Promise To A Stardust (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 5
Kabanata 5
SIRIUS, the brightest star in the night sky.
"What a beautiful name, baby," I muttered, mesmerized and amazed. The sweet boy smiled brightly, wrapping his arms around my nape tighter.
"That's your nephew." I stopped and looked at Dad. He was smiling, his eyes gentle as he stared at us.
"Really?" I muttered, my heart warm and softening. Inilayo ko ng bahagya si Sirius para mas matitigan siya.
"He has beautiful eyes," I commended.
"He got his father's eyes," ani dad na lumapit. He reached for the kid's cheek for a caress.
The kid beamed more, his eyes shining beautifully like emeralds.
Just like Caspian's. I never thought I'd see such wonderful eyes for the second time in a short period.
"What happened?" tanong ko bago naupo sa sofa. Kumalong sa 'kin si Sirius, humahagikhik.
"His mother, your cousin, died during childbirth."
I sighed, hinaplos ko ang namumulang pisngi nito at matamis na ngumiti. "Hi, baby..."
"His father?" I glanced at Dad.
"Well..." My father shook his head with a sad smile. "He died too, in a car accident. He was mourning for his wife's death. Drunk."
My shoulders fell, feeling bad and sad at the lovely kid who had lost his parents at a young age. He looked so innocent, his eyes full of life and hope–not knowing what fate did to him. Sa tuwing magkakatinginan kami'y nagliliwanag ang mata niya, malaki ang ngiti.
"That cousin, do I know her?"
Dad swallowed. "No." He looked away. "Medyo malapit sa amin ng Mom mo ang pinsan mong iyon kaya no'ng naospital siya ay ako ang pumunta."
"Hindi na siya nabigyan ng pangalan, 'nak." He breathed shakily, his eyes on him. "Then you were at coma that time..."
"How old is he, Dad?"
"Turning five now." Tumitig siya. "When you're in coma, I was in despair, missing you badly so I named him after your favorite star."
"Sirius," I repeated, the name music to my ears.
Sirius...
Hindi ko maalis ang titig sa bata, sa magaganda niyang berdeng mata, sa mahabang pilikmata, matangos na ilong, at itim na itim na buhok. His lips were pouty and reddish, sa puti niya'y kitang-kita ang pula sa pisngi.
What a handsome kid. I hope he won't become a heartbreaker when he grows up.
"Ikaw ang nag-alaga sa kanya?" baling ko sa ama. "I haven't seen him since I woke up, magdadalawang-taon na akong gising."
"I kept him under your grandma's care. Kaso nga lang ay nawala na ang lola mo kaya ako na ngayon.
"Aww." My lips protruded when I realized the kid has been watching me closely. I leaned in to kiss his cheek. "You're a quiet little boy."
"He's not much of a talker,"
"Quiet?" The little boy asked.
"Yes. Come on, speak to me," I encouraged him. Ilang minuto ko pa lang siyang nakakasama pero ang gaan-gaan na ng loob ko sa kanya.
"Mimi?" I was surprised when he called me that. He reached for my cheek.
I chuckled, inabot ko ang kamay nito sa pisngi ko at dinala sa labi ko.
I noticed Dad watching us silently, his eyes filled with emotions I couldn't name.
"You can call me Mimi," I murmured.
"Mimi!" he beamed and hugged me. Ipinikit ko ang mata at niyakap ang maliit niyang katawan.
"Baby, tayo muna ang magkasama ngayon, okay lang?" Sumiksik siya sa leeg ko at humagikhik.
"Opo!"
"Amy will stay here with you, kapag nasa trabaho ka, siya muna mag-aalaga kay Sirius," imporma niya, tinutukoy ang babae kanina. We smiled at each other.
Nagtungo ako sa kusina, buhat pa rin si Riu.
"Kumain na kayo?"
"Yes, Lars, bago pumunta rito. How about you?"
"Yes, Dad." Binalingan ko si Sirius pagkatapos ko siyang iupo sa stool. "Baby, want Mimi to make a mango shake for you?"
His eyes brightened. Pumalakpak siya at tumango.
"Yesh, Mimi! Shake! Shake!" He chirped.
"Alright. Stay still, I'll be back." Binalingan ko si Amy para alalayan ang bata bago nagtungo sa blender para mag-shake ng fresh mangoes.
Lumabas ang dad. Pasulyap-sulyap ako kay Riu na maliwanag at excited ang mukha, nag-aabang sa shake niya nang may marinig akong tahol.
My face lit again and when I moved my gaze to the door, my smile widened at the sight of my golden retriever.
"Caspian!" I called the dog.
"Dog!" Sirius exclaimed.
Buhay na buhay ang aso, nag-iingay. Umugong ang tawa ko nang inangat niya ang katawan sa 'kin, gustong makipaglaro.
"Later, Cas," I hummed. "Kumain na ba 'to, dad?"
"Hmm, I fed him earlier. Naramdaman atang nandito ka na kaya nag-iingay do'n sa likod, kung saan-saan lumulusot na-trap do'n sa mga halaman mo."
I smirked and reached for his head, rubbing it. He barked more.
"Dog! Mimi! Dog!" Sirius blurted as he pointed.
"That's Cas, Sirius," I informed.
"Dog?" He asked.
"Yes, Cas, dog." I nodded.
Bumalik kami sa sofa pagkatapos ko sa shake at sumunod ang aso kong si Cas pauwi. I was in awe watching the two playing comfortably. Seems like Cas liked him easily, huh? Medyo mailap kasi 'to sa mga bagong tao pero... I guess...
Anyway, yes. My dog's name is Caspian.
It's no wonder why sometimes, it felt awkward calling my newfound friend by his name, Caspian. Kapangalan niya kasi ang aso ko.
I actually don't know who named my furbaby, when I woke up from coma, he's already there with a tag named Caspian written on it.
It's pretty amazing how I knew two Caspians.
Caspian, the dog, and Caspian, the tricycle driver.
While the two were playing, Dad called me for reminders.
"Lars, if possible, don't stay outside too much, okay?"
"Why?" I asked curiously.
"Basta." He sighed. "It's dangerous outside, anak. And please take good care of Sirius."
"I will." I smiled, staring at the baby boy.
"Aasahan kita, okay? I woudn't like it if someone happened to you and him." Tumitig siya. "Kung maaari sana, h'wag kayong masyadong maglalalabas. If anyone asked where am I or kung sino ang kasama mo rito, you better not tell them."
I scratched my brow. My dad's really weird sometimes. Ganyan siya simula no'ng magising ako. Palaging paranoid. Ni ayaw nga 'ko pabalikin dito sa Casa Amara!
"You're weird, Dad."
He sighed. "I know but I want you to be safe, Polaris. 'Di na kita mapipigilan dahil nandito ka na ulit sa Casa. I couldn't let you leave kaya pakiusap ko lang, ngayon na nandito ka, sana'y mag-iingat ka. Ayaw ko nang mangyari ulit ang nangyari noon."
"Opo." I sighed. "I will take care."
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. Babalik rin ako kaagad. Please take some time to think of my offer. Join us.
"I'm a nurse here, Dad." I smiled.
"But you can also be a great nurse in States, hija," aniya. "Just think of it, okay? Rest well." Humalik siya sa noo ko bago ako kami inihatid sa kwarto at umalis.
Napagod kakalaro si Sirius kaya nakatulog kaagad pagkahiga sa kama.
My dog was on my feet, cuddling comfortably. I smiled and glanced at Sirius.
Idinantay ko ang ulo sa palad habang pinapanuod siya. He was sleeping peacefully.
I watched him closely and I couldn't help but trace his features. From his hair, to his closed eyes and chubby cheeks.
Parang little Caspian... the driver.
"Riu," I called him by the nickname, letting out a sigh of relief.
I don't know why but seeing the little boy lifted a massive heavy off my chest.
"Sleep tight, my baby," I whispered softly in his ears. "Mimi loves you so much. I will take care and protect you, I promise."
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
MORNING came and unfortunately, I had to leave for work and leave my star with Amy.
Naglakad ako palabas ng village para makapagpara ng sasakyan nang makarinig ng busina.
Tumikwas ang kilay ko nang may napansing pumaradang sasakyan sa tapat ko.
Bugatti?
Aba, sosyal! Naka-Bugatti! Baka may rich kid akong kapitbahay rito?
Muling bumusina kaya napahawak ako sa dibdib sa gulat.
"Harang ba ako?" I asked myself. Bahagya akong lumayo sa sasakyan pero nagulantang nang sabayan din ako nito.
I stopped. It stopped too.
"Huh?" Napakamot ako sa kilay at 'di na lang pinansin.
Bahala siya d'yan! Gumilid na nga 'ko, tumabi pa rin?
I heard the car door open. Napasulyap ako nang may lumabas at natulos sa gulat pagkakita ng napakapamilyar na lalaki!
He was walking toward me, his smile bright. He's wearing a black polo ang pants.
"C-Caspian?"
"Morning, Reev!" He beamed and took my bag.
"Cas?" I repeated. I blinked. Nanaginip ba 'ko?
Bumaling akong muli sa sasakyan.
"Bakit? Bakit may Bugatti..." I pointed to the car. He was taken aback and swallowed.
"Uber," he muttered and smiled awkwardly. "Uber driver din ako."
"Sosyalin!" I eyed his car and stared at him. "Sa 'yo?"
"No, kay Wave." Tumikhim siya.
Close na close sila ng pinsan, ah? I smiled.
"Kaya pala extra gwapo ng get up natin today, ah?" Pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin. "Bango pa."
His lips parted. He looked adorable.
"Magandang umaga, Cas!"
"Mas maganda sa umaga," agap niya at bago pa ako makapag-react ay pinagbubuksan na niya 'ko ng pintuan, umaalalay papasok.
His familiar scent assaulted my senses when I got in. I noticed his phone in a holder.
Driver nga at mukhang nagwe-Waze. Tamang-tama at medyo na-late akong umalis at may aksidente raw sa daan kanina, baka may alternate way siya para makarating sa ospital.
Pero ang sosyal ng gamit niya pamasada, p'wede pala 'to?
"Kuya, where are you?" A baritone voice echoed from his phone. Naka-loud speaker pa! "Kuya, damn it, answer. I'm still sleepy!"
Pagkapasok ng sasakyan at pagkarinig ni Cas sa phone ay hinablot niya iyon sabay sulyap sa 'kin, nagpa-panic.
"P'wede kaya tayo mag-Waze, Cas?" I asked instead.
"W-Waze?" Napatitig siya.
"'Yong app na ginagamit n'yo? May accident daw kasi sa main road, maaga duty ko sana kaya hanap tayo ibang daan."
He visibly panicked. Hindi man lang niya sinagot ang tao sa phone at ibinalik iyon sa holder.
"Uh, Waze, going to Azuera Medical Center." Biglang sabi niya.
"Oh, voice-activated?" I stared at his phone.
"Anong Waze? Naka-drugs ka ba?" the baritone voice scoffed.
"Fuck!" Hinabot ulit iyon ni Caspian, inilapit sa tainga niya at may mahinang sinabi, nagmamadali. 'Di ko rin naintindihan, basta narinig ko na tinatawag niyang Warrion ang kausap.
Maya-maya pa ay nilapag niya ulit iyon at tumikhim.
"Alright, to the hospital, Warrion," aniya sa phone.
"Oh? Warrion? Hindi na Waze?" I asked curiously.
"Uhm, new app." Caspian cleared his throat.
"Fuck, ginawa akong Waze amputa–"
"To the hospital please," dumiin ang boses ni Caspian. May tumikhim sa kabilang linya bago nagsalita.
"Turn right," the manly voice echoed at mas nagulantang ako.
I was confused but decided to just stare at road, halos mali-mali kasi ang sinasabi sa phone at si Caspian ay iba rin ang daan na pupuntahan, naliwas sa turo umano ng app.
I couldn't help but smile because he went along with it.
I know this is just some crazy and funny pakulo because there's no way Waze was like that but I appreciate what Caspian was doing to make me smile and he isn't failing. I'm loving every moment of this crazy ride.
He's adorable.
"Thank you, Cas," pasalamat ko pagkarating namin sa ospital.
"Welcome," maamo niyang sagot bago lumabas at pagbuksan ako.
Inalalayan niya ako palabas.
"Saan ka na ngayon?"
"Sa opisin–babiyahe," he answered, moistening his lip. I noticed his hair was messy so I reached for it and fixed it up. He lowered his body to help reach it. Our gazes clashed.
I smiled.
"Kahit h'wag mo na ako sunduin mamaya, baka maubusan ka ng gas. Sayang din ang kita," I told him but he shook his head, reaching for my hair and pushing the strands behind my ear.
"No, susunduin kita. Kain tayo?"
I would love to but...
"How about dinner at my house later? Magluluto ako, nando'n kasi 'yong pamangkin ko," I offered.
His face brightened. He nodded.
"I would love to. So, see you later? Don't forget your lunch, ayokong nagpapalipas ka."
I nodded. He caught my fingers, slowly lifting them up to his lips. My heart hammered when he planted a gentle kiss on the back of my palm.
"Have a good day," he murmured and let go.
The familiar warmth washed through me again at that. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko pero nginitian ko siya.
"Have a good day, too. Thanks! Ingat sa biyahe!" I waved him goodbye.
He smiled handsomely and winked. Umalon ang sikmura ko, uminit ang pisngi kaya nag-iwas para sana umalis pero tinawag niya ako.
"Reev?"
"Y-yes?" Hinarap ko siya.
"Uh..." He moistened his lip. "Can I get your number?" he asked shyly.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
AS usual, it was an exhausting shift, lalo na at mukhang alam ng tadhana ang oras na pauwi ka na. Maraming biglaang pasyente.
I just finished returning the unused medicines to the pharmacy when I noticed a commotion in the ER on the way to the locker rooms.
Nagkakagulo ang ilang nurse, mukhang 'di dahil sa injury ng pasyente kundi dahil sa matinis na boses nitong umaalingawngaw.
With the way they're pacing, mukha na silang stressed. Sumilip ako at may maliit na concussion sa noo, bakit nagagalit 'to?
"Aray! Be careful naman!" She whined, her voice echoing into the whole ward.
"Ma'am kailangan lang pong lagyan ng–"
"Ayoko! Are you stupid? I said, it hurts! Irereklamo ko kayo!" She screamed, nakakaabala na 'yon at nagrereklamo ang mga nasa katabing kurtina.
"Sige na, Ma'am. Mabilis lang po–"
"I said no! Hindi kayo marunong! This hospital is stupid! Public hospital kasi! Where's Claude? It's his fault! We should've gone to a private hospital than this cheap–"
"Excuse me," I decided to get involved. Hinawi ko ang kurtina at pumasok.
Her eyes were sharp but when she saw me, it faded and was replaced with shock. Her lips parted, probably surprised someone butted in.
"Ma'am, we apologize but you have to calm down," marahang sabi ko. "Our nurses our doing their best to attend to you pero pakiusap lang po sana kasi naiistorbo ang ibang pasyente–"
"W-who are you?" her voice quivered as if she'd seen a ghost.
"Ma'am?"
"This is Nurse Polaris," ani ng kasama. Mas namilog ang mata ng babae, nasurpresa. She pointed at me like I'm some apparition of sorts.
"Y-you're alive," she murmured.
"Excuse me?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Of course, Ma'am, I'm alive–"
"You can't be alive!" She hissed at tumalon ang puso ko sa gulat sa lakas no'n.
"M-Ma'am?" Bigla siyang tumayo at lumapit sa akin kaya napaatras ako.
"Dapat patay ka na! Dapat wala ka na!" She screamed and suddenly raced closer to attack me.
I was stunned kaya 'di ko siya napigilan nang maabot niya ang leeg ko't mabuwal. I gasped when he pushed me.
"Dapat patay ka na Polaris! You bitch!" She exclaimed. I gripped her wrist and tried pushing her away but she gripped my hair.
"H-help!" I choked on my voice and tried pushing as my co-workers pulled her away from me.
"Cheska! Cheska! What the fuck?!" a voice echoed and the woman got snatched off me, pulling her away.
"Lars!" Sigawan ng mga kasama, inaalalayan ako patayo.
"You should be dead by now!" The woman said, hysterical.
"Cheska! Ano bang ginagawa mo?!"
"That bitch!" She pointed, the reason why the man's eyes landed in my direction.
I noticed the familiar shock in his eyes when he saw me like what the woman did earlier. It was as if they'd seen a ghost.
He was tall, just an inch or two shorter than Cas. He has dark eyes and dark hair.
"Lars," he called.
My forehead creased.
"Lars, okay ka lang?" ani ng kasama at kahit naguguluhan ako sa lahat ng nangyayari ay tumango.
Pinatawag kami sa administration office para pag-usapan ang nangyaring kumosyon. These people are something else. Matalim at galit ang tingin sa 'kin ng babae, tila punong-puno ng pagkamuhi meanwhile, the man was looking intently. He couldn't take his gaze off me.
I was trying to console myself. I am not used to things like this. Wala akong kaaway o kung ano kaya in shock pa rin ako sa nangyari. I held myself back from being emotional. I have to stay calm despite the hyperventilation. I'm a hospital staff.
"Miss Estrada, why would you attack Miss Reyes?" Ang head ng ospital ang kausap namin ngayon, tinatanong siya.
Before the woman could utter a thing, may kumatok. Dumungaw do'n ang secretary niya.
"Doc, nandito po ang guardian ni Miss Reyes,"
"Papasukin mo."
Napaayos ako ng upo pagkarinig no'n at nang makita ang pagpasok ni Caspian at nagtagpo ang tingin namin ay tuluyan nang nangilid ang luha ko.
"C-Cas," I called.
He didn't take his eyes off me. Malaki ang hakbang niya para maabot ako't mabilis na napanatag nang makarating siya sa tapat ko't lumuhod. He cupped my cheek.
"What happened? Are you alright? Hurt?
"Caspian?" The woman called. Napabaling sa kanya si Caspian.
"Cheska," mariing tawag niya.
My heart dropped.
Cheska?
Mula sa babae'y napunta ang malamig na tingin ni Caspian sa lalaking kasama nito. His jaw clenched.
"You knew each other?" ani doc.
Bumaba ang palad ni Cas mula sa pisngi ko at naupo sa tabi ko. I felt him reach for my waist to pull me closer to him, his stance protective.
"What happened?" he asked in a thick accent.
"Miss Estrada here suddenly attacked Miss Reyes, screaming she should be dead."
I swallowed. I felt Caspian's tension beside me.
"My apologies, doc, but it's a personal reason," ani no'ng lalaki.
Personal?
"Personal? But we're in the hospital and she suddenly attacked our staff inside the premises. That is assault. You should apologize to Nurse Polaris, Miss," ani ng doktor.
"Me?" Eksaheradong napatingin sa akin si Cheska.
I couldn't explain why but there was something in her presence that I didn't like. It was heavy and disturbing. Nag-iwas ako.
"Yes, Miss. You caused harm to our employee. Hindi namin 'to palalagpasin ng ganito."
"But–"
"Umuwi na lang tayo," I whispered to Cas as I tugged his clothes.
"No." He shook his head. "We won't be leaving without their apology." His jaw clenched.
"Cas, wala kaming ginagawa!" Cheska defended herself. I couldn't stand her presence.
I sighed. "Just don't do it again." Ako na ang sumagot kaya napatingin sa 'kin si Caspian.
I noticed the defiance in his expression. He's obviously against what I said but when he read my expression, he let it go. His palm crawled into mine. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko.
"I hope this won't happen again," he said coldly and authoritatively. "Hindi ako papayag na palagpasin 'to kahit gusto ni Polaris."
That's when it dawned on me he wasn't wearing his usual attire. He's very formal today.
Suit and tie. Like he came straight from closing a million-dollar deal.
"We're very sorry, Mr. Alcantara," ani ng doktor bago sa 'kin. "Miss Reyes,"
"My apologies for her behavior... Polaris," ani no'ng lalaki. Humigpit ang hawak ni Cas sa kamay ko.
His protectiveness doubled and to calm him, I squeezed his hand.
Tumango ako sa lalaki, 'di na siya matignan. I noticed Cheska staring intensely at Caspian, as if it was the first time she'd seen him again and he wanted to snatch him beside me.
"Cas–" Akmang tatayo ang babae.
"Cheska! Stay here!" Pigil no'ng lalaki sa akmang paglapit nito.
"Let's go," anyaya ni Cas na inalalayan ako patayo.
He took my bag and supported me until we're outside the hospital.
"We'll go home," aniya. "Are you feeling alright? Nasaktan ka ba? We're still here, you should get checked–"
"Wala naman akong sugat," I murmured. "Ayos lang ako."
He faced me, his worried eyes roaming around mine, looking for any scratches. He touched my shoulder to check on my neck.
"She hurt you," he noticed and touched a part of my neck. I sighed.
"Nagulat lang ako kasi bigla siyang umatake."
"I'll press charges."
"Please, ayaw ko nang palakihin," tanggi ko.
His jaw clenched. I stared at him, pinapakiusapang ayaw ko nang mas lumaki. He sighed.
"I won't let that woman come near you again," he muttered under his breath. We reached the Bugatti. Nilingon ko siya.
"C-Cheska, that's your ex, right?" I asked.
Dumilim ang tingin niya bago tumango.
"Then why would she attack me? She speaks like she knows me."
Hindi siya nakasagot kaagad.
"She's kind of obsessive," aniya. "Please don't come near that woman, okay? She's bad news."
I didn't ask further because it's obvious he didn't like the topic. Instead, I smiled.
"Thanks for coming, naistorbo ba kita? Wala na kasi akong maisip na tawagan–"
"Don't bother, I will be here whenever you need me. You can call me anytime. Hindi ako magrereklamo. Hindi ka istorbo."
Mas gumaan ang pakiramdam ko at muli siyang pinasadahan ng tingin.
"Iba nanaman ang raket mo?" I asked lightly.
He stiffened and glanced at his clothes, realizing it.
"Fuck," he cursed loudly. I giggled.
"What is it this time, Cas?" I asked and laughed. "Is our driver closing a million-dollar deal now, huh?"
"It's Wave's fault," sisi niya sa pinsan.
Tumaas ang kilay ko.
"Don't even ask," he dismissed. Natawa ako. "Come on, get in, let's go to your house."
I tried to be happy as we made our way to my house, gamit pa rin niya 'yong sosyaling Uber niya.
Kinikwentuhan niya 'ko ng tsismis tungkol sa mga narinig niya sa pasahero niya kanina pero ang utak ko'y nanatili sa mga sa ospital.
It wasn't too long when I got here in Casa Amara pero ang dami nang nangyayari. Including Caspian.
I knew I was from here before the incident. Are they part of my forgotten past?
Binalingan ko si Caspian.
I'm sure he wasn't a simple man. He doesn't just drive for a living.
He's... something more.
"What will you cook for me, Reev?" Binalingan niya ako.
"How about sinigang na hipon?" I asked.
"That would be great." He smiled. "I'm excited to taste your food again–I mean, to taste the food you'll cook."
"Masarap 'yon, baka ma-in love ka sa akin kapag natikman mo," I joked.
"Matagal na," he breathed.
I blinked, startled. Umawang ang labi ko ngumisi lang siya bago naunang palabas ng sasakyan para pagbuksan ako.
Nasa tapat na kami ng bahay?
Natigilan ako nang makitang biglang bumukas ang pintuan at may batang tumatakbo palabas.
"Sirius!" I exclaimed. Mabilis akong lumabas ng sasakyan at umawang ang labi nang tumakbo siya sa may kalsada.
"Sirius!" I screamed, panicking when I realized there was an approaching vehicle on his way.
Adrenaline rushed in my veins but Caspian was quicker. Tumatakbo na siya palapit at nahablot si Riu palayo sa kalsada, dahilan para mawalan sila ng balanse at matumba sa gilid ng daan.
Napasinghap ako at mabilis na tumakbo palapit sa kanila.
"Oh my God! Sirius!" I exclaimed pero natigil ako nang makitang nakatitig si Caspian sa bata na inosenteng nakatingin sa kanya. "Are you okay–"
"A-anak," he muttered, their identical green eyes glistening as they stared at each other. Tears fell from Caspian's eyes.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: ZingTruyen.Xyz