A Kiss to Life

Chapter 2: Medical School

Our flight got delayed for an hour but it was fine. I went back to my seat when everything settled. Mason was waiting for me and I can see how worried he was for me.

"What happened?" He immediately asked.

"Someone had a heart attack," I answered shortly.

"A heart attack?" He repeated and I nodded. "What did you do then?"

"I just pumped some air for him and monitored his heart rate. The patient, I think, has a heart problem and he knew it. He already took his meds but since we're in a higher latitude and the flight is long, his heart could not grasp enough air to function properly," I explained.

"How's he now?"

"Stable. He's conscious and responsive. But he still needs to be checked in the hospital so they needed to bring him there," I answered.

Mason nodded. "How are you?"

I arched my brow. "I'm good. I was nervous but I'm fine," I told him. "You can stop worrying now, Maze. I'm fine, okay?"

That's only when he breathed calmly. "Make sure you take a rest when we arrive home."

"I will," I answered and that ended our conversation.

We both fell in silence for the rest of our flight. Mason slept again while I stayed wide awake. I can't sleep, not even a nap thinking about what just happened.

I can't deny the number of doubts I had during that time; of how afraid I was to fail saving that man's life. It was terrifying. I was scared he would die on me.

But seeing how those eyes opened and stared at me dazedly, I knew I did great. He, continuing breathing makes the purpose of me being a nurse and wanting to be a doctor ignited more.

It feels overwhelming to save life but it was fulfilling as well.

"I didn't know it was you. God. I'm so proud of you, Mari." Tito Gavin said.

We just landed at NAIA and the first thing Tito Gavin did was to reach out to the nurse who helped save the life of one of his passengers. And he was surprised to see me.

"I'm so proud of you, girl." Kenzie said too, hugging me tightly. "And welcome back home! I missed you so much," she added.

"I missed you, too, Kenz. And I am so proud of you too. I was so excited when maze told me you co-pilot with Tito Gavin.

Tito Gavin smiled and put his arm around Kenzie's shoulder. "I'm proud to see you both excel in your profession."

I smiled too. "We excel because we were trained by the best in our profession, Tito. You trained Kenzie like how I was trained by mom and dad," I said.

"Of course. Where else you all will get the talent, right?" Tito said, chuckling.

We laughed and nodded.

"I wonder where I got mine, though." Mason butted in, shrugging.

Kenzie and I rolled our eyes immediately, while Tito Gavin chuckled more.

"Well, surely, you didn't get that from your father nor your titos, Ihjo." Tito Gavin said, tapping Mason's shoulder.

Mason pouted. "That's what I meant, Tito." He answered defensively.

Apparently, my brother is good with handling girls. He always denies it but the number of girls who have bothered me just because of me proves what he is towards them.

Mason scoffed seeing Kenzie's and my reactions. "I know what you two are thinking," he told us. "I told you, guys. I have nothing to do with those girls," he added.

"We're not saying anything, Maze," Kenzie teases my brother.

"You're so defensive," I added and joined Kenzie in teasing him.

Mason rolled his eyes. "One day, I will prove to all of you that I was not what you all perceive me to be," he said.

I shrugged. "Yeah. Whatever," I said just to tease him more. Nakasimangot tuloy siya hanggang sa makauwi na kami sa bahay. Ngumiti lang ulit siya ng nasa harap na naming sina mommy at daddy. Elias was here too, pupungas-pungas pa ng salubungin kami.

My homecoming is a surprise to my parents. I even asked Tito Gavin to not tell Dad about what happened on our flight back to Manila because it will ruin our surprise.

"Mari," Mom uttered my name. She was crying upon seeing me emerging from our main door. "You're home!"

"I missed you, mom," I said and kissed her on her cheek. She, on the other hand, hugged me so tight and it felt like my ribs would break.

"I missed you too, sweetie. Oh, God. I can't believe you're here now."

I chuckled. "I was just away for a year, mom. Huwag ka nang umiyak." I wiped mom's tears while I'm still in her arms.

"I'm glad you're home now," Daddy said from the side.

I thought I would not cry anymore. I thought I was fine already. But hearing my dad say he's glad I'm already home with a controlled but shaky voice, breaks my heart once more.

I must have hurt my father so much when I left.

"Daddy," I called and hugged him. "I'm sorry I had to leave," I cried.

Daddy kissed the top of my head, hugging me back. "I understand," he said.

"I hurt mom and you. I'm sorry."

Mom shook her head. "We're fine, sweetie. Your dad and I are okay. What's important is you're home now."

"I'm sorry," I said.

I felt dad take a deep sighed. "You are precious, Mari. For us, your mom, brothers, and I, you are the most precious. You are irreplaceable for us. I hope you will always remember that," daddy said, which made me cry more.

Mom hugged us. "We love you, anak. Our love for you will never fade."

I nodded. "I love you too, mommy, daddy."

"We love you most, anak." Dad said, kissing the top of my head again.

I felt Elias hugging my legs. He was crying. "I love you, Ate."

I smiled and kneel down to level his height. Elias is just twelve-year-old and he has to see me like this.

"I love you, too. Eli." I hugged him. "I missed you, baby boy."

Elias cried more and hugged me back tightly. "I missed you so much, Ate! I was sad when you left. You leave me with Kuya. I hate you for that but I love you so much that I don't hate you now," he said.

That made mom and dad laugh. I laughed but Mason scoffed.

I am happy to be home, to see them again, and to be with them after a year of being away. I am so happy that I can't help but feel a pang of pain in my chest.

"I'm sorry, Eli. Don't worry, I won't leave anymore. I will not leave you with your Kuya Mason anymore," I soothed him, giving him a kiss on his cheek.

Mason scoffed again.

Mason's a great bother for both Elias and I, it's just that, he likes teasing Elias until he cries.

I want to make up with the year I was away. I want to assure my parents that I was already fine; that I have moved on and they don't have to worry anymore.

"What are your plans now you're back?" Daddy asked. We're in the dining area for our lunch. "We have a vacancy in the pedia ward. Do you want me to –" I cut dad's words by shaking my head.

"I will not work yet, dad. I want to continue my studies in medical school," I said.

Daddy arched his brow and turned to mom.

"Medical School, sweetie? I thought you wanted to work as a nurse?" Mom asked.

"That's my exact reaction, too, when she told me that, mom." Mason butted in.

I just wrinkled my nose at him. "I still want that, mom. I want to help people in need; to save lives. And I know I can do more if I become a doctor," I answered.

Dad smirked, while mom had that shocked—or disbelief—expression. I knew I told her I wanted to be like her. I dreamed of becoming a nurse because of her. I grew up seeing her and dad save lives and that inspired me to pursue a medical career, to become a nurse. But after thinking of it thoroughly, I come to realize that I can give more if I was a doctor. And what happened in the aircraft earlier convinced me more to pursue medical school.

"Are you disappointed, Mom? Dad?" I asked. I knew they didn't expect this but I am already determined to pursue it.

Dad immediately shook his head. "Of course not, sweetie. If that's what you want, then we will give you our full support," Dad answered.

"Thank you, daddy," I smiled at him. "Mom?"

Mommy smiled and held my hand. "We will support you, anak. Whatever makes you happy and fulfilled, we will support you. Your daddy and I are always here to support and guide you."

I smiled hearing that. "Thank you, mommy, daddy."

"Anything for you, sweetie," Daddy said.

For the first of my homecoming, there are already a lot that happened. I thought can finally rest after lunch but I was wrong. Isa-isa kasing nag datingin sa bahay ang mga kaibigan ni daddy at mommy.

First was Tita Samantha with Ate Saviah. Tita Sam was so happy to see me, Ate Saviah too. But I know, somehow, they went because of him. He is Tita Sam's nephew and Ate Saviah's cousin.

Second was Tito Connor and Tita Chai together. They were with Orrin and Kenzie. Hindi man lang ata nakapag pahinga si Kenzie at dinala na agad sa amin.

Tita Bree and Tito Grant came third. And then, it was Tita Bree I was really happy to see—not that I was not happy to see the rest of them. It's just, Tita's a doctor too! A neurosurgeon! And I wanted to be like her, so seeing her visit makes me excited. I have so many questions I want to ask her.

"Do you already have a medical school in your mind?" Tita Bree asked.

Daddy just announced that I will be pursuing medical school to everyone. Tito Gavin also told them what happened on our way to Manila from Italy and everyone was thrilled to hear about it, especially my parents. They can't believe I did save the life of that guy.

I shook my head. "I'm still researching, Tita."

"You can try UST, Ihja." Tita Bree suggested.

I smiled and nodded. "I will make that as my top choice in choosing the school I will enroll in," I said.

The conversation about me going to med school continued and everyone's so invested on the topic. Dad and Tita Bree gave a lot of ideas and information about it and everyone's listening, amazed how they survived it.

But in the middle of it, came the people I least expected to see sooner.

His parents.

"Welcome home, ihja," Tita Jordyn greeted me. Beside her was Tito Caius, her husband. "This is for you." She handed me a paper bag.

A gift, I guess.

"Thank you po," I said, accepting their gift.

I don't hate them. I knew they also didn't like what happened. They don't have a hold to what their son is up to anymore. They are innocent from what happened and I knew they also loved me like their own daughter, but I can't deny that I am still not ready to see them nor talk to them yet.

I'm afraid of what they might say regarding the past and I am also afraid of what I might say.

"Caius," Dad acknowledged them. "Jorge."

"We heard she's home and we want to see her. Talk to her," Tita Jorge said.

Dad nodded but said, "My daughter just came home. I hope you two won't mind if I ask you to let her rest first before you talk to her?"

"Of course, Aydan. We understand," Tito Caius answered.

"Thank you. Have a seat. We were talking about Mari going to medical school," Daddy said.

Tita Jorge's eyes widened and she immediately turned to me. "Really?"

I nodded and smiled at her.

"Oh, God. I'm so proud of you, Ihja!"

"I still have to pass the NMAT, Tita. I'm not in yet. And we don't know if I'll get in," I said but Tita immediately shook her head.

"Oh, no-no. I know you'll get in. I have known you since you were a kid. I know exactly what you're capable of doing! You are good at everything you want to do," she praised and I can't help but feel bitterness.

I was good at everything?

If so, why was I not enough for your son?

Oh, dammit!

Stop right there, Amaris! Stop thinking about it again. You've moved, right?

You shouldn't be thinking about it anymore!

"That's still medical school, Tita. It's different from high school and college. Surely, there are better ones than me," I said.

I don't mean anything about what I said but they fell silent.

"You are not better because you are the best," Dad said,

I smiled and felt warm in my heart. I knew I will always have him to support me.

"Yeah. You are Amaris Romana Dela Sierna Claveria. Consistent honor student. Graduated Valedictorian and Magna c*m Laude. You will pass the NMAT and get it to medical school. That's for sure," Kenzie said, winking at me.

I smirked at her and replied, "You are fluttering too much, Captain Lincongco."

Orrin wrapped his arm around Kenzie's shoulder and said, "Correction, it's Captain Lincongco-Jimenez."

Tito Gavin cleared his throat and said, "Not yet, young man. My daughter is still a Lincongco. She will not be a Jimenez until you marry her."

And like a puppy, Orrin nodded and removed his arm on Kenzie's shoulder. Kenzie, on the other hand, smirked on his fiancé. Teasing him.

Orrin and Kenzie are engaged. They are getting married in a few months. And it warms my heart to see them happy. They have been together since we were all kids. They have been best friends until they decided to make it more than that.

They have been in love with each other since then.

It still amazes me how they were able for fulfill their promise to each other.

Huh!

Enough, enough.

I mentally shook my head and my thoughts almost went to that thought again.

That day was so long that after the guests left, I went straight to my room and slept after taking a bath.

I woke up the next morning, although I have completed the 8-hour sleep, I still feel tired. I still felt jetlag and my head was aching. I just took a pain reliever then went out of my room.

"Good morning!" I greeted mom and dad. I found them at our dining area, ready for our breakfast.

"You're up early, sweetie?" Mommy asked. It's still 6:30 in the morning.

I nodded and sat beside her. "I'm enrolling for a review class for NMAT, mom. I have to be early so I can have the morning schedule."

"Is that so?" Mom asked and I nodded again. Mommy put a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon on it. "You should eat more, then."

"Thanks, mommy." I said, smiling at her.

"Do you need any help on finding a review center, anak? I can ask one of my resident doctors where he enrolled for review," Daddy asked.

I shook my head. "No need, daddy. I already have one I want to enroll in."

"Where is it?" Mommy asked.

"Brains and Training Review," I answered.

Daddy nodded. "Great choice," he said. "How much do you need for a review?"

"I still have money, daddy."

"Will that be enough?"

"Yeah. I didn't spend much in Italy."

Since I reached high school, my parents let me handle my own finances. They will just deposit my monthly allowance on my bank account and it was up to me how I will spend it. And I am not the kind that spends a lot on things. So, I saved a lot from high school until I graduated college.

Plus, they gifted me an ample amount of money when I graduated as Magna c*m Laude. Which I haven't spent yet—not even a centavo from it.

And when I moved to Italy, daddy continuously sent me money that I didn't need. So, I have a lot of money even if I don't work yet.

"But I think I will be redeeming my license gift?" I said.

Daddy asked me what gift I wanted when I passed the PNLE. I didn't have anything in mind at that time so I told him I will save it for the future. And that future is now.

"Alright. What do you want? I just hope it was not a condo. I don't think I will let you move out again now that you just come back," Daddy asked.

I chuckled and shook my head. "No. It's not a condo, daddy."

"Hmm... What is it then?"

"A car, daddy. I want a car," I said.

Daddy arched his brow, while mom's eyes widened.

"Okay," Daddy said and mommy reacted immediately. "We will hire her a driver, love. Don't worry," he told mom.

I wrinkled my nose. "I don't need a driver, dad. I will drive," I said and that made mom lose her cool.

"You will not drive, Amaris. If you want to have your car, you have to have a driver," she said.

"I can drive, mom."

"No."

"Dad?"

We were not allowed to drive. That was dad's rule ever since. Why? Because we almost lost mom and Mason years back because of a car accident. So, since then, that prohibited mom from driving alone. And that rule applies to everyone in the house.

"I will hire a driver for you, ihja."

"But dad..."

"I will need a driver, anak. Medical school is exhausting. It's not safe for you to drive when you lack sleep and are exhausted from studying."

"What was the point of having my own car, then?"

Dad shrugged. "I will let you drive it after you graduate from med school."

"That's four years from now, daddy." I said, pouting.

Daddy chuckled but didn't say anything anymore. Mommy, on the other hand, seems satisfied hearing dad's decision.