Kabanata 8
520 Words
I heard a lot of voices. But I can't comprehend each. I can't identify who's who. My head's been throbbing and I just want everything to be quiet and peaceful. But it seems like I can't open my mouth.
So, I decided to just pull back my unconsciousness and drift to another deep slumber.
* * *
"Ma'am Millicent, 'o, Diyos ko! Gising na ho siya!" narinig ko ang isang sigaw nang imulat ko ang mga mata ko. Nakita ko agad si Gustava sa harap ko na para bang buong magdamag nagbantay sa akin.
Tumitirik din ang sinag ng araw mula sa labas patungo sa bukas na kurtina ng aking bintana.
"Water, please." I requested, my voice kind of rough. And as immediately, naglakad patungo sa bedside table si Gustava upang ibigay ang hinihingi ko.
Hinila ko agad ang sarili ko paupo para hindi ako mabasa sa pag-inom ng tubig.
Nang iniabot na niya iyon sa akin at saka ako nakainom, ay agad na tinanong ko siya kung anong nangyari sa akin.
Nang sinambit niya ang ospital ay agad na pumasok sa isipan ko ang nangyari.
Of course.
I can't still have the courage to go inside a hospital. Who am I kidding?
"Where's Granny?" I asked Gustava.
"Bumili lang ho siya ng scones. Iyon pong ipinipilit niyo sa kaniya nitong nakaraan." sagot naman ni Gustava na agad kong tinanguan.
"Does Brit know I'm in this state?" tanong ko pa muli kay Gustava, "How long have I been like this?"
"Buong gabi po, Ma'am. Hindi po alam ni Ma'am Britney."
Tumango na lang ako muli sa kaniya bago ko inihiga ang sarili kong muli sa kama.
"I'm fine. I have a class at 8 a.m. I'll be late if hindi pa ko kumilos now." dagdag ko pa sa kaniya na agad ikinakunot ng kaniyang noo.
"Ah, eh, Ma'am, natawagan na ho ang Ma'am Catty sa school at sinabi na po ang kalagayan ninyo."
Oh, f**k.
I must be dreaming when I heard what she said.
I should be.
Because if that's the truth, then any minute by now, there will be a bunch of students here wanting to give me their get well soon wishes.
Fuck.
If I was the old me, I would be rejoicing.
But I'm too depressed right now.
And a company of boys drooling at me will be my last option.
Oh, please.
Can this day be any good?
There's a knock on the door that startled me—made me choke even.
Fuck.
This is happening.
Dumungaw ang mukha ni Fe mula sa pinto at saka sinabi ang magic words.
Gosh, I so hate this right now. I'm not in the right mind. Please! I was just reminded of my old nightmares, how can you be so cruel, people?
"Ma'am Mill, nandito po si Bonitez daw? May dalang flowers." tapos ay ngumiti siya ng pagkalaki-laki.
I swear to God, I hate that smile right now. It made me think she had won against me. I can't become a loser, silly.
"Papasukin mo," and so I said the most two hateful words, and I can't back down.
- Writer
