Ruled by the Blaze (The Unwanted Marriage)

PATRICIA'S POV (Awkward)

"Congratulations to your new clinic!"

Jess's voice echoed throughout the clinic who was just at the entrance. Tyrone was with her holding a flower. "Lessen your voice," saway ko.

Mabuti at kakaalis lang ng huli kong pasyente.

I stand up and stretch a bit. Marami ako'ng bagong pasyente kanina at ngayong hapon lang ako natapos.

"For you, Pat. Congrats for the new success," Tyrone handed me the flowers.

Umismid ako. "Salamat pero...kahapon pa ang opening nitong clinic ko,"

Natigilan silang dalawa.

They weren't here at the opening yesterday. Kahit sa celebration ay hindi sila pumunta.

"Uh, ano kasi..." Jess look hesitated. "We picked up someone at the airport yesterday so we couldn't go,"

"So, that person might be so important than my opening yesterday," I said in a jealous tone but I'm not really, I just want to teased them.

Lumapit ako sa table ko at inilapag ang flowers. Hinubad ko ang puting coat at isinabit sa swivel chair. I'm now wearing gray shirt and jeans. "You don't have work already? Wala ng pasyente,"

Tumango ako kay Jess.

"So...you can go out with us? Let's eat and hangout as our celebration for your clinic,"

Pareho sila ni Tyrone na naghihintay ng sagot ko..

Medyo nakaramdam na rin ako ng gutom kaya pumayag ako.

Pumunta muna ako sa c. r para magpalit ng damit. I took out my extra clothes here. I wore a black backless dress and black stilettos. Inilugay ko rin ang buhok ko. Sumabog ito na hanggang baywang at medyo kumulot na nga dahil kanina pa nakapusod.

I also retouched and applied red lipstick.

"Nurse Aubrey?" I called my assistant nurse. "I'm leaving. Just close this clinic when you go home..."

"Yes, doc! Ingat po kayo,"

Kinuha ko ang sling bag ko at lumabas na kami. Nag text ako kay Jordan na wag ako'ng sunduin. Wala ako'ng dalang sasakyan kaya magpapahatid na lang ako kay Tyrone.

Sumakay na si Tyrone sa driver's seat. Nang akma ako'ng papasok sa back seat ay napatigil ako ng makita ang nakangising si Kelvin.

"Oh my god! You're here!"

Nanlalaki ang mata ko at mabilis siya'ng niyakap.

"Damn, I miss you! Kailan ka umuwi?"

Nasa passenger's seat na si Jess kaya kaming dalawa ni Kelvin sa likod. Hindi parin ako makapaniwalang nandito siya. He should be in Paris!

"I just arrived last night. Jess and Tyrone fetch me at the airport, they didn't tell you?"

Umawang ang labi ko at tumingin kay Jess na nakangisi.

"Sorry...s-surprise?"

"It's actually Jess's silly plan, Pat" Tyrone said in defensive tone while driving.

I shook my head. What else could I expect from Jess? Puro siya kalokohan.

Nakarating na kami sa paborito naming Japanese restaurant pero sarado ito.

"What about steak house?" I suggest.

"Sure, I miss steaks!"

Pumayag silang tatlo kaya doon kami sa steak house na malapit. Pagkarating ay agad kaming nag order at habang naghihintay, si Kelvin naman ang inintriga namin tungkol sa buhay niya sa Paris.

"I planned to build my own house here and also to stay for months," saad niya. "Ilang taon din kasi ako'ng nagpakalunod sa pagtatrabaho,"

Ngumiti ako. "That's right. If ever you have plan to build a family, you don't need to worry about financial,"

Or if you just want to stay single and spoil yourself, it's okay to work hard.

"But I have no plans yet," Kelvin pouted. "Ikaw, Tyrone? Jess?"

"Well, I already had my own house and planning to propose to Rica,"

Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Tyrone. "Good for you, we're not getting younger at all,"

"Ako, kung usapang pag-aasawa, gusto ko na!" ngiting sabi ni Jess. "Pero...hindi ko alam kay Austine kung gusto niya ba. The years of our relationship is not a joke though,"

"It will come in the right time, Jess. Don't rush," I advised. "Marriage is not a fairytale at all. If you want to be tied to someone forever, choose the one who deserves you,"

Pabirong nasamid si Tyrone at Kelvin habang si Jess ay nakaawang ang labi.

"Wow, may pinanghuhugutan ka ba?" asar ni Jess. "Based on experience?"

Umirap ako. "I'm just stating a fact,"

Jess smiled playfully. "Ikaw? Any plan to build own family? You're already successful..."

"I don't know if I even have a plan for that," I said bitterly. "Siguro kapag...ready na ako ulit,"

I don't like the way Jess looked at me. It look like there's new silly thing in her mind.

"By the way, how's the vacant lot you recommended to me, Jess?" I asked remembering that thing. "Pwede na ba bilhin?"

She was once mentioned that she knows someone who sells land. I'm looking though because I'm also planning to build my dream house.

"Uh...the owner was open for negotiation" Jess can't hide her smile.

"Sure? Baka mamaya ay may problema!"

"Trust me! Magugustuhan mo ang lupa. Malaki at malawak tapos...guwapo pa ang may-ari!"

Inirapan ko siya.

She's being nonsense, I swear.

Good thing that our foods arrived. I missed this! Our bonds. Eating together that we last did in college.

We spend another hour by eating because Jess didn't run out of stories.

"Well... I won't let this night go by without us going to the bar!" Kelvin giggled.

Well, I'm expecting that.

"So...let's go!" Jess said excitedly.

Dumiretso kami sa bar pagkatapos.

-

Nag text ulit ako kay mommy na gagabihin ako ng uwi.

Parang nabuhayan ako nang marinig ang malakas na music kahit nasa bukana pa lang kami ng bar. Si Jess ay hindi na mapakali at nauna na pumasok. I covered my eyes when the dancing lights hit it when we entered. Hindi na kami nag vip dahil gusto nila Jess na maging wild ngayon at makisayaw sa iba. Nag order agad kami ng alak at habang naghihintay, umalis saglit si Jess at nang makabalik ay kasama niya na ang boyfriend, si Austine! "Guys, this is my boyfriend, Austine..."

I couldn't react immediately because Austine's face was also shocked when our eyes met. He changed. The way he stood in front of us scream arrogant.

"Nice meeting you, bro!" nag fist bump sila ni Tyrone.

"Ikaw pala ang kinukwento ni Jess," ani Kelvin at nakipag-shake hands. "Buti pinatulan mo ang kaibigan ko," pagbibiro niya at tumawa. "Kelvin!" apila ni Jess.

Sa'kin naman napunta ang atensyon nila. Kita ko ang alinlangan ni Austine at pag putla ng labi kaya tipid ko na siya'ng nginitian.

"Nice seeing y-you again..."

He smiled awkwardly. "Same here. It's been what? Seven years, right?"

Yeah, seven years since your friend made me suffer.

"Y-Yes..."

Nagkatinginan pa kami ni Jess bago ako bumaling sa kararating lang na alak. It's really awkward when you are now facing the person who's a friend of the man you were once with. Nag kwentuhan lang kami ni Kelvin habang umiinom at si Jess ay busy sa pakikipag-harutan sa boyfriend.

"Tyrone, your turn!" inabutan ko siya ng shot glass, abala naman siya sa pag te-text sa girlfriend.

"Sila na ang may love life!" himutok ni Kelvin. "Matatanda na talaga tayo, no? Hindi man nila sabihin...I'm sure they're planning to settle down already,"

The love birds were laughing, they look so adorable. Why did I just now realize that Jess and Austine are good match?

Tyrone went out for a while to answer his girlfriend's call.

"We're not that high school anymore, Kelvin" I said wholeheartedly. "Look how we all grow apart but ended up being together again as having our professions. Great isn't it?" Whenever I remember myself dreaming of becoming a doctor, I just smile when I see myself now.

"You know what? Ikaw ang pinakasuccessful sa ating apat. Can't believe you have your own clinic now,"

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"You know who my inspiration is..."

It's Agatha.

We continued to reminisce about our past while drinking so hard. I remembered myself back then in America. Hindi ko nagagawa ang mag bar dahil busy ako sa med school, ngayon lang ulit ako iinom ng ganito. I suddenly felt my cellphone vibrate and saw Jaime's text messages.

From: Jaime

Hi, Patricia. I went to your clinic but your assistant said you left with your friends. I wish we could just catch up but I guess, next time?

My eyes widened.

Pumunta siya sa clinic? I replied that I was at the bar. I was surprised when he replied right away!

From: Jaime

Which bar then? I can go there. I don't have shift today. Kung okay lang sayo?

I smiled while typing a reply.

To: Jaime

Here in bob's bar. Are you sure you will drink?

"Hoy, sinong katext mo? Ngumingiti ka riyan!"

My smile disappeared when I saw Jess and Kelvin's judgmental stare. While Austine was frowned.

"A friend..." I answered. "It's Jaime,"

Namilog ang mata ni Jess. "Siya ba yung nakilala mo roon sa Amerika? Yung anak ng may-ari ng Alvarez hospital?!"

I slowly nodded. Austine raised a brow.

"He's on his way here. Makikilala nyo siya,"

Nakita ko ang kakaibang ngisi ni Jess. "Are you sure he's just a friend?"

I frowned. "Of course!"

I know what they're thinking. They give malice again.

Hinintay ko na lang na dumating si Jaime habang ang tingin ni Jess ay hindi ako nilalayuan. Naubos na namin ang alak kaya umorder ulit kami at saktong pagdating ni Jaime.

"Jaime!" I waved when I saw him looking around. "Here!"

He smiled when he saw me.

I immediately heard the gasped of my friends as Jaime approached.

"Omg, hottie!" Kelvin giggled.

Jaime is wearing a simple shirt and jeans. He looks...clean with his haircut. Siguro ganito naman talaga kapag doktor, malinis at maaliwalas tignan.

"Hi, nice to see you again, Pat..." sinalubong niya ako ng yakap.

"I miss you!" masaya kong usal. "Sorry I didn't inform you that I was leaving clinic-"

"No, it is okay," he smiled then looked at my friends. "Mind to introduce me?"

"Oh, right!" I held his arm. "Guys, this is Jaime. Naging friend ko siya sa med school. Jaime, this is Kelvin, Tyrone, Jess and her boyfriend,"

Malalaki ang ngisi nila bukod kay Austine na parang hinuhusgahan si Jaime sa pag tingin niya.

Nagkatuwaan ulit kami at katabi ko si Jaime. Halos nagkaroon na nga kami ng sariling mundo dahil sa kamustahan namin. Taon na rin bago kami nagkita ulit. He's still that soft and kind guy that I've known back in med school. "I'm happy for your successful clinic. Sorry I wasn't able to attend the opening-"

"Ayos lang, ano ka, ba! Mas busy ka dahil malaki ang ospital niyo!"

He chuckled. "We're both busy. But if you have free time, we can go out again like this for catching up,"

"Uh...Jaime? May girlfriend ka ba?"

I almost fainted at Kelvin's sudden question.

"I-I don't have..."

"Na'ko, si Patricia single rin!"

I pinched Kelvin's arm. The hell!

Nagkatinginan pa kami ni Jaime. "Uh...don't mind him. He's joking,"

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"Kelvin, nirereto mo ba si Jaime kay Patricia?" napapikit ako ng makisali pa si Jess! "Well, may kaibigan din si Austine. Single and ready to mingle! Gusto mo makilala, Pat? Hindi nga lang doktor pero, businessman!" Pansin ko ang mapaglarong ngisi ni Austine kay Jaime.

Namula tuloy ang pisngi ko. What the hell are they doing!

"Well, my friend is also here..." Austine smirked.

I took a deep breath before looking at Jaime who seemed uncomfortable.

"Don't mind them. It's just their hobby, teasing," I smiled to assured him.

Uminom na lang ulit kami pero hindi matanggal sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Austine. Who is he referring as his friend who's also here? Nagsisimula na ako'ng kabahan.

Nag usap na lang ulit kami ni Jaime habang si kelvin, Jess at Austine ay pumunta sa dancefloor. Si Tyrone naman ay abala parin sa cellphone.

"Will you take him seriously?" Jaime suddenly asked.

My brows furrowed. "Huh?"

"That guy earlier who wants you for his friend,"

He smiled then took another shot.

"Uhm...no" I answered. "You know it's not my thing as of now,"

Tumango siya at mas ngumiti.

Medyo doble na ang paningin ko dahil sa dami ng ininom kaya pinatigil na ako ni Jaime.

Ipinahinga ko ang ulo sa couch at pumikit pero agad din ako'ng napabalikwas dahil sa biglaang pag sakit ng tiyan.

"You okay?" Jaime held my arm. "Nasusuka ka ba?"

I bit my lips as I felt my stomach being squeezed. Hindi ako makapagsalita dahil mas lumalabo ang paningin ko.

"R-Rest room lang ako..."

Sinubukan kong tumayo pero natumba ako. Jaime held my waist and helped me.

"Hey? What's wrong?" he asked worriedly. "You want to throw up?"

I nodded tiredly. He supported me to the rest room.

"I'll wait-"

"Uh, n-no!" pigil ko. "Balik ka na sa table. No need to wait. Thank you, Jaime,"

"You sure?"

I nodded.

"O-Okay,"

Nang makaalis siya ay agad ako'ng sumuka sa bowl. I held my stomach. Sobrang sakit nito. I finished throwing up but my stomach still hurts.

What happened to me?

I only ate steak but why is this? I sat on the floor and massaged my head. My sight was blurry!

"Gosh!"

I tried to stand up but my legs were trembling. Masakit parin ang tiyan ko pero pinilit kong lumabas. Walang tao sa hallway kaya dahan-dahan ako'ng lumakad pero biglang tumindi ang sakit nito kaya muntik na ako'ng matumba. Good thing an arm wrapped to my waist.

"T-Thank you..."

I looked up and almost cursed when I saw who helped me!

"I-Ikaw?"

Umigting ang panga niya. His hug tightened around my waist and supported me to the exit.

"W-Wait, just put me here! Babalik ako sa mga friends ko-"

"With that state of yours?" he mocked. "You can't even walk properly,"

He continued to pull me outside. I got even weaker so I can't complain.

I felt him lifted me to sit in the passenger's seat.

"Just leave me alone, Callum..." I whispered. "Why are you doing this?"

He didn't answer and just drove.

I closed my eyes and felt sleepy.

"You're still hard headed, Patricia..."