Hoax (VBoys Series #1)

015

EUNICE

"Doc, kailangan na po kayo sa OR."

Napabalikwas ako ng upo nang marinig ko ang isa sa mga VA's na kasama ko sa clinic ngayon. I was preoccupied and didn't notice that she was there, kaya nagulat ako.

"Sige. I'll be there." sagot ko, standing up.

As I slowly took of my coat, napatulala na naman ako sa kawalan. What's been bothering me? Well, ever since Jaiden explained his answer to me, muli na naman akong binagabag. I feel... uncomfortable? I don't even know. Maybe just flustered.

Sa totoo lang, nagulat ako sa sagot niya. And yes, it's weird hearing those words from him. Iba kasi 'yung dating ng sagot niya sa'kin. I can't even explain it. It just brings back a lot of emotions and memories, and I don't like it.

"Doktora?" muling tawag ng assitant sa'kin nang hindi pa rin ako pumupunta sa OR.

"Ah, sorry. Ito na." I said and rushed to the OR.

What bothered me the most was the state of Jaiden and I's relationship today. We're step siblings for Christ's sake! Imagine how wrong that feels! And somehow, I feel the opposite. I feel the stupid butterflies again.

"Doc?" tawag ng isang assitant na kasama ko sa operation ngayon. "Doc, tongs po 'yung hawak niyo. Uh, hindi po ba dapat scalpel ang gamitin niyo sa incision?"

Napalingon naman ako sa kaniya, then I looked back at the equipment that I was holding. Tongs nga. Damn it.

"Sorry, sorry," I said, shaking my head a bit. "Scalpel, please."

I had a hard time focusing on the operation with Jaiden on my mind. Somehow, I managed to come through and announce the operation as a success. Dumiretso kaagad ako sa office at sumalampak sa swivel chair, holding both of my temples.

"Focus, Eunice. Focus." I whispered to myself, almost hitting my head. Nababaliw na yata ako.

Maybe it was an exaggeration, but I think I should really stop being too close to Jaiden. Naguguluhan lang ako lalo. I should probably keep my guard up. I can't... go through what I've gone through again. Masyado nang masakit.

I got back to the mansion just after 2 AM. Natulog na kaagad ako since I was exhausted, but I made sure to wake up early. Ayoko sanang makasalamuha si Jaiden ngayon, but it looks like the gods up above won't let me since just as I got downstairs, Jaiden was already there.

"Good morning." he greeted with a deep voice as soon as he saw me.

"Morning." nagmamadaling sagot ko at dumiretso sa kusina. I felt my heart pounding again. Was it because I was nervous seeing him after what he told me yesterday? I have not a clue.

"Off to work?" he asked, entering the kitchen, too. Nakagat ko tuloy ang ibaba kong labi.

"Oo." tipid na sagot ko at tumalikod mula sa kaniya, busying myself by making a cup of coffee. I just wish he doesn't ask any more questions.

"Dadaan ka ba sa site?" he asked again.

Pumikit ako ng mariin at humarap sa kaniya, pilit ang ngiti habang dala-dala ang tasa ng kape ko.

"Hindi," sagot ko, still forcing a smile. "Aakyat na muna ako. Doon ako mag-aalmusal. Ingat ka." mabilis na sabi ko at lumabas ng kusina, patungo sa hagdan.