Chapter 5
Grey's POV
"WHAT!!? Hey--!" He started laughing again, which made it hard for me to catch his attention.
I grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around to face me. "You don't talk about that in here!" I pointed at his face,
"Baka may makarinig sa 'yo!!" Dagdag ko pa, humupa ang pagtawa nito at nagpahid ng luha sa mata.
"What? Totoo naman diba? We were ex-fuck—"
"Oo na, oo na nga." Agad kong tinakpan ang bibig nito dahil baka may iba pang makarinig.
Inalis nito ang kamay ko sa bibig niya, "Hey, tinitingnan ko rin if affected pa yung ex mo 'no." ani nito na ikinakunot ng noo ko.
"What?" I confusedly asked, Louis chuckled while shaking his head, before placing both his hands on his waist.
"I purposely said that to see if he's still affected. Tinitingnan ko ang reaksyon niya sa mga sinabi ko." sagot nito at bahagyang nagparte ang mga labi ko.
Louis sighed, "And based on how he reacted, mukhang... mahal ka pa rin niya." He blurted out.
Which I find stupid. Mahal? Ako? Mahal ni Code? He said it himself before that he was just exploring and would never date a guy, specially me. Tapos sasabihin ni Louis na mahal pa 'rin' ako ni Code?
I scoffed before bitterly chuckling, "Nauntog ka ba? Nakalog ba utak mo? Did you forget what I said before? He said he's straight as fuck and would never date a guy, lalo na ako." I stressed out, and Louis arched a brow.
"Talaga? Based sa reaction niya kanina, mukhang taliwas sa mga sinabi mo dati." May panunuya sa boses niya na inirapan ko.
"Louis, he has a daughter and probably a wife too. There's no way he will have any feelings towards me." I shook my head, but Louis chuckled at me.
He arched a brow, "Wife? But he bought you flowers? Galawan ba 'yan ng may asawa?" Pang-aasar nito,
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, "Hindi, pero galawang babaero–"
"Correction, lalakero!" Napahagalpak ng tawa si Louis na agad kong itinulak papalayo.
"It's probably Chiara's idea. Alam mo naman ang mga bata, they're so sweet." I tried to brush it off, but Louis let out a laugh.
"But white roses? Really?" he pointed out, which made my brows furrow before looking at the bouquet in my hand.
"What's with white roses?" I confusedly asked,
He chuckled before shaking his head, "Wala, wala," he replied, which made me roll my eyes.
"You know what, Louis, quit fucking with me and let's go back to work." I said before facing my back at him, I was two steps away from him when he spoke. "Quit fucking? Hindi pa nga tayo nagsisimula—" Nilingon ko siya pabalik at sinamaan ng tingin. Napatikom ito ng bibig bago itinaas ang magkabilang kamay.
"Fine, fine, I'll shut up na." Muli ko itong inirapan bago tinalikuran at naglakad paalis.
But what does white roses really mean? It kept on bugging and bugging me. I badly wanted to look it up or ask someone, but I am too busy to even touch my phone, and so is everyone else. They might also have some suspicion if I suddenly started asking about white roses. I don't want people to think that I'm trying to hit on someone. I don't want to start a dating rumor for myself.
My shift ends at 10 PM, the sky is dark, the wind is not as cold as it is already mid-April, but I could still feel it brushing against my skin.
I placed my bag on the passenger seat same goes for the bouquet of flowers.
I paused,
Shit, the flowers.
He– well, his daughter gave me flowers that were technically bought with his money.
Ibig sabihin pumayag siyang ibili ako ng bulaklak?
But why? Bakit siya papayag? He never bought me flowers, ever.
Bakit ngayon pa?
The drive back home was silent, but I felt paranoid. I kept on glancing and glancing on the flower, afraid it might fall whenever I would hit the brakes.
I placed it next to my record player when I reached my unit. I took a quick stare at it before pulling out my phone and searching what white roses mean.
White roses generally symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are often associated with weddings, christenings, and other ceremonies that celebrate fresh starts.
New beginnings...
Frest start...
May gusto ba siyang iparating? O basta nalang nila piniling mag-ama ito?
I brushed it off, went to my room, and took a warm shower before going to bed.
"Good morning Doc Grey, may nagpapabigay nga po pala sa inyo nito."
I was about to walk past the receptionist when she called me and held out a salmon colored rose.
My brows furrowed, I took a few steps back and reached for the rose, "Kanino galing?" Taka kong tanong,
Ngumisi lang ang babae bago sumenyas na sarado ang bibig nito.
Napabuntong hininga ako bago napatawa nang bahagya, "Tell them I said thank you," I gave her a smile before walking towards the elevator.
I placed the flower inside a paper cup in my clinic before pouring some water inside.
I cleaned my clinic, vacuumed the corners, wiped the tables, turned on the humidifier, and the air purifier. I was waiting for a patient to come when I glanced at the salmon rose on my table.
I sighed, picked up my phone, and searched what it means.
Salmon roses symbolize passion, excitement, enthusiasm, and desire, with a touch of elegance.
Desire?
My head snapped at the direction of my door when it suddenly opened, and Louis peeked in the door.
"So... you got my rose," he said, which made my brows furrow, "This is from you?" I asked, pointing at the rose.
He chuckled before entering the clinic. "Yes, do you like it?" he asked. I reached for the rose and gave it a look.
"Why salmon color?" I asked while looking at the rose.
I heard his footsteps walking towards me until he stopped right in front of my table, leaning both his hands on the edge to support his weight.
"You can look it up," he said before pulling away.
"By the way, I have to go, tiningnan ko lang kung nakuha mo na yung bulaklak," he said before waving goodbye and closing the door behind him.
I sighed before putting back the rose in the cup. What's with these guys giving me roses?
I finished with my patient consultations right before lunch. I decided to eat lunch first before I check on my patients in the ward. Just like what always happens, it takes me more than an hour in the ward and with my other patients.
By 3 PM, I have a delivery to attend, so I prepared and sanitized first before entering the OR.
It was a successful delivery, of course, I ran through some tests and newborn screening on the baby before I was finally done to go.
When I got back to my clinic, I changed into a new pair of scrubs before heading to the canteen for snacks.
"Well, well, well, andito pala si white roses boy."
Napapikit ako nang mariin nang marinig ang boses ni Bianca sa likuran ko, kasunod nito ang paghimas sa likuran ko bago naupo sa bangko sa tabi ko.
"So... are we on the courting stage with Attorney Costa?" she blurted out, which made my eyes grow wide and my head snap at her direction.
"What!? NO!! Hindi 'no!" I almost shouted, almost.
Biance burst out laughing while Louis, who was sitting across from me, shook his head.
"It was his daughter's idea to give me flowers, not his!" I exclaimed before eating a piece of a chip.
Bianca slowly nods, but it is obvious that she was teasing me.
"Talaga ba? Baka naman... idea ng tatay?" Kinurot pa nito ang tagiliran ko na ikinasaltk ko ng dila.
"Hindi nga, idea nga yun ng anak niya. Besides, he's probably married already. We're on our early 30's, there's no way he's not yet married. Plus, with his profession? His money? His looks? Imposibleng wala siyang asawa." Singhal ko bago sumubo ulit ng potato chips.
"Oy, oy, bakit ang bitter? Parang ang bitter naman Doc Grey!" Sinundot ni Bianca ang pisnge ko na agad kong inilagan.
"It's not being bitter, I'm just being realistic," I said before rolling my eyes.
"What if we see it for ourselves?" Napalingon kami parehas ni Bianca kay Louis nang magsalita ito.
"Anong see it for ourselves?" tanong ni Bianca, nag-ayos ng pagkaka-upo si Louis bago nagkibit-balikat.
"Pagselosin natin, ganun, sagarin natin ang pasensya. I saw his reaction yesterday, it looks like he's really affected. And I think if we try harder, baka sumabog siya na parang bomba, ganun, magselos, umamin na mahal ka pa rin." sagot nito, napasapo ako sa noo ko habang si Bianca itong napahagalpak ng tawa.
"Kanino naman magseselos yun?!" Prangkang tanong ni Bianca, nilingon ko ito, bago humarap kay Louis.
"Sa tingin mo talaga gagana 'yang plano mo?" tanong ko rito at tumango si Louis.
"Yes, hindi naman masamang subukan, diba?" tanong nito at naramdaman kong humawak si Bianca sa braso ko.
"So wait, si Louis ang gagamitin mo para pagselosin yung ex mo?" tanong nito at tumango ako bago tumingin kay Louis,
"He looks like he's willing to help. He suggested it," I replied, and Louis nodded,
"Sure, use me, diyan naman kayo magaling, eh." Ma-drama nitong turan na ikinahagalpak namin ng tawang tatlo.
My shift ended at 10 PM just like last night, but what's good is that it's my day off the next day. I was driving on my way to my condo when I realized a little drink tonight won't hurt. I took a right turn and drove to Cairo's address. Hope he's already done with his shift, too.
When I parked in front of their house, I saw that the lights were still on and saw Cairo inside.
"Cai, Cai!" I called from the gate, even though it was just his silhouette, I saw his head snap in my direction, "Grey! OMG! Grey!" he sounded so excited to see me. In a few seconds, the door opened, and so did the gate.
"Kamusta na!!" He immediately threw himself at me.
"It's been so long! Kamusta kana?!" He held me by my shoulders, I chuckled before nodding, "I'm... fine, can I come in?" I asked, he pouted a bit before nodding, "Of course naman, ikaw pa ba?" he said before dragging me inside their house.
"Tulog na yung bata, kaya tahimik lang tayo." ani nito pagkapasok namin ng bahay.
"Gutom ka ba? Sorry kadadating ko lang din galing duty, anong gusto mo? May tirang ulam dito, ipagsasaing kita. Juice? Kape?" tanong nito at bahagya akong napa-iling.
"Alak sana," ani ko at napalingon ito sa akin.
"May problema ba? Saglit, may Fundador pa yata rito." ani nito bago pumasok ng kusina.
Maya-maya ay may dala na itong isang bote ng Fundador at pitsel na may lamang yelo at juice.
"May tinda rin si Athena dito na chicharon, ikukuha na kita." ani nito bago sumampa naman sa ilang hakbang nilang hagdan at paglabas ng isang kwarto ay may hawak na isang malaking bag ng chicharon.
"Anong problema? Magkwento ka," ani nito nang umupo sa harap ko,
I poured a drink for myself, then for him, and I chugged it down like it was water.
"Grey...! Malalasing ka agad!" Inagaw nito ang baso sa kamay ko.
I smiled, "Code came back." I faintly said,
I saw the shock on his face, he didn't move a muscle for a few seconds before picking up the bottle of Fundador and pouring more into my glass, before handing it back to me.
"Anong nangyari?" tanong nito, napahagikhik ako bago sumandal sa sofa,
"May anak na," ani ko bago muling tinungga ang alak sa baso.
"Shit," Napakain si Cairo ng chicharon, "Totoo ba?" tanong niya at umiling ako bago nilunok ang alak sa bibig ko.
"Yes, and they look so fucking happy together." I slowly shook my head, tears building up in my eyes.
"So may asawa na siya?" tanong ni Cairo, nagkibit-balikat ako bago sumubo ng chicharon.
"Siguro, awan, basta ang sigurado ako, naka move-on na siya." ani ko bago sunod-sunod na tumulo ang luha sa pisnge ko.
Agad ko itong pinahid, "Pero it's fine, okay lang." My voice cracked.
I looked up at Cairo, forced a smile, "Okay lang naman diba?" I asked, seeking validation. Not long after, tears started streaming down my cheeks again.
I placed down my glass and cupped my face before sobbing like a mourning cow.
"Cairo..." I called out, "Ang sakit pala." I cried, tears streaming down my cheeks like a flood.
I felt Cairo sit next to me, gave me a hug and rubbed my back, "Ganun talaga, wala tayong magagawa, it's been eight years." ani nito, agad kong inalis ang kamay sa mukha ko bago nagpahid ng luha.
"Yun na nga, it's been eight years pero bakit ganun? Nasasaktan pa rin ako? Affected pa rin ako, nakakainis!!" Sinenyasan ako ni Cairo na tumahimik nang sumigaw ako.
"Akala ko okay na ako, akala ko... akala ko naka move-on na rin ako. Pero bakit ganito? The moment I saw his face, the moment our eyes met parang..." I badly want to grip onto something. I badly want to let out my frustration.
"Mahal mo pa ba si Code?" Napalingon ako kay Cairo,
I felt my throat go dry, I reached for my glass and poured myself another drink before chugging it down, not minding the bitter and stinging pain in my throat.
"Galit pa rin ako sa kaniya." sagot ko at utay-utay tumango si Cairo.
"Galit na galit pa rin ako sa kaniya dahil sa ginawa niya noon sa akin" I looked at Cairo, "He has no right to treat my like that. It was as if I were some sort of an object that once he's done using, he can just discard me." I said, gritting my teeth.
I felt the buildup inside me. It was as if there was a flame igniting inside that badly wanted to burst.
Gusto ko siyang sakalin. Gusto kong ibuhos lahat ng galit ko.Hindi pa sapat ang suntok na ibinigay ko sa kaniya noon.
Gusto kong maramdaman niya ang bawat sakit na naramdaman ko dahil sa ginawa niya.
Gaganti ako.
"Gagantihan ko siya," bulong ko, napalingon sa akin si Cairo bago ibinaba ang baso ko.
"Uy, 'wag naman," ani ni Cairo at umiling ako.
"Gaganti ako sa kahit anong paraan pero mararamdaman niya ang galit ko." Inis kong turan bago muling uminom.
Nakalimutan ko na kung naka-ilang baso ako na wala manlang chaser. Kahit pulutan ay madalang akong kumuha. Lumabo nalang nang lumabo ang paningin ko, mas sumikip ang pakiramdam sa ulo hanggang sa hindi ko na natatandaan ang mga sinasabi ko at ganun na rin ang nangyayari sa paligid ko.
Nagising ako kinabukasan dahil sa ingay sa paligid. Pagbangon ko ay para akong hinampas sa ulo dahil sa sobrang sakit.
"Oh, Grey, gising kana pala, umalis na si Cairo, may duty pa siya, eh." Bati sa akin ni Athena, naglibot ako ng tingin sa bahay nila.
"Ikaw ba? Paalis kana rin?" tanong ko at tumango ito habang inaasikaso ang anak.
"Oo eh, ihahatid ko pa 'to sa school, i-lock mo nalang yung pinto paglabas mo." ani nito bago hinawakan ang anak sa kamay at lumabas ng bahay.
Napahilamos ako sa mukha ko, ilang minuto akong natulala at naka-upo lang sa sofa bago tumayo at utay-utay na tiniklop ang kumot na nakabalot sa akin kanina. Naghilamos lang din ako at naki-inom ng tubig bago nag-drive pauwi.
Unang kong ginawa ang maligo pagka-uwi, mabilis na nagpatuyo ng buhok bago natulog.
Lampas tanghalian na ng magising ako. Magluluto sana ako nang makitang walang laman ang ref o cabinets ko.
I picked up my wallet, phone, and keys before leaving the unit to get some groceries.
I'm walking through the canned goods aisle when someone suddenly tugs the hem of my shirt. When I turned around to look who it was, I gasped to see Chiara, who was smiling widely.
"Hello po Doc Grey! You shop here din po pala?" she cutely asked. I smiled, crouched down to her level, and gave her a nod, "Yes, Chiara, this is close to my place kasi." I replied, and she nodded
When I glanced at her back, I saw her father walking towards us while pushing their cart.
My smile dropped, I stood up straight and cleared my throat, "Your dad is waiting for you na, I'll be going na, Chiara, bye!" I gave her a wave and left before her father could reach us.
I felt like I was some kind of criminal hiding from the police inside the grocery store. I would be mindful of every aisle I'll enter or every turn I'll take just to avoid bumping into them.
Gladly, I was able to pay and leave immediately.
I pushed the cart to the parking lot that contained my two boxes of groceries and a plastic bag. I'm a few meters away from my car when I press the remote to open the back.
"Ay, shit," napamura ako nang makitang magulo ang likod ng sasakyan ko. May mga kahon dito, may sapatos, bag, at kung anu-ano pa na ginagamit ko sa ospital.
It took me a few minutes before finally clearing the back of my car and having a space for my groceries.
I was about to pick up the first box when I got startled because Chiara popped out of nowhere.
"Hi, Doc Grey! This is your car po pala!?" she excitedly asked. My hand landed on my chest, I looked at her first, then my eyes travelled to her father, who was standing next to her, arranging their groceries at the back of their car.
I gave Chiara a nod, "Y-Yes, Chiara, it's my car." I replied before picking up the first box.
"It's pretty po! Looks like Dad's car!" she excitedly said, and I just gave her a nod while pushing the box inside my car.
I faced my cart and was about to pick up the other when I felt Code's hand touch mine.
"Let me help you," he said before picking up the box from the cart.
My brows furrowed. "Kaya ko," I was about to reach for it, but he pulled it away.
"Alam ko, let me just help," he said before putting it inside my car.
I puffed a huge amount of air before watching him get the plastic bag and placing it inside.
"There, para hindi kana mahirapan." ani niya na pinagtaasan ko ng kilay.
Hindi niya ako madadala sa pagani-ganito niya lalo pa at nabuksan lahat ng sugat at sakit ko kagabi. Bumalik ang galit ko sa kaniya na ilang taon nang nananahimik.
I reached for the tailgate before pulling it down to close it. Muntikan pang maipit ang kamay dito ni Code kung hindi lang niya agad inalis. Sayang naman.
"You changed your car," he pointed out.
I arched a brow before playing with the keys in my hand, "Yes, why?" I snobishly asked.
He chuckled, "Wala, na-alala ko lang noong college, siksikan pa tayong anim–"
"I'll be going, magpapahinga pa ako." I faced my back at him and walked to the driver's side when Chiara suddenly coughed.
It wasn't an ordinary cough but an alarming one.
I faced them back, "Are you okay, Chiara?" I asked, leaning down a bit, holding onto my knees to support my weight.
She scratched her neck, "Ang itchy, Doc Grey," she said in a hoarse voice.
I looked up at Code, "Kailan pa siya inuubo?" tanong ko bago nag-ayos ng tayo.
"Noong minsan pa, napapadalas kasing matuyuan ng pawis." sagot nito at napakunot ang noo ko.
"Pabaya sa anak," bulong ko na ipinarinig ko talaga sa kaniya.
Napatawa ito nang pagak, "Hindi ko siya pinapabayaan, lagi kasi akong–"
"Dalhin mo sa clinic bukas, para mabigyan agad ng gamot at hindi na tumagal ang ubo." Putol ko rito bago siya tinalikuran at naglakad na papunta ng driver's seat,
"Bye Doc Grey!!" sigaw ni Chiara, nilingon ko ito at kinawayan bago pumasok ng ng sasakyan.
Tumingin pa ako sa side mirror at pinanood ang mag-ama na umalis ng likuran ko bago nagmaneho paalis.
After having my lunch in a fast food chain, I directly went home, fixed my groceries, and lay down on the bed.
Ang balak ko ay ang magpahinga at matulog pero hindi ako mapakali. Laman-laman pa rin ng isip ko si Code at ang ginawa niya dati. Isama pa na iniisip ko kung may asawa nga ba ito. At ang importante ay iniisip ko kung paano ako makakaganti rito.
Siyempre hindi ako gaganti sa anak nito. Walang kinalaman si Chiara sa kagaguhang ginawa ng tatay niya noon.
At kung sa asawa naman niya... paano? At sino ba ang asawa nito?
Dinampot ko ang cellphone ko at agad binuksan ang Facebook bago i-unblock si Code. Agad akong nag-scroll sa feed nito.
Puro mukha ni Chiara ito, mula sa graduation nito, sa birthday, noong bagong taon at pasko ay naka-post ito. Maski ang simpleng dress-up ni Chiara ay naka-post din.
Ganito talaga siguro kapag tumatanda na at nagiging magulang, lahat nalang ng tungkol sa anak ay pino-post sa Facebook?
Minsan naman ay kasama siya sa mga picture ng anak niya.
"Pssh, panira," bulong ko bago mag-scroll pa.
Nag-scro-scroll ako sa feed niya nang masamid, agad kong binatawan sa kama ang cellphone ko at tumakbo palabas ng kwarto para kumuha ng tubig.
Pagbalik ko ng kama ay agad akong nahiga bago hinanap ang cellphone ko.
"Nasaan yun?" Halos pumulupot na sa akin ang kumot sa kaka-ikot ko rito. Muntik-muntikan ko na rin itaob ang kutson dahil hindi ko ito makita.
[Hello? Doc Grey?]
My eyes grew wide after hearing a faint voice of a child.
Shit, minumulto naba ako?
Agad akong lumingon sa paligid.
It's almost 3 in the afternoon, may multo ba ng 3 PM!?
[Doc Grey? Are you there po?]
Napakunot ang noo ko nang makilala ang boses.
"Hello?" Tawag ko, pinapakinggan kung saan manggagaling ang boses.
[Doc Grey? Where are you po? It's dark.] ani nito, nanlaki ang mata ko nang makilala ang boses ni Chiara,
"Chiara? Is that you?"
Mukha akong tanga na kung saan-saan lumilingon sa kwarto.
Nasaan yung phone ko!?
[Doc Grey! It's me po! Bakit ang dark po ng camera mo?] tanong nito, agad akong bumaba ng kama para tingnan ang ilalim nito.
Doon ko nakita ang cellphone ko na balot na ng alikabok, "Shit...!" Agad ko itong inabot at pinunasan.
Lumiwanag ang mukha ni Chiara, [Hi Doc Grey!!] she waved her hand.
I shyly smiled before waving back, [Why did you call po?] she asked,
I bit my lower lip before sitting back down on the bed, "Uh... I... I was checking up on you. Kamusta kana? How's your cough?" I reasoned out,
Her eyes widened a bit, [I'm still coughing, Doc Grey! My throat is still itchy and I just want to cough and cough.] she replied, and I nodded.
"Okay, basta tomorrow, go to my clinic so I can check you, okay?" I said, and she cutely nodded,
[Of course, Do–]
[Chiara, did you see–]
The call ended.
It was obvious that Code came into the room, and Chiara probably took his phone; that is why the kid got startled by his father's sudden arrival.
I sighed, lay down on the bed before looking back at the screen of my phone where Code and I had a 2-minute 42-second call.
Shit, makikita niya yun.
And it was from me! Ako ang tumawag!
Sana sabihin ni Chiara na tumawag ako para i-check siya. I'm sure her dad will buy it.
Chiara came to the clinic early the next day. Pangatlo ito sa pasyente ko at excited na excited pang pumasok– nauuna pa sa tatay niya.
"Good morning Doc Grey!" Bati nito bago naupo sa bangko,
"Morning Chiara, itchy pa rin throat mo?" tanong ko rito bago tumayo at kinuha ang flaslight pen ko para lapitan siya.
Tumango ito, "Yes po Doc, itchy pa rin po." Sagot nito, tumango ako bago tumayo sa gilid niya, "Say 'ahh'," Itinapat ko ang flashlight sa bibig nito.
"Ooh, mapula nga," ani ko rito bago bumalik sa bangko ko.
May mga ilang tanong pa ako tungkol sa pag-ubo ni Chiara. At kaibahan sa ibang bata ay si Chiara mismo ang sumasagot at hindi ang tatay niya na kadalasang nangyayari.
"Okay, then I'll prescribed you a cough syrup and a vitamin na rin para iwas sa sakit. Then remember na 'wag magpatuyo ng pawis sa likod. Kapag basa ng pawis ang damit, anong gagawin?" tanong ko kay Chiara,
"Change clothes na po," sagot nito at tumango ako.
"Very good, Chiara!" I clapped my hands before writing down the medications.
I grab another chocolate bar from my drawer before handing Chiara her prescription, together with the chocolate bar.
"Wow! Another chocolate! Look Daddy!" Wala itong pakialam sa reseta at tanging chocolate lang ang ipinakita sa ama.
Nakita kong ngumisi si Code bago inabot ang papel sa kamay ng anak.
"Come na Chiara, say thank you to Doc na so you can go home na." ani ni Code, pinanood ko itong tumayo at bahagya pang inayos ang slacks na suot.
Tumalon pababa si Chiara ng bangko, "Thank you Doc Grey!! Byee!" Kumakaway-kaway ito habang naglalakad palabas ng clinic.
Nang sumara ang pinto ay napasandal ako sa bangko at bumuntong hininga.
There were a few patients after Chiara before I was called to the ward. I left my clinic and took the elevator. I was alone inside for a few floors when it suddenly opened.
My eyes grew wide when Code entered the lift.
"Why are you still here?" I didn't mean to sound rude, but I also don't intend to sound concerned.
He looks stunned for few seconds, "May kinausap ako sa isa sa mga executives." sagot niya at bahagya akong napa-irap bago tumango.
The lift suddenly halted, which made me reach for the railings. Code even almost lost his balance with the sudden stop.
Shit.
The lights turned off, but soon the backup lights lit up.
"Are we stuck?" Code asked before reaching for the intercom.
"Hello? Is anyone hearing me? Na stuck kami sa elevator, floor 12, this is attorney Costa speaking," he spoke to the intercom.
I felt my breath hitch. Shit. Kami nanaman lang dalawa sa elevator.
Paano kung hindi ko mapigilan ang galit ko?
Baka bigla kong kwelyuhan 'to! Baka kung anu-anong pumasok sa isip ko!?
"Are you okay?" I glanced at him and gave him a nod, "Yeah, are--" I was about to ask him the same thing, but stopped myself and bit my tongue.
[Hello? Sir? Paparating na po ang utility, makikihintay nalang po ng 10-15 minutes.] Biglang tumunog ang intercom.
Fuck.
I don't think I'll last that long. Hindi ko kayang makasama siya ng ganun katagal!
My head snapped at Code's direction when he sighed and leaned on the rails.
"Mabuti nalang at tapos na ang meeting ko." he sounded so relieved.
I scoffed, "Buti ka pa, kailangan ako sa ward ngayon, na-stuck pa. Malas talaga," Turan ko bago lumapit sa pinto at kinatok ito,
"Hello? May tao ba diyan?!" sigaw ko,
Nang marinig kong humagikhik si Code ay sinamaan ko ito ng tingin.
"Anong tinatawa-tawa mo diyan? Palibhasa hindi ikaw ang na-aabala." Pagsusungit ko rito bago umurong at sumandal sa railings bago pinag-cross ang mga braso ko.
"Mainit nanaman ang ulo mo," ani nito na mas lalong ikinakunot ng noo ko.
"Who wouldn't be? I'm stuck inside the elevator when I should be working. Worse, kasama pa kita." Singhal ko at napakunot ang noo nito bago umalis sa pagkakasandal sa railing.
"Wow, may itinatago ka palang sama ng ugali–"
"Hindi sama ng ugali ang tawag dito, ang tawag dito, galit!" Singhal ko sa kaniya.
Tumaas ang isang kilay nito bago humakbang papalapit sa akin.
Napalunok ako ng laway.
Shit. Why is he walking closer towards me?
"Galit? Dahil ba sa ginawa ko dati?" he asked which made me scoff.
"Wow, tumama ka rin." singhal ko rito, nang tumigil ito sa harap ko ay wala na halos dalawang dangkal ang layo ng katawan namin sa isa't-isa.
Move away! Fucking move away! I don't want you near me!
He bitterly chuckled, "All this time, I thought we were on good terms. Ang bait-bait pa ng trato mo sa anak ko. Pina-plastic mo lang ba si Chiara–"
"Of course not! Wala akong galit sa anak mo kaya bakit ko siya susungitan!? Ikaw! Ikaw ang may atraso sa akin kaya sa 'yo ako galit!" sigaw ko rito, bahagya ko pang itinulak ang dibdib niya palayo na ikinahakbang niya paurong.
My breath started getting heavy. I felt my hand go cold, but sweat started building on my forehead. Why do I feel like I'm suffocating? I can't breath properly. Plus, the fact that he's looking at me intensely is making things worse.
He arched a brow before taking another two steps forward, closing the space between us. I tried to take a step backward, but my heel touched the wall.
"It's been eight years–"
"Even if it was nine, ten, eleven or fucking decades, I would never forget what you did to me!" I was about to hit his chest for the second time, but he stopped and grabbed my wrist.
My eyes widened, "Let me go,"
"So you can hit me again?" he responded right after I finished speaking.
I gritted my teeth before trying to take back my hand, "I said, let me go!!" He's gripping tightly on my wrist tightly that I can't pull back my hand.
"Sasampalin mo 'ko? Susuntukin mo 'ko? Sige, gawin mo! Do it–"
Nang bitawan nito ang kamay ko ay agad ko siyang naitulak palayo, sapat lang para mawalan siya ng balanse at matumba sa sahig.
I immediately crawled on top of him, grabbing him by the collar.
He chuckled, "Shit, that's sexy," he said with a smirk printed on his lips.
My eyes grew wide before aiming for a punch, but the light suddenly went back on.
Shit, okay na agad!?
The elevator bell chimed which indicated that it was about to open. I immediately let go of Code's collar and stood up straight. Mabuti nalang din at mabilis nakatayo si Code at hindi na-abutan ng pagbubukas ng elevator na nasa sahig.
"Grey are you—" Nakita kong gumapang ang tingin ni Louis kay Code.
Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata ko bago agad lumabas ng elevator at hinawakan si Louis sa magkabilang braso, "Thank God nabuksan na!" Pagda-drama ko,
His browed furrow, "What the fuck–" I immediately cut him off, "Just play along, Code is there! Akala ko ba pagseselosin natin?"
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a/n: nay... simula na ng puksaan nilang dalawa HAHAHAHHAHAH I also wanna say thank you to Kingtelle for helping me with this Chap sksksk
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