Promise To A Stardust (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 2
Kabanata 2
SABI nila, ang mga alikabok daw ay maliliit na mga bulalakaw. They said we came from a giant star that exploded millions of years ago. I've read from some articles that there is stardust in our veins, that we are children of the stars.
We are stuffed with exploded stars, while some luckily got a chance to form and became human, unfortunately for the unlucky, they became a speck of space dust.
Wandering with no direction, ignored, trashed.
"S-Sir?" Nag-aalangan kong tawag sa kanya. "Are you alright?"
He nodded. He hesitantly pulled away and dried his tears, his eyes bloodshot and weak.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry, it's just that..." He stopped and stared at me again. "Nothing, I'm sorry."
Tumitig ako, ramdam na ramdam ang bigat sa dibdib bago ngumiti at tumango.
Hindi ko alam pero kung ano mang pinagdaraanan niya, nalulungkot din ako para sa kanya.
I offered him water. Hindi ko na siya inantay makasagot at lumabas para kumuha.
When I got back, I noticed him pacing. He was tensed, he only stopped when I went back, his expression softening.
"Y-you're back," he murmured.
Nagtaka man ay ngumiti ako't inabot ang tubig.
"Of course, Sir. You're my patient, I won't abandon you here." I chuckled. Nanatili siyang nakatitig, namumungay ang mga mata. "Kasi 'di ba, Sir. One of the nurses' responsibilities is not to leave their patients behind. We made a pact never to abandon them in their worst times."
He nodded, sipping on the the glass. 'Di siya makatingin, parang nahihiya.
"The reason maybe why I wasn't a nurse," he mumbled with a lone expression.
It made me curious. I didn't want to pry but he started it naman. Try lang.
"Why, Sir? May inabandona ka na no'ng kailangang-kailangan ka nila? I asked jokingly but when he nodded a little, nagulat ako. He avoided my gaze, a bitter smile forming in his lips.
"I... did," he rasped. "That's my biggest mistake."
I sighed. It felt heavy. I felt hurt for him and I didn't even know why I empathized this much to a stranger. I dragged a chair to sit in front of him.
"You must have a reason, right?" alo ko. "Don't be sad, Sir, maiintindihan ka naman siguro niya."
His eyes reddened again and I panicked when I saw another tear forming but he looked away and tried covering his face.
"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry... I'm just too fucking emotional right now," aniya na tunog iritado pa sa sarili. "Pasensya na, nabagok nga ata ako."
I smiled and stood. I tapped his back.
"It's alright, Sir. We have soft hours sometimes. Everything will be better in time. I can feel naman na you're a good person,"
Muli niya akong binalingan, maamo ang mga mata.
"You think so?" he asked lowly. "I am not..." Umiling pa siya, siguradong-sigurado ro'n.
"Yes, probably just a gut feeling but I feel good about you. Sana true," ngumisi pa ako.
Tumagal ang titig niya, may tanong sa mga mata.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked. I nodded. "Perhaps, have you forgotten some... things?"
My forehead creased.
"Oo, Sir, minsan ulyanin ako," I mumbled.
"No, not that..." Umiling siya. "This will sound weird but do you have amnesia?"
"Well, that was an odd question." I chuckled. "Pero sabi raw. I can't remember, I just woke up one day in a hospital."
Muntik ko nang matutop ang bibig sa bilis ng pagtayo niya at pag-abot sa 'kin.
"A-are you hurt?" I sensed the urgency and panic. The fear. He checked my arms, looking for something.
Umiling ako't kinuha ang braso ko paalis.
"No, Sir. I'm alright, don't know actually, it's a long story. At saka matagal na 'yon, ilang taon na." I tried to lighten the mood because why do I feel sadder at his reaction?
Why does it feel so heavy?
"I-I'm sorry," he apologized.
"Ano ka ba," I laughed. "As if you did that! No worries, everything's good. I'm better now. Saka 'yong sa sinasabi mo kanina, doon sa naabandona mo. Kung may rason ka man at gusto mong ipaglaban, gawan mo ng paraan. H'wag mong sukuan. If the person deemed you worthy, I'm sure there's a chance."
He swallowed painfully. "You think she would?"
"Oh, she? Naks, ex mo, 'no?" I chuckled.
His lips protruded. He raked his fingers in his hair, shaking his head.
"No... my fiancée," he breathed.
Tila nahulog ang puso ko, nanghihinayang na 'di maintindihan. I bit my lip.
May fianceé na pala!
"Oh, ikakasal ka na pala?" I beamed.
"Sana," he licked his lip. "But I messed up, I've hurt her. I've abandoned her."
"Ahh..." Tumango ako. "Cool off kayo?"
"We broke up," he mumbled.
Napasinghap ako at tumango. "Pero gusto mong balikan?"
"Sana, kung tatanggapin." Natawa siya sarili. "Kung papalarin at mapagbigyan..." Tumitig siya. "Sana..."
"You have to believe she'll forgive you and work hard. Otherwise, it will never happen,"
"Thank you," parang hibang na naman siyang tumitig sa akin. 'Di ko rin napigilan ang kaunting kilig.
S'yempre! Sa gwapo niyang 'yan? Sa mga berdeng matang 'yan? Babae lang ako, nanghihina sa mga pogi!
Pero may ibang gusto na, Lars! Ikalma!
Pursing my lips, I brushed the strands away from my cheek. Nahulog kasi iyon sa nagulong pusod.
Ipinasok ko ang palad sa bulsa ng scrub suit. Haggard ako pero sexy kaya ako sa scrubs! Naalala ko nga may nagsabi nga sa 'king I looked extra sexy when I wear this!
Natahimik ako.
Sino nga 'yon?
"You looked sexy in that scrub suit," I paused at Caspian's words. Nagkagulatan kami. Umawang ang labi niya at tumikhim.
"A-anong sabi mo?" My heart was pounding! Kakaisip ko pa lang no'n, a?
"Huh?" He looked away. "Nothing,"
Nanliit ang mata ko. "Hindi, e, narinig kita. You said I looked sexy in scrubs! Ikaw, a? Baka mamaya kilala kita in the past? Akala ko nga nag-i-imagine lang ako kapag naaalala ko na may nagsasabi no'n. Baka ikaw 'yon?"
His eyes widened, his expression softening. I saw a faint blush forming on his cheek. I chuckled.
"Charot lang, Sir. Cute mo." I smiled.
"A-am I?" He murmured, surprised. I just smiled.
Inayos ko ang mga gamit na nakakalat. Sa bawat kilos ko'y nakasunod ang mga mata ni Caspian. I couldn't ignore it because his stares were heavy and noticeable. Kung p'wede ngang idikit na lang niya ang mata sa 'kin, ginawa na niya.
"Kumain ka na?" He asked. Muntik ko nang mabitawan ang bandage at nilingon siya.
Why is he asking me?
Umiling ako.
"I was about to eat kanina kaso ang daming pasyente kaya nabitin," I chuckled but he remained serious. Nalunok ko tuloy ang tawa ko.
"You should eat," aniya na nangunot ang noo.
"I can't, duty ko," maliit kong sagot.
"You can?" Bigla siyang tumayo at parang walang iniindang sakit na naglakad pasilip sa kurtina.
"Sir? Bakit ka tumayo? Baka mahilo ka–"
"Walang makakakita sa 'tin dito," aniya na binalik ang tingin sa 'kin.
Heat crept into my cheek. "H-huh? Ano bang... gagawin?"
He smirked. "Oh, not what you're thinking, Reev."
Nakagat ko ang labi at umiling. "Wala akong sinasabi!"
"Wala nga." He chuckled before he took my wrist and pulled me to sit on the bed.
"S-Sir! Baka hindi pa maayos ang lagay–"
"Caspian. Call me Caspian," he mumbled.
"Ow...kay?"
"Kumain ka muna," aniya. I nodded, dinukot ko ang extra crackers ko sa bulsa at binuksan. Napalingon siya at nagsalubong ang makapal na kilay.
"'Yan lang ang kakainin mo?"
"Hmm?" I bit the crackers and nodded. "Opo, Sir."
"Caspian," he corrected. Dinukot niya ang phone at may tinawagan.
"Wave," aniya. "Can you buy some food? Oo, 'yong nakakabusog, s'yempre. Gago ka ba?" Nilingon niya ko.
"Minumura mo ko?" I gasped.
His eyes widened as he violently shook his head.
"N-no, hindi ikaw." Tumalikod siya.
"Oo, bilis! Akala tuloy siya minumura ko. Oo, ngayon na, ipuslit mo dito. Papakainin ko. Oo, gago na 'ko. Fuck you too." Pinatay niya ang phone at nang lumingon sa akin ay biglang naging maamong tupa.
"Nagpabili ako ng pagkain," he informed.
"Para sa 'yo?" I asked.
"No, for you,"
"Huh? No, I'm alright, Sir! You don't have to–"
"No, you will eat."
"I'm alright!" Kinagat ko ang crackers para pakitaan pa siya. "Really..."
He shook his head. "I insist," he dismissed.
Habang inaantay ang pagkain ay natawag na kami sa radiology. I assisted Caspian who wanted to refuse pero nagalit ako.
"Ayos lang ako, 'di na kailangan–"
"I'm a nurse, Caspian," I retorted. "And I insist you'd get checked. Now."
"But–" I gave him a look. Natahimik siya at ayaw pa hubarin ang damit sa x-ray.
"Ayaw mo?" I cocked a brow up.
Namungay ang mata niyang lalo sa tingin na 'yon at sa huli'y tumango at sumuko.
"Okay, huhubad na..." Kinalas niya ang butones kaya dagli-dagli akong umiwas, nag-iinit ang mukha.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
TAHIMIK kaming dalawa nang matapos ang tests, bumalik ro'n sa pwesto kanina para antayin ang results.
"You want milk?" He asked cutely, the band aid on his nose looked adorable. Magulo ang buhok niya at 'di ko naiwasang mapatitig sa katawan niyang hubog na hubog sa dress shirt na gray. He was wearing jeans and white sneakers.
"No, Sir, I had coffee–"
"That's bad for your health," he cut me off, quite annoyed again.
"Para hindi ako antukin–"
"I've told you a couple of times already, if you're sleepy, call me, pupunta naman ako, aaliwin kita. You don't have to always drink coffee–"
"Sir?" I blinked.
He stopped. Napatulala siya bigla, at mukhang natauhan. His jaw clenched and raked his hair.
"Sorry," he breathed. "Fuck, I forgot."
"Forgot what?"
"Nothing," he dismissed and sat beside me on the bed.
He smelled so good, I don't know if it's from his shower gel or his natural scent but it's addicting. It's not overpowering, perhaps, very soothing. Parang kapag katabi mo gusto mong mas lumapit para masinghot lalo.
He had this intimidating and authoritative façade, sa unang tingin siguro ay mag-aalangan kang kausapin siya but it was just in the outside. Iba siya kapag malambing ang tingin at ngumingiti. Talking to him now felt light, he's beaming with sunshine. Kahit mas marami iyong iyak niya kaysa ngiti ngayon.
Have I seen him before? Why does he feel so... familiar?
"How are you?" He asked out of nowhere, as if we've known each other for a long time.
"Great. Nakakapagod ang duty at toxic pero ginusto ko naman." Natawa ako at hinarap siya lalo. "You? What's with the accident? Hindi ka ba maingat mag-drive? Kaskasero ka ba magmaneho? Naku, h'wag mayabang sa kalsada. Kaya alangan talaga ko sa mga mayamang may kotse–"
"H-hindi ako mayaman," mabilis na agap niya.
Nangunot ang noo ko.
"Saka 'di ako kaskasero! Magaling akong mag-drive!"
"Oh? Then why are you involved–"
"I... test drive Wave's car and you see what happened. I am a simple man, I am living a simple life," aniya habang tumatango.
"Ah, naku sayang naman at nasira agad ang sasakyan." Mas tumitig ako. Napalunok siya. "Sir, curious lang ako..."
"Ano?" Bahagya siyang tumungo para pantayan ang tingin ko.
"What do you do for a living?" I asked.
"Huh?" He blinked. "Uh, just driving uhm, fishing... you know." Nahihiya siyang napakamot sa kilay.
Umawang ang labi ko.
"Ikaw? Seriously?" He nodded. "Your cousin is a model! And also, you can fit as a model!" Pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin.
"Gwapo ka, macho, masarap–" I added but flinched when I realized I blurted what's supposed to stay in mind! "–masarap ba 'yong pinabili mo?" segway ko.
"Yes," his lips tugged for a smile. "It's good. You have to eat a lot, okay? Anong oras out mo?"
"Mamaya pa, mga six? Bakit, sunduin mo ba ako?" I joked.
"Sige," payag niya agad.
"I was just joking!" I gasped.
"Well, I'm not. I will fetch you later," desisyon niya at 'di na 'ko nakaangal nang sumilip sa 'min si Wave sa kurtina na naka-cap pa para sa disguise.
He extended the paperbag. Caspian took it. Natatawang may sinabi pa sa kanya ang pinsan. Nagbulungan sila bago niya padarag na isinara sa mukha ni Wave ang kurtina.
Inaya ko siya sa cafeteria dahil 'di rin kami makakakain dito at hindi hygenic. We discreetly went together at baka mahuli pa akong tumatakas para kumain!
"You shouldn't be hiding," aniya na pinagbuksan ako ng pintuan. "Naputol ang break mo, bakit ka mahihiya? You should be eating properly."
"Pero kasi–"
"If they got mad at you, akong bahala,"
Hindi na ako nagreklamo. Kami lang ang tao sa cafeteria pagdating at natawa pa 'ko nang ipagbuhat niya 'ko ng upuan.
"Salamat, Sir,"
He cocked his brow.
"Caspian," I corrected.
Pinanuod ko lang siyang naglalabas ng pagkain mula sa isang kilalang restaurant malapit sa Casa Amara. Napaayos ako ng upo at mas natakam nang buksan niya ang lagayan.
It was a rice meal! Garlic rice tapos may tokwa't-baboy! Nagtubig ang bagang ko.
"Gusto mo 'to," he said, not even a question. It's like he's so sure I'd like it!
It was a lucky guess, indeed! Napalunok ako.
"You bought this do'n sa resto sa may Casa?"
Tumango siya at tumabi sa 'kin, binubuksan ang drinks.
"Yup, I like their food. Massive ang scope ng menu, they cater a lot–mostly Filipino foods. Kumakain ka ro'n?" he asked.
Umiling ako at inabot ang kutsara. Gutom na gutom na 'ko talaga!
"You don't?"
"Ah, curious. Naririnig ko, masarap daw. Pero 'di pa ako naka-try."
"Can I ask why?" Nang balingan ko siya'y mapungay ang mga tingin, nag-aantay.
I shrugged.
"Ewan ko rin. It's weird, 'di naman ako mapili sa kainan but that place, parang 'di ko lang kayang pumasok?" Natawa ako at binalingan siya. "I know I'm weird–"
"You weren't," he mumbled. "I understand."
"Understand?" Ngumuso ako.
Tumango siya at inilahad sa 'kin ang side dishes. Pinagsawalang-bahala ko iyon.
"Saka medyo awkward din," I mumbled. "Kapangalan ko iyong resto."
"Polaris..." we both muttered.
Nagkatinginan kami. Muli kong naramdaman ang kirot kaya bumaling ako sa pagkain at maganang sumubo.
He watched me eat. I offered him but he refused, saying he's already full.
"Salamat," I smiled at him.
"May bayad 'to," natatawang sabi niya.
"Akala ko libre," I sulked. "Sige, how much is it?"
"Laters..." He winked.
Kung ano-anong napag-usapan namin at ang daldal ni Caspian. He'd ask random things hanggang sa na-mention niya kung saan siya banda nakatira.
"Ah! Malapit sa Casa? Ako, may bahay malapit do'n sa bagong subdivision. Kakalipat ko lang kasi three months ago, galing akong Manila."
His lips parted. "You're in Manila?"
"Oo, 'di ba, nasabi kong naospital ako? Doon ako na-confine tapos... ayon, nag-decide na lumipat na rito at 'yong Dad ko 'di na bumabata. Kailangang bantayan at palainom." Natawa ako. "Buti nga at napilit ko. Ayaw na ayaw no'ng pabalikin ako rito."
He nodded. I noticed him controlling his breath. Binuksan niya ang bottled water na isa at uminom do'n bago ako nilingon.
"I see, are you with someone?" he asked. "Perhaps... a boyfriend or a c-child?"
His voice quivered at the last word.
I shook my head.
"I don't have a kid," I said while staring at him.
His lips parted. His eyes fell on my stomach.
"Bilbil lang makikita mo r'yan." Natatawang hinaplos ko ang tiyan. "I'm twenty-eight na, single. No child."
"Y-you don't?" He asked again. I nodded.
"Bakit? Am I supposed to have a kid?" I joked but I saw no humor on his face. Mukha siyang nawawala kaya kumaway ako sa harapan niya.
"Hello? Earth to Caspian?"
He snapped out of his reverie and gave me a small smile.
"I'm fine," he breathed. "Just... uhm, eat okay? Kumain ka nang marami."
Naging tahimik siya pagkatapos no'n pero attentive pa rin at pinapanuod ang bawat kilos ko. Nakuha na rin ang resulta at luckily, all is well and good for him.
Bumalik si Dr. Roque para i-check siya ulit. I left to go back to my station and got preoccupied with rounds.
Napag-usapan rin na may nakakita kay Wave Nievarez sa emergency room pero hindi raw sigurado dahil 'di masyadong nakita.
Well, ask me! I've seen and talked to him! Naging pasyente ko rin 'yong pinsan niya! Beat me!
When my duty ended, I changed my clothes into a white blouse and jeans. Isinabit ko ang sling bag sa balikat habang pinagmamasdan ang mukha sa salamin.
I put a tint on my lips and cheeks and brushed my hair. Nangiti ako at hinaplos ang kwintas na inilabas sa damit na suot.
It was a gold Tiffany & Co Star of David necklace. I am unsure where I got it, or if it was given but I've had this since I woke up. I liked it. It felt like home.
Lumabas ako sa ospital para mag-antay ng jeep pauwi. Inangat ko ang mukha at napahugot ng hininga sa sariwang hangin na tumama sa mukha.
It felt good to inhale fresh air after hours of smelling nothing but antiseptics.
Mas gumaan ang pakiramdam ko pagkakita sa maliwanag na bituin, kumikinang at tila kumikindat sa kabila ng dilim. I lifted my hand and reached out for it in my head.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" I gasped when I heard that familiar voice. Nilingon ko kaagad at nakitang si Caspian! "Good evening,"
"Cas! Nandito ka pa? Ayos ka na?"
"Yep, thanks to my nurse," he said with a hint of a smile. I chuckled.
Why does it feel like I wasn't new to hearing those words?
Napansin kong iba na ang suot niya. Puting shirt, khaki pants at slippers.
"Oh, saan tayo ngayon?"
"I'm fetching you," he informed.
Namilog ang mata ko pero natawa't sinakyan siya.
"So, saan ang sasakyan?" I asked.
He shrugged and pointed somewhere proudly. I followed it and my lips parted at the sight of a tricycle.
"You're a tricycle driver?" I asked. He nodded shyly.
I chuckled, amused. "Oh, that's too cute."
"Do you mind?" Inabot niya ang bag ko.
"Not at all,"
Nangingiting sumunod ako sa kanya, 'di alam kung bakit pero kahit stranger siya'y ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko. He felt comfortable. There are no blaring alarms somewhere.
I just hope 'di ako maging susunod na imbestigahan sa SOCO nito.
Pinagpagan ni Cas ang loob ng trayk at tinapik, inilalahad ang kamay niya.
"Naks, may suki ka, a?" I joked.
"Hmm, pero ikaw na suki ko ngayon." Ngumisi siya, kumikislap ang malambing na berdeng mata. It was too mesmerizing and beautiful.
"Sabi mo 'yan, ah?" Tawa ko.
"Of course, promise," aniya at nang masiguradong komportable na'y pinaandar ang traysikel niya.
I couldn't believe it. Honestly, a part of me was skeptical about all these! He looked rich, he's handsome, and his aura? He screamed money but I was surprised he's a tricycle driver!
Not that I'm judging. It's okay, marangal na trabaho iyan pero 'di ko lang ine-expect. Akala ko jino-joke time ako kanina!
He picked up passengers on the way. Nang may pumara'y itinigil niya iyon sa gilid ng kalsada nang mapansing kong 'di nagbayad at dire-diretso lang.
"Oh, 'di nag bayad?" I asked. He shrugged, unbothered.
"It's alright,"
"Oh?!" Nanlaki ang mata ko. "E, paano ka kikita niyan?!"
"Diskarte lang 'yan," magaan niyang sagot.
Ano raw? Paanong diskarte, e, palugi siya?
I guided him to my house's location. Nang nando'n na'y bumaba siya sa traysikel para puntahan ako.
His lips are parted, his eyes sleepy as he stared at my house.
"So...this is your house?" He looked at my two-story house.
"Yep." I smiled.
Natahimik siya, mukhang malalim ang iniisip, nakatitig lang. Malamlam ang mga mata.
"Dito na ako," I said.
Doon na siya napaayos at ngumiti sa 'kin.
"Aalis ako kapag nakapasok ka na,"
"Thank you, Cas. May I know your name again? Nalala ko kasi ang ganda do'n sa patient chart mo.
"Prince Caspian Alcantara." He offered his hand.
Ngumiti ako. Pang-prinsipe nga!
"Polaris Reeva Reyes." I accepted his hand as we smiled at each other.
But then my back straightened when I saw the sudden flicker in the skies.
A falling star!
I gasped and exaggeratedly pointed it to him.
"May falling star! Make a wish!" I exclaimed. Bumaling siya sa langit. Pumikit para umusal ng hiling.
Sana, sana lahat ng makakita sa'yo at humiling matupad ang wish.
I opened my eyes and smiled, sa paglingon ko kay Caspian ay nakatitig siya sa akin.
"Did you make a wish, Caspian?"
"Yes." He nodded, staring... longingly.
Why?
"Then, what's your wish?" I asked curiously.
"Sana... " He swallowed painfully. "Sana kagaya ulit ng dati. Sana bumalik ka na sa 'kin," he murmured, staring deeply into my eyes.
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