Chapter 2

Baby

It was already 1 am when I arrived home. Mabilis namang napatayo sina mommy at daddy na kaninang nakaupo sa sofa habang hindi makapaniwala matapos nila akong makita.

"Sweetheart," my mom softly uttered before hugging me. I wasn't able to stop myself too. I ended up crying because of what happened.

I thought it was the end for me. Indra and Aziel were both wrong when they keep on reminding me that the clock birthmarks on my left palm will definitely indicates my death.

If that's the case, bakit hindi ako namatay? Why I am still alive and breathing right now?

Kumalas sa pagkakayakap sa'kin si mommy bago hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi ko.

"Paano nangyari....

Hindi n'ya magawang maituloy yung sasabihin n'ya matapos makita ang dalawang palad ko.

"It's g-gone. A-Anong nangyari sa anak natin, Gregor?" naguguluhan n'yang tanong bago yumakap kay daddy.

"Sweetheart, will you tell us where did you go earlier?" Tumango ako sa sinabi nila. I told them to stay calm before I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Ibinigay ko naman kay 'yon mommy para pakalmahin s'ya.

"I was sickly worried at Callie po so I went the veterinary clinic where I met Dr. Alvidarez,” pagsisimula ko.

I told them everything in detailed. I saw my dad massaging his forehead while still thinking how I escaped my death.

"T-This is the first time I heard about this case. I'm really scared," mommy sobbed without letting go of my hand.

"Don't worry about me, mom and dad. Everything will be alright." I consoled just to lessen the pain in their chest.

Everything was still a mystery for me. I did everything to find answers by searching people through the internet who had the same case as mine. I made myself busy all day and all night by reading random blogs and stories. Sad to say, I wasn't able to find the answers that will satisfy my curiosity.

I was about to turn off my laptop, when a link popped up on my screen. Without any hesitations, I opened it. There were only few words listed on this page. It says that there is an unknown author who wrote a mysterious book which contained everything about death, clock birthmarks, soulmates and ill-fated relationships.

Naglaan ako ng oras para d'on sa pagbabakasakaling mahahanap ko ang misteryosong libro. The title of the book is Hidden and just like it's name, it was nowhere to be found.

Sinamahan rin ako nina daddy para pumunta doon sa sinasabi kong clinic. Ilang araw kaming nagpabalik balik doon pero sarado. I wasn't able to find Dr. Alvitarez. Maging si Dr. Montresor ay wala rin.

"Let your fate find its way, sweetheart. I believe that you'll see him for the second time." Dad comforted. Sa hindi mabilang na pagkakataon, bumaba muli ang tingin ko sa palad ko.

If Dr. Alvidarez was meant for me, does it mean that he had no clock birthmarks too?

A week had passed since I started became clueless about my life.  Last school year, I already pulled out my requirements and paper that contains my personal information at Aestwood College saying that I will be transferring to other university. I didn't tell my college professors and block mates the real reason why will I leave. I don't want them to worry or give me sympathy just because my clock birthmark dictated that I'll die at the age of 18.

"I can give you a ride," sambit ni daddy na akmang kukuha na sana ng susi ng kotse kung hindi ko lang s'ya napigilan.

"Dad, just take care of mom. After a few minutes, Aziel will be here," nakangiting sagot ko para hindi na s'ya mag alala. Because of being too worried, mom get sick. Ayokong maiwan s'ya mag isa dito sa bahay.

Maya maya pa, napatigil ako sa pag iisip dahil sa isang pamilyar na boses na gumulat sa akin.

"Wazzup, Amor!" Aziel gushed before going to my direction. Napatigil Ginulo n'ya ulit ang buhok ko gaya ng madalas n'yang ginagawa. Naiinis tuloy akong umalis sa tabi n'ya.

"Aziel, dahan dahan sa pagmamaneho," rinig kong suway ni Daddy sa kanya.

Before leaving, I went to our full length mirror only to see if I look alright. I just preferred a casual wear today — black cropped long sleeve, high wasted jeans and my white sneakers. Mabuti na lang rin at hindi ko nakalimutang dalhin ang ID ko.

Aestwood College has strict protocols regarding this matter. Even if you plead or cry in front of the security guards, they won't let you enter unless you are wearing what they had required.

Akmang bubuksan ko na sana ang pinto sa frontseat ng kotse ni Aziel kung hindi lang n'ya ako napigilan.

"Sit at the back, Amor. I will fetch Lissy first before we proceed to Aestwood."

Nang mapansin nitong kumunot ang noo ko ay tsaka n'ya ako tinawanan.

I'm a little bit jealous at Lis. Naisip ko lang na magmula nang makilala s'ya ng pinsan ko, bihira na kami lumabas magkasama. I thought that I will quickly move forward from Indra's death because Aziel is here for me without knowing that I'm also losing him.

I can't blame him if he had more time with Lissy compared to me.

"Goodmorning, Relle," nakangiting bati ni Lissy sa akin.

Aziel opened the door of his car for her. When she's already inside the car, they made a quick kiss infront of me. I just decided to dart my eyes outside habang umuusad ang aming sasakyan.

"I think she's jealous, love," pang aasar pa ni Aziel sa akin. This scenario is not new to me. Lissy and I are actually friends. Alam kong sanay na siya na ganito lagi yung reaksyon ko sa t'wing third party ako sa kanilang dalawa ng pinsan ko. 

The travel didn't last long since maaga kaming umalis kaya hindi inabutan nang matinding traffic. When we're already at the Aestwood, nagpaalam ako sa kanilang dalawa dahil magkakaiba kami ng department na pupuntahan.

I'll go to Business Majors Department, Aziel on Engineering while Lissy is on Department of Chemistry and Physics.

"Relle, puntahan na lang kita pagkatapos," aniya na tinanguan ko naman.

"Okay, I'll see the both of you after," sagot ko bago ko pa man muling masaksihan ang eksena nila sa harap ko.

Hindi naman siguro ako bitter pero parang gan'on na nga.

And since I'm an early bird, the enrollment didn't take longer like what I am expecting. I just submitted the additional and necessary requirements and filled up some forms.

Medyo nagulat pa 'yong prof ko n'ong first year nang magkasalubong kami. I just told him that I change my mind that's why I'm not transferring anymore. I can't tell him that the date of my death changes. I'm so sure that this issue about me will blow up. I just want to have a normal and peaceful life here.

After a few moments, Aziel texted me that's why I became busy replying to him. Napatigil lang ako nang biglang may bumangga sa akin. Nagpatak tuloy yung phone ko kaya't mabilis ko 'yong nilimot. I check the screen of it at mabuti na lang gumagana pa rin.

Aziel: 

Can you make a quick reply? What took you so long?

Me:

My phone fell. May bumangga sa'kin. 

Aziel:

And you didn't saw his face again?

Me:

What about him? 

Aziel:

Stupid.

Napaawang naman ang labi ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya. I can't believe that I will receive that kind of reply from him.

Me:

Praning! You're just over reacting.

After sending that reply, hindi na ako nakipagtalo pa. What he is saying made no sense.

I wasn't able to see the face of that man who accidentally bumped me earlier. Ang alam ko lang, mas matangkad s'ya kumpara sa akin. Probably, it was just a kind of coincidence again. I bumped into him because I'm using my phone while walking. Another thing, how come that he's my other half? Besides, my clockbirthmarks are already gone. 

Mas lalo tuloy akong natakot sa susunod na mangyayari. Having a blank birthmark on my right palm means, I'll stay single until the end. What about on my left palm? Does it mean that my death is not anymore predicted?

At k-kahit anong oras pwede akong mamatay?

"Relle!" Napatigil lang ako sa pag iisip dahil sa sigaw ni Lissy. Mabilis naman itong nakalapit sa akin.

"Did you wait for too long? Sorry ah? Si Alton kasi ang daming arte," reklamo n'ya habang pinapaypayan ang sarili.

"Alton?"

"Alton Alvidarez, my blockmate last year." Namilog naman ang mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya. My dad was right! If we're really meant for each other, destiny will be the one to find its way.

"Is he here? Do you have his contact number?" I suddenly blurted out. Mukhang nagulat naman s'ya dahil sa inakto ko.

"He already left earlier, Relle...but I have his digits," nabuhayan naman ako ng loob dahil sa sinabi n'ya.

After giving me what I'm asking, nakangiting nagpasalamat ako sa kanya.

"Thank you, Lis. I'll just go somewhere. Enjoy your day with Az. Bye!" I excitedly exclaimed before leaving her behind.

I immediately find a place where we could meet. I just decided to go to Grind House, which is the nearest restaurant from Aestwood. After finding a comfortable spot, I started typing.

To Dr. Alvidarez:

Hello! What's up?

After five minutes, I haven't receives any replies that's why I composed another text again.

To Dr. Alvidarez:

Busy ka ba doc? Can we grab some lunch outside?

To Dr. Alvidarez:

I got your number from my friend.

To Dr. Alvidarez:

Can we meet?

To Dr. Alvidarez:

Hi doc! I want to discuss something urgent kasi.

To Dr. Alvidarez:

Please, reply. Asap!

I waited for almost thirty minutes but I received nothing. I decided to text Lissy dahil baka nagkamali s'ya ng number na ibinigay sa akin.

To Lissy:

Lis, are you sure that the contacts you gave me was right? Dr. Alvi was not replying.

Mabuti naman at mabilis n'yang nabasa yung text ko.

Lissy:

I'm sure.

Lissy:

By the way, why are you calling him doctor? He's still undergraduate, Relle.

Lissy:

Besides, he's not into medical field.

Napaisip naman ako sa sinabi n'ya tungkol kay Dr. Alvidarez. We already met in the veterinary clinic. He even gave me a piece of paper that contains the list of vitamins and supplements Callie needed. Does it mean that he lied to me? Should I call him on his first name instead?

To Dr. Alvidarez:

This is Elspeth Amorelle Keene, the owner of Callie if you still remember. Proceed here at Grind House. Hintayin kita, doc.

Halos antukin na ako sa paghihintay sa kanya. Maya maya, may nahagip ng mga mata ko si Dr. Montresor. Behind him was the man I am waiting since earlier. Mabilis naman akong tumayo bago lumapit sa kanila.

"I reserved a seat. I knew you'll come." I concluded while grinning. Kumunot naman ang noo nito sa akin. 

"We met again, Amorelle. I never thought that you knew my cousin. Can you join us for a lunch then?" mabilis akong tumango sa sinabi ni Dr. Montresor bago ko itinuro yung table ko kanina. This is what I’ve been waiting for.

After we ordered our meal, he started asking me.

"So how did the two of you meet?" he questioned, pertaining to Alton and I.

Sumulyap naman ako sa katabi ko na ngayon ay tahimik pa rin habang nakahalukipkip.

"Something came up to Callie again so I went to your clinic then I met him. Your cousin is really good assisting customers, Doctor. He looked so handsome wearing his dark blue medical scrubs." I stated that made him chuckle.

"Really?"

Hindi ko alam kung bakit umiling si Alton dahil sa sinabi ko.

"Honestly what he did is wrong because he doesn't have license to perform such. Is Callie alright?"

"Yes. Thanks to your cousin, doc."

He plastered a wide smile that makes his left dimple more visible. I just wish that Alton was like him too. I'm sure he's more handsome when smiling.

"Please refrain yourself from calling me Doc. It will be better if you'll just drop the formality since we're outside the clinic. Just call me, Led."

Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya.

"Okay, Led."

"Kuya Led," pagtatama ni Alton kaya't napatingin ako sa kanya.

"Call him, kuya Led," pag uulit n'ya pa habang hindi pa rin ngumingiti.

Mahina namang napatawa ulit si kuya Led matapos na sabihin 'yon ng pinsan niya.

"I forgot that I'm six years ahead. He's right, Amorelle. Call me your kuya."

Our conversation goes on. Kuya Led is in the middle of telling me about them being a family of doctors when Alton's phone rang. I was wrong when I thought that we'll have a longer conversation. Hindi pa man nakakatapos sa pagkain si Alton nang bigla itong magpaalam. He told us that he had to fix something urgent in Aestwood. Nakabusangot tuloy ang mukha ko habang pinapanood s'yang makaalis. He didn't even say goodbye to me.

"Don't worry, Alton is kind. He's just in a bad mood, today," paliwanag ni kuya Led pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasang mainis.

I waited for him for almost an hour pero maaga naman s'yang umalis. I haven't discussed what I need to tell him. I don't know why I felt this way. I suddenly became too interested with him.

After a few moments, my phone vibrated. Mabilis namang nawala yung inis ko ng mabasa ko kung kaninong pangalan 'yong rumehistro.

Dr. Alvidarez:

Is my baby alright? Can you send me her picture later?

Halos mapunit naman ang labi ko dahil sinabi n'ya. I don't want him to wait any longer that's why I immediately took a selfie. After that, I sent it to him.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ang tagal n'yang magreply. Is the picture that I sent ugly?

Maganda naman, ah?

Dr. Alvidarez:

I'm referring to Callie.

The smile on my face was immeditely replaced by jealousy. Buong akala ko si Lissy lang yung babaeng sobrang pagseselosan ko. What I thought is wrong.

Dr. Alvidarez:

Don't forget to send me her picture later. I miss my baby.