Reaching Mr. Superstar

Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

“ALAM mo na kung paano tatanungin si Dra. Saludez para sa meet up nina Niel at Kreya?” tanong ni Jethro kay Marie habang nag-aayos silang dalawa ng mga files sa reception area.

Nasa labas lang sila ng kwarto ni Niel pero nakapinid ang pinto at may bisita ito sa loob mula pa kanina. At kung hindi magtatanong si Jethro, maaaring nakalimutan na niya ang tungkol sa ipinangako niya sa kanyang anak.

“Nahanap pa ako ng buwelo at nitong mga nakaraang araw ay mainit ang ulo ni Dra. Saludez.” Huminga si Marie nang malalim bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita. “I shouldn't make an impossible promise to my daughter. Akala ko madali lang pero hindi pala.”

“Uhm, are you giving up?” Wala sa sarili siyang tumango at nakaisip na rin si Marie ng alibi na puwedeng sabihin kay Kreya ang masamang balita. “Go straight to Niel and ask him. Kung pumayag na siya kay Kreya, wala na akong nakikitang problema.”

“You know how over protective Dra. Saludez of her baby nephew. Maraming bawal at kahit nasa bahay na ako ina-update ko pa rin siya kung kumusta na ba ang espesyal kong pasyente.”

Jethro bursted into a loud laughter, making her to punch him on the arm. Kahit siya'y natatawa pero hindi naman gaya ng reaksyon na meron si Jethro kani-kanina lamang.

“T-that's weird, girl. Ilang taon na ba si Niel?”

“25? I don't know. He act like a kid anyway.”

“A handsome, strong-willed and talented kid, doctor,” Jethro said, making Marie's eyes rolled at the back of her head. “What not to love? Naiintindihan ko na kung mas marami siyang fans kaysa ibang members.”

“Ayoko munang isipin iyan. I have a problem and that's about how will I convince Dra. Saludez.”

“Kumbinsihin tungkol saan, Dra. Dominguez?” Pareho silang napalingon ni Jethro sa pinanggalingan tanong. Standing before them was Dra. Saludez - the woman of the hour. She just came out of Niel's room bearing his chart to turn over to them maybe. Marie was not sure. “Don't you have to assist Dr. Ramirez on his important surgery today?”

“It's done, Dra. Saludez. That's why I'm here helping Jethro in sorting these documents.”

“I see. Walk with me then,” napatingin si Marie kay Jethro. “Come on, Dra. Dominguez.”

“Coming, doc!” Hinawi niya si Jethro na nagpaalala pa sa kanya na banggitin iyong tungkol sa visitation notice na nasa bulsa niya ngayon. It's for her daughter Kreya who's an avid fan of Niel and his band.

“I want to sign Niel's discharge papers. He's fine now and can continue resting at his home.”

“Lalabas na siya?”

“You heard me, Dra. Dominguez.” Tumango siya. “He will be holding a meet and greet date with one of his avid fan too. Baka sa restaurant na lang malapit dito sa ospital para kung sumama 'man ang pakiramdam niya, we're nearby and can take care of him immediately.”

Hindi nakapagsalita si Marie matapos marinig ang sinabi ni Dra. Saludez. May meet and greet si Niel sa avid fan nito pero hindi niya sigurado kung si Kreya ba iyon o ibang bata pa.

“Are you listening to me, Dra. Dominguez?”

“Yes. I heard it and will definitely sign his discharge papers right away, ma'am,” she said. “Can I go now?”

Nang tumango si Dra. Dominguez, mabilis siya bumalik sa nurse station at nakipag-apir pa kay Jethro na nasalubong niya sa hallway. Marie have to check on Kreya and ask if she's the one Niel will be meeting soon. It's a great news for her and that's all she wanted in the first place. Priority niya rin na mapasaya ang kanyang anak sa abot ng kanyang makakaya kahit mahirap pa ang hilingin nito kanya.