Hoax (VBoys Series #1)

014

EUNICE

"You... like it when I'm here?" takang ulit ko sa sinabi ni Jaiden.

"Huh?" parang gulat na tanong niya pabalik, his eyes slightly widening. He then cleared his throat. "Ah, I mean it's nice to have my... my sister around."

My brow shot up. He almost stuttered, didn't he? Sister? Really? Sounds... stupid, and annoying. I really hate hearing that word, especially when it's related to the two of us. Bumabalik lang lahat ng ala-ala ng nakaraan ko.

"Okay." sabi ko na lang. Naglakad na ako and was about to exit the office when I came to a halt.

"Eunice,"

Napalingon kaagad ako nang marinig ko ang tawag na 'yon ni Jaiden. I looked at him with confusion in my eyes, and he stared back. Bago ko pa man siya matanong kung bakit ay naunahan na niya ako sa pagsasalita.

"Take care of yourself." he suddenly said, forcing a small smile.

I stared at him, shocked. Hindi kaagad ako nakapag-react dahil nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. When I recorved, I closed my parted lips and slowly gave him a stiff nod.

"Thanks." tipid na sagot ko at tuluyan nang lumabas ng office.

Dumiretso na ulit ako sa clinic nang makaalis ako sa site. I apologized for being three hours late before I got onto my shift again. Ganoon lang ang naging routine ko buong linggo. I'll go to work by 8 o'clock, go home at two in the morning, then come back at eight. It was a whole loop.

The only thing that didn't fit well was the distance from my unit to the clinic. Masyadong malayo kaya madalas ay nala-late pa ako. Kulang na nga ako sa tulog, natatagalan pa ako sa daan. If only I could find another place to stay at, pero hassle lang.

["Kailan ka bibisita rito? Lolita's been looking for you all week,"] Kuya Luke said from the other line.

I pursed my lips as I continued petting the animal that I was assisting. "Maybe tomorrow. Sunday naman, day off ko. I'll drop by after my shift today."

Another problem on my plate was how I could take care of Lolita while I was working in the clinic and supervising the site. Ilang linggo na nga siyang nasa condo ni Kuya since Kuya could take care of her even when he was working.

Just like what I promised, dumalaw ako sa condo ni Kuya as soon as I woke up. Bumawi muna ako sa tulog dahil ilang araw na akong walang pahinga. Sleeping for even four to five hours was already a luxury if you're working in the medical field.

"Si Lolita?" agarang tanong ko once Kuya opened the door.

"Inside," he answered, letting me in. "How's work so far? Nakakapagpahinga ka pa ba?"

"I get to sleep for some hours each day, so it's good," I smiled. "I have to check the site today. Doon ko na lang dadalhin si Lolita. Baka mamaya, nagtatampo na 'yon sa'kin." I added, laughing a little.

Once I had Lolita sitting on the backseat, sumakay na ako sa kotse at nag-drive papunta sa site. The last time I checked in there was during the groundbreaking. Saka lang naman ako may time kapag day off ko, so this'll my first check at it ever since last Tuesday.

"We're here, love." I announced and turned to the backseat to look at Lolita. Nakasilip siya sa bintana at pinagmamasdan ang labas.

I got off at binuksan ang pinto ng backseat. I attached the leash on Lolita's collar first before I let her hop down. Nang makababa na siya ay ni-lock ko na ang sasakyan at naglakad papunta sa site.