Twisted Fate
“Damn!”. My eyes grew wider when I saw Levy sitting while looking at his bloody hands. Agad akong tumayo di alintana ang putokan. My heart pounding like there are horses’ rattle to have a race.
“Elijah!!”. Yuhan shouted but I ignores him. I rushed towards Levy.
“N-NO!!!”. I screamed top of lungs when he closed his eyes. I saw him mouthed I love you. Na mas lalong nag pasikip sa dibdib ko.
“Baby! Baby! Baby! No! Wake up!”.
Panicked is now evident in my voice.
I feel my eyes watered immediately as I held him tight in my arms…again…almost lifeless. Not again!
“I’m sorry baby, wake up!”. I trembled.
“Oh! God! Levy! No!”. Chimuel now is crying hysterically.
I heard numerous curses from Namu and Yuhan. Happy and Jano are also crying while keeping the distance. I didn’t let anyone carry him. I held him tight as I can. Not again. I feel like I died a million times seeing him lifeless.
“Elijah, you have to trust them!”. Mariing saad ni Namo while patting my shoulder to re-assured me. Wala na din akong nagawa kundi ipaubaya sa kanila ang lahat.
We anxiously waiting at the emergency room along with Gonzales couple, Yuhan and Chimuel. Happy decided to call Levy’s family abroad.
Hindi ko mapigilang sisihin ang sarili ko. If I didn’t take reckless actions, hindi sana nangyari to.
I saw Matias standing at corner of the hallway. My brows furrowed he should be at the mansion right now. Although I know, kahit na nagkahiwalay na kami ni Levy he still cares for him.
“What brings you here?”. I coldly asked.
“May nahuli silang tauhan ni Morgan–
“Why didn’t you tell me right away?”. Pagalit kung saad.
“I–I’m sorry, Elijah”.
Pinakalma ko ang sarili as I patted his back. Matias nod, understand the situation. I’ve been torn between. I want to be at Levy’s side while doing the operation but knowing that someone can lend us towards Morgan ay di ko na pinalampas pa. Agad akong nagpaalam sa kanila, Yuhan insisted to come with us.
Namo decided to stay for his husband and Chimuel.
My mind blurred because of my rage towards the person who is being interrogated.
“H-hindi po naming alam kung nasaan siya”.
“HOW COME??”. I shouted. That Morgan! I’ll tear him into pieces when I find him.
“T-tinatawagan n-niya lang kami p-para sa misyong ito. He wants us to aim the doctor who’s with Mr. Tan”.
Yuhan gasps.
Napapikit ako ng mariin.
We saw the scattered photographs of Levy in front of him. Ayun sa mga police ay nakuha nila ito sa sasakyang dala nito along with a bag of money.
They tailed Levy. Napapikit ako ng mariin. How did this slips in my mind!
The person was trembling. I can’t hold my anger.
“M-Mr. Ricaford may p-pinapasabi po siya s-sayo”.
Tinitigan ko ang lalaking naka gapos sa harapan.
“S-Sabi niya po, “This time I’ll make sure to aim the right target”.”
It is Levy? He’s targeting Levy! The target is Levy! Damn!
I almost lost my mind. Lalong nadagdagan ang galit ko. Kinuyom ko ang aking kamao at nagkatinginan kami ni Matias. I know he is also thinking about it. All this time pinaniwala niya akong si Mina ang target nito. I remember the time that Matias told me that Levy received an anonymous letter that written “I’ll make sure to aim the right target”.
Guilt is creeping in me. Bakit ko pinabayaang mangyari ito?
Napahimalos ako sa aking palad dahil sa frustration habang nakatingin kay Levy na nakahiga sa hospital bed. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon pakiramdam hindi ko kakayanin. I let him leave to protect him ngunit nasaan ito ngayon? I feel so dumb!
Shit! Morgan I promise to kill you when I see you!
I hold Levy’s hands. It’s been 24 hours wala pa ring pagbabago sa lagay nito. May dalawang tama ng bala ang kanyang katawan. Sa tagiliran at sa dibdib. I almost lost my mind again.
“Baby please hold on”. Marahan kung bulong habang hawak ang kamay nito.
“I’m sorry Elijah, but we have to bring my nephew with us”.
Natigilan ako. Levy’s family is here to claim him, walang magawa si Chimuel at Yuhan lalong wala akong magagawa.
Yuhan tap my shoulder.
“I’m sorry, bro”. marahan nitong saad.
Napapikit ako.
“I can’t…hindi ko kaya”. I can’t hold my tears anymore. Not again. “Yuhan, do some-”
“Sana naisip mo yan bago mo siya niloko at pinakawalan”. Chimuel cut my words.
Hindi ko siya niloko! I want to shout them, but I can’t. Wala akong lakas para ipaliwanag ang sarili ko.
Those words that came out from Chimuel’s mouth are like dagger that stabs directly into my heart.
Hindi ako nakaimik. How can I explain this? That I broke up with him to keep him safe but still I failed?
Dinig ko ang buntong hininga ni Yuhan.
“Elijah dude, hindi ko alam kung paano o ano ang nararamdaman mo ngayon. I understand if you’re hurting but remember that, you hurt him bro, ilang linggo siyang nagkulong sa kwarto niya ng maghiwalay kayo. Paano si Mina? Is she really pregnant? You are engaged with her and Levy’s bound to study for his master’s abroad. Hindi sa nakikialam ako, this is just my opinion. Let him go man…lalo na hindi pa nahuhuli ang gumawa nito sa kanya and that Morgan knew now that he is your weakness”.
“I think you should focus your attention to your future family”. Saad nito.
Hindi ako kumibo. Thinking that I won’t see him again hurts me so bad. Mina? My grandma assumes things that are impossible. I only loved Levy.
“Levy loves you, no doubt that but he’s hurt and this happened”.
Now thinking of what Yuhan said I am happy that I did the right decision. Letting him go and grow.
BeginningPaging Dr. Verde…Paging Dr. Verde…“Chim, code 01”. I said while my phone is still on my ears clipping it with my shoulder. We’ve been talking for a minute now about the shoot that he wants me to be his model. Chimuel is my best-friend, he is a fashion designer and he often get me to models his newly designed clothes. As a doctor I am also surprise that I still get a time for him but he is my friend and I can’t say no to him and I also enjoyed being a model.“Go ahead!”. He said, after I bid my goodbye, I immediately put my white coat which I hung earlier while I’m having a short tea break.When I arrived at the clinic Mrs. Delima was being assists by one of the nurses on duty.“Good morning! Dr. Verde hi!”. Bati ni Mrs. Delima na ilang lingo ng pabalik-balik dito sa hospital para sa kanyang check-ups.“How are you, Ma’am?”. Bati ko dito habang binabasa ang files nito.“Ito Mabuti naman… medyo magaan ang pakiramdam ko simula ng palitan mo ang maintenance medicine ko and the
EncounterI decide to talk to Dr. Galves to know more about Mrs. Ricaford’s condition.“Dr. Galves!”. I greeted him as I enter his office.“Hey! Dr. Verde, come, set down.” He said as he immediately gets some files in his drawer.“I’m glad you came, actually pupuntahan na sana kita”. Aniya. “Here take-a-look”.“Congestive heart failure?”.“Yes… and her kidney is also now affected. I trust you Dr. Verde, that’s why I hand her case to you before I go. It’s only a month. Ayaw niya kasi sa iba, but I assured her that you are excellent”.Nahiya naman ako sa papuri ng matandang doctor. He is one of my seniors that I am looking up to.“I’ll do my best Dr. Galves. Thank you and have a safe trip”. Nakangiti kung saad at tumayo na.“I’ll be sending some readings to you later for your papers, it may help you”.“Wow! Thanks again!”. I said genuinely grateful.As I headed to my office, I heard a loud cry. Napabaling ako dito.Nagulat ako because it was Namo and Jano with their daughter. I saw Namo
Rumors-DinnerI read Chims text message while I am getting ready. Tapos na ang shift ko at balak ko sanang mag grocery ngayon.-10 minutesI replied to him at lumabas na. I saw them at the visitation area, kumaway ako ng makita sila. Mga mga iilang doctor at nurses na kumakausap kay Yuhan at Elijah…yeah! Elijah is still here and he is now talking to Dr. Humble, nagtatawanan ang dalawa. Hindi ko alam why do I feel weird.“Mabuti naman, gutom na ako”. Saad ni Chim ng makita ako at kinuha ang bag mula sa upuan at kumapit sa kamay ko.Napatingin naman si Yuhan at Elijah sa amin, agad itong nag paalam sa kausap. I also saw Dr. Galves in the crowd.“Dr. Verde, shift’s done?”. Tanong nito.“Yes doc”. Sagot ko naman.“Malapit mo palang kaibigan si Mr. Veda”.“Opo”.Tumango naman ito.“By the way, I already discussed with Mr. Ricaford about his grandma situation”.“Thank you po doc”. Saad ko at nasulyapan si Jacob na papalapit na sa gawi namin. Kumunot ang nuo ko ng mapansin kung nakatingin i
HatidHalos hindi ako makatulog sa kakaisip. Nakakahiya, but why do I feel ashamed? I am not guilty anyway.I am dizzy while driving, siguro naman by now they already published about the news last night. I decide to text Chim.-Chims how it is?–-Good morning too! Agad-agad?-Bununtong hininga ako sa sagot nito. Decided to call him instead.“Yes?”. Sagot nito na halatang kakagising lang.“Love ang bigat mo!”. Dinig ko pang bulong nito.“Ang aga ang landi ah!”. Saad ko habang umiirap sa kawalan.“Pag single bawal umirap, walang mag papaluhod sayo!”. Natatawa namang saad ni Chim sa kabilang linya. He really knows me.“Iwan ko sayo!”. Kunwari ay inis kung tugon. Halakhak lang ang isinukli nito.“Chim, seryoso… papasok na akong hospital, hindi ba ako ipapatawag ng department head?”.“Ano ka studyante sa Christian school? The hospital doesn’t care about your personal issues, but your colleague is! kaya good luck! We will be there in a minute”. Pagkasabi noon ay binaba na nito ang telepono.
After lunch, the memo came. I am going to the medical mission in Cebu together with 5 more doctors’ specialist. Inayus ko na ang mga maiiwang trabaho sa aking assistant na si Lala. She wants to go with me kaya lang ang department ang pumili. Gustohin ko mang isama siya ayaw ko namang may masabi ang head namin dahil lang sa close friend ko ang may-ari ng hospital.“Doc, pinapatawag na daw po kayo sa conference room”. Bungad ni Lala pagkapasok nito.“Thank you”.I meet half way the other doctors. We greeted each other and they are excited with our coming trip. Although it is not a vacation but they can still enjoy there. Masarap din sa pakiramdam iyong nakaklabas ng hospital.Nang bigla akong napahinto.I almost lost my balance when I saw Elijah sitting confidently inside the conference room, it’s a transparent glass that is why we can see who are waiting for us. He is with the higher ups with Yuhan.I saw some of my colleague dart their eyes towards my direction when they saw Elijah in
Calm“You don’t have to be feel embarrassed when I’m with you…because I never been this proud and comfortable walking beside you”. Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang mga sinabi niya. What does it mean? Is the feeling mutual? Anong feeling? Jusmi! Nakakabaliw pala to!I let out a silent scream under my pillow. Nagwawala ang puso ko.Nang biglang may naalala ako. Oo nga pala, kailangan ko pang mag handa ng mga kailangang dalhin. Tumayo na ako at pinagpatuloy ang pag eempake. Hindi ako dapat umasa. Baka di ko na kayanin kung may susunod pa.Tumunog ang cellphone ko kaya naman naagaw nito ang atensiyon ko.“GOSH! LEVY ANDREW VERDE!!”. Agad kung inilayo ang telepono sa aking tenga. Dinig ko ang frustration sa boses ni Chimuel. I forgot to tell him nga pala na di ako kasama sa flight nila ngayon.“Papatayin mo ba ako sa pag-aalala?” Gigil nitong saad sa kanilang linya.“Relax Chim!”. Malumanay kung saad.“How can I?”. Balik tanong nito.“Love, calm down”. Dinig kung bulong ni Yuhan sa kabi
SleepUmakyat agad ako after eating, nahihiya talaga ako. Although Chimz and Yuhan are used to see me like this, but my co-workers and other visitors, I don't know them personaly and I am a doctor. I should have dress accordingly.I change into my sleeping clothes. Just a fitted short and loose white long sleeve. I am about to sleep when my phone rings.Happy is calling me at this hour? Napakunot ako ng nuo. Agad kung sinagot ito.“Hi!”. Maingay nitong bati sa kabilang linya.Happy Rama is one of our best-friend, he is a tv personality/ dancer and a popular tv host.“Levy berry, video call tayo”. Saad nito at nawala agad sa linya.Maya-maya ay tumunog ulit ang cellphone ko.“Yes?”. Saad ko dito at ipinatong ang cellphone sa lamesa habang inaayus ang aking buhok.“Haba ng hair natin ah!”. Bati nito na may malaking ngiti.“What are you saying?”.“Sos! I know you know what I am talking about”. Pang-aasar nito. Yeah! he’s right. It’s about Elijah.“Fake news”. Maikling saad ko habang umi
Unexpected VisitorsI woke up with the music coming from the alarm I set on my phone. Iginala ko ang aking paningin.Jacob is still sleeping besides me and he is now hugging my waist. Nakasiksik ito sa leeg ko while his hand is on the top of my stomach. I slightly push him, but he tighten his hug.“Ej, It’s almost 4 am. You should go to your room”. Bulong ko dito at marahang itinulak.“I don’t!”. he mumbles in his sleep at lalo pa itong sumiksik.“Babangon na ako kung ayaw mo!”. Banta ko dito.He groans.I almost laugh nang padabog itong naupo sa kama. Eyes still close, Half asleep. He is so cute, with his hair missy and sleepy eyes.Tumayo na ako at hinila ito. Nag padala naman ito sa hila ko but to my surprise he hugs me. I tilted my head to give him access to my neck. His hug tighten.“I want to sleep more. You're so warm”. Napapaos nitong bulong.Umiling ako at bahagya itong itinulak.“Aalis kami ng 5am, alam mo yan!”.Bumuntong hininga ito at kumalas sa yakap. He pushes his hair