Kabanata 28
It's been a while! Thank you for the patience, Archers! 2 more chaps to go!
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Kabanata 28
The past months has been hard for us, it was tiring and saddening. Naalala ko pa nga ang nangyari noon sa ospital ng San Isidro noong nag-OB siya. Dami ko pang sinasabi sa utak kong impossible pero mukhang manifesting ang nangyari.
"Philie, good morning!" bumati rin ako bago nag time-in at nakita ang mga professor ko dati noong dito pa ako nagsisimula.
Saglit ko silang kinausap at nagbatian, akala ko'y makaalis na ako pero may tinawag sila sa may likuran.
"Oh, Dra. Philie, we also have a new OB here in San Isidro!" she exclaimed, mabilis akong napalingon at nakita ang pamilyar na lalaking papalapit sa amin.
Angelo's now wearing his white doctor's coat, nakasalamin pa at may hawak na chart pero nang tinawag ay mabilis na napaangat ng tingin.
Our eyes met, he smiled at me a little pero mabilis akong nag-iwas at bumaling sa mga senior ko. Napapanguso na.
'Di talaga 'ko lulubayan ng hamog na pastol na 'to!
Angelo lowered his chart and walked closer, nang tumabi siya sa akin at magdikit ng bahagya ang mga kamay ay may kung anong kuryenteng dumaloy doon kaya natulos ako.
I think he felt it too because of his sudden movement, medyo napatitig siya sa kanyang kamay bago ako tignan pero hindi ako sumulyap pabalik.
"Dr. Samaniego," Dra. called him with a smile, "I want you to meet our newest Pediatrician. We'll she isn't really knew, nandito siya nanggaling bago lumipat sa ospital niyo sa Maynila. Maybe, you two knew each other?" she asked, obviously not knowing our status.
Kakauwi lang kasi nila sa convention sa abroad at ako kaagad ang naabutan nang malamang nag-contractual ako muli sa ospital namin dito.
Napatingin silang lahat sa akin kaya mabilis akong umiling, "no." I answered. "Not personally, Dra."
"Oh, really? I thought magkakilala kayo talaga dahil sabay kayong pumunta rito. You are a contractual too, Doc? Bakit biglaan naman? Kumusta ang Maynila?"
"It's good," his baritone voice answered, "it's just that my home's here." Naramdaman ko ang titig niya sa akin pero 'di ko nilingon.
"Oh, nakabili kang lupa?" Dra. asked brightly, "naku, maganda iyan! Hindi lang kilala ang San Isidro pero sa tanawin ay busog na busog ka! Sakto rin at may Doktora tayo ritong maganda!"
Nagulat ako nang pabiro akong siniko ni Dra. kaya napaayos ako ng tayo.
"P-po?" I asked.
"Asus, si Philie..." she even giggled. "May boyfriend ka na ba, hija? Aba't, bagay kayo nitong si Dr. Samaniego, oh? Ang gwapong bata!"
"Wala po, Dra." I shook my head, "atsaka wala akong time—"
"Asus, puro ka rin study first noon, eh! Sige na, nagtataka talaga ko't 'di kayo magkakilala at nasa isang ospital lang kayo noon?" she even glanced at Angelo who then cleared his throat kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.
"I guess I should formally introduce myself to our beautiful pediatrician here?" he asked, staring intently at me kaya muling nagwala ang puso ko. I felt like my stomach is churning and Dra. is giggling beside me.
"Dr. Dean Angelo Samaniego, Dra. Suarez." He said and offered his hand. "Single and ready to mingle."
Nagitla ako roon, narinig ko ang tawa ni Dra. at mas siniko pa ako na kinikilig kaya kinagat ko ang labi at unti-unting inangat ang kamay para makipagkamay sa kanya.
"Philomena Dianne Suarez, Doc. Single but not ready to mingle." I said with a fake smile.
Napatawa si Dra. at mas siniko ako pero seryoso lang ako kunwari.
"Pretty name. Suits you well." The side of his lips rose as he lifted my hand and placed a kiss at the back of it while staring directly into my eyes. "Lovely to meet you, Dra. I hope you're open to mingle soon."
I gulped harshly, kinagat ko ang labi at tumango-tango na may pilit na ngiti.
Naririnig ko ang hagikhik ni Dra. kaya sinamaan ko ng tingin si Angelo. He pretended not to notice my glares at him, ngiting-ngiti pa habang hawak-hawak pa rin ang kamay ko.
I secretly pulled my hand but he gripped it innocently, glancing at Dra. and nodded.
"Excuse us first, Dra. I would like to get to know Dra. Suarez more." He smirked, "is it okay if I borrow her? I'll take her to her office, who knows? Maybe she'll open the possibility to mingle this time?"
"Yieee..." I was stunned when Dra. teased us, gusto kong isigaw na h'wag niya akong ibenta sa lalaking 'to pero kulang na lang ay mag-cheer siya habang tinutulak ako.
"Go, Dra. Suarez!" she pushed me playfully.
"Dra., 'di nga 'ko open—"
"Anong 'di open! 'Yong matris mo pa-close na, 'di ka pa rin open!" pinanlakihan naman niya ako ng mata kaya napahawak ako sa dibdib.
"Dra.?!" I called pero kinindatan niya lang ako at tinulak palapit kay Angelo na inabot ang baywang ko.
"Alagaan mo 'yang Philomena ng San Isidro, Dr. Samaniego! Naku ka't maraming sabungero ang susugod sa 'yo kapag nasaktan ang Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa!" she teased kaya napapanguso na lang ako.
Binebenta niya ako!
"Then, I'll take care of the Queen, Dra." He smiled and touched my waist firmly, "let me escort her highness to her clinic."
I was annoyed, lantaran ko nang ipinakita kay Gelo ang busangot ko pero parang wala lang sa kanya. He even smiled playfully and waved at our senior who cheered me into finally mingling with this man!
I was stiff while walking, ayaw ko naman siyang itulak-tulak habang nanunuod si Dra. kaya para 'kong tuod doon. I only smacked his arm when we reached my clinic and he's busy smirking at me.
"Ikaw..." I warned, "how many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone?"
"Countless I guess," he shrugged.
"Tss..." I frowned, "ga'no kadaming beses ko ba dapat sabihin sa 'yo na layuan mo 'ko—"
"'Di ako marunong magbilang, piglet." He smiled again when he saw me bright red now.
"Dean Angelo!" I groaned. "I am not a piglet!"
"Philomena Dianne..." he reached for my bangs and brushed it a little. "Can I get an oink-oink?"
I hissed quietly, mas tumawa siya at sinapo ang pisngi ko kaya napisat iyon at naiipit ang nguso ko.
I made a loud hissing sound but he only tilted his head and watched me amusingly, suddenly making a pig sound.
My eyes widened, medyo lumaki ang ilong niya kaya napatawa na ako at tinulak siya palayo.
"Angelo!" I exclaimed, "did you seriously just—"
"Oh, I did." He smiled gently, "you laughed. That's a plus. Maybe you'll allow me to mingle soon?"
"No!" humalukipkip ako at umirap-irap. "No way!"
"Nah, you'll be open to mingle soon," he winked and messed with my hair. "Bye, babe. I gotta do an ultrasound to my patients."
"Edi mag-ultrasound ka? Paki ko? Tinatanong ko ba?" my brows shot up, iritado na naman dahil nakita ko ang pila ng mga buntis sa kanya kanina.
"Nope, but I'm still telling you." He pinched my cheek playfully, "don't be jealous, babe. I'll do the check ups for you and our baby personally."
"Asa ka!" iritadong sagot ko at hinawi ang kamay niya, "hiwalay na tayo, okay? Anong baby-baby ka riyan? Walang mangyayaring check-up sa baby!"
But he only cocked his head on the side, handsomely licking his lower lip before tugging his lips for a lopsided smile.
"Hindi mo sure, Philomena." He murmured surely and tapped my chin before giving me a teasing flying kiss kaya hinampas ko ang ere at halos bugahan siya ng apoy.
The irony...walang check-up ba talagang mangyayari, Philomena?
"You are?" he asked and I cleared my throat before answering using my small voice.
"Hi, Doc. Assunta D. Makaire po, papa-check-up sana kami ng baby ko." Madrama kong sabi sabay haplos sa bilugang tiyan.
"What?" he asked, mukhang naguguluhan. Muli siyang bumaling sa papel sa harapan niya pabalik sa akin. "Your name?"
"Assunta D. Makaire po," I answered, natatawa na dahil mukha siyang lito na hindi maintindihan. "Ang meaning ng D is Di. As it is lang." Pinaliit ko pa ang boses lalo.
Tumango siya, inayos ang salamin niya at binasa ang pang-ibabang labi.
"Take a seat, Miss Makaire." He murmured, nagseseryoso pero halatado kong nagpipigil lang siya ng tawa niya.
Sus, natatawa 'yan sa apelyido ko! Dapat lang, ano? Pinag-isipan ko kaya 'to ng bongga?
"First time, Miss?" he asked and glanced my way pero dahil naka-shades nga ako ay 'di niya makita ng buo ang mukha ko.
I nodded, "yes, Doc Pogi."
His forehead creased, napatitig siya sa akin ng mas matagal at mukhang nagtataka na ewan kaya inayos ko ang cap ko.
"Doc?" I called again.
"Sorry," he cleared his throat and moistened his lip, "I just thought you're familiar."
"Oh..." I nodded, almost laughing with his remark.
"How many months?" he asked kaya humawak akong muli sa tiyan ko at sumagot.
"Hmm, almost eight." I answered.
"Is this your first time here? How about your first OB doctor?" he asked, "Miss...Makaire?"
Halos mabulunan din ako dahil natatawa talaga siya kapag pinipilit na sinasabi ang apelyido ko kunwari pero dahil dapat masungit ang reputation niya ay nagseseryoso ang mukha niya.
"Uhm, first doctor ko is nasa ibang bansa." Paliwanag ko, "first time ko rito sa Philippines tapos recommended ka kaya dito ko pumunta. Foreigner kasi itong baby ko, kapag kinakausap ko, English ang sagot."
I noticed his eyes brightened at my answer, parang may naisip siya pero napailing at sumulyap sa chart niya.
"Bakit ka natatawa, Doc?" I asked him. He glanced my way and I noticed his eyes softened.
"Nothing, you just remind me of my wife." He said, startling me.
"Bakit?" I inquired, "hindi naman sa tsismosa, Doc, pero parang gano'n na nga. Saan siya?"
His lips formed a thin line, sumulyap siya sa frame sa lamesa niya kaya gano'n din ako at nakita ang picture namin noong kasal.
"She went abroad to relax and find herself," he murmured while staring at it. "To let go of the pain I caused her."
Hindi ko inaasahan ang sinabi niya. I don't hold any rage for him. Not anymore. Ni wala na ngang pagtatampo roon pero ngayong nakikita siyang malungkot ay parang sinaksak ako.
"Well, it's my fault because I was an ass." He chuckled nonchalantly and sat straight again. "Anyway, I'm sorry for being like this. I don't really talk that much with patients around, maybe, just now. Your moves remind me of my wife."
"O-okay lang!" I answered, medyo bumalik ang boses ko kaya muli ko 'yong pinaliit. "Ayos lang, Doc."
"My apologies again, Miss Makaire." He said and cleared his throat, "I can see here you'd like an ultrasound. You still didn't know your child's gender?"
His jet black eyes stared at me and my heart thumped wildly like it what it always did when I'm with him.
"Oo," I nodded, "alam kong medyo late na pero kasi gusto ko sabay namin malaman ng Dad ng baby ko 'yong gender niya."
His reddish lips protruded, still staring at me,
"Where's your husband, then?" he asked seriously.
"Uhm, medyo mali-late." Palusot ko na lang, "kaya mauuna na lang ako tapos balitaan ko na lang siya."
Matagal pa siyang napatitig sa akin at kinakabahan talaga ako at baka nahahalata na ako.
"Aren't you hot, Ma'am?" he asked, "it's night here. You might find it hard walking around with shades. You can remove the glasses and the cap—"
"A-ah, hindi!" tumawa pa ako, "dark mode kasi itong salamin ko."
Tumango-tango siya pero mukha pa rin kuryoso.
"Dark mode?" he asked, "is that even a thing?"
"Ah, oo naman!" I explained, "bagong discover lang 'to sa Amerika! Wala pa rito sa Pinas pero mayro'n nang gano'ng glasses doon! Kung ang phone may night mode, ang glasses din mayro'n!"
"Won't you trip—"
"I won't! Ikaw talaga!" I giggled, "atsaka kasi may photosensitivity ako kaya need ng glasses na dark mode."
I know he's feeling weirded out of me but just nodded, he clicked his head a little to side while playing with his pen and staring at my form.
"I'll request my secretary to prepare the ultrasound room," he murmured nonchalantly while reading on it before pressing on his intercom and reminded his secretary.
I was afraid it'll look suspicious, lalo na at sina Phoebe at Cairis ang nagsagot! Naku talaga, kapag pumalpak kami rito ay pagbubuhulin ko ang dalawa!
"You did not fill everything, Ma'am." He commented and pointed the form, muli niyang kinagat ang ballpen niya kaya napalunok ako.
Doc, p'wedeng pakagat din ako?
I clutched my dress, muli niya akong nilingon kaya suminghap ako at kinalma ang sarili. Lalo na nang basain niya ang pang-ibabang labi.
"Miss Makaire?" he called.
"Y-yes?" I inquired.
"Let me fill the form for you instead," he pointed it and that's when I realized our wedding ring is on his finger.
How about you fill me instead?
Napanguso ako. Parang mas naging bastos ata 'ko? Ano 'yan, Philie? Tigang?
"Any drug or food allergies?" he asked kaya umiling ako. Nagsulat naman siya doon ng seryoso at sinagutan ang form ko kaya parang nagliwanag ang paningin ko.
Lord, salamat sa biyaya. Bakit naman kasi ganito at kahit anong anggulo ni Gelo ay gwapings talaga?
His sharp and prominent jaw is on my view, seryoso siya at medyo salubong ang kilay habang nagsasagot pero kahit naka-mask ako ay ang bango-bango niya tignan pa rin?
Lord, salamat sa blessings. Mahal na mahal mo talaga 'ko at ang gwapo-gwapo ng taong yelo na 'to?
"When was the last time you had your check up?" he asked.
"Last month," I answered.
"Anyway, Miss. About your condition." He murmured, "hindi pa ngayon delikado but we have to address it properly."
"H-huh?" naguguluhan kong tanong, "my condition?"
"Hmm," he nodded. "Your photosensitivity concerns might affect the newborn—"
"A-ah, 'di naman gano'n talaga!" I explained, "panicking, hindi naman serious ang sensitivity ko."
"We weren't so sure, Miss." He explained, "not now but I am concerned your baby might get affected—"
"I-iba naman 'yong photosensitivity ko!" I explained, nervous that my alibis are firing back.
"How so?" he seriously inquired, even tilting his head to watch me kaya mas kinabahan ako.
"Ano kasi 'yong akin, kapag pipicturan ako natatakot ako." I explained and his forehead creased more.
"Huh?"
"Photo..." I quoted, "sensitive. Sensitive ako sa pictures."
"What the fuck..." his mouth parted dramatically at doon na ako napahalakhak. He was stunned, natulala lang siya sa akin pero mayamaya'y napailing na at natawa. "Seriously?" he asked with his amused tone.
"Hmm," natatawa kong tango. "Sikat kasi ko sa States tapos daming paparazzi na nagpi-picture kahit nangungulangot lang ako kaya naging sensitive ako sa photos. Photo...sensitivity."
Mas natawa siya, I have heard him laughed this way before so it was such an adorable throwback moment seeing him like this. Throwing his head back laughing.
"I-I'm sorry, Miss M-makaire." He cleared his throat, "I'm just..." muli siyang napabughalit kaya napapikit ako at pinalo-palo ang lamesa.
"S-sorry din," halakhak ko, "nag-alala ka ata masyado sa sinabi ko."
"It's okay," he shook his head and brushed his hair a bit. "It's been a while since I laughed this way. You're funny." He stared at me intently. "You really remind me of my wife."
Kinagat ko ang labi ko, ipinatong ko ang kamay sa lamesa niya bago pumahalumbaba at pinagmasdan siya. Tumitig din siya sa akin, bakas ko ang lambing sa ekspresyon niya pero umiling saglit at natatawang bumaling sa form ko pabalik.
"Husband's name?" he inquired.
"Gelong P. Makaire." I uttered and he froze for a while and glanced at me weirdly.
"Gelong?" he asked, "spelling, Ma'am?"
I told him the spelling at kunot lang ang noo niya habang nagsusulat kaya natatawa na ako.
"Cute ng name ng asawa ko 'no?" I asked playfully, "Full name niya, Gelong Pastol Makaire."
Namula bigla siya at ipinaling ang ulo na parang may naaalala pero binabalewala.
"Father's name?" he asked.
"Wala na," sagot ko kunwari kaya tumango siya at nagsulat.
"Mother's name?"
Natigilan ako saglit kaya sumulyap siya sa akin, "Miss? Mother's name?"
"Ah..." napakurap-kurap ako, "Mommy D."
Muntik na siyang mabulunan sa sariling laway. Nang gumalaw ang balikat niya para na naman sa tawa ay gano'n din ako. Naluluha na nga ata ko sa mga pinagsasabi ko pero worth it naman dahil sa reaksyon niya.
"Joke lang..." I grinned, "tawang-tawa ka naman, Doc?"
"You're hilarious," he smirked playfully and stared at me intently, "kaunti na lang. Maiisip ko nang ikaw 'yan, Philomena."
"W-what..." namilog ang mata ko, "hindi, Doc, ah!" mas iniba ko ang boses. "May asawa na ako. Pogi ka pero 'di kita bet!"
"Mother's name?" nangingisi niyang ulit.
"Maiden name ba?" I asked at nang tumango siya ay ngumisi ako, "Mommy D as in Dinah Macapili."
He eyed me with amusement, napatawa naman ako at tumango-tango sa kanya.
"Totoo nga!" I explained, "check mo pa birth certificate ko, Doc!" I insisted using my small and weird voice.
Ngumuso siya, he stared at me suspiciously again but nodded and stood after writing.
"I guess I'm going crazy, imagining you're her." He chuckled a little, "come on, Ma'am. The ultrasound room's okay now."
Kinakabahang sumunod ako sa kanya. Of course, I know his clinic. Sumulyap siya sa akin habang nakasunod, balak pa ata akong alalayan kaya inilahad ang kanyang sa akin.
I took it. The familiar warmth only him could make me feel enveloped my palm and when I glanced at him, his eyes are pinned on my stomach.
Humawak ako sa tiyan ko, napasulyap naman sa akin si Gelo bago kumurap-kurap at humawak na sa siko ko.
"Let's go, Ma'am." Aniyang seryoso kaya tumango na ako.
I saw the familiar ultrasound room when we got inside. His secretary smiled and nodded when she saw us approaching and left afterwards.
Ngumuso ako. Angelo assisted me to sit on the seat and adjusted it.
"Would you like to change your clothes, Ma'am? Or no?" he offered, I shook my head. Tumango naman siya bago tumayo sa tabi ko at tinignan ang aparato niya.
I saw him took the cooling gel he's been using for ultrasound, nangiti naman ako ng palihim habang pinagmamasdan siyang seryosong ginagawa ang trabaho niya.
I find Angelo's job amazing before dahil kaunti lang ang kilala kong lalaking OB-gynecologist but seeing him now looking serious and dedicating, it is fascinating.
He put blanket on my legs and smiled a little.
"You can fix this if you weren't comfortable and raise your dress if you're ready. Ilalagay ko na 'tong gel para masimulan ang ultrasound."
It made my heart thumped. I missed him so much. Nahahalina na akong yakapin siya pero gusto kong makita ang reaksyon niya.
I fixed the blanket he covered my legs, unti-unti kong inangat ang dress ko hanggang sa makita na ang bilugan kong tiyan.
Angelo glanced at it, napasinghap ako nang biglang maramdaman ko ang sipa ng anak ko.
"Oh my God! My baby kicked!" I exclaimed and Angelo's eyes softened more, napatawa pa siya roon at tumango bago bumaling sa akin.
"Can I?" he murmured kaya tumango ako. Nag-aalangan at nahihiya man no'ng una ay inilapit niya rin ang kamay sa tiyan ko. His rough and large palm caressed my stomach and I felt my baby kicked again.
"Oh my..." I murmured.
"The baby kicked," nangiting sabi niya at tumitig sa tiyan ko. I felt another one, mas bumakas ang mangha at aliw sa mga mata ni Gelo roon kaya nangingiti akong lalo.
Our baby felt him.
Yes, baby. That is your Daddy Gelo. He might look cold but look how warm he is to you.
"You really love babies, hmm?" I commented using my weird voice again and he nodded and smiled. Inalis niya ang kamay sa tiyan ko bago kinuha ang lagayan ng gel doon.
"I just find babies fascinating. They're wonderful." He murmured and wore his gloves. "It's fun being an OB but ironic at the same time."
Inilapit niya ang transducer sa tiyan ko, halos mapatawa naman ako nang tumama gel sa tiyan ko nang ilagay niya iyon.
"Is it okay with you?" he asked when he heard me giggling.
"Y-yeah," I nodded and chuckled, "medyo nakiliti lang."
"Oh, sorry." He smiled a little, "it's cold. Just tell me if it would make you uncomfortable, hmm? I gotta start the ultrasound now."
He explained a bit about the process, nakikinig naman ako pero 'di ma-process ng utak ko dahil nakatutok ang mata ko sa mukha ni Angelo.
What a handsome man. Anak, ang gwapo-gwapo ng Dad mo.
I bit my lip when it tickled. Napanguso naman siya at sumulyap sa akin kaya natawa ako.
"Ayos lang, nakikiliti kasi 'ko sa gel. Kahit no'ng unang mga ultrasound ko ganyan."
He nodded and smiled a little, muli namang may naalala ako kaya tinawag ko ang atensyon niya.
"Doc?" I called, "is it okay if I ask you something?"
"Hmm? What is it?" he glanced my way.
"Kasi, sabi mo. Ang ironic na OB ka, I was just curious. Why is it ironic?" I asked.
Napatigil siya sa pag-galaw ng transducer sa tiyan ko at napaisip saglit bago sumagot.
"Nothing, just...I like checking up babies and hearing their heartbeats but I couldn't even hear my child's." He answered, a lone expression etched on his black orbs.
It stopped me.
"H-how?"
"Well, I have a wife like I told you. She's in States and pregnant." He murmured.
Umawang na ang labi ko.
OMG, he knew?!
Suddenly the sound of familiar heartbeats filled the room, sumulyap sa akin si Gelo bago ngumiti.
"That is your child's heartbeats, Miss Makaire." He uttered and checked his device, "it's normal? Lakasan ko pa."
He looked excited as he clicked something on his device and the heartbeats became a bit louder that it was earlier.
"That was my baby's?" I asked lowly and he nodded, smiling gently while staring at the monitor.
"Yes, music to the ears, right?" aniya, "you know, I wished to hear my baby's heartbeats. Philie probably knows our baby's gender while I don't. I wonder if it's a boy or a girl. If it's a girl, she'll probably look like her beautiful mother." He muttered heavenly.
Naiiyak na ako roon, gusto kong tanggalin ang shades ko para hawiin ang luha pero ayaw kong makita niya ako.
"'Di...'di mo ba siya sinundan?" I asked.
"Not really," he shook his head, "but I'm monitoring here every time. I'm visiting once a week to just check on her. She won't see me, anyway."
How did he know I am pregnant? I never told him!
Oh. Damn, you're an idiot, Philie! Of course, he's a freaking OB-gynecologist and you are acting like a spoiled brat before!
"But she'll be home soon, I heard she's in her province right now. With her parents, sabi niya naman noon magsasabi siya kapag nakauwi na siya rito kaya inaantay ko na lang. You remind me of her, really. Just that, she isn't texting me 'til now. If ever she did, I'll fetch her and we'll check the baby together again." He consoled me with a smile.
"Are you...are you okay with that set up?" I asked, "y-your wife's pregnant and she's out of sight?"
"She promised me she'll take care of herself and her leaving is for her too. I want her to have a peace of mind and relax. I've been stressing her for the long time." He shrugged, "it's okay, Miss. Uuwi na rin naman sa 'kin ang asawa ko kapag ayos na siya, dito lang naman ako para mag-antay."
Silence filled us after that, mukhang napansin naman niya ang katahimikan ko kaya ngumiti na siya.
"Let's check the gender?" he asked kaya tumango na ako at pinagmasdan siyang may gawin doon. I saw him taking genital anatomy scans seriously. I saw it before but it was amazing seeing it with him, doing it for his own baby and he didn't even know it.
Medyo nagtagal pa kami roon hanggang sa ngumiti siya at umayos ng upo sa upuan niya para ipakita sa akin ang screen.
"Look here, Ma'am." He motioned the screen, "this is the sagittal view of the genital area of the baby. As you can see, this is what we call the caudal notch indicating that..."
He smiled gently again, his eyes twinkled while glancing at my stomach.
"Congrats, Miss Makaire, it's a baby girl." He announced.
I covered my mouth, nahulog na ng tuluyan ang nangingilid na luha, bigla akong napaupo at napasinghap kaya natawa na siya. He assisted me in sitting and adjusted my seat while I was sniffing.
"I-it's a girl?" I asked and he nodded, taking some tissues and offered it to me but I shook my head. "A-ayos lang...salamat." Bulong ko at kinuha iyon.
"Where's your husband?" he asked me, "he'll be glad for sure if he found out about this."
"Are you happy?" maliit kong sabi at binalingan siya.
Natigilan siya saglit pero tumango rin sa akin, medyo nagtataka pa.
"Of course, I am." He answered, "I'm happy for you, it's a girl. I bet she'll look pretty like you, Miss."
"Salamat," mahinang sagot ko at tumitig sa kanya sa kabila ng sunglasses ko, "and my husband...he'll be thrilled for sure if he found out she's a girl." Sabi ko habang nakatitig sa kanya.
Napatitig din siya sa akin at tinagilid ang ulo niya para pagmasdan ako.
"Your voice..." he trailed off kaya bigla akong nag-iwas at inayos ang dress ko.
"C-can I use the restroom, Doc?" marahang sabi ko at nakatitig lang siya noong una pero tumango at inalalayan pa akong patayo at papunta sa may banyo sa loob ng room.
"Be careful inside, I will put your results in the envelope so you could check it out and let your husband see it." Aniya. "I can see that you will have a normal delivery."
"Thank you, excited na akong makaire." I even murmured to lighten the mood at mas nagtaka siya.
"Huh?"
"Kasi...D. Makaire?" I even joked. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya at napatawa ng mahina, bago buksan ang pintuan ng restroom.
"I'm excited for you too, Ma'am." He answered back, "you'll be Miss Assunta Nakaire soon."
Nagkatinginan kami. Ngumisi siya at napatawa ako sa kabila ng mga luha kaya mas inayos ko ang shades at tumango bago pumasok.
When I got inside, I was sniffing despite the smile on my face. It may be just my pregnancy hormones but I was emotional while doing the whole thing with Angelo. I had my check-ups and ultrasounds before but my wish to let him know our baby's gender together was just fulfilled.
"It's a baby girl," I whispered and caressed my round stomach. "Hi, my baby."
I felt the kick inside, mas naluha pa ako roon kaya ipinikit ko ang mata at napangiti.
It took me a while to fix myself, tinapon ko ang mask ko at hinawakan paalis ang shades at cap bago sinuklay ang buhok.
I took my phone and typed a text message.
To: Babe
Gelo, I'm home.
Nagulat pa ako nang makarinig ng kalabog sa labas ng banyo, kumunot ang noo ko sa gulat at nasapo ang dibdib nang sunod-sunod na may kumatok doon.
"Miss Makaire," I heard the panic on his voice, "I'm very sorry but is it okay if I go first? I left your results in my secretary. I have to go now."
"O-okay," I muttered while staring at the door. "Saan ka, Doc?"
"My...my wife just got home." He chuckled happily outside, "I'll fetch my wife."
My heart swelled kaya nakagat ko ang labi ko.
"Sure, Doc. Ingat!" I exclaimed, "and thank you."
"Welcome, take care too, Miss." He said and after a few moments, my phone vibrated.
Napatalon ako roon. Kaagad na sumulyap at nakita kung sino ang caller.
Babe calling...
With my shaking hands, I answered it and was greeted by my Gelo's shaking voice.
"Where are you, babe?" his voice trembled, "are you okay? Mabigat ba ang dala mo? Wait for me, don't move. I'll carry it for you."
Ayaw ko man ay nahulog na naman ang luha ko, humawak ako sa door knob at suminghot.
"Gelo..." I called.
"Where are you, hmm? Nasa airport ka? Don't move an inch. I'll be there in five." He muttered kaya binuksan ko ang door knob at sumilip, nahuli ko siyang nakatayo sa may tapat ng pintuan palabas ng opisina niya, tila papaalis na.
"I'm here," bulong ko sa phone at lumabas ng banyo, pinagmamasdan ang kanyang likod.
"Where?" his voice stuttered.
"Behind you." Sagot ko pabalik.
I caught how he stopped. Mabilis din siyang lumingon sa pwesto ko at napuno ng luha ang kanyang mga mata nang makita ako.
"P-Philie?" he called and took a step forward kaya ibinaba ko ang phone at ngumiti.
"Hello, Gelong Pastol Makaire." I murmured and waved cutely and he took another step forward.
"Philie," he looks lost as he walked towards me and I opened my arms.
"Alam kong na-miss mo ang Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro," I tapped my chest, "come to Momma!"
I was expecting him to ran towards my direction, to carry me on his arms pero parang namaligno ata ako nang bigla siyang nawalan ng balanse at napaluhod, plumakda sa lapag.
"Hala, shit..." I gasped when he fell on the ground. "Angelo!" I screamed and quickly lowered my body on the ground.
"Angelo!" I reached for his head and tapped his cheek but he was unconscious. "Dean Angelo! Oh my God!"
He didn't even bulge, malalim ang tulog niya kaya marahang kong binalik ang ulo niya sa lapag at nag-panic na.
"OMG, OMG!" I hyperventilated and stood, hawak-hawak ang bilugang tiyan ay maingat kong tinakbo ang pintuan para sumigaw.
"Belle!" I screamed his secretary's name while bouncing there.
"Belinda! Ang asawa ko nahimatay!" sigaw ko roon pero natulala nang makita si Tita Natalie at Tito Terrence na kausap ang secretary.
"Tita..." I muttered at namilog ang mata niya sabay sapo sa bibig at talon.
"Philie!" she exclaimed and ran towards me. "O-oh my God, you are pregnant!" namilog ang mata niya sabay hawak sa tiyan ko.
"T-Tita," I called.
"K-kailan ka pa buntis? Oh my gosh, I didn't know, darling!" she exclaimed exaggeratedly.
"Sena..." Tito Terrence called.
"Philie's pregnant!" she exclaimed while holding my arms pero inisip ko si Gelo kaya suminghap ako.
"T-tita," I called. "S-si Gelo po..."
"Oh my God. You are pregnant..." she froze and from my stomach, her eyes landed inside the office.
"Oh my God, my son fainted!" sigaw niya bago nagtatatakbo papasok ng opisina, kaagad ko siyang sinundan at nakitang inabot niya ang ulo ng anak.
"Sena, babe, calm down—"
"Philie's pregnant and my son's..." bulong niya sabay simangot at hablot ng sandals niya at tingin ng masama sa asawa na biglang napatawa pero sumeryoso nang makita ang mukha ng asawa.
"Natalie Sena," he called, "babe, calm down. Can we talk about this—"
"Kasalanan mo 'tong lahat, Terrencio!" she exclaimed and my jaw dropped when she threw her sandals on her panicking husband.
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