Chapter Three: Her Unexpected Proposal

JULY 2012

Baclaran Manila

"SO, your boss didn't hit her at all, is that what you're trying to mean, Mr. Gomez?" The officer-in-charge talked to Jemuel’s staff, trying to get some information that could help resolve the situation. He had the statement folder in hand, containing each of their reports. They all ended up in the police station after the incident.

"Yes, chief,"

The investigator turned to face her, his eyes filled with doubts and questions. Elaine uncrossed her arms. At the other side of the desk were Jose and Jemuel; his head was bandaged.

Drew and Macon were fidgeting on their seat next to Elaine. She could not trust their acting power and prowess. On the left side was the meddling guy. She found out later on that he was a fresh graduate of Medicine. His arms were folded across his chest, listening intently at them. He was the one who gave first aid to Jemuel right before the cops came into the picture.

She guessed she's all alone now. All she could do to get out of this situation was to rely on her God-given talent, making up stories.

Elaine sniffed aloud, enough to get their attention. Macon and Drew stared at her in utter disbelief when she started sobbing. Jose and Jemuel looked at each other, hearing her talking in a crack voice; the thing that she didn’t do back in the bar.

"W-what do you mean, Sir? You are trusting them more than I? I am the victim here. I didn't do anything wrong,"

The investigator cleared his throat.

"I didn't say I believe them or even you. There's no CCTV in the bar; hence this should be investigated thoroughly before we conclude. That's why I need you to cooperate," he explained.

Elaine faked a tear, wiping it off of her eyes as dramatically as she could. With trembling lips, she extended over the desk of the officer-in-charge, pointing at her puffy lips. Even the Doctor beside her shifted his eyes on her, particularly on her lips.

"Do you know how painful it is to be slapped hard on the face, Sir? Has someone ever done that to you? I can barely feel my face anymore. That's how terrible it was," she then leaned closer with a serious look on the face. "My parents never laid a hand on me ever. But this man just did it to me, and it's killing me because nobody seemed to care. This is abuse. I deserve justice to steer clear of future trauma!" 

She sniffled once again for more dramatic effect before turning on her heels and slumped back to the chair. She leaned backwards, wiping her eyes even though there weren't any tears coming from them.

"She's lying, Chief! I didn't do that to her. That kid was rude as hell. She clearly does not have respect for the elderly!" 

The investigator cleared his throat. His constant sighing trying to weigh the situation seemed to exhaust him.

"This won't end with different stories on each side," he turned to the Doctor who had been silent for minutes. "How about you, Doctor? Tell me what you have witnessed there. Let's put an end to this," 

Elaine turned to her side to face him. He was looking at her. No. He has been watching her closely.

"I'm not a licensed doctor yet, Officer," he cleared up.

Elaine earlier decided to call him good-looking. She was observing him fleetingly when he rushed to Jemuel to aid him. She can't find the exact words to describe the man. Being a doctor does not fit him. He was rather qualified in the modelling industry or showbiz. Hollywood, perhaps. 

"Tell me what exactly happened," the investigator commanded him.

The police officer asked him a question, but why the heck does this guy keep looking at her? Is he going to rat her out? She gave him a warning look. He should not dare. 

He glanced away from her and said, " Yeah, I was there, Officer. I saw everything,"

ELAINE walked out of the police station unconcerned. Following behind her were Drew and Macon. The rain has subsided. She reckoned it was past midnight, and she could not wait to finally get home and get some rest. At last, everything was settled. She can finally gasp for air.

"Mr. Chito said we should grab a taxi on our way home," Macon told them.

They were about to cross the road when the Doctor approached them. 

Tan De Marco, she supposed.

"Elaine, right?" he tried to catch up with her. His posture seemed formal, she later realized.

"We'll grab a taxi over there. Wait up here," Macon spun Drew around to come with him. Then they left without waiting for her to respond. 

"What can I do to return you a favour? If there's any, don't hesitate to tell me right now,"

Tan heaved out a sigh. She felt like he's trying to make her feel guilty for lying.

"What you did was not right. Especially lying to the police,"

She sneered at him and said, "Why did you take my side, then?"

He didn't answer.

"What's your take on what's right, Doctor Tan? Didn't he harass my friends? Do you think what he did was right?"

"I took your side because you're too young to get involved with this kind of a mess. If I had not lied, you'd be sleeping in jail by now," 

He faced the man with a wide grin on her face. 

"So, this is how it feels like when an elderly person tries to nag at you?" she put her hands on her waist, "I used to think that maybe it would be nice to hear if you'll get chewed out by someone older than you. Well then, I was wrong,"

"Look—"

"How old are you?"

His brows furrowed, surprised by her question. But though confused, he answered. "Twenty-seven,"

"Single?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he gazed at her, hesitating. Then a broad grin formed her lips.

"Don't get married just yet. Wait for me. I'll marry you,"