LOVE ME, HEAL ME

CHAPTER 04

04 — COLD

"Try not to be put off by his rude and immature attitude. Ganyan lang yan dahil na rin sa nangyari sa kanya,"

I shrugged my shoulder while still clutching at my sling bag.

"Okay, lang. Sanay na ako sa ma-attitude na pasiyente." I moistened my paper-dry mouth.

Halos naman ng mga naging pasiyente ko ay natatarayan ko rin kapag sumobra na sila sa pagiging ma-attitude. I tried hitting their ego para mahimasmasan.

"It was a miracle that I saved him from that horrible accident. Five years he is in a coma then as he woke up just last two weeks ago, he found out he can't walk. I offer him so much help, but he is so stubborn kaya umabot ako sa point na ikaw ang last chance ko to help him walk again,"

"Ano ba kasi ang nangyari diyan saka bakit mo siya tinatago dito? Based on my little research, ang alam ng lahat ay patay na siya." Hindi ko maiwasang hindi iyon maitanong.

Maliban sa pagiging curious ay gusto ko rin malaman ang katotohanan nang sa ganun ay maprotektahan ko ang sarili ko.

"It was a long story, but now isn't the right time to tell you what really happened. Basta, wag' mo lang ipagsasabi ang tungkol dito. I trust you, Zoey, and I hope you won't break my trust in you." My cousin answered.

Hindi naman ako tsismosang tao pero rerespetuhin ko ang sagot ni Yvann. Siguro ay sobrang confidential ng nangyari. Eventually, malalaman ko din naman anytime soon, on my own little wicked ways through my patient.

"No worries. I know how to keep a secret."

"Thank you so much, Zoey. I know mahihirapan ka on the first week, but hopefully, he'll improve on acquaintance."

"I'll see what can I do," I said. "Pero hindi ako mangangako ng patapos,"

Tumango naman siya. Mabuti na rin na nagkakaintindihan kami. Mahirap na at baka ako pa ang mapasama kapag hindi ko magawang mapalakad siya sa loob ng tatlong buwan.

Ngayon palang na matindi na ang pagka-disgusto ng Lyam na iyon na tulungan siya alam ko na hindi magiging madali ang lahat para sa akin pero hindi ako dapat sumuko ng mabilis. Meron pa akong mga problemang kailangang solusyunan gamit ang perang kikitain ko rito.

"The housekeeper, Xerma, will lead you to your room later after you talked to Lyam. She will be the one to assist you with anything you needed here. If you have something to talk with about Lyam, you have my number. Just call me..."

"Okay. Got it!" I said smiling. "Oh, before I forgot gusto ko sanang itanong kung sino yung nakatoka sa pagpapaligo at pagpapabihis sa kanya?"

This is the first time I'll be dealing with a male client, so I asked that question for preventive measure.

"Yes, Juancho is the one who helped Lyam with his shower and dress. Any more questions?"

Well, that's a relief for me. Umiling nalang ako saka ngumiti sa kanya.

"No, I think I've got it all under control."

Nakahanda na rin naman yung mga rehab plans ko for his condition and I just need to see Mr. Alferez and discuss it with him para bukas agad ay makapagsimula na ako.

Sinamahan na ako ni Yvann papunta sa bar lounge kung saan sila nag-usap kanina ni Kyam. Umakto nalang ako na parang hindi ko alam kung saan iyon para naman hindi ako mahuling nakikinig sa usapan nila kanina.

"Hanggang dito nalang ako." He took a glance at his wristwatch. "I still need to go back to Rome for a business meeting," He said.

"Ayos lang. Ingat sa byahe insan!" Sabi ko nalang.

He nodded and gave me few reminders before leaving. I held a deep breath before putting my hand on the sliding door. After a glimpse of seconds, I slide it to open.

The bar lounge is breathtakingly beautiful by its minimalist design. The bright sunlight is streamed through the bank of the wide glass wall that overlooked the Costa Smeralda and some islet across Porto Cervo. The smell of newly opened whisky gave me a sense of stepping back to some Italian vintage times.

But my gaze was immediately interrupted by the sound of the ice inside a glass. I have drawn my sight to the silent figure seated on a wheelchair facing the wide ocean scenery outside. I saw him emptying his glass before finally facing me.

I could feel a swamp in my throat when our eyes met. This man had the same breath-snatching handsome looks like my cousin. The thing he only differs is his chestnut brown hair, olive skin tone, and his eyes were a green-flecked of hazel while glittering at me in blistering anger.

Nabalik lang ako sa ulirat ng marinig ko siyang tumikhim. Hindi man lang nabago ang kanyang ekspresyon kaya umayos na ako ng tayo.

"Good day Sir, by the way, I'm Zoelle Yeshani Imperial, and I will be your physical therapist for three months." Pagpapakilala ko. I manage to smile, but I didn't receive a smile back.

"Do I need to rise to give you a warm welcome?" His tone was unfriendly and full of sarcasm.

Diyos ko! Ngayon palang sinusubukan na ako ng lalaking ito. Kailangan kong kalmahin ang sarili ko kaya ngumiti ako ulit kahit alam ko sa sarili kong plastik iyon.

"No need, Sir. I am not a blind not to understand your sit—"

"And you are not deaf or fool not to realize that I don't want you here!" He cut me off immediately.

As of the moment I want to punch this jerk for insulting me. Sarap niyang tarayan pabalik. Kung hindi lang ito kaibigan ni Yvann at kung hindi lang nakiusap iyong pinsan ko na tulungan to, hindi ako mag-aaksaya ng oras na pakitunguhan to nang maayos.

I did not stop smiling. I lifted my chin, being determined not to show him I am affected by his arrogance.

"I am hundred percent normal, Sir. I have my medical records to show to you that I am fit to work." Sabi ko saka ngumisi ng palihim.

Bakit? Siya lang ba ang marunong mambara? Hindi naman ako papayag na aapak-apakan lang niya ako.

Nakita ko kung paano niya naikuyom ang kamao niya pero hindi ako nagpatinag. This is nothing compared to my old clients, wherein some of them are wild hysterical and crazy.

I could see through his stair his strong Italian heritage. On his features, there was a hint of aristocracy in him despite being confined in a chair. I estimated him to have the same height as Yvann and obviously a physically active man before his accident.

Through his fitted shirt, I could see the well-formed muscles in his chest, and his biceps are screaming for hotness. The light scars are still visible from his right arm, but they did not make him less of a handsome man.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapatingin sa matangos niyang ilong at sa kanyang mapulang labi. Diyos ko! Kung mabait lang ito sa akin kanina baka nagka-crush pa ako sa kanya kaso mas masahol pa sa babae mag-inarte kaya ekis.

Attitude over looks kasi ako. I don't care about how much your pocket can hold golds and cash or how handsome your face was. Mas gusto ko sa lalaki is ma-respeto, maalaga at loyal.

I pulled back from my thoughts when I saw him staring at me icily.

"I guess, Yvann already gave you all the bullshit details about my condition..."

"I read your scans and reports already," I answered, trying to sound like a professional one.

A dark brow lifted above his right eye. "And?"

I held a deep breath and composed myself. This is the time where I need to discuss my rehab plans for him. Kahit kinakabahan ako ay hindi dapat ako pwedeng magpaapekto sa paraan ng pagkakatitig niya sa akin.

"I think some of my methods will apply to your condition. I have some success with clients having similar injuries like yours," I started. I opened my sling bag to get my iPad to show him the details.

"So, what methods are you going to use?" He said as he scoffed mockingly at me. "Magpapakuha ba ako kay Xerma ng insenso? Mga dahon dahon at langis? Do you even need to have some black candles and voodoo dolls?" He added.

Doon ako natigilan sa pagkuha ng aking iPad at mariing napapikit ng mag-umpisang mamuo ang inis sa kalooban ko.

Ngayon ko lang din siya narinig na magsalita ng tagalog at matatas siya. Pero hindi ko pa rin palalagpasin yung huling sinabi niya.

I'm used to people who were rubbishing my work as a therapist, but somehow his guy and his sarcastic approach just got under my skin. Now, I will not surely know until when I will be nice to this jerk.

"I'll use a combination of traditional and complementary therapies. Also, I'll be giving you a suitable diet and exercise to help your muscles perform specific tasks under the therapy I'll be giving you." I answered without minding his last remark earlier.

"Oh, so no tarot card readings here?"

Pinipigilan ko lang ang sarili kong murahin siya sa totoo lang. Napahigpit nalang ang hawak ko sa aking iPad at pilit kinakalma ang sarili ko. Hindi niya talaga ako titigilan sa panglalait sa trabaho ko.

"As far as I remember, I never had a subject regarding tarot cards reading o kahit na anong tungkol sa panghuhula. May alam ba kayong University na nagtuturo ng ganyan? Pwede akong kumuha ng units baka sakaling makatulong sa inyong kondisyon since kanina niyo pa pinu-push ang mga ganyang gimik sa panggagamot." Walang pigil na sagot ko.

Ito na ata ang pinaka-aroganteng tao na nakilala ko sa buong buhay ko. Hindi porket pinanganak siyang lumalangoy sa kayamanan ay basta nalang niyang lalaitin ang trabaho ko.

His grouchy attitude was just a type of someone who never has to deal with poverty and money matters since he was born with a golden spoon in his mouth already.

"Hindi ko alam na masyado ka palang bastos, hindi man lang ako na-inform ni Yvann," He said while smirking.

Doon na napalis ang ngiti ko saka mabilis na naningkit ang mga mata ko. Diyos ko! Bigyan niyo pa ako ng mahabang pasensya sa antipatikong baldado na 'to!

"Hindi nga rin po ako na-inform na masyadong immature at arogante pala ang binigay niyang pasiyente sa akin," Sabat ko saka ngumit nang pagkatamis-tamis. "Pero okay lang Sir, sanay ako sa mga ganyang pasiyente, at the end nagiging successful naman ang mga ginawa ko sa kanila using my methods in physical therapy," I added.

Ano ka ngayon, ha?

Napakayabang nito tapos mamaya magpapaka-senti dahil sa nangyari sa kanya. Aba, pasalamat siya yan lang inabot niya at may tsansa pa na makalakad siya ulit samantala yung ibang tao napuputulan na ng binti o hindi kaya dumidiretso na nga sa langit.

Mas lalong nagdilim ang mukha niya dahil sa sinabi ko kaya medyo kinabahan ako pero hindi ko naman pinahalata sa kanya.

Pinagsalikop lang niya ang kanyang mga daliri at nag-angat ng tingin sa akin.

This time I could feel his stare like comparing me to all the women he dated before, and if that so, he is wasting his time. Being a wealthy man, I am off of his ideal woman. I don't do lavish make-ups and sexy dresses. I don't even know how to act like an upper-class lady. Sanay ako sa simple at normal na pagiging pormal.

"I'm not sure what I can do to you. It's not like I can throw you out of this place physically," He stared at me darkly.

Doon ako naalarma at mabilis na naging matalim ang titig ko sa kanya.

"I can assure you, Mr. Alferez, that I will not think twice to break all your bones if you laid even just your pinky finger on me!" I warned him.

Nakita ko kung paano siya napatawa at ngumisi sa akin na mas lalo ko pang kinainis. Wag' lang talaga siyang magkakamali na hawakan ako dahil sisiguraduhin kong ako mismo ang maglulumpo sa kanya habangbuhay.

"Well, it seems that you, Miss Imperial have a sting in your tail. I bet you are a Scorpio lady?" He said with his sarcasm back.

Mas lalo kong hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak ko sa aking sling bag. He is getting into my nerves already. Talagang inuubos niya ang pasensya ko!

"Leo, Sir. Now, I bet you'll know who rules this argument." I said. "So, you better be cooperative para wala tayong problema at bangayan,"

Nakita ko ang multong ngisi mula sa labi niya pero agad din iyong nawala at napalitan ulit ng madilim niyang ekspresyon. Sige, ganyan nga bwisitin mo pa ako at mas lalo kong pupuntiryahin yang ego mo!

"I had a week now of indulging myself into that physical therapy kaya hindi ko nakikita na magtatagumpay kang mapaalis ako sa wheelchair na'to eh, mas magaling at may credibility naman yung mga tumingin na doktor at PT compare sayo."

"Isang linggo palang naman e. Yung iba inaabot ng ilang buwan o taon depende din on how cooperative the patient is," I answered immediately with a fake smile.

"So, you're telling me that you're going to render your service for a year? Nah— I guess not." He said, then he looks at me like assessing my capabilities. "Tingin ko isa o dalawang araw ka lang magtatagal dito tapos sasabihin mo sa pinsan mo na hindi mo pala kaya tapos aalis ka na may matabang bulsa ng pera mula sa panghuhuthot mo sa sarili mong pinsan. Alam mo kilala ko na ang mga kagaya mo! Mga desperadang makahanap ng easy miney kaya modus ang magmagaling sa mga bagay—"

"Bakit kaya Sir, hindi natin simulan ang mga naihanda kong rehab and diet plan para sa inyo nang magkaalaman na? Saka niyo na ako sumbatan kapag walang nangyaring improvements sa inyo." Putol ko sa pamamahiya niya sa dignidad ko. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako kumuha nang lakas ng loob para sagutin siya ng ganito.

I just feel that he is trying to hit my emotions para ako na mismo ang aatras sa ttabaho ko pero doon siya nagkakamali dahil matimbang pa rin sa akin ang emosyon na para sa pangarap ko at sa magandang buhay na gusto kong mangyari sa akin kaya hinding-hindi ako magpapatalo sa antipatikong ito.

"I don't want your help! I don't need it. I did not ask for it and did not even pay for it! Kaya kong makalakad ulit on my own kaya kung ako sayo, tawagan mo si Yvann at umuwi kana ng Pilipinas!"

Hindi na ako nagulat sa sinabi niya. Nagtaas lang ako nang kilay sa kanya habang nakikipagsukatan ng tingin.

His anger was coming off him in waves that sent chills through my spine. I could even feel my skin tightened all over my body as if those invisible chills lingers on every part of me.

"Hindi mo ba naisip na kapag pinabalik mo ako sa Pilipinas ay hindi na mare-refund ni Yvann yung binayad niya sa akin?"

His mouth thinned in disdain. "Who cares? Hindi ko naman pera iyon,"

Doon na ako nagulat sa sinabi niya. Talagang hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapanganga dahil sa tahasan niyang pambabalewala sa effort na ginawa ng pinsan ko para sa ikabubuti niya. How cold he was?

Hindi naman kaya ng konsensya ko na umalis na totoong may laman ang bank account ko pero wala naman akong nagawa rito. Alam ko na iniisip niya na piniperahan ko lang ang sarili kong pinsan pero nagkakamali siya at gagawin ko ang lahat mapatunayan sa lalaking ito na hindi ako basta bastang pipitsuging PT at gold digger na kapamilya.

Now, I am more intrigued by his resistance to the therapy session. Didn't he want to improve himself and be able to walk again? He must be thankful that he has a friend who is willing to give millions of money to make him able again.

"Hindi ako aalis dito." Sambit ko.

Not until I gave a decent effort to his condition and made improvements at him.

"Then I'll let Juancho drive you back to Olbia Airport."

"Still, hindi ako aalis!"

A muscle worked on his jawline. "I don't want you to hear! Do you understand—"

"Don't state the obvious! Wag paulit-ulit!" I said huffily. "Maliban sa pera na ibabayad sa akin, mananatili ako dahil may integridad ako bilang isang propesyonal. Malaki rin ang utang na loob ko kay Yvann kaya gagawin ko ang trabaho ko, and the least you could've done is to be civil." I added.

It would be easy for me to help him when only he is a good boy. Actually, he is physically fit, which is his main advantage for fast recovery, but he is still on the page where he is not totally accepting what really happened to him when it comes to his state of mind.

"Your cousin has no right to bring you here without my approval!"

"Kaya ako pinagbubuntunan mo ng galit mo? Parang napaka-unfair naman ata nun Sir? Sana man lang magpasalamat ka sa effort na ginagawa ni Yvann para sayo! You are still lucky because despite what happened to you, there are still some genuine people who have the heart to help you kaya sana tulungan mo rin ang sarili mong makabangon."

Kung alam lang niya kung gaano kalaki yung binayad sa akin ni Yvann para gumaling siya. Kaya nga kanina sumama ang loob ko sa lalaking ito nang sabihin niya na wala siyang pakialam sa wawaldasin na pera ng pinsan ko para sa kanya dahil hindi niya hiningi ang tulong nito.

Can he be thankful for someone's concern for him? Pasalamat siya nailigtas siya ni Yvann, binihisan at inalagaan. Imagine, five years siyang comatose at five years siyang may private doctor and nurses na nagmo-monitor sa kanya sa pribado at tagong lugar na ito. Ngayon naman ay pinadalhan siya ng taong dapat ay tutulong sa kanyang paggaling pero yung sukli niya at pagsusungit.

His gaze warred with me for a throbbing moment.

"I want you out of here first thing tomorrow."  He said in a very dangerously low tone.

Mukhang hindi ko na siya mapipigilan pa. Kung sabagay ayaw ko rin naman dito una palang pero naisip ko rin yung trabaho ko at yung pinsan ko. Kaso hindi naman ako ang nagpaalis sa sarili ko dito kundi ang Lyam na 'to!

I felt so much pump up by engaging myself at verbal sparring with him. That was intense and liberating, knowing it was my first time like that with a male client.

"Kung talagang iyan ang gusto mong mangyari, wala na akong magagawa! Above all, it's your loss. Not mine, not either, my cousin." Sambit ko.

He just gave me a glacial gaze before turning his back to press the intercom on the kitchen island and spoke in fluent Italian to Xerma. A fine shiver lifted a hair above my nape as I listened to his deep, timbre voice while speaking. I can't stop thinking what his voice could be when he is not talking angrily or coldly.

"Xerma will lead you to your room." He said.

After a short while, the housekeeper appeared in front of the door. Ngumiti ito sa amin saka nag-bow kay Lyam. Binalingan ko naman siya saka malalim na humugot ng isang buntong-hininga. Magpapaalam na sana ako pero mabilis siyang tumalikod.

Bastos talaga! Napairap nalang ako at hindi maiwasan na hindi siya tarayan sa huling pagkakataon. Lumabas na ako at hinayaan si Xerma na magsalita habang sinasamahan ako sa aking magiging kuwarto.

There was a line of some priceless artworks and sculptures being displayed along the wide corridor, which made me amaze more by this house.

"Ayan yung kuwarto ni Sir Lyam," Tinuro ni Xerma ang isang kwarto na kaharap ng kuwarto kung saan kami nakatigil ngayon.

"Wala ba siyang sleeping disorder?" Natanong ko bigla.

"Meron. Kaya sana aware ka if ever na may marinig kang nagwawala diyan kapag gabi. Marhail, hindi pa niya tuluyang natanggap yung nangyari sa kanya at pati na rin sa balitang may mahal ng iba si Ma'am Blythe."

Doon na ako napatingin sa kausap ko. "He had a girlfriend?"

"Wala. Ibig kong sabihin ay yung bestfriend niya na minahal niya ng lubusan."

Now, I get it. Kaya nga siguro ganyan siya makitungo sa mga babae dahil na-friendzone.

"Na-busted ba siya?"

Umiling naman si Xerma. "Basta ang alam ko ay mahal lang niya yung babae at tingin ko hindi alam ni Ma'am Blythe yung nararamdaman ni Sir Lyam para sa kanya."

I suddenly felt pity for him. Sobrang hirap siguro nun na patago mong minamahal yung dpaat kaibigan lang tapos hanggang sa nawala ka hindi mo man lang nasabi sa kanya yung nararamdaman mo and with the miracle happened to him, malalaman naman niya na may mahal ng iba yung minamahal niya.

Ang sakit na sa umpisa palang hanggang sa huli talo kana.

Xerma turns his back and opens the door behind us. I guess this would be my room for the next three months, but I guess it will not be until that time since Lyam was so eager to throw me out of this place.

"Ito ang magiging kuwarto mo. Lord Yvann personally picked all the furniture and painted color for this room para maging komportable ka sa pagtira mo dito." She explained.

Napatulala nalang ako sa ganda ng lugar. Partida na nakaharap ito sa mismo dalampasigan at kita ko sa gilid yung dock kung saan may yate at motorbanca na naka stand-by doon. Parang most of the walls in here are made of glass to at least have the 360° view of the whole beautiful Porto Cervo.

"Kung may mga kailangan ka, pindutin mo lang ang intercom. Siguro naman napagsabihan kana rin ni Lord Yvann na wag' mong ipaalam ang tungkol kay Sir Lyam at sa lugar na ito."

Nilingon ko si Xerma saka marahang tumango. "I know. Salamat,"

Until now, I am still curious about what really did happen to Lyam. Why did he engage in that horrible accident that almost killed him?

I know he was born to wealth, and there is a possibility that maybe because of the business empire his family had, that is why someone wants him did since he is the only heir of Alferez Builders.

Narinig ko rin kanina na bubuksan muli ang kaso tungkol sa pagkamatay niya kaya mas lalo akong na-curious sa kung ano ang simula nito at bakit humantong sa taguan ang lahat at ano ang kinalaman ng pinsan ko. Buti nga wala pang mga paparazzi ang nakakutob tungkol sa totoong nangyari kay Lyam.

Despite my dislike of him, I couldn't help but feel sad about his situation. What happened to him was beyond horrible, and I can't blame him for turning into a beast right now.

"Narinig ko ang usapan niyo kanina at malungkot ako na hindi ka magtatagal dito," Si Xerma. Mukhang katatapos lang niyang ilagay sa gilid ng kama ang maleta ko.

"I can't force him to let me stay here. Bahala siya kung ayaw niyang gumaling hindi naman ako ang lumpo forever. Mas mataas pa kasi sa tayog ng ihi niya yung pride niya."

I found it ironic that I was looking for excuses not to accept this job a day ago.

"Pero malay mo bukas, magbago ulit ang isip niya at tuluyan ka na niyang tatanggapin. Naniniwala ako na ikaw ang makakapagpalakad ulit sa kanya Miss Zoey,"

I just smiled at her for her encouragement. Sana nga magdilang anghel siya.

I walked towards the sliding door and opened it. I took a step to go outside and embrace the salty air welcoming me here. This place and that man reminded me that there was always the potential for trouble and temptation in any paradise.