Chapter 5
1019 Words
CHAPTER FIVE
Reuben POV
I was about to leave my office when my cellphone started ringing. It was Lolo Agustin calling, so I immediately picked up the call, thinking he might have something to buy again.
"It's good you answered right away, apo. Have you heard the news that Elise has returned here to Santa Monica?" I could clearly hear the joy and excitement in his voice, knowing how much he adores Elise. She resembles her grandmother, Lola Eliosa, who was loved by both their grandfathers. However, Lola Menandro won Lola Eliosa's heart over Lolo Agustin.
"Are you still there?
"Yeah, Lolo," I replied."
"Accompany me to the hospital tomorrow," he said, his voice suddenly subdued. The joy and excitement I had heard earlier were replaced by a somber tone, making me feel uneasy.
"Why, Lolo? Is something wrong? Is someone hurt? Is there something wrong with you? I'm on my way home now. I'll get you and take you to the hospital." I was worried, my voice reflecting my concern.
"No, no, I'm perfectly fine, apo," he reassured me. "Menandro was hospitalized this morning, and the worst thing is he's in a coma. I'm planning to visit him tomorrow."
I sighed in relief. So that's the reason why Elise was rushing home crying earlier. It wasn't that man. He was referring to Alex.
"Okay, Lolo. I'll check on Lolo Menandro briefly before I go home."
"Is it only Menandro? What about Elise?" Lolo teased.
I sighed. "Not this time, Lolo," I said.
“Ay aya sika nga ubing anya ububraemon? Kasla ka la pag-ong!
(Oh, come on, kid. What are you doing? You're as slow as a turtle!" Lolo said.
“I have my plan, Lolo. Don’t worry.” “Okay, I’ll hang up now.” I said, ending the call immediately. I know him. He can talk for hours once he gets started.
I glanced at my watch. It was past 6 in the evening. I was about to cross the street when I remembered something. I turned back and walked towards the food house, just a few steps from the Municipal Hall. The beauty of being in the town proper is that everyone has everything they need here.
“It’s you, Mayor. Good evening,” Aling Tasing greeted me warmly.
“Good evening, Aling Tasing,” I replied. “Wrap up all my favorites,” I added. She knows all my favorites because I always ask Joanne to buy take-out food for me.
“Here you go, Mayor,” she handed me the paper bag filled with food.
I took it, handed her the payment, and quickly said goodbye.
“Oh, Mayor, this is too much,” Aling Tasing exclaimed.
“Keep the change as additional capital,” I replied, and I quickly walked towards the hospital.
I was at the information desk when Uncle Ramon saw me. “Reuben,” he called out.
“Uncle, good evening,” I greeted him. “I just wanted to check on Lolo Menandro,” I said with hesitation.
“No worries. Elise is not in Papa’s room. They’re at the chapel with my wife,” Uncle said. “Room 123. Go ahead. I’ll leave you first; I just need to buy something.” He excused himself.
“If it’s about food, Uncle, I brought some,” I said, raising the paper bag I brought.
“You went through the trouble, but thank you, son. come and I’ll accompany you to Papa’s room,” he said. “What’s your plan?” Uncle Ramon asked as we walked side by side.
“Plan? I’m just checking on him,” I replied.
“What I mean when will you approach and talk to her?” Uncle inquired.
“It’s a blessing in disguise that she’s the speaker at the seminar that Andrew and I attended. So, I came up with a plan to get closer to her again.” I replied, feeling encouraged.
“Whatever your plan is, I’ll support you. Just give it your all,” Uncle said, patting my shoulder. “Here we are,” he said as we reached Lolo Menandro’s room.
I only stayed for a few minutes and left quickly, fearing that Elise might come back.
Elise POV
We were in the hospital chapel, Aunt Malou and I, praying for Lolo's swift recovery and giving thanks at the same time. It's been less than a day since Lolo was admitted, and there's already an improvement. He moved one of his fingers a while ago. It's a good sign that his body is accepting the medication he's receiving. After a while, we decided to leave the chapel.
"Dinner is set. Let's eat," Uncle called out as soon as Aunt Malou and I entered Lolo's room.
"Wow, Uncle, you're the best! You know all my favorites," I exclaimed, my mouth watering as I looked at the food spread. I was about to grab a crispy fried wing chicken when Uncle slapped my hand, making Aunt Malou laugh.
" You naughty kid. Wear this first," he said, handing me a pair of plastic disposable gloves. I put them on and started devouring the food.
"I'm full," I said. "I'll get fat if I just sleep and eat all day." I complained.
"Good thing you've been eating a lot," Uncle Ramon said. "Anyway, why don't you go home for a while? The kids have been asking when you'll come back."
"If I go home, what about Lolo?" I asked.
"Aunt Malou will take care of him, and your mom will be here tomorrow. They'll take turns watching Papa. I have to go to the store. Emy is alone there because Manung Kanor got sick."
"Okay, Uncle. Just call me if there's a problem or an emergency," I said. Then I stood up. "I'm going out for some fresh air." I said.I needed some fresh air. The hospital's smell was suffocating me. I saw a wooden bench in the hospital's mini garden, so I walked over and sat down. I stretched and enjoyed the cool December breeze.
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