AVIATRICE

I woke up feeling my head over the clouds. Images started to flash in my mind. Mula sa muntikan ng pagbagsak ng eroplano papunta sa putukan ng baril at mga pasaherong duguan sa sahig. Mabilis akong napabangon. Binaklas ko ang karayom ng dextrose na nakatarak sa braso ko bago lumabas ng silid ko. 

I hissed when I felt a stinging pain in my shoulder. Saka ko lang naalala na nadaplisan pala ako ng bala sa balikat. I look at the hospital tees and pants. That's when I realized I was confined in a VIP room. But that doesn't matter at this point.

Wala akong sinayang na oras at tumakbo sa corridor. I went inside the elevator and pushed the button to the lobby. Pagdating ko doon ay kaagad akong dumiretso sa nurse station. "Excuse me." Panimula ko bago mapatitig sa badge na nakalagay sa uniform ng nurse.

Mediker Hospital International. I have no idea where I am, but as far as I can remember, we were in Kazakhstan airspace when I tossed the bomb out. I guess we had an emergency landing after that.

"Is there anything you need, Mrs. Salvatore?" She asked, with a glint of Russian accent in her voice.

Napalingon ako sa likod ko sa pag-aakalang iba ang kausap niya. Kapagkuwan ay wala naman akong nakitang tao sa likod ko kaya kumunot ang noo ko.

"Mrs. Salvatore?" Bulong ko sa kawalan. The nurse smiled at me and bowed her head. Yumuko rin ang apat pang nurse na kasama niya na para bang nagbibigay ng galang sa akin.

They must've mistaken me for someone. But anyway, that's not what I came here for. "Can I ask if this is the hospital where the passengers of flight SA 909 were admitted?" She nods her head.

"Which ward are they? How many survivors? How many are in critical condition?" Sunod-sunod kong tanong.

"They are currently being taken care of in the private emergency ward. And uhh. . ." She took a clipboard and scanned it for a few seconds before continuing. 

". . . there are two critical patients currently in a surgery. The rest of the patients were given psychological medication." Para akong nabunutan ng tinik dahil sa narinig. Pero kaagdad din dinaga ng kaba ang damdamin ko nang maalala ang kapatid ko. 

"Is there a patient named Aviatrix Distaunce Coronia?" I bit my lower lip while waiting for their answer. It felt like years. 

The last thing I heard about him was when he was having a flat spin, a situation almost impossible to recover. "I believe there is no survivor with such a name on the list, ma'am." Kaagad bumagsak ang balikat ko. It can't be. 

Kinapkap ko ang bulsa ko at mas lalo akong nabalisa nang mapansing hindi ko dala ang phone ko. I need to call Nat or Greece to assess the situation and ask about my brother. "Can I borrow your phone? I need to call someone." Walang pag-aalinlangan naman nitong inabot ang kailangan ko. 

I tapped Nat's number and called him. It took a few rings before he finally answered it. "Hello? If this is another trap call asking for the price of camels, I am not a seller!" Rinig kong iritang bulyaw niya kaya muntik na ako matawa. 

For sure it was Greece's doing. For some time, Greece has been posting Nat's number in social media as a seller. Kaya maya't-maya ay may kung sino-sinong tumatawag sa kanya para magtanong magkano ang presyo ng kambing o ng baboy na binibenta niya. 

"It's Sachal." He gasped. 

"Sasha! Good God! You're finally awake! How are you?" Nakarinig ako ng ingay sa kabilang linya. "Is that Cha?" I heard Greece shouted from afar. 

"Is the captain awake?" I tilt my head. They seem to be with someone familiar. Hindi ko lang matandaan kung saan ko narinig ang boses na 'yon. 

"I only called to ask for the situation. I don't have my phone with me." Tumalikod ako ng nurse station bago tumingin sa malaking TV screen kung saan kasalukuyang may nagbabalita. 

"We were sent back to Italy by the company for a detailed report. Kato is here with us to check on the damage to the aircraft." Tumango-tango ako. 

"H-how about my brother? Is he safe?" He did not answer. Isang nakakabinging katahimikan ang namutawi sa aming dalawa. Hanggang sa marinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya. 

"Fortunately, he managed to eject on time. Unfortunately, he was arrested for stealing government's property." Halo-halong emosyon ang naramdaman ko, pero sa huli ay wala akong ibang nagawa kun'di ang humalakhak. 

Ano ba kasi ang pumasok sa isip niya at ninakaw niya ang fighter jet na pag-aari ng gobyerno? Just because it was parked in the airport, doesn't mean he can take it for a joyride! Not to mention, he crashed it. 

However, if he hadn't been there to support us, there could have been many casualties in a worst-case scenario. "Where is he now?" Muli kong tanong. 

"Oh, he was back here in Italy. His hearing was today. We're unable to attend because there was a committee meeting in the company, but I heard the hearing is live." He gave me the network before I ended the call. 

Pagpasok ko sa live stream, libo-libong tao ang naroon. My brows furrowed when I saw the heart reacts constantly increasing per seconds. There were written comments in different languages. Pero may nakita akong komento na nagsasabing ang gwapo ng kapatid ko at ng abogado na kasama nito. When I stared back in the screen, my mouth gaped open when I saw the man defending my twin. 

"This guy. . ." Nabitin sa ere ang sasabihin ko. 

He wore a black suit with sleeves rolled up to his elbow, revealing tattoos on his left arm. He paired it with a formal black necktie and black suit vest. His left hand was in his pocket, while the other was holding a glass of water while looking straight at his laptop. On top of his table was only a thick journal and a pen. 

I scrolled down on the flooded comment section while the camera focused on him. 

RetiredBackhoe
Pagkakasyahin, ipapasagad, magpapasakal, hindi aaray, hindi iiyak, dudugo pero hindi susuko, kahit sa kubo kakalampag, my home, my world, my life, my infinity and beyond! 

AnneRizz
I love the tats! Gosh! If he's going to be a monster, he'll be a zombie so he can eat me, and I'll be a vampire so I can suck him! Ugh! 

Gwaenchangina
푸탄기나! 앙과포! 루루후란 키타!

Egirl
State indietro! E' del mio paese! È mio!

Napataas ang kilay ko nang mabasa ko ang last na comment. It was written in Italian language that literally translates to 'Back off! He's from my country! He's mine'. Akmang magtitipa na ako ng reply nang maalala kong hindi ko pala phone ang gamit ko. 

I rolled my eyes. I had no idea why he ended up as my brother's lawyer. But considering that he is the consigliere of a certain Sicilian Mafia, he must've won tons of criminal cases involving their family and peers. 

There are only two reasons why he represented my brother. It's either he felt responsible for what happened, or the airline company was trying to find a lawyer among the passengers, and he coincidently fitted the bar. 

Simp4Aviators
I once dreamed to be an FA to marry a pilot, pero nag-iba na 'ata pangarap ko. I had no idea fighter jet pilots could be this hot and handsome! 

Napangiwi ako. Binalik ko sa live stream ang mga mata ko. I saw Distaunce confidently sitting on a chair facing the prosecutor and the judge with his IDGAF look. This arrogant bastard gives an aura of 'I did what I did, and I don't regret it.' 

Napailing na lang ako. Binalik ko ang phone sa nurse. I thanked her and was about to leave when I suddenly remembered something. "Can I ask how much the company paid for the medical assistance?" May binulong ang isang nurse sa kasama nito.

"I will have another nurse in charge of checking it in the cashier, Mrs. Salvatore." Magalang nitong ani. 

I lick my lower lip. Why does she keep on insisting I am Mrs. Salvatore? Pinalampas ko na iyon kanina dahil akala ko nagkamali lang siya, but it looks like akala talaga nila ako yun. Saka misis? Kinasal ba ako nung wala akong malay? Anong kahibangan 'yun? 

Hindi nagtagal ay bumalik na ang isa pang nurse na inutusan niya kanina. May ibinulong ito sa kanya bago bumaling ibalik ang atensyon sa akin. "The company did not pay for the hospital bills, it was paid by your husband, Mrs. Salvatore." Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya. 

"My husband?!" Napaigtad ang mga ito dahil sa pagtaas ng boses ko. Nagtinginan ang mga tao sa lobby dahil sa naging reaksyon ko. 

"Y-yes, ma'am. Mr. Salvatore instructed us to take care of you and provide you the best service while staying in the facility." Napahilamos na lang ako ng mukha. I had no idea who she was talking about. It's just absurd! 

Nahimatay lang ako tapos paggising ko kasado na ako? 

"Do you have his identification?" Bumalata ang pagtataka sa kanilang mga mukha na tila ba'y baliw ako upang hindi makilala kung sino ang asawa ko. 

"As far as I can remember, I am single. Whoever claimed to be my husband must be a lunatic." Palatak ko. They look at each other with a concerned look on their faces. 

"Go and inform doctor Serik, Mrs. Salvatore must have suffered a head concussion." Napasinghal ako sa loob-looban ko. Talagang ako pa ang sinabihan nilang nabagok ang ulo?

"Nevermind. Where is the private emergency ward? I'd like to visit the patients." Walang pag-aalinlangan naman akong hinatid ng nurse papunta sa ward. 

When I arrived there, I saw people lying on their hospital beds. The ward was too broad, and it was able to accommodate everyone. May mga nakita akong  nabalian at naka orthropedic cast sa paa at mga braso nila. There were also people with bandages on their heads and gauze tapes on their bodies. Kasalukuyang kumakain ang mga ito. 

"Mommy! Hindi ba siya yung lady captain sa National News? The one who saved us po?" Napalinga ako sa batang nakanguso habang nakatingin sa akin. 

Sabay na napalingon ang mga ito sa gawi ko. Napaatras ako dahil sa paraan ng pagtitig nila sa akin. 

Are they. . going to blame me? 

"Dio! È il capitano Coronia! È un piacere vederla! Sta bene?" Dinig kong usal ng isang lalaking malapit sa gawi ko. His wound was being disinfected by a nurse.

[Translation: God! It's Captain Corona! It's good to see you! Are you doing well?]

May batang tumakbo papalapit sa akin. Kaagad ko siyang namukhaan. Siya yung batang pinasuot ng bomb vest. Naalala ko pa rin ang takot sa mga mata niya at ang mahina niyang paghikbi sa pag-aakalang hindi na niya makakasama ang ina niya.

"Ate! Maraming salamat po sa pagligtas sa akin!" I look down, only to find him hugging my waist. 

"Shenron! Baka may natamong sugat ang kapitan! Dahan dahan lang!" Saway sa kanya ng babaeng sa tingin ko ay mama niya. Lumuwag ang pagkakayakap ng bata sa akin. He look at me with his apologetic eyes.

Wala sa sarili akong napaangat ng ulo upang tingnan ang kalagayan ng mga pasyente sa ward. I was expecting them to look at me with with anger and disdain, but instead, they look at me with hope and happiness. The expression I never expected to see. 

"Iha, ayos ka lang ba?" Nabalik ako sa wisyo nang lapitan ako ng ina ni Shenron. 

"I'm fine—how about you? How are you? Is your wound okay?" She gave me a genuine smile. Nagulat na lang ako nang hawakan niya ang magkabilang kamay ko. Her hands felt warm. 

"Captain Coronia, thank you for saving my son. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa akin kung pati ang anak ko mawala. Tatanawin ko itong isang napakalaking utang na loob. Maraming-maraming salamat!" Parang may kung anong humaplos sa puso ko dahil sa sinabi niya.

It must have been great to have a caring and loving mother. Napangiti ako nang mapakla. Here I go again with my wishful thinking. 

"We don't know how to express our gratitude for saving our lives, but whatever comes to you, we are willing to help." Wika naman ng isang may katandaang lalaki. 

"Se non fosse stato per te, avremmo potuto morire nelle mani di quegli uomini bruti." I swallowed a lump on my throat as I felt my eyes heating up. 

[Translation: If it wasn't for you, we could have died in the hands of those brute men.]

I'm not sure how to react. I thought I would be blamed again. But this time, I could see their genuine smile and heartwarming gratitude. I am overwhelmed. 

"Just tell me if you need assistance; you can ask for my information at the nurse station," I said, tapping Shenron's head. He hugged me the last time before running towards his mother. 

"Ingat, kapitan!" 

"Take care, Captain Coronia!" 

I gave them one last smile before turning my back against them and closing the door. Hindi mawala-wala ang ngiti sa labi ko habang naglalakad sa gitna ng corridor ng hospital. Their simple words cheered me up and made me feel less guilty for what happened. I could finally rest my mind. 

"Mrs. Salvatore!" I heard someone calling from behind me. Hindi ako lumingon. 

"Mrs. Salvatore!" Napahinto ako sa paglalakad nang harangin ako ng isang nurse. It was the head of the nurse in the station earlier. Hingal na hingil itong nag abot sa akin ng isang box. 

A phone? 

"Mr. Salvatore thought you needed a temporary phone. So, here." Kinuha niya ang kaliwang kamay ko at nilapag doon ang boc bago tumakbo pabalik ng nurse station. 

Naiwan ako doong nakatayo habang nakatingin sa box ng Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This model is quite expensive for a temporary phone. But I'm still glad it was an Android phone. This will do. 

Habang nasa loob ako ng elevator ay kinalikot ko na kaagad ang laman ng box. I turned it on and connected to the hospital's public WIFI before downloading the necessary applications I needed. Pagpasok ko naman sa loob ng room ko ay kaagad kong tinawagan sa messenger ang magaling kong ama. 

Paniguradong nag-aalala na yun at baka kung ano-ano ng kabalastugan ang ginagawa habang walang balita sa kalagayan ko. Naalala kong na-late lang ako umuwi ng ilang oras nagtanong na sa isang albularyo kung nasaan ako at baka kinuha ako ng maligno o engkanto. Likas na may sayad sa utak. 

"Aviatrice Sachal Coronia?!" I rolled my eyes. Inilayo ko kaagad ang phone sa tenga ko dahil sa lakas ng sigaw niya. Para na naman siyang nakalunok ng megaphone. 

"I heard what happened in the news! How are you? You haven't lost any limbs, right? You can still remember your father, right? For Christ's sake! Answer me! Have you become mute? Have you become deaf because of the—" 

"Let the child speak, Apollo!" Rinig kong awat sa kanya ni papá kaya napailing na lang ako. 

"Pops! I am worried about my daughter! I am a responsible father, so I will immediately fly to Italy!" I heard them bickering on the side of the line. 

"You don't even know if she's in Italy." My grandfather countered. 

"E nasaan siya? If she's not in Italy, I will personally find the people who tried to harm her!" I could imagine my grandfather's face looking at him. He must've been on his usual sleepy eyes gazing at my father with his lips in thin lines. 

"Even the government can't find traces of them, but do you think you can?" Giit pa ni papá. 

"I can find them! Medyas mo nga na nilibing mo sa garden nung tulog ka nahanap ko!" Napasapo na lang ako sa noo dahil sa sinabi ng sarili kong ama. I honestly don't know where is the logic with that, paniguradong umuusok na rin ang ilong ni papá dahil sa mga arguments niya. 

"Are you nuts?" 

"Historically, yes! I used to live in your nut!" 

"Apollo!" 

Bigla akong bumunghalit ng tawa dahil sa pagtatalo nila. Si OA at nonchalant. Perfect! 

"Dad, I'm okay. I'm currently in Kazakhstan undergoing medication. I'm far past dying, don't worry." I said before sitting on my bed. 

"Are you sure there's no need for me to go there?" Paninigurado niya, the worry was evident in his voice. 

"No need, Dad. I will file a leave, and considering the incident, I'm sure they will approve it.  I will go back to the Philippines to rest." I assured him. 

"Pops!" Angal ng aking ama. Sa tingin ko inagaw ni papá ang phone sa kanya. 

"Via, apo. I'm getting old. Can't your work be less dangerous? Gusto ko pa maabutan ang mga apo ko habang buhay pa ako." Somehow, I felt my chest tightening. 

My grandfather, papá—he's the one who takes care of us noong mga panahong napariwara ang ama ko sa pagkawala ng aming ina. Half of our life he became our father figure when dad was still depressed of mom's death. 

Now he's in his 70s, where his life was fragile like a glass. It pains me that sooner or later, he will suffer in his old age, and Distaunce and I won't be there to take of him because of work. We owed him a lot, and I felt guilty that he was always worried because of our line of work. 

"Don't you have any plans to get married, Via?" Nakagat ko ang ibabang bahagi ng labi ko. I was already expecting him to say that.

"The incident that happened made me realize a lot of things. I want to see you and your brother get married and have kids before I die." Mahinahon nitong wika na tila ba handang-handa ito sa kung ano mang maaaring mangyari sa kanya. 

I smiled. "We will talk about it when I arrive home, papá." I heaved a deep sigh. 

Because I know I won't be able to say no to him. 

𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄
ᴮʸ ᴳᵒˡᵘᶜᵏʸᶜʰᵃʳᵐ