomed my hug with a warm one.

"Gosh, you're making it hard for me to hate you." Bulong ko na ikinatawa niya.

Nang maghiwalay kami ay malawak ang ngiti ko. I caught him looking at my lips....it
wasn't a sexüal gaze, rather he just looked genuinely happy to see a smile
stretched on my lips.

"Thank you for making me feel better.....but you know what would make me feel even
better?" Sabi ko, my tears are now completely gone.
"What is it?" He eagerly asked. His eyes were looking at me like he was ready to
give anything I asked for.

I grinned mischievously.

"Your hoodie."

Sumimangot muna siya bago niya hinubad ang kanyang hoodie at ibinigay iyon sa akin.

Chapter 32: Happy Birthday To Me

Hey gorls! Hope you are all doing well. Medyo nagtagal 'tong update na 'to dahil
mas mahaba siya kumpara sa mga usual updates ko hehe. Anyway, happy reading and see
you next update, mwah! ♡

-ro-ughn

***

Roy Ezekiel

"A 37 year old type 1 diabetic is booked for...." Sandali akong nagisip ng
posibleng kaso na hindi ko naisama sa quiz habang nakaupo ako dito sa living room
couch ni Vlanca. A feet away from me is the ottoman, nakapatong doon ang mga
lalagyan ng fries at nuggets. She craved that kaya ako bumili. "...a below knee
amputation for a septic foot. She initially presented in diabetic keto-acidosis or
DKA. What is the initial management of DKA?" Tanong ko kay Vlanca.

Kasalukuyan siyang mabagal na palakad-lakad sa aking harapan. I have been testing

her knowledge for the past hour and everytime I throw her a question, she answers
it flawlessly. Hindi lamang iyon resulta ng kanyang talino, kung hindi ay resulta
din iyon ng kanyang tyaga sa pagre-review sa mga nakalipas na araw. Hindi kasi
natuloy ang quiz noong makalawa dahil may gusto pang idagdag si Galvez at ang ilang
doktor. Kaya naman bukas ko pa maibibigay ang quiz dahil kagabi lamang nila iyon
idinagdag.

Naayos ko nang muli iyon kagabi at ipa-finalize ko na lang iyon mamaya paguwi ko.
Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti sandali habang pinapanood ko siyang mag-pace at
magisip ng sagot. Nakatali ang kanyang buhok habang kagat niya ang kanyang
pangibabang labi habang nagiisip siya ng isasagot. Halos kainin na siya ng suot
niyang itim kong Nike na hoodie dahil halos tatlong beses na malaki iyon sa size
niya.

I value that hoodie very much since bigay iyon ng namayapa kong Avó, o ang lola ko,
dahil alam niya na mahilig ako sa mga jacket. But somehow, I don't mind that
Vlanca's gonna keep it.

I like seeing her wear my things, from my hand around her throat to my clothes.

And unlike the first time I've been here, I am not topless and no, I didn't go home
topless that night since I borrowed clothes from her brother. Ibinalik ko iyon agad
pagbalik ko kinabukasan.
I returned the next day with the intention to just bring back the clothes but I
stayed again kasi nga nagre-review siya at may cramps pa din siya. I wanted to take
care of her because like I said, I am not a monster.

The next few days came and I still went back here after our duties kahit na tapos
na ang dalaw niya. I go back to help her study, that's all. At sa mga sumunod na
araw na nagtutungo ako dito ay nagsusuot na ako ng pangdobleng sando dahil alam
kong 'hihiramin' niya ang hoodie na suot ko.

"Fluid resuscitation and insulin." Mabilis na sagot ni Vlanca matapos lumipas ang
ilang segundo.

Napatango ako.

"Good. Same case but when is it safe to proceed with the anaesthetic and surgery?"

She licked her lower lip before she hummed to think.

"....Okay, so, still a type 1 diabetic and scheduled for below knee amputation..."
Bulong niya habang nakatingala siya. Whenever she thinks about the answer, it's
either she paces around, she hums, or she looks up. Hindi nagtagal ay bumalik ang
tingin sa akin ng kanyang mga berdeng mga mata. It was wide with cheerfulness.
"It's safe to proceed with the anaesthetic and surgery If her blood sugar is less
than 20 Millimoles per litre, and she has a normal potassium, and has a urine
ketones pH of less than 7.2." She said and grinned, she knows she's right.

"Very good."

Mas lalo lamang lumawak ang ngiti niya, she then reached to get a fry. She threw it
in her mouth and chewed it.

"Gusto ko ng reward kapag na-perfect ko 'yung test.." She seductively said. Oh, we
can do her favorite exercise again because her period is already done. Pumadekwatro
naman ako dahil naramdaman ko ang pagkabuhay ng pagkalalaki ko. Halos isang linggo
akong hindi naka-score pero ngayon ko lamang iyon napansin.

"What do you want, then?"

"Tité!" Walang paga-alinlangan at proud niyang sagot na ikinasamid ko.

She giggled when she saw my reaction.

"What? That's what I want, syempre 'yung sa'yo lang." Kinindatan pa niya ako.
Napailing na lamang ako. This brat and her mouth.

"Bakit ayaw mo?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

I rolled my eyes. "Syempre gusto. Ako pa ba ang tatanggi sa grasya?"

She laughed loudly.

"My god, marunong ka din pa lang makisakay sa trip ah."

Yeah, I didn't know I could do that until I met you.

....Well, I've discovered alot of things about myself since I met this little brat.
Napailing na lamang akong muli bago tumikhim at umayos ng upo.

"Going back, you mentioned glucose, si?"

Her face went back to serious mode as she nodded. Nakatayo pa din siya sa aking
harapan at preskong kumakain ng fries.

"Intraoperatively, if a patient's blood glucose is recorded as 2.2 Millimoles per

litre, obviously, that's considered hypoglycemia."

Hypoglycemia is just a fancy term for when the blood sugar is very low.

"How do you cure it back to normal?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

She snapped her fingers before she answered, "Easy. Bibigyan ko 'yung pasyente ng
50% dextrose IV, tapos I will monitor their blood glucose half hourly hanggang sa
umabot iyon ng six to ten millimoles per litre."

Another flawless answer but I want to see how far she can go.

"Why should hypoglycemia be corrected before surgery?"

It didn't take her ten seconds until she replied, "It should be corrected because
it may lead to severe cerebral damage and death."

"Now, let's talk about lungs. Give me the exact formula for determining total lung
capacity."

Kumuha muna siya ng chicken nugget bago siya sumagot.

"RV plus ERV plus VT plus IRV." and then she chewed the chicken nugget. She's still
looking at me like she wanted me to ask her more questions, and so, I did.

"How about cardiac output?"

"Stroke volume times heartrate." She replied after she swallowed.

"Last question. Explain to me the purpose of the insertion of a large-bore cannula

into the pleural space?" Puro na lamang respiratory, thoracic, or cardio ang
natitirang mga tanong ko dahil natapos na niyang sagutin ang abdominal area at
lower regions questions ko. She also flawlessly answered the sections that made her
cry the other night.

Nginuya muna niya ang kinuha niyang fries bago siya sumagot.

"The purpose of the insertion of a large-bore cannula into the pleural space is to
provide a route for air to escape, to reduce intrathoracic pressure. Usually,
pagkapasok ng cannula ay may maririnig kang audible na hangin...and " Napataas ang
kilay ko ng ituro niya ako gamit ang french fry niyang hawak. "Bago ka magreklamo.
Tinagalog ko 'yung dulo kasi add-on na lang 'yun."

All I could do was nod in agreement because first it was true and second she just
leaves me speechless with her intelligence. And dåmn, it's sexy, so sexy that she
gives me a bøner by just being so smart. How fúcking ridiculous is that?

"So, anymore questions? Kasi kapag meron pa, I don't know kung masasagot ko pa kasi
wala na akong maalala after ng cannula." She said and snorted after. Although her
voice was laced with humor, I can tell na ninenerbyos pa din siya.

Nervous of the possibility that she forgot about something. Which is impossible
given her IQ and ability.
"Wala ka ng maalala kasi natanong ko na sa'yo lahat ng nasa notes mo." Sagot ko sa
kanya at sandaling itinaas ang binder niya na nasa tabi ko. Although, hindi ko
naman kailangan 'yon para matanong sa kanya ang mga kailangan, I still check it
while I ask her to make sure I don't miss anything.

"Ay, weh?!" She asked with wide eyes.

I smirked and nodded after I put down the binder beside me.

"Yes!!" Tili niya at tinakbo ako ng yakap. Nagulat naman ako nang kumandong siya sa
akin at pinaulanan ako ng halik sa aking mukha.

This is not supposed to be happening but I don't wanna ruin her moment. I
understand that she's this happy because she's been studying so many pages and
absorbing so much information that it sometimes leaves her frustrated and really
tired.

Dalawang beses siyang naiyak dahil doon at noong mga oras na iyon ay gusto ko na
lang sa kanya ibigay ang mga sagot o baguhin 'yung test. O sigawan 'yung ibang mga
doctor na nag-contribute sa quiz dahil sa kung ano mang kadahilanan ay ayoko na
makitang nahihirapan si Vlanca dahil sa kagagawan ng iba. Alam ko na hypocritical
naman noon dahil pinapahirapan ko din naman siya pagdating sa labs, recitation, or
pagbibigay ng ibang tasks. I mean, before when she's struggling because of me, it
does not affect me, hell, I even liked it.....but somehow, it fúcking bothers me
now.

"YES! THANK YOU!" She yelled after she planted one last kiss on my lips.

I should stop her....because we shouldn't be doing this, but no comprehensible

words made their way past my lips. All I could do was sit there, hold her by her
waist, and watch her read her binder because she's making sure that we covered
everything.

I watched her lips stretch into a smile as her eyes roamed on the paper.

I used to hate that smile on her lips because it reminded me of someone I badly
want to forget. Hell, I used to hate everything about Vlanca.

I can still hate it because even then, I can still fúck her.

But the weird bottomline is I no longer feel hate towards her loudness, sarcasm,
smile, giggle or her in general.

I no longer hate her because she doesn't remind me of anyone I used to know, and
doesn't remind me of the someone who broke me.

When I look at this woman's green eyes, light brown hair, and smile. I don't see
anyone else.

When I hear her sarcastic remarks or when I hear her call my name, or her giggle. I
only hear Vlanca. Not anyone else.

And so, yes, I don't hate the fact I made this little brat smile and squeal in joy.
Instead, I want to hear and see it again. Fúck, I am starting to crave all of her.
Noong gabing iyon ay umuwi ako ng penthouse ko ng nakasuot lamang ng sando dahil
syempre kapag sinabi ni Vlanca na 'hiram' lang, ibig sabihin din noon ay sa kanya
na iyon. Masaya lang ako na hindi siya naku-cute-an sa pantalon ko dahil hindi
malabo na umuwi ako ng naka-boxers kapag nangyari 'yon.

I can't remember the time when I can still resist her when she bats her eyelashes
or when she calls me by the nickname she made for me. Hell, hindi ko na din maalala
kung kailan ako huling nanalo kapag nagtatalo kami.

Pagpasok ko ng bahay ay pinaandar ko ang ilaw, sumalubong sa akin ang tahimik na

paligid. Kung dito lamang kami dumeretso matapos ang duty kanina ay hindi tatahimik
ang bahay na 'to. It's either she's moaning my name, singing with the song she was
listening to, or dinadaldal niya ako. And sometimes she snores too.

I scoffed. Kasama ko lang siya kanina, and now, why am I still thinking about her?

Napailing na lamang ako at nagtungo sa kusina upang kumuha ng maiinom na tubig.

Habang umiinom ako mula sa baso ay sumandal ako sa island counter na nasa gitna ng
kusina. As I stood there, I saw the cabinet where I store all of my liquors.

Matapos kong inumin ang tubig ay pinunasan ko ang aking bibig gamit ang likuran ng
aking kamay. I then walked towards the cabinet and pulled it open, tumambad sa akin
ang halos pitong bote ng mga alak, ranging from soft wine to hard whiskeys.

I bought all of it because of Trinity. It wasn't long ago noong nilalaklak ko ang
mga ito at umiiyak dahil sa panghihinayang, pangungulila, at sa sakit na dinulot
niya sa akin.

And now looking back at those moments when I was laying on the kitchen floor, it
doesn't cause me the usual pain but instead, I....don't feel anything about her
because when I look at my kitchen floor.

I just think about Vlanca and what we did there. Not what happened on that floor
before I met her.

It goes the same when I walk in my room. When I look around I don't think of the
what if's or the hypothetical questions anymore. Tulad na lamang ng mga usuals na;
'ano kayang iisipin ni Trinity kapag nakita niya ang kwarto ko?' 'Will she like the
darker interiors?' 'Is she gonna like my bed?'

Instead I think about Vlanca and what we did here. Not just the erøtic ones but
also when we just laid on the bed and laughed about the stupid stuff or when I told
her about the stupid story about my eyebrow. It was the first time in months that I
allowed myself to communicate with her after séx.

It honestly felt good....it also feels good to lay next to her, and to be able to
hold her all night.

That's a new thing for me after Trinity and it still scares that shît out of me,
but even if it scares me, I do it because I don't want Vlanca to be mad at me or be
distant. I don't like how it makes me feel and the fact that I hurt her because of
that.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangisi nang maabot ko ang bago kong lamesa. Yeah, I bought a
new one and we will probably destroy it too, soon. With a sigh, I sat down on the
swivel chair and turned on my laptop. I will finalize the quiz and also look for a
gift for Vlanca. Yes, I know that her birthday is on the 29th.

I placed my fingers on the keyboard and typed the password. For a moment ay
napatitig ako sa main screen ng aking laptop matapos na mag-unlock ng aking laptop.

lapresa214

Iyon ang password ko sa loob ng limang taon hanggang iyon. Lapresa dahil iyon ang
paboritong lugar ni Trinity and 214 dahil paboritong kanta niya iyon ng Rivermaya.

I opened the locked folder in my laptop and saw three pictures of her. Ito ang mga
litrato na hindi ko maatim na burahin noong ni-wipe ko ang iCloud drive ko. Habang
nakatingin ako doon ay ngayon ko lamang napagtanto na magwa-walong buwan na simula
noong lumisan ako ng Baguio at walong buwan na din noong iniwan ko siya ng walang
paalam. Ni hindi ko sa kanya sinabi na alam ko ang ginawa niya.

And it didn't take her long to put the pieces together because she came looking
because she knows that I know.

Hindi rin magtatagal ay mahahanap niya ang kinaroroonan ko, or siguro nahanap na
niya ako pero wala lang siyang mukha na maiharap sa akin, or kung ano mang dahilan
niya.

I wonder about that because....yes, I don't have the urge to search her up, see
what she's been up to, and now, I just deleted the last three pictures, and changed
my laptop password to something else.

But even then......I still miss her......and I honestly still do not know how I
will face her.

Hindi ko pa rin alam kung paano siya haharapin or ayokong isipin dahil natatakot
ako na baka ang maging katapusan ng lahat ng senaryo na aking maisip ay ang
pagbabalik ko sa kanya.

I don't want to think about that because I don't want to go back to her.....but
what if my heart still wants her? How will I fight that?

The simple and hard answer?

I don't fúcking know.

My jaw clenched in frustration. Just when I thought that I was finally alright
without her

because I just put her stuff aside, deleted her pictures, and changed the password.
I felt like I was back to zone zero again because I do not know how to face her.

I leaned on my seat and sighed. No matter how she's far away or what she's done to
me, she still has a hold on me.

It's the hold that I want to escape from but I just don't know how.

Martina Vlanca

"Anong sinagot mo sa number one kahapon?" Tanong sa akin ni Dakota habang nakaupo
kami dito sa stretcher sa gilid ng hallway. Pareho kaming naka-indian seat at
nakasandal sa kulay puting dingding. Well, we're still clueless about what we got
from the most awaited quiz yesterday. Bukas pa ia-announce ang final scores, medyo
bummed ako doon dahil hindi ko pa makukuha ang reward ko mula kay Kiel ngayong
araw.

Well, correction; I will get it, since I have a plan.

"Tungkol saan 'yun?" Kunot na noong tanong ko habang kinakain ang pasta na binili
para sa akin ni Kiel. Lately ay siya na ang supplier ko ng lunch, snacks, at dinner
kaya naman hindi ako nagugutom. Even outside the hospital, for the past week, he
took care of me and helped me study. He just proved na hindi nga siya monster,
however the gesture wasn't necessary since sneaky link ko lang naman siya, but
anyway, I am glad that he did.

I don't exactly know how to feel about it but I feel this flutter in my stomach
when I think about how he comforted me, or how he didn't judge me noong halos tulo-
uhog na ako sa balikat kakaiyak. Instead, he motivated me and joked around. I also
saw him smile at me more than three times. It was my first time seeing that side of
him and somehow, I wanted more of that.

"About Pediatric Anesthesia."

I snapped back out of my thoughts when I heard Dakota replied. Napatingin naman ako
sa kanya, she's still chewing the food in her mouth. And as usual ay pareho kaming
nakasuot ng scrubs at whitecoat.

"Ah, naalala ko na. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt for IVH.......ata."

She nodded and sighed.

"Okay, tama ako doon."

I cocked my eyebrow at her.

"Taas naman ng tiwala mo sa akin?"

"Edi kung hindi ka tama, pareho tayong mali."

"I mean you're not wrong, gorl."

Sabay naman kaming tumawa.

"Oy, ano, shot tayo mamaya?" Nakangising niyang tanong.

I am finally twenty-five today. Alas dose pa lang ng tanghali ay hindi ko na

mabilang ang birthday greetings sa akin ng mga tao either sa personal or sa
instagram. But the most important greetings are from my dear friend Dakota and my
dear family. Miguel 'cooked' me a breakfast, Ate Maria called me, kakauwi lamang
nila mula Peru noong isang araw. After she greeted me she told me that she bought
me a séx toy from Peru. And that she will give it to me when we meet soon. I really
hope she's joking but I have a feeling that she's not. Meanwhile akala ko ay simple
at normal lamang na birthday greeting ang matatanggap ko mula kay Kuya Creed, Kuya
Ethan, Ate Madison, and my lovely parents.

But I was wrong dahil pinagawan pala nila ako ng malaking 'Happy Birthday
Billboard.' with my embarrassing picture when I was a kid. And instead of being
annoyed by it natawa na lang ako. Samantalang may ten second commercial na pinagawa
sila Tita Miranda at Tito Sam para sa akin. Meanwhile may pa surprise daw bukas si
Kuya Simon and then, Ate Carmel will give me her customized lock picking device.

And that's the Del Russo and Jonas Family in a nutshell.

"If ever ay ako ang sasagot ng pulutan or whatever that we're gonna drink and eat
since you don't really want a material gift." She said. Yup for the past three
years that we've been together. Ang gift niya sa akin lagi ay either pagkain since
she knows how to cook, gala kami, or gimik.

"Parents ko na sasagot, gorl, since sa bahay tayo sha-shot sa thirty-one."

Napatango naman siya.

"You can bring whoever you want as long as okay lang sila sa security check."
Dagdag ko. For security purposes, no one is allowed in the mansion until ma-clear
sila sa background check.

"Hmm...ehem, Herman." Tudyo ko na ikinikibit balikat lamang niya. She then shoveled
a spoonful of food in her mouth.

Sa thirty-one ko na lang napag-desiyonan na i-celebrate dahil may ibang plano ako

ngayon that involves being with docmonyo. Na-miss ko titî niya e.

And speaking of him, hindi pa kami nagkikita simula kaninang umaga. We didn't spend
time together last night since marami siyang surgeries and I have to study too.
We're also both busy today kaya yeah, hindi rin kami nagkita. He just leaves the
food with my name on it in the on-call room fridge.

Pero kahit hindi kami nagkita ay ini-text niya ako kaninang umagang-umaga ng 'Happy
Birthday' and since inasikaso na daw niya 'yung mga pasyente niya kahapon at ngayon
ay free na siya after ng duty ko which is after five.

"Hmm...I think it's still soon na idamay ko siya sa mga gatherings natin." She said
as she avoided my gaze by tossing the remaining food around her bowl. "Saka na."
Dagdag niya.

"Dakota..."

Umiling siya.

"I like him, and he makes me so dåmn happy." She genuinely replied, as she was
talking about him, sparkles glinted in her eyes. "But I still haven't told him
about it."

Dahan-dahan naman akong napatango. Dakota is very career-centered but that's not
the only reason why she avoids relationships for years. Ako lang ang nakakaalam
noon bukod sa Tatay niya. And Tito Dakila loves his daughter very much that he
didn't want her to 'miss out' on her life, that's why he kept on setting her up
with not just anyone, he set her up with someone who he knows and who is 'highly
qualified.' Syempre ayaw na ayaw iyon ni Dakota until Herman, of course.

"Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ko sa kanya sasabihin.....well, kung iyon ay hindi ko

pa siya tinataboy by that time." She followed it with a dry chuckle.

I reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Gorl,"

She shook her head and smiled.

"I don't want you to worry about that, Vlanca, okay?" She asked gently. "So, sino
pa lang makakaharap natin?" She immediately changed the subject. I had no choice
but to go with that since ayoko na pilitin siyang pagusapan ang ayaw niyang
pagusapan.

I sighed softly before I let her hand go and continued eating.

"Mga kapatid, in-laws, at mga pinsan ko.... si Ate Peyton din...at ibang mga
friends din ng family ko." I replied after I chewed what was in my mouth.

She hissed and clicked her tongue.

"Shét, nakaka-intimidate, gorl. May mga Abugado, Doctor, at CEO tayong katagay.."
She said. "Gorl, parang ayoko na atang pumunta ah."

Inirapan ko naman siya.

"Edi kung hindi ka pupunta, ikaw ang pupuntahan namin." I winked at her. She shook
her head.

"The whole Del Russo clan on my doorstep? Jusko, nevermind."

I chuckled.

"Well, ayoko kasing malasing habang kaharap ko si Ate Madison mo, baka ma-confessed
ko sa kanya ang mga krimen ko ng wala sa oras." Banat niya na ikinatawa namin
pareho.

"Gorl, criminal lawyer siya." I said with humor in my tone.

She nodded, her bangs danced on her forehead for a moment.

"But Ate Peyton tho.."

Napatango naman ako matapos kong nguyain ang natitira sa pagkain ko. Meanwhile
Dakota also bit the last of her burger.

"Oh, edi ida-duct-tape ko ang bibig mo bago mo pa ikanta ang mga kasabwat mo."

She chuckled and gave me a high five.

"Kaya love na love kita e!"

Natapos ang break namin ay hindi ako nakapunta sa gallery para manood ng surgery
niya dahil tinawag din ako agad ng Attending ko. I was in the emergency room today,
and I also don't get to leave until five dahil maraming pasyenteng kailangan na i-
admit at i-monitor. Although, I am not complaining but it would've been nicer if I
got to see him inside the OR.

Since it was busy, the time just passed like a blur. Next thing I know ay nakabalik
na ako sa locker room, showered and already changed.

"Oy, pumunta ka sa thirty-one ah." Sabi ko kay Dakota matapos kong maisukbit sa
aking likuran ang aking backpack. Kasalukuyan siyang nakaupo sa bench habang
sinusuot niya ang kanyang kaliwang sapatos. It matches her simple jeans and T-
shirt. Taliwas naman ang outfit namin ngayong araw dahil imbes na jeans ang pamalit
ko ay white mini skirt iyon, and instead of a shirt, I was wearing a white silk
longsleeve blouse, habang tinernuhan ko ito ng itim na dollshoes na baon ko.

"Ayoko nga. Gusto ko may pa-helicopter." She replied with humor in her tone.

I shrugged and nodded.

"Sure, we have two, a black and a gray. Anong gusto mong gami--"

"Gaga ka, gorl, joke lang." Putol niya sa akin na ikinatawa ko nang malakas. She
then stood up and got her backpack from her locker. "Di ka naman mabiro. Feeling ko
kapag nag-joke ako na gusto kong iregalo mo sa akin ay isang department store sa
birthday ko, ay gagawin mo talaga." Sarkastiko niyang dagdag na ikinangisi ko.

"Department store lang? Hina mo naman. Dapat buong mall."

She just rolled her eyes at me, bago niya ako niyakap.

"Happy birthday ulit, gorl." Sincere niyang sabi na ikinangiti ko. "And of course,
I'll be there. Umulan o umaraw tayo'y tatagay." She said and winked at me when we
pulled away.

I grinned.

"Ganorn sana."

Naghiwalay na kami ni Dakota sa lockerroom dahil kailangan na niyang maunang

bumaba. Herman is waiting for her in the lobby since they are going out for dinner
tonight. Samantalang dito naman ako nagtungo sa on-call room saglit upang kuhanin
ang naiwan kong binder sa lamesa. I studied here yesterday before the test and
kanina ko lang naalala na nalimutan ko pala dito 'yun.

As I was puting my thick binder inside my bag. I just realized na wala ng tao dito
sa loob since all the med student have gone out already by this time. I am so ready
to leave too kaya naman isinukbit ko na ang aking backpack. Akmang lalabas ako nang
bumukas ang pintuan.

Nahigit ko naman ang hininga ko nang makita kong si Kiel iyon. He looks so fresh
with his dark hair still wet. As usual ay nakakunot ang kanyang noo habang ang
kanyang mga asul na mga mata ay nakatingin lamang sa akin. Sandali kong kinagat ang
pangibabang labi ko nang pasadahan ko ng tingin ang kanyang suot, he's no longer
wearing his deep blue scrubs, rather he was dressed in a casual red sweater, may
logo iyon ng isang sikat na university sa Estados Unidos. Samantalang ang kanyang
pang-ibaba ay kulay royal blue na chino pants, whilst a pair of boat shoes were
covering his feet.

He doesn't look like a surgeon at all. He looks like a hot college frat boy. Well,
except no side of him is a boy. The person who stands before me is a pure and grown
man.

"Hmm..that's a cute sweater." Nakangisi kong sabi matapos niyang i-lock ang
pintuan.

"You can have it later." Sagot lamang niya bago niya tinawid ang distansya namin at
nilamukos ako ng mainit na halik. Habang sinisipsip niya ang pangibabang labi ko ay
napakapit ang isang kamay ko sa kanyang sweater samantalang ang isa naman ay
pumasok sa loob noon. Dinama ko ang kanyang matigas na kalamnan habang gutom na
gutom niya akong hinahalikan.

I literally had to pull away because I was running out of air.

"Wait lang," Awat ko sa kanya nang pilit niyang hinahabol ang labi ko. After I drew
a deep breath, I then met his hungry lips again.

"You taste like coconut..." Bulong niya bago sandaling dinilaan ang aking
pangibabang labi. We're both panting from a long and hot kiss.

"It's lipbalm. You like?"

Bago siya sumagot ay pinaraan niyang muli ang kanyang mainit na dila sa aking halos
namamagang mga labi.

"As long as it's on your lips."

Ngumisi naman ako. Maya-maya ay hinitak niya ako
he sat down ay hinitak niya ako paupo sa kanyang
imagination ko lamang ba iyon o talagang tumitig
seconds na parang na-miss niya ako buong araw. I
could confirm it, he looked away.
papunta sa isa sa mga kama. When
kandungan. Hindi ko alam kung
siya sa akin for solid five
wasn't sure because right before I

"Got any plans today?" Tanong niya habang hinahawi niya papunta sa likod ng aking
tenga ang mga basang buhok na tumabing sa aking mukha.

Umiling ako at humawak sa kanyang mga balikat.

"Sa thirty one pa ako magse-celebrate kasama ang family ko."

He nodded and then said, "You're all mine tonight?"

"Aha," I replied, which made him smirk.

"But,"

He cocked his eyebrow, urging me to go on.

"Since it's my birthday, and I want something."

He hummed.

"And that is?"

I smiled seductively before I leaned in his ear and whispered, "I want to be in
control of everything that we will until it's ten p.m"

Naramdaman ko na humigpit ang kanyang hawak sa aking mga bewang.

I licked his earlobe before I whispered again, "From when you can touch me to when
you can cöme...And it all ends after the clock hits ten."

I heard him inhale sharply. Nakangisi naman akong umayos ng upo sa kanyang
kandungan. I then crossed my arms on my chest as I looked at his face, which is now
dark with lust.

"Eight p.m. That's it, since I can't last another hour without touching you
whenever I want." He huskily replied while eyeing me like a hungry predator. I
looked at my watch, that's not enough. It's already six in the evening.

And so, I pouted.

"Aww, too bad. I was gonna say na may reward ka if you comply with what I want."

His eyes then gleamed with curiosity.

"Which are?"

Kinagat ko ang pangibabang labi ko, bumaba doon ang kanyang mainit na tingin
sandali.

"If you don't break my rules......you get to tàke my åss." I said. I have been
thinking about it and I decided that I want it. It scares me knowing his size but I
want to try something new. Mag-experiment kumbaga, I want to know if ånål is for me
or not, and I want him to be the one who does it.

Tila naman na-surpresa siya doon dahil bahagyang nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata. At
the same time, he liked the idea of it because his blue eyes grew darker with need.

I then teasingly gripped his collar and played with it.

"So, what is it gonna be, Dr. Arguello? Hmm?" I asked and even batted my eyelashes.

A beat of silence had passed between us before his adam's apple bobbed.

"Fine." Sagot niya na ikinangiti ko nang malawak. Oh, this is gonna be fun.

Like usual, siya ang nagmaneho pauwi at pina-pick-up kong muli sa isa sa mga family
bodyguard ang aking sasakyan. Habang pauwi kami ay hindi niya binibitawan ang hita
ko, sinulit niya ang paghawak sa akin since the moment that we finally stepped in
his house. He was no longer allowed to touch me unless I allowed him.

Habang nila-lock niya ang maindoor ay naglakad ako patungo sa couch niyang malaki.
I then dropped my bag on it. And like my sixth sense, I didn't need to hear his
footsteps to know that he's around. I just had to feel his heavy and hot gaze on my
back.

When I turned around, I saw him standing a few feet away from me. Ang kanyang mga
asul na mga mata ay madilim sa pagnanasa...para sa akin.

With his stare still burning my skin, I reached down and pulled my g-string. His
brows furrowed in confusion.

"What are you doing?" He asked in a guttural tone noong nahubad ko na ang aking
itim na g-string. Hindi ako sumagot bagkus ay hinubad ko din ang aking laced
brassiere nang hindi tinatanggal ang aking blouse.

His jaw clenched as he watched my bra drop on the floor. Matapos noon ay lumapit
ako sa kanya at sinalubong ang kanyang mga mata. I can tell that his patience is
wearing thin every second that's passed.

"...It's nothing but a short, short skirt around the house," I said seductively,
quoting Margot Robbie from the Wolf of Wall Street. "And a see through blouse
tonight....do you see my nipples?" I teasingly asked.

His jaw tightly clenched and his eyes dropped on my chest.

"Little f¨cking brat.."

Ngumisi ako.

"I know." Sagot ko. I then let out a sigh. "So, labas mo titî mo---wait," I stopped
myself because I couldn't help but to chuckle. "Masyadong demanding pakinggan, how
do you do it so sexily?" Natatawang tanong ko sa kanya pero hindi siya natawa doon.
His dark gaze is just fixed on me, he looked like he can't wait until he can
finally touch me.

"Seryoso na nga," Sabi ko at tumikhim. "Take off your clothes."

He did what I told him, I watched my present slowly strip itself in front of me. I
then slowly walked towards him. I can see all of him. From his hard chest, rock-
hard abs, to his jutting and hard cóck.

"You're so hard...yet, wala pa akong ginagawa sa'yo." Nangaasar kong sabi sa kanya.
Nagtiim bagang naman siya.

"When that clock hits ten. Lagot ka talaga sa akin." Mariin niyang sabi.

I smiled sweetly.

"Too much talking." I replied and then made him sit on the couch.

"Remember, no touching yet." I reminded him when he tried to touch me. Sumimangot
lamang siya at humawak sa sandalan ng couch.

"Good."

I then straddled him, hindi ko na kailangan ng foreplay para mabasa. I am already

wet with just the idea of fúcking him. And so, I hovered on top of him and grabbed
his cøck.

My eyes almost rolled back in pleasure when I ran the fat tip on my wet folds. Holy
shît, isang linggo lamang kaming 'di nag-séx ay ganito na ako kasabik.

Noong pinaraan kong muli ang kanyang ulo doon ay napamura siya. His hands are
tightly gripping the backrest of the couch. It has been a week and I am really,
really in need for him kaya naman hindi ko na pinatagal.

In one swift move, I sat on his big, fat cøck. Sabay kaming napaungol. Napakapit
ako sa kanyang mga balikat ng sumagad siya sa aking loob! Mas malalim talaga at mas
masarap sa posisyon na ito.

"Vlanca, fúck me." Utos niya.

"I need another word."

He groaned before he said, "Please."

"See, that wasn't so hard?" Nangaasar kong sabi. The humor dissipates in the air
when I lifted myself and then thrusted back down.

"Vlanca.." He moaned with his eyes tight shut.

I loved that sound kaya naman matapos kong maayos na kumapit sa kanyang mga balikat
ay nagsimula akong magtaas baba sa kanyang kandungan. I started bouncing on his lap
slowly, until I got impatient and started moving faster.

"Oh, shît." I cussed, I can feel him stretching my walls and filling my hole inch
by inch. Hindi ko maiwasang paglaruan ang aking dibdib habang patuloy akong
nagtataas baba sa kanyang kandungan.

Suddenly, I can feel the tension building up in my lower belly. When I opened my
eyes, I saw his dark eyes watching everything I do. Pleasure is written all over
his face and yet he looks unsatisfied at the same time.

"Let me touch you." He growled habang mariin na nakahawak sa likuran ng couch ang
kanyang mga kamay.

With my body burning in carnal lust and my ørgasm approaching. Kinuha ko ang
kanyang kamay at dinala iyon sa mga dibdib ko. Marahas niyang hinubad ang aking
blouse at sabik na sabik niyang nilamas ang mga dibdib ko sa kanyang malalaking mga
kamay.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagkalat ng napakasarap na kiliti sa aking buong katawan

nang isubo niya ang aking matigas na tuktok at paglaruan iyon gamit ang kanyang
dila. All the while, I was riding his cóck with the skirt bunched up on my waist.

"Holy fúck I'm gonna come...." He growled after he let my nipple go. Bumaba ang
kanyang mga kamay sa aking mga bewang habang napasandal ang kanyang ulo sa sandalan
ng couch.

"Not yet." Hinihingal kong sabi sa kanya habang marahan akong nagtataas baba sa
kanyang kandungan.

Itinaas naman niya ang kanyang ulo. He hissed when I clenched around him.

"Vlanca...shît."

I smirked and removed his hands from me again.

"Noo.." He whined but I ignored it.

And with my skirt still on, I rode him until I come again and again....but I didn't
let him come. His cóck felt impossibly hard inside me while it was obvious in his
face that he's struggling to hold his cóme back. I enjoy seeing him struggle,
because it's always me who struggles and beg for my release. I want him to
experience it kahit isang beses lang.

"Gøddåmn it, Vlanca, let me cøme." His tone was gruff and his eyes were very dark.
I know that I will pay for this after ten but I couldn't care less.

Like a little brat, umalis ako sa kandungan niya. As I stood up with shaky legs, I
saw how wet and hard his cóck was, habang nakasandal iyon sa kanyang matigas na
kalamnan. His heavy balls are resting beneath the hard shaft.

"Fúck," He cussed when it twitched.

With his hooded he watched me take a step back.

"Vlanca, where the hell are you going?"

I didn't answer, instead, I just sat on his expensive coffee table. Napaawang ang
kanyang mapupulang mga labi at napamura siya nang bumukaka ako sa harapan niya. My
wet and brownish pússy is now on full display...for him.

I gathered some of my juices with my fingers.

"Give me a taste." He gruffly said.

Kaya naman sandali ako nag-lean palapit. I didn't need to move closer dahil siya na
mismo ang lumapit para isubo ang aking mga daliri. He groaned at my taste in his
mouth.

"Give me more." He demanded again after he licked my fingers clean.

But I didn't do what he said, instead, with a smirk on my lips, I started touching
myself with the same fingers that are wet with his saliva.

Nagtiim bagang siya habang nakatuon lamang ang kanyang mga mata sa aking ginagawa.
And holy shît, I felt so hot and like a vixen now that he's watching me do it. He
didn't object since he liked what he was seeing. I then saw his cóck and leaked
with pre-cúm before I closed my eyes in pleasure. My fingers are now circling
around my clît.

"Ahh, Kiel...it feels so good---AHH!"

Napadilat ako nang maramdaman ako ang bibig niya sa aking basang pagkababae. My
mouth parted when I saw him kneeling down.

He cast me a glare.

"You only said no touching, you never said I can't eat you." He said hotly and
without taking his eyes off of me, pinaraan niya ang kanyang mainit na dila sa
aking hiwa. Gathering my juices in his mouth. Hindi na ako nakapag-protesta pa, I
just helplessly gripped his hair when he covered my püssy with his mouth!

"Ooh!" I moaned when he nibbled on my clît before sucking it. Mas lalo lamang
humigpit ang kapit ko sa kanyang buhok nang sipsipin niya at dilaan ang aking labi
doon! And he didn't stop until an ørgasm hit me again!

"Kiel..." Nanghihina kong bulong bago ko tuluyang nabitawan ang kanyang buhok. As I
weakly laid there like a puddle of jelly. I slowly felt his hand roaming on my
body. Napatingin ako sa orasan na nasa taas ng malaking T.V.

Alas dies na.

Napatingin naman ako sa kanya. He's now towering over me, gulo-gulo na ang kanyang
buhok habang mapula ang kanyang mga pisngi. Ang katas ko nakakalat sa kanyang mga
labi. Now, that same lips has a wicked grin.

"You had your fun," His voice is dangerously low. "I am now gonna have mine."

"Can you let me re--"

"No." He growled and then carried me like I weighed nothing. He kicked his bedroom
door open. I am still weak from the ørgasms I've had earlier kaya naman hinayaan ko
lamang siya na ituwad ako sa gilid ng kama. He even reached for a pillow and put it
under me, so my åss is elevated.

And without warning he slammed his cock all the way in. Air left my fúcking lungs
as he pulled back and mercilessly slammed again!

"Ahh!" Ungol at kumapit sa kanyang bedsheet.

He smacked my åss cheek.

"Oh, fück. Your püssy feels so fücking good."

Wala siyang sinayang na oras, nagsimula siyang magpakawala ng mararahas at

mabibilis na ulos. Ang kanyang isang kamay ay mariin na nakahawak sa aking bewang
samantalang ang isa ay minamasahe ang aking butil.

And with a high pitched scream, I clenched around him and came again. I felt my
juice gushed out of me as I sobbed his name weakly. Hindi pa rin siya lumulubay, in
fact, when I tried to crawl away from him since I was too tired to take him. He
just held me by my waist and slammed me against his long and hard cóck.

"AHH!"

Bumagal ang kanyang pagbaon dahil inilapit niya ang kanyang katawan sa akin. He
hugged my body as I felt his lips near my ear.

"You're not going anywhere, little brat." He growled in my ear. "You will still
take my cøck in this, " I yelped when he smacked my left åss cheek. "Pretty little
åss, si?"

I nodded. My insides clenched because of arousal.

"Si?" He repeated.

"Si, si, Prenderò il tuo cazzo come una brava ragazza..." I'll take your cöck like
a good girl. I replied in Italian.

I felt him smirk against my ear.

And then he pulled away and started pounding me again. It didn't take him long
until I heard him moan my name and then I felt his warm seed coating my walls.
After a few moments, he pulled out kaya naman hinihingal akong napatihaya. Humiga
naman siya sa tabi ko, He cupped my face and kissed my lips.

"You okay?"

With a smile on my face, I nodded repeatedly.

"More than okay."

He smirked bago niya ako hinitak palapit sa kanyang matigas at pawisan na katawan.

"Rest, you need it."

Pinagpahinga niya lamang ako nang ilang minuto bago ko naramdaman na nabuhay na
naman ang pagkalalaki niya. And I was up for another round. If he's gonna take my
åss I wanted to do it standing, kaya naman sa gilid kami ng kama pumwesto.
Napaungol ako nang maramdaman ko ang daliri niya sa loob ko, he was scooping some
of our mixed juices with his fingers and bringing it to my other hole. I sighed
when I felt the warm sensation on my åss crack.

I then inhaled sharply when I felt the blunt tip on my puckered hole. Hindi ko alam
kung saan pa ako humuhugot ng energy, dahil maga-alas dose na ng gabi ay nakuha ko
pa ring tumayo. Well, I am certain that it's because of the adrenaline and
excitement I was feeling because I am about to do something new with him.

"You can still back out." He said, his tone completely gentle.

I shook my head and looked over my shoulder. The light from the lamp is
illuminating on his handsome face.

"I want to do this." I firmly replied.

He nodded.

Napaharap naman akong muli sa dingding. I was ready to feel the pain pero imbes na
iyon ang naramdaman ko ay daliri niya sa aking naninigas na butil ang naramdaman
ko.

"Ohh," I moaned.

Napasandig ang noo ko sa pader nang naramdaman ko ang sarap na dulot noon..I was so
distracted with the pleasure that I was feeling to the point na hindi ko namalayan
na pumasok na pala siya doon.

My eyes opened wide when I felt the bite of pain at the intrusion of his huge cøck
in my tight hole.

I then heard him groan like a wounded animal.

He pushed more and more, until I felt his balls slapped against my åss cheek.

"Fück..." I can feel my tears building up because he's just so big and so thick. I
could take him but the pain is so much.

"Relax, let me in, Vlanca.." He gently said and showered kisses on the back of my
neck.

Napalunok naman ako bago siya sinunod. Instead of focusing on the pain. I focused
on his fingers in my püssy, slowly rocking back and forth.

After a few moments, I adjusted to his size, I started pushing back, letting him
know that I can already take him.

"Keep your hands on the wall." He commanded, which I immediately did.

Without wasting another second, he started to pound my virgin høle while his
fingers were buried deep in my püssy. The pain is definitely worth it dahil halos
manginig ang mga tuhod ko sa sarap!

"Fúck, this åss is mine now." He growled as claimed my hole over and over again.

Wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi ang umungol. Hindi ko na alam kung saan ako
magpo-focus dahil nakakaliyo ang sarap na dulot ng kanyang mga daliri at ng kanyang
pagkakalalaki.

"Kiel, Kiel, I'm gonna come."

He groaned. Nang sumagad pareho ang kanyang daliri sa loob ko at ng pagkalalaki
niya ay doon na ako napasigaw sa sarap! Kinailangan niyang alisin agad ang kanyang
mga daliri mula sa loob ko at hawakan ako sa magkabilang bewang dahil kung hindi ay
matutumba ako.

My ørgasm hit me like a tsunami wave to the point that it left me like a puddle of
jelly.

An audible gasp left my lips when he pulled out and carried me. I automatically
wrapped my legs around his hard waists.

Napamura ako nang ipasok niyang muli ang kanyang pagkalalaki sa aking butas. It
didn't hurt that much and his intrusion was smooth because of our mixed come that
he used as lube. Hinang-hina akong napakapit sa kanyang leeg habang nagsimula muli
siyang umulos.

He pinned me against the wall before he attacked my lips with a kiss, tinugon ko
naman ang kanyang halik habang patuloy siyang umuulos.

"You feel so fúcking good.." He whispered against my lips. Napasabunot na lamang

ako sa kanyang basang buhok nang ibaon niya ang kanyang mukha sa aking leeg.

"Vlanca." He growled against my skin. I knew he's close dahil pabilis na ng pabilis
ang kanyang pag galaw.

And I was right dahil matapos ang ilang malalalim na ulos ay naramdaman ko ang
pagkibot ng kanyang pagkalalaki sa loob ko at kasunod noon ay ang pagpuno ng
kanyang mainit na katas sa aking butas.

Pawisan akong napasandig sa dingding habang rinig ko ang kanyang hingal at ang
kanyang mabilis na tibok na puso.

"Happy birthday to me." Hindi ko maiwasang mabulong sa sarili ko iyon habang may
nakakalokong ngisi sa aking mga labi. This is the wildest and filthiest celebration
I have ever had in my life.

Hindi naman kami matagal na tumayo dahil matapos niyang mahabol ang kanyang hininga
ay inihiga na niya ako sa kanyang kama. Matapos noon ay nilinisan niya ako since I
was really tired and too worn out to even stand up and shower. He offered to take
me to the bathtub, pero I refused dahil hindi ko na talaga kaya. Ngayon ay balot na
ako ng kanyang kumot samantalang lumabas siya upang ikuha ako ng baso ng tubig.

Hindi nagtagal ay narinig ko ang pagbukas at pagsara ng pintuan. Kaya naman pinilit
ko na umupo at sumandal sa headboard ng kanyang kama dahil nauuhaw na talaga ako.
He silently gave me his hydro flask instead of just a glass of water. Ang extra
talaga.

Hindi na ako nag-reklamo at uminom na lamang doon. Nang matapos ako ay kinuha niya
iyon mula sa akin at ipinatong iyon sa bedside table. I then laid down but then my
brows furrowed at him because he was still standing beside me. And it looks like he
was holding something behind him.

"Kiel, what is it?"

He sighed softly before he showed me what he was holding behind him. Napaupo naman
ako nang makita kong rectangle shaped iyon na..... regalo.

"Shét, house and lot ba 'yan, Kuya Will?" Pangaasar ko and I even covered my mouth.
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. Tumawa naman ako at umayos ng upo, I flinched when I
felt the pain on my backside. Agad naman siyang lumapit sa akin at tinulungan akong
umupo.

He then sat beside me and put the gift on my lap. Even though he was wearing a
shirt and sweatpants, I could still feel his warmth radiating.

"Per il mio piccolo marmocchio.." For my little brat. Basa ko doon sa card na nasa
labas noon.

Agad kong pinunit ang kulay pulang wrapper, sumalubong sa akin ang kulay itim na
box. Natigalgal ako ng makita ko ang laman noon.

"Stethoscope," I whispered to myself as I looked at the simple yet beautiful

stethoscope on top of a....thick binder?

I got curious kaya naman sandali kong itinabi ang stethoscope na iyon at inilabas
ang mukhang lumang binder. Binuklat ko ang cover noon na may nakalagay na 'Roy
Ezekiel Arguello, 4th year' sa gilid.

With my mouth parted, I stared at him in surprise.

"Your personal reviewer for PLE?"

He nodded.

"Happy birthday, little brat." He whispered while looking at me with those blue
orbs. "It's not much but--"

"Anong it's not much ka diyan? Pagkatapos mo akong grabeng kåntútin, papangitiin mo
naman ako?!" Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na ibulalas iyon.

"Well, I'm glad that I made you smile." Sabi niya, still looking into my eyes. My
heart was beating so dàmn fast.

I didn't know what to say since I didn't expect him to do any of this. I also
didn't expect the crazy beating of my heart kaya naman napayakap na lamang ako sa
kanya ng mahigpit.

Chapter 33: Is it Normal for Sneaky Links to Give Gifts?

Hey, gorls, just wanna say na mas maganda pa kayo sa gabi, yiee haha. 🤭😂

Happy reading and I'll see y'all next chapter! 😘

-ro-ughn.

***

Martina Vlanca

"Well, someone looked like she had a good night." Tukso ni Dakota habang naglalakad
kami patungo sa reception table kung nasaan ang resident na magsasabi kung sino ang
Attending namin ngayon. Pwede naman sana na i-page na lang niya sa amin, but, no,
they did not do that for whatever reason.

Le sigh.

It's a miracle that I woke up early after the activities that I've done with Kiel
last night. It's also a miracle that I get to walk like he didn't just devirginized
my åss.

"Oo nga, noh..n'yare sa'yo?" Sulpot ni Liv sa gilid ko at sandaling pinasadahan ng

tingin sandali ang 'uncomfortable-looking' walk ko. Dakota subtly rolled her eyes
at her.

I was gonna say that 'It's because our dear professor was balls deep in my åss last
night,' but of course, I bit my tongue and forced a smile at Liv.

"Mind your own beeswax, Liv." Nanunuya kong sagot. Ngumising aso lamang siya bago
nagpatiunang maglakad kasama ng ibang med student na kasalukuyang naglalakad sa
aming harapan. Now that my whole batch is walking in the hallway, we somehow looked
like a herd of sheeps---well, a herd of surgical-hungry med students.

And currently we're behind that herd since mabagal kaming naglalakad ni Dakota.
Although, yes, I still get to walk but not comfortably since there is still that
sting of pain on my backside.

"Chismosa talaga." Bulong ni Dakota sa akin na ikitawa ko nang mahina. I didn't

entertain her question because of the exact reason. If I told Liv any small detail,
she would twist my words like a pretzel and turn it into something else, and next
thing you know kumalat na sa buong hospital na nakipag-threesome ako kagabi. Yeah,
she can be that extreme.

I shook my head at that thought.

"Ganda ng stethoscope mo ah." Sabi ni Dakota at hinipo nang bahagya ang nakapalibot
na black and gold na stethoscope sa leeg ko. Napangisi naman ako.

"Thanks. Regalo lang." Vague ko na sagot.

She cocked her arched eyebrow.

"Hmmm...who will give you a 3M litmann classic III stethoscope?"

Tumawa naman ako nang bahagya.

"Alam na alam talaga ang model ah."

"Duh, ganyan ang gamit mostly ng mga Attendings noh. And gorl, 'wag mong iwasan ang
tanong." She widened her eyes at me for a moment.

Kala ko makakalusot na ako.

"Someone.." I vaguely replied again.

"Ah, someone.." Sinundan pa niya iyon nang tango. "Yung bang someone na 'yan ay
'yung kasama mo kagabi at ay 'yung nag-iiwan lagi ng food para sa'yo either sa on-
call room bed or sa fridge?" Tanong niya habang nakataas pa rin ang kanyang kilay,
her brown eyes are on me like a CCTV camera.

Shît, she is observant. Lumunok naman ako at naglayo ng tingin.

"Maybe."

She let out a sigh kaya naman napatingin ako sa kanya. She's now pouting.

"Come on, kahit kaunting details lang....and did you also know that people are tend
to be more curious, the more you withhold information from them?"

I snorted.

"Gorl, are you pulling a psychology trick on me?" Naniningkit na mga matang tanong
ko sa kanya.

She just hummed before she replied, "I mean, I'd be disappointed in my bachelor's
degree in Pscychology if the trick didn't work."

I let out a chuckle and playfully hit her arm.

"Sinasabi ko na nga ba e."

"Sige na kasi, Vlanca..." Pilit pa niya habang nakanguso sa akin. "Just the status
qou of this person and then matatahimik na ako." She added with a grin.

Naglayo naman ako ng tingin muli. I am thinking of whether I should tell her
anything or not, since even though na nagkasundo kami ni Kiel na sekreto ang kung
ano mang ginagawa namin until we're both tired of each other, or atleast until I
graduate, since his career and my education are both fúcked if it gets out.

But then may possibility pa din na may makakalam before I graduate, and with that
in mind, I am hesitating to tell any small to tiny details to Dakota since if ----
that's only if since we're careful, but if ever nga na lumabas man ang ginagawa
namin ni Kiel ay certainly na ayokong madamay si Dakota doon.

But she's also not gonna stop until I tell her something which is way worse.

Status qou lang naman ang hinihingi niya. It's not like I am gonna tell her
anything else other than that.

"Fine," I replied with a sigh. "We're sneaky links."

Umawang ang kanyang mga labi, pero matapos noon ay kumunot ang kanyang noo. Mukha
siyang nalilito and at the same time, she also looks like she's trying to solve an
equation.

"You're lying, right?" She asked with squinted eyes.

Mabilis akong umiling.

"No."

"It's either you're lying about your status with this person, or in-denial ka, or
manhid ka." She followed it with a chuckle.

It was my turn to look confused.

"Gorl, what the hell are you talking about?"

She just smirked and shook her head. It took me a few good seconds of silence until
what she meant dawned upon me.
"Oh, please, walang meaning ang mga ginagawa niya, okay? We're...friends." I
replied and looked away. I then chewed on my lower lip.

Yes, we're friends because he cares for me outside the bed. For when I was
stressing out, have my period, and give me eight of his hoodies. It's all just
friendly behavior but why am I having a hard time breathing because of my
palpitating heart?

And why is it palpitating to begin with? I took a few deep breaths.

"Friends, sige sabi mo e."

I clicked my tongue. Napatigil naman na kami sa paglalakad dahil naabot na namin

ang reception table. We're all now gathered infront of it and I can already hear
the resident calling names.

"Stop giving it a meaning....we're....just fúcking." I replied. "Nothing more."

Suddenly, why does the phrase 'nothing more' feel like shît?

"Alright," She shrugged. "I will believe that if you sound like you believe what
you just said."

"I believe it." I replied but unironically my tone sounded...shaky. What the hell
is happening to me?

Tumango siya subalit mababakas sa kanyang mukha na hindi siya sa akin naniniwala.

"Even your voice is betraying you."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I replied with a cool tone.

She eyed me for a moment before her gaze went back in front of us.

"Mmmh, sabi mo e."

'Is it normal for sneaky links to give gifts?'

I felt stupid for typing that on google search bar but I did it anyway.....because
unfortunately, Dakota's got into my head with her indenial stuff.

Ngayon ay narito ako sa elevator, it's gonna take me to the third floor kung nasaan
si docmonyo. Yeah, sa kanya ako naka-assign ngayon. Nang bumukas ang metal doors ay
saka lamang lumabas ang resulta. I scrolled and I saw a thread of answers on reddit
because apparently somebody publicly asked this before, thank the universe.

U_sir11: 'The point of having a sneaky link is to not catch feelings while having a
good time...'

"True." Bulong ko sa sarili ko habang naglalakad. Even though, my eyes are still on
my phone, wala naman akong mababangga dahil sa gilid ako ng hallway dumadaan.

'...That's why your attachment with this person should be in bed only--'

"Tsk, hindi ba pwedeng maging friends?" Bulong ko sa sarili ko bago bumalik sa

pagbabasa ng mga sagot.

Noiz00: 'I don't advise gift-giving and intimacy during an agreement because it's
could be a potential start of something else other than--'

I stopped reading and switched to another answer, because that person's answer
upsets me somehow.

Loli-yolo1010: LMAO, y'all are a bunch of in-denials with these comments.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit napairap ako sa nakita kong komentong iyon.

Horhehe58: 'Just do not give anything or do things outside the bed with the sneaky
link, if you're afraid or not ready of what potentially comes after that.'

Napatigil ako sa paglalakad at napatitig sa sagot ng estrangherong iyon.

It's not the answer that I was looking for but at the same time, it felt like it
was.

I shook my head. I'm probably just being crazy and Dakota is just messin' with me.
It's just all in my head. Masyado lang talaga akong nago-overthink. Kiel just cares
for me and I care for him.....as a friend. I am certainly not catching feelings---

"Good morning, Del Russo."

Halos mabitawan ko ang cellphone ko nang sumulpot siya sa harapan ko. Sandali ko
naman siyang pinasadahan ng tingin. Wala siyang suot na whitecoat kaya naman kitang
kita ko ang kanyang matitipunong mga braso dahil maikli lamang ang manggas ng
kanyang deep blue scrubs. Samantalang ang kanyang pangibaba ay scrubs din, and this
time, he's wearing his surgeon shoes.

Nang bumalik ang tingin ko sa kanyang mukha ay napansin ko na naka-gather sa loob

ng kanyang green na scrubcap ang kanyang itim na buhok. Habang ang kanyang mga mata
ay nakatingin lamang sa akin. Well, those pair of blue orbs looked pleased when he
saw that I was using the stethoscope.

"Jusko, para ka namang kabute." Sabi ko sa kanya at napahawak sa dibdib ko dahil

kumakabog iyon sa gulat.

Mas kinailangan ko pa atang hawakan ang dibdib ko ng mas matagal dahil kumabog lalo
iyon nang kumalat ang ngisi sa kanyang mapupulang mga labi.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito sa gilid ng hallway?" Tanong niya. Umiling lamang ako at
ibinulsa agad ang cellphone ko.

"Just stopped...to check something on my phone." Sagot ko at humugot ng hininga. My

nostrils then flooded with his fresh and manly scent. "Ikaw anong ginagawa mo
dito?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

With a smile on his lips, he answered, "Lumapit kasi nakita kita."

Napalunok ako. What kind of answer is that and bakit natameme ako?

"Oh," Iyon lamang ang nasagot ko.

"At para din ipaalam sa'yo na magsisimula na tayong mag-rounds." He added and
pointed the charts he was holding, ngayon ko lamang iyon napansin.
I just nodded in response. Hindi nakaligtas sa paningin ang pagkunot ng kanyang mga
noo. He's probably confused why I am quieter than usual. Well, I am quiet because I
am bothered and I can't tell him the reason why because I will sound ridiculous.

Although, he confused pero walang sinabi. Nagsimula lamang kaming maglakad patungo
sa unang kwarto ng pasyente subalit ramdam ko pa din ang kanyang tingin sa akin.

"Vlanca..is everything okay?" His tone was gentle but at the same time he sounded
worried.

".....Okay lang ba tayo? Did I do something wrong?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa
sunod-sunod niyang mga tanong.

Agad naman akong lumingon sa kanya at umiling.

"No, no, It's not you."

"Then what?" His brows were still furrowed.

"Kulang lang ako sa tulog."

His face then relaxed. "I'll let you take a break early and then I'll give you the
key to my on-call room. So, you can sleep there."

"No, you can't do that." Pagtutol ko. Obviously, he didn't like my response but he
has to deal with it.

I looked around first, we're still walking since the room is at the end of the
hallway. Nang wala nang masyadong tao ay pabulong ko siyang sinagot.

"I am a big girl with big girl panties on. I can handle myself just fine. I managed
to walk after you wrecked my holes, sisiw lang mag-push through my duty, noh."
Playful pero seryoso kong sagot.

Napangisi naman siya.

"That's my little brat." Sagot niya habang nakatitig sa akin.

I just looked away because I felt like I was having another palpitations. I should
probably stop drinking strong coffee.

My day went on doing the same thing but I am not sick of it. I liked interacting
with the patients I admit and also the patients I interact with during the rounds.
Since it was a busy morning, the time went by fast. So, I wasn't really thinking
about what bothers me. My focus was just on the patients and thankfully not on the
hot, hot doctor beside me most of the time.

Nang sumapit ang ala-una nang tanghali
kitain. I just woke up from a one hour
umaga. Hindi na lamang si docmonyo ang
pasyente, since kasama na din namin si
resident.
ay may pasyente muli kaming kailangang
nap kaya naman mas fresh ako kaysa kaninang
kasama ko noong pumunta kami sa kwarto ng
Basil, ang isa sa mga ka-closed kong

"Oaklynn Cordero, seventeen years old with stage three pancreatic cancer. Her
diabetes developed into pancreatic cancer when she was ten. Since then she's been
in chemo. However, her cancer is not showing any prognosis through chemo treatments
over the years, because of the amount of the tumors. And today, she's here for
Whipple surgery..." While Basil was presenting her case, I was looking at Oaklynn.

Kasalukuyan siyang naka-hospital gown subalit may mga design iyon, it looks like
she painted on it. She's thin and her pale skin contrasted with the color of her
bright orange bonnet. May mabulaklak na hikaw sa kanyang mga tainga at naka-make up
siya. Most importantly, she has the brightest smile in the room.

Hindi ko din maiwasang mapansin ang mga libro na naka-stack sa gilid ng kanyang
kama. There are also unfinished paintings beside it, which tells me that she's very
creative and just full of life.

"Hi sa inyo, mga doktor!" Masiglang bati niya, we all greeted her back including
Kiel.

"Hi, Oaklynn.." He gently greeted her. "You're a very talented girl." He pointed
out when he saw the art pieces.

Malawak na ngumiti ang bata.

"Thank you, doc. Kaya gusto kong gumaling dahil gusto ko pang magtayo ng art museum
someday."

Tumango si Kiel.

"You definitely can."

The girl grinned.

"So, doc, magagawa niyo po ba ang surgery?" Blunt na tanong ni Oaklynn, still there
is that sweet look on her face.

Sandali naman tumingin si Kiel sa kanyang mga magulang. They're both standing
beside their daughter's bed. Nakuha ni Oaklynn mula sa kanyang ina ang kanyang
magagandang mga mata at heart shaped na mukha, samantalang ang halos magkamuha sila
ng ilong ng kanyang ama. They're both wearing casual clothes, and worry on their
faces are visible.

"Bago ako makapag-guarantee nang kahit ano ay kailangan mo munang dumaan sa CT para
makita natin kung ano ang haharapin natin sa operating room, okay?"

Tumango naman si Oaklynn.

"Walang problema, doc. Dadaan ako sa lahat test ma-operahan mo lang ako.
Nakakapagod na kasi ang chemotheraphy....ayoko nang mamuhay ng mahina at
miserable..." Her eyes teared up. Niyakap naman siya ng kanyang ina. Chemo kills
cancer but it has side effects such as hairloss, anemia, bruising, loss of
appetite, and the list goes on and on. And on top of that, she also has to
experience the effects of her cancer.

My heart broke for her. She's so young and yet she already faced so much...and
still is facing so much.

"Yes, doc. Anything na kailangan niyong gawin upang maisagawa ninyo ang operasyon
sa anak namin." Sabi ni Mr. Cordero.

Kiel then nodded and gave them a reassuring smile.

As Kiel have said, kailangan nga niya ng CT and so, we briefly took her there and
ran the CT. She's now back in her room, and we're all here standing in front of the
monitor, looking at her result.

"Dåmn it." Napamura siya.

Napailing na lamang si Basil habang natuptop ko ang aking bibig sandali nang makita
namin iyon.

The poor girl has barely a pancreas visible on the scan dahil halos balot na iyon
ng mga maliliit at malalaking tumor. He was pinching the bridge of his nose as Dr.
Medina walked in. Pina-page niya sa akin ang kanyang fellow general surgeon para sa
consultation, kanina. He took almost half an hour to get here since he was in
surgery.

"Tell me what you see." Sabi niya kay Medina habang nagma-matyag lamang kami ni
Basil.

"It's possible to operate on this girl since according to her blood results, she's
well enough, pero imposible na makuha mo lahat ng tumor na iyan, Dr. Arguello."

"But I am not aiming to take everything." Sagot niya. "Ang goal ko ay kuhanin lahat
ng kaya kong makuha, and then, she can do radiation....not for long, just enough
time to kill the remaining tumors."

That's a brilliant plan, but still, it's very dangerous.

"Pero Dr. Arguello, sa dami ng nasa scan ay malaki ang posibilidad na maubusan siya
ng dugo at mamatay sa lamesa...I suggest you do not do this."

"Thank you for your insight." Iyon lamang ang sinagot at kinamayan si Dr. Medina.
He then printed the results and nodded at us, non-verbally saying that we have to
go.

And so, we silently followed him.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cordero pwede ko po ba kayong makausap sa labas?" Tanong ni Kiel nang
bumalik kami sa kwarto ni Oaklynn.

Oaklynn shook her head.

"No, Doc...please...sabihin niyo din po sa akin ang resulta at kung anong

mangyayari."

Kiel looked at her parents, they both nodded. Anxiety and worry is written all over
their faces. Lumapit si Kiel sa gilid ng kama ni Oaklynn, malapit sa kanya ang
vomit bucket ni Oaklynn. Constant vomiting is one of the effects of her cancer.

"Oaklynn, marami ng tumor na nakabalot sa pancreas mo." He said.

The girl just nodded, her face still conveying a strong expression. Samantalang
napaluha ang kanyang mga magulang.

"Pero magagawa niyo po ba ang operasyon?" She fiercely asked.

"Yes, pero---"

"Please, gawin niyo po." Matigas niyang sagot.

"Oaklynn, hear me out first, please," He gently asked her. "Kapag ginawa ko ang
surgery, hindi ko makukuha ang lahat. Ang kaya ko lamang gawin ay bawasan ang mga
tumor, and then kailangan mong bumalik muli sa radiation upang malusaw ang
natitirang tumor. Hindi natin masasabi kung gaano katagal dahil depende iyon sa
matitira....subalit, iyon ang concern natin after. My main concern as your doctor
is your survival during the operation, Oaklynn." He carefully explaining to them.
"Ang survival rate lamang ng operasyon na ito ay twenty five percent....at bilang
doktor mo ay sina-suggest ko na magpatuloy ka na lamang sa chemo dahil kapag iyon
ang pinili mo kaysa sa operasyon na ito ay magkakaroon ka pa ng mas mahabang
buhay...."

"Gaano po katagal?" Tanong ng kanyang ama.

"One to five years, and kapag maganda ang prognosis ng kanyang cancer ay mas mahaba
pa doon...." He replied and returned his gaze to Oaklynn. "Pero kapag pinili mo ang
operasyon ay maliit lamang ang tyansa na mabuhay ka."

My heart continues to break as I heard his somber tone habang patuloy na umaagos
ang mga luha ni Oaklynn.

Her mother sniffled and forced a smile.

"Maraming salamat, doc, sa pag-try niyo---"

"No, nay, gusto kong gawin."

"Oaklynn, anak, please.."

Umiling siya habang may malungkot na ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

"Kapag pinili ko ang chemo, may posibilidad na mabuhay ako ng isa hanggang limang
taon pero miserable ako sa araw-araw na ginawa ng diyos, nay. Simula sampong taong
gulang pa lamang ako ay araw-araw kong sumusuka, hindi makakain, at nasasaktan ng
mga aparato. Araw-araw kong mararamdaman ang unti-unting paghina ng katawan ko,"
She sobbed. "Ayoko na noon. I don't want to see life happen before my eyes, I want
to experience it. I-I don't want to suffer anymore...so, please, I want to fight
and take the risk. Please, Nanay at Tatay.." Tears were running down her cheeks as
she sobbed.

I glanced at him, his face was somber and he looked very torn.

Roy Ezekiel

"Sigurado na po ba tayo dito, Mr. and Mrs. Cordero?" Tanong ko sa kanilang muli.
Narito kami sa kwarto ni Oaklynn subalit wala na ang kanyang hospital bed, dahil
dinala na siya ni Vlanca at ni Basil sa operating room. Before I operate on Mr. and
Mrs. Cordero's daughter, I ask them for one last time since this is a literal life
and death surgery. Well, every surgery is like that but the chance of death is
higher than life in Oaklynn's case.

It took me a few hours to collect myself and plan out the surgery, step by step,
and precisely. And all the while, Vlanca is on my side, making sure that I don't
mess up anything.

"Anim na taong gulang lamang si Oaklynn noong magka-diabetes siya dahil sa birth
defect. Noon ay walang-wala talaga kami, kaya hindi namin matugunan ang kanyang mga
pangangailangan ng maayos...Hanggang sa umabot siya ng sampong taong gulang. Doon
namin nalaman na lumala ang kanyang diabetes at inatake noon ang kanyang pancreas.
Umabot ng first at second stage ang kanyang cancer....wala kaming ibang magawa kung
hindi dalhin lang siya samga chemotheraphy na libreng pinapamahagi ng mga
organisasyon, dahil hindi namin kaya, dahil baon na baon na kami sa utang noon.

Noong fourteen siya ay umutang kaming muli upang ipangsimula iyon ng business,
dahil kailangan namin ng permanenteng source ng income para sa kanya..at sa awa ng
diyos ay lumago iyon. Noon lamang kami nagkaroon ng sariling pera upang dalhin siya
sa chemo...at ngayon lamang kami tuluyang nakaipon para sa Whipple surgery...."
Humikbi ang kanyang ama.

"Ngayon na kaya na namin siyang pa-operahan kahit na maliit lamang ang tyansa noon,
dahil hindi lang iyon ang gusto niya at dahil din masyado na siyang naghirap. We
will take twenty-five percent chance kung ang ibig sabihin noon ay mababawasan at
mawawala ang paghihirap niya. So, oo doc, sigurado na kami."

I firmly nodded as I looked at them with sympathy.

"Please, doc....hindi ako humihingi ng pangako." Mr. Cordero looked me in the eye.
"Gusto ko lamang na malaman na gagawin ninyo ang lahat-lahat ng makakaya niyo para
sa anak ko."

"Opo. "Gagawin ko ho lahat ng makakaya ko, Mr. and Mrs. Cordero." I firmly replied
while looking back at their eyes.

"Alright, everybody, let's start." I said and took a deep breath. Narito na ako sa
harapan ng surgical table kung saan nakahiga si Oaklyn. She's already under
anesthesia and everybody's prepared. No matter how many surgeries I've done in my
whole career, every surgery will always feel like it's my first.

Especially this, because this is by far the riskiest surgery I will perform. I
glanced for a moment and looked at Vlanca.

She raised her eyebrows, it's her way of telling me that I can do it because her
face is covered in a mask.

And so, I held out my hand and looked at the scrub nurse.

"Scalpel."

After I made a proper incision and carefully cut through the layers of skin,
bumulaga sa akin ang kanyang spongy at pahabang pancreas na napapaligiran ng dugo
at tumor.

"Vitals?" Tanong ko. Part of my plan to make sure nothing in her vitals bottoms out
before I close is to make Vlanca update me the vitals every twenty minutes.

"Heart rate's normal, BP's systolic, temp's at right, resp between 12-16, OxSat
normal."
I nodded, and with the machine beeping around me and with a steady hand, I plucked
out the first tumor with forceps.

"Basin." Utos ko at inilaglag doon ang unang tumor.

And for the next forty minutes, I plucked out tumors.

"Sunction," Utos ko sa resident na agad niyang ginawa. I need visibility since I am

starting to cut through the huge ones. Halos nakaka-labing isang bukol na ako, one
more big one and I can close up.

Right after I took out the last one, her abdominal cavity started flooding with red
crimson liquid.

Shît!

I threw the scalpel and the forceps inside the basin.

"Sunction, sunction." Mabilis kong utos. "Pads!" Agad akong inabutan ng puting
maliliit na tuwalya. The resident started helping me put pads in her abdomen to
absorb the blood until I saw visibility. Mabilis kong hinanap ang kanyang source of
bleeding, it was a popped goddåmn vein in her abdominal wall.

"Multifillament suture." The nurse handed it to me, I started ligating the vessel
by stitching it up with a suture, pero ang kung anong bilis ng pagtahi ko ay 'yun
ding bilis ng pagdurugo niya.

Maingay na tumutunog ang mga machines habang patuloy kong pinipigilan ang bleeding.

"Pressure's bottoming out."

"Sunction, more lap pads!"

My hands are already covered in blood and there are more bloody pads on the floor.
But she's still bleeding and the monitors are still going off.

"Resp is low, no OxSat and---"

Natigil si Vlanca nang tumunog ang flatline sound. Dåmn it!

I tossed the suture back to the cart. Mabilis kong inabot ang defibrillator.

"Charge 150! Clear!"

I shocked her but there was nothing but the defeaning sound of the flat line.

"Clear!"

I did it twice but there was nothing again but that sound....... I tried again and
again because

I didn't wanna give up on her just yet.........but her body already did.

I had no choice but to stop because if I shock more, I'll just fry her organs.

Matapos ang huling shock ay nanghihina kong ibinalik ang defibrillator. I then
looked at the time, and with a heavy heart, I announced, "Time of death, 19:09."
Matapos noon ay tumigil na ang nakakabinging tunog ng mga machines dahil binunot na
nila iyon mula sa kanya. This is what fúcking sucks about being a doctor, it's when
you lose a life even if you've done everything you could.

Wordlessly, ay lumabas ako ng operating room, I scrubbed out at mabilis akong

nagtungo sa waiting room. Napatayo si Mr. and Mrs. Cordero nang makita nila ako.

At hindi ko na kailangan na verbally na sabihin sa kanila ang nangyari, they saw it

in my face.

"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Cordero. She bled out on the table and her body couldn't
take the severity of it....I'm sorry."

I watched the couple cry in grief.

Nagtungo ako sa likuran ng ospital, kung saan may mga malalaking basurahan at ang
tanging ilaw lamang ay ang buwan. Marahas kong hinubad ang aking scrubcap at
ibinulsa iyon bago ko sunod-sunod na sinipa ang basurahan.

"Kiel," Napatingin naman ako sa pintuan nang iluwa noon si Vlanca. She's still
wearing her scrubs, meanwhile her hair is gathered in a scrubcap. She didn't
hesitate to come close to me even if I looked like a threat.

"I killed a kid---"

"You did not kill anyone, Ezekiel. You tried to save her."

My eyes are burning and my chest is fúcking heavy. Hindi ka pwedeng umiyak. Bawal
umiyak.

"She was seventeen, full of life and hopes...at dapat nagmatigas ako."

"If you didn't do it, someone else would've done it." She said as she looked me in
the eye.

When I stared back at those pools of gorgeous color, the dread suddenly felt
lighter.

Pero mas matimbang pa rin ang bigat.

Tumalikod ako at napatingala sandali.

"I was so close and it..... just erupted.."

"You didn't do anything wrong, Kiel.." She softly said. I felt her behind me, and
then slowly her arms wrapped around my chest. "The bleeding was out of your
control. Isa iyon sa mga complications....and you did everything you could.." She
whispered as she hugged me from behind. Every word that she says is sinking into
me, caressing my heart and releasing all of my restrained tears.

Tears that I shouldn't be shedding because Trinity likes men who don't cry. Trinity
never allowed me to be vulnerable like this. She believes that men are not supposed
to cry. I wanted to be the one she wanted so I repressed my feelings. Hell, I was
afraid to show her my feelings because...I didn't want her to not want me anymore.
And I just realized how shîtty that was. How terrible she was.

Dahan-dahan kong tinanggal ang mga braso ni Vlanca sa aking katawan at humarap sa
kanya nang may mga luha sa aking mga pisngi. She didn't cringe like Trinity did
when I cried about a patient who died on the table.

Vlanca reached for my tears and wiped each one of them with sympathy in her eyes.

"It's okay..." She whispered. My chest thumped as emotions surged through me.

"In all of my years of being a doctor, I lost eight patients...kasama na si Oaklynn

doon."

She looked me in the eye as she listened to me.

"There are eight people and I remember each name, each case, each face. I will
never forget them. And I know that losing patients is inevitable, but.." More tears
rolled down my cheeks. She just wipes them and looks at me like my emotions are
important and that crying is not a 'turn off.'

She stepped away for a moment, may maliit na organ cooler sa tabi ng basurahan.
They probably dumped it after they used it. She stepped on it, napangiti ako dahil
mas matangkad na siya sa akin ngayon.

She then cupped my face and stared at me with the same lovely expression.

"You did everything you could, that's what matters, Kiel." She whispered sincerely
and pulled me to her warm and soft body. I immediately wrapped my arms around her
small frame and buried my face in her neck as I cried.

She let me fall apart in her arms without any judgement.

"It's okay....you're okay..." She whispered gently as I felt her kiss my hair. Mas
humigpit pa lalo ang yakap ko sa kanya. Her warm hug made me feel like nothing was
on my shoulder.

When I pulled away she wiped my tears again as she stared at me with the same
gentle expression. I felt like a huge burden just got lifted off of my chest. And
when I pressed my lips against hers, I felt like I could breathe again.

Chapter 34: Linkis-Free

Martina Vlanca

"Breathe.." Malambing ko sa kanyang sabi habang nakatitig ako sa kanyang mga asul
at namumulang mga mata. Narito pa rin kami sa likod ng ospital, kung saan madilim
at malamig ang simoy ng hangin. Nakatapak pa din ako sa itinapon na lalagyan ng
organ, habang ang aking mga kamay ay nakahawak sa kanyang mga basang pisngi, dahil
sa luha. His stubbles are softly poking my palm but I couldn't seem to mind that.

"Okay.." He whispered. Pinunasan ko naman ang natitirang mga luha sa kanyang mga
pisngi. Mas kalmante at kolektado na ang kanyang ekspresyon ngayon, kumpara kanina.
I knew where to follow him, dahil sinundan ko siya matapos akong mag-scrub out. I
watched him tell Oaklynn's parents, and talk with them.
He looked so collected from afar or in anyone's eyes..... but I knew that he was
barely holding it together. Kaya naman hindi ako nag-dalawang isip na sundan siya
dito, of course, I was careful. And when he looked at me with bloodshot eyes and
tears running down his cheeks.

May kung anong hapdi akong naramdaman sa aking dibdib. I didn't wanna just stand
and watch him....I wanted to hold him. Hug and kiss all those tears. And so, I did
it even though I am not supposed to. I did it because It felt like an instinct
and.....whether I like to admit it or not.....I care for Ezekiel.

I felt privileged to witness his vulnerability because it was a part of him na

hindi lang niya basta-bastang ipinapakita kahit kanino. Hell, he barely shows any
emotion to anyone unless he has to.

He broke down in my arms like he was deprived of the right to do that for so many
years. Hindi ako sigurado kung tama iyon, pero iyon ang naramdaman ko. And if ever
I was right,

I want to know why and who did that to him....because they are fúcking wrong to do
that.

"Thank you," He murmured at hinawakan niya ang mga kamay kong nakahawak sa kanyang
mga pisngi. Idinasog niya iyon hanggang sa maabot ng mga labi niya ang mga palad
ko. My stomach fluttered when he kissed my palms with his warm lips

"Thank you..." He murmured again and pressed another warm kiss on my palm habang
nakatitig siya sa akin.

Napangiti naman.

"You are welcome." Sagot ko habang nakatitig din sa kanya. He smiled, it wasn't
fake, rather it was genuine because it reached his eyes.

He then gently removed my hands from his face and pulled me into a hug. Ramdam ko
ang mabilis ng tibok ng puso niya.

"Things could've been ten times worse, if you're not here.." Bulong niya na
ikinlunok ko.

"Masyado ko naman." Biro ko.

He just let out a slight chuckle.

His hug then became tighter, I felt the fast thudding of his heart before I heard
him whisper, "Eu não mereço você .."

We didn't have the time to stay in the dumpster area because he had another
surgery. Yeah, ganoon ang buhay niya at ng lahat ng mga doktor na nasa surgical
floor. You don't have a day or another hour, or even another minute to process that
you lost a patient. You move on but you don't forget, and then you do your best to
save another life. That's what I observed ever since I started hospital rotations.
It might sound depressing to some and it doesn't sound like a dream but that's the
truth.
And upon seeing that, I had many chances to back out and pursue another career but
I didn't, because I just can't imagine myself being in another field. No matter how
stressful, heavy, and hard it gets in medicine. I will always choose it over any
career path.

The vibe in the operating room was neutral as Kiel performed a breast biopsy on a
twenty-seven year old male. Yeah, hindi lang mga babae ang prone sa breast lumps at
cancers. Males also have breast, ang diperensya lang noon ay hindi kasing laman ng
sa atin. But it doesn't take away the fact that they have breast cells that divide,
and if they divide too much that's when lumps or tumors appear. Kaya mapababae o
lalaki ay mahalaga na hindi natin ipagwalang bahala ang mga bukol kahit na maliit
lamang iyon. In this patient's case, he had a small bump and when Kiel did a
biopsy, it turned out that even though it was just the size of a marble. It was
cancerous.

Buti na lamang ay naagapan na niya agad. Now, the chemo treatments will start and
he'll take medication. Ang pangalawang pasyente naman ay kailangan ng Laparoscopic
Vental Hernia Repair, kinailangan ng pasyente niyon, dahil nagkaroon ng punit ang
kanyang kidney dahil sa injury na tinamo niya mula car accident. It was bloody and
intense hours, but he saved him, and now, the patient is recovering in the ICU.

Ngayon ay narito na kami sa reception table ng ICU floor. I am happy that the
patient survive and I am also happy that for the rest of the night ay mago-observe,
check, at mag-ra-run na lang ako ng ilang labs. It should be just like that,

Pero may urge talaga akong dalhin sa emergency room si Liv, ngayon. Either sa stab
wound with a pen or sapak lang hanggang matanggal ang front teeth niya.

Kasalukuyan siyang nakatabi kay Kiel habang hawak ang kanyang ipad. She's showing
him her notes and asking him about a lesson. Like me, she's wearing a scrubs, pero
sinamantala niya ang v-neck na design ng pangitaas niya dahil grabe ang pagkababa
noon. Kaya naman kitang-kita ang cleavage niya. Her hair is tied in a bun, and
she's leaning back, every now and then to expose her neck to Kiel.

Sige, expose mo pa para alam ko kung saan itatarak ang pen na hawak ko.

For legal reasons that was a joke.

Kumukulo talaga ang dugo ko. I grew up spoiled, I certainly don't like when
somebody touches the things I play with....because it's mine.

"Sir, kasi hindi ko 'to maintindihan..." Ang kanyang tono ay malamyos at nag-bat pa
ng eyelashes ang gaga nang tumingin siya kay Kiel. He looked really uncomfortable
and annoyed..pero walang paki si Liv. She then told him na may dumi sa chest area
si Kiel. She fúcking brushed her fingers on his skin, agad na tumingin sa akin si
Kiel, and when he saw my expression, which is 'get-her-hands-off-of-you-now-before-
i-do-it-for-her' I saw fear flashed in those blue orbs.

"Bizares, move the hell away from me." Mariin niyang utos na agad na ginawa ni Liv.
I just smirked inwardly. Good boy. Liv seemed startled but I don't give a fück.

I am observing them since narito ako sa tapat nila, a few feet away. He was about
to tell me what do earlier about the labs, but then Liv interrupted and told him na
sa kanya na siya ngayon naka-assign since umuwi ang Attending niya, ngayong alas
dose ng gabi dahil sa family emergency. It was true tho, but then instead of
shutting the fúck up. She opened the ipad that she brought from the locker and
started asking him.

"You can ask your questions later. For now, we work, understand?" He coldly said to
her.

Napalunok si Liv at sunod-sunod na napatango habang nakayakap sa kanyang ipad.

"And when you ask me, I don't want you close to me. If so much as lay a hand on my
arm, I will not hesitate to give you a bad evaluation. Did I make myself clear?"

"Y-Yes, s-sir."

I smirked.

"Hindi ka naman siguro ganoon kabobo, noh?" I sarcastically asked liv. habang
naglalakad kami pabalik sa ICU floor, since inutusan kami ni Kiel pareho na mag-
pick up ng labs. I can tell that gusto niyang si Liv na lang ang utusan, but I know
he remember that I specifically told him na 'no special treatment.

"Excuse me?" Mataray na tanong ni Liv. I couldn't help but to blurt out the
sarcastic question because she won't shut the fúck up about Kiel. I absolutely hate
it. Leche, sa dinami-dami ng Attendings ay bakit si Kiel pa ang napagdiskitahan
niya. Well, for the last four months, ang alam ko na naging fixation niya ay 'yung
head ng Plastics. She should've just stayed there, ugh.

"I mean, you were asking about the patient care lesson...that's pretty basic unless
syempre bobo ka." Passive-agressive kong sagot na ikinasinghal niya. "But you're
not 'bobo', are you?"

Ngumising aso siya.

"I have a high GPA, so, no." Maarte niyang sagot at inirapan ako. "Of course, I was
pretending...I wanted to get his attention.."

"Hmm..is that so?"

"Yes, because I like Dr. Arguello. He's so gwapo, and mabango, and I can tell he's
good in bed." Malandi niyang sagot na ikinakuyom ng kamao ko. Hindi naman niya iyon
makikita dahil natatabingan iyon ng mga folder na yakap ko.

"You can't do that...it's against the rules."

Hypocritical. I know.

"Oh, dear Vlanca....it's worth breaking the rule knowing na matitikman ko ang
ganoong kasarap na Attending? Also, breaking the rules once will not get you kicked
out." Nakangisi niyang sagot. "So, I am so gonna get him,"

"Hoy!" Sigaw ko sa kanya nang agawin niya ang mga folder mula sa akin, bago siya
tumakbo sa walang taong hallway. Napailing na lamang ako. I am not gonna chase
after that chismosang malandi.

As I watched her run away, I thought about the fact that I am not worried na
magpapalandi si Kiel since hindi naman siya magpapalandi...right?

Or is he?

I grunted. Even my thoughts are messing with me!

Lumipas ang mga oras ay badtrip ako dahil kay Liv at sa mga tingin na binibigay
niya kay Kiel, even though he was ignoring it. I am annoyed because I don't like it
when she gives him flirty looks. It's fúcking infuriating. Although my emotions are
a mess, that didn't affect my performance.

"Have fun and drink at your party," He gently said bago niya dinampian ng halik ang
nakanguso kong mga labi. I just finished showering and getting ready, sinamantala
ko na naliligo pa si Dakota para puntahan si Kiel dito sa on-call niya. I was just
planning on asking him why he paged me, pero hinitak niya ako sa kandungan niya.
And so, now, I am straddling him.

"But don't get too drunk, okay?" He added while softly looking in my eyes.
Nakanguso pa din ako. " Pwede kang umuwi sa bahay kapag gusto mo. You can text me
anytime and then I'll come pick you up."

I nodded.

"Okay, pero,"

Humalukipkip naman ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin.

"Kapag nabalitaan ko na nilingkis ka ng babaeng 'yon, sinasabi ko sa'yo, Kiel."

Ngumisi siya. His hands that were cupping my face slid down to my arms, and then to
my waists.

"Hmm, getting teritorial over me, huh?"

Inirapan ko siya.

"Bakit, gusto mo na ipamigay na lang kita?" I sassily asked.

He cocked his scarred eyebrow.

"Kaya mo?" He challenged. Aba't marunong nang sumagot ang docmonyo.

"Wrong answer, sige na, doon ka na kay Liv. Tanginà." Inis kong sagot at sinubukang
tanggaling ang mga hawak niya sa mga bewang ko, pero hinigpitan lang niya iyon.

"Hey, hey...I am kidding." Mabilis niyang bawi. Nakasimangot pa din ako habang
nakatingin sa kanya. "You know that I am only yours..." Bulong niya at hinalikan
ang panga ko, nanlalambot ako pero nakasimagot pa din ako, pero tuluyang nawala ang
tigas ng ulo ko nang dilaan niya ang earshell ko bago siya marahang bumulong, "I'll
make you come first before you go home, hmm?"

My püssy clenched.

Inabot ko naman ang kanyang panga at iniharap siya sa akin. He was grinning like a
fool.

"Shut up and just kiss me."

He didn't hesitate to press his lips against mine, while his hands were already
wandering inside my denim shorts.
Mga bandang alas dos na ako nakarating ng bahay. By then, everything is prepared,
well, hindi naman ganoon ka-grande ang celebration ko. It is really simple and just
us, literal na nakapambahay lang kaming lahat. I am talking about shorts, shirts,
and sweatpants. I am so happy since the whole gang's here...but not everyone's on
the table for shots.

Matapos ang salo-salo kanina ay gustong mag-swimming ni Eriz at Cora, as always.

So, their loving grandparents watched them and tucked them in bed noong nakatulog
sila sa pagod. Ngayon naman ay nasa gameroom ang parents ko at sina Tito Samuel at
Tita Mira para maglaro ng bingo. I swear, that game is old people's thing.

Dakota's not here with me since kausap niya si Ate Jillian sa loob ng bahay, they
have endless conversation about Peds and Neuro dahil iyon ang interests niya, lucky
her, it was my sister-in-law's specialties. Also, Ate Reagan's resting inside the
house since she's experiencing fatigue because of her pregnancy. My brother's
checking in on her, literally every ten minutes. Asking her if she needs anything
or if may kaunting discomfort siya.

Samantalang, maagang umuwi si Kuya Neil at Ate Maria dahil hindi maganda ang
pakiramdam ng Ate ko. Kanina pa naduduwal at nanghihina ang gaga. For sure, ay
nabuntis na siya, but we don't want to celebrate anything yet until she takes a
test. Meanwhile Kuya Alejandro's inside the house too, taking care of Majalia, so
that her momma can have fun with us.

Obviously, hindi umiinom si Ate Madison dahil nagbe-breastfeed siya. She's happily
sipping her Chuckie. Iyon lang din ang iniinom ni Kuya Simon at Miguel. They're
both seated on the right side of the picnic table, with Kuya Ethan, Ate Madison and
Kuya Creed. Feeling ko ay nahawaan sila ng sweatpants fever ni Miguel dahil iyon
lahat ang suot nila at t-shirt. Samantalang ang naiiba lang sa line up nila ay si
Ate Peyton na nakasuot ng cute na dress. She's beside Ate Madison while she's
quietly sipping her wine while I notice that she eyes the woman beside me.

Which is Ate Carmel, and yup, she's home for my celebration. Like us, she was
wearing house clothes, a croptop and shorts. She wore a croptop so she could show
off her new Gumamela tattoo on her side, and it looked so freaking awesome. Akala
ko noong pagdating niya ay si Ate Peyton agad ang pupuntahan niya, but she kept her
distance. Kahit na noong umalis si Kuya Ivanov kanina for business emergency. Kahit
na ganoon ay nakikita kong naapektuhan pa rin siya ni Ate Peyton.

"Celebration na celebration mo ay mahaba ang mukha mo." Puna ni Kuya Creed sa akin
na ikinabalik ko sa kasalukuyan.

I chuckled lightly, bago ko inabot ang bote ko ng beer. Dito kami sa picnic table
nag-set. We set things here dahil nasa ilalim ito ng malaking puno, we needed the
shades because it was sunny. There are alot of kinds of alcohol in the cooler
beside the table, from wine to scotch, and of course a lot of Chuckie. Habang may
mga pulutan naman sa lamesa such as chicharon, calamares, potato chips, at kung
ano-ano pa. Si Kuya Simon at Miguel ang tirador noon dahil hindi talaga sila
umiinom.

"Oo nga, noh.....may pa-drone show pa nga si Simon e." Tudyo ni Ate Madison at
ngumisi.

Yup, that was his surprise and I loved every second of it. It was nice and must be
expensive pero..honestly, wala doon ang pake ko, or sa wooden séx toy na bigay ni
Ate Maria mula Peru. Kumukulo ang dugo ko at napapa-shot talaga ako kapag iniisip
ko pa lang na pwedeng lingkisan ni Liv si Kiel. The three órgasms that he gave me
before I left should've taken my edge off but somehow, I am still bothered by the
fact na nasa ospital si Kiel kasama ni Liv. She offered to stay back for more
assistance but for all I know ay naroon lang siya para landiin si Kiel. Grr. And
Kiel's still in the hospital because he had patients he needed to see until six.

"Oy," Tinusok ni Ate Carmel ang bewang ko.

"Nako, may iniisip ka ata e." Nakangisi niyang tudyo sa akin.

Tumawa naman si Kuya Ethan. Hindi ko alam kung ano trip nila ng Tatay namin, dahil
ginupitan nila ang buhok ng isa't-isa, silang dalawa lang dahil hindi pumayag si
Bunso, samantalang nasa Nueva Ecija naman si Kuya Creed noon. Now, Papa and Kuya
Ethan both have buzzcuts, and god, he looked exactly like the younger version of
our father, it's kinda creepy.

"Wala kaya..."

"Oy, ikaw ang meron." Sabi ni Kuya Ethan, saving me from further questioning.
Napangisi naman kami nila Kuya Creed nang manlaki ang mga mata ni Ate Carmel.

"Oy, gago, fake news 'yan." Sagot niya at lumagok ng beer.

Ngumisi si Kuya Ethan.

"De, balita ko na tirador ka daw ng college students ah."

"Carmel, college students, really?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kuya Simon sa

kanya. "Aren't you like thirty?"

I snorted. Meanwhile, nakamatyag lamang si Ate Peyton, her face was neutral.

"Shet, cradle snatcher ka na pala ah." Tukso ni Ate Madison.

"O-Oy, mga leche, first of all, junior and senior college students. And second of
all. 'Tirador?' Sila ang lumalapit sa akin e. Not my fault they want a piece of
Mommy Carmel?"

Napatuptop ako sa aking bibig, habang nagpipigil ng tawa ang mga kapatid ko. Lukot
naman ang mukha ni Kuya Simon habang naiiling si Miguel.

"Oh, my god, Carmel!" My sister exclaimed.

"I am joking!" Natatawa niyang sagot. "Sure, I am flirting with college students
but I am not seeing anyone...because.....well, just because.." Sagot niya at
mabilis na tiningnan si Ate Peyton, it was quick but nobody caught it but me. And
when she said that, I can't help but to notice how Ate Peyton's neutral expression
changed from being entertained to somewhat curious...or even more than that. I am
not sure.

Hell, I am not sure what is going on with these two.

We drank some more until isa-isa na silang nagsisuko. Kuya Ethan went inside first,
and then isinunod na inakay pabalik nila Miguel at Kuya Simon si Kuya Creed dahil
nagsimula na siyang manghingi ng surgical suture. Dåmn, it's just five and they're
already wasted. Samantalang hindi na bumalik ang mga nag-akay. Ngayon ay kaming
tatlo na lang sa lamesa, since Ate Peyton went inside to use the restroom. May mga
bote, wine glasses, balat ng Chuckie, at halos paubos ng pulutan ang nasa lamesa.

Hindi naman agad ako malalasing, hindi dahil sa mahina kong tolerance, but because
I barely drank anything. I was planning to get drunk but it's hard to get drunk
when your mind is elsewhere. Habang naguusap sila Ate Madison ay nag-ding ang
cellphone ko. When I saw that it was him, my heart unexpectedly skipped a bit.

'Heading home early, and I am 'linkis-free.'

"Ang eme nito." Bulong ko habang nakatingin sa message niya....but deep inside, I
am relieved. Relieved that the chismosa didn't manage to get her hands on what is
mine.

"What the fúck is a linkis-free?"

Mabilis kong pinatay ang cellphone ko nang basahin ni Ate Carmel ang message.
Pinukol ko siya ng masamang tingin matapos kong ibulsa ang cellphone.

"Tsk, message reader."

"Tsk, linkis-free?..... Bagong pangasar na ba 'yun?" Alanganin niyang sagot.

I rolled my eyes.

"No, it's just a term that my sneaky link used---"

"Sneaky link?" Ate Madison interrupted me.

Well, shît.

"Ugh, I feel so old, hindi ko gets 'yung sneaky link?" She sighed, samantalang
naningkit ang mga mata ni Ate Carmel sa akin. Basically, non-verbally, telling me
to explain. But it's messy, and so, instead of doing what she asked. I said,
"Nothing--"

"According to Urban Dictionary, it's a term for when you're hooking up with
somebody secretly."

My shoulder sagged. Of course, my sister already has her phone out and searched the
term.

"Oh, so, sneaky link, hmm.." Ate Carmel said while she nodded to herself. "Gets.
So, siya ba ang dahilan kung bakit mukha kang constipated kanina?"

I swallowed and unconsciously reached for my third bottle of beer. Habang nilalagok
ko iyon ay ipinatong ni Ate Madison ang kanyang ang mga siko sa lamesa at ipinatong
ang kanyang baba sa kanyang mga kamao.

"Spill it out." Dagdag pa ng kapatid ko.

I sighed after I gulped some beer. These two are never gonna give it a rest and so,
with a sigh again, I replied, "Yes."

Their brows shot up.

"Hmm..then what seems to be the problem, since mukha ka ngang constipated kanina."
Ate Madison asked.

I chewed on my lower lip as I thought about it for a moment.

"Okay...sooo, he used to be so, so cold and unavailable."

Ate Carmel hisses.

"Guys like that are the worst."

"He was at first....but then we had a fight. I was expecting him to just ignore me,
kasi ganoon naman talaga ang gawain niya.....but he didn't." I paused and bit my
lower lip for a moment, my gaze was just on the bottle of beer in my hand. "Sinuyo
niya ako, I am not talking about 'I'm sorry, get over it.' .....He made efforts to
earn my forgiveness, he cooked for me, brought me food, missed something important
just to peel shrimp for me..." Sinundan ko iyon ng pagak na tawa.

They both nodded while listening to me.

"And I forgave him, but his efforts didn't stop........we're still fúcking... but
he helps me study....is there when it's time of the month....and I..like being
around him...and when I see him, I feel a flutter in my stomach...and I care about
him...and my problem earlier is may chismosang malandi na lumalandi sa kanya."
Mababakas ang inis sa tono ko. "And that pisses me off, kasi we're hooking up, and
he's only supposed to be mine during the agreement."

Ate Peyton shook her head bago siya lumagok ng alak.

"Vlanca Del Russo, you're a mystery, you know that?"

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"You're mystery because you're so smart and so dumb at the same time."

Pagak akong tumawa.

"If you're saying that we're in love, you're wrong. We just care for each other."

Tumawa siya bago niya tinapik ang balikat ko.

"It's okay. Denial is the first stage of acceptance." She replied with humor in her
tone.

Ate Madison chuckled, habang napatulala na lang ako at napainom ng beer.

Chapter 35: Boundaries

Hi, gorls. I hope y'all are having a great monday night. Happy reading and see you
next update, mwah! 😘

-ro-ughn

***

Martina Vlanca

"May plano ka bang sabihin sa sneaky link mo ang tumataginting mong feelings?"
Nanunudyong tanong ng magaling kong pinsan.

Imbes na sumagot ay pinukol ko na lang ng masamang tingin si Ate Carmel habang

nagmamaneho siya. My head is still aching from last night's inuman, and I wasn't in
the mood to drive, so, siya ang binulabog ko. It wasn't a problem for her since
siya pa ang unang nagising sa aming lahat, at nakuha pa niyang tumulong na magluto
ng breakfast while managing to look as fresh as a daisy. I don't know how she
managed to do all that after she chugged a whole bottle of champagne after six
bottles of beer and four shots of vodka, last night.

Well, ang problema lang niya ay sukahin siya, and all of the things na pwede niyang
sukahan. She chose to throw up on her clothes. Hence the reason she's wearing my
extra leggings and t-shirt today. She's a tall woman, so, hindi lumagpas ng binti
niya ang leggings kong itim, meanwhile the shirt fits her just fine since it was
oversized. Her hair is tied in a ponytail habang may halos see through siyang suot
na shades, that's why I can still see her dark eyebrows and brown eyes.

"Ano na, Vlanca?" Pang-aasar pa niya na ikinairap ko.

"For the last time, wala nga akong feelings para sa kanya." Sagot ko.

"Oh, crap...you are still in denial, my dear cousin." She said with a chuckle.

I rolled my eyes again, matapos ang ilang sandali ay nag-green light na rin.
Tahimik lamang akong napansadal sa leather-covered na upuan ng kanyang magarang
sasakyan.

My conversation with my sibling and my cousin last night freaked me out, okay? It
freaked me out that I didn't respond to his messages, and when I felt bad later
that night, ang na-reply ko lang sa sunod-sunod niyang mga message ay 'sorry, been
busy.'

Tapos ang sagot niya fifty seconds later ay 'it's okay, have fun. Just text or call
me if you need anything, or kung gusto mong umuwi sa akin.'

I shouldn't feel anything but god dammit, I hated my own nervous system at that
moment because it betrayed me by sending that course of neurotransmitters to my
nerves, causing me to feel something when I shouldn't have.

Just a text from him and my heart has already gone crazy, and I felt that warmth
from my chest to my stomach.

And even though I was under the influence, I sat there, under the tree with a beer
in my hand, and thought about the times that I felt the same way. Hindi lang dahil
sa text niya, kung hindi tuwing nakikita ko din siya. I can't remember the first
time I felt the pounding of my heart when I saw him smile, but now I knew that it
was there. Hindi ko iyon inisip masyado or binigyan man lang ng pansin o ibig
sabihin, until last night. And honestly, those realizations and feelings scares me.

But the feeling that I have for him that doesn't scare me is care. I am not scared
with the fact that I care for him, that I want to be there during his bad times,
and help him go through it.

"Okay, fine." I said breaking the silence. "I care for him, that's obvious..." I
said to my cousin out loud.

"Mmmhh.." She nodded, her eyes were still on the road.

"Eh, ano naman kung may paki ako sa kanya? Masamang mag-care para sa lalaking
nagpapasaya sa'yo sa kama?"

"Point taken, but," She paused at sandali niya akong itinuro. "When you only care
for someone, you don't feel flutters in your stomach or feel possessive over them."

I opened my mouth to say something but all I could do was stutter.

"I-I, A-a--"

"---E, i, o, u are right Ate Carmel about me being in denial?" Nakangisi niyang
putol sa pag-stutter ko. "You are also right that I have feelings for my secret
fúck buddy?" Dagdag pa niya na ikinabuntong hininga ko.

"Stop." Irap ko.

Tumawa naman siya ng bahagya, bago sumeryoso ang mukha niya. We're almost in the
hospital since I can already see the tall figure of the building.

"What are you gonna do about it, then?" Tanong niya, pertaining to my feelings.

I dryly chuckled and shook my head.

"First of all, I can't," Sagot ko sa kanya. "Can't have feelings for him. It's not
part of the deal, and we are hella complicated." I honestly added.

He's my teacher and he also said that once I catch feelings, the agreement's done.
But I don't want it to end just yet. I like having séx with him....and fúck it, I
like seeing him.

And if I tell him about this, something's gonna change and I don't want that to
happen.

"Edi anong plano mo?"

Humugot ako nang hininga bago ako maayos na upo. Hindi ako nakasagot agad dahil
honestly, I don't really know what I would do. The darkness then covered the
surroundings when we finally entered the underground parking lot. The anticipation
of seeing him soon crawled in my chest as my cousin stopped the car right in front
of the elevator that will take me inside the hospital.

"Thank you for dropping me," Nakangiti ko sa kanyang sagot at niyakap siya.

Napalunok naman ako nang magbitaw kami at tumingin siya sa akin, still waiting for
me to answer her question earlier.

"And hindi ko pa alam ang gagawin ko......but I am sure na hindi doon kasama ang
pag-amin sa kanya."

She sighed softly.

"Okay, but, Vlanca, have you ever thought na what if hindi lang ikaw ang may
feelings sa inyong dalawa?"

That caught me off guard for a moment but then natawa ako. Si Kiel, magkaka-
feelings para sa akin?

I mean, he helped me study...and brought me food---I stopped myself with that

thought. It's not right and irrational to give meanings to his nice actions just
because I have feelings for him. I need to stop dahil hindi makakatulong sa akin
iyon, bagkus ay papalalain lang ng ganoong mga thoughts ang nararamdaman ko na
gusto kong puksain.

And so, I answered, "There is no way, Ate Carmel."

She scoffed but then replied, "Don't be so sure, it's still a possibility."

Matapos akong nagpaalam ay Ate Carmel ay agad akong pumasok sa elevator. And as I
stood there, I couldn't help but to think about what she said. She's right. It's a
possibility but it's just a possibility. Ayokong umasa at ayokong mag-assume, those
two will lead me nowhere good.

What I need to do is set boundaries with Kiel---I mean, Ezekiel. I can start with
calling him by his full name, not by nickname. Also, the food rations need to stop,
the pillow talk, the study thing, all of it need to stop except for séx.

I nodded to myself as I stood in the elevator all alone. Yes, iyon ang kailangan ko
para hindi na lumala ang feelings ko.

That will work. It must work. Because if not, I have no choice but to just end the
agreement with some bullshît reason, because there is no way na aamin ako, knowing
that it's one sided all along. No, thank you.

Agad naman akong lumabas ng elevator ng bumukas ang mga pintuan noon. Nang
makarating ako sa locker ay natagpuan ko si Dakota na hihikab-hikab na nagbibihis
sa harap ng kanyang locker. Nawala naman ang antok niya nang makita niya ako.

"Gorl!"

I smiled widely before I greeted her with a hug. Nang maghiwalay kami ay nangaasar
akong ngumiti.

"Ano, ginamit mo ba ulit ang kamay ni Her--"

"Vlanca!" Pinandilatan niya ako na malakas kong ikinatawa. Hindi siya nag-sleep
over sa bahay dahil sinundo siya ni Herman nang mga bandang alas dose. We're still
awake at that time, and so, I finally get to meet the Soldier. My first thought was
okay, gwapo si Herman. Military cut, square jaw, thick brows, and tall. The plus
thing is sobrang respectful niya, especially to my parents. I really get why
Dakota's father liked him and why would anyone feel comfortable around him.

"I didn't, okay? I have stronger self control this time."

"Ay wow, character development yarn, gorl?"

Pabiro naman niya akong inirapan na ikinatawa ko na lamang. I then unlocked my

locker and shoved my bag. Kailangan ko na lang na kuhanin ang aking whitecoat
at....stethoscope. Sandali naman akong napatitig doon nang maabot ko iyon mula sa
aking backpack.

I bit my lower lip. Should I return it?

But it's a birthday gift....so, nevermind.

And speaking of the things I should return,

"Oh, crap." Bulong ko nang maalala ko ang black card ni Kie---Ezekiel na nasa
wallet ko. I have to give that back too. Kaya naman habang nagtatali ng sintas si
Dakota ay mabilis kong kinuha iyon mula sa wallet ko at ibinulsa iyon. I'll
probably give it back to him during my break since I am sure na hindi siya ang
Attending ko today, since I had him yesterday.

Matapos naming tuluyang gumayak ay lumabas na kami kasabay ng ibang mga med
students. Hindi sa amin muling ini-page ang mga pangalan ng mga Attendings namin
kaya naman nagtungo kami sa reception table ng floor, kung nasaan ang resident.

"Del Russo sa cardio ka ngayon pero kay Dr. Arguello ka muna."

"What?!" My tone sounded more displeased than it should have kaya naman napatingin
sa akin ang ilan, kasama na doon si Dakota. "I-I mean, what? I just had him
yesterday." Palusot ko. I can't have him today since part of my plan is to avoid
him as much as possible.

Tumango ang resident na kasalukuyang nakatayo sa likod ng reception table, habang

hawak niya ang clipboard na may mga pangalan namin.

"Oo, pero wala si Corpuz ngayon. You and his residents will be transferred to
general surgery for now since that specialty covers cardiac surgery too."

Of course.

"Okay," Tanging sagot ko na lamang. Once Dakota's name was called, we separated
from the pack to find our Attendings. Well, hindi na kailangan na umalis ni Dakota
ng floor na ito dahil narito si Balmores.

"Gorl, okay ka lang?" Tanong niya habang naglalakad kami. Her Attending is down the
hallway, meanwhile papunta naman ako sa elevator dahil according to the resident ay
nasa fifth floor siya. "Is Docmonyo treating you that bad? Or is there any new
problem with him?

Mabilis akong umiling. I am falling for him, that's the problem.

"No, no...I was just surprised." Agad kong sagot.

She stared at me for a couple moments before she asked, "Sure?"

"Yes, gorl. Ako pa." I replied and then winked at her.

Napangiti naman siya.

"Okay, then. I'll see you later." She said nang makarating kami sa harap ng
elevator. I paused walking while she continued.

"See you," Sagot ko at kinindatan siyang muli bago ako pumasok sa nakabukas na
elevator doors.

Nang makarating ako sa fifth floor ay agad ko siyang nakita na nakatayo as usual sa
harap ng reception table. As I approached closer, I saw him wearing his whitecoat,
regular scrubs, and his surgeon shoes.
"Del Russo." Nakangiti niyang bati sa akin.

"Hey," Tipid kong sagot at pilit na ngumiti.

"How was your celebration?"

"...Good.." Tipid ko muling sagot.

Sandali siyang tumingin sa akin na animo'y nawi-wirdohan siya sa inaakto ko. I

thought he was gonna say something but then he just offered me the tall and
untouched cup of coffee in front of him.

"Morning coffee?" He asked with a smile as he held it in front of me. Napalunok

naman ako. I can't accept it even though I badly wanted to because, Vlanca,
remember, boundaries.

And so, I shook my head.

"I'm okay...nag-kape na ako sa bahay." Sagot ko.

Napatango naman siya agad at ibinalik sa lamesa ang kape. I can tell that he was
surprised with my response, since I don't usually refuse a coffee.

"Oh, yeah, doon ka nga pala natulog."

"Anyway," I looked around first and saw that there were barely any people around. I
took the opportunity to take out his card from my pocket and put it in his white
coat pocket.

Nagsalubong naman ang kanyang makakapal na mga kilay habang sandaling tinapunan
niya ng tingin ang bulsa. He then fixed his gaze on me.

"I-I'm just returning it to you because obviously, it's not mine."

"You don't have to, I told you, you can use it to buy food or drink."

Napadaing ako. Why is he making this so hard?

"Well, I have my own, so thank you. Also, I'll return your eight hoodies and the
sweater, bukas."

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay. Confusion filled his deep ocean-like
blue eyes. Before I even drowned in those, I looked away and cleared my throat.

"Uh, s-so, anong gagawin natin ngayong araw---ay!"

Nagulat ako nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko at mabilis akong hitakin papasok sa
walang taong exam room. I gasped when he pinned me behind the door. I then felt his
warm hand gripping my waist. When I inhaled, his fresh scent filled my nose.

"What are you d-doing?" Nauutal kong tanong. Hindi siya sumagot bagkus ay marahan
niyang hinawakan ang baba ko. He tipped my chin so I could meet his dark eyes.

"Tell me, may kasalanan ba ako?" He huskily asked me while looking me in the eyes.

"What--no."

"Then, why are you acting this way? Why are you returning the stuff that is
supposed to be yours, huh?" He softly asked.
My heart thudded so loud, I really hope he won't hear it.

"Just tell me if I did something stupid.." Marahan niyang tanong. Matapos noon ay
dinampian niya ng marahan na halik ang mga labi ko. "....little brat, what did I
do?"

You made me fall for you without even fúcking trying. That's what you did. but I
bit my tongue and gently pushed his shoulders away.

"It's not y-you......I am just putting these boundaries...so, future c-

complications won't occur."

Hindi siya nakasagot, bagkus ay napatitig lamang siya sa akin.

"Like w-what?"

"I don't know, maybe f-feelings." I replied. He looked away for a moment and shook
his head

He then fixed his gaze on my face once again.

"Ezekiel, all I need from you is séx. Not your money, not food, nothing but your
body. I hope we are clear on that." Malamig kong sagot.

He scoffed as he caressed his stubbled jaw with his big hand. Matapos noon ay
tumingin siya sa akin, his eyes were now darker and his jaw was now tightly
clenched.

"Yeah." Tanging sagot lamang niya. He then gently pushed me away from the door and
walked out.

When the door finally closed. I just realized that I was holding my breath the
whole time. Napasandal naman ako sa dingding at dahan-dahan na napadausdos hanggang
sa napaupo ako sa sahig. I then placed my hand on my palpitating heart.

I did the right thing, setting the boundaries that I should've put to begin with
but why does it feel so wrong?

We still managed to work together after our argument this morning. He respected the
boundaries I set. We communicate strictly for work, and I spent my break with
Dakota not with him. It was just a half-day kaya naman mabilis na lumipas ang oras.
The dreadful time only happens when Liv comes by and tries to flirt with my man.

Holy shît, where did that come from?

But the bottomline is I freaking hate liv and her flirtatious smiles. Grr.

As I've said, the time passed by quickly. Kaya ngayon ay lulan na kami ng private
elevator ng kanyang penthouse. My shift ended and now I am changed to a skirt and
crop top, samantalang naka-dress shirt siya na puti at slacks at itim. Hawak ng
kabilang kamay niya ang kanyang duffle bag, samantalang nakasabit ang aking
backpack sa kanyang isang balikat. Inagaw niya iyon kanina noong naglalakad kami sa
parking lot.
Habang patuloy ang pagakyat ng elevator ay naramdaman ko ang paghawak niya sa aking
kamay. Sparks danced on my palm.

Tumingin naman ako sa kanya sandali. Deretso lamang siyang nakatingin sa kanyang
harapan. When he gripped my small hand, electricity jolted in my skin. Mabilis kong
kinalas ang paghawak niya at inagaw ang aking kamay.

"What?" Iritado niyang tanong sa akin habang magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay.

"Don't hold my hand."

His jaw clenched, bago niya hinapit ang bewang ko. Warmth spread throughout my body
and my heart thumped when he pulled me closer against his hard body.

Then again I felt that stupid neurotransmitters in my nerves.

"Bakit ba ang touchy mo?" Hindi ko mapigilang tanong na animo'y hindi ko alam na
touchy siya from the beginning of our arrangement.

Nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay at tinapunan ako ng tingin sandali.

"It wasn't a problem to you before."

"And now it is." I harshly replied, hoping he would take his hand away. It's not
because I don't like his hands on me, but because of how it makes my system and
nerves crazy.

"I don't care, little brat." Sagot lang niya na ikinairap ko. If I try to argue
with him, he won't listen and just keeps his hands on me, kaya naman tumahimik na
lamang ako.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na kami sa kanyang penthouse. As he locked the door, I

cleared my throat.

"Ayoko mag-missionary," I told him.

Because if I look too hard in your beautiful eyes, I might be stupid enough to
confess while you were deep inside me.

He cocked his scarred eyebrow at me before he dropped the bags on the floor.

"I want it harder, and from behind, only."

"Then we will have it your way." He hastily replied before he pushed me to the
nearest wall. Napakapit ako sa dingding nang maramdaman ko na itinaas niya ang
skirt ko. He kicked my feet apart as I placed my cheek against the cold wall. He
then pushed my panties to the side. Kasunod noon ay narinig ko na ang tunog ng
kanyang belt. And the next thing I felt was his head rubbing on my wet folds.

Air left my lungs when he slammed all the way in.

"AHH!"

Napamura siya bago siya nagpakawala ng sunod-sunod na mararahas na ulos, habang

mahigpit ang kapit niya sa aking mga bewang. Mabilis ang tibok ng aking puso at
halos magliyab sa init ang aking katawan. While his cóck was pounding my hole over
and over, his right hand went inside my crop top, habang ang isa naman ay bumaba sa
aking butil.
"Oh, god.." Ungol ko nang lapirutin niya ang aking mga tuktok habang malalim pa rin
ang kanyang bawat pagpasok.

Napapikit ako at napakapit sa kanyang kamay na nasa loob ng aking damit nang
maramdaman ko ang masarap na sensasyon na pilit na inaabot ng aking katawan. He
growled and my eyes rolled back in pleasure when I started pushing my åss back,
meeting his deep and hard thrust.

"Ezekiel!"

I can feel every inch of his veiny and long cøck thrusting fast and hard. I can
already feel the sweat rolling down my temples. I can also feel him everywhere. His
hand playing and molding my breasts, his other hand pinching and massaging my cl!t,
his mouth sucking and nibbling my ear while he whispers filthy words.

And him pounding my soaking hole from behind, and everytime he pushed his fat cøck
in, I could feel his heavy balls slapping against my åss, and the head hitting my
cervix. It stimulates my g-spot, again and again!

Malakas akong napaungol at halos makalmot ko ang kanyang forearm nang maabot ko ang
aking sukdulan. As my juice gushed out of me, my leg shook and it felt like jelly!

He groaned in pleasure when I clenched around him. Mas bumilis pa ang kanyang bawat
pagulos habang mahigpit ang kapit ng kanyang mga kamay sa aking mga bewang. I
reached for his hair and gripped it nang idikit niya ang kanyang pawisang mukha sa
aking batok. I knew he's close.

"Yes, yes, fùck me like that.."

He groaned.

"Vlanca.... I'm coming.." Bulong niya, and with one more thrust he exploded inside
me.

Humihingal kami parehong tumayo doon ng ilang minuto bago niya ako hinubaran at
hinitak sa kusina, he then bent me over the counter table and slammed his cøck
inside me, with his cüm dripping down my thighs.

Roy Ezekiel

Humihingal kami parehong nakatitig sa kisame. She was on top of me, while my
flaccid cøck was still inside her. She collapsed on me after she rode my cock in a
reverse cowgirl position. I enjoyed watching her åss jiggle and watch her use my
cøck for her own pleasure.

But I would've liked it better when I can see her face, and when I can kiss her
while I am balls deep inside her....but obviously, she didn't want that.

"You okay?" I breathlessly asked and brushed the wet hair that was sticking on her
face. Mamula-mula ang kanyang mga pisngi at maga ang kanyang mga labi dahil sa
aking mga halik kanina.

"Mmmhh.." She hummed. "Be right back." She said and then stood up with shaky legs.
Agad akong umupo at inilalayan siya.
"I'll be okay on my own." Sabi niya at marahan na itinulak ang mga kamay ko. I
slowly peeled hands off of her and watched her go inside the bathroom.

I wanted to follow her right away but I stopped myself because she needs her
personal space. But I was counting the minutes until I could finally follow her and
see her again.

Kanina ay alam kong tama siya tungkol sa boundaries, the Ezekiel four months ago
would've liked those boundaries so much, but I wasn't who I was four months ago,
hell, even six years ago.

Six years ago, I wouldn't have cried in front of a woman because the woman that I
loved so much told me that I wasn't supposed to. That it's a shame and men who cry
are not man enough at all.

I knew that she was wrong and I wasn't raised that way but I believed her anyway
and molded myself into someone she wanted, even if it wasn't me, because then again
I loved her.

I didn't know that I could have a safe space in the arms of a woman who I knew for
four months.

And I also didn't know that boundaries could upset me that much.

Kanina noong sinabi niya na ibabalik niya ang mga damit ko at ayaw na niyang
tumanggap ng pagkain mula sa akin ay hindi ko alam kung bakit sumama ang timpla ko.
Boundaries are good, but a part of me doesn't like that she sets them with me. I
don't like that she prohibits me from taking care of her.

I sighed. It's already been five minutes since she went into the bathroom.

Akmang tatayo ako upang sundan siya ay bumukas na ang pinto. Hindi ko maiwasang
mapatitig sa kanya. Her hair is now brushed and still down, although her cheeks are
still pink. Her perfect naked body is still on full display but I can't stare
anywhere but her beautiful face.

I just looked away when I remembered that I had to order food.

"What do you want to eat?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "Do you want the usual?" I asked
again as I reached for my phone on my bedside table.

Umiling siya.

"I am going home."

Naibaba ko agad ang cellphone ko at napatayo. Not minding that my cøck is dangling
between my legs. Why is she leaving? She always stays after.

"W-Why?" Tanong ko at sinundan siya palabas ng kwarto.

"May gagawin ako." Sagot niya nang hindi ako tinitingnan.

"What is it?"

"...important stuff.." Sagot niya at huminto sa tapat ng main door. She bent down
to pick up her underwear, and continued picking and putting on the rest of her
clothes.

"Important stuff?" Pangungulit ko pa. Sigurado akong hindi tungkol sa eskwelahan

iyon dahil walang quiz anytime soon or abstract homework.

"Like none of your business." Sagot niya habang isinusuot niya ang kanyang damit.

Napalunok ako. Why did that......hurt?

"C-Can't you stay...to eat?"

Matapos niyang isuot ang kanyang croptop ay tumingin siya sa akin gamit ang kanyang
mapupungay at berdeng mga mata. She was about to say something but then she looked
away.

Pinulot lamang niya ang kanyang backpack at isinuot iyon.

She then put on her shoes, and replied, "I told you. I am here for séx only."

I felt like my stomach lurched. Fúcking boundaries.

"Okay, but give me---"

"Bye." She just said to my face and then walked out of the door.

Napatitig ako sa saradong pintuan.

"...my kiss..." Inis kong bulong. Lagi niya akong hinahalikan bago siya umuwi, pero
hindi niya ginawa iyon ngayon.

At sigurado akong hindi niya iyon ginawa dahil sa bwisit na boundaries. Nag-martsa
naman ako patungo sa couch at padabog na umupo.

She made it clear about the boundaries. I shouldn't be complaining or feeling

anything because according to her it stops future complications, which is true.

But as I sat there and thought about why and how the boundaries upsets me when it
shouldn't have. There is only one thing that comes to mind.

"Shît." Napamura ako.

The future complications have already happened.

I am officially attached to her.

And I should be scared but I am not.

Chapter 36: Bakit Ngingiti-Ngiti Ka?

I wasn't gonna update today since I thought it would be a busy day, pero,
surprisingly ay hindi nag-drop ng maraming works ang mga teachers ko. I was so
happy because I got to write and upload this update haha. Anyway, Happy reading and
see you next update, gorls! 😘

-ro-ughn

***
Roy Ezekiel

"Dåmn it," Bulong ko at tumagilid naman matapos akong hindi makatulog nang
nakatihaya. Subalit kahit na ngayong nakatagilid ako at ilang oras ko nang
sinusubukang matulog ay ayaw talaga akong dalawin ng antok. Hindi naman mainit,
bagkus ay nakatodo pa nga ang aircon. The bed is also soft and a perfect place to
sleep on. Hindi rin maliwanag sa buong kwarto, bagkus ay dim lamang ang andar ng
lampshade na nasa bedside table ko.

This is a perfect condition to finally fall asleep, but for the past few hours, I
have been wide awake as a night owl.

Ganito ang eksena ko mula kanina pang alas dies na gabi. Napag-desisyonan ko nang
matulog ng sumuko akong maghintay sa text ni Vlanca. I came straight to the living
room after I went home from work and held my phone hoping that Vlanca would change
her mind about not coming over.

I was hoping that I'd see her typical messages on my screen like, 'Sundo mo 'ko,
pls. Omw to ride you ehehe, vitamin c is needed' or just emojis.

I was stupid to hope that I'd see her texts because it's been four days since she
came over. 'Yung huling gabi na nagtungo siya dito ay 'yung gabi na iniwan niya ako
ng walang halik.

Hindi ko alam na napanguso na pala ako nang maalala ko iyon.

Although I am still upset about that, it's the least of my worries right now. My
main worry is that she didn't come home to me for the past four days. Noong unang
gabi na hindi siya umuwi sa akin ay dahil may celebration sila sa bahay ng Ate
Maria niya dahil buntis daw ito. I was okay with it and very happy for her sister.
And so, inaya ko siya noong sumunod na mga araw, matapos ang duty. Subalit tumanggi
siya dahil kailangan daw niyang i-babysit si Eriz, ang kanyang pamangkin.

I said that it was okay too. And so, I asked her again and I was really hoping that
she doesn't have any plans but to be with me...pero hindi iyon nangyari. Tumanggi
ulit siya na umuwi sa akin dahil sa rason na wala akong karapatang malaman.

Because when I asked her why she can't come, she said that it was none of my
business.

Napakuyom sandali ang kamao ko nang may hindi ako inaasang kirot na naramdaman sa
aking dibdib.

I wanted to ask her more about what it was.....but I couldn't because of the
fücking boundaries. I am really doing my best to respect it, and I did my best to
not burst out when she returned the hoodies.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi tanggapin iyong muli kahit na labag sa loob ko iyon
dahil iyon ang gusto niya.

But she can't stop me from finding a way to return it to her. I haven't thought of
any yet, but I am certainly gonna find a way.

Bumuntong hininga ako at tumihayang muli. Habang nakahiga ako doon at nakatitig sa
kisame ay hindi ko namalayan na gumalaw na pala ang kamay ko patungo sa kaliwang
bahagi ng kama, where she usually sleeps.

Instead of feeling her warm and snuggly body, all I felt was the cold mattress.
I scoffed. What was I hoping for? That by some magic she's gonna be there?

Jeez. I am really doomed because each day that passes, I get to realize even more
that I am so attached to her and she had me tightly wrapped around her small
fingers that I was hoping for magic to happen.

Yeah. I am a man of science but if believing in magic means that she's gonna be
here at this moment. Heck, call me the number one fan of fúcking magic.

I sighed. I am really wrapped around her fingers without her even knowing it. Dåmn.

Tuluyan na akong umupo at sumandal sa headboard ng kama dahil hindi talaga ako
makatulog. I was shirtless and yet, I didn't mind the coldness of the air
conditioner. Instead, I reached for the lamp and made it brighter. I then reached
for my wallet on the table and smiled when I saw the instax picture of Vlanca and
I.

Noong isang araw ito noong nagkaroon ng halloween-dress up day ang mga staff ng
buong ospital. I dressed up as Superman dahil simple iyon at hindi masyadong
kailangan ng effort.

Ang kailangan ko lamang ay magsuot ng blue na t-shirt na may print na iconic na S

sa gitna. Isuot iyon sa ilalim ng aking dress shirt, buksan ang ilang mga butones
ng dress shirt ko upang maging kita iyon. And with that simple effort, I looked
like Superman in disguise. I also dressed as that superhero because the kids in the
peds ward loved him.

Samantalang si Vlanca ay vampire, she had fake blood dripping on the corner of her
lips and she had fake fangs. Buti na lang ay hindi siya sa peds na-assign noong
araw na 'yon, dahil kung naroon siya ay siguradong mapapaiyak niya ang mga batang
pasyente.

Nagkaroon ng kaunting salo-salo sa loob ng conference room noong break na ng mga

med students. The hospital provided instax cameras to pass around and take pictures
with. I was surprised dahil wala namang ganoon sa BGH. I was later informed by a
long time doctor there that it's just a GSMH thing. It's up to you kung sinong
gusto mong makasama sa picture or kung anong gusto mong gawin sa litratong iyon.
It's for the sake of memories.

And the first thing that came into my mind was that I wanted to take a picture with
Vlanca.

But it was obvious that she doesn't want that dahil iniiwasan niya ako the whole
time na naroon kami sa conference room. She won't even look at me like she always
does.

And just like what I felt when she left without a kiss....it hurts.

But I really wanted a picture, kaya naman nang matapos ang ilang med students ay
hiniram ko ang camera na ginamit nila. I started going around and taking pictures
with other med students kahit na ayoko. I don't want them to be suspicious when I
walk to Vlanca and snap a picture of us together. And so, after I was done taking
pictures with Liv Bizares, even though I didn't really want to. I walked to Vlanca
and snapped the picture before she could push me away.

Now our picture wasn't candid and according to her not instagrammable. Inutusan
niya ako na itapon iyon pero ibinulsa ko lamang iyon noong tumalikod na siya.
She was right, it wasn't instagrammable but I liked it. Hawak ko ang camera at
malawak ang ngiti ko, habang habang masama ang tingin niya sa akin at may donut
siyang subo.

I smiled. I find it adorable.

I want more pictures and I want her to stop being so distant...because......it

hurts.

Pero kahit na nasasaktan ako at kahit na ayoko noong mga lecheng boundaries ay
titiisin ko para sa kanya. I won't even tell her what I feel because If I do, I
will lose her.

The last thing that she wanted to hear from me is that I have....these feelings for
her after she just set the boundaries. It's obvious that she doesn't want any of my
attachments.

And so, I will keep it to myself because I don't want to lose her. Titiisin ko
'yung pünyetang boundaries kung iyon ang gusto niya at pipigilan ko ang
nararamdaman ko, kung ang ibig sabihin noon ay makakasama at makikita ko siya.

"Good night, little brat. I'll see you tomorrow." Bulong ko habang nakatitig sa
litrato namin. Matapos noon ay ibinalik iyon sa wallet ko. Hindi ko maiwasang
mapangiti nang magkasya iyon sa lalagyan ng litrato ng aking wallet. After the many
years that I have this wallet, ito ang unang beses na nagkaroon iyon ng litrato. I
didn't have a picture in my wallet, even when I was with my ex. Wala akong litrato
namin noon sa wallet ko dahil sekreto kami. We couldn't risk anyone seeing her with
me in a photo whenever I opened my wallet.

I sighed.

Humiga na akong muli matapos kong ibaba ang wallet sa bedside table at i-dim muli
ang ilaw. This time ay inabot ko ang kanyang unan. Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti
nang malanghap ko ang floral scented na conditioner na ginagamit niya. That
pleasing scent mixed with her natural whiff on the pillow.

Before I closed my eyes, I hugged the pillow closer to my body. It's not her and it
will never feel as good as her body against mine, but this will do for now.

Martina Vlanca

"Boundaries are good...yes, that's correct.." Parang tangang bulong ko sa sarili ko

habang naglalakad ako patungo sa reception table kung saan ko kikitain si Kie--I
mean, docm-- I mean Ezekiel. Dåmn it, it's been a week since I set the boundaries
with him and with myself, dapat ay sanay na ako na hindi siya tinatawag sa nickname
niya pero hindi pa rin.

Well, maraming mga bagay pa akong hindi nakakasanayan, tulad na lamang noong umuwi
ako agad noong gabing iyon, or when I didn't give him a kiss. I acted like I forgot
but I did it intentionally. I wasn't still used to the fact that he no longer gives
me food, pulls me to his on-call room so he could sleep and use my boobs as a
pillow....or the fact that I rarely see him....and many, many more.

Le sigh. I should've put these boundaries from the beginning, so the process of
unlearning wouldn't be this hard. Pero oh, well, once again, ginusto ko ito, so
papanindigan ko kahit na mahirap.

That being said, it's already hard but it is much harder when I am around him. As
much as possible ay ayoko na sungitan siya dahil hindi talaga maganda sa
pakiramdam, gorl. Especially when I shoo him away. Kaya naman mas gugustuhin ko
pang sa ibang Attending ako mapunta. And I was, for a couple of days this week, ang
most interaction lamang namin ay doon sa conference room. When he ambushed me with
a photo, I really hoped he threw the picture away, I looked hideous there.

And I wanted him to throw that away somewhere I don't know because I don't want to
find myself digging and looking for it, because even though I told him, I don't
like it. I was lying.

I loved his smile, there....and I just didn't wanna keep it dahil alam ko na hindi
iyon makakatulong sa goal ko na mawala ang feelings ko para sa kanya.

Kainis talaga ang Attending ko ngayon. Bakit kasi hindi na lang siya nag-twenty-
four hours, edi sana wala ako sa service ni Ezekiel.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na ako sa kanyang harapan. Even though I was a few
steps away from him, I can still smell his perfume.

"Magandang gab---oh, umaga na pala, Del Russo." He said softly and took a peek on
his watch. He then switched his gaze to me with a gentle smile.

Bumilis naman ang tibok ng aking puso nang masilayan ko ang kanyang ngiti. Bwisit
talaga.

I looked away, as I cleared my throat.

"Morning," Bati ko sa kanya pabalik. Kahit na matipid lang iyon ay mukhang masaya
na siya.

Hindi ko naman maiwasan na pasadahan ng tingin sandali ang kanyang suot. He's no
longer wearing his whitecoat. Nakasuot lamang siya ng scrubs at crocs na itim, even
then, he looked so dashing.

And kahit na hindi maganda sa pakiramdam ay hindi ako nag-small talk as usual. I
just asked what we're gonna do. He didn't argue this time, he just answered my
question and then we started walking to the patient's room.

"Miss na kita.."

Nahigit ko ang hininga ako at napatingala sa kanya.

"I m-mean, my bed misses you." He corrected himself and cleared his throat.

"Do you want to go home with me...later?" He asked, his tone was clearly hoping.

I looked away.

Sandali akong napapikit. Isang linggo na akong hindi umuuwi sa kanya. It felt weird
of course dahil sanay ako na sa bahay niya ako dumederetso.... pero kasama ng plano
ko ay iwasan siya, that's why I had to stop or limit my visits in his house. And I
hated lying to him but I had to, well, noong una ay hindi naman ako nagsinungaling
kung bakit hindi ko siya mapupuntahan.

It was really a celebration for Ate Maria's pregnancy and Eriz wanted to hangout
with me after my next duty. So, there were two truths... and the next few days...I
just lied that I was busy and told him it was none of his business.....pero in
reality, I am just laying in my bed, thinking about him.

"U-Uh, Okay lang naman kung hindi...I understand that y-you are busy with other
things.." Dagdag niya nang hindi ako sumagot agad.

Matapos ang ilang sandali ay tumingala ako sa kanya sandali at sinalubong ang
kanyang mga mata.

"I'll see."

The creases on the side of his hooded blue eyes showed when his lips stretched into
a smile. I had to look away again because of the dåmn neurotransmitters my nerves
received when I saw that smile.

Hindi nagtagal ay naabot na namin ang kwarto ng pasyente. We gently knocked and
checked on the patient. We did it five more times with different patients. We just
had to check them quickly, so they could go back to sleep right away since it was
just four in the morning. They need their rest.

As we walked through the hallway, there were not many people. Lalo na doon sa mga
upuan sa gilid. There was just one woman that we passed by, crying. We didn't wanna
interrupt her since it looks like she was really going through something.

"Alam mo, minsan kapag naglalakad ako ditong mag-isa may nararamdaman ako." Sabi
niya na ikinatingala ko sa kanya. There was a smirk playing in his lips, but I can
also help but to notice the hair strands covering his forehead. And how he doesn't
look tired at all.

"Lubayan mo ako." Singhal ko sa kanya.

He shrugged.

"What? I'm just saying...I am pretty sure, may nararamdaman ka din..no? Maybe like
a cold feeling when you pass by a room...or the chapel.."

My stomach churned. Grr. napaka-docmonyo talaga.

"Yeah, and also my cousin worked here for a few years, you know.." Hindi ko
napigilang banat. "She said, she may have seen things too.."

"Hmm..really?" He asked with a lopsided smile. He looked happy na sinasakyan ko ang

trip niya.

"Yeah, usually, diyan sa nilalakaran mo---"

"Mga doktor, tulong!"

Natigil ako nang may babae na sumigaw. It was the woman in a dress and was crying
earlier. She was standing and covering her face, mula dito ay kita ko ang nakalugay
niyang mahabang buhok. Agad naman kaming mabilis na nag-speed walk. Ngunit tumindig
ang mga balahibo ko at agad kaming natigil nang makarating kami sa kanyang harapan.

"Tulong..." She whispered habang nakatabing pa rin ang kanyang mga kamay sa kanyang
mukha. Kumabog ang dibdib ko at napakapit ako sa braso ni Kiel.

Napasinghap ako nang may mga dugong tumagos sa pagitan ng kanyang mga daliri. What
the fück?! Mabilis na hinawakan ni Kiel ang kamay ko at dinala ako sa likuran niya,
shielding me from whatever the heck this is.
"Kiel.." Nanginginig ang mga kamay ko. "I'm scared."

"I'm here.." He said and held my cold hand. I ignored the sparks that erupted when
our palms touched.

"Ma'am, ayos lang po kayo?" Tanong niya. My head is sticking out on his side, so I
can still see what's happening.

"Doc, t-tulong.." Hikbi niya at dahan-dahan niyang tinanggal ang kanyang mga kamay
sa kanyang mukha.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at halos madurog ko ang kamay niya sa higpit ng hawak ko
dahil sa takot! Ang mukha ng babae ay basa sa mga luha na dugo!

Napatili ako nang nagpatuloy ang pag-agos ng dugo mula sa kanyang mga mata.

"Napaiyak ako dahil sa nag-remission 'yung cancer ng asawa ko..." Kuwento ni Mrs.
Dela Cruz. She was now laying on the hospital bed here in the emergency room at
wala na ding mga luhang dugo ang kanyang mga pisngi. She looks more nomal now with
her shiny and long hair, round face, and brown eyes.

And nope, she's not a whitelady or a ghost. She's a thirty-seven year old woman
with a husband admitted here in GSMH. He's still in his room, because he's still
passed out from meds. And I am sure that he will be happy from the good news of his
health, when he finds out about it.

And also, surprise when he hears about what happened to his wife.

"Tapos nagulat ako bakit dugo 'yung niluluha ko, kaya ko kayo tinawag."

I nodded in understanding, sandali ko naman na tinapunan ng tingin si Ezekiel na

nasa tabi ko. He's now holding the result of her test.

"Pasensya na po kung napatili ako.." Paumanhin ko.

She just smiled.

"Ayos lang iyon, Hija...aba, kung ako din iyon ay matatakot ako."

Natawa naman ako.

After my tili, doon na nagsalita si Mrs. Dela Cruz at doon namin nalaman na hindi
siya multo. She has a condition called haemolacria, it's tears tinged with blood.
Now, this may sound alarming because it is. It could be an early sign of diseases
such as Henoch-Schönlein purpura or the swelling of the small blood vessels of the
skin, joints, bowels and kidneys. Gardner Diamond syndrome, this is a rare syndrome
that causes painful bruisings usually in the arms, legs and face. Or it could be a
sign of Osler Weber Rendu disease, which is constant bleeding in the nose and
digestive tract.

That might sound scary, yes. but after the tests that we've conducted we found out
that she didn't have those. Instead, ang dahilan ng kanyang madugong mga luha ay
dahil sa kanyang blocked tear ducts. The on-call ophthalmologist then recommended
her to rest it and let it pass because generally, it just goes away on its own. And
then, she also scheduled her for a checkup, kasi kung hindi mawala iyon ng kusa ay
either kailangan na niya ng surgery or balloon catheter dilation.

And of course, kinwento ko lahat iyon kay Dakota nang magkita kami nang mga bandang
alas-sais ng umaga. She then had to go back to the peds ward since she's observing
a patient in the NICU. Ngayon ay narito ako sa emergency room at naghihintay ng
pasyente dito sa may reception table.

As I stood there I looked over my shoulder and saw Ezekiel. Busy siya sa pag-gawa
ng charts ng mga pasyente niya mula kanina, and now, he's on the last one. Habang
nakatitig ako sa kanya ay naalala ko ang tinanong niya sa akin.

I shouldn't go home with him.....but with our brief touch earlier. I just realized
how much I missed how his skin felt against mine, and hindi naman ako mags-stay. I
am gonna be there for séx only.

And so, I sighed inwardly before I pulled out my personal phone.

To: 👿

Need vitamin C after duty.

Ibinulsa ko naman ang aking cellphone nang maisend ko iyon. Nang tumingin ako sa
kanya ay hawak na niya ang kanyang cellphone at may ngiting tagumpay na ang loko.

When we finally got into his penthouse, he didn't disappoint and his bed did really
miss me, hell, all of his furniture missed me. Dahil habang kinakana niya ako sa
kanyang kama habang nakatuwad ako sa gilid noon ay lumalangitngit iyon. The same
thing with the couch and the table didn't break this time when he was fúcking me
against it in døggy style.

When we finished on our last round and was laying on his side. I was so tempted to
stay and hug his body, but I fought my urge. Tumayo na agad ako at naglinis. And
like I did last time, I told him I am not staying to eat. He didn't argue which I
am glad about. Sinundan lamang niya ako na pumunta sa living room. He stood there
wearing his shirt and sweatpants while he watched me put on my clothes.

Pero habang nagbibihis ako ay naririnig ko ang paisa-isa niyang tuyong ubo, and as
I put on more clothes mas lalo lang iyon na dumadalas. Nang matapos akong magbihis
ay napatingin ako sa kanya.

His eyes were more hooded than usual and he was caressing his forehead like
something hurts.

Napalunok naman ako.

May boundaries, but I still care for him. And so, I didn't stop myself from walking
in front of him. He coughed again but he covered his mouth.

"Okay ka lang?"
Hindi siya sumagot, bagkus ay napahipo lang siya sa kanyang noo.

"Masama lang pakiramdam ko.." Bulong niya at napaubo siya matapos noon.

I flinched. Hinipo ko ang kanyang pisngi gamit ang likod ng palad ko. Kinailangan
kong tumingkayad para abutin ang kanyang noo. I brushed away the hairs from his
smooth forehead before I pressed the back of my hand on his forehead.

"You fúcked me six times and masama na pala ang pakiramdam mo? Bakit hindi mo
sinabi?" Gigil ko sa kanyang tanong. Hindi naman siya mainit.

He just shook his head and forced a smile. Ay nako, Kie--Ezekiel.

"Masyado kasing malamig na tubig ang naipaligo ko kanina.." Sabi niya. He then
reached for his temple and massaged it with his eyes closed for a moment. My heart
clenched because he looks like he's in pain.

"Ang kirot talaga ng ulo ko....feeling ko ay lalagnatin ako.."

Napatitig ako sa kanya. And now, because of that, I can't bring myself to leave.

Sandali siyang umubo bago niya kinuha ang kamay ko.

"Feel it...I am warmer than usual..." Mahina niyang sabi at idinikit ang kamay ko
sa kanyang pisngi.

"Hindi naman." Sagot ko.

"But...I feel cold..." He replied while softly looking me in the eye. "And my head
really hurts....usually, kapag ganoon ay lalagnatin ako..." He pouted.

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata.

"But it's okay...if you leave.."

Napairap ako at binawi ko ang kamay ko.

"No...I'm gonna stay."

His eyes widened, like he couldn't believe it. Matapos noon ay kinagat niya ang
labi niya na animo'y nagpipigil siya ng ngiti. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Kala ko ba, masama pakiramdam mo, bakit ngingiti-ngiti ka?"

He shook his head and hissed.

"Ha? Hindi kaya...I am biting my lip, kasi ang sakit talaga ng ulo ko...." He said
with a tired face.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako at sandaling hinawakan ang kanyang pisngi. Hindi
naman siya ganoon kainit, but I am concerned about the headache and the cough.

"Go to bed, I'll make you some noodle soup."

Mabilis siyang umiling.

"Ayoko ng soup...gusto ko lang matulog..."

"Then go to bed." I replied with an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

Sandali siyang napakamot sa kanyang batok.

"B-But I need you..kailangan ko ng body heat kasi giniginaw talaga ako...." He even
shivered and hugged himself. "Please?" He asked and then followed it with a dry
cough.

Hindi na ako nakipagaway pa because obviously he's not well. Kaya naman sumama na
lang ako sa kanya sa kwarto.

Chapter 37: Distraction 2.0

Hi, gorls! Thank you for your patience. Happy reading! 😘

-ro-ughn

***

Roy Ezekiel

Do I hate it when patients lie to me about their symptoms? Yes.

Is lying bad? Arguably, yes.

But do I regret lying to Vlanca about my headache, and possible fever, so she'd
stay and hold me? Absolutely not.

Although, I do have a cough from the cold shower earlier but I still lied. I
couldn't let her leave, not when I miss her badly.

Kung ano mang karma ang matatamo ko sa pagsisinungaling ay nakangiti ko iyon na

tatanggapin, dahil sulit at walang makakapantay sa tuwa na nararamdaman ko ngayon
na nakayakap sa akin si Vlanca. I feel so warm and snuggled dahil nakapatong sa
akin ang kanyang mga hita habang nakaunan siya sa dibdib ko.

Ni wala akong pake na hawak niya ang kanyang cellphone. Tahimik ko lamang siyang
pinapanood na mag-scroll sa kanyang feed.

I used to be upset by that app, well, I still am but right now I don't care that
she's liking her exes pictures or seeing them.

All I care about is that she's with me. I'd do anything so that I could be with her
as often as possible, but she can't suspect anything. Magiisip ako nang iba pang
palusot para lang mag-stay at umuwi siya kasama ko dito. I don't care wheter it's
faking a headache or séx.

Speaking of, séx is amazing with her but that's not what I am after for anymore. I
mean yes, that is a bonus of being with her. I'd do it again and again with her
because I like it.....but what I really want is her.
All of her.

Nabahala naman ako nang gumalaw siya kaya agad ko na tinanggal ang ngiti sa aking
mga labi at pumikit, dahil tulog nga pala dapat ako at nagpapahinga dahil sa sakit
ng ulo.

Martina Vlanca

"Vlanca.." Napatingin naman ako kay Kiel---yes, I gave up on correcting myself

every two minutes. Nakakaasar kasi.

Sandali kong ibinaba sa aking kandungan ang aking binder at tumingin sa kanya. I am
still in his bed pero nakaupo ako sa kanyang tabi at nagpa-panggap na nag-aaral.
Nakahiga siya sa gilid ko habang nakapulupot ang kanyang matipunong braso sa aking
mga bewang. Ayokong humiga katabi siya dahil parang tanga ang puso ko dahil sa
bilis ng tibok noon kapag ramdam ko na malapit siya sa akin.

I mean, I let him hold me earlier because fine, I fúcking missed his warmth, his
hug, and just him in general. I allowed myself to have that moment even though it
wasn't good for me because it felt good. And also he needed body heat, so there's
that. And as I was laying with him, It didn't just feel good. As ridiculous as it
sounds, I felt like I found what my body and heart have been missing to feel
complete.

I felt recharged and I didn't wanna let go. Kinailangan ko na magpanggap na mag-
cellphone kasi kung hindi ay matatagpuan ko lang ang sarili ko na nakatitig sa
kanya. The 'phone trick' didn't work for long since the urge to just stare at him
and caress his face was there. I had to stand up and pick up my binder.

It's easier to pretend to study than to lay beside him and control my crazy heart
and myself.

"I'm here." Malambing ko sa kanyang sabi at hinaplos sandali ang kanyang noo. He's
not getting warmer, that's a good sign. Umusog naman siya palapit sa akin at
humigpit ang kanyang pagkaka-kapit sa aking mga bewang.

"It's already late.." Bulong niya gamit ang kanyang malalim na boses habang dahan-
dahan niya na idinilat ang kanyang mga asul na mga mata. Hindi ko maiwasang mahigit
ang hininga ko, his deep voice and eyes are enough to make the flutters in my
stomach crazy.

I swallowed unconsciously.

"You're still studying?" Sabi niya at tinapunan ng tingin ang binder na nasa
kandungan ko.

"Mmmhh.." I hummed.

"May hindi ka ba maintindihan? Let me see it, and I will ex--"

"Hey, rest....and I'm okay..." I interrupted him and stopped him when he tried to
sit down.

"You sure?"
I chuckled softly.

"Affirmative, sir." Sagot ko na ikinangisi niya.

Ni hindi ko nga kailangan na mag-aral e. I just really needed the distraction.

"Kumusta ang sakit ng ulo mo?" Tanong ko sa kanya, my hand is still caressing his
hair.

His pink lips stretched into a smile.

"Getting better, kasi magaling 'yung doktor ko."

Inirapan ko siya. All I did was make him some soup and let him sleep, since ayaw
niyang mag-take ng acetaminophen. Hay, doctors are really the worst patients.
Although, the rest did really help since he seemed better now.

"Ewan ko sa'yo."

He grinned before he reached for the thick binder on my lap. He then said, "Bukas
na 'to." And then he put it on the bedside table on his side.

Napalunok naman ako. Now, I don't have an excuse to not lie with him, and if I
refuse, I will certainly look suspicious. And also, he's not feeling well, kaya
naman hindi na ako nagreklamo nang hitakin niya ako pahiga sa tabi niya.

Napalunok akong muli nang titigan niya ako sa aking mga mata. Because of the dim
light from the lampshade I can perfectly see his handsome face. Mula sa kanyang
bahagyang gulo-gulong buhok, makakapal na mga kilay, his protruding nose, perfect
lips, and his beautiful blue eyes.

Hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong mga pisngi, at napapikit ako nang dampian niya ng
marahan na halik ang mga labi ko. His stubbles then brushed against my skin,
tickling me lightly.

Nagharumentado naman ang aking puso nang magtama ang aming mga labi. As his lips
pressed against mine, I felt that electric charge danced on my skin, as well as the
urge to pull away, look him in the eye and tell him that I am falling for you.

Mas lalo lang kumabog ang dibdib ko. I held on to his cheek bago ko na tinugon ang
kanyang mga halik, I didn't do it slow and sweet. I hungrily kissed him back with
lustful and hot kisses, hoping that that carnal sensations would hide my fondness
for him.

Nang maghiwalay ang aming mga labi ay sabay kaming humihingal. Ang kanyang mga mata
ay mapupungay na at ang taas ng kanyang mga tenga ay namumula.

I licked my swollen lips.

"Do you want to have séx?" He huskily asked, that made me shake my head. "You know,
a headache and light cough cannot deter me.." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Ginamit ko ang nakahawak ko na kamay sa kanyang magaspang na pisngi at pabiro ko

siyang 'sinampal.' Tumawa naman siya.

"No séx for you hanggang gumaling ka."

I expect him to be suprised or even upset. Subalit ngumisi lamang siya at marahan
na pinaraan ang kanyang hinlalaki sa aking pisngi.
And without taking his eyes off of me, he whispered, "Ayos lang 'yon, basta nandito
ka sa tabi ko."

Napaawang ang mga labi ko habang napatitig ako sa kanya. My heart beats crazier
than ever. Did he really say that?

"---B-Because when you're beside me, I can still have these." Mabilis niyang dagdag
at ipinasok ang kanyang kamay sa aking damit. Matapos noon ay itinaas baba niyang
muli ang kanyang mga kilay.

Pagak akong natawa pero deep inside ay....nadismaya ako. What he said did not mean
anything romantic for him, but it did a number on me because it sent my whole
system to override for a moment. Jusmiyo.

"Matulog ka na nga." Iyon na lang ang nasabi ko.

"Yes, doktora." He playfully answered before he wrapped his arms around me and
pulled me closer against his hard and warm body. Matapos noon ay sabik niyang
ibinaon ang kanyang mukha sa aking leeg. Hindi ko naman na mapigilan na paraanin
ang aking mga kamay sa kanyang malambot na buhok.

Napasinghap naman ako nang muling pumasok ang kanyang malaking kamay sa loob ng
aking t-shirt at hinawakan niya ang kaliwa kong dibdib. I chewed on my lips because
the warmth of his palm against my breast sent tingles down to my core.

"I really love my soft hand heater." He whispered and gave my boob a squeeze.

Napailing na lang ako. Kahit kailan talaga.

'I know, boundaries, but please

don't refuse this.

It's my 'thank you' to you for

taking care of me yesterday' :)

Napagdikit ko naman ang aking mga labi habang nakatitig ako sa sticky note na
kasalukuyan kong hawak.

Napabuntong hininga ako bago ko ibinalik sa loob ng brown na paper bag iyon. Kaka-
break ko lang, and it was really busy in the emergency room. Kaya dito ako sa on-
call room dumeretso upang magpahinga. Pagkapasok ko ay agad kong nakita ang paper
bag na ito na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng isa sa mga kama. There was a sticky note on
the surface of it that said 'Vlanca's' and a smiley face.

I knew it was him because of the hand writing and the note inside.

Tuluyan naman akong napaupo sa bottom bunk ng double deck at napasandal sa

dingding. Habang nakatitig ako sa paper bag ay hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti. I
missed it, and certainly my stomach did too because now that the combination of the
smell of sautéed garlic, shrimp, and the gravy hit my nostrils, my stomach growled.

Napatingin naman ako sa pintuan noong bumukas iyon.

"Gorl!" Masigla kong bati nang iluwa noon si Dakota. She came from Plastics, and
she was observing a surgery kaya medyo nahuli siya.

She grinned, and then her brown eyes switched to the bag beside me. She eyed me as
she plopped down on the bed.

"Sooo, bati na kayo ng sneaky link mo--"

"Wow, may sneaky link ka Vlanca?"

Napakunot naman ang noo namin pareho nang marinig namin ang nakakaasar na tinig ni
Liv. Where the heck did that chismosa come from?

I didn't have to wonder that long dahil bumaba siya mula sa top bunk ng pangatlong
kama. Oh. The on-call room wasn't empty after-all.

Dakota and I shared a sour look as she sassily walked towards us. Katulad namin ay
naka-scrubs din siya na light blue. Ang neckline noon ay todo ang baba habang
nakalugay ang kanyang slightly curly na buhok. Her round eyes were throwing me a
judgy look.

Sabay kaming napahalukipkip ni Dakota nang tumayo siya sa harapan namin.

"Wow, hindi ko alam na chismosa ka pala?" Nanunuyang tanong ni Dakota. Liv gave her
a fake smile.

She then looked at me, tilted her head and pouted her thin lips.

"Alam ko na malandi ka, Vlanca...like I am praying for you because hindi maganda
'yung ganoon," She said na ikinataas ng kilay ko. "Pero hindi ko naman alam na
ganoon ka kalandi?"

Look who's talking? Kumalat ang inis sa dibdib ko, pero, hindi ko iyon ipinakita sa
kanya.

She then gave me a fake sweet smile.

"But anyways, I am not judging.....pero like I said hindi maganda sa babae 'yung
malandi. You should tone it down, and be ladylike and well-mannered like me. Advise
lang."

"Vlanca, am I hallucinating or did she just say all that shît?" Hindi
makapaniwalang tanong ni Dakota at sinundan niya iyon ng tawa. Nang tumingin ako sa
kanya ay kitang-kita sa kanyang ekspresyon na ready na siyang hitakin sa buhok si
Liv at sabunutan siya hanggang maubos ang hair follicles niya.

But then I gave her a 'I-got-this' look, then switched my gaze to Liv, and smiled.

"Gorl, let's play I spy real quick, okay?" Sabi ko kay Dakota.

"Sure, gorl."

"I spy with my little eye a bîtch who is so thirsty for validation and attention
that she literally flirts with everyone, and even then, nobody wants her because of
her rotten attitude and hypocrisy, and has the audacity to eavesdrop on the
conversation that she has no business being involved in and proceed to shame me and
give an unsolicited advice because she thinks she so pure like a saint?" Tuloy-
tuloy kong sabi habang deretsong nakatingin kay Liv. Nakasama ko siya mula first
year ng med school, I know her behavior pero never ko siyang i-chinismis dahil
hindi ko iyon gawain at kung ano mang ginagawa niya sa buhay niya ay wala akong
pake doon, it's her life. I don't even talk shît about her, but she pushed my
buttons today and she will also learn to never do it again.

Ngayon ay masama na ang tingin niya sa akin. Habang ngumisi si Dakota at pinasadan
ng up-and-down na tingin sandali si Liv.

"Liv ba ang sagot, gorl?" Dakota asked me with fake enthusiasm.

Ngumisi ako bago ako sa kanya bumaling.

"Omg, yes. How did you know?" Inosente kong tanong. "Konti nga lang ang clue na
ibinigay ko e."

"Well, the rotten attitude and hypocrisy gave it away." She replied then shrugged.

I smirked as I looked back at Liv. Nakakuyom na ang mga kamao niya at mas lalong
sumama ang timpla ng kanyang mukha.

"Aww, did that hurt your feelings?" Sarkastiko kong tanong sa kanya. "Well, sorry
not sorry...so, next time...advise lang and I'm not judging," I copied her line,
that made her even madder. "Kung inggit ka lang, just say that. Honesty is rare
these days."

"Ooor, better yet kung inggit, pikit na lang." Dagdag ni Dakota.

She gritted her teeth and gave us a murderous look.

"I hate both of you!" Singhal niya.

"Don't worry, the feeling is mutual, babe." Sagot ni Dakota na ikinainis niya lalo.
With a glare, she pointed a finger at me.

"You will regret that you insulted me, Del Russo." Mariin niyang sabi sa akin.

"Oh, I am so scared, Bizares." Nanunuya kong sagot.

We then bursted out laughing when she stormed out. She can throw threats all she
wants but I am not scared. If anything, Liv is only good at running her mouth.

"Iba talaga si Liv, gorl." Dakota sighed. I nodded in agreement as I laughed.

"But anyway, going back to our conversation...so, bati na kayo ng sneaky link slash
jowa mo?"

Pabiro ko siyang inirapan. How I wish na jowa ko siya.

"What makes you think na at war kami?" I curiously asked.

She shrugged and opened the bag.

"Well, I haven't seen you eat this kind of food for over a week." Sagot niya habang
hinahalungkat ang bag. I didn't even stop her kahit na alam kong makikita niya ang
note since she's already aware of my sneaky link.

"Hindi kami nag-away, okay, I just set boundaries..." Sagot ko.

"Ah, boundaries...pero bakit mo siya inalagaan kahapon?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay
matapos niyang basahin ang note na nahagilap niya mula sa bag.

Ni hindi ko sa kanya iyon sinubukang agawin. I don't even have the energy to
attempt to deny and lie to hrr. It's just tiring. I wanna be real with her for
once.

"Kasi tama ka," I finally answered.

"Gorl, tama ako sa maraming bagay, so, I highly suggest na maging specific ka."
Biro niya na ikinatawa ko sandali.

I then softly sighed and replied, "You were right. I was in-deal about my feelings
for him..."

Napaawang ang kanyang mga labi.

"Inamin ko na sarili ko iyon, pero hinding-hindi ko sa kanya aaminin iyon."

Her shoulders sagged and her eyebrows knotted. "Why?"

"Because we are dåmn complicated, he's unavailable, and once I admit....whatever we

have is over." Tapat kong sagot.

She hissed.

"Well, shît."

Tumawa ako nang pagak bago ko inabot ang note mula sa kanya. I crumpled it and
threw it inside the bag. One note from him, and my heart is all crazy.

"So, kaya walang food for over a week because of the boundaries I set, pero imbes
na gumana ay walang nangyayari. Lumalala lang ang feelings ko, so, fúck the
boundaries. It's more like damage-control." I dryly replied.

"I'm sorry, gorl..." She said sympathetically and reached for my hand. I squeezed
her hand in appreciation, and smiled a little.

"Gusto mo ba ng distraction? Maraming ka-tropa si Herman." She wiggled her

eyebrows.

Hindi ko maiwasang matawa ng pagak nang mabanggit niya ang 'distraction.'

"I think I'll pass for now." Sagot ko sa kanya.

Pass talaga muna since I don't need distraction 2.0..... because if I remember it
correctly, Kiel started as my distraction and now, I am fúcking falling for him.

Chapter 38: Ayoko Na!

Happy Halloween, gorls! Hope you're all doing well. I really thought na hindi ko
matatapos 'tong update na 'to agad-agad (my gorls from Twitter already know haha)
but I surprisingly finished it because I didn't really have school work today. So,
I spent most of my time today writing haha. Anyway, tama na chika. I hope you enjoy
this one and see you next update! 😘
-ro-ughn.

***

Martina Vlanca

The next day came, and nope, hindi ako umuwi sa kanya. I really fought the strong
urge because I need time to teach myself self-control. Hindi pwede na kada tatabi
ako sa kanya sa kama ay kating-kati ang dila ko na umamin sa kanya.

And when I do go home with him, I have to stick to the boundaries. Even though it
sucks, it's good for me. Dahil fine, takot akong masaktan and the boundaries help
me protect myself. Don't get me wrong, I don't have issues with my past
relationships dahil hindi naman ako nakaramdam ng ganito para sa kanila. They were
all just fun times and I had no hard feelings towards them, because they never made
me feel like my system is going crazy with just one smile. Never akong nanghingi ng
hoodie nila, I never think about them right before I fall asleep, they never make
me feel like I am having palpitations whenever I see them, and they never make me
smile with just a fúcking scent.

I felt none of those. All I felt towards them was lust and superficial attraction.

But with Kiel it's everything. Hell, he didn't have to do anything, he could just
be beside me and I would feel like I am winning in life. Yup, my feelings for him
are that bad.

And so, no matter how much I hate boundaries, I am gonna hold on to it for as long
as I can, because if my feelings spiral out of control and words spew in my mouth
in front of him. I'm gonna lose him and I don't want what we have to end just yet
because that's the closest thing that I could get with him.

And I am not about to let that go.

Huminga naman ako nang malalim habang nakasandal ako sa malamig na dingding ng
elevator.

"Boundaries.." Paalala ko sa sarili ko dahil sa kanya na naman ako naka-assign.

Ang kailangan kong gawin ngayong araw ay gawin ang mga utos niya, no small-talks,
be distant, and just don't be obvious. And with that freshly engraved in my mind,
lumabas na ako mula sa elevator oras nang bumukas ang mga pinto noon. Habang
naglalakad ako papalapit sa reception table kung saan ko siya laging pinupuntahan
ay na-iimagine ko na ang matatagpuan ko.

Him slightly hunched on the tall table, writing some patient notes in a chart, and
wearing his scrubs.

That was I was expecting, pero bago pa ako tuluyang makarating sa kanya ay
napatigil na ako sa aking paglalakad. Kumunot ang noo ko habang nakatingin ako sa
kanyang likuran. He wasn't wearing scrubs today, bagkus ay suot niya ang sweater na
hiningi ko sa kanya noong birthday ko. It was a red comfy sweater with 'HVU'
printed on the middle. It was my favorite one kaya ang sama-sama ng loob ko noong
hinahanda ko iyon para ibalik sa kanya. Inspite of that negative feeling, I still
sent it, and now he's wearing it together with a dark slacks, and a pair of crocs
because he's a doctor who likes crocs.

"I love your sweater." Narinig kong sabi ni Dr. Balmores. Yeah, that's why I
stopped in my tracks because I saw her standing in front of him. She's the head of
Obstetrics and Gynecology. She took over after Ate Carmel left the hospital. I
never had a problem with her until now.

Kiel is really tall and his frame is wide kaya I had to side step a little to see
Balmores. And thankfully dahil sa frame ni Kiel ay hindi niya ako makikita and
besides, she is too busy giving my man flirty looks. I gritted my teeth nang
haplusin niya ang balikat ni Kiel.

"Nag-harvard ka pala, Zeke?" She asked.

Hindi ko naman maiwasan na mapairap. Zeke, close ka'yo? And also, galing sa pinsan
niya 'yung sweater na 'yun. Bakit ko alam? Dahil tinanong ko kung saan nanggaling
ang mga hoodies na hiningi ko sa kanya noon. Hoodies that I currently regret
returning because I miss wearing them.

"No, this was from my cousin." Sagot niya. See, I was right.

Although there was obvious disinterest in his tone. She just smiled and licked her
lips. Looks like Liv is not the only one who I would want to send in the emergency
room.

Once again for legal purposes, that was a joke.

"Hmm..I have sweaters too...you can come see them later at my house, I might wear
it without anything underneath." I heard her seductive reply, making my blood boil
in anger...but at the same time....I felt insecure because....Balmores is
beautiful, I mean slim, has curves, and has the face of a Hollywood celebrity. And
she also has more maturity and confidence than me. And maybe that's what he likes.
Someone who is stable, has a good career, and knows how to carry herself. Unlike me
who is still in school, immature, annoying....

I bet hindi niya aasarin sa Kiel kaya ng lagi kong ginagawa. Maybe she knows how to
cook, a few tricks to better please him in bed---dåmn it!

Mabilis kong pinigilan ang isiping iyon dahil mas lalo lang lumalala ang galit at
selos ko. The idea of Kiel being with another woman has my stomach churning. It
also sends my jealousy off the fúcking charts.

"You know, I am not looking for anything, Balmores." Narinig kong sagot niya. Good.

From here, I saw that she just flashed her pearl while teeth and tilted her head a
little. Matapos noon ay hinaplos na naman niya ang braso ng baby ko!

What the fúck? Where did that come from?

"I might change your mind...if you just give me a chance--"

Okay, I had enough. I should be distant that was my plan pero hindi ko napigilan
ang sarili ko na tuluyang lumapit at tumayo sa gilid nila, completely interrupting
their dåmned moment.

"Good morning po," Bati ko kay Balmores at plastik sa kanyang ngumiti. Bumaling din
ako kay Kiel na ngayon ay napalunok. I briefly eyed her hand on his shoulder, when
he saw my gaze, he subtly but quickly removed her hand.

Good boy. I then looked at Balmores and kept my smile.

"Oh, your goblin is here." Sabi niya at sinundan iyon ng tawa. I've been in her
service for more than a couple of times and I know that that's what she calls med
students. Dati ay naku-cute-an ako doon, pero ngayong alam kong gusto niya si Kiel
ay naasar na ako doon, at especially sa kanya.

"Mauna na ako, Zeke. I'll see you around." She said and winked at him before she
left. Mas lalo lamang kumulo ang dugo ko. Kahit na wala na siya sa paningin ko ay
hindi pa rin nababawasan ang init ng ulo.

"Soo, Dr. Zeke, what are we gonna do today?" I mockingly asked him. Tila naman
namutla ang kanyang gwapong mukha at napalunok siya.

"Vlanca, I-It's n-not---"

"I don't want to hear it." Putol ko sa kanya na agad na ikinaikom ng kanyang bibig.
I don't want to sound like a jealous girlfriend kaya ayoko na siyang mag-explain
pa. Also, I know that he's not interested, it's just that naasar talaga ako kay
Balmores.

Kaya naman sandali akong bumuntong hininga at tumingin sa paligid, when I made sure
that no one was around ay hinitak ko ang collar niya, he lowered his head a little
kaya naman noong tumingkayad ako nang bahagya ay naabot na ng aking mga labi ang
kanyang tenga.

"Uuwi ako sa bahay mo mamaya," Because there is no way na bibigyan ko ng tyansa na

linkisan ka ni Balmores. Tångina. "And then right after we go home, I will kneel
and take out your big cøck, stroke it so slow and suck it until I taste your cüm in
my tongue. Then I will sit on your face and make you eat me until I am shaking and
you're no longer thirsty for my juice......and then I will ride you, and when I get
tired riding your cóck, you will fúck my other hole in doggy style, or in
missionary kapag natuwa ako sa'yo." I dirtily whispered in his ear.

"Vlanca..."

I smirked when I heard him call my name hoarsely. He is definitely turned on.

"Naiintindihan mo ba, Kiel?" I whispered softly.

"Mmmhm, yes." He hummed and nodded vigorously.

Napangisi ako bago ako lumayo.

Nang tumingala ako sa kanya ay napatikhim siya habang namumula ang kanyang mga
pisngi, pati na din ang taas ng kanyang mga tainga. My smirk grew wider. In your
face, Balmores. No one can make Roy Ezekiel Arguello blush other than Vlanca Del
Russo.

I grinned evilly when he snatched the clipboard from the table and used it to cover
his huge erection.

"You are such a little brat."

"Like I don't know that." Nangaasar kong sagot na ikinairap niya.

He then sighed and shook his head at me.

"Mauna ka na sa second floor, naroon si Basil. He'll know what to tell you about
the patient.....I'll follow you after I'm done calming this down." He replied and
eyed his crotch for a moment.

I was about to say another teasing remark but then he stepped forward. As he drew
closer to me, his delicious scent filled my nostrils.

His sharp jawline came into my view as he looked around to check if there were
people around. When he finally made sure that we're alone. He flashed a dark smile
at me.

"And no, I am not gonna måsturbåte, because I want every single drop of my cüm to
go into that bestowed mouth, tight püssy, and juicy åss." He whispered slowly while
looking at my eyes.

It was my turn to freaking blush.

Bago ako bumaba sa elevator ay kinailangan ko na i-gather ang sarili ko dahil Kiel-
freaking-Arguello left me bothered and aching. Well, kasalanan ko din naman but
still. Thankfully, when I stepped out of the elevator ay calm and collected na ako.
I then proceeded to do what he told me, hinanap ko si Basil and asked him what we'd
do.

It was the usual: rounds, vital checks, and we will also have a surgery today.

Sakto naman na pagdating ni Kiel ay papunta pa lang kami sa pasyente namin na naka-
schedule for a surgery today. I was ready to get back at him and tease him more
pero hindi ko iyon nagawa dahil hindi siya mag-isang dumating. When he walks
through the door of the patient's room ay kasama niya si Balmores. I was about to
be confused but then I remembered na that the patient that will undergo a surgery
is three months pregnant. Hence an ObGyn's supervision and advice are needed.

I sighed inwardly as I watched them walk inside. I have to be professional and

focus on Basil's case presentation, kaya naman kahit inis ako na sobrang lapit niya
kay Kiel ay nanahimik ako at nakinig na lang kay Basil.

Matapos ang case presentation at consultation ay talagang kailangan ng pasyente ng

surgery, ngunit bago iyon ay kailangan niya ng CT at labs. Ngayon ay naglalakad
kami ni Kiel para kumuha ng labs. Pinilit ko talaga na siya ang makasama ko, hindi
ako papayag na maiwan siya kasama ni Balmores.

How did I do it without being suspicious? Well, after the consultation ay dinala na
sa CT room ang pasyente, meanwhile the four of us we're at the extended room of the
CT room kung nasaan ang monitors and operation stuff para sa CT machine. As we were
there ay inutusan ako ni Balmores na kuhanin ang labs ng pasyente, she also wanted
Basil to come with me, so silang dalawa ni Kiel ang maiiwan sa CT extended room.

But as I have said, there is no way in hell na papayag ako. Buti na lamang ay nag-
insist na mag-stay si Basil kasama si Balmores dahil may mga tanong siya para sa
doktora, I am suddenly grateful na interested si Basil sa ObGyn. Also, Kiel had to
leave the CT room dahil gusto siyang makausap ng Mister ng pasyente.

So, that was my chance, dumeretso ako sa third floor samantalang ini-text ko siya
na sundan ako after niyang kausapin ang mahal sa buhay ng pasyente. Agad naman niya
iyon na ginawa, so, that's why I am currently walking with him.

"So...you don't know where to go?" Nanunuya niyang tanong sa akin.

Tumingala sa kanya at inirapan siya.

"Bakit gusto mong magpaiwan kasama ni Balmores, Zeke?" I snapped.

Nawala naman ang nangaasar na ekspresyon sa mukha niya.

"No." Mabilis niyang sagot. "And it's not a special nickname for her, okay? You
know that my patients and sometimes my colleagues call me that." Dagdag niya habang
nakatingin sa akin.

That was true, but still, it's annoying. Maya-maya ay kumunot ang noo niya na
animo'y nagka-epiphany siya.

"Wait, nagseselos ka ba?" Parang hindi niya makapaniwalang bulong sa akin.

Fúck.

"Hell no." Agad kong sagot at lumunok. Shît, shît, what happened to 'don't be
obvious?!'

"I-I h-have an arrangement with you and she clearly wants your dîck, how do you
expect me to react? Throw a dåmn party, or something?" I bluntly replied in a
hushed tone. Kumalma naman ang puso ko nang mawala ang pagkabigla niya. Buti na
lang mabilis akong magisip ng excuse. Whoo.

"Why are you wearing that anyway?" Pagbabago ko nang usapan para hindi niya
mapansin na pinagtakpan ko lang ang pagseselos ko. I then roamed my eyes on his
outfit for a second.

His adam's apple bobbed bago siya napakamot sa kanyang batok.

"Wala lang..." Sagot niya matapos niyang kamutin ang kanyang batok. "Bakit gusto mo
ba? I mean, it's cold these days, you know.... I can give this to you, may extra
naman akong dala." Dagdag niya.

Right before I could answer 'no' because of goddåmn boundaries, he spoke again.

"Well, kung ayaw mo naman, okay lang, dahil hinihingi naman 'to ni Balmores---

Fùck. That.

"What?" Gigil kong tanong sa kanya.

He licked his lips and shrugged.

"Ayaw mo naman e, oh edi ibibigay ko na lang sa may gusto---"

"Wala akong sinabi na hindi ko gusto." Singhal ko sa kanya.

He bit his lower lip na animo'y nagpipigil siya ng ngiti.

"So, what about the bounda--"

"Lagay mo sa locker ko 'yan, pati na din 'yung lahat ng binalik ko sa'yo. Huwag na
huwag kong makikita na suot 'yan ni Balmores, sinasabi ko sa'yo matitigang ka."
Inis kong bulong sa kanya.

Tuluyan siyang napangisi bago siya naglayo ng tingin sandali.

"Foda, sim, funcionou." I heard him whisper under his breath.

Kumunot ang noo ko, at hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na tanungin siya, "Ano?"

Mabilis niyang ibinalik ang tingin niya sa akin at umiling.

"Wala, wala. Ang sabi ko; yes, boss, ilalagay ko po sa locker mo." Nakangisi niyang
sagot niya.

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata.

"Siguraduhin mo lang, kasi kapag natuto akong mag-Portugese at nalaman ko na hindi

iyon ang sinabi mo, malilintikan ka talaga sa akin."

He snorted.

"That's okay, but once you learn, I hope you get the meaning of this," He paused
and looked into my eyes. "Amo cada pedacinho de você, Vlanca. E eu desistiria de
absolutamente qualquer coisa se isso significar que posso confessar meus
sentimentos sem perder você." He said that in a fast manner and before I could read
what was in his blue eyes, he looked away.

What? That was my first thought. I could barely recall what he said.

"Huh?" I audibly asked him.

He just shook his head and gave me a sly smile.

"Eto na pala tayo." Sabi lang niya at hinitak ako para pumila sa kuhanan ng lab
results.

Parang kidlat na dumaan ang oras, next thing I knew ay nasa locker room na naman
ako. I already showered and dressed in a black tillie mini-dress and rubber shoes.
Samantalang si Dakota naman ay nasa gilid ko at kasalukuyang sinusuklay ang kanyang
basang buhok. She's also wearing casual clothes which consist of a short skirt and
a simple blouse. Hindi nagtagal ay natapos na din kami pareho na magayos.

I can't help but to smile as I put on my backpack. Medyo ma-alsa ang itsura noon
dahil mga sweater at hoodie sa loob noon.

"Hoy, hinay-hinay lang gorl ah." Nanunudyong sabi ni Dakota habang palabas kami ng
locker room. I told her na sa sneaky link ko ako ngayong uuwi.

I just grinned at her.

"Ayoko ng hinay-hinay since I like it rough."

Napailing na lamang siya.

Naghiwalay na kami ni Dakota sa lobby dahil ini-pick up ulit siya ni Herman.

Samantalang dumeresto ako sa parking lot, and instead of going to my car ay pumasok
ako sa sasakyan ni Kiel. When I got in he's already there, wearing a simple shirt
and a pair of pants. As soon as the door shut and he put my things in the backseat,
he grabbed my jaw and kissed my lips.

"Ready to go home and make your promises come true?" Bulong niya habang pareho
kaming hinihingil dahil sa mainit na halik na aming pinagsaluhan.
I smirked and just nibbled on his lower lip in response.

"Vlanca.." He murmured habang nagma-matyag sa akin ang kanyang mapupungay na mga

mata. Kasalukuyan akong nakaluhod sa kanyang gilid habang nakaupo siya sa couch.
Ang isang kamay niya ay nakapatong sa sandalan ng sofa habang nakaipon ang buhok ko
sa isang niyang kamay.

Hindi na kami nakaabot pa sa loob ng kwarto dahil oras na bumukas ang pinto ay
hinitak ko siya sa couch at siniil ng mainit na halik. We basically tore each
other's clothes. He really wanted to be inside me after that, but I stopped him
since I wanted to taste him first.

Ngumisi naman ako bago ko binasa ang aking kanang kamay gamit ang aking laway. And
with his molten gaze fixed on me, I wrapped my wet palm around his thick length and
started pumping him with my small hand.

He hissed my name.

Napapikit at naisandal niya ang kanyang ulo sa sandalan ng couch, nang halikan ko
ang kanyang namumula at galit na ulo. I opened my mouth and licked the pre-cüm off
of it.

"Ah," He groaned.

I then teased the small slit with my tongue bago ko isinubo ng buo ang kanyang ulo,
at habang nagtaas baba ang aking kamay sa kanyang kahabaan ay sinipsip ko iyon.

His grip on my hair tightened when I started bobbing my head up and down. I had to
open my mouth wider to accommodate his size, and as I was moving, I could feel the
thick and veiny length brushing against my lips and tickling the inside of my
cheek. Sandali naman akong natigilan nang maramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking
puwitan. His big hand was palming my åsscheek for a moment, bago iyon naglumikot.

"Keep sucking, little brat." He commanded when I stopped because I felt his finger
traced my now soaking slit.

I am still taking him in my mouth but my focus is already on the pleasure erupting
on my lower body. He then gathered my moisture with his fingers, and brought it to
my bundle of nerves. But I stopped myself from being distracted instead, I started
taking him further while swirling my tongue around his massive length.

"Vlanca!"

Hindi nagtagal ay bumilis na ang kanyang paggalaw sa aking bibig!

"Fück, fück!"

Halos mabulunan ako sa lalim nang naabot ng ulo ng pagkalalaki niya pero wala akong
pakialam. All I wanted to do was please him, kaya naman mas nilakihan ko pa ang
pagbuka ng aking bibig. His cøck is now covered in my saliva, but I don't seem to
mind that.

Meanwhile my hands travelled down to fondle his balls that are also wet with my
saliva. Mas lalo pa siyang ginanahan noong minasahe ko ang kanyang dalawang bola.
Napapikit naman ako at napaungol nang ipasok niya ang kanyang dalawang daliri sa
aking basang-basang butas.

"Mmmhppp!"

Halos hindi ko naman siya maisubo ng maayos dahil pabilis na ng pabilis ang kanyang
mga darili sa loob ko, to the point na gumagawa na ng ingay ang bawat pagbaon noon!
Halos manginig ang tuhod ko sa sarap. I had to pull away from his cøck to catch my
breath and moan.

"Kiel--ahh!"

I yelped when he pulled out his fingers and gave me a firm spank.

"Keep sucking me, Vlanca." He commanded.

I obeyed. I parted my mouth wider as he made deep thrusts. Kahit na marahas siyang
gumagalaw sa loob ng aking bibig ay hindi pa rin tumitigil ang kanyang mga daliri
sa aking loob!

"Don't come yet." He groaned.

I didn't complain, instead I kneeled there, kept my hands on his hard thighs, and
let him use my mouth while he fúcked me with his fingers. Pakiramdam ko ay maliliyo
ako sa sarap!

And with an animalistic growl, he twitched and spilled his warm seed in my mouth.

Hindi pa ako tapos lumunok ay hinitak na niya palayo ang kanyang pagkakalalaki mula
sa aking bibig. He also pulled out his fingers. Mabilis siyang tumayo at humiga sa
sahig. Matapos noon ay hinitak niya ako paupo sa kanyang mukha.

"Oh, fuck!" I moaned loudly when he latched his mouth on my aching clîtoris. I
didn't get to swallow everything, that's why the rest of his cüm ran down my chin.

Napasabunot ako sa kanyang buhok at hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na igalaw ang
aking sarili. His stubbles are tickling against my wet flesh as I desperately
grinded my püssy against his talented mouth. Humigpit ang aking sabunot sa kanyang
malambot na buhok nang mariin niyang hawakan ang aking bewang at pigilan ako sa
pag-galaw.

He then removed one hand from my waist and plunged it deep inside my soaking hole,
while he put my throbbing clît in his hot mouth. He pinched it with his lips before
he flicked it with his wet tongue!

"KIEL!" I moaned loudly with my eyes closed.

My toes curled in so much pleasure at halos makalbo ko siya sa higpit ng sabunot ko

sa kanyang buhok nang maabot ko ang aking sukdulan. I panted as I felt him drink
and slurp all of my juice.

"Ah, ah!" Sunod-sunod akong napaungol nang patuloy niyang hinahalikan at dinidilaan
ang sensitibo kong pagkababae. He didn't stop until he made sure that all of my
juice was in his mouth.

I was catching my breath as I climbed off of his face. As I watched him get into a
sitting position, I can't help but to notice how his lips are now glistening with
my juice, his hair is disheveled, while his dark eyes are on me.
"Swallow everything." He sternly said as he eyes his cüm on my chin. He then
gathered it with his fingers and pushed it back in my mouth.

His jaw clenched as he watched me sück his fingers clean. I even licked the corners
of my mouth.

He smirked.

"Good girl." My püssy throbbed.

Hindi niya ako pinagpahinga, he helped me sit up and pulled me on the couch.

"I want to ride you." I told him. He just nodded and pulled me on his lap. He
thought that I was gonna face him, but I didn't. Instead ay patalikod akong
pumwesto sa kandungan niya. I

don't want to look him in the eye while we're in a very intimate situation, because
I might just get tempted to spew out my feelings.

And so, I took a deep breath before I grabbed his hard and throbbing cøck. He held
on to my waists as I slowly sat on his veiny length. Inch by inch I could feel it
sinking until it was deep inside me.

"Ahh.." I moaned softly.

I didn't waste any time. Humawak muna ako sa kanyang mga kamay na nasa aking mga
bewang bago ako nagsimulang magtaas baba sa kanyang kandungan. As I fúcked him, I
intended to be as far away as possible from him. But that didn't happen because he
just pulled me against his sweaty and hard body. Habang tumaas ang kanyang mga
kamay sa aking umaalog na mga dibdib.

He played with my breasts as I bounced on his lap. Nilamas niya iyon at pinaglaruan
ang mga tuktok hanggang magsawa siya.

Napahalinghing naman ako nang malakas at napasandig sa kanyang matigas na balikat

nang abutin niya ang aking namamagang butil at masahihin iyon habang naglalabas
masok siya sa basang-basa kong butas.

For a moment I couldn't help but to glance at him. Basa na ng pawis ang kanyang
malambot na buhok, some of the strands were sticking on his forehead. Habang
namumungay ang kanyang mga mata at bakas ang sarap sa kanyang mukha. When he felt
me staring at him, he glanced at me. He then leaned in and kissed me savagely.
Tumigil lamang siya nang maubusan ako ng hininga.

"Kiel!" I screamed his name when he started fúcking me from underneath, meeting my
thrusts with much harsher and deeper pounding. My heart is racing so fast and my
body is now covered in sweat.

"Vlanca," He groaned as he continued to pound me, sending me closer and closer to

the edge. "Come for me, little brat." He commanded and like my body's waiting for
his command; I convulsed and clenched around his thick length.

"Ahh, oh, god!" Sigaw ko habang ramdam ko ang paglabas ng aking katas mula sa aking
butas. Nanghihina akong napasandal sa kanyang matigas na katawan habang mariin
niyang hawak ang aking mga bewang. I weakly leaned against his warm body and let
him fúck me like a ragdoll.

"Yes, yes.....Kiel, cüm inside, please, please." I begged him. I wanted to feel his
seed coat my walls.

"My filthy little brat.." He murmured like he was pleased to hear that from me. And
after a few more deep thrusts, he growled.

"Vlanca." He moaned as he spilled his thick fluid inside of me. I sighed in

satisfaction.

"Ohh," Nanghihina akong napaungol nang maramdaman ko ang pagkibot ng kanyang

pagkalalaki sa loob ko. As I rest my body against his, I can feel the thudding of
his heart and his chest heaving.

Hinihingal naman niya akong niyakap, bago niya hinawi ang pumakat na basang buhok
sa aking leeg at mukha.

He then planted a kiss on my temple before he whispered, "You okay?"

With my eyes still half closed, I hummed, "Mmmhh.."

Limang minuto lamang akong nakapagpahinga, dahil matapos noon ay binuhat na niya
ako patungo sa kanyang kama. He positioned me on his bed face down while my åss was
in the air. Samantalang nakatayo siya sa aking likod. I gasped when I felt him spit
on my other hole and felt his fingers spread the warm liquid all over it.

Napakagat naman ako sa aking labi nang maramdaman ko ang kanyang mga daliri sa
aking pagkababae na puno ng kanyang katas. He then used his fingers to scoop some
of his cüm and brought it to my other hole.

"Spread your cheeks open for me." He commanded. I weakly reached for my åsscheeks
and parted it for him.

"Good girl."

And with his strong hands gripping my waists. He pointed the tip on my puckered
hole.

I inhaled sharply as I felt him smoothly yet slowly sink inside my åss.

"Ahh..." Napaungol naman ako nang maramdaman kong sumagad siya. May kung anong
masarap na kiliti ang kumalat sa katawan ko dahil doon.

"Does that hurt?" Tanong niya na agad kong ikinailing. The pain was very light and
it doesn't hurt because he took it slow and also because of the lube that he used.

"No, fück me, please." I replied.

"Cazzo," He cursed before he started to pound my hole. Kinailangan kong bumitaw sa

aking puwitan at itukod ang isang kong kamay sa kama, habang tumaas naman ang isa
upang humawak sa kanyang kamay na nasa aking bewang. Binitawan niya ang bewang ko
upang hawakan ang aking kamay.

"Kiel, oh god!" I moaned loudly as I rested my cheek on his soft bed. Gumagawa na
ng ingay ang pagiisa ng aming katawan and the bed is already moving with us.

"Vlanca, you feel so fúcking good." Mas bumilis pa ang kanyang pag-ulos habang
humigpit ang kapit ko sa kanyang kamay. Napakagat ako sa aking labi nang
maramadaman ko ang unti-unting pagkalat ng masarap na kiliti sa aking puson. I then
felt his warm cüm from earlier, spilling out of my püssy because of his savage
thrusts. Mas lalo lamang nadagdagan ang kiliting nararamdaman ko dahil doon.

"Shît!" Napamura ako at napapikit ng mariin nang maramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa
aking pagkababae. As he was fúcking me balls deep from behind, he reached for his
cúm on my püssy lips, he then brought it to my aching bud. He spread it around and
used it to massage my bud!

That's when I freaking lost control. Nanginig ang aking buong katawan sa sarap
habang halos mapunit ko ang kanyang bedsheet!

"Ohh," I hissed when I felt my juice combined with his fluid dribbling down my
thighs.

"Ahh!" Nanghihina akong napaungol nang sumagad siya lalo dahil inilapit niya ang
kanyang katawan sa akin. I felt his torso against my back.

He kissed my cheek before he whispered, "Fúck, I can feel you clenching all over my
cøck."

I smirked. He hissed in pleasure when I did it again.

"Good girl."

I just hummed since pagod na talaga ako. He then rose and started claiming my hole
harder.

"Vlanca, I'm gonna come, fúck!"

"Give it to me, please."

And with another trust, I felt him spill his warm and thick seed inside my åss.

"Holy shît." Hindi ko maiwasang bulong habang nararamdaman ko ang pagpuno niya sa
aking butas. When he was done, he slowly pulled out, earning another moan from me.
Both of my holes are now filled with his cúm.

I am still weakly laying down on my stomach habang naramdaman ko ang paghiga niya
sa tabi ko. Napahawak naman ako sa kanyang maugat na forearm nang ipulupot niya ang
kanyang mga braso sa aking bewang at hitakin ako palapit sa kanyang katawan,

"Give me my kiss." He demanded, nanghihina naman akong bumaling sa kanya at

hinalikan siya. I can barely kiss him back because of exhaustion.

When we pulled away, I was about to crawl away to go rest, but then his hand
tightened on my waist. I then felt his head poking my tender åss again.

Don't tell me Kiel Junior is already hard?

Right before I could even answer my own question. Umibabaw na siya sa akin, his
muscled arms were on the either side of my head. Ang kanyang buhok ay gulo-gulo
subalit bagay sa kanya iyon. His cheeks are now flushed as well as the top of his
ears. Habang nakatitig sa akin ang namumungay niyang mga asul na mga mata.

"Hindi pa tayo tapos."

I didn't get to go home that night because of exhaustion. Hinayaan ko ang sarili ko
na yakapin siya at matulog sa kanyang tabi dahil pinangako ko sa sarili ko na
pagbalik ko sa susunod ay hindi na mauulit 'yon. I told myself that no matter how
exhausted I was, I'd still go home because, boundaries, right?

I have to protect myself. That's what I know and that's what I was gonna do but as
unexpected as it may be, I didn't get to go home for the past week that we have
been hooking up.

Dahil noong sumunod na beses na umuwi ako kasama niya ay nagyaya siyang uminom
after séx dahil succesful 'yung isa sa mahirap niyang surgery. I mean, who am I to
turn that down? And so, I drank with him and we both got drunk, kaya naman nag-
sleep over ako, The few days came, I didn't get to go home dahil pagod ako sa
kanya. Literal na hanggang madaling araw siya, or kapag naidlip ako ay magigising
na lang ako na hinahalikan na niya ang pagkababae ko.

And every morning, he'd cook me breakfast, and make me coffee. Mayroon na rin siya
na-order na pagkain para sa lunch ko. I know that he's doing that just because he's
being a great sneaky link, but because my mind is hazed with all these feelings
that I have for him.

I am starting to think that it means something. I started giving it meanings, which

is so, so, not good for me.

"Ahmmpp.." Napahalinghing ako sa kanyang bibig nang lumalalim ang kanyang pagbaon.
I am now in his bed, he's on top of me, fúcking me slowly. Tumigil naman ako sa
paghalik at yumakap sa kanya.

I bit my lower lip as pleasure spread throughout my body, but my mind is not
focused on the carnal need of my body nor the erøticism of the moment. From the
past weeks that we were fücking, he always did it from behind because I've insisted
it to be that way. We're just doing it this way for now dahil napansin niya na ako
lagi ang pumipili ng positions namin. I didn't want to be suspicious and so, I
agreed when he said that he wanted this position.

I agreed because I thought I already mastered the art of hiding my feelings.

But now that I pulled away from the hug. Now that my hands are placed on his
shoulders, his hips slowly moving, and those pools of ocean eyes looking at me,
full of desire. All I wanted to do was to tell him about my feelings while looking
at his gorgeous face. What I have managed to hide for the past few weeks are now
seeping out, not just because of the intimate position.

But because I am already tired of hiding it. Pagod na akong itanggi at itago ang
nararamdaman ko sa araw na araw na kasama ko siya, pagod na akong panoodin siya na
subukan na landiin o agawin ng ibang babae, nakakapagod dahil wala akong magawa
dahil wala akong karapatan na bakuran siya.

At higit sa lahat pagod na din ako maging takot. Napalayo naman ako nang tingin
nang maramdaman ko ang aking nagbabadyang mga luha.

Pütangina, hindi ko na talaga 'to kaya.

Tila napansin naman niya na nasa ibang bagay ang isip ko dahil tumigil siya at
hinawakan niya ang aking mga pisngi.
"Is something wrong?" Tanong niya na agad kong ikinailing.

"No, I just wanna be on top." I replied and avoided his gaze.

"Okay."

And so, I rode him, and made him fúck me until he was tired. The only reason that I
didn't pass out was because I drank two energy drinks during my shift, since it was
busier than ever earlier. And so, when he was finally sleeping. I left without
waking him up.

Nothing fúcking helps. Actually fück the boundaries. It didn't do shit about my
feelings. Instead it just made my feelings stronger than ever.

There has to be another way or rather, there has to be a last resort. Because, yes,
I am tired but admitting it just means that I am gonna lose him. That's my worst
nightmare.

"There has to be another way to erase this stupid feelings." Bulong habang
nagmamaneho ako. And as I passed the GSMH hospital bulding, naalala ko ang sinabi
ni Dakota.

"Gusto mo ba ng distraction? Maraming ka-tropa si Herman."

Nothing is working. I stayed away from him, I put those dåmned boundaries, and I
stayed distant but my feelings didn't wither a bit. So, maybe, distraction is not
off the table after-all.

Halos maga-alas dose na ng umaga, ayoko na abalahanin pa si Dakota para lang may
maireto siya sa akin. That's selfish. And the thought of going to a bar meeting a
hørny drunk guy really doesn't do it for me. But still, I went to a nearest bar,
not to flirt or look for a distraction, rather to just drink up whatever
frustration I was feeling.

'Little brat, where r u?'

'Bakit ka umuwi?'

'R u safe?'

'Please, tell me where you are?'

15 missed calls from 👿

Incoming call from 👿...

I sighed and let it ring silently. Nang matapos iyon ay binuksan ko ang messages at
nagtipa ng mensahe para sa kanya.

'Don't worry, I'm home.'

Iyon lang ang sinagot ko. I lied because I don't want him asking anymore questions.
At mukha na naniwala siya dahil hindi na siya sumagot pa.

Napabuntong hininga naman ako bago ako tumingin sandali sa paligid. This bar is
just a bar, walang dancefloor or masyadong maingay na musika. Bagkus ay tama lamang
ang volume ng ingay na nagmumula sa speaker, upang malunod ang mga hindi kaaya-
ayang isipin ng mga taong nais na makalimot tulad ko.

Habang may mga simpleng lamesa at upuan sa paligid, at bar na may maayos na
bartender at iba't-ibang klase ng mga alak sa shelf sa likuran nito. It's just
twelve kaya naman marami pang tao sa paligid. Actually, some already hit on me
despite my attire which is just an oversized hoodie, dahil kay Kiel ito at itim na
leggings. My hair is just in a messy bun and I still probably smell like séx.

Kinda surprising that people still hit on me despite my current state, but then
again, drunk and hørny people are not very picky.

Napaigik naman ako nang matapos kong malagok ang isang shot ng Vodka. Tinaas ko
naman sandali ang kamay ko sa bartender. Agad naman siyang lumapit.

"Isa pa nga, please." Sabi ko sa kanya. "But pour it after I use the restroom."
Dagdag ko bago ako bumaba sa aking upuan. I tend to pee often kapag umiinom ako,
kaya naman agad akong naglakad patungo sa banyo.

When I got in there it was an empty public standard bathroom. It has three clean
cubicles and a sink for two. As I was washing my hands, the main door opened. I
didn't look up dahil panigurado na another woman lamang iyon.

"Vlanca,"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko nang marinig ko ang boses ni Kiel. When I looked at
him, I saw him wearing a gray hoodie and dark sweatpants. Mukhang kagigising lamang
niya dahil gulo-gulo pa ang kanyang itim na buhok habang nakatingin sa akin ang
kanyang madilim at mapupungay na mga mata.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong sa kanya at
mabilis na pinatay ang faucet. I just wiped my hands on my top to dry it.

His jaw clenched and stepped forward.

"Tinanong ko lang 'yung bartender, kung may nakita siyang green eyed little brat na
mahilig umalis sa kalagitnaan ng gabi nang walang paalam, at nagsisinungaling
tungkol sa kinaroonan niya." Sarkastiko niyang sagot habang madilim ang kanyang
tingin sa akin.

"Seryoso. What. The. Fúck. Are. You. Doing. Here?" Gigil kong tanong.

He caressed his jaw for a moment as if he was controlling his patience.

"Ginamit mo 'yung card ko, it's not that hard to track it."

My brows furrowed in confusion. Agad ko naman na hinalungkat ang aking shoulder

bag.

"What? This is mi--" I stopped midsentence when I read what was engraved on the
freaking card.

American Express. Roy Ezekiel Arguello.

"I switched it with your card, when you returned it to me, and notified the bank
that you will use it."

Umawang ang mga labi ko. All this time I was using his goddåmn card?!
"You know that I bought a fifty thousand pesos dress with this card, three sets of
underwear that's probably forty-five thousand pesos each, and atleast two pairs of
high-end sneakers?"

He nodded and shrugged like it was nothing.

"Yeah, and you can spend more." Deadma niyang sagot.

"You idiot." I muttered and tossed him his card. I am the freaking idiot bakit kasi
bigay lang ako ng bigay ng card sa cashier without checking it?! Sinalo lamang niya
iyon, matapos noon ay lumapit siya sa akin at kinuha ang shoulder bag ko.

"Halika na, uuwi na tayo. We'll talk about why you left at our house." Mariin
niyang sabi at kinuha ang kamay ko pero mabilis ko iyon na ipiniksi.

"No!" I yelled at him. "I am not going home with you, not tonight, not tomorrow,
not fücking ever. Not a-anymore."

I was expecting him to be mad pero tumango lang siya.

"Okay, so, sa apartment mo na lang tayo. I'll just bring some of my things---"

Hindi ako makapaniwalang natawa.

"I don't know if you're acting dumb or you just don't get it."

Tuluyang sumeryoso ang kanyang mukha, he then licked his lips and looked me in the
eye. Oh, he gets it.

"Ayoko na sa'yo."

He inhaled sharply as his jaw clenched.

"Bullshît."

Pagak akong tumawa at napahilamos sandali sa aking mukha. My heart beats for him
and he will break it. I didn't find a distraction tonight, and so I'll resort to my
original plan; to break it with some bullshît reason.

"Ayoko na, Ezekiel. Sawa na ako sa'yo." Ulit ko nang hindi tumitingin sa kanyang
mga mata.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

"Vlanca.." He softly called my name and dåmn it, halos bumigay ako. "Nakainom ka,
pwede natin 'to pagusapan--"

"Walang dapat pagusapan! Give me my bag and get the hell out of here dahil ayoko na
sa'yo." I interrupted him without looking at him. Napapaurong naman ako dahil
papalapit siya nang papalapit, hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang pagtama ng sink sa
puwetan ko.

When I inhaled sharply, I smelled his delicious scent.

Nakatingin lamang ako sa kanyang dibdib dahil hindi ko siya matingnan sa mga mata.

"You are lying." He firmly said as he put the bag on the space next to me.
Lumunok ako, still didn't dare to look at him.

"A-ayoko na, I don't wanna see you anymore or have anything to do with you." Sagot
ko at kinuha na ang bag ko.

Akmang aalis ako nang harangin niya ako nang kanyang kamay.

"Say the reason again."

Napalunok akong muli. My knees are buckling and my heart is thumping so loud.

"Ayoko na dahil sawa na ako s-sa'yo."

"Say that again, but look me in the eye and then I will believe you." He huskily
said that made me grip the bag in my hand tighter.

Matapos ang ilang segundo ay tumingala ako sa kanya. That's just when I realized
that he was towering me with his full height. I am so tempted to lean against him
and feel his familiar warmth but I stopped myself. Nang tumingin ako sa kanyang mga
mata ay parang namumula iyon siguro sa puyat or sa....pinipigil niyang mga luha.

Kinagat ko sandali ang aking labi habang mahigpit ko pa din na hawak ang aking bag
sa pagitan namin.

"Ayoko na k-kasi," Hindi ko iyon maituloy dahil hindi ko kayang magsinungaling

habang nakatingin sa kanya.

"No, do not look away." He quickly said when I tried to look away.

I breathed in and met his intense gaze again.

"Ayaw mo na kasi..." He trailed off, without tearing his eyes off of me.

And right before I could stop the words, it just flew right out of my mouth.

"Ayoko na kasi pütangina, mahal na kita, Kiel!" Sigaw ko sa kanya, kasabay noon ay
ang pagtulo ng mga luha ko.

Chapter 39: We're Both Idiots

Happy friday and happy reading, gorls! 😘

***

Martina Vlanca
"What?" Mariin niyang tanong habang nanlalaki ang kanyang mga mata.

I chuckled dryly and shook my head. I couldn't find any words to say to him.
Because at that moment, all I wanted to do was run away. I have never felt so
vulnerable and exposed in my life. To have someone see my bare feelings and to know
that that someone is not gonna catch me is indeed terrifying and it hurts to think
about. Subalit imbes na tumakbo palayo sa kanya ay tumayo lamang ako doon at hindi
pinansin ang nanginginig kong mga tuhod. Ramdam ko ang init ng mga luhang patuloy
na umaagos sa aking mga pisngi.

Meanwhile he was standing there like a statue and staring at me like he just
couldn't believe what he just heard. Hindi ko mabasa ang kanyang halos namumulang
mga mata. Hindi nagtagal ay tuluyan siyang lumapit sa akin at hinawakan ang aking
pisngi. He then looked into my eyes with those soft blue orbs.

"M-Mahal mo ako?" Pabulong niyang tanong sa akin, mababakas parin sa kanyang tono
ang pagkabigla.

"Yes." Walang pagaalinlangan kong sagot. "I fell for you knowing dåmn well that I
can't." I told him as tears streamed down my cheek. My heart aches as it beats.
"Alam ko na once na m-mangyari ito ay tapos na tayo.....I know that and I don't
accept it yet but I will get t-there.."

I will probably get there after crying for a few weeks and mixing ninety-percent
alcohol with my morning coffee, everyday, just to have the will to stand up and
face you.

His Adam's apple bobbed.

"B-But what about the b-boundaries?" He asked, completely ignoring what I just
said. He asked me as though this situation does not make sense to him. He asked
like he didn't expect any of this to happen or for me to say that I love him.

Suminghot ako bago sumagot.

"I did that to protect myself, to erase my feelings," Tapat kong sabi sa kanya
habang nakatingin ako sa kanyang gwapong mukha. I bit my lower lip for a moment
before I touched his stubbled cheek. "And to not lose y-you....but I could only
endure so much, Kiel...." My voice croaked.

Hindi siya sumagot. Nanatili lamang ang kanyang titig sa akin, na animo'y
sinusubukan niyang intindihin ang mga sinabi ko.

I pursed my lips to stop a sob because the more I stood here, the more I felt the
dread of the

impending rejection and heartbreak. I have to leave before he could even say it
because my heart can't take hearing it from him. Holy shît, hindi ko alam kung
paano ako makakapasok ng matino mamaya, pero bahala na. I just have to figure out
how I will leave now.

"You don't h-have to say it.....alam ko na....just let m-me go." I said and avoided
his gaze. Kinuha ko ang kamay niyang nasa pisngi ko at sinubukang ibaba iyon
subalit hindi niya ako hinayaan. Bagkus ay hinawakan pa niya ang kabila kong
pisngi.

He just looked at me like everything finally made sense to him. Mabilis niyang
pinunasan ang mga luha ko bago niya ako siniil nang halik. Agad akong napapikit at
hinalikan siya pabalik.
Pinagdikit niya ang aming mga noo at ngumisi sa akin habang hinahabol ko ang aking
hininga dahil sa kanyang mainit at gutom na mga halik. A tear rolled down his
cheek.

"Hindi, hindi kita hahayaan na umalis," He firmly whispered against my lips. "Dahil
mahal din kita, Vlanca."

Pakiramdam ko ay hindi na ako makahinga sa bilis ng kabog ng dibdib ko.

It was my turn to say, "What?"

He nodded repeatedly as we pulled away.

"Ezekiel, kung nape-pressure ka lang kasi may feelings ako, stop it." Naiiling kong
sabi sa kanya. The last thing I wanted was pity feelings from him.

"No, no, little brat." He said softly. Binatawan niya ang mga pisngi ko at
hinawakan ang aking mga kamay, at dinala iyon sa kanyang mga malalambot na mga
labi. He planted small kisses on the back of my hand as he stared at me with
adoration in those eyes.

"Amo cada pedacinho de você, Vlanca." Bulong niya.

Naalala ko na sinabi niya iyon sa akin noong nakaraang linggo. I was about to tell
him that it doesn't mean anything to me because I don't understand it, but then he
translated it for me without taking his eyes off of me.

"I love every bit of you, Vlanca." Sambit niya nang walang pagkautal.

My mouth just parted as my heart continued to beat so fast and loud, I could hear
it thumping in my ears.

"E eu desistiria de absolutamente qualquer coisa se isso significar que posso

confessar meus sentimentos sem perder você." He slowly said. "And I would give up
absolutely anything if it means I can confess my feelings without losing you."

Hindi ako nasagot, habang nagiinit na namang muli ang mga sulok ng aking mga mata.
The tears are threatening to fall, not because of the heartbreak I was
anticipating....but because of overwhelming joy....and adoration I was feeling.

"I loved you before you even knew it, Vlanca," Tears fell down my cheeks. His eyes
were teary as he fixed his gaze on me. "And now that I know that you love me too?
Hell would have to freeze first before I let you go."

"Then why didn't you say anything? All this time, pütangina, nagtataguan tayo?"
Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong, habang kumakabog pa rin ang dibdib ko.

He chuckled softly and planted another kiss on my knuckles.

"I was planning to tell you, but then, you set the boundaries...that's why I was so
confused earlier and I had to ask you," He explained, that make so much sense. "At
natakot ako na kapag umamin ako ay mawawala ka sa akin....gaya noong naramdaman mo.
So, I just expressed it through....taking care of you..." His stare was still
unwavering.

And then it clicked.

The breakfast, the lunches, all the food. Everything. I wasn't crazy to give it
meaning.

"So, no, Vlanca...I am not pressured to say this....it's just that I am an idiot, I
should've said some--"

I shut him up with a brief yet sweet kiss. Nang maghiwalay ang aming mga labi ay
pinagdikit kong muli ang aming mga noo.

"Stop it, we're both idiots." Natatawang kong bulong habang hawak ko pa din ang
kanyang mga pisngi.

He chuckled, halos mawala naman ang mga mata niya dahil sa lawak ng kanyang ngiti.

"I love you.." Bulong niya sa mga labi ko na mas lalo lamang ikinalakas ng pagkabog
ng aking dibdib, habang may kung anong sensasyon akong nararamdaman sa aking
kalamnan.

"And I love you too....idiot." Pabiro kong sagot.

Tumawa naman siya.

"Isa pa nga..." Ungot niya.

Kinagat ko naman ang pangibaba kong labi sandali.

"Sige na..parinig lang ulit.."

"I love you..."

Tuluyan namang namula ang kanyang mukha.

"Yiee, kilig naman tiîi mo diyan." Pangaasar ko at tinusok ang bewang niya.

He pouted as he caressed my cheek.

"Hindi kaya...dito ako may kilig." Tinuro niya kung nasaan ang kanyang puso at
tiyan sandali, habang namumula ang kanyang mga tenga.

Para namang nalusaw ang puso ko.

"Lika nga dito, kiss mo ako." Sagot ko na agad naman niyang ginawa.

"Ay, püta!"

Agad kaming naghiwalay nang bumukas ang pintuan. Nang tumingin kami doon ay may
babaeng nakatayo doon na mugto ang mga mata, nakasuot ng short dress, at higit sa
lahat ay masama ang tingin sa amin.

"Mga leche," Sabi lang niya at nagmartsa patungo sa cubicle. "Kaya nga ako pumunta
ng bar para makalimot tapos mag-jowang naglalampungan ang bubungad sa akin sa CR?
Lord naman oh!" Narinig namin na gigil niyang bulong habang magka-holding hands
kami na lumabas ng banyo.

Martina Vlanca
Noong madaling araw na iyon ay sabay kaming umuwi. Iniwan ko na lang sa parking ng
bar ang aking sasakyan dahil tutal ay twenty-four hours naman ang parking doon.
I'll just go pick it up in the morning. When we got home, I went to bed with him, I
couldn't keep my hands off of him, and so, we fúcked....well, it wasn't fúck....it
was more intimate than filthy. I was kissing him, caressing his face lovingly as he
penetrated me slowly, my hands were also running on the hard muscles in his back,
and I cried out his name and told him I love him with passion as I come.

It wasn't focused on physicality, rather my body heated up because of the internal

connection we had or rather with the fact that I am doing such an intimate act with
the person that I love.

......So, it was definitely love-making.

It was my first time and I couldn't wait to do it again with him. Isang beses lang
namin ginawa iyon kahit na gusto pa niya ng isa, we stil need the energy we had
left dahil pareho kaming may duty sa ospital mamaya.

Ngayon ay pareho kaming nakahiga sa kama, pagod subalit kuntento. It's already two
in the morning. Ang mumunting liwanag na nangagaling sa labas ay tumatagos sa
bintanang may kurtina sa aking gilid. Komportable naman akong nakaunan sa kanyang
matipunong braso habang nakapatong ang aking kamay sa kanyang matigas na kalamnan.
I am drawing circles on his abs.

I closed my eyes for a moment when I felt him kiss my forehead.

"May sasabihin ako sa'yo." He said silently.

Napatingala naman ako sa kanya. The yellowish-dim light was illuminating on his
handsome face. It accentuated his sharp jawline and prominent nose but it made his
beautiful hooded eyes look darker. Tinakpan ko naman ang bibig ko sandali at umakto
ako na parang shocked.

"Oh, my god, buntis ka?" Nangaasar kong sagot sa kanya.

He just shook his head and smirked a little. I wonder how he can still tolerate my
immature behavior, after all this time.

Tumawa naman ako at inabot ang kanyang panga. Kinuha naman niya ang kamay ko at
dinala iyon sa kanyang mga labi. He then pressed a kiss on my palm before he
brought my hand on top of his beating heart. He rested it there whilst holding the
back of my hand.

"Joke lang namern. Ano nga 'yung sasabihin mo?"

"I lied to you....when I said I was feeling sick."

Bahagyang umawang ang mga labi.

"Kiel..."

He grinned sheepishly.

"I did have a cough....but that was just it. I was gonna say that I am sorry, but
really I am not," He said that made me shake my head a little. "But please...don't
be mad at me..ginawa ko kasi 'yun dahil...na-miss kita. Ayoko na umalis ka at gusto
ko na maramdaman ko ang yakap mo sa akin."

Hindi ko naman maiwasan na mapatitig sa kanya habang ramdam ko na nalulusaw ang

puso ko. I love this soft side of him that he only shows when he's with me.

"Oh, baby, I am not mad..." Sagot ko sa kanya at humiwalay sa kanya sandali. I slid
up a little and leaned on the headboard. I then wrapped my arms around him. Yumakap
naman siya sa aking mga bewang at umunan sa dibdib ko. For a moment, I exhaled
because his stubbles tickled my bare skin.

"There, I'm hugging you know." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"And.... I also didn't like it when you forgot to..... give me.. my..... kiss..."
Nakanguso niyang bulong.

I remember that, and I suddenly felt bad. Now, all I want to do is give him his
kiss.

"So, babawi din ako doon?"

He nodded repeatedly.

"Mmmhh....I want lots of kisses...here." Malambing niyang sabi at tinuro ang

mapupula niyang mga labi. And so, I leaned down and gave him a peck.

"Okay, so that's one.." Kiss. "Two," Kiss. "Three,"

He pulled away for a moment and pouted.

"Gusto ko matagal..." Ungot niya na lalo kong ikinangiti.

"Ang demanding naman ng baby ko." I said as I caressed his cheek.

The crease on the side of his eyes showed because of his wide grin, his stubbled
cheeks also brightened up in the shade of pink na animo'y kinikilig siya sa term na
ginamit ko.

"I want my long kiss now....please....your baby's asking nicely.."

Ngumisi naman ako bago ko siya hinalikan....ng matagal as requested.

Kinabukasan ay on time pa rin kami nagising kahit na late na kaming nakatulog.

Pagmulat nang mga mata ko ay nahuli ko siyang nakatingin sa akin. Well, he didn't
even try to hide that he was staring at me. In fact, habang nakahiga siya nang
patagilid sa aking tabi ay nakatukod pa ang kanyang sentido sa kanyang palad para
lang makatitig siya sa akin ng maayos. For a moment, I couldn't help but to stare
at his handsome face, he still looked dashing inspite of his dark messy hair.

"Good morning, little brat." He said and leaned down to give me a sweet peck on the
lips.

"Good morning, baby ko."

Namula naman siya bago siya tuluyang yumakap sa akin at ibinaon ang kanyang mukha
sa aking leeg.

"I am your only baby.." Narinig kong kinikilig na bulong niya.

Napakagat ako sa aking labi.

We didn't have the time to stay in bed longer, dahil may early surgery siya and not
to mention, seven-thirty ang call time ko as a med student. Kaya naman um-order
lamang kami ng breakfast, pero ginawan niya ako ng iced-coffee. We then ate
together and we also showered together, but we didn't do anything other than
washing each other's body.

"You're my hair dryer now?" Natatawa kong tanong sa kanya dahil tinutuyo niya ang
buhok ko. Kasalukuyan siyang nakatayo sa likuran ko habang hawak niya ang blower
ko. All the weeks that we're sleeping together, I tend to leave things, including
hair products, clothes, underwear, and apparently, a hairblower.

"Yes, little brat." Narinig kong sagot niya sa kabila nang ingay ng blower. I can't
help but to smile as I watched him through the mirror. Higit na mas matangkad siya
sa akin, halos hanggang dibdib lamang niya ako kaya naman kitang-kita niya pati
bunbunan ko. He was shirtless while I was wearing his huge robe. Kaya naman kitang-
kita ko ang pag-flex ng kanyang braso tuwing itinatapat niya ang blower sa iba't-
ibang paligid ng buhok ko.

Hindi nagtagal ay natapos siyang gawin iyon kaya naman ngayon ay sinusuklay na niya
ang buhok ko. Hindi ako nakatayo ngayon dahil iniupo niya ako sa counter habang
pinagkasya niya ang sarili niya sa nakabuka kong mga hita. I can't help but to
giggle because as he was brushing my hair, he would plant a kiss on my cheek, my
forehead, the tip of my nose, basically everywhere he could kiss me.

"Suklayan lang usapan e." Sabi ko sa kanya matapos niya akong mahalikan sa mga
labi.

Tumigil siya sandali sa pagsusuklay sa buhok ko bago niya ako ninakawan muli ng
halik sa mga labi.

"Huh? What did you say?" Nangaasar niyang sabi at hinalikan ako sa panga.

Inirapan ko lamang siya pero syempre gustong-gusto ko naman ang ginagawa niya.

"Ang landi mo talaga."

"I am...but only to you.." Sagot niya at kinindatan ako bago siya nagpatuloy sa
pagsuklay sa buhok ko.

Napakagat naman ako sa labi ko nang kumibot ang pechay ko sa kilig.

"Hele, pereng tenge nemen te."

On time din kaming dumating sa ospital ng baby ko. Sa kanya ako sumakay patungo ng
bar dahil naroon pa ang sasakyan ko. I then used the car from there to GSMH, kaya
naman kahit na magkasabay kaming dumating ay magkahiwalay kami ng sasakyan. As I
was in the locker room, it didn't feel like a usual day. Rather, I felt like I was
floating in the clouds and there was a smile on my face na ayaw mabura-bura.
"Gorl," Tawag sa akin ni Dakota habang naglalakad kami sa hallway. Patungo kami
ngayon sa elevator. Kagagaling lang namin sa reception table kung saan namin
nalaman na pareho kaming nasa service ni Avenidez. Minsan lang kaming magkasama
kaya naman I was practically jumping in excitement when I found out that good news.

"Hmm?" Sagot ko sa kanya.

"What's up with you, today?" Kunot na noong tanong niya, sakto naman na huminto
kami sa tapat ng saradong elevator doors. "You're smiling like a fool... and you
smiled at Liv...like gorl, what? Anong nakain mo today?" She asked with squinted
eyes after she pressed the button on the side of the elevator.

Of course, she noticed my weirdness today, she's one of my closest-friends after-

all. I am dying to share with her that I have a special someone now....but I also
know that she won't stop until I tell her who he is.....and obviously because of
our situation, I can't tell her. Kaya naman kahit na kating-kati akong sabihin sa
kanya ay kailangan ko munang i-keep mula sa kanya iyon.....atleast until our
graduation.

It keeps her away from the mess... if ever.

"Let's just say that I am inspired..." Vague ko na sagot. "And as for what I ate,
do you really wanna know?" I cocked an eyebrow at her.

She just shook her head.

"Actually, nevermind."

I just chuckled loudly.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating kami ng third floor, as we were approaching the

reception table, hindi lang si Avenidez ang naroon, agad ko din na namataan ang
baby ko na nakatayo malapit sa pintuan ng isang pasyente. Ilang hakbang lamang ang
layo noon mula sa reception table.

Tumingin naman ako sandali sa aking gilid. Dakota and Avenidez are talking about
something about a patient chart. I should be listening pero sinamantala ko ang oras
busy sila sa paguusap upang sulyapan si Kiel. He was wearing his usual scrubs under
his long whitecoat, meanwhile he's wearing his favorite pair of crocs. Habang ang
kanyang buhok ay nakaipon sa loob ng kanyang kulay green na scrubcap. I also
learned na kaya siya kupas at mukhang luma ay dahil galing pa iyon sa kanyang ina.
It was her first scrubcap and she gave it to him when he became a resident. And
that was really sweet.

"Check the patient in room thirty three and thirty four. Check their vitals and..."
Ang kanyang tono ay malamig habang inuutusan niya ang dalawang resident at isang
med student...na si Liv.

I tried my best not to frown.

And based on his professional yet cold tone...and his stoic face. No one would
think na kinikilig 'yan sa term na baby ko at grabeng maglambing. I can't help but
to smile at that thought.

Nang umalis sila ay naiwan siyang nakatayo doon, it didn't take him long for him to
see me. Nang magtama ang mga mata namin ay lumambot ang kanyang ekspresyon.
Tumingin muna siya sa kanyang paligid bago niya ako kinindatan at nag-mouth ng:

'Ti amo'
Napakagat naman ako sa aking labi para magpigil ngiti. Keeser ke telege, Kiel.

Roy Ezekiel

Vlanca loves me. The incredible woman who's currently standing beside Avenidez
loves me.

Hindi ko naman maiwasan na mapakagat sa aking labi nang kindatan niya ako mula sa
operating room. Kasalukuyan akong nakaupo dito sa first row ng gallery, at
pinapanood siya.

Nakindatan niya ako dahil wala namang ibang tao dito sa gallery dahil ang surgery
na nagaganap ay...let's say boring para sa mga doktor at estudyante dahil foot
surgery lamang iyon.

But I am not here for the surgery...I am sitting here because I wanted to see my
little brat. I had a full and busy morning, ngayong kaunting break ko lamang siya
nakita, and god, it felt like a breath of fresh air to see her.

A few hours ago, I wouldn't have thought that things would turn out this way. Noong
gabing iyon ay ramdam ko na may bumabagabag sa kanya subalit hindi ko siya pinilit
na pagusapan iyon, dahil noong mga panahong iyon ay wala akong karapatan, at noong
mga oras ding iyon ay halatang ayaw niya talagang pagusapan kung ano mang
bumabagabag sa kanya. And so, that night, I just gave her what she wanted, which is
long and hard fúcking.

That midnight, when I woke up and she wasn't beside me. I immediately panicked, I
texted her right away because that's not her. Hindi lamang siya basta-basta aalis
kung walang mali. I should've been content with her response that she was home safe
but I am really itching to see her....and ask her what's really wrong. I was about
to go to her apartment but I got a notification from the bank app that said that my
card had been used by her in a bar.....which strongly suggests that she wasn't
home.

Yeah, whenever she uses my card, I get notifications. Ayoko noon pero requirement
iyon ng banko dahil may ini-authorized akong user bukod sa sarili ko. It was a dumb
policy but I did it anyway because I wanted to spoil my little brat.

I know, I shouldn't have swapped our cards...but I couldn't help myself. Couldn't
help myself from taking care of her.

Now, that midnight I thanked that stupid app because I got to know her actual
location because of it. Habang nagmamaneho ako patungo doon ay sari-saring mga
tanong ang pumapasok sa aking isipan, ang una doon ay bakit siya umalis?
Nagsinungaling sa kinaroroonan niya? Ayos lang ba siya? At bakit siya nasa bar?

It was a string of questions that she could only answer, and so, I practically
jumped from my car to rush inside the said bar. Noong pumasok ako ay hindi ko siya
makita sa paligid kaya nagtanong ako sa bartender.

Which brought me to the bathroom......and when I saw her in that bathroom, I knew
that things were not gonna go great based off of her face.

I have never been so scared until that moment....in the bathroom. But I wanted to
take her back to our house first before we talk about whatever bad news it is.

Yes, I said that it was our house....because it is. Ang penthouse na iyon ay
madilim at malamig....but then she came to my life. She brought life not only to
that house....but also to me.

That was the plan, to take her home with me...but then she dropped the bomb.

'Ayoko na.'

Ilang salita lamang iyon at ang simpleng pakinggan subalit para akong binuhusan ng
malamig na tubig at namanhid ang buong katawan ko.

The thought of losing her has my stomach churning so bad, I felt like I was gonna
throw up. I wanted to cry at that moment....because..I can't lose Vlanca. We're not
even starting yet...and she's already leaving.

No, It can't be...it would be my death if I lose the woman that sparks the life and
love that I didn't know that still existed, after everything that I've been through
with my ex.

I can't lose my happiness....I can't lose the woman I love.

And so, at that moment, I was ready to give her everything.....be on my knees and
beg her to not leave me.

At kahit ilang beses niya sa akin na sabihin at ulit-ulitin na ayaw na niya sa akin
ay hindi ko iyon matanggap. Hindi ko siya susukuan ng ganoon-ganoon lang pero gusto
ko na malaman kung totoo talaga ang sinasabi niya.

And the only way that I knew that she really wanted to end things with me was when
she could finally look me in the eye and say those words again.

Those words that felt like a scalpel slicing through my heart until I bleed out

I just had to know if it was true......but she couldn't say it.

Instead she yelled that she loves me.

And Jesus Chirst, hindi agad iyon pumasok sa isipan ko. Noong una ay sobrang
nalilito ako dahil kanina lang ay gusto niyang tapusin ang lahat.

Pero habang natahimik ako at narinig ko ang mga rason niya ay doon ko na
naintindihan.

She wanted to end things with me not because she doesn't want me anymore. She
wanted to end things with... because she fell for me. She was afraid that she'll
scare me away......and that she's gonna lose me.

All along we were feeling the same thing and according to her it took us this long
to figure it out because we're both idiots.

But I couldn't care less. At that moment and up to now, I felt like I won the
fúcking lottery because the woman that I wanted the most.....loves me too...

And I don't deserve it.

I don't deserve her...but I will make myself deserving of her. And as I continued
watching her observe a surgery, I unconsciously reached for my small tattoo on my
side.

At ang unang kailangan kong gawin upang maging karapatdapat ako sa kanya ay
tanggalin ang pangalan na nasa tagliran ko. Pangalan na dapat ay noon ko pa binura.
Buti na lamang ay maliit iyon at hindi niya iyon napapansin.

I want it gone before she sees it. I want it gone and I want it replaced with
something that reminds me of her, and I want a big tattoo of it.

At ang pangalawang kailangan kong gawin ay ipakita sa kanya ang mga litrato ni
Trinity. Ayokong isipin niya na kaya ko siya minahal ay dahil may iilang
similarities sila. Hindi iyon totoo. I loved her for who she is.

At gusto ko din na malaman niya ang lahat lahat ng tungkol sa naging relasyon ko
kay Trinity. I don't want anything to get in between us, pero bago ko ipakita at
sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ay gusto ko muna talagang tanggalin ang tattoo na ito.
Katunayan ay nagpa-schedule na ako bukas para sa laser session. I want it done as
soon as possible. I want her to know that Trinity meant nothing to me other than a
bad past.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when my pager beeped. I smiled to myself as I saw
my beautiful little brat once again, she is still focused on the foot surgery.
They're now closing up and from the brief look of her eyes, she's really eager to
learn. She'll learn even more later, dahil tuturuan ko siya mamaya na tumahi ng
saging.

Nang paandarin ko ang aking hospital phone ay nakita kong galing iyon sa hospital
chief.

'Remind ko lang Roy na packed ang schedule mo bukas at sa sunod na mga araw. This
is pro-bono week. You're gonna have to pull a back to back twenty-four hours bcs
Medina's on sick leave. You're theonly gen-surgeon available."

I clicked my tongue and slumped back on my seat.

Oo nga pala, ang simula ng pro-bono or free surgery event dito sa GSMH ay ngayong
huling linggo ng Nobyembre hanggang sa first week ng Disyembre. It's an annual
thing for this hospital, they informed me that right after they hired me and it
just slipped from my mind.

Pwede sana akong lumabas sandali ng ospital at magtungo sa aesthetic clinic kung
nandito ang Fellow surgeon ko pero may sakit siya.

Kaya naman wala akong ibang nagawa kung hindi ang mapabuntong hininga ako bago ako
napilitan na i-text ang aesthetician upang i-reschedule ang laser session ko.

Chapter 40: Liv, Live!

Hello gorls! I hope you're having a great day. I'll see you next update, mwah! 😘

-ro-ughn

***
Martina Vlanca

Magmula noong fourth week ng Nobyembre ay busy araw-araw sa ospital. I am talking;

non-stop people coming in, registering, labs here and there, and more or less
eleven surgeries everyday. I am certainly not complaining. I love that alot of
people are coming in for GSMH's Pro-bono event, which just means free surgery for
two weeks straight. It's available for anyone who needs it. Kada oras ay may mga
surgery na pine-perform ang mga doctor. From foot amputation, transplant, exlap,
you name it, it's happening. The hospital acquired the budget to pull a big event
like this every year, because of the sponsorship from huge companies, including my
family's. thirty-five percent of our yearly earnings goes to this event. But nobody
in the public eye knew about it, we like to just keep it in the low and be happy
with the fact that we can help.

Sa nagdaang linggo ay halos hindi kami nagkikita ng baby ko. We're both busy with
the patients, but mostly him. Since hanggang ngayon ay may flu pa din ang kanyang
fellow doctor, kahit na gusto niyang pumasok ay hindi pwede dahil mahahawa lang sa
kaniya ang mga tao sa ospital. Yup, that's the beauty of flu. Kaya ngayon ay si
Kiel lang ang available na general surgeon for the past week and today. Halos dito
na siya nakatira at ang pahinga lamang niya ay in between surgeries. Although Chief
Geryis is also a general surgeon, Kiel's workload is still a lot since she also
takes care of alot of patients just like him, even Balmores and the others. In
other words, attendings, fellows, resident doctors, and nurses are busy every day
at every hour.

That's why kaming mga med students ay parang mga batang biglang nawalan ng mga
guardians. We're quite literally on our own when it comes to admitting patients,
taking blood, checking vitals, and other stuff. Subalit kahit na ganoon ay may
upside naman ang ganitong sitwasyon, which is walang quizzes and classes after
duties. We can go straight home.

But for me, I don't usually go home right away. I stay as much as possible to help
and just to see Kiel, kahit na sa gallery lang. Lately our interactions are
literally little to none, so, really, I take advantage of every opportunity of
seeing him. Ang huling interaction namin ay yung tinuruan niya akong tumahi sa loob
ng on-call room niya and then we cuddled. And the following day, the event began.

And so, sa mga dumaang araw ay either we send each other food, texts, or we call
since he's basically living here. He was worried kasi wala daw siyang time sa akin.
He looked genuinely scared that I might break up with him or something. Which I
thought is weird given the fact that I am a med student. If anyone could understand
him better, it's me. At kahit naman hindi ako medical student ay maiintindihan ko
siya. Christ, he's out here saving lives, why would I be mad or jealous about that?
And so, I just told him that that fear is nonsense and that I thoroughly understand
his situation. I have no complaints, in fact, I admire his dedication as a doctor.

He seemed to be relieved and surprised at the same time when I said that.

Now, it's already six in the evening and I am literally clinging onto him like a
koala to a tree. I don't even mind na amoy medical waste sa paligid since narito
kami sa likuran ng ospital. Hindi ako nagdalawang isip na tumakas upang i-meet siya
dito matapos niya akong i-page na may fifteen minute break siya bago ang susunod
niyang surgery. Right after I shut the back door, I literally jumped him and
wrapped my legs around his waist, while my hands were around his neck. Mahigpit
naman niyang yakap ang aking katawan habang nakabaon ang kanyang mukha sa aking
leeg.

He inhaled my scent like a drug and held me so tight like he hadn't seen me in
years. It took us a good few minutes before I stepped back down.
"I missed you, my little brat." Malambing niyang bulong habang nakatitig sa aking
mga mata. His hands were on my cheeks, cupping it lovingly. I can't help but smile.
Suot pa din niya ang kanyang scrubcap kaya naman nakaipon doon ang kanyang buhok.
Dahil sa mumunting liwanag na nagmumula sa papalubog na araw ay kita ko ang
mababakas na pagod sa kanyang gwapong mukha subalit hindi rin maikakaila ang saya
sa kanyang asul na mga mata.

"I missed you too..." Sagot ko at hinaplos ang makapal na stubble na nakabalot sa
kanyang makinis na pisngi at panga. It became so thick that it could pass as a
beard, and holy shît, it made him ten times hotter.

"I like that I can finally hold you like this..." I said. "Pero dapat ay ginamit mo
na lang ang mga oras na ito para magpahinga. You have been performing surgeries
since seven in the morning." I told him as I caressed his cheek.

His eyes then softened before he pressed a kiss on my lips.

"Oh, Vlanca....hindi ko kailangan noon dahil ikaw ang pahinga ko."

Kumabog naman ang dibdib ko sa kilig.

"Ewan ko sa'yo."

He grinned and tucked my loose hair behind my ear.

"I am serious. Mas mabisa pa na pamatid ng pagod ang mga yakap at mga halik mo
kaysa sa tulog."

Napakagat naman ako sa aking pangibabang labi.

"Tama na nga, nahulog na nga ako sa'yo e...huwag mo nang sagadin."

He grinned.

"Mahal kita at maraming salamat sa pagintindi sa akin."

Napasandal naman siya sa aking hawak nang malambing kong haplusin ang kanyang
pisngi. He then took my hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed my knuckles as
he was staring at me.

"I promise after this I am all yours." He whispered.

"Oh, baby, even when you're working, you're still mine."

Ngumisi naman siya bago ako niyakap.

And after a few minutes, as much as we both hated it, ay kinailangan din namin na
umalis since he still has surgeries and I had to get back bago pa mapansin ng ibang
med students na nawala ako, or much worse, si Liv ang makapansin. Kaya naman sabay
kaming nagtungo sa pinto, I was about to turn the knob but then I noticed that the
door is slightly ajar.

Sandaling kumunot ang aking noo. I remember closing it shut, not leaving it
slightly open.

"Hey, you okay?" Tanong niya at hinaplos ang bewang ko.

I inhaled before I looked at him and nodded. I don't want him to have any worries
before he performs a surgery, that's why I didn't say anything. Noong pumasok na
kami ay lumingon ako sa paligid. There was no sign of anyone here, and if ever na
may tao man kanina ay dapat ay narinig na namin ang langitngit ng pinto, since it
was pretty old. Or maybe, I was so excited to see him that I didn't close it all
the way

Or maybe the person was careful. My subconscious whispered. Dåmn it, it's not
helping.

Shît. As I was walking back to my floor..... I am hoping with all my hopes that my
mind is just warped and I just really left it ajar....because if not, and someone
happened to see how intimate we were.

Kiel and I are absolutely fúcked in a way that is certainly not pleasurable.

Pagbalik ko sa emergency room ay naging hyperaware ako sa aking paligid. I tried to

see if somebody seemed like they knew something, or just looked at me in a certain
way. I know I sound paranoid but it's his career and my studies on the line.

But thankfully, nakarating ako sa reception table nang hindi nakakakita ng weirdo o
sakit sa mata, well, except kay Liv na kasalukuyang nakaupo sa likod ng mataas na
lamesa. She's wearing the same thing as I am, scrubs and short white coat. Ang
kaibihan lang naman ay naka-pigtail ang kanyang buhok at may hotpink na lipstick sa
kanyang maninipis na mga labi. She's currently leaning on the chair while eating a
protein bar. Meanwhile I am standing on the other side of the table, with the
clipboard in front of me and a pen in my hand.

I ignored her and resumed doing the notes I left here on the table. For the past
week, Liv's been a pain in the åss. She always finds a way to infuriate the hell
out of me. It's either giving me dirty looks, stealing my case, saying stuff that
would either anger me or push me to the edge. Hindi ko lamang iyon dinadaing o
pinapatulan dahil mas maraming importanteng bagay ang kailangan kong pagtuunan ng
pansin tulad ng mga pasyente. Also, even if she steals a case from me, there is
always another one that will pop up right away since it's pro-bono week after-all.

But Dakota was not having it. Tuwing naku-kwento ko sa kanya during lunchbreak ang
ginagawa nitong gagang ito ay ilang beses ko siyang kinailangang pigilan upang
hindi niya sugudin at sabunutan si Liv. I told her that Liv's not worth her time
and effort. Buti na lang ay nasa Peds siya ngayon, she won't have to endure this
bîtch.

"Anong tinitingin-tingin mo diyan?" Inis kong tanong sa kanya nang tinitigan niya
ako habang ngumunguya siya.

Umiling siya bago ngumisi.

"Nothing," She said in a smug manner. "Have you ever considered transferring to
another med school?

Napatigil ako sa pagsusulat at napalunok. What if she---

No, don't go there....yet.

Breathe, Vlanca. Don't panic. Isa lang ito sa mga pangaasar niya, and I am just
being paranoid because of the door situation earlier.
When I didn't respond, she just continued, "I mean...naalala ko lang noong first
year tayo ay hindi lang ang Honoria ang may gusto sa'yo. A lot of other schools
wanted you because of your capabilities....despite of your infamous reputation."
She said with a condescending tone, and she enunciated the word 'infamous.'

Hindi pa rin ako tumingin sa kanya. I just pretended I was reading whatever I
wrote.

I have to breathe and calculate my reaction.

I don't know for sure if she knows something....and most probably, she didn't know
anything and this is just one of her tactics to get into my nerves.

Because if she knows something by now, dapat ay kumalat na iyon. The Chief would've
called me in and expelled my åss. The classic Liv would've done all that because
she wanted the attention. She craves that shît like a drug.

Pero hindi niya iyon ginawa. So, isa lang ito sa mga pangbu-bwisit niya.

Kaya naman imbes na may sabihin sa kanya at patulan siya, ay umiling na lang ako at
kinuha ang aking clipboard at pen. I then walked to the empty stretcher on the side
of the hallway and did my notes there instead.

A tall, muscled and bald man in his thirties was brought in around nineteen hundred
or seven p.m. Yeah, sinasanay ko na ang sarili ko na gumamit ng military standard
time since iyon ang ginagamit mostly ng mga attending kapag naguutos sila like
'check the IV drip of this and that at nineteen-eighteen' 'Check this and that's
vitals at sixteen hundred'

They do that para walang mali sa time of doses or checking because if it is

military standard time you're not gonna wonder kung a.m ba o p.m mo gagawin ang
utos. Anyway, Itong pasyenteng kasalukuyan naming tulak patungo sa CT machine ay
dinala ng paramedic sa emergency room, literally after I sat down on the empty
stretcher.

Mr. Rondilla has a boney deformity due to head trauma, he also has seven centimeter
head laceration, although his extremeties has pulses and does not have internal
abdominal bleeding, this man's body still endured a lot, especially his face and
head.

Noong dinala siya ay may pasa ang magkabilang mga mata niya, sabog ang nguso, at
may mga bubog ang pisngi. He needed a huge dose of fentanyl to get him to calm down
from the pain.

We thought it was from a bar fight but it turns out, his brother did this to him.
Oh by the way, the said brother is still in the emergency room getting his fourth
round of stitches because of Mr. Rondilla himself.

"Lagi po ba itong nangyayari?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

Bahagya lamang siyang tumawa. Hindi na ganoon kadugo ang kanyang mukha at wala na
ding mga bubog sa kanyang pisngi, Liv extracted it while I closed up the
laceration, temporarily. Liv and I might not get along most of the time, but when
it's work time, we know how to push our personal beef and pull out our
professionalism.

"Oo, doc, ngayon lang kami nagkasakitan ng malala at kinailangan ng ospital," Noong
sinundan niya iyon ng ngisi ay lumabas ang natanggal niyang front teeth. "Hindi
kasi kami magaling ng utol ko na mag-communicate kumbaga, kaya kapag may hindi kami
pagkakasunduan ay dinadaan na lang namin sa bugbugan, para lahat ng nararamdaman ay
naibubuhos."

Yikes, I thought, but I just pushed a nod, meanwhile Liv is not afraid to cringe.

"Wow, Sounds like kailangan niyo ng intense family therapy." Nanunuyang sabi ni
Liv. Pinandilatan ko siya dahil hindi niya dapat iyon sabihin sa pasyente ng
ganoon-ganoon na lang. Because patient care etiquette, hello?

"Aba, mas maayos pa ang bugbugan kaysa sa therapy." Sagot naman ng pasyente.

Hindi kami pareho nakakibo doon.

Nang bumukas ang mga pinto ng malaking elevator ay dahan-dahan namin na pinasok ang
stretcher pati na din ang portable monitor na kasama noon. We then stood on either
side of the stretcher, hindi nagtagal ay binunot ng Liv ang cellphone niya. I just
shook my head when she rolled her eyes at me bago siya nagtipa ng kung ano. Habang
papaakyat ang elevator ay hindi lumulubay sa pagsasalita ang pasyente. That's
definitely a good sign, and so, I just let him.

"Alam niyo minsan subukan niyo ang---"

Napatigil si Liv sa pag gamit ng kanyang cellphone at pareho kaming napatingin sa

pasyente nang bigla siyang mangisay, kasabay noon ay ang pagtulo ng puting bula sa
kanyang bibig. If I didn't know any better, I would've panicked, but I see this
often with patients with head trauma.

"Del Russo, he s-should not be doing t-this--"

"It's just a tonic-clonic seizure." I interrupted her and reached for latex gloves
from the side pouch of the stretcher. "You know it happens, we can't do anything
other than roll him to the side, and just wait for it to pass." I said after I put
on the gloves. It's a type of seizure kung saan mawawalan ng malay ang pasyente,
maninigas ang kanilang mga muscles at mangingisay sila for a amount of time.

Sunod-sunod siyang tumango at tinulungan akong itagilid ang pasyente matapos niyang
ibulsa ang kanyang cellphone, at nag-gloves din.

"Eww," Sabi niya nang makita niya ang bula sa bibig ng pasyente. "Yuck, there are
bubbles--"

Oh, poor Liv, that's not even the 'eww' part.

"Shut up, and hand me a cloth!"

Agad naman niyang kinuha ang isang puting cloth mula sa pouch na pinang-galingan ng
mga gloves. I snatched it from her hand and wiped the bubbles from the side of the
patient's mouth while I held him to his side. As much as she annoys me, I needed
Liv's help on holding Mr. Rondilla since he's really a heavy muscled man. He's most
definitely twice my weight.

"You'll be fine...." I whispered habang nangingisay siya at patuloy ang pagbula ng

kanyang bibig.
"Ihh!" Napatili si Liv nang mabasa ng ihi ng pasyente ang kumot at ang sapin.
That's the part that I am talking about.

"When the "clonic" phase occurs. Muscle contractions cause the body to jerk, jaws
to clamp shut, and bladder may contract and cause urination." I recited the
textbook definition of the phase habang diring-diri siya. "You should've known that
kung hindi ka nakikipag-chismisan during class." I added that made her grit her
teeth in annoyance.

Hindi nagtagal ay tumitigil na ang pangingisay ng pasyente. We carefully laid him

down. I threw the soaked towel together with my used gloves, on the other pouch
that was attached to the side of the stretcher. Sa tabi noon ay may isa pang pouch
kung saan may mga additional towels, doses of benzodiazepine, lorazepam, syringe,
and fresh gloves in a box.

"Crap," I muttered in my breath when the elevator lights suddenly went off and it
stopped. After a few moments ay umandar ang emergency dim light mula sa taas ng
elevator.

"Omg, what is happening?" She freaked out. "Walang signal, no, omg! Hindi pwedeng
hindi mag-send ito!" She said while checking her phone.

I sighed. Kung sinuswerte nga naman, ito ang elevator na madalas na nasisira, and
out of all the days na pwede siyang masira ay ngayon pa.

Ngayon pang may kasama kaming pasyente na kailangan ng CT.

Le sigh.

Nagpapanic naman na pinindot ni Liv ang intercom sa dingding.

"Hello?! May tao ba diyan? We're so stuck here!" She yelled.

"Hello po, ma'am,"

Despite her annoying panic, I felt relieved when somebody answered.

"Narito na po kami at inaayos na po namin...sandaling hintay lang po." Sagot noong

repairman.

"Wha---anong---wa---wale..." Nawala ang pansin ko sa kanya nang marinig ko si Mr.

Rondilla. Nakamulat na ang kanyang mga mata subalit walang coherent words na
lumalabas sa kanyang bibig. Nope, that is not a good sign at all.

"Mr. Rondilla...please, lay down..." Marahan kong sabi dahil pilit siyang umuupo

"Di...kasi...ano....bitaw.."

"Sir, kailangan niyo pong humiga." Sabi ni Liv habang hawak niya sa kabilang braso
si Mr. Rondilla habang ako naman sa isa. He just had a seizure, it's not best for
him to stand up right now.

Kaya naman habang hawak namin siya ni Liv ay patuloy ko siyang pinapakiusapan na
humiga lang hanggang umayos ang elevator. Tila hindi niya iyon maintindihan dahil
tinatawag niya akong 'utol.' It seems like he's awake but he's not in his conscious
mind.

"Sir---"
"Sabi, taw, utol!"

And in one abrupt push of his muscled and huge arm, I felt my back hit against the
metal wall. Kasabay noon ay ang pagkalat ng hapdi sa likod ng aking ulo dahil
tumama din iyon, masakit din ang mukha ko dahil natamaan ako ng kamao niya noong
marahas niya akong itinulak palayo.

"Shît," Mura ko nang may makita akong dugo sa mga daliri ko nang ipahid ko iyon sa
basa kong ilong.

"Del Russo!" Tili ni Liv, ngunit hindi ko siya makita. Naaninag ko na nakahiga siya
sa sahig pero hindi ako nakasagot o nakatayo dahil nagdilim ang paningin ko.

"Del Russo----"

Nang idilat ko ang paningin ko ay narinig kong muli ang tinig ni Liv pero hindi na
iyon malakas, bagkus ay paos na paos na iyon. Agad akong napaupo mula sa
pagkakahiga nang makita ko na nakaibabaw na ang pasyente kay Liv at sinasakal na
siya nito!

My heart pounded as I saw Liv squirming and her face was all red as the patient
choked her fragile throat in his big hands.

Holy fúck!

I didn't think and didn't mind the pain that I was feeling. All I know is that I
need to take this man down or else Liv will fúcking die!

I certainly cannot physically fight him but I have the pouch...with the...

"Sedation."

I scrambled to my feet and quickly went to the pouch. Napaigik ako sa sakit but I
have to sedate the patient. Hindi na ako nag-gloves pa. Habang kumakabog ang dibdib
ko sa kaba at takot ay binuksan ko ang lalagyan ng syringe, I then swiftly put on
doses of benzodiazepine. I quickly aimed for the patient's neck and pushed the
dose. Mabilis kong binunot ang karayom at itinapon iyon pabalik sa pouch. I reached
for the stretcher and lowered it.

Napadaing ako bago ko nanghihina na inakay ang pasyente sa stretcher. He's now
passed out, mabilis kong inilagay ang nanginginig kong dalawang daliri sa kanyang
pulse point sa leeg. I let out a shaky breath when I felt steady pulses.

And without wasting a second, nagtungo ako kay Liv na ngayon ay wala nang malay.
Maputla na ang kanyang mukha at wala na ding kulay ang kanyang mga labi. Napamura
ako nang halos wala akong maramdaman na pulso sa kanyang leeg, dibdib, at
palapulsuhan.

I wiped off my own blood from my nose as I carefully straddled her. I placed my
shaking hands on top of her chest and started doing CPR. There is no other way to
kickstart her heart since there is no defibrillator around. The elevator is still
down and I have to do everything I can to kickstart her heart now or she will die.

I started pumping her chest with my hands in the beat of Staying Alive. Kuya Creed
taught me to do CPR while humming that song because it has 100 to 120 beats per
minute which is required for ideal chest compressions

"Ha," Pump, "Ha," Pump. "Staying alive." Pump.

I stopped to blow rescue breaths in her mouth before I performed another CPR.

"Staying alive," Pump. "Ha," Pump. "Ha," Pump.

And then I blew another rescue breath..but there is still no pulse.

"I hate you, Liv...I freaking hate you.....you can't die." I whispered as I
continued to pump her chest and compress her with my full weight. Sumsakit na ang
mga braso ko at ramdam ko ang sakit ng ulo ko pero ayokong tumigil. Hindi pwede.

"Come on, Liv. Live!" I yelled and pumped harder.

She gasped for air, nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ko na gumalaw ang
dibdib niya dahil sa paghinga.

She's alive!

"D-Del Russo--" She tried to speak but I shook my head so, she'll stop, since her
throat is most probably strained from all the choking she endured.

"Shh...you're safe now....don't strain your throat." Sabi ko sa kanya at tinulungan

siyang sumandal sa dingding.

She just nodded in response. She's still pale and she could barely open her eyes
but she's alive. That's what matters. I glanced at the patient who was still
sedated on the stretcher. It was secure on the side of the elevator habang narito
kami sa isang gilid ni Liv.

I had to hold her or she'll be face down on the floor.

As I sat there, napaisip na lang ako kung anong nangyari. Why did the patient
become so violent in a snap? He doesn't hate us to just do that out of nowhere.

But then I remembered he just had a seizure, when he 'woke' up he thought I was his
brother since tinatawag niya akong 'utol.' Hindi din malinaw ang pagsalita niya
bago siya naging bayolente.

The patient became violent while hallucinating.

"Postictal psychosis.." Bulong ko nang mapag-connect ang lahat ng sintomas. It's a

cluster of episodes of psychosis after a seizure from a head trauma.

Iyon ang salarin.

Hindi ko namalayan na umandar na pa lang muli ang elevator. Napansin ko lang iyon
nang bumukas na ang mga pintuan.

"Del Rus--" Hindi na iyon naituloy ni Dr. Sancho nang makita niya ang kalagayan
namin. Nanlalaki din ang mga mata ng mga repairman na nasa paligid nang makita nila
ang dumudugo kong ilong ko at si Liv na may namumulang mga pasa sa leeg at
nanghihinang nakasandig sa akin. Although, the patient is secured and okay.

"Hey, doc---"

I felt the adrenaline leave my body because I felt the pain course through my body
and especially on my head. Everything just went black again.

"Uhh," I groaned as I heard the annoying beeping sounds around me. Nang naimulat ko
ang aking mga mata ay napansin ko na nasa hospital room na ako, and I wasn't alone.
There was a bed a few feet away from me and it was Liv. She's now wearing a
hospital gown habang naka-scrubs pa din ako. There is a vital monitor on her side
and on mine, iyon ang maingay na tumutunog.

"So, I heard na sinagip mo daw ang buhay ko." Paos niyang sabi sa akin at dahan-
dahan na itinagilid ang kanyang mukha, I can't help but to notice the now purple
bruises around her neck.

"Wala akong choice." Sarkastiko kong sagot sa kanya at napaigik sandali nang
maramdaman ko ang kirot sa aking ulo. When I touched it, I felt a bandage.

She rolled her eyes.

"May choice o wala, you're the reason why I am still breathing." Sagot niya...and
for the first time, I heard her sincere tone. "Anyway, kanina pa pabalik-balik sina
Dakota at ang boyfriend mo, but sadly they were called for a surgery. I'm sure they
will be back soon."

Napalunok ako.

"Boyfriend?"

She sighed softly.

"...Sinundan kita matapos kong makita na umalis ka kaninang alas sais.."

Oh shît.

"Masyado kayong busy na magyakapan at maghalikan ni Dr. Arguello kaya hindi niyo
napansin na naroon ako sa pintuan."

Napaawang ang mga labi. I wasn't paranoid, someone was really there and it was her.

"You left the door ajar."

Napalunok siya bago siya sumagot.

"Nag-panic ako noong makita ko na papalapit na kayo kaya hindi ko na naisara nang
mabuti."

"That's why you were asking if I wanted to transfer...you," I can't even finish my
sentence.

She swallowed again before she threw me a look.

"I'm sorry, okay? Things are different now at kahit naman chismosa ako ay may utang
na loob ako. I will keep it to myself and I will delete the pict------oh, fück."

Mabilis niyang inabot ang cellphone niya sa bedside table.

"Please, please, sana hindi ka nag-send," Bulong niya habang hawak niya ang kanyang
cellphone at may kung an- ano siyang pininpindot. "Shît---oh, no, no," Mas lalo
lang namutla ang kanyang mukha.

"Liv. What have you done?" Mariin kong tanong sa kanya.

She gave me a terrified look after she teared her gaze away from the phone that she
was holding.

"B-Bago p-pumalya ang elevator ay n-nag-send ako kay C-Chief ng picture niyo sa
likod ng ospital na magkahalikan d-dahil n-nga naasar ako s-sa'yo at gusto kong
gumanti." She stuttered as I stare at her in disbelief. Kaya pala kanina ay
nalulumo siya noong nawalan ng signal.

Alarms are blaring inside my head as I listen to her.

"Then we were attacked..... I-I completely forgot about what I sent until now...I
was hoping na hindi sana nag-send kasi walang signal kanina, pero since lumabas na
tayo sa elevator at hindi ko nai-cancel ang e-mail ay nag-send na siya...Vlanca,
I'm so s-sorry, I didn't..."

Wala na akong narinig sa sinabi niya pagkatapos noon. Napatulala na lang ako habang
ramdam ko ang pagkamanhid ng buong katawan ko sa sari-saring emosyon.

Kiel and I are now officially fúcked.

Chapter 41: Now Is The Time

Martina Vlanca

Have you ever reached that high level of panic that you can no longer hear anything
but the fast and loud thudding of your heart? Tapos sa sobrang kaba at pagkabalisa
mo ay pakiramdam mo ay masusuka ka na?

Well, I am feeling all that right now.

Ni hindi ko iniinda ang panakha-nakhang kirot ng aking head injury. Nakatulala

lamang ako sa kisame habang pakiramdam ko ay lalabas na mula sa ribcage ko ang
aking dibdib, pati na din ang lahat ng kinain ko for the last twenty four hours,
dahil sa labis na kaba at panic.

For the first time in my life, I do not know what to do, there are no textbook
answers to what's about to happen.

"Vlanca, sorry talaga, I-I can say na ni-photoshop ko lang 'yun o-or I can come up
with e-excuse. I swear, I didn't meant it to be this w--"

Napapikit ako sandali nang marinig ko ang nauutal at kinakahaban na tinig ni Liv.
Imbes na makatulong iyon ay mas pinapalala lang noon ang aking pagkabalisa.

"Liv," I said to stop her from talking but she just kept going.

"I'm s-so sorry, tell me how I can make thi--"

"For the love god, just shut up, please!" Putol ko sa kanya na agad na ikinaikom ng
kanyang bibig.

Nang lumingon ako sa kanya ay nakatitig lang siya sa akin nang may pagsisi sa
kanyang mukha. It's too late for that.

"It's done, Liv. You cannot take it back...so, the best thing you could do right
now is shut up and give me time to prepare myself for whatever is coming."

Napalunok siya bago bahagyang tumango. Ilang minuto ang lumipas na tanging pag-beep
lang ng mga vital machine ang maririnig na ingay sa kwarto. Habang wala pa rin na
sulusyon na pumapasok sa isip ko.

All that was going inside my head is that Kiel and I are doomed and that there is
nothing I could ever do about it.

"For what it's worth, I didn't think that you were in a relationship with him for
grades or in exchange for anything at all." Basag niya sa katahimikan.

Pinukol ko siya nang masamang tingin.

"Ever since day one, I know that you were smart, Del Russo, that's why I hated you
to begin with..." She said and looked away for a moment. "...and you didn't have
special treatment from him...if anything, I and everyone thinks that he hates you
dahil nakikita ng lahat na ikaw ang scut monkey niya, inuutusan ka pa nga niya na
gumawa ng charts e. In short, you always get the bad end..."

Hindi ako nakasagot. Yeah, wala akong special treatment, instead, I got the bad
treatment because I asked for it. I did not want our intimacy to affect our
professional lives.

"Anyway, I am really sorry....well, I have a lot to be sorry about....but yeah, I'm

sorry." She said without a sarcastic tone.

Hindi ako muling nakasagot.

I can't really blame Liv. Well, I am not really blaming her, noong sinimulan ko ang
laro namin ni Kiel ay alam ko na may posibilidad na mabunyag kami. At noong minahal
ko siya at nagka-relasyon kami ay alam ko pa din ang risk na iyon. That's why we're
very careful.

And even then, there is still a risk that we're gonna be revealed prematurely.
That's why I didn't tell Dakota or anyone else about us. Hindi ko lang inakala na
sa ganitong paraan pala kami mabubunyag.

Hindi nagtagal ay bumukas ang pintuan at iniluwa noon si Kiel. He was still wearing
his scrubs and scrubcap. Ngayong nakita ko na siya ay mas lalo ko lang naramdaman
ang bigat ng kakahinatnan namin. Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagbagsak ng aking mga
luha, nang makita niya iyon ay mas mabilis siyang naglakad patungo sa akin. As he
approached me, halata ang pagalala at pangamba sa kanyang mukha. He didn't care
that someone else was in the room. Walang pagaalinlangan siyang lumapit sa akin at
umupo sa gilid ng kama.

Hinawakan niya ang aking pisngi at hinalikan ang aking noo. Napahawak ako sa
kanyang kamay habang napahikbi ako.

"Hey, what's wrong? May masakit ba?" Tanong niya habang pinupunasan ang aking mga
luha.

I shook my head.
"She knows about us..."

He gulped but he didn't panic.

"Liv?"

Tumango ako.

"And the Chief knows too." I dropped the bomb.

His Adam's apple bobbed once again, but his eyes were still on me. He then nodded
and softly caressed my cheek.

"It's okay, little brat..we will face it together. Hindi kita iiwan, okay?"

Sunod-sunod akong tumango.

"How did the chief found out? We were careful."

Not careful enough.

"Ako ang may sala, sir." Napatingin naman kami pareho kay Liv na ngayon ay halatang
kinakabahan.

Right before he could even react, the door opened once again. I held my breath when
we saw that it was the woman that I was dreading to see. Deretso lamang ang kanyang
mukha at nasa kanyang kamay ang kanyang cellphone. Looks like she just saw the e-
mail.

"We need to have a talk, right now."

Kiel and I had a talk when we became official. We talked about hiding our
relationship until graduation because that is the only option for both of us. We
agreed to be a secret until that day comes....but because of the obvious reason, we
don't have to hide anymore.

Napatingin naman ako sandali kay Kiel nang marahan niyang pisilin ang aking kamay.
Ever since we got here in Chief Geryis' office, he was holding my hand. Actually,
siya lang ang gusto munang kausapin ni Chief dahil injured pa nga ako, pero hindi
ako pumayag. Nagpumilit ako hanggang sa nakumbinsi ko siya na I am well-enough to
have a serious conversation. And so, Kiel put me in a wheelchair very carefully and
took me with him, here in Chief's very simple office. Dr. Geryis has been a chief
of surgey for many years now. She's a woman in early sixties with dark complexion.
She's short and has a slim figure. She's friendly but if you don't know her that
well, you'd think that she's mean dahil most of the time ay naka-poker face lamang
siya.

Narito sa fourth floor ang kanyang office, pagpasok namin ay sumalubong sa amin ang
mga luntiang halaman na nakaayos sa isang shelf sa kanan, habang nasa tabi noon ay
ang isang lamesa na puno ng mga achievement plaques at awards ni Dr. Geryis.
Samantalang sa gitna ng kwartong ito ay ang mahogany desk niya, there are tall
stacks of case folders on the side of it meanwhile there is a name plate in front
that says 'Dr. Romina Geryis' and under it were her titles, which are General
Surgeon and the Chief of Surgery.
Halos magli-limang minuto na kaming nakaupo sa harapan niya. Ever since we entered
her office there was nothing but silence while she stood behind her brown swivel
chair. For a moment I can't help but to notice the gray drawer behind her and the
two windows that are now blocked with the white blinds.

Nakatayo lamang siya doon habang nakapatong ang kanyang siko sa taas ng sandalan ng
upuan, her thick brown eyebrows were furrowed while her moistured lips are pursed
together. It's like she's contemplating about what she wanted to say or she's
thinking about what to do with us.

She then let out a sigh.

"If you have anything to say, now is the time." She silently said.

I glanced at my boyfriend and we exchanged looks for a moment. After a while, I let
out a breath and decided to finally open my mouth.

"T-The picture is real, Chief. I am in a relationship with Dr. Roy Ezekiel

Arguello." Sabi ko at tinapunan siya sandali ng tingin. The fast beating of my
heart dissapates a little because of the encouraging look that he gave me. "He did
not coerce me, in fact I was the one who initiated our first encounter. I didn't do
it because of my grades or any academic related stuff, I did it because I was
physically attracted to him. I pursued him even when I knew that I was not supposed
to. We had an arrangement and I fell for him. Chief, I take the full--"

"No," Kiel stopped me as he held my hand. "I also confirm our relationship, Chief.
I know that it was wrong to get involved with a student but I still did it because
I want her and I love Vlanca Del Russo." He said and then threw me an adoring look
before he returned a serious gaze to the Chief.

Sa kabila ng kaba ay hindi maiwasang mapatalon ng puso ko nang marinig ko iyon mula
sa kanya. I am aware of how he feels towards me but hearing him say it still hits
differently.

"Kung may madadali man ay ako 'yon, Chief. I'll take whatever you have in store for
me, but please, don't punish her---"

Mabilis akong umiling.

"No, Kiel--"

"Enough."

Natigil kami pareho nang bawalin kami ni Chief.

"Obviously, it's both of you." Sabi niya at napabuntong hininga. She shook her head
as she snatched off her blue scrubcap, revealing her brown short curly hair.

Napalunok naman ako sa sinabi niya. Kiel squeezed my hand, letting me know that
he's there and non-verbally assuring me that everything's going to be fine. I
weakly smiled at him.

"Well, I'll be dåmned," Sabi niya habang bakas ang pagka-surpirse sa kanyang tono.
Naglakad siya patungo sa harapan ng kanyang desk. She then crossed her arms over
her chest before she leaned her hip on the table. "Una habang tinatanggal ko ang
tumor sa atay ng isang pasyente ay nalaman ko na na-trap kayo sa elevator ni
Bizares kasama ang pasyente. Tapos nalaman ko din na muntik na siyang mamatay at
kung hindi dahil sa'yo ay things could've gone way worse, I commend your
efficiency, Del Russo."

Napalunok naman ako. I am very, very flattered because I got commended by the chief
of surgery and one of the surgical gods. But still, I don't know what to say.

"And second of all, after I was done with the said surgery, I received an email
about you two from the girl that you saved in the elevator. And as you saw earlier,
I needed a few minutes to process if that picture is even real, because I could not
bring myself to believe that Del Russo and Arguello are a secret couple after all
this time." Sinundan niya iyon ng pagak na tawa.

Pareho naman kaming nalito ni Kiel sandali, we're both curious as to why she would
doubt that....unless she knew about our day to day interaction.

"Kahit naman lagi akong nasa office, I have ears and eyes everywhere--"

There goes the answer.

"---and no, I do not have ears and eyes in the on-call rooms, I don't even want to
know what's occurring there on a day to day basis. I choose peace of mind." She
shook her head and shuddered.

"That being said, nakakarating sa akin ang mga balita tungkol sa mga attendings,
residents, nurses, and of course, even students. I know that cold at harsh itong si
Arguello, especially sa'yo." She said and widened her almond eyes at me for a
moment.

"So, when I saw that picture in my email, you can't imagine how shocked I was..."
She sighed and made a 'tsk' sound. "But anyway, the picture is legit and both of
you admitted the relationship....now, I am pretty sure na nagiinit na ang mga
tumbong niyo at gusto niyo nang malaman kung anong gagawin ko sa inyong dalawa."

"All due respect, Chief. Hell yes." Sagot ko.

She let out a sigh once again, before she answered.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin niyo ay hindi na sa akin big deal ito. In the duration of
your relationship, there was no reported harm to any patient or indication of
negligence. It's also obvious na walang special treatment na naganap. And it's
gonna be a shame if I lose one of my finest doctors," She said and looked at Kiel
before she glanced at me. "And a dåmn gifted student just because of a forbidden
yet non-harmful relationship.....but we have rules and I cannot just let things
slide."

Napalingon ako kay Kiel nang humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay. Meanwhile my heart
is pounding as if I just ran another mile.

"The med school gave me a guideline to follow if ever things like this
happen....and right off the bat, the medical board will not be involved because
there is no coercion, abuse of power, malpractice, or special treaments that
happened."

Pakiramdam ko ay nabunutan ako ng tinik sa aking dibdib. I felt like I could

breathe a little easier. When I gave him a look, he just nodded but it was evident
in his face that he was relieved. But at the same time, halata pa din na nagaalala
siya.

Not for himself, but for me.

"As, I've said ayokong mawalan ng magaling na doctor sa ospital na ito. Hindi kita
ipa-fire out, Arguello. Kailangan mo lang mag-step down as an Attending. So, from
now on, Medina will replace you. You'll still be a doctor of GSMH but you're gonna
be a fellow. Hindi ka na din magtuturo at hindi na sa'yo magre-report si Del
Russo....or baka gusto mo na i-transfer kita sa Honoria, where you're stilll be an
Attending."

Agad siyang umiling at walang pagaalinlangan na sumagot, "Hindi, Chief. Ayos na

akong maging-fellow lang, kahit maging resident pa ako basta nandito ako sa GSMH."
Agad-agad niyang sagot bago sa akin nakangiti na tumingin.

For a moment, I stared at him, he just gave up his title...well, it's not just a
title. It's an opportunity to do bigger surgeries and to run the whole General
Surgery department. He gave it all up and chose it in a snap. He didn't even have
any second thoughts about choosing the other better path for him.

It's sweet and gosh, I feel like the butterflies in my stomach are flying all over
my abdominal cavity, pero ayoko na mag-give up siya ng malaking opportunity ng
ganoon-ganoon na lang. I love his gesture but I do not want to hinder his success.
I want him to excel in his field, even if it means us working in different
hospitals.

"Kiel, I appreciate it but you can choose the other option, it's better for your
career." Seryoso kong sabi sa kanya at sandaling hinaplos ang kanyang kamay gamit
ang aking hintuturo.

With a smile still on his lips and undeniable joy in his eyes. He firmly answered,
"No. I want to be where you are. I want to be where my happiness is and that is
final."

Napakagat ako sa aking labi sandali.

"Okay?" He asked softly and brought my hand to his lips.

I can't help but to smile.

"Sigurado ka ba? I promise you, I will be fine here."

"Yes, I know you will....but I will not be fine with not seeing you everyday." He
replied and planted another kiss on the back of my hand. "Ti amo."

My cheeks heated up and a wide grin settled on my lips.

"Baka nakakalimutan niyo na nandito pa ako at gumawa na kayo diyan ng bata ha."
Komento ni Chief na mas lalo kong ikinapula habang ang loko-loko ay nakangisi lang.
Sandali akong napayuko bago ako tumingin kay Chief.

"Sensya na, Chief, pero siguradong ninang ka kapag nakagawa na kami ah."

Umawang ang labi ko at napahampas ako sa kanyang matigas na braso.

"Kiel." Suway ko sa kanya, hinawakan lang ng loko ang kamay ko at hinalikan iyon
muli.

Napailing na lang si Chief at napahilot sa kanyang sentido sandali.

"Anyway, as for you Del Russo." She said,

Napatuwid ang likod ko at napaalis ako mula sa pagkakasandal sa wheelchair na

inuupuan ko.

"You still have to prove that there is no special treatment that happened. That
means you're gonna have to take tests and quizzes again, ako at si Medina ang
gagawa noon, yes?"

Sunod-sunod akong tumango.

"No problem, Chief."

"Good." She replied and let out a sigh of relief. "And following the guideline,
kailangan ko 'yung detalye ng relasyon niyo sa papel para mapunta sa record. And
no, do not even think of including nasty details dahil iki-kick out ko kayo sa
surgical floor ko kapag ginawa niyo iyon, sinasabi ko sa inyong dalawa." Tinuro
niya kami sandali na bahagya kong ikinangisi.

As a response, we both nodded.

"Last but not the least. Huwag na huwag kong mababalitaan na nagp-pda kayo o
gumagawa ng inaanak ko dito sa ospital, ha." Pinandilatan niya kami.

I pursed my lips to stop myself from chuckling.

"The decency rules still apply. You can be a couple but not in the hospital
grounds. The boundaries must be obeyed at all times, right?" Seryoso niyang sabi na
sabay naming ikinatangong muli.

She then let out a breath before her hands calmly fell down to her side.

"Good, then we don't have a problem anymore."

Nakangiti kaming nagkatinginan ni Kiel.

***

Ngiti now, iyak later HAHAHA charot (?) Hope ya'll enjoyed this chapter. I'll see
you all next update, mwah! 😘

-ro-ughn.

Chapter 42: You Must Be Vlanca Del Russo

Good evening and happy Friday, gorls! ❤

***

Martina Vlanca
"I was right to not listen to my urge." Sabi ni Ate Maria habang nakahiga siya sa
living room couch nila. Ang kanyang buhok ay nakakalat sa puting unan. Her face is
void of any makeup habang nakasuot lamang siya ng plain oversized t-shirt.

Ngumiti naman ako.

Kasalukuyan akong nakaupo sa stretcher dito sa dulo ng hallway. Matapos kaming

kausapin ni Chief ay lumabas din kami agad since it's still pro-bono week. There
are still a lot of cases that need to be done. But right before we could even step
out of the door, may nahuli kaming mga chismosang med students na nage-eavesdrop
mula pa kaninang nanguusap kami nila Chief. They scattered right away and ran in
the opposite direction. So, the news of my relationship with Kiel spread fast.

Instead of being mad about it, we just shook our heads and smiled.

Now, I am on the phone with my sister because the Chief had to notify my parents
about what happened. I should be in my hospital bed pero matigas ang ulo ko, kaya
narito ako sa empty stretcher. Nakasuot ako ng airpods habang hawak ko ang aking
cellphone dahil ka-videocall ko ang aking kapatid.

"Why is that?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

She sighed softly.

"Noong sinabi mo sa akin na may happenings ka with your teacher. Nagka-urge ako na
maging todong 'big sister' sa'yo. ...like, you know, tell our parents about it and
talk some sense into you...because, sisterhood, last year ka na sa med school and I
got worried about your future." Seryoso niyang sabi bago siya kumuha ng pastillas
mula sa bowl na nasa gilid niya at isinubo iyon. "Though, hindi ibig sabihin noon
ay wala na akong tiwala sa'yo or hindi totoo 'yung sinabi ko na I believe that you
can handle yourself just fine....it's not that, I promise you. It's just that, I
love you, dude----dang, pregnancy hormones." She said when her eyes started to
water.

Bahagya naman akong natawa, habang nalusaw ang aking puso. I really love Ate Maria.

"I love you too, dude, okay? You don't have to explain yourself, I get why you
thought of that...and hey, hindi ako galit. If anything, I am grateful that you
were looking out for me." I sincerely replied.

She nodded as she wiped her tears.

"At hindi rin kita masisi kung nagka-urge ka na sabihin kala Mama. The stakes were
very high....it could've his license and my future. I just got lucky that we didn't
violate anything and that Chief was cool."

She sniffed and nodded. I badly want to hug her right now.

"Yeah...but I am happy for you..."

Napangiti ako.

"Thank you."

"He better not hurt you dahil kapag ginawa niya iyon ay ipapadispatya ko siya kay
Bruno." She said that made me chuckle. Napakaway naman ako kay Kuya Neil nang
sumulpot siya sa likuran ni Ate Maria. The khakis shorts that he was wearing
wrinkled on the sides when he squatted behind my sister. He kissed her cheek first
before he smiled at me.
"Hindi lang si Bruno, darling, ang makakaharap niya. Pati din si Abel at syempre,
ako." Sabi ni Kuya Neil na ikinatawa kong muli.

"I'll make sure, he knows." Biro ko.

They both smiled at me.

Nagpatuloy pa ako na makipagusap, syempre hindi lang kay Ate, pati na din kay Kuya
Neil. I talked to them whilst ignoring the looks that I am getting from the med
students that pass by.

Paki ko sa kanila? Mamatay sila sa inggit.

Before Ate Maria ay nakausap ko din ang iba ko pang mga kapatid dahil nga nalaman
nila ang relasyon ko kay Kiel. Of course, they were all demanding to see him asap,
especially my parents.

"We gotta meet this man, Vlanca." Sabi ni Papa. Right after I dropped the call with
Ate Maria, my phone buzzed with a call from Italy. Yup, they were back home in
Italy when Chief called them.

Of course, noong una ay na-surpresa sila sa nalaman nila, but knowing that he makes
me happy and that I didn't face any negative consequences made them calm down.
Well, just a little, since they won't fully calm down until they meet him face to
face.

"Pwede na kaming umuwi ngayon ng Mama mo, o you can both go here." Dagdag pa niya
na ikinatango naman ni Mama. Pareho silang nakaupo ni Papa sa upuan sa gilid ng
island counter. Looks like they are about to go out since Papa is wearing a leather
jacket and a stylish shirt under it. Meanwhile Mama is wearing a beautiful silk
dress. From the background ay kita ko ang ancient themed cabinets and the glimpse
of the huge chandelier. Which is why I am sure na nasa family vacation house sila
sa San Gimignano. It's a small hill town in Tuscany Italy. It's peaceful there and
the place looks like it was straight from the medieval times.

"Ma, Pa.." I said softly. "Don't worry, you will meet him for sure, once na matapos
na ang pro-bono week."

They both stared at me for a moment.

"I swear...and he's really a good man..and he makes me very, very happy."

Papa's tense shoulders then sagged habang bahagyang napangiti si Mama. My mother
looked satisfied with my answer, meanwhile my father looked like he still wanted to
go home right now and meet my boyfriend.

"You heard your daughter, Von. So, we wait." Mama said.

Tumiklop naman agad doon si Papa dahil napatango na lamang siya at napahalik sa ulo
ni Mama.

"Fine. Si commander ang masusunod."

"Ewan ko sa'yo."

Ngumisi naman si Papa at hinalikan si Mama sa noo sandali. Gosh, all that time does
to my parent's relationship is make it strong because ever since I was a kid, my
parents have always acted like a newlywed dahil sobrang sweet nila sa isa't-isa.
"My god, get a room." Pangaasar ko na ikinatawa nila pareho.

"I am serious, young lady. As soon as possible." Papa said and gave me a stern
look.

"Opo."

He sighed while he stared at me for a moment.

"Tsk, give your daughter a break."

Papa just shook his head and clutched his chest for a moment before he said,
"Sorry, my dear...my heart just can't take that la mia figlia più piccola is now in
love..."

Napanguso naman ako habang napangiti lang si Mama.

"Aww, Papa, stop it, you're gonna make me cry."

He just smiled sweetly.

"That boy better not break your heart, or else."

"Von, masyado nang maraming threats ang makakain ng boyfriend ni Vlanca. Huwag ka
nang dumagdag." Mama said and made a 'tsk' sound.

I can't help but to chuckle. I am certain that she's talking about my protective
siblings.

"But even though, hindi pa namin nakikita sa personal 'yang nobyo mo ay masaya ako
para sa'yo, anak. I am happy that you found someone." Sabi ni Mama at nag-flying
kiss sa akin.

"I love you, anak."

"Thank you, Mama. Anch'io ti amo." I replied.

"Ouch, how about me?" Papa asked playfully.

I pouted.

"I can never forget about you, pa. Of course, Ti amo." I replied that made him
smile wider.

The next day came, it was still busy as ever because of the event. We didn't see
each other that much, ang tanging pagkikita lamang namin ay tuwing break lang niya
in between surgeries. He'd come by to my room and spend time with me...with
distance, since we respect the hospital rules. Ang most interaction namin ay
hanggang lima or sampung minuto lamang. It wasn't much but I am content with it, we
both are. Given na may sakit pa nga si Medina ay si Kiel at si Chief lang ang
nagpe-perform lahat ng General surgery cases. Medina's still on leave and still
can't operate, so he just created my tests and quizzes.

So, I am just waiting for that. Habang nagpapagaling pa si Liv ay nadischarge na

ako. Mild blow lang naman ang natamo ko at positive naman ang indications ng aking
vitals, that's why Sancho was confident to discharge me. Although, it does not mean
na pwede na akong bumalik sa usual routine ko. Mahigpit na utos ni Chief na sa
emergency room muna ako hanggang matapos ang pro-bono week. Specifically, reception
table things muna ang duty ko. Like sorting charts, papers, and telling people kung
saang room number or ward ang kanilang mahal sa buhay. It was definitely boring and
I missed drawing blood, going to the labs, and of course, observing surgeries. But
for now, kailangan kong magtiis.

Ngayon ay kasalukuyan akong nakaupo dito sa likuran ng reception table. I just

finished sorting the charts and placing them in the correct order. Napatingala
naman ako nang maramdaman ko na may tumayo sa harapan ng lamesa. When I looked up,
it was Balmores. She was wearing her usual purple scrubs. There was a sour look on
her face as she eyes me.

"Hm, that's why he doesn't like me....he likes it young." Nanunuya niyang sabi sa
akin.

My fist balled under the table. But instead of clapping back, I just smiled and
asked, "Can I help you, Dr. Balmores?"

She just shook her head before she walked past the table. Napasandal na lang ako sa
aking upuan. Hindi siya ang unang tao dito sa ospital na nagpakita ng hindi
magandang ugali sa akin matapos na mabunyag ang relasyon ko kay Kiel. I get weird
and bad looks from my classmates, some residents (except kay Basil because he's
non-judgmental and a sweet human being), and some Attendings especially Balmores.

Well, hindi naman ako naapektuhan noon since iyon lang naman ang kaya nilang gawin.
All they can do is whisper stuff while I walk past them and look at me weirdly. One
thing they can't do is accuse me of sleeping with my Attending because of academic
reasons. That rumor will not fly because simula day one ay alam ng mga batchmates
ko ang kakayahan ko as a student and the Attendings are also aware of my capability
as a future doctor. And if ever na may rumors man na ganoon ay wala akong paki
dahil alam ko ang totoo. Chief also knows the truth. Those things matter.

So yeah, as I've said earlier. Mamatay na lang sila sa inggit.

And as Kiel and I were obeying the rules, we don't sneak around to meet during his
break, kaya magisa lamang ako or minsan si Dakota ang kasama ko...well, I said
minsan dahil busy siya sa mga labs at sa pag-monitor ng mga pasyente ng kanyang
Attending. Ngayong na-discharged na mostly ang patients ng kanyang Attending ay
ngayon lang kami nagkasama during our break. We chose our usual spot, which is dito
malapit sa morgue.

"Dåmn," She said matapos kong i-kwento sa kanya ang lahat. Right after, she heard
the news. She texted me to spill everything once we met and that's what I did. I
spilled everything while eating our turkey sandwich and sitting on the stretcher.

Halata pa rin ang pagkabigla sa kanyang mukha habang ngumunguya siya. Parehong
naka-frenchbaid ang aming mga buhok, and of course, we're wearing the same light
blue scrubs and whitecoats. Ang pinagkaiba lamang namin ay footwears. Since madalas
siya sa OR at lagi niyang kailangang tumakbo patungo sa lab ay naka-rubber shoes
siya, habang naka-crocs lang ako na pink at medyas.

"You okay?" Tanong ko sa kanya matapos kong nguyain ang huling bahagi ng aking
sandwich.

"Yeah," She replied and swallowed. "Kinailangan ko lang na i-process iyon dahil
hindi talaga ako naniwala noong unang narinig ko iyon. Dahil I saw firsthand how
you hated him and you even came up with a nickname for him."

I chuckled lightly as I nodded.

"Yeah..I hated him, but like I said, at that time, I was already attracted to him.
So, yeah.."

She nodded and sighed.

"Well, I am just really surprised, but whatever makes you happy, makes me happy."
She sincerely replied and pulled me into a hug.

Isinandig ko naman ang aking baba sa kanyang balikat habang yakap ko siya.

"Love you, gorl."

"Yuck." Biro niya nang maghiwalay kami. "Syempre, love din kita, gorl. I wouldn't
have endured you, If I didn't."

Inirapan ko naman siya.

"I am sorry, I didn't tell you." I said after a few moments.

Mabilis naman siyang umiling.

"Don't be. But I am not gonna lie, medyo nagtampo ako but knowing why you did what
you did made me feel okay, so, no need for apologies...alright?"

Tumango ako bago ako napangiti.

"Masaya talaga ako na nakahanap ka na ng katapat mo," She said, "And I am also glad
that you didn't die in that elevator....because that would've been embarrassing."
Her tone was laced with humor.

Days had passed, the hospital remained busy. Meanwhile, I get to take the tests
that they prepared for me. With the power of my re-reading and stock knowledge, I
finished all of it in one sitting. The whole time that I was doing the test there
was a camera facing me, Chief was also watching, and my batchmates were peeping on
the window.

"Congratulations," Sabi ni Chief at kinamayan ako. Kakabalik ko lang dito sa

kanyang opisina kung saan ko ini-take ang test. She needed an hour and a half to
correct everything.

"Thank you, Chief."

"No need to thank me. It's all you. Now that there aren't any problems anymore.
Just want to remind you about the rules." She said that made me nod. "I better not
hear anything ha."

"Yes, boss."

She gave me a stern look.

"---I mean, Chief."

She just shook her head and waved me away with her hand, non-verbally dismissing
me. Masaya naman akong lumabas mula sa kanyang opisina, not minding na may mga
chismosa akong batchmates sa paligid. After I texted my boyfriend about my flying
colors and what I want for a reward, dumeretso ako sa kwarto ni Liv.

I have been avoiding her ever since it happened, but now, I wanted to face her and
tell her to stop apologizing everytime I come by to check her vitals. Yeah, I still
care for her, okay? Pagdating ko doon ay naabutan ko siyang nanonood ng T.V. She
can now sit down and the bruises around her neck continue to heal.

Mr. Rondilla woke up a day ago, and whe he found out what he did unconsciously. I
heard from Basil na agad siyang nagpadala sa kwarto ni Liv upang humingi ng tawad.
Now, I do not know what happened since I am always at the reception table, but
based on what I heard, Mr. Rondilla was crying and after all the talking with her,
she eventually forgave him. He also apologized to me, and I forgave him too, since
it wasn't his fault. He was unconscious and whatever occurred to him was out of his
control.

"Hey," Bati ko kay Liv. She shifted from her sitting position and shock is clearly
indicated in her eyes.

"Vlanca, I-I, what are you doing here?"

"To check on your vitals."

She nodded silently, and let me check the monitor. I can tell that another string
of apologies are about to come out of her mouth. So, before it could even make its
way past her lips, I stopped her.

"Liv," I said firmly. "Please, stop apologizing. I forgave you, I mean it." Dagdag
ko at umupo sa dulo ng kanyang kama.

"Nothing bad happened and...,.can we just go back to normal? Except doon sa part na
ichi-chismis mo ang buong buhay ko at buhay ng iba? Yes?" I asked her and offered
my fist, for a fist bump.

She smiled timidly.

"Yes, I'd like that," Sinserong niyang sagot. "But I am still working on the 'huwag
i-chismis ang buhay ng iba' part." She replied and did a fist bump with me.

Napangiti na lang ako. Well, atleast she's already working on it.

Noong sumunod na araw ay hindi na ganoon karami ang naka-schedule na surgery niya.
And so, for the first time in two weeks, he had a more than fifteen minute break.
At imbes na gamitin niya iyon upang magpahinga ay gusto niyang gamitin iyon upang
makasama ako sa labas ng ospital. Buti na lamang ay break ko noon kaya wala akong
pagaalinlangan na sumakay sa sasakyan niya.

And as he was driving, I didn't even have the self-control to keep my hands off of
him. Buti na lang ay mabilis kaming nakarating doon sa spot sa likod ng isang
abandonadong building. It's the same spot where I lost my virginity to him.

"Kiel.." I moaned as I bounced in his lap. It was dark outside since it's already
two in the morning, umabot kami ng ganito ka-late dahil twenty-four hour duty
ngayon. It's very dark outside and it's raining. I wanted to see him kaya naman
nakaandar ang isang yellowish interior light ng kanyang sasakyan. Kitang-kita ko
ang pagputok ng kanyang mga muslces dahil sa mariin niyang paghawak sa aking mga
bewang. Halos bumaon na ang mga daliri ko sa kanyang scrubs na suot dahil sa higpit
ng hawak ko sa kanyang mga balikat. Sa sobrang sabik namin sa isa't-isa ay oras na
pagka-park niya ay agad akong kumandong sa kanya. We didn't even bother with taking
our clothes off. I just kicked off my bottoms, pushed my panties to the side, and
in one swift move, he was balls deep inside me.

I can feel him everywhere, his cøck inside me, his fingers deliciously massaging my
aching bud, his big hand gripping my waist, while his lips are planting kisses all
over my neck. Nakikiliti din ang aking balat dahil sa kanyang facial hair. Though,
I am not complaining because it just adds to the delicious sensation.

"You are so fücking hot, using my cóck for your own pleasure like that." He dirtily
whispered in my ear that made me clenched around his length. He groaned.

"Oh, yeah?" I taunted him habang nakamatyag sa akin ang kanyang namumungay na mga
mata. He looks so freaking hot too, his longer and thick dark hair is now a mess
because of my wandering hands earlier, habang magkasalubong ang kanyang makakapal
na mga kilay, he's also biting his lower lip every now and then as his member slid
in and out of me.

"Heck yeah. Come here and give me those lips." He demanded, and so, I leaned in and
let him mercilessly take my lips while I continued to ride him. Nahihirapan akong
halikan siya pabalik dahil tuwing babaon siya ay sumasagad siya sa aking kaloob-
looban, filling up the void in me and tickling the pleasurable places, I never knew
existed.

Napatingala ako nang bitawan niya ang mga labi ko. My heart is racing so fast while
I can feel the delicious buildup in my bundle of nerves. I can feel myself
approaching closer and closer because of his talented fingers on my clît.

"Such a beautiful woman.." He murmured as his dark blue eyes watched my face
distort in pleasure.

"Kiel.."

"Yes, yes, little brat, I am here." He softly said. "Fúck me harder." He commanded,
before his palm deliciously came down on my åss cheek.

"Oh, shît.." Mas bumilis pa ang pagtaas baba ko habang mas dumiin ang kanyang
pagmasahe sa aking butil. Yumugyog na ang sasakyan at nagmo-moist na din ang mga
bintana dahil sa kalandian namin. Mas lalo lang akong naliyo sa sarap nang pumasok
ang isang kamay niya sa aking scrubtop at paglaruan ang aking dibdib. His wicked
fingers found my nipple and played with it until it was rock hard and sensitive.
The delicious zap of sensation shoots right to my core!

My body blazed in carnal desire. Kahit na sumasakit na ang mga hita ko ay mas
rumahas pa ang aking paggalaw.

"Shît, Kiel!"

He groaned, his fingers are still playing my breast, meanwhile his other hand is
massaging my now pulsing clît. All the while his lips are planting hot kisses on my
neck and I am still bouncing on his cøck.

I don't know where to focus anymore, basta ang alam ko ay sobrang sarap! It was so
fúcking good, I feel like I am about to reach another dimension.

"Come for me."

And those three words worked like a magic spell, and I reached that another
dimension with a dåmned scream! Nanginig ang aking katawan sa sarap habang ramdam
ko ang paglabas ng aking katas sa aking butas. My flesh then clenched around his
huge and veiny length.

"Vlanca.." He moaned while I weakly lay against his body. I felt like my bones
turned into jelly because of ørgasmic bliss. Tuluyan kong naisandig ang aking
pisngi sa kanyang balikat.

He let out a string of cuss as his thrust became rougher. I just weakly laid
against him as I let him claim me, again and again.

"Cazzo, cazzo, I love you, Vlanca!" He moaned and then I felt his cøck twitch
inside me....hindi nagtagal ay naramdaman ko ang pagpuno ng kanyang mainit at
malagkit na katas sa akin.

"Hmm.." I moaned softly before I weakly raised my head from his shoulder. With
hooded eyes, I cupped his stubble-covered cheeks and pressed a kiss on his swollen
lips.

Humihingal siyang ngumisi sa akin, bago niya tinanggal ang mga hibla ng buhok na
nakatabing sa aking mukha. I did the same with him, I reached for the strands of
dark and soft hair on his forehead and swiped it away.

And as we catch our breath, nakatingin lamang kami sa isa't-isa habang bakas ang
pagkakuntento at saya sa aming mga mukha.

"Are you okay?" He softly asked as he ran his finger on my cheek.

I nodded.

"Why wouldn't I be when I am here with you?"

His red and kissable lips stretched into a smile as his cheeks turned into pink.

"God, I am so in love with you, woman." He whispered and pulled me closer before he
planted a kiss on the top of my head. It was my turn to blush and my heart to warm
up. This man and his heartwarming gestures will never fail to make me feel a
certain way.

When we both came down from our highs. He cleaned me up with the wipes that we keep
in his dashboard. He also helped me fix my clothes. Now, we're both fully clothed.
I am now sitting on his lap while both of my legs are stretched to the side, so,
bali patagilid ang upo ko sa kanyang kandungan. His arms are wrapped around my
body. We still have twenty minutes of time together.

Habang nakasandal ako sa kanyang matigas na dibdib ay ramdam ko ang steady na

pagtibok ng kanyang puso. Ang aking mga kamay ay nakapalibot sa kanyang leeg. Now
that I am in his arms...I felt so safe....so warm....so happy...and so at peace.

"Can't wait to meet your parents," He said. Yeah, I told him about that. Napatingin
naman ako sa kanya, he took my hand and hold it adoringly. " And right after, iuuwi
kita sa Baguio. I want to tell and show you alot of things and I want you to meet
my parents..." Sabi niya habang nakatitig sa akin. The idea of meeting his parents
makes my heart thud in nervousness but at the same time, it excites me.
"Yes, definitely." Sagot ko na ikinangiti niya. "...but first, I want to get
disrespectfully fücked when we can finally go home from the hospital."

He chuckled before he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Of course, whatever my little brat wants."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"I get whatever I want?"

"Yes."

"Even a baby?" Biro ko.

"You already have a baby....me..." Nakanguso niyang sagot na ikinangiti ko. I

reached for his cheek and caressed it softly.

"Yes, ikaw ang baby ko...you will always be.....but I want a small, soft, and
chubby baby that looks like you, or me, or even both." Sagot ko.

Maybe this is just a baby fever from seeing all the babies being born all week or
maybe I just really want it, but not now, tho. Don't get me wrong, babies do still
scare the shît out of me, since it's a huge and a lifetime responsibility.

But the idea of having his kid, carrying it and raising it with him makes me feel
so alive and happy.

However, as I've said, certainly not now since I still want to build my career
first. But even if it's not now, it is certain that I want a family with him.

And also, just imagining our kid telling his or her playmates that his or her
parents are both badåss doctors brings a smile to my face.

"You serious, you want kids?" He asked me as he held my hand against his chest.
"You're not gonna make them cry?"

Inirapan ko siya.

"Wow." Sarkastiko kong sagot.

A month ago ay nakita niya akong buhat ang isang newborn ng pasyente sa Peds ward.
Right after I carried it, the baby started crying. I panicked, I didn't know what
to do. And even though he was from afar, I can tell he was laughing at me.

"You're so mean. That's not my best moment, okay?" Nakanguso kong sabi.

He chuckled softly and cupped my cheek.

"It was funny tho."

"Ezekiel."

Tumigil naman siya, matapos noon ay hinalikan niya ako sa mga labi.

"I'm kidding...of course, I will give you a baby. Heck, I would love to see you
carry my child." Seryoso niyang sagot. "Gusto mo ba ngayon na tayo gumawa?"
Napangisi naman ako bago umiling.

"No, definitely not now....but I just want to tell you that I want a baby."

He smiled understandingly.

"Okay then. We will make one whenever you're ready." He softly replied and kissed
my forehead.

Napangiti naman ako at napasiksik pa sa kanya.

"We can name them after alcohol too, like you." Pangaasar niya. Pinukol ko naman
siya nang masamang tingin.

Nakangisi lang ang loko.

"Gagó."

He chuckled.

"Maybe, Vodka? That's what you drank when you confessed your feelings to me."
Pangaasar pa niya at sinundan iyon ng tawa.

Napailing na lang ako.

"Oh, how about a cøndøm name?"

"My god, you're gonna be a good father." Natatawa kong sagot.

"Oh yeah, Trojan Del Russo-Arguello is a good name for our first child."

My nose scrunched up. If I could ay nahampas ko na siya, subalit hindi ko iyon

magawa dahil nga hawak niya ang aking kamay habang nakapatong iyon sa kanyang
dibdib.

"Heh, gusto mo bang ma-bully siya?....'wag ganoon," I replied as he was looking at

me with a grin stretched on his lips. "....Dapat kasi Trojan XXL Magnum Del Russo-
Arguello."

Sabay kaming tumawa nang malakas.

"Yup, we're gonna be good parents." Banat pa niya na mas lalo naming ikinahalakhak.

Nagpatuloy pa ang paglipas ng mga araw, kasabay noon ay ang tuluyang paggaling ng
injury sa aking ulo. I saw faces after faces in the reception table here in the
emergency room, meanwhile Kiel performed surgery after surgery. His workload still
stayed the same because Medina is still on sick leave.

It's finally the end of the second week. Tomorrow we can finally go home and spend
time with each other. And I couldn't wait to talk to him all day, ask him his
favorite things like video games, movies, all things like that. We didn't have the
time in the past to do that because of our schedule at dahil na rin sa taguan
nangyari.

And now, that nothing is holding us back. I want to get to know him more, what he
likes, what he doesn't like, and I have been also thinking about his past
relationship, if he ever had one. Although, If I am gonna be honest, I don't think
his ex matters to me...because they are in the past, and Kiel does not seem to be
affected by them.

So why bring it up?

Well, I just want to know since I am a curious püssy.

"Hey, Del Russo." Bati ni Basil sa akin nang dumaan siya sa harapan ng reception
table.

Tumingala naman ako sa kanya sandali at ngumiti sa kanya.

"Ayo!"

He grinned before he walked through the hallway. It's already mid morning and yet,
the hospital is already busy with surgeries, of course. Mas naging busy pa ngayon
dahil last day na ito ng pro-bono event. I wish I could see the surgeries closely
but the Chief's order is still effective.

Kaya naman imbes na isipin ang mga surgeries na hindi ko makikita upclose ay
nilibang ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pagaayos ng mga papel na narito sa lamesa.
Maya-maya ay may naramdaman akong lumapit sa lamesa.

When I looked up it was a woman, I couldn't see much of her face because half of it
was covered with huge sunglasses. I can just see her red-painted lips and pointed
nose. Her ears have both diamond stud earrings. I can't see anything more than that
dahil nakasuot din siya ng wide brim fedora hat, but I could see the long curly
brown hair cascading on her coat-covered shoulders.

Sa loob naman ng kanyang mamahaling brown na coat ay ang contrast check colored
shirt dress niya. Oh, she's probably visiting a patient.

"Hi, welcome to GSMH, how may I help you?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

She didn't right away, she just stared at me for a solid ten seconds, before she
said,

"You must be Vlanca Del Russo." I can't help but notice her soft tone.

Napakunot naman ang noo ko at napatayo sa pagtataka. Hindi siya pamilyar sa akin
pero kilala niya ako. When I stood up I saw that she was carrying a designer
handbag and that she's wearing heels. She's way taller than me because of that, so
I had to look up.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Takang tanong ko.

She sighed softly bago niya tinanggal ang kanyang salamin gamit ang kanyang libreng
kamay. Napatitig ako sa kanya sandali. We have the same green eyes but her eye
shape is less rounder than mine, but nonetheless, magkamukha kami ng mga mata.

"Ah, of course, why would he tell you about me?" She said before she offered me her
delicate-looking hand. "I'm Trinity Huang, the girlfriend of the man you have been
screwing for the past seven months."
Chapter 43: Exhibits

Martina Vlanca

Kinailangan ko na tumitig sa kanya nang ilang sandali para lang maunawaan ko ang
kung ano mang sinabi niya. Subalit hindi umubra ang ilang segundo ng katahimikan
dahil hindi ko pa rin maintindihan ang sinabi niya.

Dahil walang kabuluhan ang sinabi niya. Ako? Sleeping with a committed man?

A man named Ezekiel Arguello?

Hell no. This woman must have confused me for someone else. That must be the only
reason.

"Excuse me?" I calmly asked her, but even then the strain in my tone is evident.

She scoffed softly before she held the edge of the fedora hat with her manicured
fingers, and slowly removed it from her head. She placed it on the table together
with her Gucci sunglasses.

Napalunok ako noong nakita ko na ang kanyang buong mukha.

We both have fair skin, but she has the fairest skin I have ever seen, it's like
she's almost Snow White with her complexion. She has curly hair but we have the
identical hair color. At ngayong nakatingin na ako sa kanyang mukha ay hindi
maitatanggi ang pagkakapareho ng aming mga mata.

"Like I said, hindi niya sinabi sa'yo ang tungkol sa akin kaya naiintindihan ko ang
pagtataka mo, Vlanca." Sabi niya gamit ang kalmanteng tono. The sound of my name on
her lips does not feel right. Sandali siyang tumingin sa paligid at nang mapansin
niya na wala namang tao na papalapit o nasa paligid ay muli siyang nagsalita.
"Almost a year ago ay iniwan niya ako sa Baguio at nagtungo dito sa Maynila,
instead of working things out with me. He walked away because he wanted space. He
found his space here and apparently, nakahanap siya ng bago at pansamantalang
laruan." Sabi niya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin taas at baba na animo'y bubblegum
niya akong naapakan.

Nagliyab naman ang inis sa aking dibdib, subalit hindi ko iyon ipinakita sa kanya.

I don't know who the hell this woman is, her audacity to accuse me of being a side
piece is so way, way below the line. Kiel is not like that......he would never do
that to me.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Huang, but I am sure that you're mistaking me for someone else."
Sagot ko at binigyan siya ng pekeng ngiti.

"No...I am sure na hindi ako nagkakamali dahil ang boyfriend ko ay si Dr. Roy
Ezekiel Arguello."

Napatitig ako sa kanya habang naramdaman ko ang pagkabog ng dibdib ko nang marinig
kong banggitin niya ang pangalan ni Kiel.

But it's ridiculous and she has no proof that they are in a relationship. I am not
stupid. I am not just gonna believe some random woman who walks in and claims that
she's his girlfriend he left back in Baguio.
And so, without breaking an eye contact and with a voice full of confidence, I
said,

"Ma'am...I am sorry to break it to you, but I am his girlfriend."

Ngumiti siya bago siya sumagot.

"Oh, sweetie, you are so young and naive." She replied with a pity on her tone.

Ang kaninang inis na nararamdaman ko ay nagliliyab na galit na ngayon. Fück that

pet name. I am not sweetie and what the hell is she talking about? I am young but I
am far from being naive.

"I am not sorry to break it to you but I have been his girlfriend for seven
years---actually, eight years now."

"You're lying."

"Okay, so, for exhibit A. Since you have been fücking my boyfriend. You've seen him
naked, I am sure. You most definitely saw my name on his body."

I flinched when she mentioned 'my boyfriend.' Ang pangit at maling pakinggan.

"No." Mariin kong sagot.

She smirked.

"Trindade."

She didn't even need to say anything because I remembered it. 'Yung tattoo na
nakita ko noon sa tagliran niya. Noong tinanong ko siya kung anong ibig sabihin
noon ay iniwasan niya ang tanong sa paraan na hinalikan niya ako. He shut me out
through a punishing kiss.

I can remember the feeling. He wanted me to never ask him that ever again, not just
because it was part of the arrangement but because he did not want me to know about
it.

Her smirk became wider.

"Exhibit B. If you used his laptop, his password is my favorite place. La presa and
my favorite song 214..."

lapresa2fücking14.

"And exhibit C, if he really loves you then why does he keep my stuff? My pictures,
my videos, our pictures..."

Hindi ako makasagot. She could be lying about that because I haven't seen anything
like it.

"I am sure na may lugar sa penthouse niya na ayaw niyang makita mo.....and knowing
him for several years, I am certain that's where he keeps it."

Mas lalo lang sumama ang timpla ng katawan ko at ng pakiramdam ko dahil may lugar
nga siyang ayaw kong makita.

His dåmned room.

But he let me in there, and I didn't see anything.

"He likes to keep his precious stuff in his closet."

And I haven't been there. Dåmn it.

"And okay let's say na hindi ka nga plaything at jinowa ka nga niya. But why? If
he's still into me, why, right?" She condescendingly asked. "Well, because sweetie,
if you haven't noticed the obvious yet....you look like me...."

Napalunok akong muli. Nanginginig ang mga kamay ko at pakiramdam ko ay bibigay na

ang tuhod ko dahil sa sari-saring mga emosyon na nadarama ko. I cannot comprehend
anything anymore.

"He's just with you because you remind him of me. So, once again, I am not sorry to
break it to you but you are just his plaything. Now, thank me, dahil binigyan ko
siya ng time na magliwaliw kasama ang laruan niya, but now, it's time for him to
come back to me--"

"Trinity?"

With teary eyes, I looked back and I saw him. Halatang kakagaling lamang niya sa
operating room dahil wala siyang whitecoat. Suot pa rin niya ang kanyang scrubcap
at naka-deepblue scrubs lang siya.

Surpirse is written all over his face, he was frozen, but he was just looking at
her. He was surprised, all right, but the way that they are looking at each other
right now, didn't feel like I existed at the moment.

"Hey, baby." Sabi ni Trinity sa kanya gamit ang matamis na tono.

Baby?

At ang tawag ko sa kanya ay Baby Ko.

Is that why he liked the endearment I have for him because she calls him that? Mas
lalo lamang kumirot ang dibdib ko sa sakit sa isipin na iyon.

Chapter 44: Outweigh

Roy Ezekiel

"Hey, baby."

It was her. After months of absolutely not seeing her nor hearing anything from
her, she's now standing a few feet away from me and in front of the woman that I
now love.

My fist balled as I stared at the woman that I was with for the whole seven years
of my life. The woman who betrayed me and used me. She's the one I left because I
was tired and I knew that I deserved better.

May gusto akong sabihin at gawin subalit parang tinangay iyon ng hangin ngayong
nakatingin na ako sa kanya. She is wearing the dress that she wore on our first
date. My whole body is frozen now that she is in front of me. Even after a year of
not seeing her, she still looks so familiar....and as much as I hated it, seeing
her.... feels so familiar....almost like home.

Just almost.

The right thing to do is push her right now and walk to Vlanca but I couldn't. I
was frozen, I didn't know how to react....I don't know what to feel, all I know is
that I can't stop staring at her....and that my heart is thudding so fast.

It's wrong. I hate her, she used me, she did horrible things to me, she fúcking
cheated on me.

But god, why can't I tear my eyes away from her and why is my idiotic heart
reacting this way?

"Missed me?" Tanong niya habang nakatuon sa akin ang kanyang berdeng mga mata.
Sandaling bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanyang mga labi, it was stretched with a smile.

"Happy reunion sa inyo ah."

The nasty spell broke when I heard my little brat's sarcastic tone. When I looked
at her, I regretted the fact that I failed to move and act immediately, dahil
ngayon ay may mga luha na sa kanyang mga pisngi at nakabalatay ang sakit sa kanyang
mukha.

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig dahil doon. My back straightened and I
woke up from my stupid reverie.

"Vlanca, I-I can ex--"

She didn't let me finish. Mabilis siyang naglakad paalis ng reception table.

"Vlanca,"

She stopped in her tracks and pushed my hand away when I tried to hold her elbow.

She looked at me with bloodshot eyes.

"Do not touch me." Her tone was icy. Hindi ko na siya napigilan pang umalis dahil
halos patakbo siyang lumayo.

Gusto ko siyang sundan agad, but I have to get rid of Trinity first.

Nang lumingon ako pabalik sa kanya ay ngayon ko lamang napansin na may mga tao ng
nakakapansin sa nangyayari. Kaya naman pinukol ko ng masamang tingin si Trinity
bago ako lumapit sa kanya. I held her by the elbow, I just put firm hold but not to
the point that I was bruising her. Matapos noon ay mabilis ko siyang hinitak palayo
sa reception table. She managed to snatch her shît from the table as I dragged her
outside.

I am fuming mad. She definitely said lies to my little brat, that's why she reacted
that way. I am already happy here. We're already happy. Why does she have to come
back and ruin it?!

"Roy--ano ba! I can walk!" Hindi ko siya pinansin at hinitak lang siya hanggang sa
makarating kami sa outdoor parking lot sa gilid ng ospital. I abruptly let her arm
go and glared at her.
Mataas ang araw ngayon at masakit sa balat ang sikat noon subalit hindi ko iyon
pinansin.

"What kind of bullshît did you tell my girlfriend?" Mariin kong tanong sa kanya.

Pagak siyang tumawa matapos niyang isuot ang kanyang sumbrero. She did that to
protect her skin from the sun. She always does.

"Girlfriend?" Nanunuya niyang tanong. "I am your girlfriend."

Ako naman ang pagak na natawa bago ako sa kanya humakbang palapit. Napalunok siya
at nawala ang kanyang nanunuyang ekspresyon. She met my eyes with nervousness while
I stared at her with anger.

"You are not my girlfriend anymore. You lost me a long t-time ago..." My voice
croaked. My heart is beating so fast in anger....or with something else. I don't
fúcking know.

Napalunok siya. Her eyes are now glossy with tears.

"Don't, please....I loved you, and I still do, so much." She whispered as she
stared into my eyes. She tried to touch my face but I stepped back and pushed her
hands away.

Humahapdi na ang mga mata ko sa pinipigil kong mga luha subalit hindi ko hinayaan
na bumagsak ang mga iyon.

"Then why did you use me, hm? If you really loved me, then why cheat on m-me,
Trinity?" Halos nanginginig kong tanong sa kanya. "At kung talagang minahal mo ako
noong mga panahong iyon, then bakit hindi ako naging sapat, huh?" That question
left a bitter taste in my mouth and an ache to my chest that I didn't expect to
have.

She inhaled sharply and looked away to wipe her tears away.

"You betrayed me, Trinity."

She turned her face back to, her lips pursed like she was fighting a sob. I can see
that she is now tightly gripping the straps of her handbag.

"I was foolish, Roy. It was a mistake. I am better now, I went to therap---"

"Stop it. I do not want to hear it, Trinity." Mariin kong putol sa kanya. I really
don't.

"Answer my question, what lies did you tell my girlfriend?"

Her face hardened.

"I just told her the truth...that I am here now to get you. It's time for you to
come home."

I shook my head and laughed humorlessly.

"We are done. You are delusional if you think that I would ever go back to you." I
replied to her with a venom in my tone. "Umalis ka na bago pa kita ipa-ban mula sa
ospital na ito."

Tila naramdaman niya na seryoso ako sa banta ko dahil imbes na ipagpilit pa ang
kanya ay tumingin lamang siya sa akin sandali bago sumagot.

"Fine, I will leave for now.....but for your information, now that I am here, you
cannot get rid of me, baby. Not until we talk and fix our problem."

My jaw clenched.

"We have nothing to talk about, Trinity. We are done."

Napalunok siya. I kept my cold expression when she stepped forward.

"Are we, though?" She cocked an eyebrow.

I did not answer. I do not want to engage with whatever lies and upsetting words
that are coming out of her mouth.

Without taking her green eyes off of me, she said, "You keep on saying that we're
done....but can you look me in the eye and tell me that you don't love me anymore,
Roy? Or at least tell me that I don't have a place here anymore." She tauntingly
asked and jabbed her finger at where my heart was located.

I froze.

I wanted to say that she definitely doesn't have that place anymore....that I don't
feel anything other than hate for her. I wanted to tell her that I didn't feel
anything when I saw her.

But my mouth couldn't seem to open.

No words made their way past my lips.

And when I did finally open my mouth, ang tanging nasabi ko lang ay, "Umalis ka
na."

Humugot lamang siya ng hininga at ngumisi.

"See, that's what I am talking about, Roy. You can shoo me all you want, but I
still have a hold on you."

I gritted my teeth.

"Kapag hindi ka pa umalis ay ako mismo ang kakaladkad sa'yo."

"Geez, no need to be so demanding...you know I only like that in bed." She cheekily
replied that it made me grit my teeth harder. "...I will surely be back, baby." She
annoyingly added.

Matapos noon ay naglakad siya patungo sa naka-park na puting Sedan na Mercedes Benz
sa hindi kalayuan. Oras na makaalis siya ay napahilamos ako sa aking mukha at
malakas na napabuntong hininga. I snatched off my scrub cap.

"Dåmn it. Idiot, Kiel.....you're such an idiot." Bulong ko.

And then I suddenly remembered her.

"Vlanca!" I muttered and quickly collected myself.

Mabilis ang kabog ng dibdib ko habang patakbo akong pumasok sa ospital. I couldn't
care less about the looks I get because what I really care about right now is
Vlanca and the need to find her.

Martina Vlanca

May girlfriend siya for seven years.

Pitong taon. Anong laban ng pitong buwan ko doon?

He didn't mention anything about that? Matatanggap ko pa kung pitong araw lang
sila. It's easy to forget someone in that duration of time.....but seven years?
Holy shît, It's not something that just slips your mind.

Well, that is the least of my concerns right now. What really hit me is that he
still has her things, the tattoo, the password, my endearment is similar to hers,
hell, I fúcking looked like her.

And what kills me is the way he just stopped and stared at her.

Noong mga oras na iyon ay pakiramdam ko ay ako ang epal o kontrabida sa storya
nila. Habang mukha akong tanga na nakatayo doon ay pakiramdam ko ay wala ako sa
mundo nila.

I really thought that I knew him....but the look that he gave her.

That is something else. It looked so profound that it breaks me.

Napasinghot naman ako at napatuptop sa aking bibig nang maramdaman ko na may

nagbabadyang tumakas na malakas na hikbi mula sa lalamunan ko. Habang ginamit ko
ang isang kamay ko upang ipahid palayo ang sariwang luha na bumagsak mula sa aking
namamagang mga mata.

Kahit anong pigil ko ay ayaw talagang tumigil noon, lalo na tuwing naalala ko ang
lahat.

Ni hindi ko na nga makita ang dinadaanan ko kaya sa pinakagilid ako naglalakad

upang wala akong aksidenteng mabunggo.

I cannot work in this state. I need to get the heck out of here.

"Vlanca, uy.." Nagulat naman ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Liv. Nang tumingala
ako ay nakita ko siyang papalapit sa akin, it looks like she was walking in the
main hallway and she saw me. She's wearing the same scrubs as mine habang naka-bun
ang kanyang buhok. Ang mga pasa sa kanyang leeg ay halos hindi na kita.

"My god, you look like shît." Walang filter niyang sabi sa akin ng huminto siya sa
aking harapan at pinasadahan ako ng tingin. It wasn't an insulting look, rather it
was a concerning one.

"Salamat," Sarkastiko kong sagot at suminghot.

She cringed and bit her lip for a moment.

"Sorry, I am working on that issue." Sagot niya. "And disclaimer, I mean this not
in the chismosa way, nagbabagong buhay na ako, okay? But what happened to you?" She
asked, her tone clearly concerned.
Umiling ako at ini-tuck ang ilang hibla ng aking buhok pabalik sa likod ng aking
tenga.

"I just need to leave....do you know where Chief is?" I replied. Bago ako umalis ay
kailangan kong magpaalam, obviously. Someone has to cover the floor for me.

"No, but leave now."

"What?"

"You are clearly going through something. Ako na ang bahala na magpaalam at mag-
cover para sa'yo."

Sandali akong tumingin sa kanya.

"You think after everything you did for me ay lolokohin pa kita? Sobrang kapal
naman ng mukha ko noon."

I wiped my tears and smiled a little.

"Thank you."

She smiled back.

"Go."

And that's what I did, I didn't get to say anything to Dakota since she's observing
a surgery and I really have to go bago pa ako maabutan ni Kiel. I don't know how to
face him without bursting into tears.

Ngayon ay narito na ako sa underground parking lot. I am still wearing my scrubs,

pero nakasukbit na sa aking balikat ang aking bag, habang nasa kamay ko na ang
aking susi. I also tied my hair in a high ponytail.

I don't know where I am going but all I know is that I need to get the hell away
from here.

"Vlanca."

Napapikit ako nang marinig ko ang tinig niya. Dåmn it, I was not fast enough.

"Vlanca, please.."

Nagpatuloy lang ako sa paglalakad habang ramdam ko ang mga yabag niya na sumusunod
sa akin.

"I was gonna tell you about her--"

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na humarap sa kanya. Para namang nanghina ang
mga tuhod ko nang makita ko siya. His eyes were bloodshot and pleading for me.

Pero hindi ako nagpadala.

"Oh, were you, now?" Sarkastiko kong sagot. "What are you gonna tell me? That all
this time, you loved me because I remind you of her? How fúcked up is---"

Napatigil naman ako nang may lumabas sa elevator. Dåmn it. We cannot do this here.
"You know what, I don't wanna do this--"

Hindi ko iyon natuloy dahil hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, bago iyon ay kinuha niya
ang carkeys ko. After he held my hand ay pinilit akong maglakad kasama siya.

"Yeah, we will do it at our house..because I will tell you and show you
everything." Sabi niya na imbes na ikatuwa ko ay mas lalo ko lang na ikinainis.

"Ayokong umuwi kasama ka!" Pilit kong pinipiksi ang kamay niya subalit hinigpitan
lang niya ang hawak sa kamay ko.

He guided me to his car and made me go inside the passenger's seat. Mabilis niyang
kinuha ang bag ko at inilagay iyon sa backseat. Nang isara niya ang pinto ay
sinubukan kong buksan iyon, pero hindi ko iyon nagawa because the bastard enabled
the child lock. Meaning I cannot open the door from the inside.

Kaya naman oras na makapasok siya ay agad ko siyang sinigawan.

"You bastard! Let me go."

"Never." He muttered.

I gritted my molars in so much annoyance, anger, and frustration kaya imbes na

umupo na lamang doon at tanggapin ang mangyayari ay kinuha ko ang tatlong maliliit
na teddy bear design na nilagay ko sa dashboard niya last month. Binato ko siya
noon sa inis pero hindi siya nag-react.

He just kept his hand on the steering wheel habang marahan niyang inihagis pabalik
sa akin ang mga teddy bear. Silently urging me to keep doing it until my heart's
content.

I hate it that he is not fücking affected! Kaya naman habang papalabas kami ng
parking lot ay binuksan ko ang compartment niya. Kinuha ko ang car insurance papers
niya at binato ko sa kanya iyon sa inis!

"I hate you! Let me go!" I threw the papers at him. Fresh tears erupted from my
eyes. My heart aches so bad. I felt so fúcking betrayed. "Let me go, bakit hindi mo
sa akin sinabi! You had months to tell that I looked like her, na may babalikan ka
pa pala! Bakit hindi mo sinabi agad?! Dapat sinabi mo para hindi ganito kasakit!" I
yelled at him, I don't even care that whatever I was saying does not make sense.
All I know is that it hurts, everything fúcking hurts!

"Bakit?!" More tears streamed down my face.

He wasn't saying anything or even apologizing because he knows that I won't listen.
Ang mga sagot at mga paumanhin na magmumula sa kanyang bibig ay magiging mitsa
lamang ng pagliyab ng apoy ng galit na nasa dibdib ko.

"You had her name on your skin, for fúck's sake! Tinanong pa kita........dåmn it,
tinanong kita.." Nanghihina kong bulong dahil naibato ko na sa kanya lahat ng papel
na nahawakan ko. Napapagod akong napasandal na lang sa upuan. Nagpatuloy lang siya
sa pagmamaneho habang nakakalat ang mga folders at ang mga papel na naihagis ko sa
kanyang kandungan.

My outburst should have helped lower down the intense feeling I have but somehow,
it's still there.....burning and fuming.

I sobbed silently and just looked straight ahead. Through my blurry peripheral
vision, I can see that he was holding the steering wheel with other hand habang ang
isa ay naglakbay patungo sa akin at hinahanap ang kamay ko.

Napangiti ako ng mapait. He has this stupid habit when he's driving. Ang kaliwang
kamay niya ay nasa steering wheel habang hawak ng isa ang kamay ko. Lagi.

Can't this bastard read the room? Does he think that I will let him hold my hand
after everything I found out?

Mariin at nagsusumamo niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko nang mahanap niya iyon. Subalit
sininghalan ko lang siya at tinabig palayo ang kamay niya.

Throughout the ride back to his house, I was silent. I know that I should've
listened to his side first before I reacted, but the emotions that I was feeling
were too intense. It clouded my judgement. Habang pabalik kami sa penthouse niya ay
napagtanto ko na kahit na gaano katagilid ang sitwasyon ay kailangan kong makinig
sa kung ano mang sasabihin niya.

I need to ask him questions and listen to answers.

Even though I was so hurt, I am still gonna give him the benefit of the doubt
because I love him.

Mas matimbang ang pagmamahal ko para sa kanya kaysa sa nararamdaman kong sakit o
pagkabigla. It outweighs all these other emotions I have and whatever Trinity said.

Kaya naman oras na sumara ang pinto ay humalukipkip ako at tumingin sa kanya.
Humakbang ako palayo nang subukan niya akong hawakan.

"No....please...just stay there."

Ayoko na hawakan niya ako dahil bibigay ako agad.

Thankfully, he did what I asked of him. Ibinaba niya ang backpack ko sa sahig at
tumayo sa aking harapan. He looks like he ran after me and didn't bother to change,
since he's still wearing the same scrubs. The pro-bono is still going on, I don't
know what he said or what he did that allowed him to be here.

"Ang sabi niya sa akin ay iniwan mo siya sa Baguio halos magi-isang taon na ang
lumipas,"

Sunod-sunod siyang tumango.

"That is correct but---"

"Let me speak first, please."

He inhaled before he nodded again. His blue orbs were not leaving mine.

"She said that you walked away because you refused to work things out with her. So,
hindi mo tinapos ang lahat bago ka umalis ng Baguio at nakipag-relasyon sa akin? Oo
o hindi." Deretso kong tanong.

Napalunok siya.

"Hindi."
Napatuptop ako sa aking bibig sandali.

"My god, what does that make me, Kiel? A relationship wrecker?"

Mabilis siyang umiling. Tinawid na niya ang distansya namin at marahan na hinawakan
ang aking mga braso.

"No, no, little brat." He said as he looked me in the eye. "You are not a
relationship wrecker. Hindi ko na kailangan tapusin ang lahat dahil nahuli ko
siyang may kasamang ibang lalaki sa kama."

Napatitig ako sa kanya sa pagkabigla. What now?

"She used me and whatever she told you are just lies and a desperate attempt to
destroy us." Sabi niya habang nagsusumamo na nakatitig sa aking mga mata. Hindi ko
siya pinigilan nang hawakan niya ang magkabila kong mga pisngi. "....please, I am
begging you, listen to what I have to say, Vlanca.."

Napalunok ako. As I have said, my love for him outweighs everything and I need to
hear him out. Kaya naman hinayaan ko siya na dalhin ako sa couch. I weakly sat on
the cushion while he sat beside me.

Hindi siya tuluyang nakaupo, he was just sitting on the edge of the seat at
nakaharap sa akin ang katawan niya. Our knees were also touching because of how
close we were.

He took a deep breath before he opened his mouth.

"Nakilala ko si Trinity noong resident pa lang ako...."

As we both sat there, he told me everything about Trinity. The reason why they had
to be secret, the fake marriage, and her betrayal. Every-single-detail.

I knew that he was telling the truth because I could see the raw emotions in his
eyes.

"...Kakagaling ko lang noon sa medical mission...I was gonna surprise her but then
noong nakatayo na ako sa nakaawang na pintuan ng kwarto ay doon ko sila nahuli.
Hindi nila ako nakita kaya narinig ko ang usapan nila...and based on that
conversation...that was not the first time that it happened..." His jaw clenched
for a moment. "Noong gabi din na iyon ay umalis ako....hindi ako nakipag-break sa
kanya ng harap-harapan dahil hindi niya iyon deserve matapos ang lahat ng ginawa
niya.....and to be frank, I knew that at that moment, if I just talked to her, I'll
just r-run back to her...and I didn't want that."

Imbes na sumagot ako ay napalunok lamang ako. Trinity is a horrible bîtch. She did
a number on Kiel and it showed when he was with me.

"I take it na siya ang dahilan kung bakit natakot ka noon noong wala kang time sa
akin, at kung bakit sa matagal na panahon ay hindi mo nailabas ng maayos ang
nararamdaman mo."

With teary eyes, he nodded.

"Yes."

Nanlambot naman ang puso ko habang nagngalit ang inis ko kay Trinity. She is indeed
a fúcking bîtch.
"I am sorry.."

My shoulders sagged as I softly stared at him.

"Oh, Kiel.." I whispered.

I didn't stop myself from holding his hand. Hinigpitan niya ang kanyang hawak sa
akin at dinala ang kamay ko sa kanyang mga labi.

I am stunned to hear all of it...how horrible treatment that he got. I feel sorry
for him, truly. But now that he brought her up I need to clarify the things that
Trinity said and what happened in the past.

"Kaya ka ba galit sa akin noong una mo akong nakita, dahil kamukha ko siya?"

He nodded again. Dinala niya ang mga kamay kong hawak niya sa kanyang kandungan.

"Yes..and the breakup was still fresh." Deretso niyang sagot. "But just know that
when I fell for you....it's not because of your physical similarities with her," He
said sincerely before he brought my knuckles to his lips. "I fell for you because
of you...not because of her...." His words brought a warmth to my chest.

"Then what about the endearment?" Hindi ko maiwasang matanong.

"Trinity became so irrelevant in my life that I didn't even notice that she used to
call me 'baby' too, her endearment meant nothing. Iyong sa'yo lang.

Hindi ako nakasagot agad. That gave me a sort of relief....but still.

"Bakit hindi mo sa akin sinabi agad? You had months, Kiel."

He nodded, like he was accepting that it was a mistake that he didn't tell me
before.

"Hindi ko sa'yo nasabi agad dahil gusto kong sabihin sa'yo kapag wala na ito sa
balat ko." Sagot nitya at itinaas niya ang kanyang scrubs upang ipakita sa akin ang
masakit sa mata na tattoo sa kanyang tagliran. "I regret putting this on my
skin...I really do....."

"Subalit bago ang pro-bono week ay ipapabura ko na sana ito tapos ay sasabihin ko
sa'yo ang lahat. ...and I wanted to show you this too...hold on," He said, bago
siya mabilis na tumayo at nagtungo sa kanyang kwarto. Paglabas niya ay may buhat na
siyang maliit na box.

My heart clenched. He was really keeping it.

"Sabi ni Trinity ay nasa closet mo daw iyan dahil doon mo nilalagay ang mga pinaka
ingatan mong mga bagay." I bitterly said as he sat down with the horrendous box.
"Was that a lie or the truth?"

"I do keep my things in the closet but I put it on a special shelf.....not at the
bottom of the drawer, where I kept this." Sabi niya at inilagay iyon sa sahig. He
held my hand again. "Nilagay ko lang ito doon sa closet dahil ayokong makita mo pa
noon ito. I don't know how I would explain it to you, then. Because I was still
moving on." He truthfully said, ang kanyang mga mata ay nanatiling nakatuon sa
akin. "I panicked and I put it on the bottom of my closet.....and I forgot that it
was even there.."
Imbes na sumagot ay tiningnan ko lang ang mga bagay na naroon. There were pictures,
even a dàmned camera.

"But that's all..this meant nothing now. Dapat ay itatapon ko na ito pero gusto
kong makita mo muna ang lahat ng iyan dahil ayokong may itago sa'yo, Vlanca."

Napalunok ako bago ko ibinalik ang aking tingin sa kanyang nagsusumamong mga mata.

"I am so sorry that it took me this long. Patawarin mo ako."

Tears fell from his eyes as he pressed my knuckles against his soft lips. Nanlambot
naman ako at hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na pahiran ang kanyang mga luha.

"I love you, Vlanca.....Trinity is nothing but a past now." He said, with his gaze
fixed on me.

My heart thud. I am relieved to hear everything that he said.

Kinuha ko naman ang mga kamay ko mula sa pagkakahawak niya at hinawakan ang kanyang
mga pisngi. Hindi nawala ang kanyang tingin sa aking mukha.

"I believe you, and I love you, too." I replied and pressed a kiss on his lips
before I hugged him tightly.

I mean what I said.

Napapikit ako habang ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan.

But there is still a thing that bugs me, though, and I see it whenever I close my
eyes.

It was the way that he looked at her when he saw her. Gusto ko siyang tanungin
tungkol doon.

I wanted to ask him kung talaga bang nothing na lang si Trinity at walang ibig
sabihin ang tingin niya kanina.

I opened my mouth to ask him that but nothing came out.

Chapter 45: Huwag Kang Feeling Member Ng GomBurZa

Martina Vlanca

"So, mahal pa rin ni Kiel 'yung pünyetang ex niya?" Tanong ni Dakota.

Kakatapos ko lang sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ng nangyari kahapon. Nang ibalik ko
ang tingin ko sa kanya ay sumalubong sa akin ang kanyang mga brown na mga mata
habang magkasalubong ang kanyang mga well-trimmed na mga kilay. Hindi ko rin
maiwasang mapansin ang nakaipon niyang tuwid na buhok sa mahigpit na ponytail,
meanwhile her bangs covered her forehead. Though, some of it was sticking to the
side because of sweat.

Sandali namang bumaba ang tingin ko sa tasa ng kape na nasa aking harapan. Alas
sais pa lamang ng umaga ay narito na kami sa Jesse's. Dito kami dumeretso matapos
kaming tumakbo sa nearby park. May tasa ng hot chocolate sa kanyang harapan at
putong puti sa gilid noon, samantalang ang na ini-order ko ay black coffee at
pandesal.

I should still be in bed with Kiel subalit iniwan ko siya habang natutulog siya.
Nagiwan lamang ako ng note bago ako umalis. I left to run even if it's not my
thing. I just desperately need to focus on something else other than what kept me
awake all night. Focusing on the burning pain in my legs as I ran around did the
job, but now that I am no longer moving, it went back.

Obviously, ay inaya ko si Dakota. She was obviously weirded out because she knew
that I hated running, but instead of complaining hinayaan niya akong sunduin siya
at sinamahan niya akong tumakbo. Hindi siya nagreklamo dahil noong tinawagan ko
siya ay ramdam niya na may bumabagabag sa akin.

Hindi siya nagtanong tungkol doon habang tumatakbo kami. She just let me be until
we sat here on the table, face to face, with our yoga pants and shirt with sweat,
and with our food in front of us. And obviously, I did not hesitate to tell her
everything.

"Not necessarily love...but the way that he looked at her...it looks like she still
means something to him," Sagot ko habang nakatingin pa din sa kape na animo'y
malulutas nito ang mga problema ko. Napalunok ako nang may maramdaman akong bumara
sa lalamunan ko. "And I-I can't get it out of my head...." I added and
unconsciously tucked the loose hair behind my ear. My scalp was aching from the
hairtie kaya naman oras na dumating kami dito ay inilugay ko na ang aking buhok.

Nanatili sa aking kandungan ang aking isang kamay samantalang itinukod ko ang aking
kaliwang siko sa lamesa, sa bukas kong palad idinantay ang aking sentido.
Wordlessly, I stared through the clear glass-wall beside me. Dito kami naupo sa
gilid kung saan kita ang parking lot na halos walang sasakyan dahil maaga pa.
Somehow, I feel kind of refreshed when I looked up and saw the sky. Unti-unti nang
kumakalat ang kulay dilaw na liwanag sa kulay asul na kalangitan.

Still, without looking at her, I said, "Pinatawad ko na siya sa kamalian niya noon,
sa hindi niya sa akin pagsabi tungkol sa ex niya, sa mga bagay na nasa closet niya,
that Trinity and I were look alike. I don't really hold that against him because I
forgave all of it."

Humugot ako nang hininga bago ako lumingon sa kanya. As she intently listen to me,
there was no ounce of judgement in her eyes, instead they were filled with empathy.
Dakota can be mean and blunt to me but she never judged me negatively.

"I am so mad at his ex because of what he's been through because of her. She's
emotionally abusive, narcissist and toxic. If I see her again, makakatikim siya sa
akin ng hindi magagandang mga salita, I just might drag her åss." I scoffed. I will
certainly do that but the chances of us seeing each other are low, dahil sinabi sa
akin ni Kiel na tinaboy na niya si Trinity. He said he'll do everything he can to
keep her away and her nonsense.

But still, if we see each other, I will not hesitate to do all that.

Ganoon ko kamahal si Ezekiel. I am that in too deep. I am willing to stand up for

him, stand by him, and fight for him.

I weakly rested my back on the red soft cushion behind me. Nang bahagya akong
humugot nang hininga ay pumasok sa aking ilong ang masarap na amoy ng sari-saring
pagkain na niluluto sa kusina. I can also hear chatters from the few customers and
some clanking of the utensils against the plates. It's a typical morning in a
diner.

The noise should distract me but my mind is still there.

"Trinity didn't deserve him...she broke him into pieces and now, she's back like
she did nothing wrong....but what kills me is that I caught him looking at her like
she did nothing wrong."

An ache crossed my chest when I remembered how his eyes looked that afternoon,
while he was staring at her.

Nilapag ko naman ang mga kamay ko sa lamesa at tinitigan lamang ang mga iyon.

I should ask him to confirm whatever I saw, but as stupid as it sounds, I am scared
of the answer.

Scared of the possibility of losing him.

I know he said that Trinity meant nothing to him anymore. I believe that. I trust
him

...but why did he look at her like that? Is there a reason that I should be worried
about?

I just hope with all my dåmn hopes that I never see that look again. I hope that it
was just a moment of surprise.

"Shît." Dakota muttered, napaangat naman ako nang tingin sa kanya. Ngayon ay
nakasandal na siya sa kanyang upuan at nakatitig pa rin sa akin.

"Yeah, shît." I said.

She sighed softly as she fixed her gaze on me.

"What do you think?" I silently asked after I reached for my cup of coffee. The
bitter and warm taste of the liquid spread on my palate before I swallowed it.
Tahimik ko na ibinalik ang tasa sa lamesa.

I shuddered a little. The coffee does not taste right.

"It depends. Do you want to hear what I really think or do you want comfort?" She
cocked an eyebrow.

Lumunok ako.

"'Yung una."

Tumuwid naman siya nang umupo at umusog palapit sa akin. She reached for my hands
on the table before she fixed a serious gaze on my face.

"Gorl, you know that I will support you sa kahit anong gawin mo or kung sinong
mahalin mo...but you also know that I will always want the best for you." Sinserong
sabi niya na bahagyang ikinangiti ko.

She squeezed my hand for a moment.

"So, I say you leave his åss and let him figure his shît out first."

I silently stared at her, my heart thudding. But I can't let him go.
"Because from what I can see, you are so, so, sure about him....but I don't think
he is."

Napalunok ako.

"Hindi ka healing center, Vlanca, at higit sa lahat hindi cute maging martyr."
Dakota bluntly added. "Huwag kang feeling member ng GomBurZa, okay?"

Bahagya ako natawa bago ako napailing.

"I know....and yes, hindi ako magiging martyr. I don't need to be one, if he's sure
a-about me. He was just surprised, that look will never happen again."

I hope or I will lose my shît.

Napatitig siya sa akin bago siya dahan-dahan na napatango. She let go of my hands
and grabbed her cup. Sandali siyang sumimsim doon bago siya sumagot.

"Let's see." She stiffly replied after she put back the cup on the table. Sumandal
siya sa upuan at humalukipkip. "But," Tinuro niya ko habang naniningkit ang kanyang
mga mata.

"If it turns out that he still has feelings for his ex and he kept you around kasi
pumayag ka. I will drag your åss away far, far away from him and slap you again and
again until you remember your worth." Singhal niya na bahagya kong ikinatawa.

"Gotta love to have you in my life." Nakangisi kong sagot bago ko inabot ang cup
ko.

She smirked.

"As you should." She replied and grabbed a puto.

Bahagya naman akong tumawa. I then lifted and tipped the cup to my parted lips but
I grimaced when I tasted the coffee again. The taste makes my stomach turn. It's
not it for me, since ayoko talaga ng hot coffee. I liked it iced and nasanay na ata
ang palate ko sa cheap hospital coffee. Kaya naman binaba ko na lang muli iyon
pabalik sa lamesa at kumuha na lang ng pandesal.

We both knew that we had to be at the hospital around seven, and the only way that
we would be in time is if we went home right away. Kaya naman in less than fifteen
minutes ay naubos namin ang tinapay na na-order namin. Well, si Dakota mostly ang
kumain noon dahil nagutom siya sa pagtakbo. I got hungry too pero wala talaga akong
masyadong gana.

Matapos namin kumain ay ini-drop ko si Dakota sa bahay nila and then I went home.
Once I opened the door, the smell of fried food and sauteed garlic filled the air.

"Vlanca?" He called out from the kitchen when I closed the door.

"Yeah, I'm home." Sagot ko at naglakad sandali patungo sa couch upang ibaba ang
dala kong shoulder bag. Oras na pagkababa ko noon sa upuan ay naramdaman ko na ang
kanyang matigas at mainit na katawan sa aking likuran habang agad na pumulupot ang
kanyang mga braso sa aking mga bewang.
Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti nang halikan niya ako sa pisngi. When I turned to face
him there was a smile plastered on his lips. I noticed that he was just wearing a
pair of sweatpants. He was barefoot and shirtless. Itinaas ko ang mga kamay ko sa
kanyang cleanly shaven na pisngi, habang hinawakan niya ang mga likod noon at
idiniin pa sa kanyang balat na akala mo ay matagal ko siyang hindi nahawakan.

"How was your run with Dakota?" He softly asked. "I hope you ran alot because I
cooked lots of 'energy refresher'." He said and winked at me.

I bit my lower lip for a moment.

"Yeah, I did and I am excited for that energy refresher."

He smiled adorably. He was about to pull me into a hug again pero lumayo ako dahil
pawisan pa nga ako. Nagsalubong naman ang kanyang makakapal na mga kilay.

"Mamaya na, after ko maligo-- Kiel!" I yelled when he throw me over his shoulder
like I weigh nothing. Mabilis niya akong dinala sa kitchen counter at inupo doon.
Ibinuka niya ang mga hita ko at pinagkasya niya doon ang kanyang sarili.

I threw him a glare, ngumiti lang ang loko bago ako niyakap at ibinaon ang kanyang
mukha sa aking malagkit na leeg. Hinawakan ko ang matitigas niyang mga balikat at
sinubukan siyang itulak, subalit hindi siya nagpatinag. Imbes na lumayo ay humigpit
lamang ang kapit niya at nagtanim nang maiinit at matatamis na halik sa leeg ko.

"I love your smell." He whispered against my skin. "I don't care if you're
sweaty...I still love it."

Umirap ako sa hangin. This man.

I gave up and wrapped my arms around him. I can feel his muscles and warm skin
under my finger tips. Meanwhile his lips traveled to my jawline, and then to my
cheek. Sandali niyang inilayo ang kanyang mga labi upang hawakan ang aking mga
pisngi sa kanyang malalaking mga kamay.

He then showered small kisses all over my face. From my cheeks, forehead, temple,
everywhere. Napatili naman ako nang paraanin niya ang kanyang mainit na dila sa
pisngi ko. Pinalo ko ang matigas niyang dibdib, subalit hindi pa rin siya lumayo.

He just planted pecks of sweet kisses on my lips again and again. I can certainly
taste coffee in his mouth.

"Kiel, hmm--" I couldn't speak because he kept interrupting me with a kiss. "Aso,"
Kiss. "Ka ba?" Kiss.

Tumigil siya sa paghalik at tumawa.

"Arf, arf." He faked barks and then kissed me again.

"I miss you very, very much." He whispered after he gave me one last kiss.

Ngumuso naman ako sandali habang tumaas ang aking kamay sa kanyang mga balikat.
Meanwhile his hands are on my waists.

"OA, I was only gone for a couple of hours."

"Yes...but with you, every minute counts."

Warm flutters spread around my chest. Tears burned my eyes but thankfully they
didn't fall. God, how can I ever let this man go?

"Ewan ko sa'yo." Sabi ko.

He just smirked.

Bumaba naman ang kamay ko sa kanyang dibdib. I softly caressed his skin, until it
reached his side. Fresh pa rin ang pinanggalingan noong lecheng tattoo dahil mapula
pa ang parteng iyon.

"Masakit pa ba?" Tanong ko sa kanya, nang tapunan ko siya sandali ng tingin. I

caught him staring at me.

"Yes, but it's manageable."

After we settled things out yesterday ay nagtungo kami sa aesthetic clinic upang
ipabura ang kanyang tattoo. We didn't need to wait since he already booked an
appointment two weeks ago. Habang nile-laser iyon ng aesthetician ay nakaupo ako sa
kanyang tabi. I was holding his hand while I watched the ink vanish.

I felt satisfied when it was all gone.

There was no more reminder of her on his skin, nor her things because we dumped it
in a trash can.

"I just need a few weeks for this to heal, and then pwede na ulit akong magpa-
tattoo."

I clicked my tongue before I returned my hands to his bare shoulders. I then fixed
my gaze on his handsome face.

"Hindi mo naman kailangan na i-tattoo ang pangalan ko. I don't want you to, It's
weird." Deretso kong sagot. He leaned into my touch like a puppy when I cupped his
right cheek.

"Sapat na na alam ko na mahal mo ako. Okay?"

He nodded as he sotfly stared back at me.

"Tsaka if ever naman magbago ang isip ko. Ayoko sa tagliran, since once upon time
na-colonize na 'yan." I dryly said. "Gusto ko sa pwet mo ilagay ang pangalan ko." I
am clearly joking.

Bahagyang napataas ang kanyang mga kilay.

"Oh, yeah?" He tauntingly asked as his warm hands still gripped my hips.

"Oh, yeah. Gusto ko 'Martina' sa kaliwang pisngi and 'Vlanca' on the other cheek
tapos gusto ko may heart sa gilid. Tapos kung ayaw mo noon just put my initials on
your cøck." Biro ko pa. He hissed before he laughed.

"That sounds painful..." He said, his eyes were not leaving mine. "but if that's
what my little brat wants..."

"Tsk, tumigil ka nga, joke lang 'yun."

Tumaas naman ang isang kamay niya sa aking mukha. He cupped my chin with his
fingers before he planted a kiss on my forehead.
"I love you, Vlanca."

My heart melted.

"Anch'io ti amo, Kiel." I replied as I caringly touched his cheek. "I am sure about
you."

His adam's apple bobbed for a moment.

"I am, too." Sagot niya. "I am sorry I didn't tell you everything sooner."

I shook my head.

"Forget about it. Pinatawad na kita. Ang mahalaga ay ang ngayon."

He smiled softly.

"I'll make sure that she stays away, okay? I'll do everything I can so she won't
bother you or us." He said, bago niya kinuha ang kanang kamay ko at hinalikan ang
likuran noon.

Good thing ay hindi ako kumain nang masyado sa Jesse's dahil maraming niluto si
Kiel na friedrice at tapa. It was mouthwatering and it was so good I devoured three
cups of rice and a lot of tapa strips. Matapos naming hugasan ang pinagkainan namin
ay agad kaming nagtungo sa banyo upang maligo na. We didn't do anything but to wash
each other since If we don't move quickly, we'll be late.

By the time we're done we still have twenty minutes to drive to the hospital. Imbes
na dalhin ang sasakyan ko ay sumabay na lang ako sa kanya para mas mabilis. And
lucky for us, there was not much traffic. When we finally arrived at the hospital,
imbes na sa underground parking lot niya dalhin ang sasakyan ay sa gilid ng ospital
siya nag-park as I suggested. So, we can go right inside much quickly.

Kaya naman ngayon ay narito na kami sa front bay ng ospital kung saan usually
binaba ng mga ambulansya ang mga pasyente. The familiar smell of the hospital
greeted my nose as we both walked through the automatic doors.

"You okay?" Tanong niya sa akin na ikinatingala ko sa kanya.

Hindi ko naman na maiwasang mapangiti nang masalubong ko ang kanyang asul na mga
mata. I fixed his hair earlier kaya naman maayos iyon. He was now wearing his deep
blue scrubs and his whitecoat habang may backpack na nakasukbit sa kanyang likuran.
Meanwhile I am wearing my scrubs from yesterday. No, it doesn't stink dahil nilaban
niya ito kanina habang kasama ko si Dakota.

"Yes." Sagot ko sa kanya, we both passed the emergency room, ngayon ay naglalakad
na kami sa hallway patungo sa elevator.

"Are you?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang patuloy kaming naglalakad.

He smiled.

"Of course." He replied and subtly reached for my hand. I can't help but smile too.
Finally ay naabot na namin ang harap ng nakasarang elevator doors. We both stood
there to wait after he pressed the 'up' button.

"I want to talk to Chief," Sabi niya na ikinataas ng kilay ko.

Without taking his off of me, he said, "Gusto ko siyang kausapin tungkol kay
Trinity. How I don't want her on hospital grounds because I don't want her
bothering you or--"

Ting!

"Arguello! Kanina pa kita hinahanap!"

He didn't get to finish what he was saying because the elevator doors finally
opened and we both heard Chief's voice. Nang lumingon ako sa kanya ay nakalabas na
siya ng elevator doors, unlike the Attendings, she's wearing a formal clothes since
she don't really do surgeries unless needed. She mostly runs the hospital.

"What the fück?" Mahinang bulong ko nang makita ko kung sino ang kasama niyang
lumabas sa elevator. She was wearing an all black pantsuit pero sumobra naman ng
baba ang neckline ng kanyang suit-jacket dahil kitang-kita ang kanyang cleavage.
She was also carrying a black Balenciaga purse and wearing Louboutin heels.
Meanwhile her hair is in a tight bun.

She cast me a taunting look as she stepped towards Kiel. Her stupid red lips formed
in a smile.

What the hell is Trinity doing here? With the hospital Chief?

"Arguello, this is Ms. Trinity Huang. She's interested in investing in GSMH's

latest project. She wants to see the hospital and she wants you to tour her
around." Sabi ni Chief, who clearly has no idea of their past.

My stomach churned as I stood on the side. Oh, Trinity, you fúcking bîtch.

My blood boiled. I wanted go drag her and pull her hair right now because she was
eyeing my man like he's a goddåmn candy, while Chief was still talking to him.

Grr.

When I glanced at Kiel, napalunok ako. The unpleasant feeling in my chest roared
even more because sure, there was anger and annoyance in those blue eyes as he gave
her a look.

But I can also see the exact look that he gave her on that day.

Chapter 46: Oo

Martina Vlanca

"It's just a look...just a look." Bulong ko habang ramdam ko ang pagtulo ng mga
luha sa aking mga pisngi. Mariin kong pinagdikit ang mga labi ko nang may dumaan na
kirot sa aking dibdib dahil naalala kong muli ang histura ng kanyang mukha habang
nakatingin siya kay Trinity kanina.
Humugot ako ng hininga at bumunot muli ng tissue mula sa dispenser na nakapakat sa
kanang parte ng kulay itim na dingding ng maliit na bathroom stall na kasalukuyan
kong pinagtataguan. Narito ako sa banyo ng third floor at kasalukuyan akong nakaupo
sa nakasarang toilet bowl, habang nakasabit ang bag ko sa hook ng pintuan nitong
stall. After I saw that look, hindi ko na kinaya pang tumayo doon at maghintay sa
elevator.

Instead, I just flashed him a tight smile and gave him a nod of approval.

I can't do anything but that, since Chief really wanted this deal, and after
everything....I still trust him that nothing unpleasant will happen during that
dåmn tour.

Even if he gave her that look, he still has my trust.

I took the stairs and instead of going straight to the locker room, I went inside
the bathroom since hindi ko na nakaya pang pigilan pa ang mga luha ko.

My heart hurts so fücking bad.

Napahikbi ako. I thought it was the last time that I would see it. I really
thought....or more like, I really hoped.

My gut clenches.

Patuloy pa na umagos ang mga luha sa aking pisngi habang pilit kong pinipigilan ang
mga hikbi sa lalamunan ko.

It might've happened again but it's just a look. Nothing more.

He's still mine.

His gaze towards her hurts me, yes. I should give up and I should listen to Dakota
but I couldn't, the idea of leaving him hurts me more.

Ang kagustuhan kong maging patient at manatili sa tabi niya, at ang pagmamahal ko
para kay Kiel, ay mas matimbang pa din. It would always be.

I sniffled and wiped all of my tears. My eyes are still burning and it still wants
to shed more tears but I stopped it.

He is still mine and he loves me, and that's what matters.

He may look at her like she still means something to him, but I am the one he
loves.

Not her.

Kaya naman tumayo na ako matapos kong ipahid palayo mula sa aking mga pisngi ang
mga luha na bumagsak. I quickly snatched my bag from the hook and wore it. I then
went directly to the empty sink. Napahawak ako sa dulo ng malamig na counter at
napatitig sa salamin.

God, I look like shît.

My hair is a little messy, my green eyes are swollen, and there are tear-stains on
my now red cheeks.
I sighed heavily. I need to get it together.

Kaya naman matapos kong itali sa maayos na ponytail ang aking buhok ay agad kong
pinaandar ang gripo. I then put my open palms under the cascading water, when I
gathered enough cool liquid, I splashed it on my face.

"I just need to hold on." Bulong ko habang tinutuyo ko ang aking mukha gamit ang
paper towel na nakuha ko sa kalapit na dispenser.

When I was done, I threw the damp tissue away. I looked at the mirror again and
practiced a smile, before I walked out like nothing happened.

Roy Ezekiel

"Roy, you can't just keep on walking away from me. You have to talk to me!" Malakas
na sabi sa akin ni Trinity, matapos niyang makasunod sa akin dito sa rooftop.

I hate that she's here, I hate that I am around her, I hate that I feel like I am
always like a stupid firefly drawned to a deceptive light when she's around. I
loathed the fact that I can't help myself to stare at her, when I see her.

I didn't look back at her, I just kept on walking on the wide space. Dahil elevated
area ito ay mas mahangin, ang laylayan ng aking whitecoat ay nililipad ng bahagya
habang ramdam ko ang pagihip ng hangin sa aking mukha. Hindi pa masyadong mainit
ang sikat ng araw dahil maaga pa, kulay asul ang kalangitan at rinig ko ang ugong
ng mga sasakyan sa ibaba. The familiar smell of the city greeted my nose. This day
was supposed to be pleasant but then Trinity just had to come and ruin that.

When I felt her hand around cloth-covered my arm, I stopped walking and whipped my
head back. Nang samaan ko siya ng tingin ay parang napapaso niyang binitawan ang
braso ko.

"Talk to me, please." Nagmamakaawa niyang sabi, habang ang kanyang berdeng mga mata
ay nakatuon sa akin. Inspite of her tight bun, her baby hairs are swaying with the
wind.

My jaw clenched.

"What the hell were you thinking, Trinity? Really, investment in this hospital?
since when have you become so concerned about other people's lives?" I sneered at
her instead.

Her face hardened.

I couldn't say no to Chief since she really wanted the deal, she even took my
patients, so I don't have an excuse. Kaya naman napilitan ako na ipakita sa babaeng
ito ang buong hospital. Though, I would've said no if Vlanca didn't want me to be
here, but she gave me a look of approval. Alam ko na hindi madali para sa kanya ang
isipin na kasama ko si Trinity. Alam ko na hinayaan niya ako dahil
pinagkakatiwalaan niya ako na walang kabalbalan na mangyayari sa tour na ito.

Nagpapasalamat ako doon at pinapahalagahan ko iyon, kaya hindi ko iyon sasayangin.

Kaya naman habang labag sa loob kong iniikot ko si Trinity sa ospital ay hindi ko
siya hinahayaan na magsalita o lumapit man lang sa akin. I just kept on walking and
talking about building, blocking all her opportunities to try to talk to me.

But now, we're here alone on the rooftop, which is the last place I had to show
her.

I couldn't stop her from talking nonsense and coming close.

"Last I checked, nagagalit ka kapag madalas ako sa ospital, and now you want to
invest in one?" Nanunuya kong dagdag.

Her lips pursed for a moment, like I hit a nerve. But then she inhaled softly and
nodded. She then replied, "I know, I fücked up--"

Napailing na lamang ako at tumalikod sa kanya. Not caring to hear about whatever
shît she's about to say.

"Save it, I don't want to hear it." I stiffly replied.

"Roy, you cannot keep on walking away. I am not lying about the investment! I want
to do it because I've changed."

Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapahinto sa paglalakad.

"I did my part in the family business. I married Sean for a couple of years and now
we're divorced."

Kumuyom ang kamao ko nang marinig ko ang pangalan ng gagøng iyon. Napatigil na ako
sa paghakbang, subalit ramdam ko pa din ang malamig na hangin ng umaga.

"Babá gave me a huge chunk of the family business and I can do whatever the hell I
want with the money. And I want to do something good with it....and I t-talked to
Geryis not only because I want to invest, kung hindi dahil gusto rin kitang makita,
because like I told you, you cannot get rid of me until we talk and fix our
problem."

Pagak akong tumawa bago humarap sa kanya. She was still standing in the place where
I left her.

"We have nothing to talk about, we are done."

She didn't listen, instead her heels clicked against the concrete as she walked
towards me. Her familiar Jo Malone perfume whiffed my nose once again.

"Inaamin ko na nagkamali ako. I did you so wrong. But we could've worked things
out, if you didn't ghost me."

Mas lalo akong napatiim bagang.

"I found you in bed with him, what do you expect me to do, hm?" I stepped forward,
she tilted her chin up to meet my gaze. "Wait for you and prepare a goddåmn
breakfast?"

"Of course not. Sana ay kinausap mo ako at binigyan mo ako ng pagkakataon na mag-
explain--"

"What is there to explain?" I interrupted her. "That you were fúcking another man
behind my back for years?"

Napaikom ang bibig niya.

"That you betrayed my trust and took me for granted? Is there even an explanation
for that, hm?" Halos nanggagaliti kong tanong sa kanya.

Hindi pa rin siya nakakasagot. Naglayo lamang siya ng tingin. Mabilis niyang
pinunasan ang tumakas na luha gamit ang kanyang kamay na hindi nakahawak sa kanyang
purse.

"Kahit na hindi ka nangaliwa, I would've left you for other reasons." I harshly but
truthfully added. It felt good to say it to her face.

Napatingin siya sa akin. Ang kanyang mga mata ay namumula na dahil sa pinipigil
niyang mga luha.

"A-Ayos lang ako doon sa fact na itinago mo ako at ikinaila mo ako sa ibang tao.
Ayos lang 'yun dahil nangako ka na hindi naman habang buhay iyon. Ayos lang 'yun
dahil minahal kita. I swallowed my pride too but that's okay...but what's not okay
is that I minimized and morped myself, so I could fit into this guy that you
wanted. And even then you treated me way less than I d-deserve to be t-treated." My
voice croaked as tears threatened to fall from my eyes, but I didn't look away from
her, even though I could see the disgust she's trying to cover up in her eyes
because I looked like I was about to cry.

I am not going to look away like I always do in the past because what she thinks
about me doesn't matter anymore, or the fact that she doesn't like men who express
emotions like crying.

I am not going to look away this time because a wonderful woman named Vlanca Del
Russo came into my life. Who gave me a safe space where I learned how to express my
feelings, and she does not look down on them, like this woman did.

"So, you, cheating, was just my last straw, Trinity. But sooner or later, I would
have realized that I deserved b-better than being treated like shît." I said
firmly.

Napalunok siya.

I was so pre-occupied with my life here and I was so happy with Vlanca that I
didn't get to prepare myself for this moment, where I actually face her and tell
her what I really felt all these years.

I didn't know how to do that.....the words just came out of my mouth.

And it felt good.

"Now, I found this amazing woman....at first I hated her because you have a little
similarity. And god, I did things that I regret towards her, and I will pay for it
by loving her for the rest of my life." Walang pag-aalinlangan kong sabi.

Tumulo ang luha niya, habang bumalatay ang sakit sa kanyang mukha.

"And you know what, Trinity? You have nothing in common with her. You are nothing
like her." I said while looking her straight in the eyes. "Unlike you, she never
takes advantage of me, she cares for me, she never asks me to minimize myself,
instead she encourages me to grow."

I remember that specific moment when Chief knew about us and she wanted me to take
the better path for myself.
But little did she know that she's the better path. Not any career, because my
success wouldn't mean anything without her beside me.

"She loves me for who I am, and even when I d-didn't deserve it." My tears ran down
my cheek.

I still don't deserve her.

"And I am madly in love with her. So, we have nothing to talk about, or fix, or for
you to get back to, because we.are.done." Mariin ko pang sabi. "Go home, Trinity.
Stop this bullshît."

Pinahid niya ang kanyang mga luha at umiling.

"I can't, b-because I love you."

Napapikit ako at napailing.

"No, you don't."

"I do!" She yelled at my face. "I am a-aware of the shîtty things I did to you and
I am so, so, sorry, Roy." Her voice cracked.

Napasinghap ako nang hawakan niyang kaliwang pisngi ko.

I froze because I felt that feeling again, that I don't know why I still have.

I am sure about Vlanca and I love her, truly.

But whenever Trinity touches me or looks at me in a certain way, I get that unnamed
feeling in my chest.

I do not want it to be there but it is there. And I am afraid that if I mention it

to Vlanca, I will hurt her and worse, I will lose her. I just have to find a way to
erase this feeling.

Napalunok ako. Gusto kong hitakin ang kamay niya paalis subalit hindi ko magawa
dahil ramdam ko pa rin ang pakiramdam na iyon.

I don't know what it is. All I know it's that it is familiar.

Almost like home.

"I know that I did horrible things to you and I know that endless apologies will
never be enough, that's why I went to therapy the moment you left. I knew your
location months ago but I didn't come to you...just yet. I went to therapy because
I wanted to be deserving of you when I come to you." Sabi niya habang nakatingin sa
aking mga mata.

"Then you already knew that I was already happy without you, that I've moved on.
You should've just let...me be. If you really loved me, you should've let us b-be."

Umiling siya

"I-I was consumed by narcissism, family pressure and loneliness. Sean was a product
of my issues." Her eyes were glistening with tears. "From all the moments that we
spent together between the sheets, it was all physical. Hindi ko siya minahal. It
was just you."
My adam's apple bobbed. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her.

"Nagkamali a-ako, sobrang dami ang pagkakamali na nagawa ko sa'yo. But just give me
one more chance, Roy and I will show you that I've changed...and that I am the one
that you wanted."

Hindi ako nasagot o nakagalaw man lang.

Seven years with her. Years of being treated less than I deserve. Years that I
was... happy inspite of that.

She did me so wrong, and now, I have Vlanca in my life. Who loves me, and will
never do me wrong....but why does Trinity's promise sound sweet and sincere?

As I froze there, contemplating what to do, she did the unexpected,

Right before I could stop it, I felt her lips against mine.

Vlanca's face flashed in my mind and I quickly pulled away. My heart was thudding
as I looked at her wide eyes.

"Roy--"

I stepped back as I glared at her.

"Get away from me."

Hindi siya nakinig, lumapit lamang siyang muli. Her scent filled my nose once
again.

"I'm not gonna give up on you, not when I know that I still have a place here." She
poked my chest but her eyes never left mine.

My face turned stone cold as I swatted her hand away.

I then looked away and replied, "No."

"Sinungaling." She spat.

My jaw clenched before I glanced back at her.

"Leave us alone, Trinity, I am telling you." I warned her. Huwag na huwag siyang
magkakamali na may gawin kay Vlanca.

Nagsalubong ang kanyang mga kilay.

"And you will not weaponize that stupid accidental kiss because I will tell her."
Mariin kong sabi bago ako naglakad patungo sa elevator. I have to go down and tell
Vlanca what the hell just happened.

Kailangan ko sa kanyang sabihin iyon nang harap-harapan. I need to look her in the
eye and tell her that it meant nothing that it is a indeed stupid moment.

Subalit habang lulan ako ng elevator ay umingay ang hospital phone. There were
multiple MVC's patients that just got brought in. Dåmn it.
Martina Vlanca

"Pakshet, mare, basag talaga 'yung bungo nong driver." Sabi ni Liv habang kumakain
siya ng popcorn. "I saw Dr. Sandro and Avenidez pull the bloody cranial bones with
forceps."

Dakota looked up at her and cocked an eyebrow. Kasalukuyan siyang nakaupo sa

likuran ng reception table habang nakatayo kami ni Liv sa harapan noon.

Dakota still hates Liv but she tries to get along with her because Dakota knew what
Liv did for me. And also, Liv is really trying to change. Naging wake-up call daw
niya 'yung close encounter niya with death.

So, she apologized to everyone and read self-help books. And hindi na talaga siya
nakiki-chismis or nangchi-chismiss unless it's about a medical case, like right
now. And the reason she's here with us is nobody wants to be around her because of
what she did in the past.

I convinced Dakota that we let her hang around because the girl is trying to change
and she's....nice. Buti na lang ay pumayag ang kaibigan ko.

"Ay we? O baka gawa-gawa na naman 'yan ng imagination mo." Dakota retorted.

Liv rolled her eyes before she threw a few popcorn in her mouth.

"Oo nga kasi, tapos 'yung isa ay nadurog ang kneecaps dahil noong mangyari 'yung
aksidente ay nakataas sa dashboard ang mga paa niya."

Dakota and I both grimaced since that's really horrid, samantalang ngumunguya lang
ng popcorn si Liv. In fairness, I like that she's not batting an eyelash now when
it comes to cases, unlike almost a month ago, she was disgusted with urine.

Alas nuebe pa lang ng umaga ay may apat na kritikal na pasyente na, na ipinasok sa
GSMH. They were brought in because of multiple MVC's or Motor Vehicle Crashes. Ang
mga pasyente ay apat na frat boys mula sa isang kalapit na university.

Nakapag-kwento pa ang isa sa mga biktima sa isang medic na nag-responde bago siya
nawalan ng malay sa ambulansya. Ayon sa kanya ay na-stuck daw sa gilid ng daan ang
dalawang brader na lulan ng isang sedan. Kaya naman tumawag sila ng tulong sa isa
pa nilang ka-brader na pinuntahan naman sila matapos ang ilang minuto. Their car
was an old pick-up. Ang naging plano nila ay hitakin ng pick-up ang sedan hanggang
sa makarating sila sa frathouse kung saan naroon ang iba pa nilang mga ka-brader na
gagawa noong sasakyan.

And so, that's what they did. They attached a hook on the bumper of the Sedan and
then the pick-up pulled the car. All the while ay may dalawang pasahero doon sa
hitak na sedan, habang may dalawa din doon sa pick up. Ang naging problema lamang
ay naging reckless ang driver noong pick-up dahil napagdesisyonan nito na tumakbo
ng ninety miles per hour.

And then when he pressed the break, hindi kumagat ang preno. Instead of crashing
into another car, the driver decided to crash the car on the nearby tree.

He was going for ninety-miles per hour kaya naman as one can imagine, parang lata
na nayupi ang pick-up truck. It happened so fast na hindi nakapag preno 'yung
driver noong hinihitak na sasakyan. So, they ended up crashing with the first car.

It was a disaster and really horrible dahil rinig daw ang pag-crash noon, ten
blocks away. Kaya ang naging resulta ay halos basag ang bungo noong driver noong
pick up, samantalang durog ang kneecaps noong nasa passenger's seat. Meanwhile the
two patients from the other car both have intra-abdominal bleeding, crushed
internal organs from the impact and head lacs.

They were all barely breathing when they were brought in. Kaya mabilis na kumilos
ang mga doktor sa building. There were general surgery cases kaya syempre nasama si
Kiel doon. And even though the situation was urgent hindi niya ako nakalimutan na
i-text. Ang sabi niya sa akin ay tapos na ang tour at he got pulled into the
surgery. I texted him back, of course. And now, he's operating for a few minutes
now.

At nasabi din niya sa akin na may kailangan siya sa akin na sabihin.

Ayoko na distracted siya kaya naman hindi ko siya kinulit tungkol doon sa kung ano
mang sasabihin niya, kahit na abot langit ang kaba ko. But I really hope that it's
not something bad because it would be really nice kung hindi ako magbe-breakdown sa
banyo for the second time today.

Now, I am distracting myself with the details of the case. It's a heavy case kaya
puro mga doctor lang muna ang nasa operating room and they wanted as few people as
possible in the OR, since it's really a sensitive and severe case. So, hindi muna
kami pinayagan na mag-observe closely, We're just here in the emergency room
filling in for some residents who are in surgery.

Sa ngayon ay walang pang pumapasok kaya naman nakaabang lamang kami dito.

"Vlanca,"

Halos sabay kaming tatlong napalingon sa gilid nang may tumawag sa pangalan ko.

Tila sumama naman ang timpla ng katawan ko nang makita ko na si Trinity iyon. She's
still wearing the same attire from earlier. However her hair is a little disheveled
like it was blown by the wind. She's still carrying her purse but she has
two...white papers in her other hand.

Hindi ako sumagot habang hinayaan ko siyang maglakad sa aking harapan. I crossed my
arms.

"Ay, hindi naman 'to veterinary clinic ah, bakit may ahas?" Sabi ni Dakota na
ngayon ay nasa gilid ko. Nakahalukipkip na rin siya.

Samantalang habang dahan-dahan na ngumunguya si Liv ay pinasadahan niya ng

up and down na tingin ang buong pagkatao ni Trinity. She knows about Trinity too,
since earlier she asked kung bakit ko kinailangan na umalis noong araw na iyon.
Instead of telling her to mind her business, I told her a little about Trinity
since she covered my åss after all.

"Oo nga, we're med students who specialize in human anatomy...not on snakes...or
any type of animal at all." Liv said after she swallowed what was in her mouth.

"Gosh, I gotta say, I'm starting to like her." Bulong sa akin ni Dakota na bahagya
kong ikinangisi.

Nagtiim bagang si Trinity at halos patayin niya sa tingin ang dalawang babaeng nasa
magkabilang gilid ko, pero imbes na magpatinag ay nakangisi lang si Dakota habang
patuloy lang na kumakain ng popcorn si Liv.
"Gusto mo? You look like you're hungry." Nangaasar na sabi pa ni Liv at inalok ang
clear na plastic na naglalaman ng popcorn. But then she faked a gasp and said, "Ay
shét, hindi ata pwede sa reptiles 'to, my bad." Binawi niyang muli ang lalagyan ng
popcorn at ngumisi.

"Pfft." Dakota snorted.

Trinity cast her another deadly glare, and then she shook her head before she fixed
her gaze at me.

"Pwede ka bang makausap nang wala ang mga.....mababait mong kaibigan mo?" She askes
through gritted teeth and eyes my friends for a moment.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, my arms are still crossed.

"And why would I want to talk to you? Are you gonna offer me money to stay away?"
Nanunuya kong tanong sa kanya.

"May tip ako sa'yo gorl," Sabi ni Dakota kay Trinity. "If you do offer her
something make sure it's atleast...one billion peso...her parents are billionaires
and her last name alone costs millions. So, for her to consider....yeah, it's needs
to be atleast a billion, okay?"

Trinity gritted her teeth in annoyance, before she glared at me.

"I gave you an option to talk to me alone pero ayaw mo naman. So, here," She tossed
the white papers at me, I caught it before it landed on the floor.

"Ano na naman to--"

My heart dropped when I flipped it.

It was printed pictures of Kiel and her on the rooftop, it was taken through a CCTV
camera.

'Yung unang litrato ay magkahalikan sila. My heart clenched so bad, but mas lalo
lamang na humapdi ang dibib ko nang makita ko ang sumunod na litrato.

They weren't kissing but this one broke me more dahil nakatitig sila sa isa't-isa
na animoy binabalikan nila ang kahapon....

And what really made me want to cry and break down in the bathroom again is that I
saw that fúcking look in his face, again.

"Well, I don't need to pay your friend to stay away...because he already chose me.
I am sure that he said he'll talk to you after he gets out of surgery."

My heart dropped.

Dahan-dahan akong napatingin sa kanya. Now, she has a smug look on her face.

"And tip lang, gorl," Tinapunan niya nang tingin sandali si Dakota na ngayon ay
nakakuyom na ang kamao. "Before that humiliating thing happened. I highly suggest
you pack your stuff and go back to mommy and daddy's mansion....or the best is you
get your åss back to Italia and eat some spaghetti to make yourself feel better."
She even mocked an Italian accent.

"You b--"
"Dakota," I gave her a look and shook my head weakly.

She's asking for trouble and I am not gonna let Dakota give that to her.

"Oh, are you about to cry---"

"Walk away now, before I slap the living shît out of you, Trinity." I interrupted
her through gritted teeth. I am barely keeping it together and if she stays longer,
I will do something that will get me expelled from the dåmn medical school.

Ngumisi lamang siya sa akin bago siya maarteng lumakad palabas.

"Dapat ay hinayaan mo akong kaladkarin ang babae na 'yon." Sabi ni Dakota mula sa
labas ng stall na pinagtataguan ko. Through the gap of the stall and the floor,
kita ko na nakaupo si Dakota sa sahig. Meanwhile Liv is still at the reception
table, covering for our absence.

After Trinity left, I headed back here at the same goddåmn stall. I sat on the
closed

toilet bowl and cried. Kakatapos ko lang humagulgol at iyakan ang mga litratong
hawak ko. I thought I was alone but then after my sobs, halos napasigaw ako nang
makita kong may kamay na may hawak na bottled water sa itaas ng nakasaradong
pintuan. Turns out Dakota followed me after she bought water. She closed the door
quietly and let me have a time to cry, that's why I didn't hear her.

"And what? Get suspended or expelled for 'harming the investor'?" I replied to her.
Napasinghot naman ako.

She clicked her tongue.

"It's worth it, if it means maigaganti kita. And gorl, fúck Trinity Huang and her
stupid åss investment. I'll convince Tita Ezra to buy that bîtch out."

I shook my head and smiled weakly.

A beat of silence passed us before I took a breath. I folded the pictures and put
it inside the pocket of my whitecoat.

Napatayo naman siya noong lumabas na ako ng stall. Halata ang pagaalala sa kanyang
mukha.

"I remember what you said earlier, please, don't slap me."

Not yet.

Ngumisi naman siya bago ako sinalubong ng yakap. Napanguso naman ako at napayakap
din sa kanya.

"I won't." She whispered, "But you can't stop me from telling you that you deserve
better."

Sinandig ko lamang ang pisngi ko sa kanyang balikat.

"I want to go home...I don't feel good." Sabi ko na lang. Although, it might be a
lie pero lately I feel...fatigued.

"Saan ka uuwi?" Tanong niya nang maghiwalay kami.

Sa kanya.

"Sa bahay. I wanna lay down. This day already consumed me."

She nodded and gave me a sympathetic smile.

"Okay, I got you."

Bago magtanghali ay nakauwi ako ng penthouse ni Kiel. I dropped my bag on the

floor, didn't bother to change and just went straight to the couch, with those
pictures in my hand. Alam niya na nasa bahay niya ako, I texted him that he should
go home as soon as he can.

We really have to talk.

What I said to Dakota was true. I feel really tired...but I can't seem to lay down
and relax as I wait. I feel restless. Whenever I glanced at the pictures, it
stabbed my heart again and again.

I know that I said that I will hold on, but I could only take so much.. I cannot
have him acting like this.

I cannot keep doing this to myself. Kung mahal ko siya, mahal ko din ang sarili ko.
I don't need Dakota to slap me, to remind me that.

I tossed the pictures on the ottoman in front of me and I sat back on the couch.
And not even, an hour later, I heard the front door open.

"Vlanca?" He called out as the front door closed.

I didn't answer.

It didn't take long for him to find me. I calmly glanced at him. Nakasuot pa din
siya ng deep blue scrubs. Alam ko na dumeretso siya dito agad-agad dahil hindi na
niya nakuha na palitan ang scrubs niya na may bahid ng kaunting dugo, it's probably
from the operating room.

"Ang bilis mo naman atang nakauwi." Puna ko.

He nodded as he looked at me with worry in his eyes.

"The patients are in the ICU, I cannot operate until we find a fresh organ...but I
need to tell y---" Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita at namutla ang kanyang mukha nang
makalapit siya at napatingin sa mga litrato na nakapatong sa ottoman.

Humugot ako ng hininga upang pigilan ang mga luha. Tumuwid ako ng upo at
humalukipkip. Bago pa ako makatayo ay nakaluhod na siya sa harap ko. He kneeled so
we could see each other face to face.

Nagmamaka-awa niya akong tinitigan sa mga mata.

"Vlanca.." He said softly. "Little brat, i-it's not what you think. She kissed me
and I pulled away right away and I-I--"

I shook my head, non-verbally telling him that I believe him. Napalunok siya.
Halata ang kaba sa buong mukha niya habang nakatitig lamang sa akin ang kanyang mga
asul na mga mata. He was waiting for me to say something.

Humugot ako ng hininga muli.

"Stand up, please." I told him na agad naman niyang ginawa. Tumayo din ako.

I licked my dried lips before I met his gaze.

"I am not stupid, Kiel. I can see the desperation seeping through Trinity's skin. I
know that you didn't kiss her intentionally....and that picture of your supposed
kiss is just her desperate attemp to shoo me away, ain't that right?" I asked as my
heart thud so loud. This kiss is not my problem here.

He nodded vigorously.

"The kiss means nothing if it's an accident and meaningless, right?" I asked him as
I looked him in the eye.

Tumango siyang muli.

"But let me just ask you one more thing."

"Anything, Vlanca." Agad niyang sagot.

"Does she still mean something to you?" My voice croaked as a tear fell from my
eye.

Hinablot ko ang litrato kung saan magkatinginan silang dalawa. My heart clenched as
I glanced at the photo.

"You see," I paused and pointed him at the picture. Halos namumula na ang kanyang
mga mata dahil sa nagbabadyang mga luha. His lips are trembling. "This look on your
face, Kiel. This is what kills me again and again." Tuluyan nang tumulo ang mga
luha ko.

"So, let me ask you again, does she still mean something to you?"

His tears rolled down his cheeks as nothing came out of his mouth. His hesitation
added to the pain in my chest.

"Vlanca--"

"Pútangina, sagutin mo ang tanong ko, Kiel!" I snapped and threw the goddåmn
picture on the floor. My eyes never leave him. "Does. She. Still. Mean. Something.
To. You? Oo o hindi?!"

The ball in his throat bobbed as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Oo."

Those were just two letters but it destroyed me. My heart contracted with pain
again.

Kinailangan kong takpan ang bibig ko upang hindi ako mapahagulgol.

"Vlanca, let me explain, please..." He sobbed as he tried to touch me but I pushed
his hand away. Endless tears wet my cheeks, and my lips that I taste the saltiness
of it.

Suminghot ako bago ako tumingin sa kanyang muli.

"You said she meant nothing. You fúcking told m-me!" Sigaw ko habang humahagulgol.

"Just let--"

I pounded my hands on his hard chest out of pain, anger, and frustration. Habang
tumayo lamang siya doon at tinanggap iyon. Mabilis ang kabog ng dibdib ko habang
ramdam ko ang pag-agos ng aking mga luha.

"Naniwala ako kasi sabi mo 'yun e. Naniwala ako kahit na nakikita ko kung paano ka
tumingin sa kanya! I stayed on your side and endured it, and that's on me because I
chose to do all that for you because you t-told me," Tinusok ko ang dibdib niya
habang napahikbi ako. "Kiel! You said sigurado ka sa akin.." Nanghihina kong sabi
sa kanya at tumingin ako sa kanyang mukha. He was silently sobbing as his now red
eyes continued to stare at me.

"I love you," He hoarsely said.

I looked away and shook my head.

"And I---"

Hindi ko na pinakinggan ang mga sinabi niya dahil sobrang sakit na ng dibdib ko. I
need to get away and breathe. And so, I pushed him away.

"Vlanca, wait, don't--"

Hindi ko na siya narinig pa dahil sinara ko na ang pintuan. I ran for the elevator
habang sukbit ko ang aking bag. Agad akong pumasok sa bumukas na elevator at mariin
na pinindot ang ground parking lot.

Nang bumukas muli ang mga metal doors ay nasa parking lot na iyon. As I was walking
out and wiping my tears. May nakasalubong akong lalaki na papunta naman sa
elevator, as I passed by him, the scent of the coffee whiffed my nose. It's the
same smell of the coffee from Jesse's

My stomach turned. Mabilis akong tumakbo sa pinakamalapit na basurahan at dumuwal

doon. As I wiped my mouth, I realized something.

"No, no," Bulong ko.

"No, please, no. It cannot be, I am on the pill." I continued to whisper to myself
as I fished for my birth control pill box from my bag.

Nang mahugot ko na iyon ay mabilis ko iyon na binuksan. Biglang nanlamig ang buong
katawan ko.

May dalawang pills doon na hindi ko nainom.

Chapter 47: Gone

Martina Vlanca

With my whole body slightly shivering, I closed my car door. Goosebumps broke out
all over my body as I felt the cold wind blow on my skin once again.

I smiled at the woman in front of me.

"Magandang hapon po, Ms. Martina," Bati sa akin ni Manang Tinay. Siya ang caretaker
ng mansion namin dito sa Tagaytay. She's a tall woman in her fifties with black-
grey short hair. Mas naangkop ang kanyang suot na pajama at jacket, kumpara sa suot
kong manipis na scrubs, sa kasalukuyang weather ngayon

"Good afternoon po." Bati ko at tinanggap ang inabot niyang isang bungkos ng master
keys. I can't help but to smile despite of my heavy heart as I looked at the keys
for a moment, bukod kasi sa mga kulay silver na mga susi ay may malaking kulay pink
ng rubber keychain doon. There is a big, bold, and golden 'FTP' engraved on it,
which basically means 'Fúck The Patriarchy.' Ate Madison attached it there noong
nag-bakasyon kaming tatlo dito nila Ate Maria, a few years back.

I clutched the keys in my hand as I listened to Manang's instructions.

"Hija, as usual ay iyan ang lahat ng susi ng mga kwarto, stock room, at mga banyo,"
I nodded. "Malinis na sa loob, may mga pagkain sa ref, at may heater din ha. Kung
may kailangan ka ay tawagan mo lang ang numero ko na naka-save sa house phone."

I nodded.

"Maraming salamat po."

She cleared her throat for a moment and gave me a concerned look.

"Ayoko sanang makialam, Ms. Martina.....pero ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong niya at
sandaling kumamot sa kanyang batok.

Of course, she noticed my swollen and red eyes.

"O-Opo, ayos lang po ako. I'll call you po if I ever need something." I assured
her.

She smiled and gave me a curt nod. Matapos noon ay naglakad na siya patungo sa
naghihintay na tricyle sa driveway. Kinawayan ko naman sandali ang driver noong
motorsiklo. It was her husband, Mang Jester.

Niyakap ko ang sarili ko at tumayo doon hanggang sa umugong nang muling ang motor
at dahan-dahan na minaneho iyon ni Mang Jester pababa sa isang gate. Pataas kasi
ang drive way ng bahay na ito dahil sa hill nakatirik ito. So, kapag pumasok ka sa
gate ay kailangan mong mag-drive pataas hanggang maabot mo ang harap ng bahay, and
if you're driving out. You have to carefully drive to the other side where there is
another tall gate. Iyon ang nilabasan nila Manang. I knew that they were gone
because I could no longer hear the sound of the motorcycle's engine.

"Breathe.." I whispered, and then I distracted myself by looking around.

I have been crying and hurting. I feel lost and I feel as though I'm such a mess. I
have a lot to face and distracting myself a little won't hurt.
It's been a while since I've been here. The familiar smell of nature and fresh wind
greeted my nose as I walked away from the tiled parking lot to the concrete
driveway. It took me three hours to travel from Manila to Tagaytay. Nagtagal ako
hindi lang dahil sa traffic kung hindi rin dahil kinailangan kong ilang beses na
huminto sa gilid ng daan upang pakawalan ang hindi ko mapigilang mga luha.

After I saw the pill box, I ran to my car. I heard him calling out my name as I
drove away. But I didn't look back as much as I wanted to. I heard the screeching
of his tires before I completely drove away. It didn't worry me dahil kahit na
sundan niya ako ay hindi niya ako mahahanap. I always go with Ate Maria when she
used to compete in illegal racings, so I know which routes to take if I don't want
to be followed.

But even then, my phone won't stop ringing with texts and calls from him. And so,
after I texted Dakota that I would be okay. I completely turned off my phone and
tossed it inside the compartment of my car.

The loneliness of the place bothers me a little but solitude is what I need right
now. I needed it not only because I have a lot of things to figure out on my own,
but I also need to be somewhere where he can't follow me.

This is the nearest and secluded place I can run to, since hindi ako pwedeng umuwi
sa apartment ko because he knows about that. Hindi rin ako makauwi sa family
mansion dahil alam din niya kung nasaan iyon. We talked about houses, and I can't
forget how he said that he wants to have a big house too...with me...

Bullshît. Ako lang ginusto dahil ako ang narito. My heart clenched and stopped the
thought.

Hindi rin ako makapunta sa mansion dahil under major renovation iyon. I also can't
go to my siblings because once they know what he did, they will come for his head.

I hate what Kiel did to me and the pain that he caused me pero hindi ibig sabihin
noon ay gusto ko na siyang masaktan. I want to slap him, yes, but ayoko na ipa-
torture siya. There is a big difference.

So, this place is my only option for now. Walang ibang tao dito kung hindi ako
lamang. Ang tanging ingay lamang na naririnig ko sa paligid ay ang panakha-nakhang
simoy ng hangin at ang mga kuliglig sa paligid. This house is literally on top of a
hill, so it's elevated and you can see the view of the dark green trees and hills
on the bottom. There are also tall pine trees surrounding the property at may mga
matataas din na mga fence.

I sighed again before I looked back at the tall two-storey grey and brown colonial
architecture mansion. My parents bought this because it was on sale on the realty
market. This was supposed to be a seventy-five million peso house but the price
dropped to only fifty.

Since then, renovation occurs in this house but the layout never changes. Ever
since my parents bought this a decade ago, the bottom part of the house has always
been an open garage, if you walk to the right side, and tread on to the bermuda
grass, the glass staircase that leads to a modern wooden main door would greet you.

And if you just look a little upward, makikita mo na ang second floor na may
balcony at glass railings. It may look simple and minimalist in the front but there
are seven rooms, and nine bathrooms inside. May outdoor kitchen, table and chairs
for nine people, a big rectangular pool, and basketball court at the backyard.
Above all that, there is a spectacular view there, too.
I shivered again when the wind blew. Papalubog na ang araw kaya mas lumalamig na
ang temperatura kaya naman napag-desiyonan ko nang pumasok. I grabbed my bag first
before I entered the big house. Matapos kong isara ang pintuan ay sumalubong sa
akin ang granite tiles, the big chandelier that lights up the first floor, the
familiar staircase that leads to the second floor. My eyes also roamed on the
paintings and the family pictures on the white walls. There is also a simple living
room on the left side, and big kitchen on the right side. Ilang hakbang mula sa
kusina ay matatagpuan ang isang hallway, which leads to three rooms.

After removing my shoes and leaving it on the side of the locked door. I walked to
the living room and dropped my bag and keys on the leather sofa. Binuksan ko ang
bag ko at kinuha ko ang aking pill box at ang isang box pregnancy tests na binili
ko. Habang bitbit ang mga iyon ay naglakad ako patungo sa marble island counter sa
gitna ng malinis na kusina. Gumawa iyon nang mahinang tunog na ihagis ko iyon sa
lamesa.

I frustratingly raked my loose hair before I started to pace.

"How can I be pregnant?" Bulong ko sa sarili ko. I already distracted myself out
there, now, I need to figure things out. Sure, gusto ko lamang umiyak at magmukmok,
subalit hindi ko iyon magawa dahil sa isiping may posibilidad na buntis ako.

I cannot be pregnant because we were both busy for the past few weeks. I am digging
the back of my mind to remember, kung kailan kami huling posibleng nag-séx. We
barely had time for each other during the pro-bono weeks. Naging pre-occupied din
ako noon dahil noong mga panahong iyon ko nakalimutan na inumin ang pills ko. Hindi
ko iyon napansin dahil dumating si Trinity short after that. My focus went into
haywire and my mind got all tangled up because of the situation. It got so bad
dahil kahit na ininom ko ang mga pills ko noon ay hindi ko napansin ang mga na-miss
ko na pills na naiwan sa banig.

So, that explains the two pills that I saw. Which makes the situation even worse
because if we really had an unprotected intercourse, I am most definitely pregnant.

My heart sinks for a moment.

"But kailan....if we did have séx.... when?" Bulong ko habang patuloy ako na
pabalik-balik na naglalakad.

And then, it dawned on me.

"His car, dåmn it." I stopped pacing and pinched the bridge of my nose. Noong hindi
na siya ganoong ka-busy. We snuck out, and we did it in his car, and at the same
place where I lost my virginity.

Doon din siya nabuo. What a fúcking coincidence.

I shook my head and raked my fingers in my hair again. Napatitig ako sa nabili kong
pregnancy test kanina sa syudad. There is really a big possibility na buntis ako
dahil late ang period ko, I have sensitivity to the smell of coffee, and I also
noticed the soreness of my breasts. It's not hard to put two and two together but
even then, I have to make sure, before I fully freak out.

Kaya naman agad akong naglakad patungo sa fridge at binuksan iyon. I then snatched
a bottle of water. I twisted the cap and poured the liquid in my open mouth. When I
was finished I tossed the empty bottle in the trash can, and then I grabbed the box
of pregnancy tests from the island counter.
Two lines.

Napabuntong hininga ako habang nakatitig sa apat na pregnancy tests na inihian ko.
Kasalukuyan akong narito sa banyo ng aking kwarto dito sa second floor. My heart is
fúcking pounding and I feel like I am gonna be sick.

I know that there have been symptoms and that should've prepared me but it didn't.
Noong nakita ko ang unang positibong resulta ay hindi ko mapaniwala ang sarili ko.
So I tried it again..and again...and again with a dumb hope that it was just a
mistake, but it wasn't. Now, there are four sticks resting on the edge of the sink
with bright and red two-freaking-lines.

"Fúck," Bulong ko at naglakad palabas mula sa banyo. The soft carpet felt soft
against my bare soles as I walked to my king sized bed. Nanginginig akong napaupo
sa gilid noon. Wala sa loob akong napatulala sa dingding.

This is really happening. I am heartbroken, he downright admitted to my face that

he still has feelings for his ex, and I am really pregnant.

Pakiramdam ko ay sasabog ang aking ulo sa sunod-sunod na mga realizations na iyon.

Napamura akong muli habang ramdam ko ang pagbuo ng mga luha sa aking mga mata.
Hindi nagtagal ay naguunahang bumagsak ang mga iyon.

"Breathe.." Bulong ko sa sarili ko. My heart was thudding so loud and my mind
couldn't seem to focus on one thing. It jumps from one problem to another, and that
is so not helping, since it's just creating more panic.

Ilang beses akong nagpakawala ng mga hininga bago ko pinunasan ang mga tumakas kong
mga luha gamit ang collar ng aking scrubs.

"Kaya ko 'to. I have to calm down first....one, two.." I started counting to ground
myself.

Nang maramdaman ko ang pagkalma ng tibok ng aking puso at ang paghupa ng mga luha
ay tumayo na ako. Hinablot ko ang kulay puting duvet mula sa kama at ipinalibot
iyon sa aking mga balikat bago ako nagtungo sa kalapit na french doors. When I slid
it open, a cool and fresh wind greeted me. I shivered a little before I pulled the
duvet tighter against my body.

My barefoot felt cold against the glass flooring of the balcony. With a sigh, I sat
down with the duvet. I weakly rested my back against the cold and hard material of
the railings.

I also tipped my head back against it and looked at the dark skies.

I pursued him and had a relationship with him, knowing that there would be
consequences. The said consequences didn't turn out to be as heavy as I thought it
would be. Akala ko ang tanging kahihitnan ng relasyon namin ay ang posibleng
expulsion ko from the med school or him losing his license.

Those were the kind of consequences that I have anticipated and prepared myself
for.

Hindi ko naihanda ang sarili ko na darating pala ang ex niya, na for a moment ay
magiging member ako ng GomBurZa dahil kahit na alam ko na may ibig sabihin ang mga
tingin niya ay pinili ko na manatili kasi nga mahal ko. Nanatili ako kasi sabi niya
na sigurado na siya sa akin at higit sa lahat ay sinabi niya sa akin habang
nakatingin siya sa mga mata ko na wala nang ibig sabihin si Trinity sa kanya.

But it turned out to be false and the heat of the moment. Which hurts even more.

Napahikbi ako nang may mga luha na muling tumulo sa aking mga pisngi. My nose
warmed up as tears continued to burn my eyes.

Maybe it was my fault that I valued his words more than what I am seeing....but can
you blame me? I love him and I trust him. If I hadn't confronted him, I would've
most definitely stayed until nothing was left of me. Ganoon kasama ang tama ko.

'Oo'

Napapikit ako sandali at napahikbi nang bigla kong maalala ang sagot niya. That was
my breaking point. I could no longer stay when he said that to my face. Noong
marinig ko iyon ay sa unang pagkakataon ay nagkaisa ang puso't isipan ko.

Both organs were screaming for me to run. Both know that I can't fight for someone
who is still someone else's. At alam ko din na may natitira pa akong self-respect
at dignidad...kahit kaunti.

And now, I am pregnant, and he's certainly not gonna know....for now. He'll
know...maybe someday...but certainly not now, I don't want him to chase after me
because of this, or have the guilt to say that he loves me again just because I am
pregnant with his kid.

I'd rather be alone than to have some half-åss commitment and love from him.

And I don't even know if I want this pregnancy to continue? It affects every aspect
of my plan. It was just supposed to be med school, residency, and then I'm gonna be
a doctor. I am gonna save lives, and then, I am gonna have a family....with the
person I love and who loves me too. That was the plan and in that order. Gusto ko
na sa ganoong pagkaka-sunod-sunod dahil demanding ang residency. Lalo na sa
specialty na gusto kong kuhanin. I wanted to prioritize my career first and I am
unapologetic for it. I am not going to apologize for wanting to make something of
myself.

.... But can I do all that while being pregnant?

Mild pa lang ang natitkman kong paghihirap sa clinical rotations as a med student.
It will triple up when I hit residency. Is it gonna survive the rigor of my career,
the stress level, frequent sleepless nights, my on-going exposure in the hospital?
Is it?

As one can see, it's not just a matter of can I take it.....it's also a matter of
if it can take it too.

And I mean, sure, kaya ko siyang buhayin at kahit literal na clump of cells at
kasing laki pa lang ng tuldok ang nasa sinapupunan ko ngayon, ay set na ang full-
ride niya sa kahit anong college na gustuhin niya sa buong mundo, but money is
superficial, and sending your kid to college is the bare minimum of being a parent.

Being a parent is a huge and a lifetime responsibility which scares me because I

don't think I am ready. I just know the textbook definition of being a parent,
which is to raise a child from being a baby to an adult, in an environment of
nurturance, support, encouragement, direction, guidance and most importantly.....
love.
Can I provide all that, especially the last one?

I let out a shaky breath as a hot tear rolled down my left cheek.

If I am going to bring a child into this world, I have to make sure that I really
want it and that I am capable. I don't want to wake up one day resenting a kid that
I chose to bring into this world...out of pressure and force.

And most importantly, I don't want that kid to be miserable because they did not
feel wanted by their only parent and ended up hating themselves because mommy never
loved them enough.

No one deserves to be put through that.

Bumuntong hininga ako.

Solitude brings me peace, it makes me hear my own voice and I need more of it.
Kailangan ko noon upang mapagtanto ko kung ano ba talaga ang nais kong mangyari at
kung anong desisyon ang dapat kong gawin. I have a choice, I have the right to my
bodily autonomy.

And in order for me to decide what's best for my own life and future, I need peace.
And I can't have the peace that I need if I go back to GSMH. Not when I can see him
there.

Not when I can remember us at each turn I make in that hospital.

And so, with shaky legs, I stood up and left the duvet on the floor. Nagtungo ako
sa wooden beside table at dinampot ang house phone na naroon. I sat down on the
side of my bed and dialed Mama's roaming number. In the first ring, she answered.

"Hey, anak--"

My heart pounded and tears erupted. Tatawagan ko lamang sana siya upang ipaalam sa
kanya na aalis ako, but the moment I heard her voice, I broke down.

"Ma.." I sobbed as uncontrollable sob escaped my lips. Hot tears are rolling down
my cheeks.

"Vlanca, anak, what's happening?" Nagaalala niyang tanong.

Napahikbi lang ako.

"Talk to me please,"

"We still have that h-house in Guam, right?" I asked her. Iyong lugar na iyon agad
ang pumasok sa isip ko. Since it is far but not too far. Hindi rin magiging mahirap
ang pag-transfer ko dahil my family has connections with the directors of the two
big hospitals there. And if he ever tries to find me, he wouldn't be looking there
since I didn't give him any reason to. I never talked about that place with him.

"Yeah, why?"

"I want to continue my clinical rotations there." Sagot ko at pinunasan ang mga
luha na tumulo sa aking mga pisngi.

"Wait, what? Vlanca, what is happening?" Sunod-suno na mga tanong ni Mama.

I can't just tell them over the phone.

"A-Are you still in Europe?" I asked through my sobs.

"No. We're currently in the jet, kagagaling lamang namin ng Papa mo sa

Malaysia..Italy became too cold for your father, and he wanted to buy new furniture
for the house," Mabilis niyang sagot. "Now, what happened?"

Napalunok ako.

"I-I'm in Tagaytay...see me as soon as you land and I will t-tell you e-

everything." My lips are trembling.

"Okay, we're almost there."

"That figlio di puttana," Papa cursed and he seemed like he's hanging on by a
thread. He was standing a few feet away, wearing casual clothes. Habang nakaupo
kami ni Mama dito sa sofa. "You're saying na sinaktan ka na nga tapos binuntis ka
pa? Give me a good reason to not call your brothers, and your cousin to kill that
son of a bîtch on the spot." Mariin niyang sabi habang madilim ang kanyang mukha.

Less than an hour after I called them, they were already on the doorstep. They were
fast since they used the helicopter to get here. They landed on the helipad on the
side of the house. The first thing I did was hug both of them, and then we
proceeded to the living room, where I told them everything. Obviously, Papa is not
very happy about the pain that Kiel caused me, and so is Mama.

"Von, ano ba," Mama gave him a stern look.

Napabuntong hininga naman si Papa. He raked his fingers in his salt and pepper
short hair. He then calmly walked in front of us, hostility's no longer visible in
his green eyes.

"I'm sorry that was too intense but he broke our daughter's heart, Ezra. I told
you, if he fücks up, he's a dead man walking."

"Pa, please. No," I said and reached for his hand. His expression softened as he
looked at me. "Don't hurt h-him, nothing good will come out of it. He did hurt me
but I don't want you to hurt him....I just want to be away, is all."

"But figlia..."

"Pa, please,"

After a few moments, he sighed softly and sat beside me. My father scooted closer
to me and comfortingly put his arm around my shoulders.

"Okay, if that's what you want..." He replied. I smiled when he pressed a kiss on
my temple.

"So, is your decision final? You really wanna move away?" Tanong niya na ikinatango
ko.

Papa removed his arm around me to let me rest my back on the chair.
"It's just temporary," I replied. "Kailangan ko lang ng oras para sa sarili ko,
maghilom, at mapagtanto ang kung anong mga dapat kong gawin." I added and glanced
at both of my parents. I can't help but to feel the warmth because they were both
looking at me with understanding and empathy.

"I need to figure things out on my own....especially with the pregnancy."

Mama nodded softly before she reached for my hand.

"Of course, take as much time as you need...but you cannot stop us from visiting
you, okay?"

Napatango ako bago bahagyang napangiti. Lumapit naman ako at niyakap siya nang
mahigpit, the soft material of her dress brushed against my skin as we pulled away.

"And whatever you decide to do, we're always gonna be here for you. Your mother and
I, your siblings, everyone in the family, okay?" Papa said gently. I nodded and
hugged him too. I love my parents and if I am ever gonna be one, I want to be like
them. They are imperfect, they make mistakes but they recognize it and make amends
for it. They also love us, and are there for each one of us, when we need them.

Nang maghiwalay kami ni Papa ay bigla namang nag-ring ang kanyang cellphone mula sa
kanyang bulsa. With furrowed eyebrows, he stood up and pulled it out from his
pocket.

"Sí?" He asked as he pressed the phone against his ear. "I see.." His expression
darkened. "Gaano na siya katagal na nariyan?.......Okay, I'll be there, ciao," And
then he dropped the call.

"Kanina pa daw nasa mansion si Ezekiel,"

My mouth parted.

"I will handle it." Papa said sternly.

Napalunok ako.

"Pa, please, no violence.."

Mama squeezed my hand.

"I'll be back," Sabi ni Papa bago niya hinalikan si Mama sandali.

"You heard your daughter, don't hurt the boy, even if he deserves it." Pinandalitan
niya si Papa.

My father nodded and gave me a gentle look.

"I won't." He replied before he walked out of the door.

Roy Ezekiel

Kasalukuyan akong nakaupo dito sa curb sa gilid ng daan, habang may dalawang
security guard na nakasuot ng itim na suits ang nagmamatyag sa akin. Halata sa
kanilang mga mukha na asar na asar sila sa akin, subalit wala akong pakialam. I
just need to know where Vlanca is. I can't lose her, I have to talk to her.

It's already dark and I hated that it took me hours to get here in their family
mansion. It was obvious na wala siya doon dahil literal na sira iyon. I think it
was like that because of renovations. It took me this long to get here because for
the past few hours, I was driving and figuring out where she went. Nasundan ko siya
noong lumabas siya ng parking lot. Mabilis ang kanyang takbo at nag-overtake siya
ng ilang beses, of course, I followed her...until she took a turn somewhere and
when I get there. I couldn't see her car anymore.

Ilang oras kong sinundan ang rota na pwede niyang puntahan pero sumapit ang gabi ay
hindi ko alam kung saan siya nagpunta. I called her so many times but her phone is
already off. Bumalik ako sa ospital, hoping that she'd be there but she wasn't.
Pumunta din ako sa apartment niya subalit wala din siya doon.

My last resort was their mansion. I had to ask around to know the directions. When
I got here, I immediately saw the guards in front of the huge gate. Kahit anong
paalis nila sa akin ay hindi ako nagpatinag. Kinumbinse ko sila na ang tanging
paraan lamang upang mapaalis ako ay kapag tinawagan nila si Mrs. at Mr. Del Russo.

They're her parents, they must know where she is.

Maya-maya ay napatingala ako nang may makita akong helicopter na mababa lamang ang
lipad. Napatayo ako nang mag-land iyon sa malawak na front yard ng mansyon ng mga
Del Russo.

Nang huminto iyon ay agad na may lumabas na matangkad na lalaki. Habang papalapit
siya ay doon ko na naaninag na si Mr. Del Russo iyon. He was striding fast and when
the guards opened the gate for him, I saw his dark face and he looked like he was
ready to kill me.

As he stood closer, I noticed that he was wearing a simple pair of slacks and a
shirt. I also noticed that we're about the same height. And even with the blatant
dislike in his face, there is still a hope in my desperate heart that he'd tell me
where my little brat is.

"Mr. Del Russ--"

"Alis." Mariin niyang putol sa akin.

"Sir, please, can you tell me where Vlanca is? Kailangan ko lang po siyang makau--"

He held me by the collar of my scrubs.

"Ang kapal ng mukha mong magtungo dito matapos ang lahat ng ginawa mo sa anak ko,"
His tone was venomous. "My daughter....my precious daughter loved you so much that
even though you hurt her so bad, ayaw ka pa rin niyang masaktan." Kalmante ang
kanyang tono subalit madilim ang kanyang mga mata.

And I deserve that look of despise because I did really hurt his daughter. I hate
myself for it..so much.

"So, I highly suggest na umuwi ka na bago pa kita gawing punching bag."

Marahas niya akong binitawan. I almost stumbled on my feet but I managed to stand
up.

"Sir, please, I need to talk to--"

"You had your chance with her!" Sigaw niya at dinuro ako. "And you fücked it up,
and now, she's gone. Even if I want to tell you, I don't know where she went."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at pakiramdam ko ay nahulog ang puso ko.

"No, no, sir, please," My eyes are starting to water, my heart thudding. I can't
lose her. "I know, she is not gone...she's here and I-I, please let me see h-her.."
Tears fell down my cheeks as I pleaded.

He gave me a cold look and shook his head.

"Umuwi ka na, at kapag nakita kitang muli dito, I will not hesitate to harm you."
He said harshly and walked through the gates.

Nanghihina akong napaupo sa eskinita at napaluha.

Chapter 48: Happier Without Her?

Roy Ezekiel

"Is this the office of Castro's Private--"

"Name?" Putol sa akin noong boses ng secretary.

Napapikit ako sandali at napatiim bagang.

Kahit na alam ko na ang susunod nilang sasabihin ay hindi ko pa rin binaba ang
tawag. I just anxiously sit on the couch with my phone pressed against my ear.

"Roy Ez--"

"Sorry, we don't offer services at this time." And then the line went dead.

Sa nagdaang mga araw ay puro iyon lamang ang naririnig kong sagot mula sa lahat ng
Private Investigators sa buong pilipinas. The Del Russo Family banned me from every
service available. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang bigat na aking naramdaman habang
nakaupo ako sa couch noong araw na iyon. It felt like it was the end of the world
because not only she left me but also because of the possibility that I might not
see her again. I can clearly remember how heavy the dread was.

Subalit walang maihahambing sa takot, bigat, at sakit na aking naramdaman noong

huling araw na nagtungo ako sa GSMH. It was the day that I found out that she left
the hospital, too. Hindi pa rin ako naniwala kaya tumakbo ako sa locker room. I
searched for her whitecoat, her stethoscope but it was already cleaned up. Wala
akong ibang nagawa kung hindi ang mapaupo sa sahig at mapaiyak.

That was the last day that I was ever in that hospital because I couldn't bring
myself to perform a surgery or even function knowing that Vlanca left me. My career
suddenly meant nothing without her. And so, I left my resignation letter. But
before I walked out of the building, I received two middle fingers from Dakota and
Liv.

I didn't even say or do anything since I deserved it. I have been an åsshøle to
their friend. Hindi ko siya pinahalagahan at nasaktan ko siya nang sobra-sobra.
I went home that day and started calling all the P.I's here in the Philippines, but
as I've said, I was banned.

Pwede naman akong maghanap ng international P.I, pero siguradong naisip na ng

pamilya niya na magre-reach out ako sa mga iyon, kaya most definitely ay banned na
din ako doon.

But I still could try...and then, let's say I find her......and then what?

What should I do? What should I say? What do I have to offer?

Nothing.

I was so eager to find her...that I didn't think of what I would do if I saw

her...if I even deserve her at this point.

As I was laying on the floor of our bedroom, with tear stains on my cheeks and with
sleep deprivation, I realized that I cannot just go half sleep and then wake up in
the middle of the night to cry again, while hugging her pillow. And then, I'd sob
and apologize to the wind.

I can't just be sorry and be a loser forever. Time is ticking, I have to figure
myself out, and face what led to her leaving me and what hurted her to begin with.

"Sir, ano pong sa inyo?" Tanong ng lalaking waiter sa akin. Kasalukuyan akong
narito sa Jesse's at naka-pwesto sa tabi ng glass wall.

"Black coffee, no sugar." Sagot ko.

Tumango naman siya bago siya tumalikod.

Napalunok ako bago sumandal. I am still wearing my sunglasses, even indoors. I have
been inside my dark penthouse for over a month and I am not used to brightness
anymore. And even though I stepped out, I still look like shît. Eyebags, grown out
hair, beard, I haven't even showered yet, because I can't wash the place where
Vlanca last touched me.

But I don't care about what I look like, I am not here to impress someone who I am
about to meet.

..Trinity...

Ever since my little brat left me, she was bugging me to talk to, but I didn't let
her. Ipina-blacklist ko siya sa building at nagpalit ako ng number matapos ko sa
kanyang i-text na alam ko ang kabalbalan na ginawa niya. I was so infuriated with
her for weeks...but after being in solitude in the dark, not only I toned my
intense anger for her but I also figured out my feelings for her.

Once and for all, I have to do this. Especially if I want my little brat back.

Dumating ang aking kape, and right before I could sip it, the glass doors opened.
And then I saw her walking in my direction. Habang naglalakad siya palapit sa akin
ay napansin ko na nakalugay lamang ang kanyang kulot at light brown na buhok at
walang mababakas na make-up sa kanyang mukha. There was a designer bag hanging on
her forearm, while she was wearing the same luxurious dress that she wore on our
first date....eight years ago.

"Roy..." Bati niya bago umupo sa aking harapan.

Hindi ako sumagot. I just took my time, staring at her, for a moment.

The same feeling that I felt on the day I saw her on the reception table erupted.

And this time, I know what it was.....and that it wasn't...love..or anything

remotely like that.

While I was in solitude, I realized that I was confused.

"Trinity.." Bati ko pabalik.

"Thank you for meeting me--"

"Masaya ka ba sa ginawa mo?" Putol ko sa kanya at bahagyang itinagilid ang aking

ulo.

Napalunok siya.

"Did bribing the security guards to print out pictures of us and misinterpret it in
front of my girlfriend made you happy?" Nanunuya kong tanong.

Namuo ang luha sa kanyang mga berdeng mga mata. Inabot niya ang kamay ko na
nakapatong sa lamesa. I didn't feel anything when she touched me, all I felt was
the need to push her hands away and pour a whole bottle of hand sanitizer on my
hands.

"I'm sorry...I-I did that..because I-I want us to have the chance to try a-
again....you're gonna be happier without her--"

Pagak akong tumawa at tinulak ang mga kamay niya. I wanted to yell at her for being
so horrible and pick an argument but I stopped myself. Kaya lamang ako narito ay
para sa closure at hindi ko iyon makakamit kung makikipagsigawan ako sa kanya.

"Happier without her?" Mariin kong ulit. I enunciated every word while staring into
her eyes, so that she could realize how absurd and ridiculous that statement was.

"Look at me, Trinity," Tinuro ko ang gusot kong gray na t-shirt, I have been
wearing the same shirt and joggers for the past few days dahil wala na akong
maisuot. For the past month, I haven't had the energy to do my own laundry. "Do I
look fúcking happy to you?"

Napalunok siya.

"I haven't showered, I haven't slept, I haven't done anything but to be miserable
ever since she left me. Thanks to you, and to me, too." I frustratingly ran my
fingers through my thick hair. Tears were welling up in my eyes, but I didn't look
away.

I waited for her to say something...but for the very first time in every time that
we encountered ever since she went back, she had nothing to say or do but to sit
there and look at me.

"There is nothing to 'try', Trinity. I moved on from you and I am in love with
Vlanca. I a-am stupid enough to let her go,"

Nagtiim bagang siya sandali bago siya nagsalita.

"If you really moved on from me, why the hell can't you tell me that you don't love
me anymore, hm? Noong mga panahon na tinanong kita, why can't you?"

I smiled humorlessly, not surprised that she brought that up.

"Dahil nalito ako," Tapat kong sagot.

Tila nasurpresa siya sa sagot ko.

"Tuwing titingin ako sa'yo noon, may nararamdaman ako," I added that made her eyes
go wide for a moment.

"It was this feeling that I couldn't name but is definitely there. When you cupped
my face in that rooftop, it was there, and góddamn it, it confused the hell out of
me...kasi hindi maari, mahal ko si Vlanca at sigurado na ako doon....but for weeks
and until she left me, I then just realized that, that feeling....was just
familiarity, nothing else."

And I hate myself for not realizing it so soon that I mistaken it for something
else, and that I thought that Trinity still meant something to me.

"Because if I still do love you, I would feel relieved that she left me, that I
would be happier without her, but I felt nothing but emptiness and suffering....I
feel like I lost an organ, I feel like I lost my beating heart, the life of my
life." My tears fell, while she just remained stiff, staring at me with
unexplainable emotions in her eyes. "So, kaya hindi ko masagot ang tanong mo noon,
pero kung hindi pa rin sa'yo malinaw. Trinity, we're over, matagal na kitang hindi
mahal.."

"So, I am going to leave to pick myself up not for you, not for anyone but her. I
am gonna be the man that she deserves, and if I get the privilege to get a second
chance with her, you won't ruin it this time." Mariin kong sabi sa kanya at
pinunasan ang aking pisngi.

And without waiting for her to say something in response, I stood and walked out of
that establishment, feeling so free.

Noong hapon din iyon ay bumalik ako ng penthouse. Hinawi ko ang mga kurtina upang
pumasok ang liwanag. Nilinis ko ang mga nakakalat ng tissue at mga basura sa
paligid. Nilahban ko ang mga dadalhin kong mga damit, and before seven hits the
clock. I was fully packed and the penthouse was clean.

After I called my parents to let them know that I will be away for a while, I
proceeded to the parking lot with my small luggage.

I am determined to be in exile, because I have to earn her and the only way I could
be like that is if I get myself together, fully.

"Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one--uuh--hundred!" I grunted after I did one last push

up, and then I stood up. Napapikit ako sandali upang namnamin ang sariwa at malamig
na simoy ng hangin ng kabundukan. When I opened my eyes, blue skies and green
mountain tops greeted my sight. Mother Nature is indeed amazing and I am grateful
that I get to see her beauty.

I am currently in the patio of my cabin, here in Toledo City, Cebu. This is where I
spent my first three months in exile. This is where I continued to cry, eventually
figure myself out, and vanish that vicious familiarity that I felt towards Trinity.

Huminga ako nang malalim at kinuyom sandali ang aking kaliwang kamao upang
matanggal ang ngalay noon mula sa dami ng push-ups na nagawa ko, subalit noong
naikuyom ko na iyon ay nag-flex din ang braso ko, dahilan upang mapunit ang manggas
ng suot kong t-shirt.

"Tsk," Napailing ako. I lifted my other hand to it, to touch and see if I can still
sew it back, subalit noong igalaw ko ang isa kong kamay ay kumawala din ang aking
kanang braso mula sa manggas dahil hindi ko sinasadyang nai-flex iyon.

Napabuntong hininga ako. I need new clothes.

I became more muscular, bigger and fitter, since I have been working out more and
moving more. I have walked in the streets of Venice, Florence, Lombardy, and the
whole dåmn Italy. Nakarating din ako ng Paris, dahil nabanggit niya sa akin na mas
gusto niya doon kasi hindi masyadong malamig. I also have been to the United
Kingdom, Ireland, and I celebrated my birthday in the streets Switzerland, looking
for her and at that moment, I was wishing na sana makita ko siya, that would be the
best thirty-sixth birthday gift for me...but I still didn't see her.

And that's okay because I will never give up on her, not now, not ever. This seemed
hopeless, I know, because she could be anywhere for all I know. At mas madali pa na
pumunta na lang sa mansyon nila at magmakaawa na sabihin nila kung nasaan talaga si
Vlanca.

Well, I couldn't because they have a restraining order against me. If I do so much
as step on the front gate, I will land in jail.

And If I am in jail, I can't look for her.

Ngayon na lamang ako muling nakabalik dito sa Pilipinas matapos ang deretso kong
paglalakbay mula sa isang bansa hanggang sa isa. And I won't be long here, I just
need time to think where she could possibly be, for the last twelve months.

Nang pumasok ako sa cabin ay agad kong naabot ang maliit na living room, habang may
pinto naman sa kanan ko kung nasaan ang aking kwarto, habang sa kaliwa ko naman ay
ang kusina.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti nang makita ko ang dalawang sweater na nakasampay sa

sandalan ng maliit na couch. Kakatapos ko lamang na gawin ang mga iyon sa
pamamagitan ng crochet, sigurado ako na magugustuhan niya ang malambot na material
noon.

Yeah, in the time that I exiled myself, I made myself learn things such as
crocheting, and sewing, so I can make her sweather and hoodies. I learned to make
jams too, so when I finally find her, I can make jams of her favorite fruits. I got
new tattoos and I can't wait to see her face when she sees it. I also wrote all
kinds of letters to her over the months. From Christmas, New Year, Valentine's, her
birthday, and a special letter congratulating her for graduating.

She just finished her rotations in different hospital but she was still a student
of Honoria Acosta-Sison College of Medicine.

Bumalik ako sandali sa Maynila noong graduation niya noong May, I was hoping that
she would be there dahil hindi lang siya ganap na Doctor of Medicine, she also
graduated with high honors. My heart thudded so loud when Geryis said,

Martina Vlanca Gozar Del Russo, Doctor of Medicine.

And I couldn't be any more prouder of what she achieved. I was one of the people
who clapped and cheered but she wasn't there to accept her diploma, instead her
parents were the one who accepted it on her behalf. I badly wanted to approach and
ask them where she is, but then again, I couldn't because of the restraining order.

But I am not gonna stop until I see her. I am gonna go around the world until I see
Vlanca's bright smile, incredible brilliance, and beauty again.

Kaya naman naglakad ako patungo sa whiteboard na sinulatan ko ng lahat ng mga lugar
na pwede niyang puntahan. At the very top are the places she always talks about and
at the bottom where the places where she would less likely be....but I am still
going there.

I grabbed the marker at the bottom part of the whiteboard and removed the cap with
my mouth. I then wrote a big 'X' to the whole European continent since I've looked
in every corner of it and I still didn't see my green eyed little brat. I will go
to the States next, and then Australia. Iyon muna dahil naroon ang magagandang
residency programs.

She's a doctor now and she could go to any residency in the world.

I am so proud of her.

I am sure na hindi siya mags-specialize sa pedia, since kids love her so much that
they cry when they see her. Cardio? Maybe. Neuro? Maybe, too. But she is too gifted
to just settle in one organ. It's most likely that she will choose General Surgery.

I put back the marker at its place before I sat down on the couch. I blankly stared
at the front door.

It's been almost a year, she never left my mind, not even for a second.

Anong oras na kaya doon? Ano na kayong ginagawa niya ngayon? Kumain na kaya siya?
Sana ay hindi siya nagpapalipas ng gutom. She knows how bad it is for her digestive
system and over-all health.

Did she color her hair? Cut it? Lagi pa rin kaya siyang may suot na hair tie? Sana
hindi niya makalimutan iyon since she gets upset when her hair is down and she's in
the hospital.

I reached for my wallet on the coffee table and pulled our polaroid picture.

I smiled sadly as longing filled my chest.

Masaya kaya siya ngayon?

I hope she is, she deserves it.

Is she happy...with someone else?

My heart ached. I feel like dying whenever I imagine her with someone else. Hindi
ko kaya.

Maingat ko naman na ibinalik ang litrato sa aking wallet at pinunasan ang luha na
tumulo sa aking pisngi nang may marinig akong sunod-sunod na katok sa pintuan.

"Coming!" I said, matapos noon ay mabilis akong naglakad patungo sa pintuan.

With furrowed eyebrows, I took a peek at the peephole.

"Trinity?" Bulong ko. How the heck did she find me? Nobody knows that I am here,
not even my parents.

Nang hindi ko binuksan ang pinto ay kumatok siyang muli.

"Roy, I know, you're in there. Hindi ako aalis hangga't hindi mo 'to binubuksan,"
She firmly said. "Come on, it took me months to find you." Why the héll would she
look for me?

After a few moments of thinking, I opened the door.

"Wô kao!" Holy shît! Nanlaki ang kanyang berdeng mga mata nang makita niya ako. She
was wearing a pair of simple baggy pants and a fitted shirt. There are hoop earring
on her ears. Mas maikli na ang kanyang buhok at may kaunting make-up sa kanyang
mukha.

"You got bigger." Gulantang pa rin niyang tanong sa akin habang sandaling
pinasadahan ng tingin ang mga braso at mga dibdib ko. "You look different, too.."
Tinitigan niya ang beard ko at ang bahagya kong mahabang buhok.

Her tone wasn't being flirtatious, she was genuinely surprised to see me like this.

And she seemed different now...from six months ago. She looked....happier now.

"What are you doing here?" Tanong ko. "You're not suppose to be here, and her,"
Sabi ko at pinukol ng masamang tingin ang babaeng bodyguard na nakatayo sa harap ng
isang pick-up truck.

"I'm sorry to disturb your peace, really....but I am not here to do anything bad,"

Sandali ko siyang tinitigan, still skeptic.

"You don't have to let me in, just give me five minutes of your time and then I'm
going." She said,

She came all the way here, and so, with a sigh, I replied, "Fine."

She cleared her throat.

"W-When I saw you in that diner, all miserable and broken because of what I did. I
woke up and realized how shîtty I am, and that I really need professional help,"
Sabi niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Remember, when I came back a year ago, I told you I went to therapy but it was a
lie. It was my desperate attempt to get you back.." Napakamot siya sa kanyang
batok.

"Trinity..."

She cringed.

"I know, I know...it's really messed up. But nasa therapy na talaga ako ngayon.
Going twelve months strong...and through the sessions, I realized that I couldn't
let go of you because you endured me for seven years when you shouldn't have. Once
again, that's messed up but that was the narcissistic part of me.....at h-hindi rin
ako makapaniwala na walang kapantay ang pitong buwan niyo sa pitong taon
natin...because all I gave you in that years was sacrifices and suffering....but
she gave you love and happiness. Heck, Vlanca loved you more than I could ever
have.." There was no mocking nor sarcasm in her tone, she really means every word
that's coming out of her mouth.

"And that bruised my ego...so, that's why I-I did what I did," Regret crossed her
eyes. "At sa loob din ng mga sessions na iyon ay doon ko nalaman ang root ng
narcissism at toxicity ko. It was the years of exposure to the very dysfunctional
relationship of my parents, and how they treated me, that led to ta-da," She
gestured to herself.

"But I won't blame them, fully. I was a grown woman and I knew what I was doing
with Sean. But because of what I saw with my parents' relationship, I-I just
thought that I would bounce back from cheating, but I am glad that you left me
because if you didn't, I wouldn't have done anything with my issues...or even if I
did, it would take me so long and I would probably mistreat someone else before I
seek help..." Pagpapatuloy niya.

"But I am not glad nor happy with the pain that I caused you for the seven years
that we were together, and I am so, so, sorry, Roy. You did not deserve it. You are
the best man that I have ever met. So, I am really sorry." Her eyes were teary as
she looked at me.

Sandali siyang naglayo ng tingin at huminga nang malalim bago siya muling lumingon
sa akin.

"At ang isa sa mga natutunan ko sa therapy ay may mga kasalanan na kailangan lang
ay 'sorry' upang umayos ang lahat at mayroon ding mga kasalanan na hindi kailanman
magiging sapat ang 'sorry.' And I did you so wrong, so, really, sorry won't be
enough...so, here," Sabi niya at inilahad sa harap ko ang manila envelope niyang
hawak. "That does not make up for whatever that I did and you don't have to forgive
me. This is just me making amends."

Wala sa loob na inabot ko iyon. I am in mixed emotions and confused about what the
envelope might contain.

"I know you're looking for her," She said with a small smile.

My eyes widened for a moment.

"H-how did you know that?"

"I am always in GSMH, supervising the construction of the free clinic I invested
in, since gusto ko ay flawless iyon at kung may problema man ay naroon ako. And med
students and even doctors gossips...basta ang alam ko ay nakatayo ako sa cafeteria,
waiting for my coffee..I heard these two women behind me, talking about Vlanca,
that she was away and it's because of you, so may restraining order....hindi
mahirap na pagdugtong-dugtungin....and so, I thought this is my perfect opportunity
to make amends." She replied.

I was frozen, listening to her intently.

"Hindi din ako nakalapit sa mga PI since naka-flag ang name ni Vlanca. So, when
someone ask to find her, they will automatically dismiss the case...but I happen to
own a chunk of the advertising company...usually, may mga tricks kami when it comes
to publicity that requires paparazzi's....so, I emailed every single paparazzi I
know from the Europe, Micronesia, even Canada. I attached a picture and I offered a
reward to anyone who can give me her whereabouts and take the latest and most fresh
pictures of her, discreetly.....so ye--"

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na yakapin siya. Oh, god, I am gonna see Vlanca!

"Woah, there, big guy," She said. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "I can't
breathe--"

Mabilis akong humiwalay sa kanya at pinunasan ang luha ko.

"Thank you, thank you, Trinity." Seryoso kong sabi sa kanya. "I-I don't know what
to say..."

"It's okay, you don't have to say anything, Roy. I have done enough damage to both
of you...I hope it's still not too late..." She replied sincerely. "And when you
meet her, please, give this to her," She added and pulled out a white envelope from
her back pocket.

I nodded and accepted it.

"Take care," She said and smiled before she walked back to her car. The bodyguard
opened the door for her. Kinawayan ko naman ang sasakyan bago iyon tuluyang nawala.

Nang maisara ko ang pintuan ay ngayon ko lang na-realize na nanginginig pala ako.

Her whereabouts and her pictures are currently in my hands. I couldn't wait anymore
kaya naman agad akong nagtungo sa couch. I carefully placed the white envelope with
Vlanca's handwritten name on it.

Napasandal ako sa couch at napatitig sandali sa envelope bago ko iyon binuksan.

There is a white paper that contains her location.

Guam

All this time, she was four hours away from me, and there is no way that I won't go
there right after this.

With a shaking hand, I pulled out a big picture. May time stamp iyon sa gilid,
kakakuha lamang nito noong makalawa.

Kumakabog ang dibdib ko habang nakatingin ako sa litrato. It was obviously taken
from afar, kakalabas lang niya mula sa isang itim na BMW, nakasuot siya ng itim na
scrubs, her hair is tied in a ponytail and I can't see much of her face but it was
okay, i still can see her beautiful face.

Matapos kong titigan iyon ay kumuha akong muli ng isang litraro, kamakalawa lang
din ito kuha.

Nang matingnan ko iyon nang maayos ay tila nanlamig ang buong katawan ko.

She was in a park near the beach. She was wearing this beautiful sundress and her
hair was loose on her shoulders.

My heart is beating so loud as I continue to stare at the picture.

Hindi lang ang ganda niya ang kita ko sa litrato. I can also see that was she
carrying a baby in her arms.....and that there was a man beside her.
Chapter 49: If My Ex Is That Masarap, I'm Not Even Gonna Try To Move On

Dr. Martina Vlanca Gozar Del Russo

I can feel my lungs burning as I gasped for air. My legs are burning, screaming at
me to stop running, but I kept going, I embraced the pain and pushed myself harder
to run. Deretso lamang ang aking tingin sa dulo ng dalampasigan.

I gritted my teeth as I felt the pain bit my muscles harder. I ignored it.

Pain is good, sometimes.

It's a reminder that we're still living.

Dinig ko ang bawat pagdiin ng aking sapatos sa kulay puti at pinong buhangin, ang
pagtama ng mahinahon at maliliit na alon sa dalampasigan, at ang bawat pagsinghap
ko ng hangin. When I inhaled deeply, I took in the fresh smell of morning and the
salt water. Somehow, it fueled me to run faster.

Ramdam ko ang mabilis na pagtibok ng aking puso. Malamig ang umaga at hindi pa
tuluyang sumisikat ang araw subalit pawisan na ako at narito na ako sa tabing dagat
ng Ypao beach.

Nang maabot ko ang dulo ng dalampasigan ay humihingal akong napahiga sa buhangin.

Small particles of the white sand stick against my sweaty skin, I am pretty sure
balot na noon ang likod ng aking mga hita at likod ng aking mga balikat, dahil dri-
fit orange shorts at itim na racer back lamang ang aking suot, but, I don't mind
the dirt, nor the itchiness.

Humihingal lamang akong humiga doon at napatitig sa madilim pang kalangitan.

Parang tanga akong napangiti doon hindi lang dahil sa runner's high kong
nararamdaman, kung hindi dahil sa galak din. A year ago, I wouldn't have thought
that I was gonna make it this far without crumbling and running back to him.

A year ago, I was such a mess and I thought that I wouldn't have overcome
everything.

A year ago, I was here on this same beach, crying not just because of my broken
heart, but also because I didn't know what to do with the growing clump of cells
inside of me. It was late afternoon and the sun was about to go down. Isang linggo
pa lang ako dito noon and I thought that sitting down on the sand and hearing the
calm waves would help me.

Spoiler alert; It didn't. It just distracted me.

It went on for weeks until one day, I realized that I was functioning everyday with
the growing life inside of me. I was so stuck inside of my own head na hindi ko
namalayan na naging normal na sa akin ang pag-gising ko sa araw-araw upang inumin
ang mga bitamina na para sa kanya, ang pagsigurado ko na kumakain ako ng tama at
masustansya, ang hindi ko masyadong pagpagod sa sarili ko, at ang iba pang pag-gawa
ko ng mga bagay na hindi ko naman ginagawa noong hindi pa ako buntis.
It was just then that I realized that the life that was growing inside of me can
live with the rigor of my career, as long as I am careful and considerate of him or
her, since hindi ko pa alam noon ang gender niya.

It was just then that I realized that I wanted the life that was growing inside me
and that I can love and raise them. It was just then that I realized that my fears
were normal. Dahil, oo,

hindi ako magiging perpektong magulang, sigurado iyon. Along the way, I would make
mistakes here and there, pero sino ba ang perpektong mga magulang?

Tita Mira and Tito Sam weren't but they raised two geniuses just fine. My own
parents are imperfect too, but they are just as amazing as my Tito and Tita. They
raised us to the best they can and we turned out more than okay.

Magkakamali at magkakamali ako pero hindi ko mag-isang haharapin iyon. Hindi ko man
mahaharap 'yon kasama ang ama niya, pero, nandiyan ang pamilya ko. Nandiyan ang mga
magulang ko upang itama ang mga iyon at gabayan ako sa pagpapalaki sa kanya. My
siblings are there to help and support me too, and most importantly love my child.

That's all I ever wanted, for this child to grow up in an environment that he is
loved, taken-care of, wanted, and many more.

And so, from that day on, I decided that I want to continue the pregnancy. I
decided that I don't want to be the 'perfect' mother for my child. I want to be the
best imperfect parent for them.

Since then, a lot of things have happened on top of my growing belly. Kinasal na si
Ate Maria at Kuya Neil, She gave birth to a healthy baby girl back in August, Ate
Reag gave birth to a boy, too, back in July. It was a back to back celebration with
the family. They were having the usual family dinner back in the Philippines, but I
was here.

I didn't wanna go back, just yet.....since my heart wasn't ready yet. I know that
once I step on the motherland, I'll come looking for him.

I knew that was not good for me. And so, I just celebrated with them, through video
call. My parents were insisting that they should be with me, pero hindi ako pumayag
dahil ilang buwan na silang narito kasama ko. Helping me through the pregnancy and
making sure that I am alright because I was still working and studying whilst I was
pregnant.

But I know, that my siblings need them too and they need to hold their newborn
grandchildren, kaya naman with my convincing skills, I convinced them na walang
mangyayari sa akin dito na kailangan ng immediate attention nila, habang nasa
Pilipinas sila.

And then months later, My water broke during my duty. Literal na habang kinukuhanan
ko ng dugo ang pasyente ay saktong pumutok ang panubigan ko. He was freaking out,
so I had to tell him to calm down because there was a needle sticking in his
dermis. And that, the more he moved, the longer I had to stay.

He calmed down in a snap after I said that, pero at the same time, nanlalaking mga
matang nakatitig siya sa akin, na animo'y hindi siya makapaniwala na ang kumukuha
ng dugo niya ay manganganak na doktor.

It was a miracle, I finished extracting the blood with a steady hand, since I can
feel the pain pulsating in my belly. Matapos kong ipadala sa med student ang sample
sa lab ay agad akong naglakad patungo sa delivery room. I know that Magnus was
about to come out, not only because of the excruciating pain, but also as I walk, I
can feel the head of my baby crowning and making its way out of my body. Luckily,
nakarating ako sa delivery room, on time.

Ni hindi ko natawagan sila Mama. Tsaka lang nalaman ng parents ko noong nakabukaka
na ako at ready to push. My mother held my hand while my siblings flew all the way
here. After a few pushes, I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy boy.

Look, I liked making kids cry in the past. It was music to my ears. But, my baby's
first cry was the best music to my ears. He was alive, he was healthy, and he was
out in the world.

Akala ko ay sa palabas lang 'yung mga magulang na umiiyak oras na makita nila ang
anak nila, pero hindi.

Once the doctor handed Troy Magnus to me, I felt that tug in my heart, the profound
and maternal love. The thought that I would do everything to protect this kid in my
arms. To love him and always do what's best for this tiny cub. I know at that
moment that I am officially a mother.

And as wonderful as being a mother is, giving birth has effects such as postpartum.
It hit me like a storm. It sucks so bad and thankfully, I found my way to overcome
it through moving, literal moving. Running, walking, any type of moving at all.
Plus a healthy diet.

And running stuck with me. It became a habit.

After months ay ngayon lang ako nakatakbo sa labas. I always run in the treadmill
inside the house habang may baby monitor sa kamay ko. I get to run outside today
since my parents are on the island for a couple of weeks, and they are watching my
three month old Magnus.

A few weeks after I gave birth, I told my parents that I can handle Magnus, on my
own. I learned everything—-well, hindi everything because I know that I still have
so much to learn along the way. But for now, I have acquired knowledge from
youtube, books, blogs and most importantly from my mother.

Mula sa breastfeeding pumps and techniques, kung paano mag-hele upang makatulog
siya ng maayos, magpadighay, magpaligo, at kung ano-ano pang mga bagay na
importante.

I get to take care of Magnus since the hospital has an eighty-hour limit per week
to resident doctors. Meaning, we only have to work eleven hours a day, instead of
back to back na twenty four hours. Although, it doesn't mean na wala nang twenty-
four hour duty, meron pa rin pero ang kagandahan lang ay it's intermittent only. At
kung kailangan ko talagang mag-duty. South Finegayan General Hospital has a daycare
center. It's available twenty-four hours everyday. They take care of the kids of
the hospital staff who don't have a babysitter. In that way, we can do our jobs
without worrying about our kids. There, we can visit them at any time. The
environment is safe and healthy at kilala ko ang mga staff kaya panatag ako.

Si Magnus ang 'power-up' ko kapag naka-duty ako magdamag. I always visit him
whenever it's my break. Just by looking at my baby recharges me.

I sighed as I continued to stare at the sky. Bumalik na sa normal ang pagtibok ng

aking puso. Dinig ko pa rin ang kalmanteng pagtama ng mga alon sa buhangin habang
kita ko ang unti-unting pagsabog ng liwanag sa kalangitan.

I can't wait to see my tiny cub later, when I get home.

He has my green eyes.....only.

When I gave birth to him and my family saw him. Hindi man nila banggitin ay alam ko
kung sinong iniisip nilang kamukha ng anak ko.

It's undeniable that when he sees him, he'll know that Magnus is his by literally
just looking at him.

My heart ached.

Napabangon naman ako at napaupo. Sumalubong sa akin ang papataas na araw.

Exactly today, It has been three hundred and sixty five days since I left the
Philippines and started living here on Guam.

Beautiful sunrises, sunsets, white sand beaches, roads made of corals, palm trees,
caves, hotel buildings, and expensive stores.

That's Guam in a nutshell for one.

But for me, this place is more than that, for the past three hundred and sixty five
days. This is where I crumbled, cried rivers of tears for him, gave birth to my
boy, and eventually found my footing.

And It has been three hundred and sixty five days and counting....I should stop
wondering...but thoughts still run in my mind.

Kumusta na kaya siya? Kumain na kaya siya? Masungit pa rin kaya siya? Masaya kaya
siya ngayon?

Ni sinubukan niya kaya kong hanapin?

Tears burned my eyes as my heart ached again.

I am happy here. I have people in my life, I have my son who is very adorable and I
love very much. I have my residency here. Subalit wala akong plano na itago si
Magnus sa kanya. I am just finding the right time to set up a meeting with him
because he is Troy Magnus' father. My son has the right to know about him. Ezekiel
has the right to be part of his son's life.....but not in my life, anymore. He lost
that privilege a long time ago.

And a year is a very long time. If he really used his resources right, kung
talagang seryoso siya sa akin noon, kung hindi ako naging panakip butas at kung
talagang minahal niya ako ay hahanapin niya ako.

A tear fell from my cheek. Agad ko iyon na pinunasan bago ako tumayo.

Matapos kong pagpagin ang mga buhangin mula sa aking balat ay agad kong sinulyapan
ang aking smart watch. I literally have thirty minutes to go to the hospital or my
Attending will bite my head off.

"Shi–shems." I muttered. Yeah, a part of having a kid is learning to censor bad

words.

Mabilis akong tumakbo paalis ng dalampasigan. I had to run across the parking
ground with green grass and picnic tables before I reached the parking lot. Dahan-
dahan naman akong napatigil nang may maaninag akong lalaking nakatayo malapit sa
aking sasakyan.
I squinted my eyes as I walked closer.

"B!" Masaya kong bati sa kanya nang tuluyan akong makalapit at makilala kung sino
iyon. I greeted him with a kiss on his stubbled cheek.

"Hey, V," Suwabeng bati niya. Sandali naman siyang napatingin sa aking likuran kung
nasaan ang picnic ground na malapit sa beach. "I can't wait to take Magnus here
again, next weekend."

Natawa naman ako nang bahagya at tumango. For the first time, we took him here last
weekend. My tiny cub liked it here since hindi siya umiyak hanggang kinailangan na
naming umalis.

"Of course, kapag 'di siya umiyak....What are you doing here, anyway?" Tanong ko sa
kanya at tinusok ang dibdib niya. He looked like he was about to go to the hospital
since his lean and wide frame is now covered in a black scrubs. His short and curly
hair is loose.

His thin lips stretched into a grin before he reached for the top of my car. Hindi
ko napansin na may pinatong pa lang siyang isang mataas na plastic cup ng kape
doon.

"Bringing you morning coffee," He said sweetly and offered it to me.

"Thank you, B," I accepted it. "How'd you even know where to find me?"

"Dummy, nasabi mo to me that you'll run this morning since my in-laws are here."
Tinaas baba pa niya ang kanyang blond na mga kilay.

Dahan-dahan naman akong napatango nang maalala ko iyon.

"Of course,"

"And I'm here because I want to see my guy, too." Dagdag niya. He calls my son
that.

I nodded as I drank the coffee. His brown eyes were silently watching me.

"Yeah, nasa bahay siya. And behave, you know, my parents are there," I replied
matapos akong makainom ng kape.

He pouted and sighed.

"Oh, no...hindi gandang balita 'yon. Gusto ko sanang mag-quickie bago tayo work.."
He said with a feigned unenthusiasm. He's a Fil-Am who understands tagalog pero he
doesn't speak fluently, that's why whenever he tries to speak, he sounds like a
toddler who's trying to form coherent sentences for the first time. It's cute
though.

Pinalo ko ang dibdib niya gamit ang aking libreng kamay.

"Iyan ang sinasabi ko." I made a face.

Tumawa naman siya.

"Okay, Tigil ako." Sagot niya bago kinuha ang susi ng sasakyan ko mula sa aking
bulsa at binuksan ang aking sasakyan para sa akin.
"I'll see you later, my tiny cub," I said to Magnus as I carried him in my arms.
Nakasuot siya ng patterned na over-all. His delicate head is covered with a thin
layer of dark hair and the thick line of hair in his eyebrows were also slowly but
surely forming. Nakatitig lamang sa akin ang kanyang berdeng mga mata na animo'y
naiintindihan niya ang sinasabi ko. Meanwhile his small and red lips are parted
like he's in awe that his mommy's talking to him.

"Mommy will be back as soon as I can..okay?" I said softly and gently caressed his
smooth cheek.

He just smiled and giggled.

"Ah..goo...ah," He let out adorable sounds after.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti. If I could only stay with him all day long, but I
can't. I have to make sure his future is secure. Kaya naman bago pa ako hindi
makaalis ay tumingin na ako kay Mama na nakatayo sa aking harapan. When I looked up
at her. I found her staring at me with fondness and with teary eyes.

"Ma.." I said gently and reached for her hand.

She shook her head. Her hair is loose on her cloth-covered shoulders while pride is
visible in her brown eyes.

"I just can't believe my baby has a baby now." She muttered before she gently
squeezed my hand. "I am so proud of the woman you have become.."

I smiled as my heart melted.

"Don't make me cry, Ma."

Natawa naman siya nang bahagya.

"Oh siya, sige na, I'll take Magnus now at baka hindi ka na makaalis." She said and
gently carried my son.

"Thank you, Ma." I said and kissed her cheek.

"I love you, hija and always take care of yourself, out there." She replied with a
smile.

With a nod, I stepped out of Magnus' room. Nang makarating ako sa sala ay naabutan
ko na naguusap si B at si Papa malapit sa maindoor. It looks like their usual
conversation about stocks.

"Oh, my V's here!" B beamed nang makita niya ako.

Napailing na lamang ako at sinalubong ng yakap si Papa.

"We gotta go, Pa. Love you." I said when we pulled away. B already opened the
wooden maindoor and he already stepped out.

Papa's green eyes softly stared at me. My father's hair is neatly cut and is now
mostly grey but it didn't diminish his handsomeness.
"Love you too, mia figlia." He replied before I walked out of the door. Nauna na
akong maglakad patungo sa sasakyan na nasa harap ng bahay habang nakasukbit sa
aking likuran ang aking backpack. I have neighbors but I don't really see them
since they all seem like busy folks. Every morning, tuwing papasok ako ay ang mga
malalaking bahay, at well-maintained na lawn amang ang bumabati sa akin.

"Bye, Pops." Dinig kong sabi ni B nang maabot ko ang aking BMW.

Napalingon naman ako. Papa's now standing in the front of the maindoor with his
hands on his waists.

"Bye, and no funny business with my daughter." Pabiro niyang dinuro si B na ngayon
ay nasa tabi ko na.

"Can't promise you that, pops!" Malakas na sagot niya.

Kinurot ko siya sa bewang. Napailing na lang si Papa bago niya isinara ang pintuan.

Tumingala naman ako kay B at tinaasan siya ng kilay.

"Ano?" Tanong niya.

"What did we talk about back in the parking lot?"

Napangising aso na lang siya sa akin.

"I took nursing as a pre-med, I spent four years in med school, and I am currently
a year in my residency but I have never witnessed a doctor rip a woman's abdomen
instead of cutting it with a scalpel during a C section, until earlier." Sabi ni
Lujuana habang nanlalaki ang kanyang mga brown na mga mata.

Napatigil ako sa paghikab at agad na sumara ang bibig ko. Napatitig ako kay Meera
Lujuana. My colleague, and the first work-friend that I made when I was new here at
the South Finegayan General Hospital. Noong una ay na-intimidate ako sa kanya dahil
hindi talaga siya ngumingiti kahit kanino, and then we were assigned on a same
case, that's where I got to know her.

We hit it off right away, in a span of a year we've been to cases together,
exchanged foods since we're both curious to know about each other's culture's foods
since, Filipino-Italian ako samantalang Filipino-Indian siya, and also we gossip
once in a while and mostly share cases stories.

It's already two in the afternoon, I just got my quick break and decided to spend
it here in the resident's lounge. Sakto naman na nagtungo siya dito after niyang
mag-assist ng surgery kasama ang isang third year resident. She's currently sitting
around the white round table with me. Nakaupo siya sa katapat kong upuan habang ang
pagbigla ay nakapinta pa rin sa kanyang magandang mukha. Meanwhile, her long and
silky hair is now free from the scrubcap that she was wearing earlier. Habang ang
akin naman ay naka-balot pa rin ng scrubcap.

"Really?" Hindi ko din makapaniwalang tanong sa kanya.

Lajuana nodded. Her brown eyes were very wide. She's wearing turquoise blue scrubs
like me since even though we're first year residents, we're still considered as
interns. Although, wala namang specific color coding ng scrubs dito sa SFGH, we can
wear any color we want but as much as possible turquoise blue is preferred by the
Attendings.

"Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nakapanood ako ng doctor na pinunit ang tiyan ng
babae, because apparently it heals faster.."

"Dåmn," I muttered. Napatingin naman kami pareho sa kulay brown na pinto nang
bumukas iyon.

"Oh, another med student.." Bulong niya nang iluwa noon si Rodríguez. Ang Spanish-
American na med student. He's wearing light blue scrubs. He's tall, round eyes,
high cheekbones, fair skin, and short hair.

"Hey, Dr. Del Russo, uh," Tumikhim siya at bumunot ng papel mula sa kanyang bulsa.

"This is interesting," Bulong ni Lajuana at ipinatong ang kanyang baba sa kanyang

kamay. Napasandal naman ako sa aking upuan at napahalukipkip. Yeah, I have been the
target of med students lately. Hindi dahil gusto nila ng academic advantage but
according to Lajuana, I am their target because apparently, I am a hot, hot, MILF.

"Noong una kita ma..kita, agad ako ay na..big..hani sa 'yong genda–"

"Rodríguez!"

Nagulantang naman siya nang iniluwa ng bumukas na pintuan si B. Napaurong si

Rodríguez habang nalukot na sa higpit ng hawak niya ang papel.

"S-Sir–"

"Are you seriously hitting on my wifey?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"I-I, I-I, didn't k-know—"

"Get out."

Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na umalis ang kawawang med student. Lajuana and I laughed
loudly.

"Med students, man..." He murmured as he walked towards us. He's still wearing his
black scrubs subalit may dala siyang dalawang cup ng kape.

"As if hindi ka naging med student," Lajuana retorted, "And aw, thank you," Sabi
niya nang abutan siya ni B ng kape. Nang malaman ni B na break ko na ay ini-text
niya ako na dadalan niya ako ng kape, I told him to make it two since Lajuana's
here.

"Thank you, hubby," I said and accepted the coffee cup.

"You're welcome," He winked at me before he sat down beside me. Umakbay naman siya
sa akin. I scrunch my nose when I smelled his new perfume.

When I looked at him, there was that anticipation in his eyes, like he knew that I
would notice.

"Is that..."
"Yeah, it's Dior."

Tumango ako.

"Smells better than Versace."

"Thank you, wifey. I specifically wore it for you."

"Aw," Pabiro kong tinusok ang pisngi niya.

"Nakakadiri kayong dalawa," Lajuana said that made us laugh loud. "I know, dapat
sanay na ako sa landian niyong dalawa but apparently, eight months of everyday
exposure to that is not enough." She shuddered and that made us laugh louder.

Lumipas ang ilang mga minuto ay nag-kwentuhan kamimng tatlo tungkol sa mga cases,
this morning. Through those minutes, more doctors came into the lounge. They are
either using the computers on the sides, sitting on the couch, or showering in the
locker room. Meanwhile, we remained here around the table and we were talking about
Emphysema when the door opened. Agad kaming napatayo nang makita namin na si Chief
Dakutyen iyon. She was wearing her scrubs and her whitecoat, her hair bunched up
inside her scrubcap.

We were about to greet her but then someone stepped in after her.

Pakiramdam ko ay binuhusan ako ng malamig at nagyeyelong tubig nang makita ko kung

sino iyon. My heart eratically raised as if I was running for miles.

"Holy shît, who is the eye-candy?" Narinig kong bulong ni Lujuana.

"Doctors," Sabi ni Chief as she stands beside the man that I am dreading to see.
"This is Dr. Roy Ezekiel Arguello from the Philippines. He's only here to
visit...but I am convincing him to work with us...."

Wala na akong narinig sa sinasabi ni Chief. Napalunok ako habang hindi ko na

napigilan ang sarili ko na tumingin sa kanya. Lajuana was not lying when she said
eye-candy. He looks so, so, different now. He looks rougher, and stronger with his
bulging arms and chest through his blue fitted dress shirt. If I look a little
closely, I'll see the outline of his abs. Meanwhile his dark slacks were perfectly
hugging his brawny thighs, and an expensive pair of oxford black shoes were
covering his feet. He is towering every person in the room with his height and with
his strong and wide frame.

Wala sa loob na napadila ako sa aking pangibabang labi, habang nanuyo ang lalamunan
ko.

Oh, no, this is bad news.

"V, he looks...familiar," Bulong ni B sa akin.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Tumaas lamang ang aking tingin sa kanyang mukha. Pinahaba niya
nang bahagya ang kanyang halos kulay uling na buhok, habang balot ng beard ang
kanyang pisngi at panga.

My throat ran drier but I think I got wetter somewhere...else.

No, no, no, we cannot go down that road.

Halos mahigit ko ang hininga ko nang magtama ang aming mga mata, subalit naglayo
agad ako ng tingin. However, I can still feel his intense and burning gaze on me.

"Wait, —that's him?" B asked when he realized who it was.

"Yeah..." I whispered. I feel like I couldn't breathe. I am getting out of here as

soon as Chief stops talking.

Now that I pulled my mind out of the gutter, I just realized; what the hell is he
doing here now?!

"Yeah, I totally get why hindi you maka-move on." Bulong niya.

Tumingala ako sa kanya at pinandilatan siya. Ezekiel's eyes were still on me like a
hawk.

"I am moved on." I said through gritted teeth.

He shrugged and smirked for a moment.

"No need to be defensive, but, if my ex is that masarap, I'm not even gonna try to
move on, V."

Kinurot ko ang kamay niyang nasa bewang ko.

"Ouch, wifey.." Daing niya at ngumisi.

I just sighed inwardly and hoped for this to be over soon, so I can get the heck
out of here. Nang ibalik ko ang tingin ko sa aking harap ay nahagip siya ng aking
mga mata. He's still looking at me but his face is now darker. His gaze then
switched to B and he glared at him like he wanted to kill him for touching me.

Chapter 50: He's Your Housemate, Not Your Fúck Buddy

Martina Vlanca

"Oh, dåmn, they were right, the new doctor is a pretty woman,"

Napatigil naman ako sa pagsubo ng aking kale salad at napatingala sa lalaking

prestong umupo sa katapat kong upuan dito sa round table. Kaka-graduate ko lang
last month sa Honoria. Kahit na gustong-gusto ko ay hindi ako umuwi para doon.
Bagkus ay sila Mama na lang ang pina-receive ko ng diploma ko at inasikaso ko dito
sa Guam ang application at interview ko sa residency program dito sa SFGH. Kahit
naman na kilala ng pamilya namin ang director ng ospital ay kailangan ko pa rin na
maging karapat-dapat sa program.

And with diligence, I got in, and now, I am a month into my residency. So far, I am
staying lowkey and minding my own business. But I don't think I am so lowkey now,
since there is a doctor who's currently hitting on me.

Kasalukuyan siyang nakangisi sa akin, still staring and waiting for my response.
He's cute though. Short brown hair, blond eyebrows, and brown eyes. His purple
scrubs are hugging his lean frame. He is also wearing a whitecoat over it. I can't
make out the name on his breast pocket since mukhang mahaba ang pangalan niya. All
I can read is that he specializes in Cardio.
Bumuntong hininga ako at napailing. He's cute, alright but I am not interested.

"Pretty woman who's about to be a mother," Sagot ko at isinubo ang mga dahon na
nasa aking kutsara. I chewed it and gestured to my stomach. I am six months
pregnant pero hindi masyadong halata. It just looks like I'm very bloated.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"And second, really? You get women with that cheap âss line?" Walang preno kong
tanong sa kanya. I don't have time for flirting with men, or women at all.

I was waiting for him to be insulted and be angry at me, pero tumawa lang siya.

"No filter. I like you already," Sagot niya. He extended his hand and offered it to
me. "I'm Beauxdeaustreuz Bistalan." Tinuro niya ang naka-engrave na name sa right
breast pocket ng kanyang whitecoat.

Binitawan ko ang aking kutsara at iniwan iyon sa plastic container. Tinanggap ko

ang kanyang kamay.

"I'm sorry but what was your name again?" Kunot noong tanong ko matapos naming
magbitaw ng mga kamay. 'Bow-daws-triyaz' ang pagkabanggit niya sa kanyang pangalan
with accent. Upon hearing it, it doesn't sound complicated but it looks complicated
now that I am looking at the spelling of his name on his whitecoat.

Ngumisi siya at sandaling napakamot sa kanyang batok.

"It's French---well, I'm not even sure. My Tatay named me like this." He replied.

My brows shot up for a moment.

"Oh, Pinoy ka?"

"Opo. Hilaw."

Tumawa ako.

"Well, I could only imagine your struggle as a kid, whenever you write your name."

He sighed exasperatedly and playfully answered, "You have no idea."

I smiled. For the first time in many months that I've been in this hospital, I feel
like I am making a friend, finally. Since Lajuana doesn't seem to like me....just
yet.

"Since I like you, how about you call me B?" He asked in a friendly manner.

I nodded.

"Well, B. I am V as in Vlanca Del Russo." Nakangiti kong sagot.

"Hi, V."

Simula noong araw na iyon sa resident's lounge ay naging malapit kami ni B. I

learned that he was a fourth-year resident in cardiac-surgery. Noong araw na iyon
lamang kami nagkita dahil Ilang buwan siyang nasa medical mission kasama ang
Attending niya.
Since that day, we just work, because we match each other's energy. Nasasakyan niya
ang humor ko at ganoon din ako sa kanya. He also has an unfiltered mouth that's why
I had to warn him whenever my parents were around. He knows that I am not looking
for anything. He didn't become creepy and tried harder instead, he became my B. My
work-husband, a friend, and my man-repeller, because everytime somebody tries to
hit on me, he comes and 'saves' me, in a way na pagti-tripan niya kung sino man
iyon.

Even though Lajuana's a little cynical. Siya lang ang nakakaintindi sa dynamic ng
relationship namin. Of course, there are a lot of rumors going around the hospital
na baka more than friends lang kami or even fubu's, but, we just laugh at it
because we don't really care whether they understand our friendship or not.

One of the things I love about B is that he's a straight man who says big fúck you
to toxic masculinity. He paints his nails, minsan lang kasi nga surgeon siya. He's
required to have clean nails all the time. He wears skirts when he likes, and he's
not afraid to thirst on men like a cis woman, like right now.

"I'm sorry, V, but I'll let him break my back like a glow stick with those arms,"
Bulong niya habang nakaupo sa aking tabi. We're still here inside the resident's
lounge. Lajuana's no longer with us, instead, she's standing together with the
other doctors who are currently talking to him. Kasalukuyan silang nakatayo sa
gilid ng couch, which blocks my way to the door, and if I walk to the other side of
the couch, I will get their attention.

I don't want their attention. I don't want to be pulled into their conversation
with that asungot. So, now, I am waiting for them to finish and para hindi ako
masali sa usapan nila ay nagku-kunwari kami ni B na seryosong naguusap.

"Stop. Thirsting. Over. My Ex." Nakasimangot kong sagot sa kanya.

"Bakit? You selos, hm?" Tinusok niya ang bewang ko. My body jerked.

"B, ano ba?!" I whispered aggressively. I swatted his hand away but he poked me
again.

"B!"

He smirked.

"I thought na-move on na ikaw, hm?" Nangaasar niyang tanong sa akin. Inirapan ko
siya.

I am moved on but at the same time I can still remember how much I like angry-
fücking him like yesterday. My stupid libido is a dirty traitor.

Well, I can't blame it, the last man who touched me was him. That has been over a
year and since then, wala na akong ibang nakasama sa kama. I didn't have the energy
or the motivation to even try since I am really focused with my son and as much as
I hated it, no one can arouse me like his stupid father can.

"Oo nga, I have moved on." I said through gritted teeth.

"Then bakit–"

"B." Pinandilatan ko siya. "Isa pa, sinasabi ko sa'yo tatadyakan kita."

Ngumuso siya.
"Aw, mahal-mahal mo talaga ako."

Ngumising aso ako.

"Of course, I love you so much that I want-—"

"Dr. Bistalan,"

Natigil kami sa asaran namin nang tawagin ni Chief si B. Agad kaming napatayo dahil
nasa harapan na namin siya. Napalunok ako dahil nasa tabi niya si Ezekiel. Now that
he is literally a few steps away from me, I can smell his familiar scent, a mix of
expensive perfume and his natural manly scent.

I didn't throw him a look, but every nerve of my body is aware of his molten gaze
at me.

"Bistalan, fifth year Cardiac-Surgery resident, sir," Pakilala ni B.

I didn't look at him, kay Chief at B lang ang tingin ko. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng
aking pheriperal vision ay nakita ko lamang na tumango siya kay B imbes na makipag-
shake hands.

"And Roy, this is Dr. Del Russo, one of my best interns. She's interested in
General Surgery."

And because of that, napilitan akong tumingin sa kanya.

Napalunok ako.

Ang kanyang mga asul na mga mata ay naka-tuon lamang sa akin na animo'y nasasabik
siya sa akin. He was staring at me like mere staring wouldn't be enough to make up
for the days that he didn't see me. His eyes were glued on me like he wanted to
pull me closer and wrap his arms around me.

I bit my inner cheek. I must be hallucinating.

My eyes unconsciously dropped to his lips. Doon ko nakita na may mumunting ngisi sa
kanyang mapupulang mga labi. It was a proud smile.

I just forced a tight smile at him and looked away immediately. Hinawakan ko ang
kamay ni B dahil pakiradam ko ay babagsak ako. My knees felt like jelly and my
heart was beating so loud.

I clutched B's hand tighter. Hindi nakaligtas sa aking mabilis na tingin sa kanya
na bumaba ang tingin ni Ezekiel sa magkahawak naming kamay. His gaze is dark and
his jaw is tightly clenched as I feel his gaze travel back to my face.

"So, Roy, If you choose to work with us, you get to guide bright doctors like her."
Sabi ni Chief.

Oh, no. The last thing I need right now is for him to be close to me every day. I
can't.

Hindi nagtagal ay sumagot siya.

"I am thankful for the wonderful offer of working in this excellent hospital..." He
said while looking at Chief. "But I'm sorry, Diane. I'm gonna have to decline your
offer," He added. God, his voice, I haven't heard it in a while. But I can't forget
its firmness and how gravelly it is.
"Oh," Chief seemed surprised by her raised eyebrows. "You're not affiliated with
GSMH or any hospital for over a year now. May I ask why?"

What now? Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na tumingin sa kanya habang nakakunot
ang aking noo. He stopped practicing medicine?

"My medical career is not my priority right now or anytime soon," Seryoso niyang
sagot, bago siya tumingin sa akin. I ignored the relentless beating of my heart
when our eyes met. And without faltering, he added firmly, "I am just focused on
one thing right now."

What does he mean by that?

Chief said something and they continued talking about something but I couldn't
comprehend it anymore. I can't be in the same space with him anymore.

"V, you okay?" Bulong sa akin ni B.

Umiling ako.

"I-I need to use the restroom." I told him.

He nodded.

"Of course,"

I excused myself to Chief before I quickly made my way to the door. Nang makalabas
ako ay humugot ako nang malalim hininga. Sumalubong sa akin ang lobby subalit hindi
ako nagtungo ako doon. Instead, I turned right to another hallway, where there is
the hospital pharmacy and the restroom at the end of the hallway. And just as I was
walking past the pharmacy, I heard him.

"Vlanca,"

Kumuyom ang kamao ko at nagpatuloy lamang ako sa paglalakad hanggang naabot ko ang
malamig na metal door. Ni hindi ko na binasa ang sign na nakapakat sa gilid ng
pintuan. When I entered, I was really hoping that it was the women's bathroom, but
it wasn't. Based on the layout. It was a gender neutral bathroom.

Dámn it. Now, I cannot push him away, he's technically allowed to be here.

Nanghihina na lang akong napahinto sa harap ng isang sink. Napahawak ako sa counter
at napahinga nang malalim.

"Vlanca,"

I stood up properly and whipped my head in his direction.

"Don't." Mariin kong sabi sa kanya at humakbang paurong.

He stayed standing there. His pleading eyes never left my face.

My eyes are slowly watering, akala ko naiiyak ko na lahat, subalit nagkakamali ako.
Just seeing him right now, in front of me brings back every memory that we shared.
The happy, the sexy, the wholesome and above all, the hurtful ones.

I thought I moved past it. I really thought.

Humapdi ang aking dibdib nang maalala kong muli kung paano tingnan ng kanyang mga
asul na mga mata si Trinity habang kami pa. Mas lalo lamang kumirot ang aking puso
noong maalala ko kung paano ko siya ini-defend sa kaibigan ko, kung paano ako
nanatili sa tabi kasi sabi niya.

Sabi niya....

Nagtiwala at nagmahal ako, heck, I trusted his words pero saan ako dinala noon?
Tumulo ang luha ko.

More tears streamed down my cheeks when I remembered how he admitted to my face
that

he wasn't over her. That all those times he was lying to my face when he said she
was nothing.

I thought I moved past it.

Napalunok ako at mabilis na pinahid ang mga luha mula sa aking pisngi.

"V-Vlanca..." His voice cracked. Regret and guilt is evident in his face.

Nang hindi ako sumagot ay sinubukan niyang lumapit at hawakan ako.

"Don't!"

He stopped and put his hand back to his side, his teary eyes were still on me.

"What the fúck are you doing here?" I asked coldly. "Ano, nagsawa ka na ba kay
Trinity? Now, you need someone stupid to believe and fall for your meaningless
words again? Hm?"

He shook his head. A tear fell from his eye.

"Trinity and I never had a relationship after you left me....I cleared things out
with her. I am so sorry, Vlanca for everything that I have done to you— "

"Well, that's sweet," Nanunuya kong putol sa sasabihin niya. Ayoko nang marinig ang
mga kasinungalingan niya. I am not about to fall and get hurt again. I am done
being stupid.

"But too late, Ezekiel. I have moved on from you. I am happy here."

Are you, though?

"I haven't even thought about you."

Liar. You think about him every single chance you have and you touch yourself with
the image of him.

My dåmn subconcious is another dirty traitor.

"...I missed you so much, little brat," His voice croaked. My treacherous heart
thudded as if it was about to come out of my chest. He let his eyes travel all over
my face, like he was taking a mental picture of every single detail of my face.
"And god. I hate myself for every pain that I caused you, and I am sorry if you
don't want me to be here. But I am not gonna leave you now that I found you after
all these months. I am not gonna be an idiot and let you slip away. You're the only
one I love–"
"Bullshît."

He shook his head as tears spilled from his eyes.

"Please, give me a chance to prove to you that I deserve you.... that I deserve to
be a father to our child."

Suddenly, everything clicked. Pagak akong natawa. Of course, he's here for Magnus.
I hid my son from him and he's desperate to see him. He'll say anything to see him.

"My god, You don't have to pretend that you love me, if you want to be a part of
your child's life." Malamig kong sagot. I didn't even try to deny that Magnus is
his.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

"I-I am not pretending, Vlanca, I-I—"

"Just shut up."

Napalunok siya, habang bumalatay ang sakit sa kanyang mukha.

"Tomorrow at five p.m, be at the parking lot. I'll take you to him."

Gladness sparked in his bloodshot eyes, but just for a moment.

"I am not a monster. You have the right to be in his life, but not in mine anymore,
so stop the lies." Mariin kong sabi sa kanya.

Hindi ko na siya hinayaan na sumagot pa dahil nagpatiuna na akong lumabas.

Right after five hits the clock, mabilis pa ako kay the flash na nagtungo sa
parking lot. He's still in the hospital since he was discussing some techniques and
medical cases with the doctors. Hindi na ako nakapag-paalam kay B since he's still
in surgery, kaya naman ni-text ko na lang siya na umuwi na ako. When I got home, my
parents had to go to the Sands Plaza para bumili ng mga pasalubong. They are going
home tomorrow since they have to host this important fundraising at the company.
And kailangan din sila ng iba kong mga pamangkin. They already took care of my kid,
it's time for them to take care of my siblings' kids. Especially the newborn of
Kuya and Ate Reag, mas malambing siya kay Mama, and he's also very sensitive at
this time since he's teething. Hinahanap niya ang kanyang lola.

They are leaving tomorrow and I still haven't mentioned that Ezekiel's meeting my
son tomorrow.

"Gorl, fúck him—wait, I meant not actually fúck him, okay?" Dakota said matapos ko
sa kanyang sabihin ang lahat ng nakakalokang nangyari sa araw ko. "I know how your
mind works."

Inirapan ko si Dakota na ikinatawa niya. She's currently in a car's passenger seat

since she's on her way to the hospital. Herman is the one driving. Habang
kasalukuyan akong narito sa second floor balcony ng bahay. I am in my house clothes
and my hair is up. These days ay laging nakataas ang buhok ko dahil either
nasasabunutan ako ni Magnus, since he's starting to learn to grab things now, or
nasusukahan ako bigla-bigla.

Ah, yes, the classic beauty of motherhood.

It's already six in the evening and the sun has set, samantalang nagsisimula pa
lang ang araw ni Dakota since it's just nine a.m at where she lives. I am currently
sitting on one of the chairs at our dining table here, habang nasa lamesa naman ang
laptop ko since ka-videocall ko mula sa Switzerland si Dakota. Before I went here
ay pinakita ko sa kanya ang natutulog na si Magnus. Kita ko mula sa baby monitor na
nakapatong sa gilid ng aking laptop na tulog pa rin ang gwapo kong anak. Iba talaga
mag-hele si Mama, long lasting.

"I know, I am not gonna spread my legs for him just like that." Pinandilatan ko si
Dakota na ikinangisi niya. She's paler since it's always cold in Zürich. She still
has her bangs but she cut her hair shorter. Kaya naman inaasar ko siya minsan na
kamukha niya si Dora.

"Siguraduhin mo lang. My inaanak is barely a toddler."

Napailing naman ako.

"I mean, Tatay siya ni Magnus pero we both know he's your Daddy." Pang-aasar pa
niya na ikinapula ko.

Narinig kong natawa si Herman.

"Dakota, tigilan mo ako please. Nakakahiya 'yang pinagsasabi mo, naririnig pala ng
asawa mo."

She grinned.

"Hey, Vlanca, don't worry, sanay na ako!"

I laughed when I heard Herman retorted.

"You heard him," She said, "But in all seriousness, your decision's right to let
him have a part in my inaanak's life, kahit na mahirap para sa'yo."

Napabuntong hininga ako sandali.

"My son deserves to know his father after-all." Sagot ko. "I just don't know yet
kung paano ko sasabihin kala Mama na narito na siya Guam."

Kumunot ang noo niya.

"What? Hindi pa nila alam?"

Umiling ako.

"Well, I'm sure they'll take it just fine. As you said, Tatay naman siya ni
Magnus...they have to somehow accept him for that."

Napatango ako.

"I do hope so." Sagot ko. Knowing how angry my father was when he found out what
Ezekiel did to me. He'll not accept Ezekiel just like that.

"How was your treatment going?" Pagbabago ko sa usapan.

She smiled. "It's going very well,"

Napangiti din ako. I am so glad.

Dakota did not just move from the Philippines to Switzerland just because she got
accepted to a prestigious residency program there. She also moved there because
after our graduation, she took a genetics test. Doon niya nalaman ang kinakatakutan
niya. She was diagnosed with the disease that killed her mother, Huntington's
disease. It was bound to happen since it was hereditary, her mother was the one who
passed it on to her.

Subalit mas malala at mas mabilis na mag-progress 'yung kay Dakota since tinamaan
siya noong disease while she was in her twenties. I remember crying with her in a
video call because she opened the result with me and her father.

I wanted to go to her at that time but she knew that I was in the process of
applying for my residency and my pregnancy was a little sensitive at that time. She
assured me that our video calls were just fine. So, I called her every single day
to just check on her.

She knew that it was just a matter of time bago niya makuha ang sakit na iyon, kaya
naman ayaw niyang subukang magmahal noon. That threat of the disease was the main
reason why she was so afraid to fall for anyone. She doesn't want to end up like
her mother. Namatay kasi si Tita Denie noong pinanganak niya si Dakota. Nabuhat
niya si Dakota for a few seconds before she coded. The disease weakened her system,
and complications occurred, she bled out on the table.

She didn't get to see my best friend growing up, and my best friend didn't get to
see her mother at all.

So, that's why ayaw niya talagang magmahal. She wanted to be alone until Herman
showed up. And days after she found out about the disease, she tried to break up
with Herman but hindi pumayag si Herman. Instead, he pursued her harder, begging
her to tell him why.

And when she did, inaasahan daw niya na iiwan siya ni Herman. Since Huntington's
was incurable and once you have it, depending on the severity, bibigyan ka ng
taning ng doctor.

Dakota told me that she was ready to be alone until that day comes....but Herman
did not only stay, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

Because he told her that he will let no disease take them apart. Grabe ang iyak ko
noon, noong pinanood ko silang ikasal dito sa beach sa Guam. Liv was here too for
that, she had to go to Spain after a few days since magsisimula na ang residency
niya sa Madrid. She's very busy just like the rest of us but we're still in touch
every now and then.

Samantalang matapos ang isang linggong pag-stay nila Dakota dito. She moved to

Switzerland with her husband for her residency, and also for the excellent
treatment for the disease.

And a few days ago, one of her Attendings told her that he was doing a trial for a
cure for Huntington's. So now, not only is she getting the treatment, she's also a
candidate for the possible cure. So, things are really going great for her and I
couldn't be happier.

Nagpatuloy pa kami sa paguusap ni Dakota hanggang sa makarating sila sa parking lot

ng ospital.

"Hoy, basta ang puso ay protektahan." She reminded me.

Ngumisi ako. My heart is really protected, all locked and secured. Never again.

"Yes, ma'am." Sumaludo pa ako.

"Love you gorl," She said and gave me a flying kiss. I giggled and did the same
gesture.

"Love you too, gorl!"

And then the call ended.

Ang plano ko ay sabihin sa parents ko ang tungkol kay Ezekiel oras na makauwi sila.
Subalit ginabi na sila ng uwi. Hindi na ako nagising para doon dahil literally
thirty minutes after kong kausapin ang Ninang Dakota niya ay sinumpong na siya. He
started crying, so, I did what I always do, hinele ko siya habang pinapa-dede ko
siya ng sarili kong gatas. That's what always gets him but iba ang sumpong niya
tonight.

I had to dance him around for over an hour hanggang sa antukin na siya at mabusog
sa gatas. Tsaka lang ako tinamaan ng pagod nang makaupo ako sa rocking chair sa
gilid ng crib ni Magnus.

Ni hindi ko na nakuhang mag-toothbrush o maghilamos man lang. I literally slept on

the chair with breast-milk leaks on my t-shirt. Naalimpungatan lang ako noong
narinig kong umiyak na ulit si Magnus. It was probably around three a.m.

"Hey, hey...mommy's here..." Bulong ko habang isinasayaw siya. He's still crying.
"What does my tiny cub want, hmm? What is it?" I whispered as I continued to rock
him.

Maya-maya ay bumukas ang pinto. Mama walked in wearing a fuzzy robe, meanwhile Papa
was standing on the doorway wearing matching pajamas.

"Kami na, anak." Mama said and gently scooped Magnus from my arms. Umiiyak pa rin
siya subalit, unti-unti na siyang kumakalma.

"Sure ka, Ma?" I asked her matapos kong ipatong sa kanyang balikat ang kulay puting
malambot na tuwalya.

Her lips stretched into a smile. "Do I really have to answer that question?"

I chuckled softly.

"Thank you po."

She nodded and caressed my arm for a moment.

"Sige na, matulog ka na. May pasok ka pa bukas."

"Opo."
After that she walked out of the open door. Inaantok akong napaupo sa rocking
chair. Papa walked to me with a blanket.

"Go to sleep, figlia. Ti amo." He said gently and draped the blanket onto me.
Inaantok lamang akong napangiti sa tatay ko. He then walked out of the door and
gently closed it.

"Oh, my gwapong grandson....bakit ka umiiyak?... Is your mommy stinky?"

Napangiti naman ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Papa mula sa labas. Hindi nagtagal
ay tuluyan na kong hinila ng antok.

Pag-gising ko ay wala na si Magnus at ang parents ko sa bahay. Ayon sa note na

nakita kong nakapakat sa fridge ay inilabas nila si Magnus sa parke dahil
sinusumpong nga siya. Maybe he just needs some sunlight and new scenery since lagi
lang kasi siyang narito sa loob or sa frontyard. Nasabi din nila na gusto nilang
ilibot ang anak ko dahil aalis na sila mamayang hapon.

"This is Ezra Del Russo. I am away from my phone right now. Just leave a message
after the beep."

Kasalukuyan akong narito sa kusina. I am freshly showered and I am in my scrubs

already. Katatapos ko lang din na mag-pump ng gatas mula sa dibdib ko. My hip is
currently leaning against the counter with my phone in my hand. Ilang beses ko nang
tinatawagan si Mama or si Papa subalit wala talaga silang sagot.

Well, my parents are not a fan of technology anymore. Because of their age, the
blue light makes their eyes hurt and they don't like squinting on a screen. So,
because of that, they rarely use smartphones. Most of the time they forget thay
they even have a phone and either they accidently leave it in their bedroom,
drawer, or in the car. And out of all the times, ngayon pa.

"Hi, Ma and Pa. I was gonna tell you this in person pero hindi ko na kayo naabutan,
this morning....but Magnus' father is coming to visit him later....and yes he found
me. I know it's a lot to take in..so, please, call me back as soon as you get this,
okay? Have fun with Magnus. I love you." I said and sent the voice message.

Matapos noon ay nagtungo na ako sa ospital. While I was on my way, B texted me that
he's already in the hospital since hindi siya umuwi. He had to pull a twenty-four
hour duty for an open-heart surgery.

As I was about to pull up into my parking space. Yes, it is mine since one of the
perks of being a doctor at GSFH is you get a parking space with your name on it.

I saw a man standing in front of it. And when I finally parked my car, I recognized
who it was.

My heart thudded like a fool as I peered at him. He was dressed in simple jeans,
white-tee, and a jean-jacket over it. Maayos ang kanyang itim na buhok at well-
groomed din ang kanyang beard. Somehow, my fingers are itching to touch it and run
my—NOPE.

Matapos kong kuhanin ang backpack ko sa passenger's seat ay agad akong lumabas mula
sa aking sasakyan. With a click on the small remote, I locked it. I then put my
keys back in my pocket.
Agad siyang ngumiti sa akin nang makita niya ako. Ngayon ko lang napansin na may
hawak siyang isang boquet ng lilac flowers at brown na paperbag.

Napalunok ako habang sandali akong napatitig sa kanya.

I remember it like yesterday when he used to give me brown paper bags full of
foodstuff when I was just a student. My eyes burned as tears threatened to spill.

Sinamantala niya ang pagkabila ko, dahil ngayon ay nasa harapan ko na siya. Now
that he's a few feet away from me, I can smell his familiar scent.

Instead of oggling at him, I glared at him.

"Magandang umaga, Vlanca–"

"Ang usapan natin alas singko. What the hell are you doing here?" I harshly asked
him.

Marahan siyang tumango.

"Yes, know...I'm just here to give you this." He offered me the flowers and the
paperbag.

Kumakabog ang dibdib ko. A part of me wants to accept it but a larger part of me
hates him and is angry at him. Kaya naman tiningnan ko lamang ang mga iyon.

"V..." Napalingon naman ako sa aking likuran nang marinig ko ang boses ni B. He was
dressed in a scrubs like me habang may hawak siyang dalawang baso ng kape.

"You okay?" Tanong niya at dahan-dahan na lumapit.

"Yes, B, I'm okay...just give us a moment, please," I gave him a small smile.

He smiled a little and nodded before he stepped a few feet away. Nang bumaling ako
kay Ezekiel ay nahuli ko siyang pinapatay ng tingin si B. When he felt my gaze, his
eyes dropped back to me, his thick and dark eyebrows relaxed, habang nanlambot
naman ang expression niya.

"You can keep your cheap flowers and food. I am fine, Mr. Arguello." Matabang kong
sabi sa kanya. His hands carrying those stuff lowered on his sides.

"You call him by, t-too?" Tanong niya habang nakatingin sa akin, his jaw is
clenched while his eyes were dark with emotions.

Kumunot ang noo ko sandali. Too? I never called him 'by'----but then I remembered
calling him 'baby' a couple of times, and 'by' sounds like a shortened form of it.

"It's none of your business." Iyon na lang ang sinagot ko at tumalikod na.

"Vlanca–"

I stopped in my tracks and whipped my head back in his direction.

"Five p.m, Arguello. Kapag nakita kita dito o sa ospital before that time, I will
not let you see my son. Do you understand?" Mariin kong tanong. I can't be around
him. Not when my heart is still beating like I just ran a mile whenever I see him.

I can't be under his spell again. I can't be stupid again and believe his
meaningless words. I don't want to get hurt again. Once is enough.

Napalunok siya. I can see that he wanted to say something, but he just nodded.

"Okay."

Without a word, I walked to B and hooked my arm around his. Habang ang isang kamay
ko ay may hawak ng cup ng kape na dala niya.

"He thinks we're a couple." I muttered to B as we walked to the building. I know

he's still standing there, watching me walk away because I can feel the weight of
his stare.

"No," Mabilis siyang umiling habang nanlalaki ang kanyang mga mata. "You have to
tell him, right now, we're just friends—"

"B–" Pinandilatan ko siya. "No, please." I said as we entered the hospital.

"V," He said and stopped on his tracks, kaya naman napatigil kami pareho dito sa
harapan ng pintuan ng resident's lounge. "He stared at me like he wanted to kill me
by just merely breathing your air–"

"B, rela–"

"Do you see how massive your ex is? I am six foot but he is taller and has more
muscle mass. He can crush me in a single snap, if he wants to. And now, sabi mo
kanya jowa ako?" May bakas ng pagkabahala sa kanyang tono, meanwhile his brown eyes
were still big as plates. "Don't be surprised if you see my body floating in Ypao
beach tomorrow."

I sighed softly.

"Huwag kang ngang OA." I replied.

"V–"

"Nothing will happen, okay? Just please, sakyan mo lang, go with the flow."

"Absolutely not."

"Pretty please," I batted my eyelashes at him.

"V..." He trailed

"Come on, B..." I even shake him a little.

Sandali siyang tumitig sa akin, bago siya napabuntong hininga.

"I really hate na gana sa akin ang charms mo."

I grinned.

"Thank you, B!"

Inirapan niya lang ako bago kami nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

"Wow, sarap jam," Sabi ni B habang nginunguya niya ang isa sa mga jam sandwiches na
nasa brown na paperbag. Kasalukuyan siyang nakaupo dito sa round table sa loob ng
resident's lounge. It is two in the afternoon and it is my breaktime, sakto naman
na kakalabas lang ni B mula sa surgery. "This must be home made, I never ate
something this good before." He murmured and took a big bite.

Napahilot na langa ko sa aking sentido bago ako napahalukipkip. Kaninang pagpasok

ko ay may sumalubong sa akin na dalawang paperbags ng pagkain na may pangalan ko.
It contains breakfast and lunch, even snacks. I am talking, sandwiches, friedrice,
my favorite buttered shrimp and it is peeled. Putong puti, and large containers of
ice-coffee. There is also a bouquet of Lilacs alongside it.

Kahit na walang nakalagay kung kanino galing, alam kong mula sa kanya ang mga ito.

Arguello and his vicious ways.

Hindi nga siya nagpakita maghapon, may paganto naman. I sighed.

"Oh, woah, is there a potluck today?" Natatawang sabi ni Lajuana nang makapasok
siya sa lounge at mamataan niya ang mga pagkain. I smiled at her as she sat down
beside B. She's wearing a blue scrubs and scrubcap like me. She looks like she just
got out of surgery too.

"Hm.. magenta and light purple llilac flowers..." She whispered as she touched the
petals for a moment.

"What does it mean?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She knew about flowers since florist ang
kanyang Tita.

"Magenta lilac flowers mean love and passion while light purple means first
love..."

Napalunok ako.

"And these foods," She gestured to the containers. "Means I-fücking-love-you."

B chuckled after he sipped from the tall container of coffee.

"Dåmn right." B seconded that made me roll my eyes at him.

"You're really not gonna eat?" Tanong ni Lajuana matapos niyang ilabas ang isang
container ng friedrice.

Umiling ako. I want to, pero knowing where it was from, no thank you.

"I'm still full."

She nodded and didn't push me anymore. Nagsimula lang siyang kumain.

"Eto na lang, then. Ice-coffee." Sabi ni B at ini-offer sa akin ang isang cup noon.
I was about to say no pero naunahan na niya ako.

"Come on, it's really masarap, it's nothing like the cheap coffee from here,"
Pangungumbinsi pa niya.

Hindi ko napigilan na abutin ang cup ng kape mula sa kanya. I didn't use the straw,
instead, I just opened the lid and sipped from the side.
Sense of familiarity flooded my system, when the taste spread in my tongue. It
tastes exactly like the coffee from GSMH's cafeteria.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti sandali. It brings back pleasant memories with my

peers, especially with Dakota. Upon tasting it, I remember the hospital's hallways,
'yung spot namin malapit sa morgue, the on-call rooms.

I missed it, and it just feels nice to remember it. Maybe, I am not so mad that he
brought these here after-all.

Roy Ezekiel

I have a kid with Vlanca.

It still feels surreal. I have a child with the woman that I love the most.

She was pregnant when she left me. I am a little bit upset that she didn't tell me
because If she told me, I could've taken care of her when she was carrying my
child. I should've been there to hold her hand when she was giving birth. I
should've been there to nurture him or her.

Hindi ko alam kung babae ba o lalaki dahil nag-assume lamang ako na sa akin ang
batang nakita ko sa litrato. Noong tinanong ko siya kahapon sa banyo ay hindi ko
talaga alam kung sa akin ang bata. I just assumed because I remembered that
something happened between us before hell broke loose.

And if I got her pregnant at that time, the child would've been three to four
months now. At base naman doon sa laki noong bata sa litrato ay nasa ganoong buwan
na siya.

I just assumed, and when I asked her, she didn't deny it.

At that moment, I was in mixed emotions, glad and happy that I have a child with
her. Sad and upset because why did I just know about them now? Why did she hide
them from me?

But then again, who am I to be upset and judgy after everything that I've done to
her? I've hurted her and broken her heart. Do I really expect her to tell me about
the pregnancy considering those? Hell, no.

Vlanca needed to be away from me because of how much pain I've caused her and up to
now, I can see that she's still in pain. She's still angry at me and she still
hates me. She still won't listen to me, to what I have to say. She thinks that I am
lying and that I am dishonest.

I can't blame her. That's what I get for hurting her.

But I am here now. Hindi ako narito upang sumuko ng basta-basta. Hindi ako galit o
naiinis sa naging desisyon niya na itago ang anak ko mula sa akin. What matters is
that she told me about my kid. Hindi din ako narito upang magalit sa kanya. I am
here to win her back, again.

I don't care that she has that Bistalan by her side. I don't fúcking care. Babawiin
ko ang mag-ina ko.
I won't waste this chance again. I am gonna prove to her that I deserve her. I am
gonna give her the assurance that she deserves and that I lack to give her in the
past. I am not interested in anyone but her, she'll see that. I am gonna be a good
father, I am gonna support Vlanca for everything that she wants to do. I am gonna
be by her side, and I will never let her go ever again.

God. I can't wait to see my little brat again and my kid.

Bumuntong hininga ako at sinulyapan sandali ang aking Tag Heur na relo, it's
exactly five p.m. Hindi na ako nagpalit o bumili ng bagong relo dahil ito ang
paborito niyang relo ko na sinusuot. Sabi niya ay bagay daw ito sa lahat ng mga
'fit' ko or bagay din daw sa akin ito kahit daw nakahubad ako. She likes it even
more when I wear it whenever I am fúcking her.

Kasalukuyan akong nakatayo dito sa gilid ng kanyang BMW gaya ng usapan namin. She
said that we're just gonna take her car to go to her house. I left my Mercedez in
the visitor's area. I crossed my fingers that it doesn't get towed.

Habang naghihintay ako nag-vibrate naman ang phone ko. It's my contact from the
Wall Street Stocks in New York. When I quit my job, I still had to keep earning
money to fund my travels to find her. Kaya naman nag-invest at bumili ako ng
multiple stocks sa New York. I lost a lot of money in the first few months because
I am a doctor, not a finance guy. I do not know anything about it.

But after learning from my mistakes, I started to earn. At first, gusto ko lang ng
income para sa mga paglalakbay ko subalit lumago iyon ng...sobra. I had to hire a
contact to manage it for me since it really grew.

"Good evening, Mr. Arguello. Just want to inform you that your stock earning
tripled for the past three months. I added three million dollars in your Swiss
account."

Gesú Cristo. That's a lot of money, but I am glad since that means I can spoil my
little brat more. I can provide her and my child everything. Heck, I can buy her an
island if she wants.

"Thank you, Fowler." I said and then dropped the call.

Matapos kong ibalik sa bulsa ng aking slacks ang aking cellphone ay nagpatuloy
lamang ako sa pagtayo doon.

I hope she likes the food and the flowers that I sent her. That's the only way I
can express my love for her earlier since she told me to stay away. It was hard for
me to stay away from her even for just a few hours. Literal na binibilang ko ang
bawat minutong lumilipas hanggang pwede ko na siya ulit na makita. It might sound
exaggerated but I haven't seen her in over a year.

I haven't seen my little brat until now, and what she asked of me felt like a
torture, but I did it anyway because that's what she wanted, I don't want to upset
her any further, and I want to see my child.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakita ko siya na naglalakad mula sa main entrance ng ospital.

I clenched my jaw when I saw that Bistalan hugged her. I am fighting every nerve in
my body to beat the living shit of the motherfücker. How dare he touch my woman?

It won't be long until I can finally shoo that bastard away.

Tsaka lamang ako nakahinga ng maluwag nang maghiwalay na sila. Bistalan then walked
away to get into his car and now my little brat is walking towards me.

My heart thudded so loud. My stomach is filled with butterflies.

Habang papalapit siya ay hindi ko maiwasang mapatitig sa kanya. God, she is really
beautiful. Hindi na siya nakasuot ng scrubs. Bagkus ay naka-simpleng t-shirt,
jeans, at lowcuts lamang siya. The stud earrings on both of her ears gleamed
against the sunlight.

Habang naka-frenchbraid ang kanyang mahabang light brown na buhok. Oh, how I missed
running my fingers through that soft and silky hair.

And because of the tropical weather of Guam, her skin turned olive from pale. As
she walked closer to me, nakikita ko na magkasalubong ang kanyang arched eyebrows,
her green eyes were bright with....annoyance for me. It's okay though, atleast
she's lookin' at me.

"Let me remind you, Arguello," She said in a sharp tone when she stopped in front
of me. Now that we're close, I can see her smooth face, cute little pointed nose,
her red delectable lips, and the lashes over her fiery green eyes. I can smell her
flowery-scent and the shampoo that she used.

"You're here because I want my son to meet his father. You're not here to kiss and
make up with me, do you understand?"

I can't answer that because I want to make up with her and kiss her again and
again.

"Son?" I asked instead. I have a son, woah.

"What's his name?" Hindi ko mapigilang tanong.

"Troy Magnus Del Russo-Arguello." Sagot niya at binuksan na ang kanyang sasakyan. I
immediately went around to get inside her car. Pagpasok ko ay naabutan ko na
inihagis niya ang kanyang bag sa backseat.

I feel like my heart is floating. My son has my name and my last name.

"You named him after me.." I did my best to stop my smile.

Hindi siya sumagot agad, bagkus ay nag-pullout lamang siya sa parking lot at
nagsimula nang magmaneho.

With her eyes still on the road, she answered, "I named my son after you because
you're still his father. Legal din na inilagay ko ang apelyido mo kahit walang
acknowledgement mula sa'yo kasi hindi naman tayo kasal. Magkaka-problema lang tayo
kapag ini-challege mo sa korte iyon. And," She paused when we stopped at a
redlight.

She looked at me with those fiery green eyes.

"If you dare to take my son's custody, I will destroy you, am I clear?"

Agad akong tumango at walang paga-alinlangan na sumagot ng, "Oo."

"Good." She said and then we continued driving.

I have no intention of taking anything away from my little brat. I just want to
give her everything that I am and everything that I have.
After fifteen minutes, pumasok kami sa isang gated residential. Sumalubong sa akin
ang mga naglalakihang mga bahay sa kaliwa't kanan. Every house is two storeys, made
of expensive stones and materials. Habang ang mga frontyard ay well maintained na
bermuda grasses or garden. I saw some kids playing outside, while their parents
watched them lovingly. My child will be like that in a few years, and I will make
sure that I am the man that Vlanca stands with as she watches our child play in the
frontyard.

Hindi nagtagal ay nag-pull over si Vlanca sa harap ng isang simple modern, two
storey home. It's painted in green and white.

Nang bumaba ako ay nakita ko agad sina Mr. and Mrs. Del Russo na naka-upo sa
magkabilang upuan sa front porch. Mrs. Del Russo has a crying baby in her arms, and
she definitely looked surprised to see me.

"The fúck is he doing here?"

I was so focused on looking at my kid na hindi ko napansin na papalapit na pala si

Mr. Del Russo sa direksyon ko. His face was deadly and he was angry.

Bago ko pa siya mapigilan ay nasikmuraan na niya ako. Napaubo ako at napaluhod sa

damuhan.

"Pa!" Sinusubukan siyang pigilan ni Vlanca subalit nahawakan na niya ako sa aking
collar at hinitak palayo.

He then straddled me and grip my collar tighter.

"You're not gonna tell her a word about the restraining order and how we banned you
from every service available, naiintindihan mo?" Mariin niyang bulong sa akin.

Sunod-sunod akong tumango dahil nasasakal na ako. I have no plans on telling her
either because I don't want to win her back just because she was pitying me.
Napaubo ako ng suntukin niya akong muli sa sikmura. I didn't fight back.

"Papa, ano ba! Get off of him!"

But Mr. Del Russo didn't budge, he was staring into my eyes, showing me that he is
dead serious.

"I don't know what the hell you did to end up here, but you're not gonna hurt my
daughter again. You are not good enough for her." He whispered again and abruptly
let me go. He left me lying on the grass as I pant for air.

Agad na lumapit sa akin si Vlanca.

Martina Vlanca

"I'm sorry, mi figlia." Marahang sabi ni Papa.

"Don't say sorry to me, hindi naman ako sinuntok niyo." Nanunuya kong sagot.

He sighed softly.
"I left a message on your phone. I told you he's coming to visit," I told him, "I
thought you received it."

"We didn't because we forgot that we even have phones, I'm sorry."

Napahilot ako sa aking sentido bago ako humarap kay Papa. Kasalukuyan kaming narito
sa second floor balcony ng bahay. We're currently sitting on the dining table, nasa
tapat ko si Papa habang may ice-pack na nakapatong sa kanyang kamao. His white
dress shirt is a little bit crumpled because of what happened earlier.

"And you're right, Magnus has the right to meet his father...and it's your
decision, mi figlia. I support that," He said. "But that bastard hurted you. He
deserved that punch." Mariin niyang dagdag at tinuro si Ezekiel na kasalukuyang
nasa dulong bahagi ng balcony. He's a little far, kaya hindi naman niya narinig
iyon.

My son was just waiting for his father. Iyon ang naisip ko habang nakatingin ako sa
kanila ngayon. Papalubog na ang araw kaya naman appropriate lang ang panahon para
kay Magnus. Magnus is currently in his father's arms, he is now at peace. He
literally stopped crying the moment his father carried him.

I teared up a little when I saw them together for the first time. Meanwhile,
Ezekiel cried as he carried his son for the very first time.

No matter how much I hate him, it was a beautiful sight.

Now, it's been over an hour, my son didn't even make a sound of discomfort. He's
happy to be in his father's arms. Meanwhile, Mama is currently there with Ezekiel.
She's talking to him because unlike my father, she took the news just fine.

"Fine, I will apologize to him and I will try to get along..." Napabalik naman ang
tingin ko kay Papa. His green eyes were softly looking at me. "Not now, though,"

I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

"But I will. Okay? I just have to get my anger at bay first.." My father softly
said and reached for my hand.

"Fine." I replied after a few seconds. "Promise you'll get along with him for me
and Magnus?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Anak.."

"Papa..."

"Fine, promise."

"Thank you, and no more punching."

He nodded.

"Ayaw humiwalay sa kanya ni Magnus," Sabi ni Mama matapos niyang makaupo sa tabi
ko. The soft material of her dress brushed against my skin for a moment.

"And no, I am not gonna sit beside you after what you did to Magnus' father." Sabi
ni Mama na ikinanguso ni Papa sandali.

"Now, given na ayaw sa kanyang humiwalay ng apo ko. That's gonna be a big problem
for your babysitter." Mama said to me.
Yeah, it's a big problem. Ni ayaw na nga sa akin na sumama ni Magnus kanina. He's
literally glued to his father. Subukan nga lang namin na kuhanin siya ng sandali ay
iiyak na siya. He would cry loud and with tears.

And it pains me to hear and see him cry like that.

Wala pa kaming arrangement tungkol sa kung hanggang kailan siya pwedeng bumisita or
makita si Magnus, pero, that option is off the table, now, since my son is crying
every time his father is away from him.

What if he doesn't stop crying after his father goes home? And I don't want him to
take my son to other houses. This is his home.

Ni wala pa ngang home ang Tatay niya e.

And there is only one solution I could think of, that could solve everything.

"What if he stays here?" I said and looked at both of my parents.

Napataas ng mga kilay si Mama. Papa shook his head immediately.

"Absolutely not. I am not gonna let you be alone with that fu–"

"Von, language." Bawal sa kanya ni Mama.

"O-Okay. But I am not gonna let you be alone with that man." He disapprovingly
replied.

I pinched the bridge of my nose for a moment before I fixed my gaze at my father
who's now frowning.

"Pa, first of all, I am twenty-six. I can handle myself just fine, okay?"

"Yes, I know. I just don't trust him."

"Well, you have to trust me that I can handle myself just fine."

Hindi nakakibo si Papa, meanwhile Mama just smirked. It's a smirk that says
'That's-my-girl.'

"And second, wala pa siyang bahay dito. We all know the process of purchasing a
home takes a long time. Heck, he doesn't even have a crib or toys for Magnus,"
Seryoso kong sagot. "Let's add the fact na ayaw humiwalay sa kanya ni Magnus."

Papa opened his mouth for a moment, but he just closed it again since no words came
out of it.

"And my baby is too small and fragile to travel from one house to another
frequently."

Napalunok si Papa at sandaling tinapunan ng tingin si Ezekiel na ngayon ay busy pa

din sa pagbuhat at paghele sa anak niya.

"Your daughter is right, Von," Mama said and reached for my hand. "This house is
big for both of them."

Papa stayed silent for a moment, before he sighed in defeat.

"It's funny that you think that I can ever say no to either of you." Naiiling na
lang na sagot ni Papa.

I smiled.

Hindi nagtagal ay kinailangan nang umalis nila Mama, since the jet is scheduled to
fly them out in thirty minutes. They have to leave now, if they want to be on time.
Kaya naman ngayon ay narito na kami sa front yard. A sedan from the airport is
parked in front of the house, kasalukuyan na tinutulungan ni Papa ang driver na
ilagay ang mga luggage at pinamili nila ni Mama sa sasakyan.

"Vlanca, hija, please, huwag kong mababalitaan na buntis ka na naman next month,
ah." Mama said that made my eyes go wide.

"Ma," Pinandilatan ko siya. "Huwag kang mag-alala may stash ako ng condøms, since
pills didn't work last time—"

"Vlanca!" Kinurot ako ni Mama sa bewang.

Tumawa ako. Oh, nakaka-miss galitin si Mama.

"I'm just kidding," Seryoso kong sagot.

Wala sa loob na napatingin ako kay Ezekiel na ngayon ay nasa front porch, still
holding our son. Hindi niya mailabas ng tuluyan si Magnus since mahamog na ang
gabi.

"He's here solely because of our son....and I knew better this time, Ma."

She nodded and smiled at me before she hugged me tight.

"Good, pero sinasabi ko sa'yo Vlanca. He's your housemate, not your fück buddy,
okay?"

Napailing na lang ako at natawa.

Hindi natagal ay natapos na sila Papa na mag-load ng bagahe. I kissed and hugged
both of my parents for the last time and then, umalis na sila lulan ng sasakyan,
officially leaving me with Ezekiel.

I know that since earlier, but why does thinking about it now makes me gulp?

Chapter 51: Busy Day

Roy Ezekiel

"Troy Magnus, they are your vovó e vovô," Malambing kong sabi kay Magnus at
inilapit nang bahagya sa screen ng laptop ang aking anak.

"Isn't he the cutest.." Papa mattured and tilted his head a little to get a better
look at him. Mama is currently beside him, it looks like they are in the living
room.

"Ah...goo.." He babbled and hummed as he curiously looked at the screen.

Kasalukuyan na masayang nakatitig sa kanya ang aking mga magulang. Halata ang
pagkagalak sa kanilang mga mata kahit na hanggang video-call na lang muna kami
ngayon.

Kagabi, matapos kong makilala ang anak ko at mapatulog siya ay kinuwento ko agad
ang tungkol sa kanya sa kanyang mga lolo't-lola. Na-surpresa sila noong nalaman
nila na may maga-apat na buwan na akong anak at higit sa lahat ay anak namin siya
ni Vlanca. Nakaka-surpresa para sa kanila dahil alam nila ay hiwalay na kami. Noong
naayos ko na ang sarili ko at bago ako nagtungo sa iba't-ibang bansa upang hanapin
si Vlanca ay nagtungo muna ako sa Baguio. Sinabi ko sa kanila ang mga nangyari, at
ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nila nakilala 'yung babae na kinahuhumalingan at mahal
na mahal ko.

Nagalit sila dahil sa ginawa ko kay Vlanca, tinawag pa nga akong idiota ni Mama
dahil sobrang mahal ako ni Vlanca tapos ganoon pa 'yong ginawa ko sa kanya. But in
the end, they both hugged me because I was their son after all and they also
understood the reason for my foolishness. I told them that I would find her and the
next time I went to Baguio, kasama ko na siya.

That's why they are so surprised because they didn't expect that I would have a son
with her, and that Vlanca would even let me be with him after everything that I
did.

And so, once I told my parents what happened here and that Magnus is really my son.
They wanted to see him the soonest, hence, we're here at the dining table, here on
the second floor balcony of the house. It's still early in the morning for us,
while it's late for my parents in Portugal.

"Oh, my precious apo....I can't wait to see you in person, minha querida."
Malambing na sabi ni Mamá kay Magnus. My son just blew raspberries.

"Ah, goo...gooo.." He babbled as his curious eyes traveled around the screen.

I couldn't help but to smile.

"I am sorry, Tita and Tito kung ngayon niyo lang nakilala si Magnus..." Narinig
kong sabi ni Vlanca mula sa aking tabi. Hindi ko maiwasang mapalingon—scratch that.
Hindi lamang ako lumingon sa kanya, sa halip, ay napatitig ako sa kanya na animo'y
iyon ang unang beses ko siyang nakita.

I knew that she has always been the one for me because whenever I look or stare at
her, I always get this palpitating feeling in my chest, and as if I couldn't
breathe because I am just always stunned by her beauty.

Even now that she's wearing her blue scrubs and with her hair inside her purple
scrubcap.

Ang kanyang berdeng mga mata ay natauon sa screen ng laptop. I couldn't help
admiring her perfect sideview for a moment. After that, I forced myself to look
away since I know that she doesn't like it when I stare at her for too long.

"Hija, don't," Mama replied to Vlanca. "You made a decision that was the best at
that time. I cannot blame you for that, Hija. I am just happy to see my
grandson...." Pagpapatuloy ni Mama. My father nodded in agreement.
Through my peripheral vision, I saw her smile a little.

"Can we meet him in person?" Masayang tanong ni Papa.

Vlanca did not hesitate to nod.

"Tito, you don't even have to ask. Just drop by anytime you like. I can even
arrange a private flight for you."

Both of my parents smiled.

"You are so sweet, Vlanca, but that is not necessary."

"Okay po..." She replied and took a glance at her watch. "Unfortunately, I have to
go, Tita and Tito."

"Alright, take care, Hija." Papa said and smiled at her.

"I understand how demanding your schedule can be...it was nice meeting you,
Vlanca.." Mama said sweetly.

Vlanca flashed them an adoring smile. How I wish, she'd smile at me like that, too.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapahigit sa aking hininga nang lumapit siya sa akin. Her scent
flooded my nose. My heart was thudding. I thought she leaned closer for me....but
it was for our son. I watched her kiss Magnus on his forehead.

I want a kiss too.

"Bye, baby, I'll see you later." She murmured. Magnus just giggled.

After that she rose to her feet and waved at my parents.

"I'll see you soon po!"

"Bye, mommy.." I said and carefully used Magnus' hand to wave at Vlanca, who's
walking backwards, so she can still see our son. She smiled and then gave him a
flying kiss, before she looked back without looking at me.

"Oh, bakit mukhang naga-abang ka din ng kiss mula sa Mama ni Magnus, ah?" Tudyo ni
Papa.

Umiling ako at ngumisi nang bahagya.

"I'm gonna win his mother back, Pa..." I replied with a tone full of hope. Binaba
ko naman ang tingin ko sa anak ko. He was just silently watching me. "Right, buddy?
Papa's gonna win Mommy back...right?"

"Goo...ah.." He babbled. Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti habang natawa naman ang mga
magulang ko.

"That's my boy, you root for your Papa, hm?"

He babbled again. When I first carried him in my arms yesterday...I was speechless
and I was a statue just staring at him. I know at that moment that Magnus is my kid
not just because of how much we look alike but also because of how strong the love
I was feeling for this kid in my arms and how much connection I was feeling with
him.
"You are so adorable holding your son, anak." Napatingin naman ako sa screen nang
magsalita si Mama.

"I took alot of screenshot while you were playing with your son." Papa said that
made me smile.

"You said you're gonna win her back...but I also heard that she has a boyfriend
now.." Papa said. Mama gave me a curious look.

My jaw clenched when I remembered Bistalan's stupid face.

"Yeah..but that doesn't mean I won't try..."

"Good luck...and we root for you...but don't push too hard, okay? She's been
through alot and the last thing that she needs is your stubborn butt." Pinandilatan
ako ni Mama.

I nodded and smirked a little.

"Now, let me talk to my Magnus again..."

Magnus blew raspberries to his grandma.

Nang matapos ang tawag ay gutom na si Magnus. Kaya naman pumasok na kami sa loob ng
bahay. Habang buhat ko ang umiiyak kong anak sa kaliwa kong braso ay binuksan ko
naman ang ref gamit ang isa kong kamay. Inilabas ko ang isang pouch ng breastmilk
na ini-store ni Vlanca doon. I then walked to the marble island counter kung nasaan
ang basket na may malilinis na feeding bottles at bottle teats.

"Hold on, son...shh..almost done." I murmured bahagya kong isinasayaw si Magnus.

Nang matapos kong isalin ang gatas ay agad kong isinara ang feeding bottle at
isinubo ang artificial teat kay Magnus. He stopped crying.

"There you go.." Bulong ko at maingat na hinawakan ang bottle.

Hindi ko muli maiwasang mapangiti habang nakatitig ako sa kanya. Tumigil lamang
siyang umiyak kahapon nang buhatin ko siya. It's like he knows that I am his
father. He is too young to know it but I am sure he can feel my profound and pure
love for him.

And because of his instant attachment to me, I get to live with him and his mother.

Kagabi ay sobrang saya ko noong sinabi sa akin ni Vlanca na pwede ako ditong tumira
kasama sila. I was so delighted, I can't help but to silently thank my son. He is
unconsciously helping me win her mother back.

Nang maubos ni Magnus ang gatas ay inantok na din siya dahil sa pagkabusog. Sandali
ko lamang siyanbg inihele bago siya tuluyang natulog nang mahimbing. Ngayon ay
narito na kami sa kanyang kwarto. It was simple and there's not much of a design
yet since he's still a baby. Subalit may playing mat at mga infant toys na sa
kaliwang bahagi ng kwarto, habang narito sa gitna ang kanyang wooden crib. There is
a small table beside it, and also a rocking chair. Habang may walk in closet naman
sa kanan.

Nang masigurado ko na maayos na ang posisyon niya sa kanyang crib at mahimbing na

ang kanyang tulog ay inabot ko na ang baby monitor na nasa sidetable. I then
silently went out of the door and returned to the kitchen.

I smiled to myself after I put down the device on the island counter.

Now that my son is sleeping, I am gonna have the time to clean the house a little,
ayusin ang mga gamit at damit ko na pina-deliver ko mula sa hotel room ko, at higit
lahat ay magkakaroon din ako ng oras upang iluto at ihanda ang mga paboritong
pagkain ni Vlanca.

I know she doesn't believe in my mere words anymore, and that's okay, because I
will show her how serious I am about her. About earning her forgiveness, winning
her back again, and I will also show my love and devotion for her, every chance I
get.

Martina Vlanca

"Is that a freaking sinulid in the heart?" Gulantang na sabi ni B habang nakatayo
siya sa tabi ko. I am in Cardio today kaya magkasama kami ni B. I rotate around
every specialty since I am a first year and still an intern. Meanwhile B is stuck
in Cardio because he specializes in it.

Kasalukuyan kaming nakatitig pareho sa scan ng isang pasyente na kasalukuyang naka-

attach sa equipment na nasa dingding. That hospital equipment has a light, which
allows us to not only see the heart of our male patient in his mid thirties, but we
also see the small needle poking his heart, specifically along the midline. Which
was obviously the reason for his sharp pain to the chest. And we still had no idea
how it got there.

"Dåmn," Bulong ko at napailing lang sandali.

Dahan-dahan naman na napabaling sa akin si B, shock is still visible in his face.

Like me he's wearing the same scrubs. Our only differences are the whitecoat and
the scrubcap, since his coat is longer and his scrubcap is a color rainbow.

"'Dåmn', that's it?"

I chuckled.

"Well, that is....rare and mindblowing," I gestured to the scan for a moment. "But
I've seen rarer cases than that."

Humalukipkip siya at pinaningkitan ako ng mga mata.

"Try me."

"Okay, semen in the eyes,"

Napapito siya.

"That's one hell of a way to start, V. Let me guess, ejaculation-on-the-face-gone-

wrong."

I snorted before I nodded.

He made a 'tsk' sound before he said, "That's why I always tell the ladies to close
their eyes whenever I—"

"B! No." Pinandilatan ko siya.

He smirked.

"Go on."

"A kid swallowed forty pellet gun bullets, A man with Auto-Brewery Syndrome, a lady
crying with blood, A woman who had a baby in her abdominal cavity—"

"DÅMN," He exclaimed while his eyes were wide as saucers.

"I told you." Smug kong sagot.

He clicked his tongue and shook his head.

"Yeah, GSMH is intriguing."

Ngumisi ako.

"Anyway, we need to get Mr. Davilyo inside an OR right now,"

I nodded in agreement.

"I'm on it." Sagot ko at kinuha na ang scan mula sa equipment at inabot sa kanya
iyon. Sabay kaming lumabas ng exam room.

"And I'll inform the Attending. I'll see you later, wifey—Oh, wait, anyway, how
was–"

Pinandilatan ko siya.

"Nope, you're not gonna bully me into talking about him."

Ngumisi lang siya bago siya tuluyang naglakad palayo. Meanwhile I walked in the
opposite direction. Walking in hallways like this reminds me of my days in GSMH. It
reminds me of walking with Dakota, going into our on-call rooms. Walking alone to
go to his on-call room to meet him and do-—

"No, Vlanca," Bulong ko. I can't be thinking about him during worktime. Jeez.

I wasn't able to get him out of my mind last night, even if we barely interacted.
Matapos na umalis ang mga magulang ko ay sinabi ko sa kanya na pwede siyang tumira
kasama namin. After that, I blocked his opportunity to talk to me, about us or
whatever lies he has in store.

I don't even want to see him or look at him...because everytime I do...there is a

tug in my stomach and at the same time a clench in my heart. I remember those eyes
looking at Trinity in a way that didn't fail to break me.

Sure, I have so many questions for him. Where the hell is Trinity? Why did he just
leave her after choosing her? Why the fúck did he stop practicing medicine? He just
gave it all up in a snap and for what? Did he ever loved me or was I just a
reminder of someone who really loves?

Guess, I'll never know because I refuse to listen to any word that will come out of
his mouth about us, about a year ago, about anything that involves him and I.
Because I am afraid to fall for his vicious tricks and lies...again.

So, my solution is to shut him out, kaya kagabi ay nagkulong na lang ako sa kwarto
ko. I just let them bond since ayaw din naman sa akin sumama ni Magnus. And so, I
was there in my room, 'studying'. Well, there was a quotation mark because I
couldn't focus. I was just staring at the words and not comprehending a single shît
just because he was outside...and there are thoughts about him that I shouldn't be
thinking about that are lingering inside my head.

It's fúcking ridiculous and I hate it.

Lumabas lamang ako sa kwarto ko noong tulog na sila pareho. Magnus was in his crib
while his father was in his room that I told him to use. He took a baby monitor
with him. And that night, my baby slept like a baby, ni wala akong narinig na
uncomfortable sound mula sa baby monitor buong magdamag.

Kaninang umaga naman pagkalabas ko ng kwarto ay may kape na at pagkain na nakahanda

sa counter table. I was tempted to eat because the friedrice looked so good but I
didn't touch it. If he thinks that he could just crawl into my life again, in a
snap. Nagkakamali siya.

His efforts and words don't mean anything to me anymore. And so, I ignored the food
and just joined the call with his parents. I love Dr. Brites and her husband, Tito
Jakob. I genuinely like them and my niceness towards them is real. They have
nothing to do with what happened to their son and I and It's not hard to push aside
my issues with Ki–Ezekiel for my son's grandparents.

Napahinto naman ako sa paglalakad nang marating ko na ang harap ng pintuan ng

kwarto ni Mr. Devilyo. I practiced a polite smile and then twisted the knob.

"These jam sandwiches are something else, V." Sabi ni B habang nilalamon niya ang
pangalawang sandwich na nakuha niya mula sa malaking brown na paper bag.
Nakasimangot akong napasandal sa upuan. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa resident's
lounge, we both just got off from Mr. Devilyo's surgery. It was a long surgery
because we had to be very careful on extracting the needle kahit na maliit lamang
iyon, dahil ang puso ay isang delicate organ.

It's already one in the afternoon and ngayon lamang kami nakalabas ng OR. Good
thing ay sa emergency room lang kami ni B na-assign hanggang mamayang alas singko.
Pagdating namin dito sa lounge ay may bag na ng pagkain sa lamesa at isang boquet
ng bulaklak....na may pangalan ko.

B didn't even ask if he can eat what's inside or if it was even safe to eat, dahil
kay B ang pagkain ay pagkain at ang libre ay libre kaya naman agad siyang lumapit
doon at nagsimulang maghalungkat. The first food he got his hands on are the
sandwiches.

Samantalang ako ay walang ganang napaupo sa kanyang tapat. Kung ang unang bag ay
may sticky note lamang ng pangalan ko. This time Ezekiel is not subtle.

Napabuntong hininga ako at napaupo nang maayos. While B was still devouring the
bread, he watched me snatch the paper from the bag.

I scoffed nang mabasa ko ang sinulat niya.

'Ti amo sempre, mio piccolo moccioso. Per favore, mangia bene.'

'I always love you, my little brat. Please eat well.'

Nagtiim bagang ako at nilukot ko iyon sa aking palad. If he thinks that this
gesture will get me, he is so wrong. Mas lalo lang akong nagalit sa kanya. If he
thinks he can just crawl back into my life with his efforts or if he thinks that he
still has a chance with me, nagkakamali siya.

"V...you okay?" Tanong ni B sa akin habang may pagkain pa ang bibig niya. Napansin
niya siguro ang maasim kong mukha. "That was a rather stupid question, guessing
from your face, you are not fine and you are thinking of doing something." Dagdag
niya matapos niyang ilunok ang kinakain niya.

"Bingo." Sagot ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.

Napalunok siya.

"Okay. Which is?"

"I am gonna show him that these stupid gestures need to stop and that that he has
no chance with me again." I replied without taking my eyes off of him.

"Okay...?" He trailed with his brows furrowed. "Pero V, bakit ka tingin sa akin
ganyan?"

Roy Ezekiel

"Up above the world so high...like a diamond in the sky...hmmm..hmm..." I hummed as

I slowly lowered Magnus in his crib. It's already three in the afternoon at ngayon
lang ulit siya nakatulog matapos siyang magising kaninang alas onse ng umaga. Buti
na lamang ay nakatapos na akong maglinis, magligpit, at magluto ng tanghalian ko at
ni Vlanca. Habang buhat ko si Magnus kanina ay tinawagan ko ang food courier
service at pina-pick-up ko sa kanya ang pagkain dito upang dalhin sa resident's
lounge iyon.

I hope she enjoyed the food.

Matapos kong dampian ng halik ang kamay ni Magnus ay kinuha ko na ang baby monitor
at nagtungo sa kusina. I stood by the island counter after I put the device down on
the counter.

Earlier, around one p.m, Vlanca surprisingly texted me, she told me that if I ever
got an important question, I should call her since the hospital's busy and she
might not see it right away kung ite-text ko lang sa kanya. And right now, I do
have an important question. Hindi ko sigurado kung anong oras siya uuwi. Kailangan
ko siyang tanungin upang mailuto ko ang hapunan namin ng tama sa oras, since I
don't want her to eat either cold or re-heated food. She deserves fresh and the
best of my cooking.

Kaya naman binunot ko ang aking phone sa backpocket ng aking sweatpants at ini-dial
ang number niya. I bit my lower lip for a moment as I pressed the phone against my
ear.
My heart skipped a beat when she answered.

"Hey, I was just wondering kung anong oras ka—"

"Oh, my god, by....right there....yes, yes..."

I froze.

"Ah, you fúcking like that?"

Kumuyom ang kamao ko habang kumirot ang aking dibdib.

I can hear pounding sounds on the other line along with her moans with him.
Nanginginig kong tiningan ang screen ng aking phone kung tama ba ang number na ini-
dial ko. I was really hoping that it was a different number.....but it was really
her number.

"Hello?" I heard that specific husky voice of hers....I only hear that whenever she
says my name when we're having...

Tears burned my eyes.

"Shh..B..stop, wait....ahh.."

"Who is this? Ezekiel?"

Lumunok ako at naguunahang tumulo ang mga luha ko sa aking mga pisngi. Wala akong
karapatan na magalit o magselos pero sobrang sakit. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ako
makahinga.

"N-Nevermind...s-sorry.." Mabilis kong pinatay ang tawag at padabog na ibinaba ang

aking cellphone sa lamesa. I quickly wiped all my tears.

Martina Vlanca

"You can stop slapping your thigh now. He hung up." Sabi ko kay B matapos na ibaba
ni Ezekiel ang tawag.

"Oh," He said and then stopped from slapping his thigh to make a fake séx sound.
Bumuntong hininga siya bago niya ibinaba ang laylayan ng kanyang scrub bottom.

"Gosh, that was ridiculous...I really hate you and your charms." He said that made
me smirk a little.

He then stood up from the floor of the stock room after a few moments. Habang
marahan niyang pinapagpag ang whitecoat niya ay nanatili akong nakaupo sa sahig.
Still holding my phone and.....surprisingly thinking about Ezekiel's voice while we
were on the phone. How it sounded and why am I thinking about it?

"I think after we faked having séx, I am gonna have to hire a protective detail." B
said with humor.

Napailing na lang ako at napangisi, bago ako napatayo. Pinagpag ko din ang likuran
ng whitecoat ko matapos kong ibulsa ang aking cellphone.
"It sounds like naniwala siya.." Sabi ko sa kanya nang makalabas na kami ng
stockroom. Kasaluluyan na kaming pabalik sa reception desk sa emergency room.

Kumunot ang noo niya.

"Okay, then, why do you sound....so glum? Isn't that what you wanted?" His tone was
genuine.

Hindi ako nakaimik. I don't know either.

Saktong alas sais ay nakarating na ako ng bahay. Somehow, I feel nervous going
home. Matapos kong kuhanin ang aking backpack mula sa driver's seat ay ini-lock ko
na ang aking sasakyan. As I was walking towards the front door I passed by his Benz
parked in front of the closed-garage doors.

Nang mabuksan ko ang front door ay agad kong naamoy ang mabangong aroma na garlic
bread at ang pamilyar na amoy ng shrimp pasta. He was not in the living room, ang
nakita ko lamang doon ay si Magnus, he was awake and safely laying in his bassinet
in the middle of the living room. May portable baby camera monitor sa gilid niya,
meaning that his father has the monitor with him and can see whatever our son is
doing kahit na nasa ibang bahagi siya ng bahay.

Agad kong ibinaba sa couch ang aking bag at agad siyang kinuha. I smiled as I saw
him wearing a cute red over-alls.

"Hey, my baby.." I murmured as I carried him. He blew raspberries at me. Buti na

lamang ay naka-braid akong muli ngayon dahil kung hindi ay kanina pa niya ako
nasabunutan.

Hindi nagtagal ay lumabas si Ezekiel mula sa kusina. Napalunok ako habang papalapit
siya sa akin. He was cooking because he was wearing an apron over his shirt and
fresh sweatpants.

"Hi," Bati niya at ngumiti sa akin. "The dinner is almost done. I'm sure y-you're
hungry from such a b-busy day." His tone was shaky, I am not sure if it was because
of rage or that he's stopping himself from crying.

I felt a tug in my stomach when I saw his eyes.

"Hey, you w-were calling earlier?" Tanong ko na lang.

"Yeah, it was nothing..." He silently replied. He was smiling like nothing happened
but his eyes were red and puffy.

I swallowed, This is what I wanted. To see the hurt in his eyes.

It should satisfy me that he's in pain knowing that I am already with somebody, but
there is no sense of satisfaction in my chest.

Chapter 52: Strawberries and Spoons

Martina Vlanca

"Freaking ridiculous." Bulong ko sa sarili ko matapos kong abutin ang aking bedside
clock at nakita ko na alas singko na ng umaga. Napabuntong hininga ako bago ako
muling humiga at tumitig sa kisame.

Naiinis ako sa sarili ko dahil sumapit ang alas singko ng umaga ay hindi pa ako
nakakatulog.

I haven't slept a wink since two a.m because everytime I close my eyes all I see is
how his face looked like, last night. How red and puffy his eyes were from crying.

Napalunok ako. I felt that kick of an unpleasant feeling in my chest.

I shouldn't care. Well, wala naman akong pake....I just feel like shît dahil hindi
ako sanay na manakit ng ibang tao. It's not my field of expertise. If anything,
that's Ezekiel's forte.

Hindi ka sanay manakit ng ibang tao o ayaw mo lang siyang nakikitang nasasaktan?

I gritted my teeth. I hate my subconcious.

I mean, why should I feel guilty or why should I even feel like shît for making him
cry? And yes, I am aware that I sound like a complete åsshole right now but It's
not my fault that he's hurt that I am 'getting' a dîck. We're not in a relationship
anymore. I am not responsible for his feelings anymore... I can do whatever I want.

And unfortunately, calling him while I am in the middle of 'having séx' is not one
of them.

I don't want to pull that kind of thing again. I just hope that he takes the
message that I don't want anything to do with him anymore.

So, yeah, I cannot sleep properly because I am not used to hurting other people,
not because I still care for him or I still love him. That is ridiculous.

With a sigh, I stood up from my king sized bed. Inayos ko muna ang aking puting
makapal na duvet at ang mga brown na mga unan, bago ko inipon ang aking gulo-gulong
buhok sa aking kamay at inipit iyon gamit ang aking itim na hair clamp na kinuha ko
mula sa aking bedside table. May iilang hibla ng buhok na naiwan sa gilid ng aking
mukha, subalit hindi ko na iyon pinansin. Naglakad na ako patungo sa aking simpleng
study table sa kanang bahagi ng kwarto. I softly snatched my two-hundred thirty
dollar soft grey silk kimono robe. I wore it over my black nighties, bago ko kinuha
ang aking laptop mula sa aking table.

Hindi naman na ako makatulog kaya magsusulat na lang ako ng abstracts tungkol sa
cases na na-assign sa akin kahapon. As I walked out of my room, I checked the baby
monitor in my other hand. Magnus was still peacefully sleeping.

I am always indoors, kaya naman imbes na sa sala o sa dining table ko gawin ang
aking work ay napag-desisyonan ko na sa second-floor balcony ko na lang iyon gawin
kung saan may fresh air at kita ko ang labas.

Nang makaakyat ako sa taas ay sumalubong sa akin ang parehong granite tiles at mas
eleganteng chanderlier sa kisame. I passed by some of the paintings on the wall and
the

wooden white doors of my siblings' room as I made my way to the frenchdoor that
leads to the balcony.

Napatigil naman ako sa harap ng nakasarang mga pintuan nang mapansin kong naka-
andar ang ilaw doon.

"Eighty-eight.." I can hear a man counting. I am certain that it's him.

Napalunok ako bago ako tumabi at nagtago sa makapal na kurtina sa gilid ng french
door. I curiously peeked through the glass door. He's currently doing pushups near
the dining table. I can hear that's he's already pushing through nineties pero
parang wala lang sa kanya iyon.

When he pushed-down the muscles on his back moved and his triceps flexed when he
pushed up. Bahagyang magulo ang kanyang buhok na basa ng pawis, meanwhile his hard-
looking body is glistening with sweat, too.

Somehow, my throat ran dry.

I shook my head, why am I creeping like a pervert? I should look away ....but I
can't stop looking. I feel thirsty...suddenly.

Maybe because it's been a while since I've seen a fine specimen of a male like him.
I mean, B is fine, too, but I don't see him in a way that I see Ezekiel, séxually.
That's a fact that I would never tell Ezekiel. No matter how much I hate him or
what we faced in the past, it's undeniable that he is hot...more than hot. I
shouldn't feel this way towards him because we're done and I want to continue to
move forward but I am just a woman who hasn't gotten laid for over a year. I mean,
it became the least of my priorities because I was focused on my son and just
getting my life together.

Hindi ako naging interesado sa pakikipag-relasyon o pakikipag-kita kahit kanino

kasi una, I have my fingers that can atleast satiate a need....and secondly, ayoko
na pumasok sa kahit anong klase ng relasyon kasi nga natakot na ako. I didn't want
to start something with anyone because, honestly, not only I was scared but I am
also not prepared for any outcome of it.

That being said, I didn't realize how sad and droughty my séx life is until I saw
how really hot his body is. Hot na siya dati, with his brooding yet enticing look
and a body of a greek-god under the whitecoat. But now that his body became buff
and he grew that beard and hair....he became a góddåmn wetdream. Again, that's a
fact that he'll never know.

I am still standing in the same position. He's now doing squats at ang suot niyang
itim na athletic shorts ay bahagyang bumaba.

"The fück?" Hindi ko maiwasang maibulong dahil may nakikita akong traces ng tinta
sa kanyang....pwetan. What the héll is that? Namamalikmata lang ba ako or did he
really get a tattoo on his åsscheeks—

I shook my head. Whatever he does with his body is none of my concern anymore. I
cannot be curious again. Last time, I got curious with him...it didn't end well.

I really need to do my abstracts, and I am still going to the balcony kahit naroon
siya. Kaya naman bago pa ako maging girl version ni Joe Goldberg at patuloy siyang
panoodin through the glass ay pinihit ko na ang doorknob. Without looking at him, I
took the nearest seat and placed my laptop and the baby monitor on the dining
table. My son is still peacefully sleeping.

"Good morning.." Malambing niyang bati sa akin pero hindi ako sumagot. I just
opened my laptop and started working.

"What are you working on?" He huskily asked as I heard the soft sounds of his
barefoot on the floor.

Napalunok ako nang tumayo siya sa gilid ko. My back straightened up. Suddenly, I
became sensitive to his presence. Mas lalo akong napalunok nang makita ko ang
kanyang pawisang abs at ang umbok sa shorts niya sa aking pheriperal vision.

Have mercy on me.

"Anything I can do to help?"

"Get away from me and get dressed." Malamig kong sagot at hindi siya tiningnan.

"Okay." Sagot lang niya at naglakad na palayo. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag noong
narinig kong sumara ang frenchdoor.

However, the peace that I was feeling didn't last long dahil dumaan ang sampong
minuto ay bumalik siya. He's now dressed in a white tank top at sweatpants. Tahimik
siyang naglapag ng isang tall glass ng iced-coffee at isang platito ng fresh fruits
sa gilid ng aking laptop.

I didn't say anything.

Akala ko ay aalis na siya pero umupo siya sa katapat kong upuan. The dark skies
were behind him. From what I can see here, ay may isang bowl siya ng yogurt with
strawberries and blackberries in front of him. I can also see that the shirt didn't
help dahil manipis iyon, kaya naman bakat ang abs niya at ang matipuno niyang
dibdib.

Napalunok ako. Hindi ako kumibo at nagtipa lang habang nagsimula siyang kumain.

"Hm, I like the sourness." Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapatingin sa kanya nang
marinig ko ang kanyang bulong.

When my gaze landed on him, he was focused on his food. He brought a spoonful of
yogurt in his mouth pero nang ilabas niya ang kutsara mula sa bibig niya ay may
yogurt pang natira doon.

Nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko nang dahan-dahan niyang dilaan ang kutsara. The languid
strokes of his velvety tongue against the metal spoon resembles the manner of how
he licks me down there until he brings me to an ørgåsmic bliss using his tongue.

My nipples hardened as a surge of heat coursed through my veins. No, no, that is
not good.

But still, I continue to discreetly look at him.

He now settled the spoon beside the bowl. Using his right hand, he picked up a
strawberry. He took a small bite at the bottom of it.

Hindi ko maiwasang mapakagat sandali sa aking pangibabang labi nang dilaan niya ang
kinagatan niyang parte. And then, he wrapped his red and plump lips around the
bitten tip and slowly sucked the juice out of it.

I clenched my thighs as I felt a gush of wet heat soaked my panties.

I feel hot and bothered because the way he treated that poor strawberry with his
mouth was the same way he treated my breasts when he was sucking and licking them.
I can clearly remember that he won't stop until both of my breasts are wet and
swollen.

Napatikhim ako at napaayos ng upo. Sweet baby Jesus Christ. I came here to be
productive, not to get hørny.

"Are you okay, Vlanca?" He gently asked as he chewed the strawberry in his mouth.
He innocently tilted his head as he observed my now red face."You're blushing....
Naiinitan ka ba? I can get the fan if you want."

Pinukol ko lang siyang masamang tingin bago ko padabog na isinara ang aking laptop.
I then took my things and walked away, wordlessly. And in each step I make, I can
feel the wetness inside my panties.

Freaking Ezekiel.

He knows exactly what the héll he was doing with that dåmn strawberries and spoon,
and I am such an idiot for reacting to it....and wanting more.

Fùck!

Roy Ezekiel

Nakangisi akong sumubo ulit ng strawberry habang pinapanood ko siyang maglakad

palayo.

Oh, Vlanca, that is just the beginning. I have many more delicious and toe-curling
things to do to you.

Yes, I was hurt about what I heard yesterday but it's not the end of the world. I
cannot just cry, If I really want to win her back, I need to do something. I need
to eliminate and be better than the competition. Even if that means I have to
seduce her.

It's no problem, I love loving and seducing Vlanca. And to do both feels like a
dream.

To see her blush and her nipples hardened through her silk robe. Is she also wet
down there?

My cóck twitched.

I cleared my throat and adjusted it. Nope, not yet.

Like I said, I'll be patient with her. If she doesn't want to listen to me, just
yet. It's okay...but I will still continue to love and cherish her....and I will
also make sure that I will be the one to fullfill her needs, not that stupid
cardiac-surgeon.

Chapter 53: Your Other Baby

Martina Vlanca

The following days came, nagpatuloy ang hindi ko maayos na pagtulog, hindi dahil sa
guilt kung hindi dahil sa ibang bagay. Something else is hunting me in my sleep,
leaving me awake most of the night.

Him.

I feel so frustrated...because ever since that morning in that balcony, I have been
having vivid dreams—séx flashbacks to be specific. It feels so real that I would
wake up in the middle of the night with...soaked underwear and sweat all over my
body. After that I couldn't sleep anymore because of my throbbing cünt.

It's ridiculous but it's happening to me. He already infiltrated my system and
officially physically affected—-and still is affecting me. It is upsetting and as
alarming as it sounds, I don't feel that worried because that's all he could ever
do, use his physical charms and affect me.

That's all it will ever be, physical. At hindi ako marupok. Hindi ko kakalimutan
ang lahat ng ganoon-ganoon na lang at magpapadala sa kanya. No.

Ngayong umaga ay maaga akong nakagayak tulad na lamang ng mga nakaraang araw. Ever
since that morning, I'd get up at five in the morning and catch up on my paperwork.

And no, hindi na ako nagtutungo sa balcony upang gawin iyon dahil alam kong naroon
siya. Instead, I'd work on my laptop in my room. After that, I'll take a cold
shower and prepare.

Ngayon ay nakasuot na ako ng usual scrubs ko habang nakalugay at basa pa ang aking
buhok. It's just six in the morning, may time pa ako para puntahan si Magnus at
makipag-bonding sa kanya kahit sandali. Pagbukas ko ng pinto ay sumalubong sa akin
ang malaking sala ng bahay, since narito sa first floor ang kwarto ko.

When I shut the wooden door, I walked past the room next to mine. Doon siya
kasalukuyang natutulog. I know, out of all the rooms bakit sa tabi pa ng kwarto ko?
Well, iyon lang kasi ang available at walang gamit na kwarto dito sa bahay, since
this house has exactly eight rooms. Lima sa taas since naroon ang mga kwarto ng
apat kong mga kapatid and they all have their stuff there since they stay here
every now then. Naroon din ang kwarto ng parents ko. Samantalang dito sa baba ay
ang kwarto ko at ni Ate Maria.

She doesn't really like this place and she only goes here unless she really has to.
Therefore walang personalization ang kwarto niya dito. It's just a bed and a couple
of clothes. So, doon ko siya pinag-stay matapos kong kuhanin ang iilang gamit ni
Ate Maria. Samantalang ang kwarto naman ng anak namin ay ang katabi ng kwarto niya,
it was a former storage room, and because of the massive renovation that we did,
hindi mababakas na lalagyan lang iyon ng mga box at lumang gamit dati.

Napatigil naman ako sa paglalakad nang nakita kong nakabukas ang pintuan ng kwarto
ng anak ko. I slowly peeked when I heard his voice. Kasalukuyan siyang nakatayo sa
gilid ng crib ni Magnus habang buhat niya ang anak namin. It seems like he's very
focused on playing with him to even notice me. Besides, nasa pinakagilid ako naka-
pwesto. Hindi ko naman maiwasan na mapalunok nang makita ko na tanging basketball
shorts lang ang suot niya.

I quickly turned my attention away from him.

"Peek-a-boo... da!"

I smiled when I heard my son's giggles.

"I am Papa Kiel...say it, my boy.....Pa-pa..Kiel."

Mukhang hindi sa kanya nakikinig si Magnus dahil inabot niya ang beard ng Tatay
niya at tinatapik-tapik niya iyon gamit ang kanyang kamay na balot ng kulay puting
hand covers.

"Goo.."

Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti. He is so good with children, especially with his own.

"Did you know that your beautiful Momma made that cute, cute, nickname for me.." He
said as he looked at his son. His finger is gently caressing Magnus' cheek.

"Goo...ah.." Magnus babbled.

"Oh, yes....noong unang beses niya akong tinawag noon ay sinungitan ko siya...I
even called it the 'S' word...I regret that...but I wanted her to think at that
time that I don't like it because your Papa was a fool and he had issues.....but
deep inside, I love the nickname...so much..."

Napalunok ako.

"...but she stopped calling me that....because your Papa became an even bigger fool
because he thought he wasn't sure about your Momma... because he got
confused.....ah, why am I telling you this, son?" Pagak siyang natawa. Magnus just
blew raspberries at him.

Meanwhile, I stood frozen there...not knowing what to do or even what to feel about
what I just heard.

He thought he wasn't sure about me? And yet, he blatantly said 'Oo' to my face when
I asked him if she still meant something. Bullshît.

I inhaled softly before I decided to finally step in the room.

"Oh," Bahagya siyang nagulat, subalit nginitian niya agad ako. "Good morning, my
beautiful lady."

Hindi ako sumagot subalit napalunok ako. Marami naman sa akin ang nagko-compliment
sa ospital pero never akong napalunok dahil doon.

Hindi ko siya tiningan, lumapit lamang ako sa kanya at hinalikan ang anak ko. I am
careful not to brush against his bare and warm skin. I can't let myself feel his
hard muscles and—No, Vlanca.

"Hello... my baby." I greeted Magnus and kissed his forehead and cheeks. The whole
time that I was being affectionate to our son, I could feel his burning stare at
the back of my head. Meanwhile, my whole body is hyper-aware of his presence and I
freaking hate it. Nang humiwalay naman ako sa anak namin ay napatingala ako sa
kanya dahil napansin ko na nakanguso siya habang nakatitig sa akin ang kanyang mga
asul na mga mata.

"Anong nginunguso-nguso mo diyan?" I harshly asked and glared at him.

"You forgot to kiss your other baby.." He shamelessly replied while looking at me.
I didn't expect that kaya naman nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I was speechless.

No way he just said that—

"I am perfectly okay with one peck on the lips...pretty please." Nakangisi niyang
dagdag.

My heart was thudding so loud as my mouth parted in surprise. Si Magnus naman ay

nakatingala lamang sa amin habang nakahiga siya sa braso ng kanyang loko-lokong
ama.

"I-I,"

What the heck just happened?

Napatingin naman ako kay Magnus nang magsimula siyang mag-babble muli.

Nagpupumiglas na siya mula sa kanyang ama dahil gusto niyang magpabuhat sa akin.
Wordlessly, I picked him up.

My son tapped my chest with his cloth covered hand bago siya nagpa-ulan ng laway.

Mabilis na kinuha ni Ezekiel ang pang-baby na towel mula sa kanyang balikat at

ginamit iyon upang punasan ang laway ni Magnus na napunta sa pisngi at sa expose
kong balat sa aking chest area.

"I'll do it." I said through gritted teeth and softly snatched the towel from him.
Kalmante lang niya sa akin na ibinigay iyon.

Pinukol ko siya nang masamang tingin bago ako naglakad palabas sa kwarto ni Magnus.

I was walking fine but deep inside I was still surprised na marunong nang bumanat
ang ama niya, and I was also surprised with the fact that I was wordless.

Nang makarating kami ng sala ay umupo ako sa couch katabi ng aking work backpack.

Magnus continued to babble, while I observed his clothes. Kumunot naman ang aking
noo nang makita ko na hindi usual na onesie ang suot ni Magnus ko. Instead, he is
wearing a cute yellow small sweater and pajama pants. The fabric is very soft and
my son looks way comfortable wearing this new piece of clothing.

"Did you buy him new clothes?" Tanong ko kay Ezekiel na ngayon ay kakasunod lang sa
amin.

Umiling siya.

"No, ginawan ko lang siya." Sagot niya.

Sandali akong napatitig sa kanya. Huh? Since when did he learn to make clothes?

"Are you going soon?" Tanong niya at umupo sa tabi ko. Bahagya akong dumusog
palayo.

I checked my smartwatch and saw that I have fifteen minutes to get to the hospital,
and I am probably going to be late because of the traffic.

"Yeah." tipid kong sagot at hinalikan ko na muli si Magnus.

"Momma has to go, baby.." I said to my child. "I love you."

"Anch'io ti amo." Narinig kong bulong bwisit niyang ama.

Napatingin naman ako sa nakangisi niyang mukha.

"Hindi ikaw." Singhal ko.

"Well, a man could dream, my beautiful lady." He retorted and winked at me.

Imbes na may sabihin ako ay napailing na lamang ako at maingat na ipinasa sa kanya
si Magnus. My son seemed to have no problem that I am leaving since komportableng-
komportable na siya sa piling ng Tatay niya.

Matapos noon ay tumayo na ako at kinuha ang aking backpack.

"Please, wait." Sabi niya at mabilis na naglakad patungo sa dining table. Pagbalik
niya ay may dala siyang cupholder na may iced-coffee at isang maliit na paperbag sa
kanyang isang kamay. Habang buhat ng kanyang kanang matipunong braso si Magnus na
ngayon ay nililibang ang sarili niya.

"Please take it.." He softly said and offered me it.

Sa mga nagdaang araw ay hindi siya pumalya na lutuan ako ng mga pagkain, especially
breakfast. Which I don't eat at all. I always leave it on the table...I feel bad
for the food but I do it anyway because I hate him. Akala ko ay magiging ganoon ang
routine namin pero apparently, nakahanap pala siya ng solusyon ngayon. Which is
balutin ang pagkain at inumin so wala akong dahilan upang hindi iyon kainin o
dalhin.

Somehow, I felt a warm feeling in my chest. Without thinking so much, I accepted

what he was offering. I didn't wait for his reaction, I just cowardly ran for the
door.

"Ingat ka, mahal ko!" I heard him yell before I closed the door. Humihingal akong
napasandal sandali sa nakasarang pintuan, habang kumakabog ang aking dibdib.

I'm sure that my heart is beating so loud because I ran not because of something
else....right? We're only attracted to him...physically...right, self?

It didn't take me long until I reached a red traffic light. I sipped from the
nostalgic and good coffee that he made, as I waited for the light to turn green. I
then returned it to the cup holder beside the handbrake of my car. Dumapo naman ang
aking mga mata sa passenger's seat kung nasaan ang paperbag na naglalaman ng
pagkain na binigay niya.

And because I was feeling curious about what was in the bag, I reached for it and
opened it.

Wala sa loob na inabot ko ang fresh lily flower na naroon. There are was small
sticky note attached to it.

'I hope you have a good day and I also hope that you steal a lot of cases today. Ti
amo.'
I ignored what he said at the end. However, I stopped myself from smiling when I
read the first things that he wrote. Yeah, interns stealing cases from other
interns are common in the hospital.

Matapos ang ilang sandali ay binitawan ko na iyon sa loob ng bag at kinuha ang
isang sandwich na nakabalot sa paper towel.

Strawberry jam. I thought when I brought it to my nose and smelled it. B said that
it tastes good....it was so good that he couldn't compare it to any jam that he had
before. I am gonna eat it because I am hungry and I wanted to see if he was telling
the truth.

And so, I peeled the paper towel ngunit bago pa ako makakagat ay nag-green na ang
traffic light. And so, with my one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding
the sandwich, I finally took a bite.

Napatango pa ako sa sarili ko habang dahan-dahan ko iyon na nginunguya.

Wow. It's not too sweet, not plain either. I can perfectly taste the strawberry and
I like how the tinge of sourness hits my tongue. Napakagat ulit ako matapos kong
lumiko sa entrance ng ospital.

"Hmm.."

Fine, masarap nga....

Masarap din 'yung gumawa. I rolled my eyes when my subconscious butted in.

'"Huwag ka papalipas ng gutom. I can't wait to see your beautiful face again,
later. I love you, my little brat.'" B dramatically read the letter that he
snatched from the bag of food that's currently placed on the table between us.

"Dåmn," He whispered before he put the paper down on the table and started digging
into the bag.

It's already four in the afternoon, ngayon lang kami nakapag-break dahil sa
surgery. This is not a typical time for break, so, kami lang dalawa ang narito sa
lounge habang may iilang doctor ang nasa kalapit na lockerroom, doing their
business. Ilang oras din akong nakatayo kaya naman napadaing ako nang malakas nang
makaupo ako dito sa tabi ni B. Sulit naman ang pagod dahil successful lahat ng
cases na na-handle ko ngayon pati narin ang surgery kung saan magkasama kami ni B.

Lajuana's not here since she's still performing a surgery. But it's alright since
we're gonna save some food for her. Siya at si B ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ko na
siya kinausap pa na itigil ang 'food supply' since sila ang nakikinabang. Also,
even when I try to tell Ezekiel that it's not necessary for him to bring me foods
since dinadalan naman ako ng 'jowa' ko ay hindi siya nakinig. Pumasok lamang iyon
sa kanang tenga niya at lumabas naman iyon sa kanyang kabilang tenga. So, yeah.

"Alam mo, V," Sabi niya at sumubo ng home made french fries. It looks good and
smells good, kaya umabot ako ng ilan. When I shoved it in my mouth, a salty and
starchy flavor spread on my tongue. That was good.

"If ako talaga boyfriend mo tapos ganito akto ng ex mo. Papaubaya na lang kita."
Nagbibiro akong napahawak sa dibdib ko.

"Ouch? Did you just break up with me?"

Ngumisi siya.

"Of course not, Vitch. Masyado kita mahal para tapusin ating relasyon." Tinaas baba
pa niya ang kanyang mga kilay na ikinatawa ko.

"But seriously. Papi Ezekiel raised the bar for us men...because let's be honest,
the bar for men is so low that it is currently in hell. You just have to be
conventionally attractive and literally do the bare minimum and society will praise
you..I hate that." He shuddered and that made me giggle. He's spitting facts
though. The societal standards for men and women are very different, in a way that
it is unfair because it is 'stricter' and 'higher' for us women than it is for the
XY Chromosomes of the world.

"But Papi Ezekiel..góddámn," He paused, para sumubo muli ng fries. "Gwapo na, hot
pa. He can actually cook, he writes these short-letters everyday, sends flowers to
you, cleans the house, and did I mention that every food that he sends is made from
scratch and he still manages to take care of an infant?"

"B, I thought you're supposed to be on my side." Napahalukipkip ako at pabiro

siyang sinamaan ng tingin.

He nodded.

"I am on your side, V..but I am just saying that it's rare to find an XY Chromosome
that possesses all those qualities....because, dåmn. I took care of my nephew once
and hindi ko lang siya napaiyak the whole time I was babysitting. Naubos ko din ang
cerelac at gerber snack puffs niya." He replied and threw more fries in his mouth.

I snorted.

"Fair enough."

"Yes, and I am aware that he wasn't always like this. I know that he had his
docmonyo and robot-na-fück-buddy era." He added that made me smirk. "And I also get
that he hurted you...badly....which results in you not trying to have a
relationship anymore...and that you have these trust issues and hate towards
him....tumpak?"

Napasandig ako sa balikat niya bago ako nakasagot, "Tumpak, B."

B's correct about everything that he said. Maybe all things will be better if I
just talk to him but because of the said issues, I can't bring myself to talk to
him and listen without crying or even doubting a single word that comes out from
his mouth.

At hindi ako natutuwa na may galit at hate ako para kay Kiel. I mean, he deserves
some of it but over all, those emotions are exhausting. It is consuming to feel it
every single day towards the person you loved and is trying to be better. I know a
day will come that I will have to stop refusing to listen to him. One day, I know
that we have to have a conversation about what happened to us...and eventually...
what we want to happen to the future 'us'.

Is there even a possible 'us'? Or mas maayos na maging co-parents na lang kami kay
Magnus.
I don't even know...right now, pagkalito at galit ang nararamdaman ko para sa
kanya. And I am not the only one who gets todecide about what's gonna happen. We
have to figure it out together by talking...and me actually listening to him. But
in order for that to happen, I have to trust him again and right now, I don't trust
his words. So, really, if we try to talk now, nothing good will happen. It's either
I cuss him or it results in angry-fúcking because I am still physically attracted
to him. Which is another problem, by the way.

With a sigh, I raised my head from B's shoulder. When I looked at him, he was
chewing like a cow.

"You alright, love?" Tanong niya with fake na British accent.

I chuckled lightly before I nodded.

"Because I am not, I am still hungry." Dagdag niya at kumuha muli ng bagong

container mula sa bag matapos niyang idasog sa gilid ang empty potato fries
container. He then placed the new container in front of him. And when he opened it,
the smell of garlic and butter filled my nose.

Suddenly my stomach growled. It's buttered shrimp..my favorite. That's why I

couldn't help but to steal a peeled shrimp from the container. When I threw it in
my mouth, the delicious flavors spread on my palette.

"Gusto mo shot tayo para mawala negative feelings mo?" Tanong matapos niya na
ngumuya.

"I am breastfeeding, B." Sagot ko.

"Oh, you're right...how's it going? Don't tell me hindi lang si Magnus dede sa'yo?"
Malisyosong niyang tanong.

My mouth parted before I slapped his arm. "B."

Nangaasar siyang tumawa bago siya sumubo muli ng hipon. Meanwhile I also got one
for myself.

"I'm just saying that hindi ko judge ikaw if ever, since, I totally get that you
see that hot piece in your house everyday and although you hate him, you can't help
but to think 'oh, what a good day to breed today–'

"Enough." Pinandalatan ko siya samantalang tumawa lang siya.

"So, you're saying that whatever he's doing is not working, hmm?" Tinaasan niya ako
ng kilay habang ngumunguya siya. "And bawal magsinungaling hahaba clît mo."

"B, what the heck? Ilong ata 'yon hindi clît, gaga ka."

He chuckled.

"Come on...honest answer." Pagpipilit pa niya bago sumubo muli ng pagkain.

I sighed and answered, "Fine, I am hørny."

Napataas ang mga blond niyang mga kilay.

"He's actively seducing me on top of pagpapa-cute and all these suyo...and I am not
a Santita, fyi." Pag-amin ko pa.
Dahan-dahan siyang napatango.

"True, true." He said. "So, should I be worried?" He cocked an eyebrow and squinted
his eyes at me.

I scoffed.

"No. Hindi ako marupok, noh."

Saktong five-thirty ay naka-park na ako sa harapan ng bahay. When I opened the

front door the mouthwatering and delicious scent of our dinner greeted my nose. Hm,
I wonder what's the food tonight. I may not usually eat breakfast and lunch but I
eat dinner...with him. I have to atleast do that since we live in the same house.
Subalit hindi kami nag-uusap sa dinner table. He just let me eat in silence which I
somehow appreciate.

When I silently closed the door, my eyes looked around and immediately stopped at
him.

Napatayo lang ako doon habang hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na tumitig kay
Ezekiel na ngayon nagwo-work out. Kasalukuyan siyang nagpu-pull-up gamit ang
portable pull-up bar na ini-install niya sa kanyang door frame.

His muscled and sweaty back is facing me.

I heard his silent counts and he grunts every time he pulls up and down. Jusko
naman, hindi ba uso ang mag-t-shirt man lang sa lalaking ito? Ang tanging suot lang
niya ay ang kulay green na jogging pants....at dahil wala siyang pang-itaas ay, I
can clearly see the flexing and the ripples of his back muscles and massive arms.

Wala sa loob na napahawak ako sa lalamunan ko sandali. I shouldn't be creepily

staring but like I said....I am a woman with a droughty and sad séx life.

"Eighty.."

He's so strong...he could just easily bend m—-NO. My god. Hindi ka marupok, Vlanca.
Hindi tayo madadala ng ganyan-ganyan. We are strong independent woma-—

"Hey, you're home."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mapansin ko na bumaba na siya mula sa pull-up bar.

Napalunok ako at naglayo ng tingin sandali. Please, sana hindi niya ako nahuli na
nakatitig.

"H-Hey," Bati ko pabalik. Acting like I didn't just oggle at him.

He smiled at me before he bent a little to pick up his hydroflask from the floor.
Matapos noon ay naglakad siya palapit sa couch at kinuha ang kanyang itim na face
towel. He wiped his sweaty face as he walked towards me.

Why am I palpitating and why am I sweating?

Napalunok ako at wala sa loob na sinundan ko ng tingin ang pawis na tumulo mula sa
leeg niya pababa sa kanyang dibdib—
"Magnus is taking a nap. Hindi kasi siya nakatulog kanina."

"Huh? W-What?" Parang tanga kong tanong habang pinilit ko ang sarili ko na tingnan
lang ang kanyang mukha. His hair is currently wet and disheveled, meanwhile his
beard neatly covers his jaw.

He stopped in front of me before his red lips stretched into a smile.

"I said our son is taking a nap." Ulit niya at ipinatong ang tuwalya sa kanyang
balikat.

"Hmm..kay," Sagot bago ako napalunok. "I'm gonna freshen up." Dagdag ko. Subalit
akmang maglalakad ako palayo ay nagsalita siya.

"Wait,"

I stopped on my tracks and threw a decent look at his face.

"Can you please wipe the sweat on my back? Hindi ko maabot, my arms are hurting.."
He asked nicely. He even flexed his biceps and cringed a little to show me that
he's in pain.

Imbes na sumagot ay sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin. If this is some part of his
moves on me...

"Please?" He even made 'praying hands' and pouted a little. "Baka kasi sipunin
ako...mahirap na baka mahawa ko pa si Magnus."

Huh, smart, now that he brought my son's well-being, how can I say no to that? With
a sigh, I accepted the face towel from his hand.

Malawak siyang ngumiti.

"Thank you."

"Talikod na." Masungit kong utos na agad niyang ginawa.

Ang bango-bango niya, gorl, kahit na pawisan. I ignored my subconcious and just
started wiping the sweat off of his back. The sooner I get this done, the sooner I
can move away from him. Ilang beses ata akong napalunok habang ginagawa ko iyon.
Nang matatapos na ako ay napansin ko na nag-flex ang kanyang braso dahil iginalaw
niya iyon.

When I peeked a little, I saw that he was drinking water.

"It's done." Sabi ko na ikinaharap niya sa akin. Umiinom pa din siya ng tubig pero
hindi ko alam kung sinadya niya o talagang aksidente na may tumulong tubig sa
kanyang leeg.

I couldn't seem to mind that he was literally standing in front me since my

treacherous eyes followed the droplet from his neck..down to his hard-rock abs,
down to his adonis belt and to his—

Fire licked my skin as I felt that familiar throb between my legs. Shît!

"Are you okay?"

Agad akong napatingin sa kanyang mukha. His brows were furrowed and his blue eyes
were staring at me.

Hindi ako sumagot. Instead, I shoved the towel to his chest and quickly went to my
room. I dropped my bag on the floor and rested my back against the closed door.

"Vlanca, hindi ka marupok, please lang." I whispered to myself.

I closed my eyes tightly but I saw his body again and how strong—fúck! Mabilis kong
iminulat ang mga mata ko.

I am starting to act like a séx-starve woman. Gosh, I have to do something about my

séxual frustration soon.

Chapter 54: Why Moan My Name?

Martina Vlanca

Kasalukuyan akong nakahiga sa aking kama. Ilang beses na akong tumatagilid,

tumitihaya, dumadapa. I tried counting sheeps, I even watched Bob Ross paint a
fúcking tree on YouTube but I. Still. Couldn't. Fúcking. Sleep, and the desire
won't leave my body.

Bumuntong hininga ako at napatitig na lamang sa kisame. Ngayon ay nakaulo ako sa

paanan ng kama habang nakapatong ang aking mga paa sa aking unan. My hands are
clasped and resting on my stomach.

I can't sleep because of my throbbing püssy and because of the nightly urges to
touch myself because of him. I don't want to do it because I told myself that I am
not gonna act on my desire...because I can control it.

I can't give in to the desire to touch myself because if I give in now.....it's

just gonna be a matter of time until I actually give in to him.

That's why I am fighting it every night and I had no problem doing it until now...

Nahihirapan na akong i-contain ang urges ko dahil imbes na mawala ang fantasies na
naiisip ko ay lumalala lamang iyon. And I know it has something to do with his
daily seductions.

At first it was just the plain want to run my hand on his hard body...but now it's
him touching me and doing nasty, nasty things to me...while his big hands gripped
my waists as he fúcked me from behind, and then he'd whisper dirty things in my
ear.

'Oh, you naughty little brat... You like it when I fúck you hard and good, huh?'

'You missed my cóck, hm?'

My flesh clenched as I felt the liquid heat leaked between my legs.

"Cazzo.." I frustratingly whisper under my breath.

I can't give in...not now, not when I already resisted it for a month...
....but it was too late...

My hand already snaked down inside my shorts, my eyes shut tight when I felt my
soft and wet flesh. I can see him kneeling in front of me while his face is buried
between my legs. His beard tickled my soaking folds as his soft lips súcked on my
aching bud.

"Fúck..ahh..."

My fingers circled around my clît faster as I felt the familiar tension in my lower
belly.

In my fantasies, he's now devouring my püssy like it's his last meal. My fingers
worked faster and harder. Mas lalo pang tumindi ang init ng aking katawan. My heart
is pounding and I can feel myself approaching closer and closer....until

"Kiel!" His name escaped my lips as my whole body jerked in so much pleasure. I
didn't have time to regret it just yet because I felt my püssy quievered as my
juice gushed out of me. As my órgasm occurs, I accidentally kicked my lampshade
from the side table.

Hinihingal akong napaupo at napamura nang makita kong basag na iyon sa sahig.

Maya-maya ay may sunod-sunod akong katok na narinig.

"Vlanca,"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Shît, I am regretting that I moaned his name and now, I
really fúcking hope he didn't hear it.

"You okay? I heard something break." Rinig kong sabi niya. Nakahinga ako nang
maluwag.

"Y-Yeah. I'm okay!" I yelled out instead of opening the door to answer him.

He can't see my face all flushed up because he knows that, that's what my face
looks like after I reach cloud nine.

He can't know that I got off by thinking about him.

"Alright," Sagot lang niya. I let out a breath when I heard his footsteps depart
and his door closed.

I didn't let myself soak in regret after what I just did. Instead, I quickly stood
up and changed my underwear. I then cleaned up the broken lampshade from the floor,
and lay down on the bed. Habang nakahiga ako ay pinilit ko ang sarili ko na matulog
at hindi isipin ang kung ano mang nangyari.

Kinabukasan ay umakto ako na parang walang nangyari. I gave in to my desire last

night..it felt so good but I regret it. It should've lessened the séxual
frustration I have but it didn't.

My fingers are not enough anymore. My body is searching for something else.

I try to not think about it as I eat the breakfast that he made. After living with
him for over a month now, I've already made peace with the fact that he won't stop
doing things for me.

Tulad na lamang ng pagluto at paghanda ng mga pagkain para sa akin. Kahit na

paulit-ulit ko sa kanyang sinasabi na may 'boyfriend' na ako or whatever he's doing
doesn't mean that I give him a chance.

He just won't stop. I got tired of telling him not to, so, I just accepted it and
enjoyed the food, since masarap naman talaga.

Mabilis naman akong kumagat ng jam sandwich bago ko iyon ibinaba sa platito. I
scooted it away from me bago pa iyon mahablot ni Magnus. He's turning five months
in a couple of weeks, and because of his growth ay natututo na talaga siyang mang-
hablot ng mga bagay. And when he snatch it, he'll put it right in his mouth, it's
either laruan o pagkain na hindi pa dapat niya kinakakain.

"Goo...daa..." He babbled as he sat on my lap. His father is amusingly watching him

while he's sitting on the chair beside me. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa dining
table at kumakain ng agahan.

"Hindi pa sa'yo 'yon pwede anak.." I told him.

He just blew raspberries and tried to reach for it again. When I didn't give it to
him ay nagpumiglas na siya, a sign that he wanted his father to carry him. Kaya
naman dahan-dahan kong inabot kay Ezekiel ang anak niya.

I can see how his bare arms flexed when he finally carried his son, since naka-
sando lamang siya at pair ng joggers.

"Alright, son...let Momma eat.." Sabi ni Ezekiel habang buhat niya si Magnus. He's
now sucking his thumb.

"Saan m-mo binili 'yung jam?" Tanong ko sa kanya matapos kong kumagat muli mula sa
sandwich.

Ngumiti siya.

"You can't buy it from here."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Why? Sa pilipinas mo ba 'yun binili."

"No, I made it."

Napatitig ako sa kanya sandali. Surprised.

"You—what?"

"Hold on." Nakangiti niyang sagot bago siya naglakad palayo habang buhat si Magnus.
When he comes back he's carrying several sweaters in his hand. The clothes have
different designs and obviously in my size.

Agad ko iyon na tinanggap nang iabot niya sa akin iyon dahil pilit iyon na kinukuha
ni Magnus.

"I-I know how to make sweaters too." Sabi niya habang nakatingin ako sa mga
malalambot na sweaters na hawak ko. It looks handmade and feels very comfortable
against my skin. No wonder why my son likes to wear sweaters more than his onesies.

For a moment, I was taken aback. I didn't know that he could make clothes. Hell, I
didn't even know na all along ay homemade jams ang pinapakain niya sa akin.
I cleared my throat and reached for my iced coffee, wala sa loob na napasimsim ako
doon bago ako napatingin sa kanya sandali. Ngayon ay nakaupo na siya sa kanyang
upuan. My son is still peacefully laying in his arms.

"Hindi ko alam na marunong ka pala noon...I guess, you hid more things from me
other than the fact na mahal mo pa ang ex mo."

Instead of being triggered or even upset about my passive aggressive comment, he

just smiled a little.

I hate that....I hate that he never gets mad at me when I throw upsetting comments
in his face or purposely do things to hurt him.

"I learned all that when you...left me...and yes, you're right. I am still so in
love with my ex." Sagot niya habang nakatitig sa akin.

I cleared my throat. That backfired.

"I-I'm g-gonna get my things...I'm already late." Iyon lang ang naisagot ko bago
ako tumayo. I didn't give him back the sweaters, instead, I took it with me when I
returned to my room. I left it on my bed after I took my backpack.

Dåmn it, Arguello. Dåmn him and the food I can't resist, especially the
comfortable-looking sweaters.

My day went on as usual in the hospital. I met with patients, presented cases, and
assisted surgeries that are all successful. When I pulled up in front of the house,
I was exhausted from my day. I was ready to kiss my son while he was sleeping but
then I remembered na wala pa pala akong ligo. I don't want to interact with Magnus
kapag hindi pa ako nakakapag-linis galing ng ospital. He's still an infant and very
vulnerable with bacterias that I might be carrying.

I was about to shower but then Ezekiel said that the food was ready. I am tired and
hungry kaya naman napag-desiyonan ko munang kumain bago maligo.

"I heard you perform a surgery with Dovzlek."

Napatingin naman ako sa kanya habang ngumunguya ako ng malinamnam na karne. Our
dinner today is rice and porksteak, and dåmn, it is so good. As I look at him I
can't help but to notice that he's wearing longsleeves today.

"How'd you know?" This is the first time that I talked to him during dinnertime.

"It was on the local news." Sagot niya bago siya sumubo muli ng pagkain. His beard-
covered jaw gracefully moved when he chewed.

Oo nga pala, I almost forgot na may journalist kanina na nagtungo sa ospital upang
interviewhin kami tungkol sa successful na surgery na nai-perform namin kasi si

Dr. Bashka Dovzlek. She is a Russian General Surgeon and a friend of the Chief of
Surgery.

Bumisita siya dahil inimbita siya ni Chief upang samahan kaming mag-perfrom ng
Coronary Artery Bypass. She is a phenomenal doctor but I... just don't like her
attitude.
"You don't like her." Komento niya na sandaling ikinalaki ng mga mata ko. How did
he know?

"I didn't even say anything about her." I replied and shoved food in my mouth.

He smirked a little and leaned on his seat a little. Imbes na sa dining table kami
kumain ay dito lamang kami sa island counter sa kusina nag-dinner. We're not
sitting next to each other since may empty seat sa pagitan namin. Still I am hyper-
aware of his presence and I can smell his manly and fresh scent.

"Exactly."

Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa sagot niya.

"Usually, when you like someone you talk about them and when I mention her name you
purse your lips. That's how you react when you see someone you don't like and in
this case, hear their name."

Dahan-dahan naman akong napanguya. He was right.

"Don't worry, I don't like her either."

Nailunok ko agad ang kinakain ko at napalingon sa kanya.

"Nakasama ko na siyang mag-perform ng surgery sa isang medical mission noon. I

think it was in Euthopia. We were doing a Carotid Endarterectomy and the whole time
we're inside the surgical tent, she was bossing everyone including the head
surgeon."

"Di ba?" Hindi ko maiwasang ibulalas.

"Erm, get the, the..."

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na matawa nang gayahin niya ang Russian accent ng
nakakaasar na doktor na iyon tuwing nag-uutos siya.

"I mean, I get na intern pa lang ako at basically, I am at the bottom of the
surgical food chain...but dåmn...she is bossier than any doctor I've encountered in
SFGH." I ranted.

He hummed and nodded.

"But I like her—"

"---whipple technique." Sabay naming sagot.

I bit my inner cheek as we stared at each other for a moment, before I broke it
off.

"She's a pain in the åss but a dåmn fine surgeon." He said after he drank some
water.

Napalunok ako bago ko ibinalik ang tingin ko sa pagkain ko. There was some rice and
meat left...and instead of eating it, I stirred it around.

"Parang ikaw lang.." Hindi ko maiwasang sabihin habang pinaglalaruan ko ang pagkain
ko.
"Talaga? I was a pain in your åss?" Parang nangaasar niyang tanong. I bit my lower
lip. I can't believe we're having a conversation right now.

"Oh, yeah...you were so bossy, so annoying, so masungit, and yet such a great
doctor.." Sagot ko nang hindi siya tinitingnan. I am tempted to ask him why he
really stopped practicing medicine after we broke up, but I bit my tongue.

"May nakalimutan kang idagdag."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. He was intently staring at me with his blue orbs.

"A-Ano?"

"Masarap at gwapo." Nakangisi niyang sagot na ikinailing ko.

"Boo. self-proclaimed." Sinakyan ko naman ang trip niya.

A chuckle rumbled from his chest.

"Did I lie tho?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.

No, definitely not. Subalit hindi ko iyon sinagot at nagpatuloy lang na kumain. We
both resumed eating in silence, and somehow, after having that conversation with
him...I don't feel so tired at all.

From that day on, every time I come home, we eat dinner together as usual but it
wasn't silent anymore. Napupuno ng boses namin ang kusina dahil it's either nagku-
kwento siya tungkol sa surgeries niya noon or I tell him the surgeries that I did
that day. Sometimes, I find myself laughing at his silly stories. And whenever I
tell him something, he looks and listens to me as if my story is the only thing
that matters to him.

And as days passed by and every time I came home to him. I noticed that I don't
have this dreadful feeling anymore that I am gonna see him. Instead, I feel excited
to sit at the dinner table with him. I can't admit it but I feel excited to talk to
him and share things with him. He's there when I rant about the hard headed med
students that I handle or about the annoying Attending that I had for that day.
Nachi-chismis ko din sa kanya ang mga issues sa opsital.

And everytime our conversation ends, whether it's nonsense or with a sense...I
always get that same feeling the first time I talk to him.

It's that no matter how tired I was, the moment I talked to him...I didn't feel so
tired anymore.

The time passed like a blur next thing I know, our son is already six months old.
Meanwhile his father has been living with us for over two months now. Since then,
he has never failed with efforts. One time, I came home around four a.m since I had
to stay late for a surgery, pag-uwi ko ay naabutan ko siyang natutulog sa couch. It
looked like he was waiting for me all night.
Kinumutan ko siya bago ako nagtungo sa kusina. There, naabutan ko na may mga
covered na pagkain nang nakahain. All I had to do was heat it up and it's all good
to go.

I was touched, okay, but I didn't tell him that.

That early morning as I was eating, nagising siya. He talked to me about my day
while I was eating...and just like that, I didn't feel the effects of walking and
standing for most of my duty.

And right now, I just got off from a twenty-four hour duty...well, actually it was
thirty plus hours. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko nakaya basta ang alam ko ay iniisip
ko lang na pagkatapos noon ay makikita ko na si Magnus....at makakakain din ako ng
masarap na pagkain...and I get to talk to him...

Nakauwi ako around five p.m and we ate right after I went home. After that I hopped
into the shower while he washed the dishes. Ngayon ay tuyo na ang buhok ko dahil sa
blow dryer. Hinayaan ko lamang iyon na nakalugay dahil lagi ko naman kasing
tinatali iyon sa ospital. I need to let her breathe for a little. And now, I am
wearing my kimono robe over my night dress, instead of my gray scrubs.

I silently closed Magnus' door after I kissed him. He's sleeping since ayon sa ama
niya ay maghapon lang siya na gumapang at naglaro, kaya pagod siya. When I finally
closed Magnus' room's door. I walked to the kitchen while carrying two manila
folders. When I entered the kitchen, naabutan ko siyang naghuhugas ng pot na
ginamit niya sa pagluluto.

He was only wearing a pair of sweatpants, kaya naman kita ko ang muscles sa kanyang
likuran at ang hubog ng kanyang matitipunong mga braso.

I swallowed.

His pants are riding low on his hips, that's why I can see the traces of ink on his
åss and when he turned towards me, may nakita din akong bakas ng tinta sa puson
niya. What the héll did he put in his skin?

"Hey,"

Agad ko namang tinanggal ang tingin ko mula doon nang batiin niya ako. Shît, I need
a drink.

"Hey." Bati ko pabalik. "Uhm...I have a question.."

"Of course."

"Can you please t-take a look at this?" I asked him and waved the folders in my
hand for a moment.

Tumango naman siya bago naglakad palapit sa akin. When I handed him the folders, I
walked to the fridge and got the litre of grape juice. I am still breastfeeding,
that's why I don't wanna drink any liquor. So, grape juice will do for now.

"Nuss procedure on an eighteen year old boy. That's his case file and lab results."

He nodded. Nang makuha ko na ang grape juice at ang dalawang baso mula sa cabinet
ay naglakad kami patungo sa dining table malapit sa sala. Although, I didn't sit
down on the chair. I just poured grape juice in the glasses while he read the file.
He's also standing since he's too focused to sit down.
"Okay, an eighteen year old boy with severe pectus excavatum.." Basa niya.
Basically that means his ribs grow inwards. "And he also has extreme scoliosis..."
Dagdag pa niya. He needs a Nuss Procedure since the disorders in his body are
causing a lot of trouble in his lungs and heart.

"I want to know your opinion." I told him and then I drank some juice.

"Hmm.." He hummed in affirmation.

"Well," He said and settled the folders on the table. Before he continued, he
reached for the glass of juice and drank from it.

"The procedure is high-risk, but he's young and healthy, so he'll be resilient with
the recovery and...."

As he was telling me his medical and intellectual opinion regarding the

procedure...I could see the passion in his eyes. I can also absorb every articulate
word from his mouth. He's not only a dåmn good doctor but also a teacher.

When he was done speaking, I settled down my glass on the table and stared at him.

"W-Why did you really quit practicing medicine?" Halos pabulong kong tanong.

Sandali siyang napatitig sa akin dahil hindi niya inaasahan na iyon ang magiging
sagot ko sa eksplanasyon niya.

"What is wrong with you, Ezekiel? You were one of the finest surgeons in the
Philippines, hell, even the world. Y-You know how much I encouraged you....when w-
we were together..."

Hindi siya agad sumagot bagkus ay humakbang siya palapit sa akin. Kumabog naman ang
didbib ko.

"Nothing is wrong with me, Vlanca..." He softly said, and without taking his blue
eyes off of me, he cupped my right cheek.

I didn't push his hand away.

"I can lose my right to practice medicine for all I care. I will still be the
happiest man alive as long as I have you and our son."

My heart pounded as I felt my eyes watered. We never had a conversation about us

since we started talking, and I wasn't prepared that I would feel this way.

I don't want to believe what he said.....but my heart is not cooperating.

Without thinking so much, I pulled his hand away and wrapped my arms around his
bare torso. Tears fell down my cheeks. I don't want to listen to him because I am
still angry and I am somehow scared.

But there is only one thing for sure; siya pa rin hanggang ngayon dahil oras na
yakapin ko siya ay napapikit ako, dahil pútangîna, bumalik ang lahat.

One simple gesture and I felt it all again.

"Mahal na mahal kita, Vlanca.." Bulong niya habang mahigpit niya akong yakap. My
cheek is resting against his bare chest. "Are you happy with Bistalan?"

Napalunok ako bago ako parang napapasong lumayo sa kanya. Mabilis kong pinanunasan
ang aking mga luha habang kumakabog pa din ang aking dibdib.

"Do you love him?"

Hindi ako kumibo. I don't wanna lie to him, I don't want to tell the truth
either..because I am not sure if I am ready to let him in again.

"If you don't love him—"

"I-I didn't say that."

"You didn't answer my question either." Sagot niya.

Hindi ako sumagot o tiningnan man lang siya. Out of tension, I just reached for my
glass of juice. Mabilis kong ininom iyon, i just pretended that it's fúcking wine
because I need some liquor right now.

"I can feel that you still want to give me a chance..." He huskily said as I felt
his gaze burn my skin. "..So, why is he around, hm?"

"And if you're gonna say that it's because you have needs....well, I am here."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. His face is now dark with emotions.

"I know your body more than anyone...more than him." Mariin niyang dagdag.

Napalunok ako. Bahagyang nanginginig ang kamay kong nakahawak sa baso.

"So...that's what you were doing these past weeks, hm? Always topless and working
out in my view to seduce me." Nanunuya kong sabi. He just smirked.

We're talking alright but he's still actively seducing me.

"Hm, well, don't tell me it's not working because if it's not working and if you're
so satisfied with your boyfriend, why moan my name while you touch yourself every
night? hm?"

Napasinghap ako.

"How dare you–"

"The walls were thin."

Natigalgal ako. All this time, he was hearing me?!

Napasinghap akong muli nang kinuha niya ang libre kong kamay at ipinatong niya iyon
sa matigas niyang dibdib. Napaawang ang mga labi ko nang padausdosin niya ang kamay
ko pababa sa kanyang matigas na abs.

"This is all yours.." He whispered seductively. "You don't need other men. You have
me. You can use me anytime you want, Vlanca."

Napalunok ako. My püssy throbbed in arousal. Shît.

"I can make you feel good.."

This is what I am afraid about...about giving in to him. I should say no and push
him away...but my mouth didn't cooperate.
"Then kneel and make me feel good."

Chapter 55: Hard. Fast. and Raw

Martina Vlanca

My breath hitched when he kneeled in front of me without any second thoughts.

Napakapit ako sa kahoy na lamesa habang nakatingin ako sa kanyang nagbabagang asul
na mga mata. Para namang napatid ang aking hininga nang dahan-dahan niyang paraanin
ang kanyang malalaking kamay sa aking lantad na mga binti.

He was merely touching me but it was enough to rekindle the fire inside me. Heck,
his touch and his hot gaze were enough to make my body burn and yearn for him.

Only for him.

"Tell me what you want me to do." He whispered as he looked me in the eye. The dim
lighting here in the dining area gleamed on his chestnut brown skin. The yellowish
light illuminated over the glorious hard ridges and planes of his body.

Napalunok ako.

"Like I said, make me feel good.... I am well aware of the things that you can do
with your mouth." My voice was hoarse.

A vicious smirk appeared on his red lips. He was the one kneeling before me but why
does it feel like he still holds the power between us?

"Hm, is that right?" He rhetorically replied. His warm hand rested on my right
calf. "Well...I can also make you feel good with my other parts, little brat. All
you have to do is ask."

Hell yes, he doesn't have to tell me. I am definitely gonna have his other parts.
So, if I wake up tomorrow and I realize that this is just a moment of weakness, at
least I can regret it feeling séxually satiated.

"W-Well then, I want you to do everything you want to do to me....all the filthy
things you have in mind.." I whispered without tearing my gaze off of him. Tonight,
I let my séxual frustration and need take over my body. "I don't want you to be
gentle. I want to get my pússy ate and to get fúcked...hard. fast. and raw."

His eyes darkened because of my dirty mouth.

"Now, that's a good girl." He praised and that made my pússy clenched for her dear
life.

Goosebumps then broke all over my body when he traced his finger tips from my
calves...to my knees...to my legs..

"Ahh.." And then to my inner thighs. I gasped when he boldly cupped my püssy
through my soaking panties.

"Would you look at that...my little brat is already wet for me..." Mayabang niyang
sabi.
Hindi ko naman maiwasang mamula.

"D-Don't flatter yourself, I haven't been with anybody ever since I left you, so,
that's why I get wet so easily." Inis kong sagot para itago ang pagkahiya ko.

He froze when he heard what I answered. His thick eyebrows knitted as if he was
confused.

And then I realized what I just said. Shît, Vlanca! Shît!

"W-Wait, I-I m-mean–" Hindi ko na iyon makuhang ituloy dahil dahan-dahan siyang
tumayo sa harapan ko...towering me with his full height and wide frame. Habang
madilim ang kanyang mga mata at halos magdikit ang kanyang mga makakapal na mga
kilay.

Suddenly, I felt so small....and scared. I felt that type of fear that makes my
püssy throb and my nipples hardened.

"What is that supposed to mean, Vlanca?" His tone is dangerously calm. "What about
that stupid cardiac surgeon?"

"I-I," I licked my lips. My whole body is tense.

"Isn't he your stupid boy toy?" Halos pagalit niyang tanong.

"Stop calling B stupid!" I said through gritted teeth.

"Okay, fine. Isn't that idiot your boy toy?"

Inirapan ko siya.

"No, he's not..." I replied as my shoulders sagged. "I-I asked him to be my fake
boyfriend because I was angry at you..."

"What about the 'phone séx'?"

I cringed.

"It was fake...you sent me food that day and I was angry because I didn't want you
to do that...so, I called you and then nasa stock room kami noon tapos...ayon..."
Pahina nang pahina ang boses ko. I am so fúcked.

Sandali siyang natahimik bago siya nagsalita.

"Hm, I see.."

Napalunok ako. His face was still dark, but it was evident that he was glad of the
news.

"It's alright, little brat...I deserved the pain," Sagot niya and then his demeanor
shifted, "..but don't think for a second that you're not gonna pay for what you
did."

Halos mapatili ako nang buhatin niya ako paupo sa dining table. Marahas niyang
binuksan ang roba ko, he peeled it off from my body and threw the expensive
material on the floor.

I gasped when he effortlessly tore my night dress into two. I freaking glared at
him.

"That was a five-hundred-dollar silk night dress, you dîckhead–ahhmp!" I didn't get
to finish what I was about to say because his big hands cupped my face and he took
my lips in a savage and hungry kiss. I lost my train of thoughts because not only
was he a good kisser but I also missed his kisses. I buried my fingers in his thick
and dark hair as I sucked his lips in my mouth. I then probed my tongue past his
lips, I groaned when I tasted the grape juice on his velvety tongue.

I was panting when he let my lips go subalit hindi siya tumigil sa paghalik sa akin
bagkus ay dumapo ang kanyang mga labi sa aking pisngi at nagtanim doon nang maiinit
na mga halik. He continued to plant wet and hot kisses down to my jawline and then
to my ear shell.

Bumaba naman ang mga kamay ko sa kanyang matitigas na mga balikat nang sipsipin at
dilaan niya ang aking earlobe. He then whispered, "I have millions of dollars in
three separate accounts. I can buy you dozens of those—heck, I will buy the whole
store for you."

Millions of dollars? What?

I didn't have time to worry about that dahil agad siyang lumuhod sa aking harapan.
He parted my legs wide and also tore my Kiki De Montparnasse lacy underwear! I was
cussing him but my protest then turned into a moan nang sakupin ng kanyang mainit
at basang bibig ang aking hiwa! Halos tumirik ang mga mata ko sa sarap.

"Hmm.." I heard him groan in pleasure as he continued to taste me.

I had the urge to giggle because while he was kissing me down there, ay nakikiliti
ako sa bawat pagtama at pagkaskas ng kanyang facial hair sa aking mga labia. But
even then, the pleasure still took over my body.

Mas lalo namang kumuyom ang aking kamao sa kanyang buhok nang inilabas niya ang
kanyang mainit na dila at pinaraan iyon sa aking nakabukang hiwa. He ran that
vicious tongue on my soaking slit, from top to fúcking bottom! He gathered my juice
in his mouth and drank it like it's dåmn ambrosia!

"Ahh!" Gosh, I missed his mouth.

My eyes shut tightly as I felt the course of delicious electric shock all over my
body.

Hindi nagtagal ay pinuntirya naman ng kanyang bibig ang aking namamagang butil. He
latched his mouth on my aching bud and sucked on it while he slowly dipped his two
thick and long fingers inside me!

"Kiel, oh, my goood–mmpp!" I tried to muffle my moans because our son is literally
sleeping in his room, fifty feet away from us.

"Shît, don't stop, please!" I feel like I am losing my mind! This is so good, more
than good!

Nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanya ay nahuli ko siyang nakatitig sa aking mukha na
halos malukot na sa sarap. He didn't even look away. He watched me lose my mind as
he nibbled on my clît and finger-fúcked me.

My heart is pounding at tumitindi na ang kiliti na aking nararamdaman sa aking

pagkababae. I know I am about to reach ninth-fúcking-heaven and I am desperate to
reach it kaya naman habang nakasabunot ako sa kanyang buhok ay hindi ko napigilan
na igalaw ang aking bewang.

I started to chant his name as I shamelessly rubbed my püssy against his face.
Beads of sweat are now forming on my temple as my heart continues to race.

And then when he twisted his fingers inside me and lapped on my clît, tuluyan na
akong napahiga sa lamesa. My back arched at halos matanggal ko ang kanyang buhok
mula sa kanyang anit sa higpit ng sabunot ko doon!

"KIEL–mmmp!"

My whole body shook violently as I felt my warm juice gushed out of me! Mas lalong
nanginig ang aking katawan nang hugutin niya ang kanyang mga daliri mula sa aking
butas at palitan iyon ng kanyang dila.

"Mine." He growled against my pússy for a moment.

He didn't let a single drop drip on the table. He licked me clean and then
proceeded to eat me again...and again...and again....he worshipped my püssy with
his mouth and fingers and drank my juices like he was making up for the months and
days that he didn't get to do that to me.

Now, I am laying on the table, feeling boneless and weak. Halos hindi ko na
maitukod nang maayos ang aking mga paa sa malamig na tiles. Balot ng pawis ang
aking katawan at sobrang sensitibo na ng aking pagkababae dahil sa kanya.

"Kiel, enough..please..." I pleaded because he still kept on licking me there.

With one last lick, I felt his lips move north. I felt ticklish as his wet beard
brushed against my skin. Ngayon ay nagtatanim na siya ng mga halik sa aking tiyan
habang ang mga kamay niya ay kinakalas ang aking bra. When he succesfully removed
it, he threw it on the floor and continued kissing my stomach.

Nanghihina akong napatingin sa kanya. I found him planting soft kisses on my

stretchmarks.

"No..." I tried to push his head away but he didn't budge. Instead he took my hands
and held it on both of my sides while he kissed my marks..

"You are so beautiful..." He murmured and kissed my belly roll.

Napapikit ako sandali habang naramdaman ko ang pagkabog ng dibdib ko. Mas tumaas pa
ang kanyang mga halik hanggang naabot ng kanyang mga labi at kamay ang aking mga
dibdib.

"Ohh,"

He molded my breasts and caught my right nipple between his lips.

Napaungol ako nang paglaruan niya ang aking tuktok gamit ang kanyang mga labi at
dila.

"Hm," He groaned as he sucked on my nipple. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman
ko na sumisipsip siya ng gatas.

"Oy, gagó, h-huwag kang dumede." Suway ko sa kanya. He just smirked before he let
my nipple go.

"..I was curious about what it tastes like..." He replied as he stared at me. "I
like it, it's sweeter than usual milk. No wonder why Magnus loves it."

Napaawang na lang ang mga labi ko sandali.

"Nope, we are not gonna talk about my milk, Ezekiel."

He chuckled before he pulled me into a sitting position. Ngayon ay nakatayo na siya

sa pagitan ng aking mga hita. His hands were gripping my waists while mine were
resting on his shoulders. His hair is a mess right now, his cheeks are pink, and
his beard is wet because of me...

"You're right," He said. "We're here to make another baby.."

Napasinghap ako bago ko napalo ang kanyang matigas na braso.

"Hoy–"

"I'm just kidding...unless—"

"Walang 'unless-unless' ikaw kaya ang buntisin ko–"

He chuckled before he interrupted me with a kiss. Suddenly, I was lost in his

kisses once more. I found myself running my hands all over his hard body and then
down to his jutting and angry cóck.

Napakagat siya sa pangibabang labi ko nang ibaba ko ang kanyang sweatpants at

hawakan ang kanyang naghuhumindig na pagkalalaki. Hindi ko maiwasang mapasinghap
nang gumalaw iyon sa aking palad.

"You still want it hard, fast, and raw?" He whispered against my lips.

"Heck, yeah."

Without wasting any second, tinulungan niya akong bumaba mula sa lamesa. Napakapit
ako sandali sa kanyang braso dahil nanginginig pa rin ang mga tuhod ko dahil hindi
ko na mabilang kung ilang beses ko na naabot ang aking sukdulan. I then let him
bend me over the table. Ngayon ay nakahiga na ang kalahati ng aking katawan sa
kahoy na lamesa, while a muscular and a very hot alpha male is standing behind me.
And I. am. so. here. for. it.

I really hope we don't break this table dahil mapapatay ako nila Mama. I don't even
know how I'd begin to explain it if that ever happens, because I told her na aware
ako na housemates lang kami tapos ngayon ay nakatuwad na ako sa lamesa matapos
akong magpakain?

My thoughts swirled down the drain when I felt his hand gripped my waist. Sabay
kaming napaungol nang itutok niya ang ulo ng kanyang pagkalalaki sa aking basang
butas.

Kumuyom ang kamao ko at mariin akong napapikit nang maramdaman ko ang dahan-dahan
niyang pagpasok. I hissed when I felt the twinge of pain because of his intrusion.
It's been a while.

It seems like he felt my struggle because he stopped.

"Relax, little brat.." He whispered softly. Hinawi niya ang aking buhok sa aking
kaliwang balikat. He then showered kisses all over my bare shoulder. "Let me in.."

"I am trying, you just have a fat cøck." I sneered at him matapos kong itagilid ang
aking ulo. I saw him smirk before he planted a tender kiss on my cheek.

"Which you love." He retorted.

"Gagó." Sagot ko naman. He didn't lie though. "Go, push it all the way in, I can
manage." I told him firmly.

He knows from my tone that I am serious kaya naman umayos na siya ng tayo sa
likuran ko. He gripped my waists and in one deep push, his long and veiny cóck
filled my wet hole. He groaned when I clenched around his bare length. The pain is
no longer there, instead the delicious sensation enveloped my whole body.

"Vlanca...you feel so fúcking good.." Halinghing niya na ikinangisi ko sandali.

"Ah!" I can't help but to moan when he pushed forward. This time, I felt another
inch and I know that his whole member is deep inside me because I can feel his head
poking in my freaking cervix!

"You okay?" He breathlessly asked.

"Yes, please, fúck me now.."

I didn't have to say it twice, with his hands still on my waists, he started
rocking his hips, thrusting slowly, but deeply. Hindi nagtagal ay unti-unting
bumilis ang kanyang pag-galaw. His pelvis is now hitting my åsscheeks as he
furiously fúck my hole. He really intended to please me because as he was moving
his hips, he reached under me with his left hand and found my aching clît!

"Ahhmppp!" Halos dumugo ang aking pangibabang labi sa diin nang pagkakagat ko doon.
Delicious tingles spread all over my body as his fingers firmly circled on my
aching bud!

My heart is thudding so loud, my breasts are squished on the table while my

sensitive nipples are brushing against the cold surface, stimulating it and pushing
me further to the edge! My mind can't seem to focus on one thing, pakiramdam ko ay
maliliyo na ako sa sarap! Because while he was expertly massaging my clît, his huge
and fat cóck is relentlessly filling my whole! In each thrust and pull that he
makes, he takes away my breath and pushes me even harder to the brink of my pending
ørgasm!

My muffled moans became louder habang mas bumilis at mas rumahas pa ang kanyang
bawat pagulos.

"Come for me, Vlanca." He commanded.

"Ahhhmmm—fúck!" A loud moan escaped my lips as I felt the delicious sensation

bursted inside me! My whole body shook violently as I came hard. My pússy quivered
and my juice continue to gush out dahil hindi siya tumitigil sa paglabas-masok sa
akin!

"Good girl." He muttered. I clenched around him.

"Kiel, wait, wait! Ahh!" My body is forced to have another mind-bending órgásm! My
flesh is already sensitive.

My heart was thudding so loud and I felt like my bones just turned into jelly.
Hinihingal at pawisan akong nakatuwad doon, helplessly and yet willingly taking his
cóck. Nagpatuloy siya sa pag-galaw. The table is already shaking, pati na din ang
mga baso at ang bote ng juice. But we both seem to not care, especially him! His
fingers continue circling on my clít, while his thick and long cøck pounds my flesh
mercilessly. Halos maiyak na ako sa sarap!

"Kiel, too fast.."

He just grunted like a wild animal and pounded my pússy like a caveman who just had
a woman for the first time. Hinihingal at nanghihina kong itinagilid ang aking ulo
upang makita ko siya. I feel like I am gonna have anóther orgasm by merely looking
at him.

His whole body is now glistening with sweat, his abs are flexing as he continues to
fúck me, hard and fast. Meanwhile his biceps are flexing as he holds my waists
tightly. His hair is wet from the sweat, his cheeks are flushed and his beard-
covered jaw is clenched.

He smirked when he saw me watching him. I let out a cry when he pounded me deeper!
He groaned when I pushed my hips back, desperately chasing another órgasm.

"Kiel, don't stop...please, please.." I begged him.

Inabot ko ang kamay niya na nakakapit sa bewang ko at mahigpit doon na humawak.

Nakatingkayad na ako upang masalubong ko ang kanyang bawat pag-ulos.

And in a few seconds, I convulsed and came around his cóck once more.

I thought he was gonna come already...but I was wrong. After he gave me that
ørgasm, he pulled me from the table, and no, he doesn't tell me which position I
should be in...instead, he puts me in a position he wants me to be in.

Ngayon ay nakaupo siya sa isa sa mga upuan dito sa dining area habang nagtataas-
baba ako sa kandungan niya. His hooded eyes were watching me as I rode him.

I yelped when his big hand smacked my åss.

"Fúck me harder." Utos niya na agad ko namang ginawa.

"Yes, just like that." He wrapped my hair around his fist and kissed my chin. "Such
a good girl." He whispered and that made my pússy clench.

"Ah!" Halos mapatili ako nang mahanap ng kanyang mga daliri ang namamaga ko nang
butil. And while I was bouncing in his lap, he was massaging my clît and sucking my
breasts until they were wet and swollen from his lips.

When I got tired and came twice in that position. Binuhat naman niya ako sa sala at
pinabukaka sa couch. He kneeled and buried his face in my pússy like he hadn't done
that earlier. I had to grab a pillow and bite it to stop my loud moans. Ngayon
naman ay nakahiga na ako sa lamesa habang marahas siyang umuulos.

Ang kanyang kamay ay nilalamabas ang aking mga dibdib habang marubdob niya akong
hinahalikan. Napadaing siya nang makagat ko ang labi niya dahil naabot ko na naman
ang aking sukdulan. My pússy weakly clenched around his hard length.

"Tama na," Hinihingal kong sabi nang bitawan niya ang mga labi ko. "Oh, my god...I
have a surgery tomorrow.."

He smirked.

"More like later, it's already two a.m." He replied effortlessly as if he wasn't
pistoning his hips between my legs. He lasted that long or I lasted that long?!
I lost my train of thought when I felt his cóck twitching inside me. He grunted as
he buried his face in my neck. He's close.

"Are you on the pill?" Hinihingal niyang bulong.

"No, so, if you are thinking of popping it inside me. Don't you dare. Anim na buwan
pa lang si Magnus."

"Exactly. Pwede na nating sundan."

"Siraulo ka ba? Ikaw kaya ang magbunti—"

I felt him smile against my skin before he kissed me. Mahigpit na ang yakap niya sa
akin habang nararamdaman ko ang pagsipsip niya sa collarbone ko. His thrusts became
harsher and deeper until the table was already creaking.

"Shît, shît. Vlanca..I'm coming for you..." He moaned in my neck and with one final
thrust, I felt him pull out. He moved away, I weakly opened my eyes to watch him.
It feels so illegal and yet so erótic to watch him palm his cóck but I watched him
do it until his warm seed spurted all over my stomach.

Right after he cleaned me up ay binuhat niya ako papunta sa kwarto. I didn't know
which room it was dahil pagod at antok na antok na talaga ako. Nalaman ko lang na
sa kwarto ko niya ako dinala nang kumutan niya ang aking hubad na katawan gamit ang
duvet na may silk covering. I thought he was gonna leave me but then humiga siya sa
tabi ko at yumakap sa akin. And instead of pushing him away, I let him rest his
head on my boobs and hold me. Subalit hindi pa kami nakaka-idlip ng mga five
minutes ay narinig na namin ang iyak ng anak namin mula sa baby monitor na
nakapatong sa bedside table.

"Magnus.." I muttered with my eyes closed.

"I got him," I heard him say. "Go to sleep..." Bulong niya at hinalikan ang sentido
ko.

Napamulat naman ako nang sandali niyang paandarin ang lampshade. It seems like he
turned it on, so he can properly put his pants on because when I looked at him, he
was in the process of wearing it.

My eyes widened when I saw what was inked in his lower belly.

"Oh, what have you done?"

Napatingin naman siya sa akin nang nanghihina akong napaupo sa kama.

"Hubo, bilis." Utos ko.

With a puzzled look on his face, he pulled his pants down. I tried not to stare at
his oversized cóck.

"Ezekiel Arguello, what the hell?" I muttered as I stared at his tattoo. I was too
hórny to notice it earlier.

"Do you like it?" Nakangisi pa niyang tanong.

"I was fúcking joking, Kiel.." Bulong ko habang hindi ako makapaniwalang nakatitig
sa naka-tattoo na M.V's sa puson niya.

"Turn around." I told him because I remember seeing traces of inks on his åss.

Napatuptop ako sa bibig ko nang makita ko ang pangalan ko sa pwetan niya. Martina
is tattooed on his right åss cheek habang may Vlanca's ♡ sa kaliwang pisngi ng pwet
niya.

Wordlessly, I slowly looked at his smiling face.

"You do know that tattoos are permanent?"

He just nodded with a smile on his lips. Nang maitaas niya ang kanyang sweatpants
ay umupo siya sa kama. He gently cupped my cheek as he sincerely looked me in the
eye.

"I have no regrets because I belong to you, Vlanca. You own my body and especially
my heart." He replied without taking his eyes off of me.

I just looked at him, still surprised and wordless.

"Go rest now, mahal ko.." He whispered and kissed my forehead before he silently
walked out of the room.

Tigalgal akong napahiga sa kama. Kanina lang ay sobrang pinainit niya ang katawan
ko, ngayon naman ay halos hindi ako makahinga sa bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

Chapter 56: Reyna Ka Ng Karupukan, Gorl?

Hello, my gorls. Advance Happy New Year! I wish you a safe, happy, and prosperous
2022! I love you all! 😘

ro-ughn

***

Martina Vlanca

Matapos kong matigalgal for solid five minutes ay hindi ko na nalabanan ang
pagbigat ng talukap ng aking mga mata. I fell asleep in a snap because of
exhaustion. I wasn't even aware if he got back to bed or what, since I was really
dead asleep. The next moment I opened my eyes, the bedside clock says it's already
eight in the morning.

I was panicking until I received a text from my Attending for this day. She said na
na-move 'yung surgery namin ng eleven-thirty a.m, and since it's gonna be a long
and critical surgery, she wants all her residents and interns to get all the rest
they can get. Kaya naman imbes na alas siete ang pasok ko ay naging eleven a.m
iyon.

With a sigh of relief, I lay down on the bed again, still naked and with aching
muscles. Wala sa loob na napatitig ako sa kisame.
Last night was unexpected, intense, hot, and really exhausting...and then hot
again..

There, I laid in silence trying to figure out what I am feeling about the fact that
I gave in to him and that we do it again and again, and again.

Am I ashamed? Regretful? Even angry at myself for letting it happen?

Well, No, I didn't feel any of that....instead, I just feel so satiated,

glowy....and even a rush of joy.

Suddenly, I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard my kid's cry and a knock on the
door.

"Momma, you dressed? Our son is hungry." Dinig kong sabi ni Kiel sa kabila nang
malakas na iyak ni Magnus.

"No, but come in!" I yelled and covered my body with a silk duvet.

The door knob then turned and then he walked in carrying Magnus who was dressed in
his onesies and is currently crying loudly. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapalunok nang
mapasadahan ko ng tingin ang Tatay ng anak ko. Wala pa rin siyang pang-itaas kaya
naman kita ko sa kanyang katawan ang ebidensya ng mga activities namin kagabi. May
mga kiss marks akong naiwan sa kanyang balikat, dibdib, abs, pati sa leeg niya.

Napalunok akong muli. I'd be lying if I say that he doesn't look hotter now that I
have my marks on him.

"I'm here, baby.." I whispered nang mabuhat ko na si Magnus. I shrugged my hair

behind my shoulders and bared my breasts from the duvet. My comforting tone and
words didn't help since Magnus only calmed down when he finally latched on my right
nipple.

"Kanina pa siya gising?" Tanong ko sa Tatay niya habang pinupunasan ko ang mga luha
sa pisngi ng anak ko. Ngayon ay parang walang nangyari. Tahimik lamang siyang
dumedede habang nakamatyag sa akin ang kanyang berdeng mga mata.

"Kind of. Nakatulog siya ulit matapos ko siyang i-hele kaninang alas dos tapos
nagising siya ulit nang mga bandang alas siete. We were playing and then he got
hungry. I tried to look for milk in the fridge pero ubos na." Sagot niya, matapos
noon ay naglakad siya patungo sa side niya ng kama at umupo sa aking tabi.

I sighed inwardly as I felt the comforting heat radiating from his body...and
instead of avoiding him and scooting away, I allowed myself to lean on his hard
body. God. I missed feeling him like this.

Tila hindi niya iyon inaasahan dahil naramdaman ko siyang nanigas sandali.

"You okay?" Tanong ko, at nang tumingala ako sa kanya ay nahuli ko siyang nakatitig
sa akin. I saw that glint of joy in his eyes.

"More than okay." Nakangiting sagot niya bago siya nagtanim ng halik sa aking noo.
For a moment, I felt my heart skip a beat.

Hindi nagtagal ay nabusog na si Magnus at dahil doon ay inantok siya. Kiel insisted
on carrying our sleepy son back to his crib. After they left the room, I ran to the
bathroom real quick and cleaned up a little. I brushed and tied my completely
disheveled hair, washed my face, and did the rest of my business. After I was
already cleaned up and dressed. I couldn't help but to look in the mirror. And as I
was looking at my reflection, exhaustion is not visible in my face. Instead, all I
can see is a woman who has an incredible glow after being properly fúcked.

Nang lumabas ako sa kwarto ay dumeretso ako sa kusina. Hindi ko maiwasang mamula
noong madaanan ko ang dining table. It looks like he already cleaned up the scene
since hindi na paling ang lamesa, wala na din ang juice at mga baso doon, while the
manila folder is neatly resting on the table.

When I got into the kitchen ay dumeretso ako sa fridge upang tumingin ng mga
ingredients na pwedeng gawing mabilisang breakfast, but as I was taking out the egg
from the fridge naramdaman ko ang kanyang mga braso na pumulupot sa aking mga
bewang. Naibaba ko naman agad ang tray ng itlog sa counter at napasandal sa kanyang
mainit at hubad na katawan.

"Magnus is sleeping deeply and your surgery is at eleven...." He murmured in my

ear. Yeah, habang dumedede si Magnus ay sandali kaming nag-kwentuhan tungkol sa
upcoming surgery. All the while our son is watching us like he can understand what
we were saying.

I inhaled sharply when I felt Kiel's hand snaked inside my robe. I was very tempted
to give in again but I pulled his hand away and faced him.

Nang makaharap ako sa kanya ay itinaas ko ang aking kanang kamay sa kanyang pisngi.
He closed his eyes when he felt my touch on his bearded cheek.

"I missed your touch so much.." Bulong niya.

When he opened his eyes, they were glossy with tears. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko
na nakahawak sa kanyang pisngi at dinala iyon sa kanyang mga labi. My heart
fluttered as he planted tender kisses on my hand.

After that, he brought my hand on top of his chest and held it over his beating
heart.

"Kiel.." I whispered as I looked him in the eye.

Malawak siyang ngumiti habang nanggigilid ang kanyang mga luha.

"I don't want to use you or your body...." I said.

Naalala ko ang mga sinabi niya kagabi...and I don't want to do that to him.

"I don't want to hold a grudge against you nor stay angry at you. It's consuming
me. It feels miserable..." Pag-amin ko. I thought I could stay mad at him for
long....but I just couldn't. Not when he shows his efforts everyday or tells me how
much he loves me every single chance he has. I can't stay mad at him and continue
to shut him out when I still clearly feel something for him.

"...I only stopped feeling miserable when I decided to open up a little to

you....when I decided to have your company whenever we eat together. And honestly,
no matter how tiring my day or how hard my day went, the moment I talk to you over
dinner time, everything is fine again..." I truthfully told him.

"R-Really?" Parang hindi niya makapaniwalang bulong. I nodded in response.

After what I felt the moment I hugged him last night, alam ko sa sarili ko na siya
pa rin. Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko kaya na hanggang co-parents lang kami. I
can't imagine someone else having dinner with him, him doing the efforts that he
does for me to someone else.... or him....laying next to somebody else.

"You still make me f-feel things, Kiel. That's the t-truth." My voice croaked. "I
wanted to listen to what you have to say but I still d-don't trust your words and I
still haven't fully forgiven you, but it doesn't mean that I want you gone in my
life."

He nodded as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I completely understand..and I want you to know that I am not gonna stop until I
earn it."

"I know...and I want to give you that chance..."

His blue eyes then widened and gleamed with gladness.

"But I cannot guarantee you anything right now but a chance."

Sunod-sunod siyang tumango bago siya napahikbi.

"Thank you.." He whispered repeatedly and brought my hand to his lips.

My own tears fell down my cheeks as my heart thumped loudly. Inabot ko ang kanyang
mga pisngi at pinunasan ang kanyang mga luha.

"May I kiss you?" Tanong niya habang hawak ko ang kanyang magkabilang mga pisngi.

"Yes."

He cupped my cheeks too and pressed his warm lips against mine.

"V! Yoohoo! Where are you?"

Our eyes both opened up in shock while our lips were still connected.

"Oh—-hindi daw siya marupok?"

Naghiwalay naman kami at napatingin kami kay B na ngayon ay nakatayo sa entrada ng

kusina. He's currently wearing scrubs while his hands are on his hips. Samantalang
may nangaasar na ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha.

"B–"

"I mean, bakit halik mo girlfriend ko, huh, Arguello?" He made an 'angry'
expression when realized that he was supposed to be pretending to be my man.

Kiel shook his head and smirked a little.

"How did he get in?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Fomer akyat bahay ako bago ako naging doctor, fyi." Sarkastikong sagot ni B na
ikinailing ko naman.

"I gave him a key." I told Kiel and then looked at B, who is obviously amused but
confused at the same time.

"He knows.." Sabi ko. Two words and B already knows what that means.

"Oh.."
"Don't worry, Bistalan, It's alright, I understand..." Sabi ni Kiel habang
nakahawak siya sa bewang ko.

Dahan-dahan na napatango si B.

"So, that means I am not gonna get.....murdered...right? Just you know I have a lot
of patients and they will certainly notice kapag bigla na lang akong nawala."

I rolled my eyes.

"B don't be ridiculous." I said that made him chuckle.

"Anyway, I'll just welcome myself to my guy's room and I'll leave you two alone."
He winked at me bago siya lumabas ng kusina. Napailing na lang ako.

"Be nice to B." Sabi ko kay Kiel nang tuluyan nang makalabas si B.

His thick eyebrows furrowed at me.

"Why do you keep on calling him B? He's not your boyfriend." He grumpily replied
instead.

"Yeah about that.....well, his name is Beauxdeaustreuz Bistalan."

Napataas ang mga kilay niya at dahan-dahan na napatango.

"Hmm, now you get it. He's a decent man, alright. Just be nice to him."

Ngumuso naman siya. Hinawakan niya ang baba ko at hinalikan niya sandali ang aking
mga labi.

"You know I only do nice when it comes to you." He whispered.

"Well, you have to make an exception."

He cocked an eyebrow.

"Why would I do that?"

I smirked and then replied, "Because I said so."

"Okay, then susubukan ko." Sagot naman niya.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay bago ko siya binigyan ng tingin na alam kong babahag ng
buntot niya. I then asked him, "Ano ulit 'yung sinabi mo?"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niya.

"I mean, yes, I will be nice to B."

"Hindi e, iba 'yung narinig ko--ay!"

Napatili naman ako nang buhatin niya ako sa counter. He parted my legs wide and
stood between it.

"I said, yes ma'am with a big smile on my face. See," Tinuro pa niya ang pilit na
malaking ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. " Now, would you stop looking at me like
that..." Ungot niya at hinalikan ang panga ko.
I just frowned.

"Pretty please? Kinakabahan ako.." Nakanguso niyang sabi habang nakatingin sa akin.
His eyes were a little bloodshot from crying earlier.

Nang mag-puppy eyes pa siya ay tuluyan na akong natawa.

"Basta be nice to him." I said and placed my hands on his shoulders.

"Yes, mahal ko."

I bit my inner cheek to stop myself from smiling so wide.

"Napakalandi mo, ewan ko sa'yo." Sagot ko na lang at tinusok ko ang dibdib niya.

He grinned bago niya ako niyakap.

"V, Alam ko wild ka pero I didn't know that you're that wild....the man looks like
a map with all those kiss marks." Sabi ni B habang nakaupo siya sa katapat kong
upuan dito sa balcony. Dito siya dumeretso matapos niyang bisitahin ang natutulog
kong anak. He had the time to come by today since he will also participate in the
Nuss Procedure and the spinal fusion on our eighteen year old boy. Which means
he'll come to the hospital at the same time as me.

"I mean, I understand since kung ganoon naman ka-hot ang hahalikan bakit hindi–"

"B."

Tinawanan lang niya ako bago siya uminom ng kape.

"Tapos galing pa luto breakfast at gawa ng coffee." He added after he drank the
coffee that Kiel made for him, and B already finished the french toast that Kiel
cooked for us.

"Wow, hindi obvious na kuhang-kuha ka na niya ha." Sarkastiko kong sagot matapos
kong sumimsim sa sarili kong baso ng kape.

He snorted. I put the glass down in front of me and leaned on my chair with a
refreshed sigh.

"I atleast thought you'll give me a lecture after I told you that I gave him a
chance and that we slept together." Sabi ko. For sure, Dakota will give me a
sermon, once na malaman niya ang kaganapan namin ni Kiel ngayon.

He shrugged.

"Well, first of all, you're a big girl V. You know what you're doing."

"Thank you?"

He smirked before he continued, "And second, it's so obvious that he is head over
heels for you. Like I said, he raised the bar for men from hell to space. He can
cook, can clean, can take care of a baby, can please you.." Tinaas baba pa niya ang
mga blond niyang kilay sandali. "And then when I thought na that's the whole
package..you said that he has your name on his puson and pwet. How can I lecture
you for giving that kind of man a chance, V? If that were me, wala nang chance-
chance. I'll just bend over and let him do me. End of discussion."

I snickered. Gosh, B's humor is very out of pocket but I love it.

"Okay, point taken." Sagot ko matapos kong matawa sandali.

Sumimsim siyang muli ng kape bago siya nagsalita.

"And lastly, I can see that you became happier when you began talking to him...."
Seryoso niyang sabi matapos niyang ibaba ang kanyang tasa ng kape sa lamesa. His
brown eyes were sincerely looking at me. "...I am looking forward to seeing you
even happier now that you gave him an actual chance to earn you back.."

"Aw, B naman..." I leaned forward and reached for his hand for a moment.

"Thank you. You're one of the most supportive human beings I have ever known."
Genuine kong sagot.

He smiled and gave me a flying kiss.

"He better not waste this chance and make you cry the second time because

I happen to know that if you inject a generous amount of methylphenidate to a

person, it can cause a mysterious stroke....and I also know that injections under
the tongue are untraceable."

Napailing na lang ako.

"Hahaha, gaga ka, wala pang isang taon si Magnus bumigay ka na."

Inirapan ko naman si Ate Madison sa pang-aasar niya sa akin. Kasalukuyan akong

narito sa longue at nakahiga sa isa sa mga couches habang hawak ko ang aking
cellphone sa harap ng aking mukha. I needed to lay down because I was standing for
hours. It was worth it tho since the surgery went well. The Nuss procedure and the
spinal fusion worked on our eighteen year old boy. Ngayon ay nasa ICU na siya at
nagpapagaling, his lungs and heart are no longer compressed and the metal rod in
his back erected his severely curved spine.

Ngayon ay maga-alas singko na ng hapon. Kaunting oras na lang ay makakauwi na ako

sa mag-ama ko. I decided to lay down for a bit para naman may energy ako na
makipaglaro sa anak ko pag-uwi ko mamaya.

At makipaglaro din sa Tatay niya. My subconcious butted in.

Meanwhile B is on the round table, kasalukuyan niyang tinitira ang pinadalang mga
pagkain sa akin—well, sa amin ni Kiel. He sends extra food now since he knows B is
eating the food too. Imbes na magalit siya kanina ay tinanong pa niya kung anong
gusto ni B.

I like that he's really trying to be nice to him.

"Paano ba 'yan, sisterhood. Panalo ako, nasaan na ang air fryer ko?" Narinig kong
tanong ni Ate Maria mula sa background. I could hear some splashes of water, it
seemed like she was in the pool.

Kumunot naman ang noo ko habang nakatingin ako ngayon sa nakasimangot na mukha ni
Ate Madison. From the background, I can see that they are in Ate Madison's
backyard. They get to hangout for a while habang tulog ang kanilang mga junakis.
Magkasama sila ngayon dahil nag-play date ang aking mga pamangkin...even if they
are just infants, they grew very close.

And while the kids were sleeping, they called me since it's been a while since
we've had a conversation because we're all busy with our lives. Buti na lang noong
tumawag sila ay nasakto na tapos na ang surgery ko.

"What?" Taka kong tanong. Airfryer?

When Ate Madison shook her head, her high messy bun wobbled a little.

"Well, we had this little bet noong sinabi ni Mama na nasa isang bahay kayo ni
Ezekiel. Pumusta ako na hindi ka bibigay agad-agad and Maria betted that you'll
give in right before Magnus turns one..."

"And I was right, bîtches! Woohoo! Ako ang nagwagi ng brand new airfyer, Atty.
Madison!" Sigaw ni Ate Maria at nag-evil laugh siya matapos noon.

Napangisi ako samantalang napailing na lang si Ate Madison.

"Wow, sobrang supportive niyo naman at pinagpustahan niyo pa ako." Nanunuya kong
sabi.

Ate Madison grinned and then, "Yeah, we love you that much."

"And don't tell us that it was a moment of weakness because you told us that it
happened more than three times," Narinig kong sabi ni Ate Maria. "Ano ka, reyna ka
ng karupukan, gorl?" Banat pa niya bago ko narinig ang paglagaslas ng tubig. Sounds
like she's now doing laps in the pool.

Tumawa nang malakas si Ate Madison, habang napasimangot ako sandali. I kinda regret
that I told them about what happened.

"Well, fine, it wasn't a moment of weakness."

Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Ate Madison.

"Okay....so, inaamin mo na mahal mo pa at may second chance?"

I nibbled on my lower lip for a moment.

"...I admitted to him na may nararamdaman pa ako..." Pag-amin ko. "And wow, I
thought you didn't like him but now you're the one urging me to admit it if there
is still a chance." Natatawa kong dagdag.

"I mean the man has effort and courage. You can't blame me for rooting for him."

I chuckled lightly. I also told them about his never-ending efforts.

"I may not like him but I am not blinded by that feeling. I can still see that the
man is devoted to you at never niyang minahal 'yung babaitang iyon after kang
umalis, noh.."

Kumunot naman ang aking noo.

"How can you know that?"

"What? Why are you asking me this? Didn't Papa threaten to kill him? Then banned
him from every service available, and then filed a restraining order against him."

Napaupo ako sa pagkabigla.

"WHAT?" Gulantang na bulalas ko.

Chapter 57: ILYSB

Martina Vlanca

"So, let me get this straight, Pa. Una you threatened to kill him, and then banned
him from every service available and obviously, that wasn't enough since you filed
a restraining order against him?" Hindi ko mapaniwalang sabi kay Papa. Never in my
life have I imagined that I would have to say all those things in one sentence.

"Yes, t-that is correct." He replied.

I took a deep breath to control my emotions but it didn't help. Earlier I was
completely fúcking baffled. Now, I am still feeling the sudden rush of mixed
emotions, specifically irritation and probably anger. For a very long time, in a
span of year, napuno ako ng hatred at galit para kay Kiel dahil inakala ko na hindi
niya talaga ako sinubukan na hanapin. Na kaya lang niya napag-desisyonan na hanapin
ako matapos ang higit isang taon ay baka dahil nagsawa na siya kay Trinity. And now
that he found me, he only said that he loves me and that he's doing all these
efforts because he just wants a part in son's life.

All those assumptions were immensely fueled by my said anger and hatred that built
over time, because my parents kept me in the dark about what they did. So yes, I am
really irritated.

"A restraining court order, father." Mariin kong tanong. Naglayo na lang ng tingin
si Papa mula sa camera ng cellphone na hawak niya. I can see that he's in the
living room in our vacation house in Tagaytay. It's either their back home in Italy
or in one of our other houses here in the Philippines since hindi pa matirhan ang
main mansion ng pamilya sa Metro, dahil hanggang ngayon ay under-renovation pa rin
iyon. It was understandable since it was a eighty-million-peso renovation project,
after-all.

"He hurted me. Sí. ma un'ingiunzione del tribunale contro di lui, davvero?" but a
court order against him, really? My Italian tongue kicked in.

He didn't respond right away. He just raked his salt and pepper hair with his
fingers. Guilt is written all over his face.

"Well.." He said as his green eyes finally looked at me through the camera.

"Yes, Papa. I would love to hear a lovely explanation." Sarkastiko kong sagot bago
ako napasandal sa upuan ng aking kotse. I then crossed my arms and stared at my
phone which is currently propped on the phone holder on my dashboard. I stared at
him in silence and waited for my dear father to explain.
Wala na ako sa longue dahil oras na marinig ko ang ginawa ni Papa ay maaga akong
nag-clock out. I was able to do that because of B since he covered the rest of my
shift.

Meanwhile, Ate Madison was surprised to know when I told her that I don't have a
single knowledge about what she was talking about. Apparently, her and the rest of
my siblings thought that I knew what was going on given the fact na nasaktan nga
ako ng sobra. They thought that that was what I wanted, but no, it was what my
father wanted.

"Well, Vlanca, in my defense, alam din ng Mama mo..."

I bit my inner cheek. As if that makes it better?

"But you were the one who wanted that to happen...am I right?" I cocked an eyebrow.

He sighed in defeat. "Yes."

Maya-maya ay narinig kong bumukas ang main door.

"Von, what's going on?" Narinig kong tanong ni Mama matapos sumara ang pintuan.
Kaninang tumawag ako ay nasa palengke ang Mama. Hindi nakasama si Papa dahil he was
taking a nap in the living room, nagising lamang siya noong tumawag ako.

"She knows.." Papa said as she looked at my mother who is currently standing near
him. From here I can see that she's wearing a cute daster at may basket siyang
bitbit na puno ng gulay.

"Oh," Iyon na lang ang nasabi ni Mama matapos niyang ibaba ang kanyang hawak na
basket sa sahig at umupo sa tabi ni Papa.

"Hi, anak...hehe..." Bati ni Mama bago siya napakamot sa kanyang nakalugay na buhok
sandali.

"Hi, Ma..." I replied and politely smiled at her. "Now, please, either of you...can
you please tell me what happened?" Seryoso ko nang tanong.

Papa sighed softly again before he started speaking.

"Matapos kang magtungo dito sa Tagaytay ay agad siyang nagtungo sa mansion. Iyon
'yung mga oras na nakatanggap ako ng tawag mula sa mga bodyguards..."

I nodded slowly. We were sitting on the couch. I was crying habang sinasabi ko sa
kanila 'yung ginawa ni Kiel at nasabi ko din sa kanila na buntis na ako kay Magnus
noon. I remember how furious Papa was.

"Oras na dumating ako doon ay nagmakaawa siya na makita ka. I shooed him away by
threatening him that I will make him my personal punching bag." He cringed.

"Pa.."

He shrugged.

"Can you blame me? You were miserable, at that time, because of him. Of course, I'd
want to beat him for that." He said softly. "But I didn't do it because you told me
at that time that–"

"No violence." Sabay naming sabi ni Papa.

I smiled a little.

"After that day, akala ko ay hindi na siya babalik pa, but for the next couple of
weeks after you left for Guam. Nagtungo pa din siya sa mansion. Paulit-ulit,
umulan, umaraw, naroon siya sa harap ng gate..."

Napalunok ako. My gut clenched when I imagined him standing there getting sunburned
or wet under the rain.

"For pete's sake, he tried to bribe the security guards with free surgery basta
sabihin lang nila ang kinaroroonan mo... he even offered one of them a
liposuction."

Oh, Kiel. Hindi ko maiwasang matawa nang bahagya habang ramdam ko ang mga
nagbabadyang mga luha sa aking mga mata.

"Of course, all of the family's security detail is loyal to us, Del Russo's only.
So, he didn't get a bit, even a crumb of information about your whereabouts.
Subalit kahit na ganoon ay naroon lang siya kahit alam niya na walang lalabas sa
gate para kumausap sa kanya. He stood there patiently and waited even though he
knew it was hopeless. He was there knowing that I could walk out of the gate any
minute and just punch him until his face turned into a pulp. Meanwhile, you were
here still hurting and very pregnant. I am not gonna lie, anak. I can see his
devotion to you and I wanted to help him find you.... but the way I saw you
here...all hurting and crying....it was heart wrenching."

Hindi ko napigilan ang pagbagsak ng aking mga luha habang nakikinig ako kay Papa.

"Nakita ko din iyon, anak," Mama said with teary eyes. "Sa buong dalawamput-anim na
taon kang nabuhay sa mundong ito, I never saw you cry and hurt like that. I have
never seen you so broken and in pain, until Arguello broke your heart."

I sniffed and wiped my tears. It was true....while I was pregnant, I was still
going through my heart break. For a couple of months straight, I always go to bed
with tear-stained cheeks and puffy eyes and with a broken heart.

"...So, I agreed when your father asked
because of what you were going through.
ban him from every P.I around the globe
Matapos noon, hindi na siya nagtungo pa
kapag ginawa niya iyon.."
me to not give any mercy to Arguello
I agreed when your father suggested that we
and eventually, a restraining order.
sa mansion dahil pwede na siyang makulong

Papa nodded.

"But still, I kept eyes on him to see what's that motherfu—"

"Von." Mama sternly said.

"Man up to," He softened his tone. "Nalaman ko na ni hindi siya lumabas sa

penthouse niya for a very long time. I get alerts from the P.I offices every single
day saying that the name that we blacklisted still kept on calling. Your cousin,
Simon, found out that there was never a communication between him and Trinity after
you left,"

"You had my cousin hack into his cellphone?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong bago ko
pinunasan ang aking mga luha mula sa aking mga pinsgi.

"Well...he volunteered, who am I to turn down help from a very tech-genius man."
Papa shrugged.

I just shook my head.

"He blocked her from everything, even from his penthouse building, until a month
later, he got out of his penthouse looking like a stinky and homeless man."

Umawang ang mga labi ko.

"Nag-assign ka ng P.I para sundan siya?"

"Like I said, I kept eyes on him," My father replied like there is nothing wrong
with that. Napailing na lang akong muli. "So, lumabas siya para kitain 'yung ex
niya sa Jesse's. They talked, we don't know what it was about but after less than
ten minutes of conversation. He went home and vanished,"

"Let me guess, hindi siya nag-vanish kasi nga you still kept eyes on him?"

Papa hummed in affirmation.

"According to my people, naglagi siya sa isang remote cabin sa Cebu ng ilang buwan
matapos noon ay nilibot niya ang buong Europa."

Natigilan ako.

"I'm sorry–what?"

Mama smirked a little, "He will not get any help from every P.I office, so, he took
it upon himself to find you even if it means travelling the entire world."

My mouth parted, fresh tears wet my cheeks. My heart thudded loudly.

"The man traveled all of Europe. Pumunta pa nga siya sa bahay natin sa Luxembourg,
sa Turin, sa lahat ng properties natin sa Europa. Arguello was planning to go
around the world for you, without any assurance that he will even find you.."

"H-He didn't know I was pregnant?"

Both of my parents shook their heads.

"All his objective was to find you...and from Europe, napa-Guam siya bigla. We
don't know what changed and how he got your location. Since I told the P.I's to
stop following him after he started travelling. Wala din naman na akong natanggap
na notification mula sa P.I offices tungkol sa pangalan na pinaka-blacklist namin."
Papa answered.

I nodded slowly in understanding but I still have one question.

"Then knowing all that, why did you still punch him when you saw him with me?"

"Yeah, Von." Nanunuyang sabi ni Mama.

Napakamot naman si Papa sandali sa kanyang batok.

"Well.... he still has to earn you back kahit na nag-around the world siya. And at
that time, the memory of you, crying and heartbroken, is still fresh in my mind,"
Papa answered as he looked at me. "And to think that he could just walk in again
and possibly hurt my daughter is unbearable...so, I punched him and told him to not
tell you about what we did. I wanted to see if he'd make an effort and if he's
determined enough to win you back."

"He did..." I whispered bago ako napalunok.

Sandali akong napatulala doon. Surprised, touched, and surprised again from all the
revelations I've heard. All this time, he was telling me the truth... he didn't
really try anything with Trinity and I hated him for nothing..

I sighed before I wiped my tears from my cheeks.

"I understand why you did what you did....but wasn't that too much?" I can't help
but to ask.

"Arguably, yes," Pag-amin ni Mama. "But after everything you have been through
because of what he did, he has to earn you...but I like the man now...mahal na
mahal niya si Magnus at higit sa lahat, ikaw. That's enough for me to forgive him
and be civil with him.....and I know that I—we," He nudged my father.

"What?"

"Owe him an apology." Pinandilatan siya ni Mama.

My father frowned.

"Right, Von?"

"Yes, my princess. Of course." Agad na sagot ni Papa.

Mama shook her head. Papa put her arm around Mama's shoulders, habang hawak pa rin
ng isang kamay niya ang cellphone.

"There is no 'too much' for the people who hurt my children," Papa said to me. "I
don't want anyone hurting my kids. IF they do, they will suffer hell."

And Kiel did suffer.

"And now, he came back from that version of hell....I still don't like him but it
doesn't mean that I am not gonna apologize or that I am not impressed..."

"Vlanca, anak, I'm really sorry if our actions may have harmed you in any way...we
just wanted best for you.." Mama said sincerely.

I nodded.

"Don't worry about it, Ma. Naiintindihan ko mas lalo na ngayon na may anak na ako.
I love him and I'd want the best for him too....but maybe, filing a restraining
order against the first girl who will break his heart is not one of them."

Both my parents smiled a bit.

Matapos ko na makausap ang parents ko ay agad akong nagmaneho pauwi. I am not sure
if I ran through a red light or what. I am not even sure if I pulled the handbrake
of my car after I parked outside the house. Basta ang tanging nasa isip ko lamang
ay gusto kong makita si Kiel at marinig ang mga gusto niyang sabihin sa akin simula
pa noong una.
Now, I want to hear it because all my doubts about what he's going to say to me are
now long gone.

Pagpasok ko sa bahay ay saktong kakasara lang niya ng pintuan ng kwarto ng anak

namin. When he saw me, his handsome face lit up. I noticed that he was wearing his
usual joggers and white shirt.

"Hey!" He greeted in a hushed yet excited tone.

"H-Hi."

He stopped in his tracks when he reached the coffee table in the middle of the
living room. Matapos niyang ipatong doon ang baby monitor ay kinuha niya ang isang
kulay puting papel. When he walked towards me and stopped in front of me, his
delicious scent enveloped my senses.

"Here," He softly said and offered me the paper.

Kumunot ang noo ko. All that I was about to say was suddenly forgotten as I looked
at the paper in confusion.

"What is this?"

"Just look at it, please." He replied. Kinuha ko naman iyon mula sa kanya habang
kinuha niya sa akin ang mabigat na backpack na dala ko. As I was reading it, he put
my bag on the couch.

"A deed of absolute sale of a high-end lingerie store in Tumon....and they sold it
to..me? Huh?" Alanganing sabi ko at nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. When my eyes
landed on his face, he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Kiel, what the hell?"

Hindi natinag ang ngiti niya. Bagkus ay hinawakan lang niya ang magkabilang mga
bewang ko at hinalikan ang aking noo.

"I bought a whole store of underwear, so, everytime I rip one....you can just walk
in the store and they can give you anything you want for free..."

Umawang ang mga labi ko habang hindi ako makapaniwalang napatitig sa kanya.

"Wow. Was that a joke?"

He shook his head, still grinning.

"Uhh, sir, your financial decision is amazing." Natatawa at sarkastiko na lang na

sabi ko.

He chuckled before he took the paper in my hand. He tossed it on the couch behind
him. He then cupped my cheeks and fixed his gaze on me.

"Huwag kang mag-alala...the money I used to buy that store is nothing compared to
what I saved up...so, Magnus' future is very secured as well as his future children
and their children's children's children and children..." He said before he planted
a kiss on my forehead.

"That's a lot of children.." I murmured. "..And a lot of money...I mean, please

tell me you didn't accumulate your wealth doing mafia stuff."
Tumawa siya, his warm and big hands slid down to my waists. Meanwhile mine rested
on his hard shoulders.

"No, fortunately, your future husband is not a mobster." Charming niyang sagot na
ikinangisi ko. "Yumaman ako dahil sa stocks and trading.."

Oh, makes sense.

"Tsk, sayang, pangarap ko pa naman na magka-asawa ng hot na mob boss..." Banat ko.

"Well...I guess you're gonna have to settle with a hot, rich, sexy doctor with an
incredibly talented mouth and hands with a huge heart, hm?"

Napakagat naman ako sa aking pangibabang labi sa kilig.

"Paano kung ayoko?"

"Edi sige, magiging mafia boss na lang ako, kung 'yun ang gusto mo. I already have
the money..." He pouted.

Napailing na lang ako bago ako natawa. My hands went to cup his cheeks. He leaned
into my touch like a kitten, bago niya kinuha ang aking kaliwang kamay. He
repeatedly kissed the back of it.

"What's wrong, mahal ko?" He asked me as he noticed my watery eyes.

Napalunok ako.

"Can we sit down, please? I've been standing all day."

"Of course." He replied and walked with me to the couch. Akala ko ay papaupuin niya
ako sa tabi niya subalit marahan niya akong hinitak paupo sa kanyang kandungan.

"Now, what's wrong?" He gently asked. My arms were wrapped around his neck while
his were banded around my waists.

Imbes na sumagot ay binunot ko ang aking cellphone at ang three year old AirPods ko
mula sa aking bulsa. After I connected it with my phone, I put the right pod in my
ear while the left was his. He smiled when he heard the beginning of LANY's ILYSB.

"ILYSB..." He murmured when he recognized the song. "Naalala ko tuwing after

surgeries ko tapos nataon na break mo ay pinupuntahan kita lagi sa on-call room mo
para matulog." He said as he looked me in the eye.

I smirked.

"And then you'll lay on top of me, ranting about how tired you are and that you
want my boobs in your face..."

"Hmm," He hummed. "And then you'll share your Airpods with me and this song will
always play bago ako makatulog sa ibabaw mo. It was for a few weeks straight na
puro itong kanta na 'to ang pinapapatugtog mo...and I never knew why..." He said as
his blue eyes were fixed on my face.

'And you need to know that you're the only one, alright..'

"..Well..." I trailed as the song played faintly in both of our ears.

'And you need to know that you keep me up all night, all night'

"I always chose it kasi nga noong mga panahong 'yon, mahal na kita pero hindi ko
masabi...I just let the song indirectly confess for me." I smirked.

His eyes widened a little while his cheeks blushed a little.

"The time that we were both idiots.." He whispered that made me chuckle.

"Yes."

'Oh, my heart hurts so good I love you, babe, so bad, so bad..'

"Now, tell me, why are your eyes pink?" He asked again.

Napalunok ako sandali.

"Well...nakausap ko 'yung parents ko," I started. "And I know what they did to
you...and I also know that you went almost around the world to find m-me.." My eyes
watered.

He didn't answer but his eyes glistened with tears.

"I-Is that the reason why you stopped practicing medicine?"

"No and yes," He replied. "No, because after you left, I just couldn't bring myself
to hold a scalpel...my life was no longer in order because I lost the life of my
life...."

Tumaas ang kamay ko sa kanyang pisngi habang namumuo ang mga luha sa aking mga
mata.

'Slow dance these summer nights Our disco ball's my kitchen light'

"And also, yes, because I want to dedicate all my time to looking for you.."

I couldn't bring myself to talk. Napatitig lamang ako sa kanya.

"And as for what Mr. and Mrs. Del Russo did....I honestly deserved what I got.
Whatever I faced toughened me up. I am not holding any grudge against them because
what matters to me is I have you and our son now.....what dearly matters is that
despite the pain that I caused you, you still gave me the chance to earn you
back.." A tear rolled down his cheek. "I've got all I have ever wanted and more,
Vlanca.."

Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as my heart raced.

"N-Noong umalis ako matapos mong aminin sa akin na may nararamdaman ka pa kay
Trinity. That's when I found out about the pills that I was supposed to take....I
didn't want to hide the pregnancy from you...I wanted to be logical pero masyado
akong n-nasaktan. I-I also decided to not tell you because you have feelings for
someone else...ayoko na piliin mo ako kapag nalaman mo na buntis ako. So, I ran so
far not only because I needed to teal. Tumakbo ako palayo dahil hindi ko kaya na
tumira sa isang bansa kasama ka, knowing that you're happy with someone e-else..."
I told him as tears continue to fall down my cheeks.

He shook his head. Basa na din ang kanyang mga pisngi.

"Except I wasn't happy, Vlanca. I was miserable.." He whispered as he cupped my

cheeks.

He wiped all my tears away. "I hurted you, that was inexcusable. I entered into a
relationship with you without facing my past and sorting out my feelings towards
Trinity and that's on me.

I know that you were hurting whenever you see me look at her and you see that I
have a certain expression on my face..."

"...I know that but I didn't ask you about it dahil hindi ko alam kung paano ko
ipapaliwanag na mahal kita pero may nararamdaman ako kay Trinity tuwing makikita ko
siya. I know that it wasn't love but it was something I couldn't name. I didn't
wanna tell you because I was so afraid of losing you...and that didn't turn out so
well because I still lost you and I still hurted you, a-anyway." His voice croaked.
His eyes are now red but his gaze never falters.

"...And noong iniwan mo ako ay doon ko lang napagtanto na pamilyaridad lamang ang
naramdaman ko kay Trinity. Because when you left me I was fúcking miserable,
stinky, and barely functioning. Mas lalo ko lang napagtanto ang nararamdaman ko
noon para sa kanya noong nagka-closure kami sa Jesse's. After I talked to her, I
felt so free and I no longer felt that feeling of familiarity......It just felt
like I closed a chapter of my life that should've been closed a long time a-ago.."

I nodded as I listened to him. There was no ounce of doubt in my chest.

"And I took so long not only because I was banned from every service available. It
took a long time before I looked for you because I didn't wanna make the mistake
that I did before. I have to make sure that I am fully okay....and when I did, I
bettered myself. I live in exile and have healed. And to the best that I could, I
became the man that you rightfully deserve...the man who will love and cherish you
no matter what. You deserve nothing less and definitely more of those,
Vlanca.....and that's what I'm willing to give to you for the rest of my l-life..."
Fresh tears appeared in his eyes as he sobbed.

My heart was racing so fast that it felt like it's about to escape my ribcage. As I
looked into his eyes, there was nothing but adoration and sincerity in his blue
orbs.

'My heart hurts so good I love you, babe, so bad, so bad...'

I couldn't help my own sobs before I hugged him tightly. I shut my eyes, I went to
Guam to start things over....right now, I am successful, I have a healthy kid, a
career...but I know, something is still missing...I didn't know what it was until
he came into my life again.

'..You're the only one - alright, alright And you need to know That you keep me up
all night, all night..'

"I am so sorry for everything, Vlanca..." He whispered as he cried in the crook of

my neck.

"Shh..I forgive you..." I said and pulled away. Saying that outloud felt so fúcking
good.

"I forgive you, Kiel..." Ulit ko na mas lalo niyang ikinahikbi.

'...I love you, babe, so bad, so bad... So bad, oh...'

We both held each other's cheeks and wiped each other's tears. Habang nakatingin
ako sa kanya ay wala na akong galit o kahit anong negative na emosyon na
maramdaman. All I can feel is the love that I have been suppressing all this time.

Chapter 58: If You Can Take Eight Inches, Why Not Bear Eight Children?

Hi, my R🟡SES! First off, I wanna say thank you for your patience and I also want to
say thank you from the bottom of my yellow heart for the 14k! 😭💛. Love you all
and happy reading! 💛💛💛

***

Martina Vlanca

"I hope someone cooks your favorite food and sana ay kasing sarap 'yun ng akin.."
Basa ko sa letter niya sa akin noong birthday ko.

"Well, meron ba?" Tanong niya sa akin habang nakayakap siya sa aking mga bewang.
Dito kami muling bumalik sa couch matapos naming maghapunan. We both decided to eat
after our heartfelt moment since apparently, nakakagutom umiyak.

After we ate, I showered and then we returned to the couch. Akala ko ay manonood
lang kami ng movie pero pagdating ko ay ay may box na siyang kandong, and then he
told me that those were the letters that he wrote for me when we were apart. My
heart melted again...and again and again as I read his letters. From Valentine's
day, my Graduation, my Birthday, Christmas, every-freaking-occasion, he has a
letter for me. Binasa ko lahat ng iyon habang nakahiga kami dito sa couch. He was
laying behind me with his arms wrapped around my waists, our legs tangled, and my
head laying on his arm.

Napangiti naman ako nang humigpit ang yakap niya sa aking mga bewang at hinalikan
ang aking pisngi.

"Yeah, meron, si Leo." Sagot ko at marahan na binitawan ang letra sa loob ng box na
kasalukuyang nakapatong sa sahig. I will certainly put all his letters in my vault
because those are one of my most-priceless treasures.

"Leo?" He grumbled.

Ngumisi ako bago ako pumahalang upang makaharap ako sa kanya. His blue eyes were
watching me as his brows furrowed.

"Yeah... he cooks for me everytime, especially on my birthday."

"Okay...."

"Mabait siya, polite, very sweet man."

Unti-unti siyang napanguso.

"Well...who was he to you?" He asked. "Kung naging nobyo mo naman siya...okay

lang..naman..." Pahina nang pahina ang boses niya. I can tell that he is masking
his jealousy.

"I'm just kidding!" Natatawang bawi ko bago ko hinawakan ang kanyang pisngi. "Leo
is our family chef. He is a sixty-five year old man."

Napataas naman ang kanyang mga kilay sandali bago siya napanguso nang tuluyan.

"Vlanca..."

Bahagya naman akong napahalakhak.

"I'm sorry, my baby..." I cooed and leaned to kiss his lucious lips. When we pulled
away I cupped his beard-covered cheek. "And for the record, your food will always
be the best for me.."

He just smirked before he kissed me again.

"Hm, grabe miss ko na ang wine." Sabi ko nang malasahan ko ang Moulin De Gassac
mula sa kanyang mga labi. "Kiss pa nga.."

Before he kissed me again, inabot niya ang baso ng white wine na nakapatong sa side
table na nakapwesto sa ulunan namin. He took a sip and then ravaged my lips with a
taste of the wine. My heart raced as I kissed him passionately.

"I love you..." Bulong ko sa mga labi niya. "So bad."

He kissed the tip of my nose and then whispered, "I love you too, babe, so bad."

We continued to stare at each other like there was an unbreakable spell between us.
His beautiful blue eyes were fixed on me as if I was the most exquisite view in the
world. His orbs were gleaming with admiration for me. God. I was and still am in
love with this man. Sa kabila nang mga pinagdaanan namin, hindi nawala ang
nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.

I did not only run because I was broken, in need of a new start and that I couldn't
live near him knowing that he was happy with someone else. I also ran because no
matter how much pain he had caused me in the past .... Deep down I know that it's
still him that my heart wants.

Deep down, alam ko na kaya hindi ko masubuk-subukan na mag-try ng kahit ano kasama
ang ibang tao dahil siya pa rin.

"There is one more letter in the box.." He murmured habang nakatitig sa akin ang
kanyang mapupungay na mga mata.

"Really? Don't tell me sinulatan mo din ako noong araw ng mga patay."

A chuckle rumbled from his chest. He then pulled me into a sitting position.

"It's from Trinity." He said.

Napatango naman ako bago ako napaupo sa tabi niya. Kunot noo kong inabot ang puting
envelope. I stared at it for a moment, I knew that she was the one who told Kiel
about my whereabouts. I don't necessarily love her but I am not upset by what she
did either. If anything, I am thankful.

When I tore the envelope open, I saw a handwritten letter. The paper contains
apology and self-accountability. She did not blame anyone but herself for her
actions. She took accountability and apologized for the destruction she had caused.
Through the letter, she also explained the reason why she felt the need to come
between Kiel and I.
And by the end, there was a tear in my eye and I understood why she did what she
did...

"You okay?" Marahan na tanong ni Kiel habang nakaakbay siya sa akin.

I nodded and gently folded the paper.

"Have you forgiven her?"

Bahagya siyang ngumiti bago siya tumango.

"Yes. I forgave her not only because I have to, I have forgiven her because I have
moved on and I do believe in second chances."

I nodded.

"..Well, I don't exactly know what to feel towards Trinity.." Tapat kong sagot
habang hawak ko ang kanyang sulat. I then fixed my gaze on Kiel. "But I am grateful
that she led you to me and that wherever she is now, I hope she's having a good
life."

He smiled genuinely.

"I do hope too..." He whispered and kissed my temple.

I let out a sigh of relief and gently placed the letter back in the box. Nang
mapasandig ako sa balikat ni Kiel ay hindi ko maiwasang mapahikab. When I glanced
at my watch, it's already eleven.

"Halika na, tulog na tayo. You have surgery to perform tomorrow." Malambing niyang
sabi.

Inangat ko naman ang aking ulo mula sa kanyang balikat at tumingala sa kanya. I
reached for his left cheek and caressed his soft skin with my thumb.

"You can have a surgery, too.....pwede ka naman ulit na mag-practice e. We can hire
a babysitter for Magnus." Sagot ko. Kiel is an amazing surgeon and I don't want to
hold him back.

Hindi siya sumagot agad. Bagkus ay hinawakan lamang niya ang aking kamay na
nakahawak sa kanyang pisngi. He brought my palm to his lips and pressed heart-
fluttering kisses on it.

"I know but I don't want to," Sagot niya habang nakatitig sa akin. He's now holding
my hand between us. "I want to take care of our child and you....I also want to
just sit back and watch you be a kickåss surgeon."

My heart melted.

"Pero–"

"Uh, uh," He softly interrupted me. "Don't worry, my love, hindi ako magre-retire.
It's not a permanent decision...let's say, for now, I want to focus on our kid and
especially on you."

Napatitig ako sa kanya. I am at a loss for words.

"You can come home to me every night. It's either you'll find food on the table or
it's me on the table, without clothes on." He teasingly said habang tinaas baba pa
ng loko ang kanyang mga makakapal na mga kilay. "Pwede din na both, you know..." He
added. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from grinning.

Kumandong naman ako sa kanya at ipinulupot ang aking mga braso sa kanyang leeg.
Habang bumaba ang kanyang mga kamay sa aking mga bewang.

"Kiel naman...hindi ka dapat ganyan, sa romance books ka lang dapat nage-exist."

Nakanguso kong sabi dahil sa kilig at saya.

"Well, malas ka, I am right here in front of you..." He whispered as he brushed his
knuckles on my cheek. Kinuha ko naman ang kamay niya at hinalikan ang kanyang
kamao. I then held his hand on my lap.

"If you ask for another child now, baka hindi kita matiis."

He grinned wolfishly.

"Well, I'd love to take care of more babies..."

Tinaasan ko siya ng mga kilay.

"Oo nga kasi.....how about eight?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Eight?" Hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong. "Inaantok ka lang, tara na nga matulog na

tayo."

He chuckled.

"Well, if you can take eight inches, why not bear eight children, right?" Pilyo
niyang sagot na ikinaawang lalo ng mga labi ko. Napalo ko nang 'di oras ang kanyang
matigas na braso.

"Ang gago mo pa din, hano?" I grumbled.

Pilyo lang siyang ngumiti.

"Well, how about three more?"

I bit my inner cheek and thought about it for a moment.

"You want four?"

"Yeah..three little Kiels will be nice."

"Four boys plus isang isip bata? God, no." Biro ko.

Ngumisi siya.

"...Or it could be three little Vlancas...or they could be either boys or a girl. I
don't care. They're still our children."

"Hmm...we'll see, Mr. Arguello," I whispered and cupped his face. I then pressed a
kiss on his lips before I said, "Kung hindi, mag-adopt na lang tayo ng mga pusa.
We're not only gonna be parents to a very cute human being but also to fur babies."

He grinned before he pulled me into a passionate kiss once again.

Kinabukasan pagmulat ko ay mahigpit sa akin na nakayakap si Kiel habang nakabaon
ang kanyang mukha sa aking leeg. When I glanced at the bedside clock, it's just
thirty minutes past five a.m.

"Vlanca.." I heard him murmur.

I smiled a little and kissed his hair. Bumaling naman ako sa bedside table kung
nasaan ang baby monitor. There, I couldn't help but smile again as I looked at my
other baby. Magnus is awake at this early hour, he's not crying tho, instead he's
playing with his plush turtle toy.

"Da, da, da.." He babbled. "Da...goo...da.." Then he giggled and continued tapping
his turtle friend.

I was smiling the whole time I was watching him but then, after a few minutes, he
got bored and started crying.

"Saan ka punta?" Inaantok na bulong ni Kiel nang sinubukan kong tanggalin ang
kanyang mga braso sa aking katawan.

"Hey, you're awake," Bati ko sa kanya nang mag-angat siya ng ulo. His hair is
tousled and his eyes are hooded. He pressed a kiss against my lips for a moment.

"My other baby is crying." Sagot ko. Inaantok naman siyang napangisi.

"I got him." He whispered and kissed my cheek, matapos noon ay umupo na siya.

After yawning and stretching out, tumalikod na siya upang maglakad patungo sa
pinto, but before he went out of the door, I said, "When Magnus falls asleep again,
do you wanna take a shower with me?"

Nang humarap siya sa akin ay may malaking ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

"Little brat, we have a sharp and big butcher knife in the kitchen, kapag dumating
ang araw na sumagot ako ng 'ayoko' sa tanong na 'yan, I want you to use that knife
on me, okay?"

Natawa naman ako.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Kinindatan niya ako bago siya tuluyang lumabas.

For a moment, I watched him calm Magnus down through the baby monitor. I then stood
up and entered the bathroom when I noticed that it's already six. There, I stripped
my clothes as I let the water warmp up. When I felt that the temperature was
already right, I stepped into the shower and closed the glass door.

I did my usual shower routine quickly because I have no plans on actually showering
with him. Instead, I have plans on getting thoroughly fúcked by him in the shower.
See, big difference. Oras na matapos kong banlawan ang aking buhok ay pinatay ko na
ang shower head.

I smirked to myself when I heard the bathroom door open. Kasabay noon ay ang
kanyang mga yabag at ang mahinang pagtama ng mga damit niya sa sahig. I watched him
walk towards the glass door with a dark look of lust in his face. He raked his blue
eyes on me like he's ready to devour me and fúck me until I can no longer walk
properly.

And just when he was about to slide the shower door open, I locked it.

Nagsalubong ang makakapal na mga kilay niya at hindi siya makapaniwalang tumingin
sa akin.

"What the fúck are you doing?" Galit na tanong niya. Gosh, he is already hot but
when he's mad, he's ten times hotter.

"I don't know, what do you think?" I shrugged and bit my lower lip.

His jaw clenched.

"You little brat. Open the goddåmn door."

I didn't obey him. Instead, I walked backwards and rested my back against the cold
tiled wall. Mas lalong nag-igting ang kanyang panga nang ibuka ko ang aking mga
hita. His eyes flared with desire and raging lust when he saw how puffy and wet my
slit is.

My clît throbbed painfully as I saw his cóck twitch in arousal.

"Vlanca. Open. The. Door." Mariin pa niyang utos habang madilim siyang nakatitig sa
akin through the transparent and slightly foggy glass door.

Of course, I didn't listen to him. Instead, I cupped my own breast and slid down
one hand between my legs.

"Fúck.." I cursed when I ran a finger on my dripping slit.

He banged the firm door with his fist.

"Vlanca. I swear, once I get my hands on you, you will seriously pay—"

"If you get your hands on me...but I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon."
Pangaasar ko pa.

His jaw clenched once again. I looked at him as I circled my fingers around my
clît.

"Shît....oh, fúck, Kiel..." I purred his name as I started touching myself. Wala
siyang ibang magawa kung hindi galit akong panoorin. As I pleasure myself in front
of him, his fists are tightly balled against the glass. His dark eyes were watching
my fingers work on my throbbing püssy.

He let out a curse in Portugese when his cóck uncontrollably twitched, while the
red and angry head dripped with clear white pre-cúm.

"Ahh, oh, my god.."

My breathing becomes uneven as my fingers work faster. I feel so fúcking hot

knowing that he's watching me, aroused and frustrated. I can feel that delicious
tingle spreading all over my body as I pinched my nipples.

"Vlanca." He growled in frustration but I didn't listen to him.

I was focused on my own pleasure and teasing him until I heard the drawers open.
Nang mapamulat ako ay napatigil ako dahil nakita ko siyang binubuksan ang lahat ng
drawers sa ilalim ng sink na nasa likuran niya kanina. As he looks for something, I
can see my name on his åss cheeks.

"W-What are you doing?"

"Looking for the dåmned key."

Fúcking shît! Nasabi ko nga pala sa kanya na sa bathroom drawers ko tinatago ang
mga duplicate keys. Nasabi ko sa kanya iyon dahil na-misplace niya 'yung susi ng
stock room last month.

"Found it!" He beamed that made my stomach churn in arousal and anticipation.

"Kiel–" I didn't get to finish that dahil agad niyang nai-unlock ang shower door.
He firmly pulled me out of the shower and bent me over the bathroom counter.

I felt him kneel behind me and then parted my legs so wide with his hands. He then
covered my pússy with his hot mouth from behind. His beard tickled my sensitive
folds!

"AHH!"

I came in his mouth in a fúcking snap. My legs are shaking and my juice is leaking
from my entrance. He mercilessly sucked my püssy lips as he drank my juices.

"Hmm.." I heard him groan in pleasure. Humihingal ko na naisandig ang aking pisngi
sa malamig na counter. Not a moment later, I felt him stand behind me. I then felt
the slick and fat head of his cøck poke my entrance.

"Please..."

"Why should I listen to a bad and naughty girl, hm?" He tauntingly asked.

I yelped when his big hand smacked my åss. He nudged the head on my entrance again,
making me desperately want it.

"Please, Kiel...fúck me..." I begged him as I looked at him through the mirror in
front of us. His face is dark, his hair is touseled and his beard is wet with my
arousal. Mamula-mula ang kanyang matigas na dibdib habang ang kanyang mga kamay ay
mariin na nakahawak sa aking mga bewang.

"I will fúck you, but you're not gonna come until I say so. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, please, just fill me with your—-Fück!"

Air left my lungs when he plunged in one deep and swift thrust! My heart was
thudding so loud as my body burned with lust. My boobs are squished on the counter
while his huge cóck filled my wet and aching hole!

He was fúcking me so good..so deep and so hard hindi ko na alam kung saan ako
kakapit.

Nahulog na ang mga facial at hair products ko sa sahig dahil natabig ko iyon, but
we both don't seem to care.

"Such a teasing little brat." He muttered as his pelvis moved furiously. He was
burying his cóck so deep that his balls were slapping against my åss!
"Ahh!" I moaned loudly when he leaned and sucked the skin on my right shoulder. His
hips never stopped moving.

"You dirty little brat, you like it when I fúck you hard and rough, don't you?"

"Yes, yes," I chanted as I felt the sweat beading on my forehead. He pulled me

gently and made me look at the mirror.

"Look at the mirror, Vlanca. Look how hórny and needy you are for me..." He
whispered dirtily in ear. When I darted my eyes in the mirror I saw a wanton woman.
My cheeks are pink, my mouth is parted, my green eyes are hooded, my hair is all
over the place. Meanwhile there's a strong, muscular, and big man behind me, and
just the sight of him is enough to bring me to the edge!

"Am I right? You're only hórny and needy for me?"

I nodded vigorously. I can feel my ørgasm approaching.

"Yes, only for you." I moaned.

He groaned in approval.

"Good girl." He whispered before he pulled out.

I cussed him in disappointment.

"You gågo! I need your co–" My protest died on my lips when he carried me and sat
me down on the counter. Napakapit ako sa gilid ng counter nang walang sabi-sabi
niyang ipasok ang kanyang matigas na pagkalalaki.

I thought he was gonna move but then he just buried his member inside me, not
moving. For a moment, I can't help but to notice how deliciously sweaty his body
is.

"Kiel, I swear..." Frustrated kong sabi.

His blue eyes were fixed on me.

"Touch yourself." Utos niya.

"W-What?"

"Touch yourself while my cóck is deep inside you." He commanded.

With shaky hands, I slid down my hand between my legs. My insides clenched when I
saw how his cøck plunged inside me. When I looked back at his handsome face, I
started massaging my clît. My nipples hardened as I felt him watch me again.

Suddenly, this felt filthier than mere fúcking. He was not moving, he was just
balls-deep inside me while I brought myself to an ørgasm...while he watched me for
his pleasure.

He groaned when I clenched around him.

"Yes, just like that..." He encouraged me in a gravelly yet sexy voice. "Keep doing
it....be a good girl for me and come around my cøck." He said hotly.

My fingers moved faster.

Napaungol naman ako nang hawakan niya ang aking mga dibdib. He molded my right boob
in his hand while he súcked the tip of the other in his mouth.

"Kiel, kiel..." I chanted his name as I felt that delicious tingle spreading from
my limb, shooting up to my core.

I don't know where to focus anymore. Sa mainit at basa ba niyang bibig nasa dibdib
ko, o ang marahan na pagulos at pagpuno niya sa pagkababae ko, o sa aking mga
daliri ba na walang humpay na minamasahe ang aking butil? I don't fúcking know! All
I know is that I feel like I'm getting closer, and closer, and closer to the edge!
Pakiramdam ko ay maliliyo na ako sa sobrang sarap.

I can feel it, I can freaking taste my approaching climax. And when I pressed my
aching bud while he nibbled on my nipple.

I.fúcking.lost.it! My eyes shut so tight as I convulsed around his cøck!

"Good girl..." He whispered and then tightly held my hips and started pistoning his
hips while I was coating his length with my juice.

"Kiel, oh, god!"

My sensitive püssy quievered and I was forced to come again! And while I was still
experiencing ørgasm, he emptied his balls deep inside me.

"Vlanca..." Hinihingal niyang ungol habang pinupuno niya ako ng katas niya.

Nanghihina akong napasandal sa kanyang balikat. We're both slick with sweat.

"You okay?" He gently asked and cupped my face.

I nodded and kissed him.

"Yes."

I smirked when I thought of something.

"What is it?" Nakangisi niyang tanong.

Itinaas ko ang mga daliri ko na nanggaling kanina sa pagkababae ko at itinapat iyon

sa labi niya. Hindi siya nagdalawang isip na isubo iyon.

My mouth parted when he licked my fingers dry. Mas lalo lamang napaawang ang mga
labi ko nang maramdaman ko na naman ang pagtigas niya sa loob ko.

"Fúck, the taste of you makes me hard." He said when I pulled out my fingers from
his luscious mouth.

My püssy quievered while my sore nipples ached.

"I have surgery..." I murmured.

"Just ten more minutes." He said before he carried me back inside the shower.
"Be, sana dinasalan mo 'yung Plan B bago mo nilunok." Pangaasar ni Lajuana sa akin
habang naglalakad kami patungo sa OR for our first surgery today. Well, apparently,
she saw me take a pill kaninang pagdating ko. When I gave her a look, she was just
grinning at me.

"Anong pinagsasabi mo. It works, you know."

She shrugged before she stepped inside the elevator. She then pressed the floor
where the operating room is located before she leaned on the elevator wall like me.
Today, we're both wearing purple scrubs.

"Hindi kaya, kapag ilang beses ka naputukan."

Nasamid ako.

"Lajuana, what the fúck?"

She grinned.

"Bîtch please, you were late for almost an hour, you missed the rounds....and you
were never late." Pinandilatan niya ako. That's true. I was really late since Kiel
was insatiable, kung hindi lang umiyak si Magnus ay hindi niya ako titigilan.

"Point taken."

"And look at that." Walang pasintabi niyang binaba ang collar ng scrubs ko,
revealing a huge love mark.

I swatted her hand away and made a 'tsk' sound.

"Fine...I had a mindblowing séx, what is wrong with that?"

She immediately shook her head. Bahagyang umalog ang naka-bun niyang buhok.

"Nothing, my friend. In fact, I am jealous. It's been a while for me." She sighed.

"Nandyan naman si B.." I teased.

Nalukot ang maganda niyang mukha.

"I'd rather chew glass than to sleep with that annoying and talkative man. Sigurado
ako na if ever he goes down on me, he'll make small talk with my vagina first
before he actually goes down to business."

Hindi ko maiwasang matawa. I am pretty sure if B is here, he'll fight with Lajuana.
But unfortunately B is not here since he got pulled into surgery early.

Nang makalabas kami ay agad kaming naglakad sa direksyon ng operating room. As we

were walking, I thought of a question.

"What do you recommend if I like séx but I don't wanna conceive yet?" Tanong ko sa
kanya. She knows things in that field since she's an ObGyn resident.

She squinted her eyes as thought about it for a moment.

"And no, don't recommend me birth control pills because that worked so well last
time." Sarkastiko kong sabi na ikinangisi niya sandali.

"..Well, depo-shot for short tem...and for the long term IUD."
Tahimik naman akong napatango sa sagot niya.

I was seriously thinking about our conversation last night about children. I want
to have more children too, pero hindi pa ngayon, our son is barely crawling and
forming a word. I am still a 'starting-doctor.' Gusto ko ay atleast one year or
older muna si Magnus bago kami ulit mag-try.

That night, when I went home. I talked to Kiel about getting a depo-shot, and I
explained to him why. He didn't object, he fully supported my decision. He told me
that he might be my boyfriend or the father of my child, but it is still my body
that we're talking about. He said that he may have a say about when we're going to
have another child, but the choice about what I want to do with my body, whether I
want to have something removed and installed inside me, or if I want to carry
another child is solely my choice because it is my body and it is my choice.

And god, I just fell even harder for him.

Each day that passes, he just proves to me how lucky I am to be loved by him. Sa
bawat araw na lumipas ay hindi siya nagbago. If anything he became sweeter. He is
the same loving, patient, supportive, sexy, and an amazing man to me every single
day. He is also a magnificent father to our now one--almost two year old son, who
is currently seated in his airplane seat.

We're currently in the family's private jet. I actually missed the leather and soft
interiors of this. Kasalukuyan kaming nakaupo dito sa four seater table with white
and brown interiors.

We're about ten-thousand feet above the sky and my son didn't show any sign of
discomfort. In fact, he was already falling asleep in his seat dahil habang
dumedede siya ay pipikit-pikit na siya.

As I stared at him, I can't help but to think that just looks like a mini-me of his
father except he has green eyes. Mas lalo siyang naging mukhang mini-me ni Kiel
dahil matching outfit ang suot nila. Which just consists of white polo shirt and
khaki shorts.

"I am nervous to meet your family." Kiel whispered to me as he put his arm around
my shoulders.

Ngumiti naman ako at hinalikan ang freshly shaved niyang pisngi. After a year, he
got rid of his beard.

"Don't be, they're gonna love you." Sagot ko at hinawakan ang kamay niya.

He smirked and kissed my temple. I let out a sigh in contentment before I rested my
head on his shoulder.

"Wow. ang sosyal banyo ng private jet, V!" B exclaimed matapos niyang lumabas ng
banyo.

Napangiti naman kami ni Kiel dahil simula pa kaninang nag-take-off kami mula Guam
ay talaga namang parang excited na bata si B.

"Hi, my guy.." He cooed Magnus after he sat down beside him. My son just looked at
him since busy pa din sa pag-dede.

I just finished my first year of residency, luckily, my superior allowed me to have

three days of leave kaya naman finally ay makikita na nang buong pamilya si Magnus.
They will all also meet his father. Samantalang kasama namin si B dahil na-invite
siya ni Chief Geryis para mag-perform ng heart transplant sa GSMH.

We're a still a few hours away since hindi kami dederetso ng Pilipinas. The jet has
to take a detour to Japan dahil dadaanan namin si Ate Carmel. She just finished an
assignment kaya naman makakauwi siya.

After a few hours, we finally landed on the family's private tarmac here in Narita,
Japan. We stood near the entrance of the jet, samantalang bagsak si Magnus sa
kanyang seat dahil habang patungo kami ng Japan ay kinulit niya nang kinulit ang
Uncle B niya imbes na matulog.

"Wow, she's beautiful...." Bulong sa akin B habang hindi mawala-wala ang tingin
niya kay Ate Carmel na ngayon ay papaakyat na ng hagdanan ng jet. She doesn't mind
the cold weather since nakasuot lang siya ng navy blue na loose tanktop at jeans.
Her hair is in a french braid, meanwhile her hand is holding a duffle bag. I also
noticed that she has new tattoos on her arm. "Nabanggit mo maganda siya pero hindi
mo naman sabi na ganyan kaganda....and she has tattoos....oh my gosh, I think my
man-panties are wet." He whispered to me.

Napailing ako saglit.

"Hey, mi chica!" Masiglang bati ni Ate Carmel nang maakyat siya. She hugged me
after the flight attendant took her belongings.

"Hi, Dra. Jonas." Formal na bati ni Kiel sa akin habang nakatayo siya sa kabilang
gilid ko

"Hi, Doctor åss–"

"Ate Carmel."

She rolled eyes.

"I mean, Hi, Dr. Arguello." She dryly greeted him.

Kiel didn't seem to mind her attitude since he just looks happy that one of my
family members acknowledged him.

"She'll warm up to you..." Bulong ko sa kanya at hinaplos ang kanyang braso

sandali.

"I know," He replied to me with a tone full of hope before he kissed my temple.

Tumikhim naman si B nang bumaling sa kanya si Ate Carmel.

"H-Hi, I'm B–"

"I am Carmel and I fúck women."

Nanlaki ang mga ni B samantalang dedma lang si Ate Carmel. Sandali kaming
nagkatinginan ni Kiel, literally not knowing what to do or say.

"I-I," B blushed and was too stunned to speak.

"Hi, baby.." Ate Carmel just made her way to see my son, habang naka-tigalgal pa
rin si B.

***
Hi, I do hope you enjoyed this chapter...I have mixed feelings with the next update
because it's going to be the Epilogue. 😭

Epilogue

Roy Ezekiel

Hindi ko namang maiwasang tuluyang kabahan nang makapasok na kami sa mataas na

metal na gate ng mansion nila dito sa Tagaytay. Matapos na mag-landing kanina sa
private tarmac ang jet ay may gray na SUV na naghihintay sa amin. I insisted on
driving it, the security detail agreed pero nakasunod sila sa amin. Samantalang
nagpaiwan si Dra. Jonas sa Maynila dahil may kailangan siyang asikasuhin. She said
she'll just follow right up when she's done. Maingat ko nang inihinto ang sasakyan
nang bumungad sa amin ang likuran ng itim na Cadillac na SUV ni Joaquin Cornelius.

"Nakatira kayo taas hill? Wow." We heard B say from the back. Napalingon naman kami
sa kanya. He's carrying Magnus, who's now humming while pointing outside.

"Okay, my guy, we'll go down then." B said and kissed my son's hair, bago siya
bumaba mula sa sasakyan kasama si Magnus.

Napalingon naman ako kay Vlanca nang maramdaman ko ang paghawak niya sa aking
kamay. Her beautiful green eyes met mine. God, she's becoming even more magnificent
as days pass by.

"Babe, you look so pale," She noticed. "You're gonna be fine, they are gonna have
to cross me first before they can kill you." She jokingly said as she carresed my
cheek. Her eyes never left mine.

I smiled before I planted a kiss on her palm.

"It's just that....I am nervous.." Pag-amin ko habang nakahawak ako sa kamay niya.

"About meeting my family?"

Yes and no, but I bit my tongue and just smiled.

"Oh, babe.." She cooed sweetly. "I told you, you're gonna be fine. I'll tell you
what, if you survive this day, bibinyagan natin mamayang gabi 'tong SUV." She
winked sexily.

Suddenly, my blood warmed up and a thrill shot through my groin.

"I'd love that."

"I know you will..." She murmured bago niya ako matamis na hinalikan. When we
pulled away, our forehead rested against each other. Her red and plump lips parted
as she stared back at me with those beautiful eyes. I can smell her minty breath
from the gum that she was chewing earlier. I can smell her favorite peach-flavored
shampoo.

At this moment, all I can smell and sense is her....and god, I can't get enough.
My heart is thudding so loud.

"I love you so much..." I whispered.

"Mas mahal kita." Nakangiting bulong niya na mas lalong ikinabilis ng tibok ng puso
ko.

At that moment, silence enveloped us and we just stared at each other like no one
exists but us.

For the past one year and several months, every waking moment that I spend with
this woman is such a fücking bliss. Yes, we argue like normal couples do but it's
mainly because of stupid and small stuff. Such as kung saan kami kakain kapag
lalabas kami, what TV shows to watch, or what temperature should we put our aircon
on. And she always gets 'mad' kapag pinapanood namin ang paborito niyang medical-
drama t.v show at nagko-comment ako na hindi accurate 'yung mga medical details at
procedure. She's a doctor as well, so she knows it too, but she still watches the
show....and I watch it too....not only because she likes it but also because, fine,
it has a good drama.

For almost two years that we are together, that's all our 'fights' have been about.
For almost two years that we are together, this woman has never failed to make me
smile with her jokes, to leave me blushing and smiling with her efforts no matter
how busy she is, to amaze me with her talented and bright mind, to always have me
in awe with her beauty, and to make me so proud of the kickåss surgeon that she has
become. She is also an amazing mother to our son.

I am so dåmn lucky to be loved by her and to love her, and god, I can't wait to put
multiple rings on her finger.

I cupped her face and gave her more kisses.

"Why do I have the idea that you're thinking of many ways to bend me later on?"

I bursted out laughing when we pulled away.

"Not really....because you're gonna ride me." I winked and that made her cheeks
blush.

Nang makababa na kami mula sa sasakyan ay naabutan namin si B na nakatayo pa rin sa

pataas na driveway. As I looked around, I can't help but to notice the guards with
suits on the corners.

"Eto 'yung pwedeng sigawan 'pag broken..." B said habang nakatingin siya sa mga
luntiang puno at kabundukan sa baba. "Well..that's what I'll do when Dra. Jonas
breaks my heart..."

Oh, yeah, B has an undying crush for Dra. Jonas.

Maya-maya ay nagpumiglas si Magnus mula sa kanya at bumaling kay Vlanca.

"Ma..ma...ma.."

"Hello, my love..." Vlanca adorably cooed our son and kissed his cheek. My heart
melted.

They're my life and my whole dåmn world.

We then walked towards the house. It was a three storey mansion with colonial
architecture. Nang pumasok kami sa bahay ay sumalubong sa amin ang high ceilings,
glass stair railings, big living room den, and a modern kitchen. As we approached
the french doors that lead to the backyard, I can hear the giggles of the kids and
water splashes.

Nang tuluyan na kaming makarating sa backyard ay sumalubong sa amin ang amoy ng

sariwang simoy ng hangin at ng iniihaw na karne. There was a huge rectangular pool
where the kids were. Magnus was basically squirming to go to the water. With our
approval, B took him there. Samantalang, may tatlong lamesa sa gilid ng pool. One
is occupied with Vlanca's brother and in-laws. Sa hindi kalayuan ay may isang
outdoor kitchen kung saan naroon si Mrs. Del Russo. She happily waved at us.

But her brothers were not happy to see me. They were all glaring at me as they all
stood up from their table.

"Shît, what the hell are they doing?" Vlanca whispered and stood in front of me.

"Kuya Creed, Miguel, Ethan, ano ba—"

Marahan siyang hinitak ni Miguel mula sa harap ko and right before I can react,
Ethan Del Russo held me by the collar.

"Hey, fücker." Mariin niyang bati.

"Kuya, ano ba. I swear, if you do something to him–"

"Chill, my sister..." Ethan said softly and smiled at her sister. He looks like the
younger version of Mr. Von Del Russo except Ethan has some features of his mother.

And then he switched his gaze at me...which is no longer soft.

"We just wanna talk to him...right?"

"Right." His brothers and cousin answered in unison while glaring at me.

Napalunok ako.

Martina Vlanca

Napabuntong hininga ako bago ko inisang lagok ang grape juice na isinalin ni Mama
kanina sa baso ko. The glass thudded against the wooden table when I placed it
back. I let out another sigh and leaned back on my chair. Kasalukuyan akong narito
sa isa sa mga lamesa na nakapuwesto sa gilid ng malaking pool. For a moment, I
looked at the view of the whole Tagaytay on my left side. It is so breathtaking
with the greenery and blue skies. It is relaxing......and it should relax me....
but no.

It doesn't seem to calm any nerves I have since I know that my family is currently
circling around Kiel like sharks. It feels worse now that I can't see them since
they are on the rooftop of the mansion.

Matapos na voluntary na sumama ni Kiel sa kanila ay agad akong in-assure ni Mama na

okay lang doon si Kiel at hindi siya sasaktan ng mga kapatid ko. My sisters assured
me too because their husbands have gone through some sort of 'interrogation' noong
pinakilala nila sila sa pamilya. I know that... but I still can't seem to relax.
And so, I distracted myself by looking around the whole backyard. Narito na ang
buong pamilya except kala Tita Miranda na on the way pa lang. Ate Madison and Ate
Jillian are sitting by the pool and watching the kids. Habang nakalublob naman sa
tubig B kasama si Magnus. Yep, they are now wearing swimwears. Tuwang-tuwa si
Magnus habang buhat siya ng Ninong niya.

Samantalang si Ate Reag at Ate Maria naman ay nasa kusina at tinutulungan si Mama.

Maya-maya ay lumabas si Papa mula sa frenchdoor. I shook my head at him as he was

walking towards me.

"Papa, promise me they are not gonna hurt him." I told him when he sat on the chair
beside me.

Tumango si Papa bago niya ako hinalikan sa sentido.

"Hi to you, too, my daughter."

I pouted.

"Pa, kasi.."

"Of course, sweetie." He replied.

I sighed softly and glanced at him fully. Like my brothers, he's wearing casual
clothes. His hair is almost completely gray, meanwhile the stubbles around his
jawline is salt and pepper.

"If I see a single bruise on him..."

"Sweetie, mental damages don't cause bruises."

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin na ikinatawa lang niya.

"I'm kidding. Of course not. You love that fu–I mean, Roy."

"Hmm..that's comforting." Sarkastiko kong sagot na sandali niyang ikinahalakhak.

"Fine, then. I'll go back and check on them..okay?"

Napatango na lamang ako bago ko siya pinanood na pumasok muli sa french door.
Moments later, it was Miguel who came out of that door.

"Hi, ate." Bati niya at umupo sa pinanggalingang upuan ng aming Tatay.

Inirapan ko si Miguel.

"Tse," Singhal ko sa kanya. "Wala ka nang mahihinging pera sa akin para sa COD
coins mo o sa pambili mo ng items para sa GTA live."

Ngumuso siya,

"Come on, you have to forgive me...Kuya Creed said I had to pull you away or else
he'll take my PS4.."

Nang hindi ko siya kinibo ay inusog niya ang upuan niya sa tabi ko.

"Ate Vlanca..." Hindi ko siya tinitingnan. Nakahalukipkip lamang ako habang

pinapanood ko ang mga pamangkin ko na makipag-tampisaw sa anak ko.

"Matitiis mo ba ang napa-cute mong kapatid...hmm?" Sumandig pa siya sa balikat ko.

His slightly curly hair brushed against my neck. I shuddered in 'disgust'.

"Vaughn Miguel, lumayo ka sa akin. Namomoro ka na." Singhal ko pa.

Hindi siya nakinig.

"I am your baby brother....your cutest and favorite brother..."

I didn't say anything.

"Please, patawarin mo na ako, napakaganda talaga ng ate ko..yiee..."

I pursed my lips to stop myself from smiling. Not because I believe his
pambobola...I can't help but smile, kasi never kong natiis si Miguel.

"Yieee...ngingiti na 'yan...bati na tayo para mabigyan mo na ako nang pambili ng

COD—-"

"FINE. Bati na tayo." Sagot ko at lumingon sa kanya. His green eyes were gleaming
with joy.

He then grinned widely and hugged me tightly from the side.

"YAY!" He beamed when he pulled away.

"Pero wala akong perang bibigay sa'yo."

"Okay lang, at least bati na tayo...madali na kitang mape-persuade na bigyan ako

mamaya."

Nangaasar niyang sagot na ikinailing ko na lang.

Habang nakaupo kami doon ay tinanong ko siya kung anong ginagawa nila kay Kiel. He
just said 'talking' and then, iyon lang din ang sagot niya kapag may tinatanong pa
akong iba dahil wala na sa akin ang atensyon niya, bagkus ay nasa game na iyon na
kasalukuyan niyang nilalaro sa kanyang cellphone.

"Ay ang shunga, naka-rifle na nga—-–boom! Headshot, baby!" He beamed that made me
shake my head. He's been like that ever since he started the game.

"Anyway—so, yeah, hanggang sa isang araw lang kami dito and then, we'll go back."
Kwento ko kay Dakota na kasalukuyan kong ka-videocall. She called when I told her
that I went back home. "He earned me already...I don't know why my brothers are
still mean and doubters when it comes to Kiel's intentions.."

"Gorl, I stopped doubting his love for you when you mentioned his tattoos. Nasa
tagliran lang si Trinity pero nasa puson at pwetan ka, okay? And that alone says
something." Sagot ni Dakota na ikinangisi ko. Yeah, she may hate him but she
approves of him now.

"I mean, true." Sagot ko naman.

Suddenly, napatigil si Miguel sa pagpindot sa cellphone niya. He stared at me in

horror.

"What the fudge did I just hear? Pwet is butt, right? And he has a tattoo of your–—
what the fudge?" He looks traumatized now.

Tumawa ako nang malakas.

"Trust me, Migs. Someone is gonna come into your life and will make you do much
worse in the name of love."

He shuddered.

"Heck, no. COD and books are life. Period."

"Aha, say that now, change your mind later," Natatawang sabi ni Dakota na mas
lalong ikinalukot ng mukha niya. "And anyway, my god, you grew so much, Miguel."

Tinapat ko naman ang camera sa magaling kong kapatid.

"Hi, Ate Dakota. Hope you're doing all right."

"I am, baby boy. You're what, now? Twenty-four, twenty-five?"

He nodded.

"Turned twenty-five last July four, Ate."

"Cool. Alam mo ba na inalok ka sa akin ng ate mo sa halagang 150 pesos noong med
student pa lang kami?"

He dramatically gasped.

"She—-what? Ate!" Pinandilatan ako ni Miguel.

I giggled.

"You know, masyado pa nga 'yung 150 e. I am willing to trade you for a box of
candy."

"You're so mean to me." He poked my arm while pouting.

Tumawa naman ako.

"I'm kidding......of course, I'll trade for atleast two boxes.."

Dakota giggled.

"Hmp," Pabirong singhal na lang niya bago siya bumalik sa paglalaro. "Whatever."
Bulong pa niya.

Sandali pa kaming nag-usap ni Dakota bago siya na-page ng Attending niya.

"I'll see you soo, gorl. Ingat ka palagi, okay? Love you." I said as I looked at
her. She's wearing scrubs and a longer coat. Her hair is neatly tucked inside the
scrubcap.

"You too. I love you and congratulations."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"About what?" Tanong ko.

I am still talking to Dakota but I can't help but to be distracted with the thought
of Kiel and my brothers. My gosh, it's been minutes, what are they still doing
there?

"U-uh, Duh, for surviving your first year and the several months of being
a....second year resident." Narinig kong sagot ni Dakota na agad ko namang
ikinatango. Oh, yeah.

"Hmm, yeah, cheers to that." I said while smiling widely.

Roy Ezekiel

"Ano, convincing ba 'yung pagkaka-kwelyo ko kay Roy kanina?" Tanong ni Ethan bago
siya lumagok ng beer. "Aminin niyo pwede na akong maging kontrabida sa palabas.
Tsk, they'd be so lucky to have me kasi gwapo na, magaling pang um-acting, noh?"
Nakangisi niyang tanong. The men behind me snickered in amusement. Napailing si na
lang si Creed at Miguel, habang nalukot ang mukha ni Simon.

Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa rooftop ng mansion. The layout is very simple.

Paglabas ng elevator ay bubungad agad ang dalawang mahabang leather couches na
magkaharap habang may malaking coffee table sa gitna. Doon ngayon kasalukuyang
nakapatong ang isang cooler na puno ng mga inumin; from the Del Russo Beers to
juice boxes.

"Tsk, sobrang humble mo talaga, Ethan." Nanunuyang sabi ni Simon Jonas na

kasalukuyang nakatayo sa likuran ng couch habang nakahalukipkip. Kakatapos lang
niyang inumin ang isang Zesto, since he doesn't drink alcohol. As far as I know,
Simon Jonas owns several social media apps that worths billions. Lagi ko lang
siyang nakikita sa mga business articles dahil almost every year ay may nabibili
siyang mga bagong applications, local and international. That's why as of today,
he's in the Forbes list for being a tech-billionaire.

"Atleast hindi ako thirty-four year old virgin." Hirit ni Ethan.

He adjusted his glasses first before glared at his cousin.

"Virginity is a social construct, åsshole....and what makes you think that I am

virgin? You may not know...maybe... I have bad habits."

Ethan snickered.

"Anong bad habits ba 'yan? Mag-jakøl sa picture ni Elon Musk at makipag-holding

hands sa babae? Wow, ang bad boy mo naman, daddy." Nangaasar na hinipo ni Ethan ang
kamay ni Simon, agad na piniksi iyon ni Simon at hinampas siya sa braso.

"Ouch, such a bad boy."

The men, Neil and Kutznetzov who are currently standing behind me, chuckled loudly.
Habang hindi ko maiwasang matawa nang bahagya. Dåmn, Ethan can be a big
bully....but he's wickedly funny.

"Gago ka talaga, Kuya." Natatawang sabi ni Creed.

"Yeah, your brother is a døuchebag." Naiiling na lang na dagdag ni Simon, but I can
tell that no matter how twisted Ethan's humor is, Simon finds it somehow
funny....and that he's used to it.

"Pero aminin mo...wait—ano nga bang word 'yung sinasabi lagi ni Reagina-babes-my-
love- so-sweet-143 ko–"

We all can't help but to chuckle, even Miguel Del Russo is shaking his head while
laughing.

"Tångina, Kuya, 'yan ba 'yung password ng bank account mo?" Namumula na si Creed sa
katatawa sa kapatid niya.

Pinaningkitan siya ni Ethan ng mga mata.

"Tsk, 'wag kang epal. Ganoon ko kamahal ang asawa ko—Ah! Alam ko na—Simon,"
Nakangisi siyang bumaling sa pinsan niya. "Aminin mo, havey 'yung joke ko kanina
bad boy slash daddy Simon, noh?"

Lumakas pa ang tawa namin.

"Kuyas, can we not get carried away, please?" Sabi ni Miguel na ngayon ay
kasalukuyang nakaupo sa gilid ko. He's holding a juice box, instead of a bottle of
beer.

"Your youngest brother has more sense than you." Nang-aasar na sabi ni Simon na
ikinairap ni Ethan.

"Tsk, for sure, may plano na sana tayo ngayon kung wala kayong dalawa dito."
Nanunuyang sabi ni Creed.

"Pero wala kang tawa, oha, ano ka ngayon, Creed." Sagot ni Ethan matapos siyang
lumagok ng alak.

"Fine, but can we go over the plan now."

Ethan sighed.

"Anyway, pasensya na, man. Mahirap lokohin si Vlanca, so, I had to make it look
real. Nothing personal." Seryoso niyang sabi na ikinatango ko lang.

"It's alright."

"It looked real. Muntik na akong mawala sa character kasi akala ko papatayin mo si
Roy, Kuya." Creed said, the other men nodded in agreement. Magkatabi sila sa
katapat naming couch, samantalang narito naman sa inuupuan kong couch si Neil at
Kutznetzov. However, they're not sitting down, instead, they're standing behind the
couch while holding their bottle of beer.

"So, what's the plan?" Tanong ni Neil.

"Yeah, what's the plan?" Napatingin naman kami sa elevator nang lumabas doon si Mr.
Del Russo. Bumaba siya sandali upang kausapin si Vlanca....and to see if she's
being suspicious. "You boys better make it fast before she suspects anything."

I know, one might be confused because earlier they looked like they wanted to kill
me because of hate.....but the thing is, they don't hate me...anymore and
everything was an act.
"Patient's name is Jaime Borja, he's forty-five years old, he was brought in
yesterday because he has multiple congenital defects..." Sabi ni B habang nakaupo
siya sa katapat kong upuan. Kasalukuyan kaming narito sa second floor balcony ng
bahay. My V doesn't even know he's here. Sandali ko namang tiningnan ang baby
monitor na nasa aking gilid bago ko tiningnan ang file na inabot sa akin ni B.
Good. Magnus is still sleeping.

"Wow...his labs..." I murmured habang binabasa ko ang mga resulta noon. Crap, his
hemoglobin level, Blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar are all bad. Sa sobrang
taas ng blood sugar niya ay pasado na siya para sa chronic type II diabetes. "If he
doesn't get that surgery, this man can go blind and die because of a stroke. That's
not an 'if' B, it's just a matter 'when.'" Sagot ko.

Sandali naman sa siya sa akin na tumingin.

"V is right. You're really a brilliant doctor. You just took a look at his labs and
bam, you already know." He said and snapped his fingers.

Bahagya naman akong natawa bago ko ibinaba ang folder sa lamesa.

"That surgery will take more than fourteen hours." Sabi ko. "I've perfomed it twice
with cardio attendings. It's messy, bloody, and hella long....I had to wear an
adult diaper because the case was so delicate that the surgery must not be
interrupted, even for a few minutes. So, that meant no restroom for any of us."

Napataas naman ang mga kilay niya.

"Holy shît, the great Dr. Roy Ezekiel Arguello wore a diaper?"

I rolled my eyes.

"I will bet my left nut that you wore a diaper once too."

He chuckled.

"Yes, actually it was twice....una is noong intern lang ako...I didn't wanna use
the restroom during surgery because if we do, they will replace us with another
intern. Second time was when I was assisting that kind of surgery." Sagot niya at
sandaling itinuro ang folder.

I nodded.

"Like you said, it was more than fourteen hours of continuous surgery....so, this
is the perfect timing for you to go home without her noticing." He said. "I can
babysit my guy while you're gone, so you have nothing to worry about."

Napalunok ako sandali. I regret calling B alot of unpleasant names in the past and
I do regret not getting to know him sooner....because this man's heart is pure and
whatever love he has for my V is purely platonic and it extends to my son and I. I
am thankful to the universe that Vlanca met him and that B is in our lives today.

"You sure about that B? This is a massive heart surgery...and you're a cardiac-
resident."

He smiled.

"Yes, I'd love to be in that surgery but I'd be happier and I'd really love it more
to be a part of the plan to make my wifey happy."

My heart warmed, but I rolled my eyes when I heard what he called Vlanca.

"Thank you and please refrain from calling my girlfriend and the mother of my
child, wifey."

He chuckled.

"Sige, go na. I'll be here now and until the moment you get back."

Tumayo naman ako at kinamayan siya.

"Salamat talaga."

And so that afternoon, I booked a flight back to the motherland. Of course, umuwi
muna ako ng Baguio at binisita ang aking mga magulang bago ako dito nagtungo sa
main mansion ng mga Del Russo. The guards on the gate can't shoo me away anymore
dahil void na ang restraining order, months ago. The house is still under
renovation but most of it is already fixed and looks habitable.

"Sir, yes, ayaw po talagang umalis. Opo, siya po 'yung nag-offer sa akin ng
liposuction, two years ago.." Narinig kong sabi noong guard sa cellphone. I have
been here for two hours and I told him that I am not leaving unless he called his
boss...and thank the universe after, a couple hours pumayag siya na tawagan si Mr.
Del Russo.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakita ko na si Mr. Del Russo na naglalakad palapit sa gate. When
the guards opened the door for him, I noticed that he was wearing casual clothes
and a neutral expression on his face.

"This feels so familiar, don't you think?" Sabi ni Mr. Del Russo nang makatayo na
siya sa aking harapan. The harsh sunlight is both glaring at us from above. It is a
sunny and hot day and I feel much hotter since I am wearing a three piece suit.

"Yes, Mr. Del Russo, but this time, I am not mindlessly begging to see
Vlanca...this time I would like to ask for her hand in marriage." I asked with a
tone full of determination and courage.

Sandali niya akong masamang tiningnan habang nakapamulsa siya.

"That's what that stupid suit for?" Pinasadahan niya ng tingin sandali ang aking
suot. Napakamot naman ako sa aking batok.

"Yes, sir. And I am not gonna leave here until you give me your blessing, and I am
also not gonna leave here until we fix whatever we have to fix, sir."

"And why does that matter?"

"Because you're her father and I love your daughter, sir." I said without taking my
eyes off of his face. "I will do absolutely anything to make her happy, and I could
start by trying to form a good relationship with my future father-in-law, s-sir."

Hindi siya agad sumagot. Bagkus ay sinamaan niya lang ako ng tingin....and then
after a few moments, he scoffed and smiled.
I. Made. Von. Del. Russo. Smile. What the fúck.

"Now, I get why she's so dåmn in love with you." Naiiling lang niyang sabi, bago
siya sa akin lumapit at tinapik ako sa likod. Bahagya pa akong napaubo.

"Come on in, you fücker. Let's have some fresh wine."

"My wife will be home in a few minutes. She was away because she wanted to see the
furniture we'll put in the backyard personally," He said habang sinasalinan niya
ang baso ko ng white wine. Narito kami sa kanilang mahabang dining table. "And I
apologize for the noises." Dagdag pa niya matapos niyang salinan ang kanyang
sariling baso. May mga drilling at cutting noises nga dahil under renovation pa ang
kanilang patio at ibang parte ng bahay.

"That's alright po."

He sighed before he sat down on the seat at the edge of the table, which was right
beside me.

"Arguello, I don't even know where to begin..." He said and shook his head a little
before he looked at me. There was no anger visible in his green eyes anymore,
rather just sincerity.

"You're this fúcker who caused Vlanca so much pain and also.... great happiness. I
saw it then and now as to why after everything, she still loves you and has
forgiven you. I did what I think was right and in the process, I made you suffer in
an unnecessary amount, and for that I am sincerely apologizing, hijo."

Napatango naman ako bago ako bahagyang napangiti.

"I forgive you, sir, and I don't hold grudge against you, Mr. Del Russo."

He smiled and raised his glass. I picked up mine and clanked against his glass.

"I really hope you don't fúck up again because I would really hate it if I have to
file a restraining order against a future son-in-law I like."

Napangiti ako ng malawak bago ko nilagok ang white wine.

Mr. Del Russo was right. After a few minutes, dumating si Mrs. Del Russo. I told
them that we're going home in a few months and my plan. And also, now that I am
here, I took the chance to ask for her siblings' blessings too...after a few glares
and exchanging words, they all eventually gave it to me and actually helped me form
a plan, so, my Vlanca won't suspect a thing, since I want it to be a surprise.

Now, everybody came back home and I am in the process of coming back home.
Nakalabas na ako ng gate ng mansion. I am now walking back to the car I rented.

"Kuya!" Napatigil naman ako mula sa paglalakad patungo sa sasakyan nang marinig ko
ang tawag ni Miguel Del Russo. He's a very sweet and kind boy.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Just wanted to tell you that I really like you for my sister," He said sweetly.
"But if you ever try anything stupid like cheating or breaking my sister's
heart...again....I suggest you hide somewhere shîthole I can't find, okay?" His
voice is sweet but his eyes....there was nothing in them...

Okay, he intimidates me now....because how can this boy have a sweet tone yet have
such dark eyes? He's much more intimidating than his bigger and much brute
brothers.

And then it snapped away.

"Uy," He giggled, because it seemed as though I spaced out. "We clear, bro?"

I nodded....still phased of what just happened.

"Of course."

He smiled, his eyes brightened.

"Then, welcome to the family, brother. Have a safe flight." Masaya niyang sabi bago
siya tumakbo pabalik ng mansion nila.

Which brings us now here to the rooftop. We're brainstorming for thirty minutes and
nothing has come up in our minds, and then suddenly, Ethan beamed, "I have an
idea!"

Napatingin naman kami sa kanya at nakinig. When he was done, we all nodded in
agreement.

"That's a good one. I can induce you with a medicine that can somehow make you
struggle to breathe..." Creed suggested.

"Ooor he can just act and you don't end up accidentally killing Arguello, no?"
Sarkastikong sabi ni Kutznetzov.

"Sa bagay, pero mas maganda sana idea ko para may thrill." Biro ni Creed na
ikinatawa naming lahat.

Martina Vlanca

Minutes had passed, tapos nang magluto si Mama at hinahanda na ang late lunch pero
hindi pa rin sila bumababa. Tita Miranda and Tito Sam already arrived as well as
Tito Ray and Tita Brites. They were looking for Kiel but I told them he was talking
with my brothers and cousin. I was chatting with them for a solid thirty minutes
until my parents and my Aunt Miranda and Uncle Sam pulled them from me. Now,
they're on the table near the outdoor kitchen, giggling, drinking wine, and talking
about something.

Samantalang si B at Magnus ay tapos nang mag-swimming. Sumama lamang sa akin kanina

ang anak ko upang maligo at dumede matapos noon ay sumama na siya sa Tita Maria
niya dahil tuwang-tuwa talaga siyang makipaglaro kay Vera Natalia, ang panganay ni
Kuya Neil at Ate Maria. That's why now, they're at the space at the end of the pool
kung saan may portable soft tiles na ini-set up sila Ate Madison upang mapaglaruan
ng mga bata. It's already four in the afternoon kaya naman komportable na iyon na
panahon dahil hindi na ganoon kainit.

I sipped my grape juice as I switched my gaze to B and Ate Carmel.

"So, Bistalan....cardiac surgeon.." Ate Carmel talked to him nang lumabas mula sa
frenchdoor si Ate Peyton kasama si Kuya Ivanov. Ate Peyton shot her a glance pero
hindi tumingin sa kanya si Ate Carmel, her attention was on B.

"Y-Yes.."

"I péggéd a bunch of cardiac-surgeons before....must I say, they can be loud." I

don't know if that was a joke or a fact.

B's mouth parted.

"I-I, I-Is that your way of saying hi?" Alanganin na sagot ni B.

Tumawa si Ate Carmel.

"I was joking..anyway.."

I silently stood up and let them talk since based on their now tame topic, they're
actually having a good conversation. I walked to Ate Reag, who's sitting on the
soft tiles. Kasama niya doon si Ate Maria. Samantalang nasa isang lamesa kalapit ng
table na inuupuan nila Ate Carmel at B sila Ate Peyton, Ate Madison, at Ate Jillian
and it looks like Kuya Ivanov went upstairs with the boys.

"Yo toorn." Medyo bulol pang sabi ni Natalia kay Magnus. Ate Maria is holding
Natalia while I hold my son. Samantalang hawak din ni Ate Reag si Ean Atlas. They
were currently playing block games.

"Red.." Ean Atlas pointed to the red soft block that they're playing with. "Mama
hair!" He beamed at itunuro ang kulay deep red na buhok ni Ate Reag.

We all giggled. He's so cute. Siya ang pangalawang anak nila Kuya Ethan.

"Tata Red!" Sabi naman ni Natalia meanwhile Magnus giggled.

"Gosh, kids are so fu—I mean, freaking adorable." Sabi ni Ate Maria.

Napangiti naman ako.

Maya-maya ay may narinig kaming water splashes kaya napalingon kami sa pool. Eriz
who is now seven and Cora who is currently five are swimming in our direction. Yes,
they both know how to swim, even in deep waters.

They both stopped at the end of the pool and looked at us, their hair dripping with
water and their skin is now sunkissed.

"Mama, how do you say Tita Madison's baby girl's name again?" Tanong ni Eriz at
itinuro si Majalia na kasalukuyang buhat ni Ate Madison.

"Ma-ha-li-ya, Yi-vuh, baby."

"Oh, so, sosyal naman mommy, but my name's more sosyal." She said with a sas.

"Well, cute, but mahirapan siyang magsulat ng name." Natawa naman ako sa reaksyon
ni Corazon.

Another few minutes came by, the children decided to play inside since mas maraming
toys doon at may aircon. The babysitter is now looking after them while we're now
here on the table at isa-isa nang bumaba ang mga the boys.

"Migz, may langaw. Kadiri, patayin mo nga." Sabi ni Ate Madison kay Miguel na
kasalukuyang nakaupo sa aking tabi. Ate Maria, Ate Jillian, Ate Carmel, and my
aunts are sitting on my opposite side. Samantalang, ang the rest of the fam
including Tita Brites and Tito Ray ay narito sa side namin. Everyone can fit dahil
pinagdugtong-dugtong na ang lamesa.

Miguel then pouted at Ate Madison's request.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Fly. I know you're just trying to get by–"

"Migz, just kill it."

He sighed and killed it with a fly swatter.

"I'm really sorry.." He said and flicked the fly off of the table.

As the boys retreated from the rooftop, we all prepared the food on the table.
There are dishes from fried foods such as calamares, french fries, kwek-kwek, to
more complex dishes such as sinigang, menudo, kare-kare, to pasta and more bread.
Everyone started digging in while I looked at my Kiel and cupped his face.

"Are you okay?" Tanong ko, that's almost two hours of 'interrogation'.

"Yes, mahal ko." Sagot niya bago ako hinalikan sa noo.

Napapikit naman ako sandali.

And then we started digging in too.

This man couldn't be anymore sweeter dahil bago siya kumain ay pinagbalat muna niya
ako ng buttered shrimp. And then, he started getting his own food which is just
kare-kare and rice.

"Ehem," I heard him after he tried the meat from the kare-kare.

He touched his throat for moment like he was having hardtime breathing.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, just the wrong pip—I can't breathe." Nabitawan ko ang aking mga kubyertos
nang hawakan niya ang kanyang dibdib at nagsimulang maghingalo.

My heart thudded in panic and everyone froze nang mapadapa siya sa bermuda grass.

Shît! WHAT THE FüCK is happening?! He didn't mention any allergy to me but right
now, he looks like he was allergic to something in the food.

Agad akong tumayo at akmang ihihiga ko siya nang lumuhod siya at maglabas ng
fücking diamond ring mula sa kanyang bulsa.

"W-What?" Kumakabog pa din ang dibdib ko sa kaba and now...because of shock.

"I'm so sorry for scaring you, mahal ko. Hindi ako allergic sa kahit ano, I just
wanted this to be a complete surprise," He said while holding the ring between his
fingers, his eyes never left mine. "Will you marry me, Dr. Vlanca Del Russo?"

"You. Freaking. Bastard." Sabi ko nang finally ay maintindihan ko ang sinabi niya.
Halos magwala ang puso ko sa lakas ng kabog noon. My eyes are burning with tears.

He gave me one of his rarest laughs.

"Oh, sabi sa'yo e. Gagana 'yung advise ko." Sabi ni Kuya Ethan.

When I looked up, they're all standing and smiling at us.

"You all k-know?"

My family, Roy's parents, B, everyone has a profound joy in their faces.

Dakota is also here..... Through a video call. Hawak ni Miguel ang cellphone,
that's why I can see that Dakota was tearing up.

"I slipped earlier, noong na-congrats kita...."

My mouth parted.

"You–b word." Naiiyak kong sabi.

She giggled.

"B-But how did you all know?"

"Naalala mo noong may almost fifteen hour surgery ka?" Narinig kong sabi ni Kiel,
his eyes were teary, meanwhile my tears were already streaming down my face.

"I babysat Magnus while he went home..." Dagdag ni B.

"He went to the mansion tapos nakatayo siya doon sa parehong spot na tinayuan niya
noong hinanahap ka niya noong nag-break kayo...only this time, I qoute "only this
time, I am not mindlessly begging to see Vlanca...this time I would like to ask for
her hand in marriage."" Sabi ni Papa na mas lalo ko pang ikinaiyak.

"I hate you.." Naiiyak kong sabi kay Kiel.

Tears spilled down his cheeks.

"I love you so much, Vlanca, and it would be a great privilege to spend the rest of
my life with you.....will you let m-me?" His voice croaked and his eyes were not
only full of tears, but they were also filled with sincerity and love.

I am so dåmn in love with this man. Nobody can make my heart and püssy throb at the
same time like he can, and above all, no one feels like home, other than him...and
I certainly don't want to spend my life with anyone else but him.

"Do you think I would still wanna say no after everything?" Naiiyak at natatawa
kong tanong.

Everyone laughed.

"Of course, I say, hell yeah!"

He didn't waste time. He immediately slipped the ring on my finger. I helped him
stand up and while everyone that we love were clapping and cheering, we shared a
kiss that was so full of adoration and passion.

The End

***

Hi! We've finally reached the end of Ezekiel and Vlanca's story. 😭💛

But don't you worry and don't miss them too much because you'll definitely see
glimpses of them in the other upcoming books. Thank you so much for your patience
and support, my r🟡ses. I hope to see you in my next book! 💛💛💛