PATRICIA'S POVIsang malakas na katok sa pinto ang bumulabog sa tulog ko. I can't even open my eyes properly because I'm too sleepy.Maingat kong tinanggal ang braso ni Callum sa baywang ko. Nanlaki ang mata ko ng makitang topless si Callum. Inangat ko ang comforter na nakabalot sa katawan namin at halos mapamura ako ng makitang pareho kaming walang saplot!"Oh my god," bulong ko at kusang nag init ang mukha ng maalala ang ginawa namin kagabi.We're not even able to wear our clothes last night!Nag patuloy ang katok sa labas kaya medyo nataranta ako. Sino kaya 'yon?"Uh..wait!"Kinuha ko muna ang isang manipis na kumot at ibinalot sa katawan ko bago dumiretso sa banyo. Kinuha ko roon ang puting bathrobe at isinuot.I also fixed my hair and washed my face. Tulog parin si Callum kaya dumiretso ako sa pinto. Pag bukas ko ay bumungad sa akin ang kaibigan ni Callum, si Austine.Nakaangat ang kamay niya at muli sanang kakatok. Umawang ang labi niya at nanlaki ang mata ng makita ako."H-Hi"
PATRICIA'S POV "Which color do you prefer? Black or white?" Kausap ko sa telepono si Jess. Humihingi ako ng opinyon sa kanya tungkol sa isusuot ko mamaya. Mrs. Velasquez held a dinner again for our both families. I'm so excited because I was able to meet them again and also my family. I miss my parents especially Jordan. The last time I saw them is when I got hospitalized and when they visited me here. "I'll go for black! You look good in black!" sagot ni Jess kaya kinuha ko ang black backless dress sa closet. "Do you have sandals to wear? I have here-" "Uh-yes! I already have, Jess. Thank you!" "Okay, if you need something, just call me!" I smiled before ending the call. Lumabas ako ng kwarto para kumain nang lunch. Mga bodyguards at maids lang ulit ang kasama ko sa bahay dahil nasa trabaho si Callum kaya mag isa na naman ako kakain. Binilisan ko lang ang pagkain bago dumiretso sa pool area. Wala naman ako'ng ibang gagawin kaya naisip ko na mag swimming pero magpapahinga
PATRICIA'S POV "So stressful!" Ibinagsak ni Jess sa tabi ko ang mga results ng exams namin. Mababa ang score niya sa isang subject. "Med school is indeed stressful, Jess" sang-ayon ko dahil kahit ako ay nahihirapan na rin. Our lectures and lessons for hours per subject is not a joke. This week is I could say a bit rough for us. Marami kaming ginawa. Mag aral ng mga upcoming lessons at para sa exams. Thank god I passed all of those. "Mamaya may mga laboratories pa tayo! Bakit ba kasi naisipan ko pa mag doktor!" I laughed at her. She's right. We still have laboratories to do for other subject. "Tara, kain muna tayo" aya ni Jess dahil break time na. "Your baby might be hungry!" I shook my head and stood up. Simula talaga nang mag buntis ako ay naging doble ang alaga niya sa akin. Palagi siya'ng may dalang pagkain para sa akin at pinaalalahanan ako ng mga bagay na dapat ginagawa ng buntis. Si Tyrone naman ay ganoon din, pinadadalhan ako ng mga prutas sa bahay. Si Kelvin naman
PATRICIA’S POV I just woke up that Callum was not beside me anymore. Luminga ako sa paligid at napagtanto na napasarap ang tulog ko sa bahay na ito kahit ngayon pa lang kami namalagi rito. Umupo ako sa kama ng biglang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto. Pumasok si Callum na nakasuot lang ng boxer shorts at sando. “Morning,” he gave me a sweet kiss. “How was your sleep?” “Good morning!” I said and hugged him. “My sleep was good. It’s much better here, Callum…” “Of course, you’re with me…” he chuckled. “Let’s eat breakfast,” Tumango ako at hawak kamay kaming lumabas ng kwarto. “You cooked all of these?” Maraming pagkain ang nakahain sa lamesa. Some fried rice, bacon, hotdog and coffee. Lahat ay bagong luto pa. Tumango naman siya bago nilagyan nang pagkain ang plato ko. I noticed that he’s not only good at handling a company but also a good cook. Madalas niya na rin ako’ng pag lutuan nitong nakaraan. “I don’t have errands this morning. We will buy some appliances and stuffs for this
Patricia's POVI woke up with a bothered mind. Wala na rin si Callum sa tabi ko, siguro'y nasa ibaba na.Umupo ako sa kama at tumulala. Should I confront Callum regarding that? To daddy's pictures?I immediately shook my head. No, I will let him tell me the truth by his self. I trusted him now so I will wait to his explanation regarding that.Bumaba ako at nakita siya na nag-aayos ng pagkain sa lamesa. I stared at his broad shoulders that were moving aggressively every time he moved.I smiled. "I thought you hired maids to makes things easier. Why are you doing that?"He turned to me. "Oh, you're awake"Humarap siya at ibinuka ang mga braso. Tumawa ako at niyakap siya. He really smells good even if he just woke up."I want to cook for you" he whispered. "Let's eat. My babies might hungry,"My face heated. Niyakap niya ako sa baywang at iginiya sa upuan. Parang maglalaway ako sa bango ng mga niluto niya. "Ihahatid mo ba ako sa school?" tanong ko sa kalagitnaan ng pagkain namin."Of
Patricia’s POV “Bakit ikaw lang mag isa ang pumunta rito? Where’s your husband?” Iyon ang bungad sa akin ni mommy ng sorpresahin ko sila ngayon dahil hindi ako nag sabi na bibisitahin ko sila. Nag paalam ako kay Callum na uuwi rin ako bago gumabi. He’s still have work even though it is Sunday today so I went here alone. I’m with some bodyguards and driver instead. “He’s busy, mom” sabi ko at b****o sa kanya. Nagulat ako nang yakapin niya ako bigla. “We missed you! Sorry, we’re too busy to visit you. Good thing that you had free time today,” “Of course, mom” ngumiti ako. “Sila daddy at Jordan? Cooping in their room?” “Yes! Kapag sinabi kong nandito ka ay siuradong lalabas ang mga ’yon. Especially Jordan, he misses you,” she pouted. “Ako na lang po ang pupunta sa room niya,” paalam ko. “Right! And also to your dad. Matatapos na ako sa pagluluto, kakain na tayo ng lunch,” Una ako’ng pumunta sa kwarto ni Jordan. Kumakatok ako pero hindi binubuksan ang pinto. He’s probably facing
PATRICIA’S POV “I gathered these information by asking my parents since they are also in business!” Nagkita kami ngayon ni Jess sa isang coffee shop. Nakabantay naman sa labas ang ilang bodyguards. Umalis ako sa bahay ng walang paalam kay Callum dahil sa ginawa niya kagabi. I was acting coldly towards him the moment I woke up and saw him hugging me. “Here…” Inilahad niya sa harap ko ang isang folder. Nilalaman no’n ang mga printed papers at impormasyon tungkol sa mga tao na mga nakakasama ni daddy. “You need to read all of that, Patricia” nahihimigan ko ang kaba ni Jess. “Base to the pictures you’ve send yesterday, your dad seems having a good time with those people,” Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang dapat kong maramdaman. Ngayon na nasa akin na ang ilang sagot. “Should I be afraid now, Jess?” I asked emotionless. She smiled awkwardly. “I think…yes? I also asked my cousin who were working in the government field,” she gulped nervously. “They are hearing some doing of Mr. Lim. N
PATRICIA’S POV “Isang buwan na lang bakasyon na!” Napangiti rin ako sa sinabi ni Jess. Katatapos lang ng assessment namin at narito kami sa paborito naming tambayan. Sa field. “You can finally rest!” tuwang-tuwa na inalog ni Jess ang braso ko.”Hihintayin na lang natin na manganak ka!” I smiled. I looked down on my tummy. It’s getting bigger but it’s not obvious because I’m wearing my uniform. It’s not too tight and sometimes, I’m wearing a jacket or sweater so students won’t recognized it. “It’s your check up next week. Ako ba ulit ang isasama mo-“ “No, it’s Callum this time” sagot ko dahil gusto ni Callum na siya naman ang isama ko. “Wow, sweet na ulit sila!” nag ngiting aso si Jess. “Sinabi ko naman sayo na mag usap lang ng maayos at okay na ang lahat!” “Yeah but I noticed that he’s getting busier,” malungkot kong sabi. Simula no’ng magkaayos kami, tuloy-tuloy na ang pag uwi niya ng gabi. Marami raw siya’ng ginagawa at inaasikaso sa kompanya. May mga future projects din sil
CALLUM’S POV “How’s life of being a married man again?” I sip to my coffee before looking at Austine in front of me. “I can’t explain the feeling, Austine…” I answered. “Still reminiscing how we started,” It’s been what? A year now, since Patricia and I got married. Our relationship flowed so well. I’m still managing the company while Patricia is on her clinic. Ngayon, nagulat ako sa biglaang pag bisita ni Austine at kapatid kong si Ram sa’kin. Narito kami sa garden. Patricia was not at home, she was just going out to buy something. Austine is sharing some of his and Jess misunderstanding. “She’s asking for a break up?” I asked in surprise. “Why?” Lumihis ng tingin si Austine. “She wants to settle down already and you know I’m still not ready…” Natahimik kami Ram. Kaibigan ko siya at mahalaga si Jess kay Pat, hindi magandang mag hiwalay sila. “Bakit ba hindi ka pa ready?” ani Ram. “You two not getting younger anymore. Syempre, naiinggit ‘yon at naiisip na magpakasal-“ “Ayaw
CALLUM’S POV“Finally, you got her again. We’re happy for you,”I smiled at Austine, who were my best man again beside me while we were waiting for the big and elegant door to open. I roamed my eyes around and can’t help but to smile seeing our families together.“Thank you, bro…” bumuga ako ng hangin at pinagdaop ang palad. “Kinakabahan ako,”Natawa si Austine. “Ngayon ka pa ba kakabahan? Totoo na ang nararamdaman niyo ngayon. Unlike on the first wedding, you two look so stiffed,”Yeah, I remember that. How the beautiful Patricia glared at me while we’re exchanging vows. How we pretend that we love each other but today? There’s no pretending anymore.Today is our wedding day. Today will be one of the best day of my life for sure.“Dalawang beses na kayo ikakasal,” biglang sabi ni Austine. “Ngayon, naiinggit na si Jess. Sana walang pangatlo, ha”“Why don’t you marry her, then?” I asked confused.I frowned when I saw a hesitation in his face. “Alam mo naman na hindi pa ako ready. My bu
CALLUM’S POV“Callum, I swear, this is a silly idea!”Hindi ko pinansin si Austine na nakasimangot sa tabi ko. Nandito kami ngayon sa parking malapit lang sa clinic ni Patricia.“Come on, go outside. Do it!” pag pilit ko kay Austine na lumabas ng sasakyan ko.I pointed to him Patricia’s car just in front of us.“Damn, bakit ba kasi ako sumama sayo!” he gasped dramatically. “I can’t believe you come up with this corny idea-““Just shut up and do my favor,”I pushed him until he opened the door irritatingly.“Sa lahat ng humihingi ng pabor, ikaw ang makapal ang mukha!” usal niya. “Fuck, I don’t know you anymore. Ganito ka pala ka-corny pagdating sa pag-ibig. You’re whipped!”Natawa ako dahil nakasimangot siya’ng lumapit sa sasakyan ni Patricia. Tumingin muna siya sa paligid bago binutas ang gulong ng sasakyan. I smiled secretly. Perfect!Austine is still frowning when he returns.“Damn, I’m done! Wag mo na ulit ako idadawit sa ganitong bagay!”I tapped his shoulder before he left me her
CALLUM’S POV“Callum, I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to make that happen…”Umalingawngaw ang pag iyak ni Zara habang nakayuko sa harap ko. I didn’t expect her to be my visitor this morning.“Patricia’s right, I was too desperate. To get you, to snatch you from her,” she continuously sobbed. “The loss of your child makes me so guilty to what I did. I can't sleep at the thought of you both grieving,”Nag tiim bagang ako habang pinanonood siya.“What will I do with your sorry if she leaves? She left me and you can’t do anything about it,” malamig kong sabi.I saw her shoulder shaking. Hindi ako naaawa sa kanya.“Why are you here, anyway?” I asked harshly. “I don’t want to see you! I fucking hate you, Zara!”“I’m here to apologize, C-Callum-““I don’t need that,”In the middle of crying, she took something from her bag. She’s trembling and handed it to me, I didn't accept it so she just put it on the table.It was the supposed evidence against the Mr. Laurier. The recordings and some pic
PATRICIA’S POV“Doc, ano po ang update kay Miss Bella? Banned na po siya rito di ‘ba?I nodded to Nurse Aubrey as I studied my patient's urine test results this morning.“Yeah, I’m sorry about last week. Nakita niyo pa,”Hindi ko masyadong iniisip si Bella dahil sabi ni Callum, si Mrs. Velasquez mismo ang kumausap dito para tigilan na kami.So far, my interactions with Callum was good. Last week, we go out for a dinner. He still gives me flowers, we even visited Agatha. What we’re doing are so far to what I was thinking before. Akala ko...hindi na ‘yon mauulit. Akala ko mananatili na lang kaming iwas sa isa’t isa.“Ayos lang, doc. Mukhang okay na kayo ng asawa niyo,”I smiled with her term. Hindi na ako sanay na kilalanin si Callum bilang asawa dahil ilang taon kaming nagkahiwalay. Pero ngayon, pinararamdam niya sa’kin lahat ng bagay na hindi ko naranasan dahil lumayo ako.He also went to our house and talked to my parents.He asked permission to pursue me again. Knowing my parents ar
PATRICIA’S POVSeven years ago, I told myself to focus on my career, becoming a doctor. I thought it would be my priority through the years but when I came back here, a lot had changed.I can't understand myself anymore. I thought...I'll never feel anything for Callum. I just fooled myself.Ngayon, parang tanga ako’ng naghihintay ng pag punta niya rito sa clinic ko! I keep looking outside my office.“Patricia, stop it!” I whispered to myself.Pinilit kong mag focus sa trabaho. Ayaw kong maapektuhan ito ng mga iniisip ko. But minutes just passed, I just found myself staring at my phone and waiting for his reply, damn it!“Ano bang nangyayari sa’kin…” naguguluhan kong bulong.Tumayo ako at lumabas sa office.Natagpuan ko sila Nurse Aubrey na abala sa pag inject sa mga babies na kararating lang. Lihim pa ako’ng napasulyap sa labas ng clinic pero malinis doon.Bumuntong hininga ako bago nag asikaso sa ibang pasyente. Nakalimutan ko saglit ang iniisip. Natuwa ako sa mga batang paslit na pi
PATRICIA’S POV Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong gawin at unang isipin. Kung ang tungkol ba sa trabaho ko o ang mga bagay na ginagawa ni Callum ngayon. Pagkatapos niya’ng sabihin sa’kin ang chance na gusto niya, palagi na siya’ng dumadalaw sa clinic ko. Halos araw-araw. Sending me flowers and foods sometimes. But what gave me a strange feeling was the things he showed me. Pakiramdam ko, malapit na ako’ng mabaliw sa ginagawa niya. “Doc, may flowers po ulit para sa inyo!” Nakangiting tumakbo palapit sa’kin si Nurse Aubrey habang hawak ang isang boquet ng roses. Bumuntong hininga ako bago ito kinuha. “Grabe, absent nga siya ngayon pero may flowers parin!” kinikilig niya’ng usal. Napailing ako bago binuklat ang note sa flowers. To my doktora: I can’t see you now because of a sudden meeting but expect me tomorrow. My face flushed after reading that. What’s with the flowers though? Hindi ko na nga alam kung saan ko pa ilalagay ang mga bulaklak na ibinibigay niya sa’kin. Ang iba
PATRICIA’S POV My day didn’t go so well. Pumasok ako sa trabahong wala sa mood. Apektado parin ako sa nangyari samin kahapon ni Bella. I didn’t expect that to happen that way. I was so shocked. Bukod kay Zara noon, isa rin siya sa taong nagsabi sa’kin ng mga ganoong salita. Why do I feel that I’m the antagonist here? Kaya nga ako umalis dahil nasaktan ako, sinaktan nila ako. Pakiramdam ko ako lang ang sagabal sa kanila pero heto na naman. It's like I'm the reason between them again. Is Bella another version of Zara Banner? But some point, I realized something from what Bella said. Tama nga siguro siya na dapat hindi na ako bumalik, na ako lang ang gumugulo sa kanila but that’s not my intention. Should I gave her the satisfaction that she want? Para matapos na. Para hindi na ako masali sa kung ano’ng gulo tungkol kay Callum. Should I talk to him for our annulment? For them to be happy? I would gladly cooperate though. “Doktora…may bisita po kayo” I stopped writing the necessary
PATRICIA’S POV “I’m here for Doctor Jaime. Tell him it’s Doctor Clemente…”Ngumiti ako sa nurse bago siya may tinawagan. I'm here at Alvarez hospital owned by Jaime's family. Jaime message me to come here to talk about my concern. It’s really big here. Alam ko’y magagaling din ang mga doktor dito. It’s about my patient. Maliit lang ang clinic ko at kailangan ng malaking doktor na hahawak sa kanya. Naalaa ko si Jaime dahil sa ospital nila. “Akyat na lang po kayo roon sa office ni doc. Hintayin niyo na lang po siya roon dahil nasa emergency room pa…” saad ng nurse. “Thank you,” Ngumiti siya at hinagod ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Nagtataka ako’ng tumalikod sa kanya papunta sa elevator. May mali ba sa suot ko? I’m just wearing an off shoulder dress. Nakalugay lang din ang buhok ko.Hindi ko na lang ‘yon pinansin at pumunta na sa 5th floor. Nang makarating ako roon ay wala masyadong tao. Ilang nurses lang. Hinanap ko lang ang office ni Jaime at kumatok muna ako bago pumasok. Walang t