"What are you doing out here?" 

I looked back and saw Haze walking in my direction, holding an unfinished bottle of wine. It was already midnight, and I still couldn't sleep, so I took a stroll around the beach. Nakaupo ako sa buhanginan, suot pa 'yong dress ko kanina. 

He took off his coat and placed it on my shoulders before sitting beside me. He pushed back his hair and gave me a playful smile before sipping the wine through the bottle. He looked a little messy. His dress shirt was crumpled a bit, and there were too many buttons opened. I could see his chest. 

"You had a rough night or something?" I raised a brow. 

"Well, it was kind of rough." He looked up, pretending that he was thinking before laughing. 

So... He got his hot guy earlier, huh. I wondered how he did it. I mean, he could get everyone on their knees with just the way he talked. He was too smooth, and he looked really confident in himself. It was just that settling for good wasn't really his thing. 

"Thank you for... trusting me." I gave him a smile. 

"Only my friends and family know I'm bisexual. You should feel honored." He playfully winked and then laughed again. 

"Clyden doesn't?" I asked again. 

"No, he doesn't. But I'm not necessarily hiding it from other people. It's just what it is." He shrugged. "If they asked, I would have answered honestly. I am seen with other men a lot." 

"You're right." I nodded and looked in front again. 

"Why did you ask? Are you jealous of me?" he teased, laughing. "Don't worry. I have a type. I don't like messing with those damn fucking kids." 

"I'm not jealous." I hit him lightly on his arm. 

He laughed and drank from his wine bottle again. We were just silently watching the waves come and go like we were in some movie. I was thinking of the message Clyden sent. I didn't know how to reply to that. I was well aware that I was bound to leave, but it still hurt me to think that he would be left here again. 

"What's your type?" I asked him. I just wanted to distract myself from my own thoughts. 

"In women or in men?" He raised a brow. I shrugged and said both. "Well, it's pretty simple in women. You." 

Napakunot ang noo ko at lumingon sa kanya. Was that a question, or was he really referring to me? His tone did not go up, so it was probably not a question, right? 

"I liked you at first glance." He stared at me back and flashed a sexy smile. "But I don't like getting caught in some love life tragedy. It's a hassle." 

"Did you really like me, or you just wanted a one-night stand?" I raised a brow. Whenever I saw him flirting with other people, they would always end up in bed. That was his definition of 'like.' 

"Well..." He clicked his tongue against his teeth, thinking. "I genuinely liked you. You were really adorable." 

"Honestly, I would have fallen for you too if I didn't meet Clyden, but I was glad I met him before you. You would probably just hurt me or leave me in tears." He would break my heart if that happened. I knew that already. He just couldn't settle. 

"You're right. I am not up for long relationships." He placed the empty bottle beside him and supported his weight using both of his hands on his side. He looked at the waves again while his hair was being blown away by the wind. "Something bothering you?" 

"Well, I'm leaving for New York in a few weeks. I want to settle there. Mas maganda ang bayad at hindi na rin ako mapapagod magpabalik-balik. I was already planning to live there before, but I had to consider Avrielle, so I stayed here. I'm just worried about Clyden," I opened up to him. We were already that comfortable with each other. 

"I'm sure he can manage. I heard he's also busy with his residency. Even if you stay here, your relationship with him will still be temporary. That guy is passionate about his dreams, and you should be too." 

"I am. It's the first time I'm doing something good for myself, but it just pains me to leave him again. Sana hindi ko na lang binalikan kung iiwan ko lang din, 'di ba? But he said I should still hold on to him even if I would just leave him in the end." 

"He already knows you're leaving beforehand?" he asked, and I nodded. "Then, if he's aware, he should already be prepared for it. You're a woman of your own. If you want to settle somewhere else, then do it. It's your life. You control it the way you want it to be." 

"You're right." I sighed heavily and hugged my knees. "It's selfish to actually make him wait for me, right? I should just let him go if I do not have plans on coming back." 

"Well, I don't know. I'm not him, but if I were really in love with you, I wouldn't need you to ask me to wait. I would wait without you telling me because I'm fucking dumb. He'll move on if he wants to," he casually said. Everything was so easy for him. I felt jealous. It must be nice not to have any lingering feelings, huh? 

"You're a genius," I joked. 

After a few more moments, I yawned, feeling sleepy, so I already stood up and gave back his coat to him. He also stood up and walked with me back to my room. He had his own suite in another building. 

"I must go now. That guy might already wake up." He stopped in front of my door. 

"Oh, he's still there?" I raised a brow. 

"Uh, yeah. I guess he got tired and fell asleep, so I stepped out for a moment. Anyway, bye. I'll see you tomorrow." He gave me a short wave before leaving with his hands inside his pockets. 

I went inside the room and took a shower. I wasn't with Yanna anymore since she moved in with Hiro in another room. Their honeymoon should be in Europe, but I was guessing that they already got excited and spent the night together. Well, it was their first night of being a married couple. 

The next morning, I woke up early because I heard loud banging on the door. Napatayo kaagad ako, panicking. Hindi pa 'ko nakakapaghilamos, binuksan ko na kaagad ang pinto. Sevi and Luna were in front of the door, smiling like kids. They were wearing their swimming attire. 

"What?" I asked, still half-asleep. 

"Sam, kapag ba nilinis ko ang vacuum isa na rin akong vacuum cleaner?" Sevi suddenly asked. 

I was still half-asleep, so I really didn't understand what he was saying. I only heard gibberish stuff, so I just gave him a nod and closed my eyes again. Minsan, hindi ko na rin maintindihan 'yong dalawa. 

I heard Luna's loud laugh before banging on the door again just to wake me up. I opened my eyes again and glared at both of them. I slept late last night! Ano b'ang trip nila ngayong umaga? 

"Narito kami para humiram ng sunblock!" Luna announced. "At para ayain kang mag-swimming! Nandoon na silang lahat! Come on, Sam! You should join!" 

"Okay, I will. Give me a minute." I closed the door again. 

I had to go take a shower again and change into a two-piece bikini before going out to the beach with a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Nilapag ko ang towel at sunblock sa may white lounge chair at pinagpyestahan naman 'yon nila Luna. They ran out of sunblock, huh? Even Via? 

"Ayaw kami pahiramin ni Via! Damot!" Luna pouted. 

"Paano, ginagawa n'yong sabon," Via fired back. "Pagbalik sa 'kin, kalahati na lang." 

"Shinashampoo pa ata ng dalawa," Kierra said. Nakahiga lang siya sa may lounge chair under a big umbrella. She was also wearing a bikini.

I looked around and saw Yanna playing with Avrielle on the beach. Avi was running on the sand, and Yanna was chasing her. Hiro was with Shan and their other friends, nag-iihaw ng barbecue sa tabi. So all of them were really here. Ako na lang pala ang late nagising... pati si Haze. I didn't see him around. 

"Daddy! Daddy!" Avrielle sounded like she was about to cry when she ran toward Hiro. Yanna still chased her, laughing. She was probably teasing her daughter again. "Waaa! Daddy!" 

Avrielle hugged Hiro's leg and hid behind him. Hiro gave the barbecue stick to Shan and carried Avrielle with him, asking what had happened. I looked away and just put sunblock on my body. I felt jealous again. They were so happy... But at least I wasn't the only one who felt jealous! 

"Sana everyone," Sevi whispered. 

"Hope langis," Luna whispered too. 

I went to Yanna and pulled her with me to the beach along with the other girls. Sevi was dragged out by Neil, Hiro's friend, so he was forced to join the guys. 

We took group pictures together with Avrielle and also supported each other by taking each other's solo photos. They all teased me and pushed me away when it was my turn. 

"Ganda, Sam. Parang bagay sa 'yo mag-model," Sevi joked. 

"Really?" I raised a brow. "You think so?" 

"Pansin ko rin," Luna joined him too. 

I went back to the lounge chair after that to check my phone. I opened the notification when I saw Clyden's new message. Right, I forgot to text him this morning. Huli niyang text 'yong kagabi na hindi ko rin nireplyan. Was he waiting for my message? I felt bad. 

From: Doctor Ramirez

Can you visit me tomorrow? 

Tomorrow was our flight back to Manila. I quickly typed 'Sure!' and sent it to him. I also changed his contact name to 'Clyden' so it wouldn't be too formal already. I actually typed 'Love' first, but I deleted it immediately. 

"Grabe si Avrielle! Daddy's girl na!" reklamo ni Yanna sa 'kin pagkaupo sa chair. I looked around and saw Avrielle with Hiro. Her dad was feeding her barbecue. 

"Are you jealous because of Avi, or are you jealous because of Hiro?" I laughed. 

"Oo nga 'no!" She looked at me with wide eyes. "'Di, joke lang. Anyway, Sam, thank you nga pala dahil pumayag kang alagaan muna si Avi habang wala kami ni Hiro. Kapag may schedule ka, pwede mo namang iwan sa Mommy ni Hiro kung hindi siya busy! Sorry talaga!" 

"Hey, it's fine. I really missed spending time with Avrielle." Yanna and Hiro would be gone for a week and a half, so I volunteered to take care of Avi while they were away. I just wanted to spend time with the kid, too, before I left for New York. She would probably miss me. 

The next day, we were all back in Manila. I drove to Yanna and Hiro's condo to get Avi's things. I just sat on the couch while Yanna was packing her daughter's clothes. They will immediately leave tonight. They just couldn't waste their time, huh? 

"You will go with Tita-Ninang muna, ha," Yanna told Avrielle. 

"Yay! Tita-Ninang!" Avrielle went to me and sat on my lap. "I love Tita-Ninang!" 

Yanna rolled Avi's little pink luggage with Rapunzel's face on it. Tumayo ako at bumaba naman si Avrielle para kuhanin 'yong luggage niya. She looked happy to see it. Nag-bilin kaagad si Yanna bago kami umalis. 

"Huwag mong hayaang mapuyat kakanood ng cartoons, ha!" She reminded me. "Tsaka sabi ni Hiro, i-regulate mo na raw sweets niya! Siraulo ka, pinakain mo last time ng maraming chocolates! Hindi nakatulog!" 

"I told you I didn't mean to do that! Nagulat na lang ako na kinuha niya 'yon sa ref!" I defended myself. 

"Avi, you won't say goodbye to Daddy?" Hiro appeared in the hallway. Avrielle quickly ran to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She did the same to Yanna before we left their unit. 

Maaga pa naman and malapit pa lang mag lunchtime so I just ordered in a drive-thru for Avi, me, and Clyden dahil dadaan na 'ko roon pagkapalit ko ng damit sa condo. Avrielle was eating ice cream at the backseat so she was quiet. 

I just placed all our things in my condo and then changed into a comfortable outfit. I wore a cap and a facemask before I drove to the hospital again with Avi. Hindi ko pa kinakain 'yong dala ko para sabayan si Clyden. I also texted him that I was on my way. 

I also said that I was with Avrielle since I couldn't leave her anywhere. He said it would be fine, but children were allowed on certain floors only. 

"Let's go, Avi." 

I held her hand and walked inside the hospital. She was curiously looking around and watching the people go in different directions. Everyone seemed so busy in the hospital. I walked slower because Avi's legs were shorter than mine, and she was having a hard time catching up. 

The sliding door to the reception of the new pediatric ward opened because Clyden said he would just finish something there. I couldn't bring Avrielle inside, but I also couldn't leave her outside, so I was planning to leave her at the reception desk. 

"Yes po?" the nurse in the reception asked when we entered. 

"Oh, she's my patient. Hello, Avrielle." I felt relieved when I saw Doctor Lana, who was writing something on the reception counter. "How are you?" 

"Doctor Lana!" Avi ran and hugged Dr. Lana's leg, hiding behind her back. 

"I'll just talk to Doctor Ramirez. It will be short. Avi, stay here with Dr. Lana," I told her, removing my mask.

"Doctor Ramirez?" the nurse whispered to the other nurse. "Si Samantha Vera 'yan 'di ba? Kamukha..." 

"It will be short," I repeated, but they looked really starstruck. 

I took the opportunity to go to Clyden. He was on the nearest bed so the nurse could still see me. It was a new ward so wala rin masyadong tao kaya pinayagan ako. Siguro three to five lang ang occupied. Clyden just drew blood from a patient. I walked closer to make sure that it was him, but I stopped from a distance so I wouldn't disturb him. 

"Hey." I almost jumped in place when he suddenly greeted me without looking. How could he notice my presence immediately? I was steps away from him! 

"Hey. I'll just wait outside," I told him. 

I told the nurse that I would be short, so I wanted to leave already, but Clyden insisted that we should leave together. 

"No need. I'm done." He stood up and took off his gloves before giving the kid a smile and a pat on the head. "Good job, princess," he complimented. "I'll come back later. You should eat your food." 

"Hindi po masarap." The kid pouted. "Gusto ko na po umuwi." She started crying, wiping her tears using the back of her hand. 

"Hey..." Clyden sat down and wiped the kid's tears. "Uuwi ka na kapag magaling ka na kaya kumain ka para lumakas ka. Sabi mo sa 'kin kahapon kakainin mo na 'yong gulay sa pagkain, 'di ba?" 

"Tita-Ninang," Avrielle said, suddenly appearing on my side. I looked back at Dr. Lana and the nurses, but they were busy discussing something. We would probably get kicked out in a moment. 

I looked at Avrielle, who was watching the kid cry. She furrowed her brows in concern before walking towards the kid, handing her the lollipop she was eating. I laughed and moved her hand away. 

"Avi, if you're going to give candy, it should be a new one," I told her. Nasa bibig niya na tapos binibigay niya pa. I really loved this kid's innocence. 

"Why are you crying?" Avrielle asked in her small voice. "Do you want a hug?" 

The kid, that was years older than Avrielle, suddenly stopped crying to smile. She gave Avi a pat on the head and asked her about her name and age. I turned to Clyden, who was watching us intently. 

"Let's eat?" I asked Clyden. 

He nodded and walked to the counter, talking to the nurses. I followed him, holding Avrielle's hand. The nurses didn't take off their eyes on us until we left. We rode the elevator and entered a fast-food restaurant. He got us a table, and I placed our food there. Clyden went to the cashier to buy drinks for us. 

"Are you hungry again?" I asked Avrielle. Kumain na siya ng lunch kanina.

"Tita-Ninang, all of them wear Doctor Lana's clothes." She looked around and pointed at people with white coats. "I want that too." 

"So you want to be a doctor now?" I raised a brow, laughing. This kid will explore all careers, huh? It was fine since she was still young. 

"They heal people?" she asked, looking at me with innocent eyes. "Like magic?" 

"No, it's not really magic. They're just skilled," I told her. "You will study years and years to master it." 

I looked up when Clyden placed two bottles of water on the table and an apple juice for Avrielle. She happily held it and tried to open the straw, but she was struggling, so Clyden got it out of Avi's hands. Tinusok niya ang straw sa juice bago binalik sa bata. 

"Drink slowly," Clyden calmly said. 

"Avi, this is Doctor Ramirez," I introduced him. 

"Hello, Doctor!" Avi giggled and leaned over the table, putting her hands in front of her to support her weight. "I will become like you!" 

Clyden's lips formed a smile. "You want to become a doctor?" His hand automatically went to Avi's side so she wouldn't fall. "Careful. You might hurt yourself." 

"Her parents are out for their honeymoon, so she'll stay with me for a few days," I explained. "When are you free? Avi and I will go to an amusement park. Do you want to come?" 

"I'll see what I can do," Clyden said, opening the paper bags so we can already start eating. 

We ate while talking about work. Kinwento ko rin sa kanya 'yong mga nangyari sa kasal ni Yanna. He was listening intently, looking so interested. He looked tired again today. Did he even sleep? Normal na siguro sa kanya ang ganoong hitsura. 

"Doctor! Are you sick?!" Avrielle leaned on the table again and held Clyden's cheek with her hand. 

Clyden laughed and held Avrielle's wrist softly. "No, I'm not sick, Avi. How about you? Are you feeling well?" 

"Yes, Doctor!" Umayos ng upo si Avi at sumipsip ulit sa apple juice niya. "I am fine, thank you," she said like na automated message. I taught her that. "Doctor looks sick." 

"He's just sleep-deprived, Avrielle. He couldn't sleep," I explained again. 

"If you don't sleep, you won't get tall!" Avrielle pouted. "You should sleep so you will grow like my Daddy!" Oh, damn. That was probably what Hiro said to her. 

"Really? Thank you for that advice." Clyden smiled. "I will get lots of sleep." 

Of course, that was a lie. I just shook my head and finished my food before throwing them into the trash bin. When I went back, Avrielle was talking to Clyden about her favorite characters in Frozen.

Clyden had to go back to work after lunch, so he walked me out until we reached the lobby. I gave him a smile and a wave. He looked at Avrielle with hesitant eyes before leaning and giving me a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Call me," he whispered in my ear before letting me go. 

"Daddy said you only kiss people you like." Avrielle looked at us with curiosity in her eyes. "Do you like Tita-Ninang?" 

Clyden bent down to be on the same level as Avi before giving her a pat on the head. "Yes, I like your Tita-Ninang. Is that okay?" 

"It's okay!" Avrielle smiled and even scrunched her nose. 

We had already left after saying goodbye to Clyden. The next day, I had a commercial shoot, so I brought Avrielle with me again. I dressed her up in a cute pink dress and tied her hair in a pigtail. She was wearing her cute little backpack when the van picked us up. 

"Avi!" Francine looked so happy to see her. "You're here again, baby!" 

"Hello po!" Avi greeted everyone. 

She could easily get people's attention, especially in the studio. All of them adored her, and the staff even gave her food while I was preparing. Arah was the one watching her so the kid wouldn't get lost. 

"Avrielle, you kind of look like your Daddy!" a staff member complimented her. 

"But Daddy said I look like Mommy." Right. Avrielle was a beautiful mixture of those two. I stared at her for too long, imagining myself with a kid that looked like Clyden. That would be so nice, but I shouldn't get ahead of myself. 

It was just a commercial for a skincare brand, and it finished earlier than expected since they were satisfied with the first three shots. Tumagal lang dahil inuulit-ulit ang ibang scenes for different angles and style. 

I already got permission from Arah to visit an amusement park with Avrielle, but she wanted me to go on a weekday to avoid the crowd. That morning, I picked up Clyden straight from the hospital. He was wearing an oversized white shirt tucked inside his navy blue smart pants. He opened the door to the shotgun seat and wore his specs. 

"Hey," he greeted me before looking at the backseat to see Avrielle. "Hello!" 

"Hello, Doctor!" Avrielle greeted him back. Avrielle was really excited about today. 

I drove away and just listened to music on our way. Clyden took a nap during the ride. Kulang na naman siguro ang tulog niya. He immediately woke up when I stopped the car in the parking lot. We were just in time for the opening. I wore my cap and shades before getting out of the car. 

Avrielle held Clyden's hand while I was busy getting the tickets. Wala pang masyadong tao pero may mga nakapila na. Sa dami naman ng tao, hindi na nila ako mapapansin. No one would look at other people's faces one by one in crowded places. I just had to blend in so I wore a simple white shirt and a pair of maong shorts. I chose the most comfortable outfit. 

"Bubbles!" Avrielle ran to the man selling balloons and bubbles when we went inside the park, dragging Clyden with him. 

Clyden bought her one, so she smiled like crazy. Niluhod ni Cy 'yong isa niyang tuhod para turuan si Avrielle kung paano gamitin. Avi only made small bubbles, and Cy made a big one, so the kid was amazed and jealous. 

Pumila na kaagad kami sa pinakasikat na ride for kids habang wala pang masyadong tao. The waiting time was twenty-five minutes, so we just lined up patiently. I leaned my elbows on the railings while Clyden was in front of me, holding Avi's hand. I looked away and lowered my cap when I saw the woman in front of us staring. 

"Girlfriend niya kaya?" I heard someone whispering. 

"Baka asawa. May anak na sila, oh," the other girl said. 

"Baka naman kapatid lang. Try mo tanungin. Ang gwapo, oh." 

Okay, I thought they were staring because they were familiar with me, but it was just because of Clyden's looks. Why did he even fix his hair like that? It made him look hotter. He was smiling a lot, too, because he was with a kid, so that made him approachable. Ano ako rito? Invisible? 

"Oops! Sorry po!" The girl purposely threw her headband near us so she could get the chance to move closer. 

Clyden being Clyden picked it up for her and returned it. "Here," he said. 

"Ah, thank you po! Anong year ka na, Kuya?" the girl asked smoothly. I let out a small laugh and looked away. Did he look like a student? Well, he really looked young. 

"I'm a doctor," Clyden politely said. 

"Ah..." The girl looked at me next. I had to turn my back slightly away from her, scared that she would recognize me. "Asawa n'yo po?" 

"Uh, yeah," Clyden casually answered. 

The two girls looked disappointed. They thanked him again before going back to their place, leaving us alone. Avrielle was distracted by Clyden's phone while we were waiting for our turn. She was just watching cartoons. 

The ride was just short and simple. It was for kids, so Avrielle looked so happy and amazed. I took pictures of her and Clyden because they looked cute. Clyden was holding Avi's shirt because the kid was leaning over to touch the moving objects. Para niyang hawak sa leash 'yong aso niya. It was funny. 

"Avrielle, careful," I reminded her. 

After two more rides, we decided to eat lunch in a princess-themed restaurant because it was what Avi wanted. Clyden stood up to order food for us. Siya na rin ang nagbayad kahit sabi kong babayaran ko pabalik. 

"Let's leave early so you can rest," I told Clyden while we were eating. 

"I'm fine," he said. "Don't worry about me. As long as the kid's enjoying it." 

"She'll get tired and will take a nap around four, so we can leave at that time." 

Hindi pa kami pwedeng sumakay sa rides dahil kakakain pa lang kaya nagpunta na lang kami sa shops at bumili ng headband. We took a picture and a selfie photo with him carrying Avrielle para masama 'yong bata sa picture. He also took a picture of Avrielle and I. I was kissing her on the cheek while the kid scrunched her nose, giggling. 

"You look adorable with kids," he said, bringing the phone down. "Aren't you planning to have one?" 

"Are you going to give me one?" I raised a brow and laughed. It was a joke. 

"I can give you kids whenever you want to," he whispered in my ear, putting his hands around my waist. 

I shivered and pushed him lightly away from me because Avrielle was watching. We left the shop after paying for our headbands and then just walked around the park with Avi holding a balloon. We also played some games for a free stuffed toy. 

"Nakailang try ka tapos ito lang pala." I laughed and showed him the unicorn keychain we got. 

"I'm bad at holding guns." He shrugged. 

"Really? You don't look like the type." Clyden was competitive. I assumed he was going to do well with amusement park games. 

"I used to be so good at it, but I eventually lost it-" 

"Samantha Vera?!" 

We suddenly stopped walking when a woman recognized me. My eyes widened, and looked at Clyden. He carried Avrielle with him and put his hand behind my back to push me so we could walk faster. 

"Samantha!" The woman ran and stopped in front of us. Napatigil ulit ako sa paglalakad at tumingin sa kanya. "Oh my gosh, it's you! Can I take a picture?!" Her voice was so loud she caught other people's attention. 

"Sorry, it's not me." I looked down and walked in the other direction, but I was stopped by two men who recognized me too. "I'm sorry, excuse me." 

"Samantha Vera! Hala, siya nga!" The two men elbowed each other. "Pwede pong magpa-picture?!" 

They started crowding the place. I was just looking down and trying to watch my steps, escaping. I was panicking, and my heart was already beating so fast. I suddenly stopped when I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me with him away from the crowd. 

"Si Clyden Ramirez 'yon, 'di ba? 'Yong doctor?" someone whispered. 

"Let's go," Clyden said, walking through the crowd. Wala na siyang pakialam kung may mabubunggo kami. Avrielle held on his neck as we walked faster to get away from the people. 

We stopped at the parking lot and saw media personnel waiting there. Clyden immediately put Avrielle in the backseat before opening the shotgun seat for me. 

"Paano kayo nagkakilala? Are you together?!" 

"Are you the son of Cristopher Ramirez, the owner of Ramirez Medical?! You topped the boards, right?!" 

"Samantha Vera, are you cheating on Haze Juarez?!" 

Sunod-sunod ang tanong ng tatlong taong 'yon. I massaged my head and looked at them. I could never accept cheating assumptions. Clyden didn't deserve that too. 

"No, Haze and I are just friends," I said, opening the door again to get inside the car. 

"What is your relationship with Clyden Ramirez? Are you guys together?!" the lady asked again. 

I sighed heavily and looked at them. "Yes, we are. You can stop asking now."

________________________________________________________________________________

:)