"Samantha Vera, a pose for us, please!" 

I stopped walking and displayed the Dior dress I was wearing after attending its fashion show. I wasn't the one walking on the runway, but I got invited by the designer. It was Paris Fashion Week, so it was again another busy week for me and for my stylists. There were so many cameras around me. I could even hear the shutters. 

"Sam, let's go! We're going to be late!" Arah yelled, so I waved at the reporters before entering the van to change into another outfit. 

Francine quickly retouched my makeup and changed my hairstyle. The fashion week was my favorite, but it was also unhealthy since wala na 'kong oras magpahinga. I was invited to a lot of shows, and I also supported my co-models. It has been what?  Three years since I left the Philippines, and focused more on modeling. Eventually, I got tired of it. 

I retired from runway modeling and just accepted offers from shoots and commercials. Audience na lang ako ngayon, but I still felt happier than ever because I was free. My schedule wasn't that hectic anymore except during fashion weeks. 

"Samantha Vera, gorgeous as ever!" Giselle went to me and gave me a hug after going inside the venue. Magkatabi kami para sa show. I kissed her cheek and also greeted other celebrities before taking my seat. Hindi pa nagsisimula 'yong show kaya may oras pa 'ko. "I heard you're dating the famous Hollywood actor, ah?!" 

"What?" My brows furrowed before laughing. "No, no. I don't have a boyfriend!" I denied it. 

For the past years, I was being paired up with my friends from Hollywood after being introduced by a model friend who landed herself with one of the famous actors. My circle just started to get bigger. I got invited to American shows. I had been traveling around the U.S.A., especially in Los Angeles. Ang dami kong nakakasama kaya ang dami ko ring dating rumors. 

I was once offered to star in a movie too but it just wasn't my thing. I wasn't that much of a great actress so I just stayed with modeling. Ang tunog na ng pangalan ko internationally lalo na tuwing nakakasama ko 'yong mga sikat na actors and actresses, like in the yacht party that happened the other day. Hindi ko alam kung masaya o galit 'yong fans nila sa 'kin. I couldn't care less. Wala naman akong special relationship with them. 

"You're more famous than ever now! Ang hirap mo nang hagilapin, ah! You were always in LA!" Giselle laughed gracefully. "Celebrity life, huh?" 

"Not really." I gave her a smile. "I don't really like the attention I'm getting. I might move back to the Philippines for good. I had enough of the spotlight." 

"Really?!" Giselle parted her lips. "For good? Are you planning to retire?" 

"I can still take offers, but I'm actually going to focus on business." 

Hindi na nadugtungan ang usapan namin dahil nagsimula na ang show. It was amusing to see new designs. It was refreshing to the eyes. After the show, Giselle and I went to the designer to have a small chat. The backstage models were staring at us, probably recognizing us. 

I wasn't that famous in the Philippines anymore since I didn't take any bookings there. Hindi ko lang alam kung may pakialam pa sila since I actually became an international celebrity. I would come home during important events, but I would also leave immediately. I didn't want to stay that long in the country. 

Clyden was once in New York to attend a conference. It was about two years ago, but we didn't get a chance to meet since I was in LA, and he had to return the next day. We were... casual. We stopped talking to each other, but he still sent messages during important occasions like birthdays, Christmas, and New Year, and I also sent messages during those times, but... Hanggang doon na lang ang usapan. 

Simple 'Happy Birthday' and 'Merry Christmas' messages were enough for us to say that we still cared about each other, but we were already too busy with our lives, so we stopped ourselves from going too deep. Friends? Maybe I could call us that... But we really can't be friends. There was too much history for us to be 'just friends.' 

Gabi na nang makauwi ako sa hotel room dahil nagkaroon pa 'ko ng mini photoshoot so I could have something to post on Instagram and I was also paid to model the clothes sent to me. It was really fun but tiring. Ito na 'yong last day, I was finally allowed to cheat on my diet. 

I changed my clothes and went down to the hotel restaurant alone while Arah and Francine were both resting in their hotel rooms. Pagod din siguro sila dahil ang dami naming pinuntahan ngayong araw. I was planning to eat alone, but I saw a familiar face in the lobby. 

"Gosh, what is he doing here?" I covered my face with the menu when I saw Haze talking to two businessmen. 

They were all wearing their formal attires. I was staring at them, so I didn't notice the waiter beside me waiting for my order. "Oh, wait. Let me just..." I stopped staring to choose what I wanted. 

I told the waiter what I wanted before giving him the menu. Halos mapatalon ako sa inuupuan ko nang makita ko ang lalaki sa harapan ko, hawak na ang sandalan ng upuan. 

"Save the dessert for later," I told the waiter. 

"Oh, and can you please add one salmon en papillote? Merci." I muttered a curse when Haze sat in front of me, smirking. "Wow, long time no see, Miss International." 

"Please." I rolled my eyes and scoffed. "Why are you here in Paris?" 

"Oh, I had a meeting." He removed his coat and put it on the backrest before loosening his tie in front of me. "Paris Fashion Week, huh? Were you on the runway?" 

"No. I just got invitations," I told him. "Any news about the thing I asked?" I raised my brow. The waiter came back to fill our glasses with wine before leaving again. 

"Hmm..." Haze took a sip of his wine glass before looking up, thinking. "Well, since I'm helping you, you don't have to worry about it. The location is secured, almost finished, and I already hired employees. In no time, it could start operating. I'm the best, right? Tell me I'm a good boy," he teased, smiling. 

"What are you, a dog?" I laughed. 

"Aren't you going to reward me, hmm?" He tried to hide his smirk underneath his wine glass. He leaned on the table and touched my lower lip with his thumb, furrowing my brows. "I've been so good... Right?" he said in his sexiest tone. 

"Shut up." I moved his hand away and rolled my eyes, making him laugh. Umayos siya ng upo at sumandal, natatawa sa reaction ko. "This is probably how you tease your sex partners. Sorry, I don't plan to be in the same bed as you." I gave him a sweet smile. 

"Bathroom?" he tried to tease again. "Or fire exit?" He looked at my back where the fire exit was located. "Rooftop? How about that, hmm?" 

"Whatever." He was just teasing to get a reaction from me. We were good friends. Sanay na 'ko sa pangse-seduce niya sa 'kin tuwing nagkakasalubong kami. This guy never really changed. 

"Ah, Samantha Vera. So cold." He shook his head. "Is it final? Your club's name is Epitome?" 

"Yeah, I can't think of anything else." I shrugged. "I can change it when I want to. I'm still starting." 

I wanted to own and build a club to try new things and have a fall-back plan. It was the thing I had enough knowledge of, and Haze helped me a lot. He managed everything while I was in New York. He was really helpful to me, especially when he was so business-minded and, not to mention smart. 

"Epi tayo," Haze said. "That's how people will refer to your club. Tara, Epi. Let's go to Epi. Shortcuts. It's still good." He laughed. 

"Whatever they want to call it." 

Our food was served, and we talked about the club while eating. Hinatid niya 'ko sa hotel room ko pagkatapos kumain bago siya umalis. He even teased me and said he would stay in my room for the night. He received a call after that, so he immediately left. Maybe it was one of his flings. 

The next day, we had a flight back to New York. I just stayed in my apartment the whole day after arriving so I could rest again. Moving to New York three years ago wasn't easy, but it wasn't hard either since I had been going to New York a lot before, so I already knew the environment. Hindi lang ako sanay na wala 'yong mga kaibigan ko at wala... siya. 

I had the urge to send him a message right after moving in, but I wanted to stop giving him false hopes. I wanted to help him move on, especially when I didn't have plans to return. I wanted him to forget about me, so I refused to contact him, but he sent a message on my birthday, so the messages continued. Puro ganoon lang.

He probably forgot about me already. Malapit na ang birthday niya at pauwi na rin ako. Hindi ko alam kung kikitain ko ba siya o hindi. Wala naman siyang idea na uuwi ako and his last message was during New Year. A simple 'Happy New Year' lang ang sinabi niya and sineen na niya 'ko. 

Hindi ko alam kung gusto kong naka-move on na siya o hindi. I wanted that in the first place because I wasn't planning to come back anymore, but I decided that I wanted to have a stable life in the Philippines, not in New York. I wanted to be close to my friends and be there for them. Besides, it wasn't easy for me to stay out here anymore. Paparazzi started following me around wherever I went. It was worse than before. 

I was staring at Clyden's new post on Instagram. He was wearing a different white coat, a dark blue stethoscope around his neck, a cute pocket ballpen, probably for the children, and a new pair of specs. Those were new. He had a different hairstyle. Longer and pushed back, which made him more mature. 

He was smiling in the photo, and he was with three other doctors who looked younger than him. I heard he was already taking his fellowship program. Pediatrics Emergency Medicine. 

At this point, I wasn't hoping to have a relationship with anyone anymore. I didn't have plans for marriage or plans to have kids. I was focusing on myself. I learned and grew a lot when I started paying attention to myself. I went out of my comfort zone, released every grudge I had inside me, and also let go of the burden from the past. 

"Are you happy for me?" I asked, holding the photo of Naomi. It was placed on the side table. She became my inspiration to move forward. "You're not here, but you're bringing out the best in me." 

Inasikaso ko lang lahat ng papeles before moving out of my apartment and also before leaving New York for good. Arah had been handling other models besides me, so she planned on staying here in New York with Francine, but she could still look out for me kahit long-distance kami. I was actually nervous because I would start doing things alone. I should learn how to since I was opening a business. 

"Yeah, I already booked my flight," I told Yanna while packing my things. Ang dami kong gamit at hindi ko alam kung ano ang iiwan ko at ang i-uuwi ko. I was planning to sell some of my clothes to avoid baggage excess. 

[Susunduin ba kita? Ipapasundo kita kay Sevi.] Yanna said on the other line. 

"Yes, please. Thank you!" 

I ended the call and continued packing my things kahit next week pa naman talaga ang flight ko. I spent the whole week selling my things and also shopping so I could bring something for my friends. After weighing my baggage, I sat at the edge of the bed and touched the ring attached to my necklace. 

"Are you waiting?" I whispered. 

Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tinitigan 'yon. I wanted to send a message to him but I didn't know what to say. He seemed so far away from me. Ganoon din ba kapag nagkita kami ulit? 

itsamantha: How are you?

After sending that, I closed my eyes and covered my face with the pillow, screaming. I was panicking so badly. Hindi ko alam kung magre-reply ba siya o hindi. 

"Oh my gosh!" I threw the pillow when my phone beeped. 

c.jaile: Hi. I'm good. How are you? 

That sounded so formal! Was he still the same as before? Ano n'ang irereply ko?! Why did I send that message in the first place? Sasabihin ko bang pauwi na 'ko? But for what? Baka sabihin niya 'And so?' or something like that. 

After leaving him, sasabihin ko 'yon sa kanya? He would probably think that I was playing with his feelings. I sighed heavily and just replied with a short message. 

itsamantha: I'm fine. Talk to you soon. 

And then I turned off my phone and slept! Hindi na rin naman siya nag-send ng message after that. Hindi nga niya sineen. Maybe he was busy. 

I woke up early to catch my flight. Hinatid lang ako ni Arah and Francine. Nagpaalam na 'ko sa kanilang dalawa and thanked them for staying by my side for years. We would be apart, but we would still keep in touch. I checked in my baggage and went through immigration before going to the boarding area. It was still early, so I had breakfast and shopped around designer stores. 

The saleslady kept on staring at me while I was looking at Chanel bags... Probably because I modeled for Chanel before. I wore my shades so people won't recognize me anymore. Kanina, may mga nagpa-picture pa. 

"Passengers of the flight..." I looked up when I heard my flight number from the speakers. Umalis na kaagad ako ng store at pumunta sa boarding area para pumila. I booked a business-class seat, so we were the first to enter. 

"Welcome on board, Ma'am." 

I stopped walking when I heard a familiar voice. My brows furrowed as I turned to my side, seeing Yanna in her flight attendant attire. I was holding up the line, so I just gave her 'the look' before I went to my seat. What the hell... She didn't tell me that! 

But having her around me made me less nervous about going back. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang naghihintay sa 'kin sa Pilipinas kaya kinakabahan ako. When the passengers started settling down, Yanna performed the emergency procedures in front. I had to look away so she won't laugh.

"Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off." I looked up, mas lalo lang naguluhan dahil narinig ko ang boses ni Hiro. That was him! I even saw how Yanna smiled when she heard that. Halatang kinilig. I had to roll my eyes. Gosh, these two. 

After the take-off, the fasten seat belt sign was turned off, and the flight attendants started going around to offer some snacks and drinks. I checked the menu and pushed the flight attendant call button. Yanna immediately went to my seat and gave me a fake smile. 

"Good day, Ma'am. Is there anything I can help you with?" she asked, trying to sound normal. 

I couldn't stop myself from letting out a laugh. "Why are you on my flight?" 

"Last-minute changes," she answered shortly. "Bakit? Ayaw mo ba, ha? Ikaw na nga sinasamahan, eh."

It wasn't a surprise to see Yanna anymore. Kapag may flight siya sa New York at may layover, palagi naman kaming nagkikita. I was thinking that she was purposely taking New York flights just to see me. Palagi siyang narito, eh! 

"You even brought your husband with you." Napailing ako. 

"Hindi na 'ko makapaghintay matapos shift ko at mag-break siya," she whispered on my ear, smirking. My facial expression suddenly changed, giving her a disgusted look. "Joke lang." 

"Go do your job." I pushed her away playfully. She laughed and went to another seat when she was called. I smiled by myself and just watched movies before I fell asleep. 

"Huy, gising. Kakain na," Yanna woke me up. 

Parang ginigising niya lang ako sa bahay. I opened my eyes and ate the food served in front of me. Yanna was going around already. After that, nawala na siya. Tapos na 'ata shift niya. The flight was long, but I was comfortable since I had a friend around. I stayed awake until we landed so I could beat the jet lag. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. I would like to welcome you to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Our local time is 2:21 PM, and the temperature is 32 degrees Celsius. On behalf of Fly Asia Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip. Have a nice stay in the Philippines." I thought it would end there, but he talked again. "And welcome home, Sam." 

My eyes widened while getting my carry-on suitcase. Muntik na tuloy mahulog sa mukha ko. Hiro, what the hell! That surprised me! 

"See you," I told Yanna before leaving the plane. 

"Call me," she mouthed with a hand gesture. 

I connected to the internet so I could call Sevi. He said he was already near, so I waited outside the airport. Nanibago ako dahil walang paparazzi but it was so much better than before. They didn't get my flight details this time! 

I blinked twice when a Porsche Macan stopped in front of me. Sevi exited the driver's seat, wearing a navy blue dress shirt tucked inside his black slacks. Mukhang galing sa trabaho. He gave me a smile before giving me a hug. He smelled good too! 

"Wow, you changed a lot," I told him. 

"Ang sabihin mo, mas lumaki muscles ko," he said, flexing his biceps again. 

Napailing na lang ako at hindi siya pinansin. He laughed and opened the back of his car so we could put my things inside. Ang sabi niya siya na raw bahala roon kaya pumasok na raw ako ng sasakyan dahil mukhang pagod ako. He was still caring as ever. Na-meet niya na kaya 'yong ex niya? I saw her in LA just last month. Mukhang malapit na pala siya umuwi, according to Haze. 

"Doon ka sa dating condo mo?" Sevi asked while driving. 

"Yes, please." I really wanted to sleep already, but I had to fight it so I could adjust my body clock. "How are you? Have you been well?" 

"Oo naman! Ikaw ba? Kumusta ka na? Sikat na sikat ka na roon, ah! Kakilala mo 'yong favorite kong actor. Sabi ko bigyan mo ako ng fansign, eh," reklamo pa niya. 

"Uso pa ba 'yon?" Tumawa ako at umiling. "I have his number. I can just text him." 

"Hoy, joke lang! Nakakahiya naman 'to. Ah, oo nga pala, kailan opening ng club mo? Na-excitement na 'ko, eh," he joked. 

Oh right. I told him it would open in a few weeks since I still had a lot to check and organize for the opening. It would be an exclusive party, so I'd only be sending out invitations to the people I knew... which were also a lot. It could also serve as a welcome home party for me. 

"Okay ka na rito? Pwede kitang tulungan mag-ayos ng gamit," Sevi offered. 

"Actually, yes, please. I want to buy new pieces of furniture," I told him. I didn't really sell my unit. I paid the maintenance fee in advance, so it was still there. Haze already had it cleaned yesterday so ang gagawin ko na lang, bibili ng mga bagong gamit. 

"Tama. You chose the right man, pare," Sevi proudly said. 

We went up to my unit, and it was really clean. I placed my suitcases inside the bedroom while I told Sevi about what to replace. I planned on changing the sala set, adding a new TV, removing the painting, and adding some new portraits, and I also wanted to change the bed. Sevi also checked the electronics to see if they were still working. 

"Saan? Dito ipepwesto?" Sevi asked, holding his metric tape measure. He rolled his sleeves up and measured the painting on the wall, biting a pencil. He marked it before typing the measurement on his phone. 

I felt so bad for him! Sinundo na nga niya 'ko, pinapagawa ko pa siya ng extra work. Para naman makabawi sa kanya, I took him to the mall after so we could eat. He also helped me choose some pieces of furniture. He was the one talking to the salesperson. He was very specific with the sizes and stuff while I followed him. 

"Sam, sinasabi ko sa 'yo, hindi ako architect kaya huwag mo 'kong pagkatiwalaan sa design masyado." Sevi laughed. 

"I'll call Luna or Kierra," I told him. We were in a restaurant, eating. Hindi pa naman gabi kaya palabas pa lang siguro sila sa trabaho. 

When I sent a text, they replied 'okay' immediately. I asked them to meet in my unit so they could take a look. Busog na si Sevi kaya bumalik na kami sa condo. Malapit lang din naman. 

"Samantha!" That was so loud! Nanlaki ang mata ko nang biglang yumakap sa 'kin si Luna habang binubuksan ko ang pinto ng unit ko. 

"Luna, kalma." Kierra had to pull her back so we wouldn't fall. 

"Ang ingay mo, tol. May pang-umaga," Sevi told her. 

"Hala, namiss kita super!" Yumakap ulit sa 'kin si Luna, ayaw ako pakawalan. "Ang bango-bango mo naman! Ano ba 'yan! Amoy mamahalin!" 

"Ako, hindi mo pupuriin?" Sevi asked. 

"Amoy semento ka, bobo," Luna fired back. 

"Napakakapal naman ng mukha mo." Sevi scoffed. 

I thought their fight would end there, but then when they went inside and took a look at my unit, they started fighting again over the designs. 

"Hindi nga kasya! E 'di wala nang space dito kung sasagarin mo. Kita mo 'to, ha? Minarkahan ko na 'to." Sevi even stood up and pointed at the wall. "Mula rito... Hanggang dito..." He moved and pointed again. "Kung lalagyan mo pa ng desk dito, hindi posible. Masyadong malapit na sa pinto." 

"E 'di i-adjust mo!" Luna stood up, crossing her arms. "Maganda nga naisip ko! May glass shelf dito tapos nandito 'yong mga portraits tsaka mga award ni Sam. Lintik, akin na nga ang panukat!" 

"Jusko naman," Kierra whispered, massaging her head. "Bukas pa 'yan matatapos, Sam. Usap na lang tayo rito. Kumusta New York?" 

"Too much spotlight. I already got tired of it, so I went home. I'm staying here for good already. How about you? How are you holding up?" 

We just talked to catch up while the two were busy arguing. Luna really made an effort to show me a sketch, even though I didn't ask for it. I just trusted both of them. They were in too deep when I just wanted to change the furniture! Gosh! Pwede namang kahit ano na lang sa 'kin but they were so precise with it!

"Ako na naman mag a-adjust, huh?!" Sevi flicked his finger on Luna's forehead. "Pinipikon mo talaga ako, e!" 

"Galit ka na niyan?" Luna raised a brow. "Make it happen! Don't deny it. Maganda ang naisip ko." Luna showed him the quick sketch she made. 

"Pasalamat ka crush kita noon." 

"Yuck! Never ako magpapasalamat doon!" 

"Yuck ka rin!" 

I laughed at that. Pinakain ko na lang silang dalawa ng pizza para hindi na sila mag-away. Just when I thought that everything was finally going to be peaceful, humabol si Yanna before dinner, may dalang mga pagkain. She said Hiro cooked for her so she wanted to share it with us. 

"O, e 'di ikaw na may asawa," Luna bitterly said. 

"Ikaw walang jowa," Yanna fired back. 

"Aray, ha!" Sevi held his chest. "Nakakasakit ka na! Hindi na tama 'to!" 

"Marami kami rito, mars. Huwag kami," Kierra told her, glaring. "Ay, Sam, 'di ba rito rin nakatira si Kalix?"

"Mahabagin!" Sevi said in fear. 

Luna just glared at her cousin before rolling her eyes, getting pissed. After eating dinner, they helped me unpack my things. Mabuti 'yon para kaunti na lang ang gagawin ko dahil inaantok na talaga ako. Catching up with them was so fun. I was so glad it happened tonight kahit pagod ako sa flight. 

"Tara na, pagod na si Sam," Yanna told them. 

They all said goodbye before leaving my unit. Silence surrounded the whole place, and it was too peaceful, so I fell asleep immediately. The next day, Luna and Sevi helped me with the furniture again. Kaunti lang naman ang papalitan ko kaya kaunti lang din ang binili namin. They would be delivered next week. Inayos din ni Sevi 'yong mga sira sa unit ko. 

"It looks good, right?" Haze asked me while I was looking around the empty club. Gawa na lahat from the tables, chairs, shelves, dance floor, etc. Haze already took care of it while I was away. I was thankful to him. 

"Now, we just have to order a lot of alcohol, right?" I told him. "Have you contacted an event organizer for the opening?" 

"Yes, I already did. Didn't I tell you? I'm such a good boy." He smirked again, crossing his arms over his chest. "I already ordered supplies. They should arrive this week." 

"Ah, what would I do without you?!" I exaggerated, laughing. 

"Damn, that sounded so fake." He laughed too. "Welcome home, Sam." 

Welcome home, indeed! 

"Should I invite him?" I asked Haze. He already knew who I was referring to. The side of his lips rose up, firming a playful smirk. "Come on! What do you think?" 

"Still in love with him, huh? The two of you can't get over each other." He shook his head in disappointment. 

"What do you mean?" I raised a brow. The two of us? Clyden too? Ano'ng alam niya? 

"Nothing. Invite him if you want. The invitations will be sent to your unit tomorrow. I know you're just making it an excuse to see him but go for it." He shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he's waiting for you too." 

"You are getting my hopes up. Stop it." I gave him a light push. 

He was right! I was just making it an excuse to see him. The next day, I went to the gym to renew my membership, taking my new car. After a workout session, I showered and changed my clothes. I was planning to meet Avi today at the mall. 

"Yanna?" I answered the call when I went inside the car. 

[Sam, si Avi...] She suddenly cried. 

"What?! Why?! What's wrong?!" Nanlaki ang mata ko at nagmamadaling pumasok sa kotse. "Where are you?! I'll go there!" 

"Nahulog siya sa hagdan, eh! Tumalikod lang ako tapos pag harap ko wala na siyang malay! Papunta na kaming R.M. Wala si Hiro... Hindi ko alam gagawin ko..." She was crying over the phone. Mas lalo akong kinabahan. 

"I'm on my way." I stepped on the gas and drove as fast as possible to catch up. I waited outside the hospital. My heart was beating so fast. When I saw an ambulance approaching, I suddenly walked closer to see. "Avrielle!" 

I ran when I saw Avi on the bed with a bleeding head. Her knee and elbow also had scratches on them. Yanna looked at me and cried more before going inside the hospital with Avrielle. I followed them there. 

"Doc! Head injury!" The other doctor yelled while rolling the bed. 

"Vital signs?" 

My eyes widened when I saw Clyden walking with them in his white coat. They transferred Avi to one of the beds while we stayed meters away. 

"Call Doctor Sarrosa and Doctor Ong immediately and set up IV lines. Full drop." Clyden was walking so fast, holding a small penlight. "Take a CT scan as well." 

Another doctor came to Yanna and asked her questions. I held Yanna's hand tightly while she cried on my shoulder. I didn't know how or where to focus anymore. The fact that Clyden was here or that Avrielle was in a critical condition. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. 

We couldn't see what was happening anymore. They transferred Avrielle and talked to Yanna inside while I waited on the benches. Hiro also came running, so I told him that Yanna was inside. They should be okay... She should be okay now. Hiro was already with her. 

I walked away to calm my nerves with coffee from the vending machine. I sat down on the metal chair and just drank it slowly while still thinking deeply. I saw him... After three years... Did he see me? Probably not. He was focused on the patient. 

I went home after that because a delivery guy was waiting in my condo, so I returned the next morning. Avrielle was transferred to ICU, so I couldn't see her. I just waited outside because Yanna went home to change clothes. 

I blinked twice and stood up when I saw Clyden walking out of the sliding door in the ICU. He suddenly stopped walking when he saw me on the side. Napatayo kaagad ako para batiin siya pero hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. 

He stared at me momentarily, licking his lower lip before looking away. He put his hands inside the pockets of his coat, feeling awkward. He had his specs and stethoscope with him. He looked more intimidating. 

"How is she?" That was the first thing that came out of my mouth.

"We're still monitoring her," he answered shortly. "She might wake up later. If she becomes stable, we're transferring her again." 

I pursed my lips and gave him a slight nod. Hindi ko na alam ang sasabihin ko. I didn't want the conversation to end yet, but I didn't want to embarrass myself, so I just turned my back on him and started walking away, cursing myself. 

"Maui." 

I suddenly stopped walking when he called me again. Napaharap ulit ako sa kanya, gulat dahil sa tawag niya. He lightly scratched his nose, looking away from me and slightly blushing. 

"Do you want to have breakfast with me?" he offered. 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)

Hello, I'm not sure if they have it here in the PH, but since it's fiction anyway, I will add the Pediatrics Emergency Med fellowship program offered in Ramirez Medical. I hope this is alright with you.