Chapter 47
In a few days, my rotation here in Pedia will end. By then, hindi ko na kailangang maging expert sa pag-iwas. They say we'll have our next rotation in surgery. And I should focus on that.
Dr. Alpa is currently assigning us. It's the start of our shift for today.
"Dr. Tolentino, you're with me," Dr. Alpa announced and Rico looked at me. He asked me earlier if we can have lunch. But now that she's with Dr. Alpa, hindi na sure.
"Al, I need an intern," Dr. Tan butted in. He just came in from somewhere.
I saw Dr. Alpa looked at me. For the last few days, I was in his service and it was very awkward. Hindi ko kayang lumipas na naman ang araw na siya ang kasama ko.
That is too much for my heart.
And for the past days, he would talk to me like he's not my teacher. He would ask me to eat with him but I always decline. It's just inappropriate. Buti na lang hindi niya pinapakita sa iba.
I tried to tell Dr. Alpa 'not me' through the eyes. But I think she got the wrong message.
"Dr. Rivera, you're with Dr. Tan," she announced.
Crap.
I have no choice but to follow her.
"Hope, shall we?" Dr. Tan suddenly asked. My eyes widened in surprise. "Are we not on first-name basis?" He asked. Everybody heard.
I looked around and I saw their eyes on us. I tried to dismiss the thought that they'll noticing something. But hell, I saw Addie's knitted brows and Celeste's knowing smile. I kind of think she really knows something.
This is not good.
Napalunok na lang ako.
Dr. Tan smiled. "I'm sorry. So shall we, Dr. Rivera?"
He gestured us to go. I don't know where but I have to follow him.
"Don't call me like that," I murmured. Nasa hallway na kami kaya walang nakakarinig.
"Like what?"
"Like.. Like you know me," I said, refusing to look at him when he stopped to look at me.
I hate that he gets to look at me like this.
"Hope, you know I know you."
"Then pretend you don't."
"Am I really not allowed to call you Hope in front of everyone else?"
"Yes."
"Why? That's your name."
"I am Hope outside. I'm Dr. Rivera when I'm here," I answered.
"Alright," he mumbled. He turn around and begin walking again.
Why is he like this? 'Nong nagsisimula pa lang ako dito, hindi naman siya ganito. He was so professional. Why is it that everytime he does something now, I feel like it's personal? Ako lang ba? Or is he really acting like he's trying to... win me?
Ugh. If he can't be professional, then I should be.
•●•
I'm having lunch right now with Addie, Celeste, and Ralph. Jeremy and Rico weren't able to join kasi may ginagawa pa. Pero ang sabi naman nila ay susunod sila kapag kaya pa.
"Sasama naman lahat sa team dinner mamaya 'no?" Addie asked.
Ugh. The team dinner. We will have dinner with the Pedia staff who are not on-call tonight. Hindi pa man nagsisimula pero parang gusto ko nang umuwi.
