PATRICIA’S POV “Patricia! Bumaba ka na! Your friends are already here!” I can’t count how many time mom called me. Inaayos ko pa ang mga damit ko dahil ngayon kami aalis papunta sa preferred resort ni Kelvin. It’s his birthday tomorrow so we’ll go there to celebrate. “Tell them to wait!” Sinipat ko na ang mga bikini at dress na dadalhin. Sabi ni Kelvin ay mag stay kami roon ng tatlong araw kaya nagpasobra na ako ng mga isusuot ko. Kilala rin ni Kelvin ang may-ari no’ng resort kaya naintriga ako kung maganda ba talaga roon. Si Jess naman, wala na ako’ng choice kundi pansinin siya. I can’t really resist her. She explained everything to me when she came here last week. She admitted that she already know Callum was the owner of the land but she just pushed to recommend Callum to me because she know that I really like the land. She also admitted that Callum didn’t know that I am the buyer. Ngayon pa lang, kinakain na ako ng kahihiyan kapag naaalala ang ginawa. I left him there and ove
PATRICIA’S POV “Happy birthday, Kelvin!” Kelvin's look shows a mixture of surprise and joy. It’s already 6 am and we decided to surprise him. We’re still wearing our pajamas. Dapat talaga ay magkakaroon kami ng birthday salubong sa kanya pero pagkatapos naming manood ng sunset kahapon at kumain ng dinner ay nakatulog agad kami. “Happy birthday to you…” we sang out of tune and ended up laughing. Hawak ko ang cake habang nakapalibot kami kay Kelvin na nakaupo sa kama, si Jaime ang kumukuha ng video. “T-Thank you guys!” Kelvin said in a teary eyed then blow the candle. Niyakap namin siya. “Iinom tayo mamaya, ah! You promised!” “Whatever, Jess...” nguso kong sabi. “By the way, Austine found a way to be with me today! He has no errands and he's on his way here!” Nagulat ako pero kalaunan ay ngumiti rin. She looks excited. Akala mo’y ang tagal hindi nakita ang boyfriend. “So I'm the only one who doesn't have a special someone on my special day?” Kelvin gasped. “Sabi ko nga, singl
PATRICIA’S POV Pagkatapos ng mga nakakapagod na activities kanina at pag kuha ng maraming pictures, nagpahinga kami at kumain. Medyo natahimik nga ako at nawala sa mood dahil sa mga kakaibang tingin ni Callum. I want to slap him, for real. He keeps staring at me the whole time. Ano na lang ang iisipin ni Bella? I'm sure she knows about my past with Callum. But thankfully, they didn't eat with us anymore because that was another awkwardness for sure. Nang pumatak ang gabi, hinanda na namin ang mga alak at pagkain para sa celebration ng birthday ni Kelvin. Hindi ito gaganapin sa loob ng hotel kundi sa labas, malapit sa tahimik na dagat.They create a bon fire. Papalibot kami roon mamaya. “Finally, I will experience my dream birthday celebration!” masayang usal ni Kelvin habang nandito kami sa may buhanginan. This is what he really want. To celebrate in a simple way with us. Ang sarap pakinggan ng mga alon mula rito. It’s so peaceful. Madilim na pero may mga ilaw sa palibot ng mga p
PATRICIA’S POV (Continuation...)Nang matapos ang maikling yakapan at pag congrats sa dalawa naming kaibigan, bumalik na kami sa palibot ng bonfire at nag simulang uminom ulit. Ang hilo na dapat kong naramdaman kanina ay ngayon na tumalab. Masyado kasi ako’ng napukaw sa eksena nila Tyrone. Uminom din ako ng hard drinks pagkatapos ng beer. Gusto kong lunurin ang sarili sa alak ngayon. I badly want to get drunk tonight and I don’t know why! “Hey, don’t drink too much…” Inagaw ni Jaime ang panibagong alak na bubuksan ko. “You’ve drink too much already” he said softly. “But I want to drink more! I’m okay, promise!” I even smiled at him. Sila Kelvin at Jess nga ay mukhang lasing na! “So, when was the wedding guys?!” tanong ni Jess na kinikilig. “Uh, I’ve planned it next year,” Tyrone answered. Sobrang ready na talaga sila… “Magiging mag-asawa na kayo soon! Sa’kin lang naman ay sana…mag mahalan lang kayo at hindi na mag hiwalay!” sabi ni Jess. “Wala ako’ng advice na maibibigay, hin
PATRICIA’S POV “Hindi ka na bumalik kagabi. Nadatnan ka na namin na tulog!” Kagigising ko lang at napapahikab pa habang kaharap si Jess. “I-Inaantok na kasi ako kaya hindi na ako nakabalik…” pagsisinungaling ko. Kahit ang totoo, sinunod ko ang sinabi ni Callum. Hindi na tuloy ako nakapag-paalam sa kanila. “Hinahanap ka tuloy ni Jaime kagabi, pinuntahan ka! Ang dami mo kasing ininom!” I sighed. Jaime was worried. “Hindi na rin naman bumalik kagabi sila Callum kagabi kaya inubos lang namin yung mga natirang alak at nagpahinga na rin,” I frowned. “Sila C-Callum?” “Oo! Pag alis mo ay umalis din sila ni Bella! Lasing na raw si Bella kaya nagpahatid na!” My chest throbbed so fast again. I remembered again what happened last night. Everything he said. How he held me. Even the k-kiss… I swallowed and took a deep breath. His eyes that scream anxious last night...I can’t forget. “By the way, medyo nainis ka ba kay Bella kagabi? Kasi ako, oo!” Jess crossed her arms irritated. “Bakit
PATRICIA’S POV The three days we stayed at the resort were fun and enjoyable but a bit stressful because of Callum. He keeps giving me signals that I can’t believe if it was true or not. Natapos na maiksing pagliliwaliw namin kaya balik trabaho na kami. Kahapon pag uwi ko sa bahay ay kinamusta ako nila mommy bago ako dumiretso sa kwarto at natulog ng mahaba. Sobra ako’ng napagod sa biyahe at sa kakaisip sa maraming bagay. “Wow, thank you, doc! Nag abala pa kayo!” Tuwang-tuwa si Nurse Aubrey sa binigay kong snacks. Bumili kami nila Jess ng pasalubong kahapon bago umuwi kaya binigyan ko rin siya. “Siya nga pala, nandito na po yung isang nurse na ni-hire mo, doc!” itinuro niya ang isang room. “Naroon po si Nurse Shiela…” Saktong lumabas ang isang batang nurse sa room at nanlaki ang mata ng makita ako. “Doc, Clemente!” she greeted me with big smile. “Thank you po pala sa new opportunity. Ngayon lang po ulit ako nakapagtrabaho, buti na lang at hiring kayo!” “Welcome to my lovely pl
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
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
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