JUST like what Derrick said, Stacey was discharged from the hospital the next day.

It was spring season in Ireland, but Stacey was warmly wrapped up in her red puffy windbreaker jacket zipped up to her neck and black jogging pants. Her hands stayed inside the front pockets of her jacket and she wore a thick, wool black beanie on her head. Meanwhile, Derrick wore a pair of gray pants and gray turtleneck shirt with long sleeves.

Inside the living room of her father's apartment, everything is minimalistic gray and white. It looked clean and neat, there are very few furnitures, no decorations, and everything seemed to be in place. Outside the window, the view of colorful apartments lined up. They were painted green, red, green, and a few are in neutral colors, but most of them are in orange. There were shops across their apartment, people and cars passing by, but the streets were not noisy.

"Just place them here," Derrick pointed to a spot beside the open door. Yumuko ang taxi driver at ibinaba roon ang bitbit na malalaking mga bag. "Thanks." Her father pulled his wallet out of his pants' back pocket and handed the driver their payment with tip. The driver looked at her father in confusion at first, but when Derrick nodded, he alreay understood that he could keep the change.

Pagkaalis ng driver, isinara na ni Derrick ang pinto. He pushed the lock button as well before he joined her.

"Have a seat," alalay nito sa kanyang siko. Iginiya siya ng tatay sa puting leather sofa at dahan-dahang pinaupo rito. "How are you feeling?"

"Hindi na masakit ang katawan ko, pero parang ang bigat."

He nodded. "At least, you're not bleeding anymore." Tumuwid na ito ng tayo. "I'll make you some milk."

She groaned. "Huwag gatas, Dad. Ayoko no'n."

"You need to drink something warm."

"Kahit warm water na lang. Please, anything but milk." She just didn't like the taste of warm milk. Her father would know if he wasn't absent in her life.

He sighed, looking more concerned than irritated at her for being a little demanding. "Warm water then."

Nang umalis ang kanyang tatay, muling inilibot ni Stacey ang tingin sa paligid. She bet, Renante would love this place. Ganito ang taste ng binata pagdating sa interior design. Kitang-kita niya iyon sa kung paano nito inayos ang condo unit na tinitirahan, gayundin ang opisina nito sa VVatch.

The very thought of Renante suddenly brought the memories back. Especially what happened during their flight.

Fortunately, the airline company will shoulder their medical expenses in exchange of their silence about the incident, but she didn't really give a damn about expenses. Stacey was not also interested in suing that company, since in the first place, she wasn't in her seat during that accident, and Renante chose to be uncooperative with the flight crew just to search for her. Ang tanging inaalala lang niya ay ang kondisyon ni Renante. Tiyak na matatagalan ito sa paglabas sa ospital, dahil kailangan daw nito mag-undergo sa isang surgical operation. His legs got injured critically, especially his right leg. Stacey didn't know the specifics, dahil ibabahagi lang daw iyon ng mga medical staff sa kamag-anak ni Renante na darating para rito sa Ireland. But, based on what her father found out, it sounded like Renante would not be able to walk for a long time. The thought of that crushed her deep to the soul. Before they left the hospital, she wanted to see him. She wanted to tell him that everything will be alright. Na malakas ang kutob niya na pansamantala lang ito hindi makakalakad. Sadly, he was still in the Intensive Care Unit and unconscious when she and her father came to see him.

Inilipat niya ang tingin sa pinto. Sa oras na maka-recover ako agad, promise, I will visit you, Renante.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt Derrick sit beside her. Hindi na niya natuloy ang paglingon dito dahil napukaw ng isang mug ang kanyang atensiyon. Inilapag iyon ng kanyang ama sa ibabaw ng puti at oblong na wooden coffee table. Medyo umuusok pa ang tubig na laman ng mug na iyon.

"Tomorrow will be your birthday," walang paligoy-ligoy nitong wika. "How do you want to spend that day?"

She noticed how her father chose his words carefully. He could have said 'celebrate' but at this instance, he chose 'spend.' Stacey didn't know how to feel about that. She was not in the mood to do something nice tomorrow, given that Renante was still unconscious in the hospital.

She took in a deep breath. Ni hindi niya nilingon ang ama nang sagutin ito. "Why does it matter how I'll spend it? You haven't been with me on any of my birthdays."

Derrick looked at the table. His hands clasped while his elbows rested on his knees. "But now, I am here. And I have the entire week available just for you. So, tell me, what should we do tomorrow?"

"I just want to rest," she admitted. "Gusto kong gumaling agad, para mabisita ko si Renante." May naisip siya kaya nilingon si Derrick. "Kailan pala ang dating dito ni Ronnie? After two weeks, dito sila titira ni Renante. Right?"

Nanatili itong seryoso. "Honestly, Ronnie did not confirm yet if he's accepting my offer."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "What?" Napailing siya ngunit hindi inalis ang tingin sa mga mata ni Derrick. "Yesterday, you just told me that Renante will stay here, here in your apartment when he gets discharged from the hospital."

"Yes. That's my instruction to Ronnie when we talked on the phone."

"E, ano itong sinasabi mo na hindi pa niya kino-confirm?"

"Well, that's the truth. Ronnie did not say yes or no to my instruction. He just asked me how critical is Renante's condition. At ano'ng mga dokumento ang kailangan niyang dalhin dito sa Ireland."

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin kay Derrick. Siguro, nataranta si Ronnie. Kahit magaling iyon magtago ng feelings o umakto na kalmado, tiyak na nataranta iyon. Bakit hindi? E, napaka-overprotective no'n kay Renante?

"Hindi pa pala sigurado. Bakit kung makapagsalita ka kahapon, parang sure na dito talaga sila dederetso pagkalabas ng ospital?"

"Why? Do they have any other choice? Think of it this way, Stacey. Given our current situation that Renante had an accident and they are in a foreign country, will they choose to live somewhere else or with us? I'm sure they'll pick the most practical option. And besides, I sent Ronnie an SMS with our address in it."

Stacey took in a deep breath. "Don't worry. I'll stay on the loop. Tatawag-tawagan ko si Ronnie para kumustahin si Renante. Bibisitahin ko rin naman siya sa ospital, kaya makasisiguro ako na dito sila mag-i-stay sa apartment."

"Why are you so worried about that anyway? Will there be a reason for Renante to not choose to stay here?"

Napalunok siya. "What if, hindi na siya magpakita sa akin, Dad? What if, paggising niya, malaman niya agad ang tungkol sa baby namin at hindi na siya magpakita sa akin dahil sa sobrang galit?"

"Ganoon ba siya kababaw para magalit sa 'yo?"

Stacey slowly shook her head. She felt her body slightly tremble, but she got so tired from crying yesterday and last night, she didn't have tears to shed at this moment. Naikuyom niya ang mga kamao na nakatago sa mga bulsa ng kanyang jacket.

"That's the thing, Dad. Hindi siya mababaw na tao. He takes everything too deeply. Too seriously. He may look calm and reserved, but that's because he is keeping his intensity in control." I have experienced that intensity first hand, Dad. Especially the intensity of his anger . . . It was that time when I became his sex slave. That's why I know how his anger tastes like. How dangerous and intense inspite of his silent it is.

Worry writ on Derrick's eyes, but it was hard to notice because of his naturally stern-looking face. "I bet you are saying that because you have encountered how he gets angry."

Gulat na napatingin siya rito.

"If you managed to handle his anger before, then it means you can handle it better at this point. Right?"

Napatitig siya sa mga mata ni Derrick. He looked so certain. It was as if, he has great confidence in her even if he didn't know her very well. How could he feel that way towards her? How could he be so sure and confident in her?

"This must be the biggest test in your relationship. Are you going to face it or are you going to be a coward?"

"Says the man who left me and Mom when the going got tough," she murmured, looking away from him.

"Left? I may be far away but I consistently gave child support. Is that your definition of being left behind?"

Are they going to settle their issues now? Stacey prepared herself for this conversation, since this heart-to-heart talk is her main reason for coming here, but after the accident, she felt too weak for confrontations.

Too distracted.

All she could think and worry about is Renante . . . and their lost baby.

The baby. She tried to shove their baby at the back of her mind as much as possible. Because when she starts to think of their baby . . . she would uncontrollably cry.

It was too late. Tears were already streaming down from her eyes.

Derrick sharply inhaled. Napailing ito, tila nadismaya sa sarili. He gave her back a little rub before he tapped it gently. Then, he stood up.

"Ilalagay ko lang sa kuwarto mo ang mga gamit mo. You better drink your water before it turns cold," anito bago siya iniwan sa sofa.

***

KINABUKASAN, nagising si Stacey nang bahagyang yugyugin ng kanyang ama sa balikat. Gumusot ang kanyang mukha bago idinilat nang kaunti ang mga mata.

The room was dimly lit by the sunlight glowing against the thin window curtains, yet she still squinted her eyes. Umupo naman si Derrick sa gilid ng kanyang kama.

"Hey," he started. Mukhang seryoso at mahigpit pa rin ang mukha nito, pero maaliwalas naman ang aura at tono ng pananalita nito. It means, Stacey has nothing to worry about. "Your friends called."

Namilog ang mga mata niya sa gulat. "Called?"

Inangat nito ang tablet na hawak kasabay ng pag-angat ni Stacey sa kanyang ulo para silipin ito. Kita sa screen nito ang group video call na may anim na windows. Makikita sa bawat window ang mukha ng kanyang mga kaibigan, sina Sondra, Kylie, Cynthia, at Fritzie. Hindi niya halos maintindihan ang sinasabi ng mga ito dahil sabay-sabay nagsasalita at nagtatawanan. The only thing that they said that is the same with the other was 'Happy Birthday.'

She playfully glared at her father. "Dad! Hindi mo man lang ako pinag-ayos!"

Namilog ang mga mata ni Derrick. "Oh. Sorry. I got excited and--"

Nagtawanan naman ang mga kaibigan niya sa group video call.

"Kami lang 'to, girl! Huwag ka nang mag-abala!" ani Cynthia na mas lalong nagpabunghalit sa kanila ng tawa maliban kay Derrick na nahihiya pa rin dahil hindi siya pinag-ayos at sa kanya na pag ngiti lang ang kayang gawin kapag bagong gising.

"Thanks for greeting me, girls," she answered, slightly raspy because when she just woke up, her throat is still dry.

"Wait, girls," singit ni Derrick bago nito inilipat ang tingin sa kanya. "Do you want to sit up? Let me help you."

Marahan siyang umiling. Medyo namimigat pa kasi ang kanyang katawan. Ever since she had her operation, all she wanted to do was lie down.

Inabot sa kanya ni Derrick ang tablet. "I'll just prepare breakfast. You and your friends go and talk."

She nodded at him and lifted the tablet so her face will show up on her own window on the screen. Binati at kinawayan na naman siya ng kanyang mga kaibigan. Pagkatapos, nagkumustahan na sila. The girls rarely elaborated their current situation. Naka-sentro ang kanilang usapan sa kanyang kondisyon. Kinumusta rin ng mga ito si Renante pero hindi naman sila tumagal sa topic tungkol dito. Nakahalata siya na baka ayaw lang ng mga ito pag-usapan masyado ang lalaki para hindi siya mag-alala masyado.

After their group video call, Stacey placed the tablet on the night table while she was still lying down on her bed. Hindi pa siya tinatawag ng ama para mag-almusal, pero napagpasyahan niyang bumangon na para gumamit ng banyo.

Stacey rolled to her side and gently propped herself up while also dangling her feet on the side of the bed until they touched the floor. Medyo masakit sa puson ang kanyang ginawa at natagalan siya dahil namimigat ang kanyang katawan, pero sa huli ay nakaya niyang umupo sa gilid ng kama. Dahan-dahan siyang tumayo at naglakad papunta sa banyo.

Pagkatapos maghilamos at magsepilyo, mas nagising na ang kanyang katawan at diwa. Nagtaka si Stacey dahil parang ang tagal yata maghanda ng almusal ni Derrick. So, she left her bedroom and slowly walked to the kitchen.

The kitchen and dining area of the apartment only has the countertable bar as a partition. Kaya nang marating niya ang dining area, abot-tanaw na niya ang kanyang tatay na kumikilos sa kusina. Their breakfast were already complete and set on the white wooden table. What's holding Derrick in the kitchen was putting icing on a cake. His eyebrows furrowed in full concentration while he decorated the round chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

He seemed to feel her presence, making him slightly lift his eyes and meet her gaze. Bahagya itong nagulat bago bumalik ang kaseryosohan at focus sa ginagawa nito.

None of the talked, so Stacey decided to slowly walk to the dining table and get seated. Nanatili sa hapag-kainan ang kanyang tingin. Inisa-isa niya ang pagkilatis sa mga mug na walang laman, isang thermal pitcher, isang bowl ng pasta na may white sauce at isang flat plate na may buttered toasted breads. There was also a small bowl full of peeled oranges and slice apples. Dahil sa pagkilatis na ito, hindi niya namalayang tapos na si Derrick sa paghahanda sa cake. Napansin lang niya ito nang ilapag ang maliit at pabilog na cake sa kanyang harapan. It has one, lighted candle stick in the middle.

"Happy birthday," he said breathily, panting as if making the cake sucked all of his energy. "Your wish might save a life . . . or Renante's two legs. So go on, and make a wish then blow a candle."

She glared at Derrick. Is he . . . Is he trying to make a joke? Napalunok siya at ibinalik ang tingin sa cake. I never knew the day will come where I will have to endure some dad jokes.

"What?" nagtataka nitong tanong. Hindi kasi nakaligtas sa paningin nito ang pag-irap niya.

"Dad, it's very inappropriate to joke about Renante's condition. Okay?"

"I am not even joking. I am just . . . I am just trying to cheer you up. It's your birthday. Maybe, there's nothing wrong with thinking positive, and hoping that a birthday wish can save Renante."

Napailing na lang siya. Now I know one of the reason why Dad is not supposed to be present in my life before. He sucks at cheering me up.

Yet, she leaned forward, close to the cake and closed her eyes.

Her dad may suck at delivering his lines, but he sure gives a good suggestion.

My birthday wish is for Renante to wake up already and fully recover from the accident. To be able to walk with both his legs very, very soon.

She blew the candle then opened her eyes to check if the flame puffed out. Relief swept all over her when she saw that the candle's flame was put out. Tumuwid siya ng pagkakaupo, siya namang kuha ni Derrick sa cake para ipuwesto iyon sa gitna ng dining table. Then, he occupied the chair beside her.

"Let me serve your food. Baka mahirapan kang mag-abot ng mga pinggan, e," anito nang ipatong sa palad ang kanyang pinggan. "What do you want?"

Stacey eyed the foods on the table. "Coffee first. Then, pasta . . ." Natigilan siya. "You love pasta?"

Nagsimula nang magsalin ng kape si Derrick sa kanyang mug. "It's always a part of my daily meal. In different variations though and just once a day."

"Then it means, you also like noodles? Noodles are like pasta, right?" titig niya sa ama.

"Like what noodles? Cup noodles? Instant noodles? Or Ramen?" he asked while putting pasta on her plate.

Nalilitong kumunot ang kanyang noo. "Like, all of the above?"

"Well, I like them. But I prefer creamy pastas over savory noodles." Inilapag nito ang pinggan sa kanyang harapan. "Enjoy the food."

Tinitigan niya ang inihain nitong white-sauced pasta sa kanyang harapan.

I'm getting scared about what else I will discover about my father. Day by day, he's making me think that he's Renante's twin. Loves noodles? Check. Minimalist? Check.

She picked up her fork and started eating, forgetting that she usually drinks her coffee first before having breakfast.

***
"S-STACEY . . ." Renante groaned. When he regained his consciousness, they were still inside the plane, lying on its floor.

Also, it was already quiet. Too quiet.

The terrified screams scared him earlier, but the eerie silence of the place made him more horrified. He looked at Stacey who remained in his arm. She was unconscious. Binundol ng kaba ang kanyang dibdib. Babangon sana siya pero tila may sumaksak sa kanyang mga binti sa sobrang sakit ng mga ito nang ituon niya sa sahig. Bumalik lang tuloy si Renante sa kanyang posisyon. He swallowed mouthfuls of air to muffle his sharp gasps. Then, he pulled himself closer to Stacey. When he heard her sharp breathing, he was relieved.

Humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya rito. She's alright . . . She's alive . . .

Tears were already welling in his eyes when he noticed something. His eyes looked past the curve of Stacey's neck and saw something. In her curled position, Renante had a view of her thighs . . . of the jogging pants that she wore before sleeping so that she'll be comfortable.

Those jogging pants soaking in red blood . . .

Renante gasped and jolted up from his bed, only to be pulled back down on it. He slightly bounced, making him hold his breath and look around with alertness in his eyes.

He saw the white interior, the dextrose with its tube connected to his arm . . . When it occurred to him that he was inside a hospital room, he grew tense.

Naalala niya ang hitsura ni Stacey. Na duguan ito sa bandang mga hita ng suot na jogging pants.

Stacey. Where's Stacey? I need to see her--

Renante tried to sit up again, but only groaned when he fell back on the bed.

"Strange . . . " he murmured raspily, almost like a husky whisper. Bakit nahihirapan akong umupo? Sinubukan niyang tumagilid nang kaunti ng higa. Kumunot ang kanyang noo. I can't feel my legs . . .

It took him a moment before realization struck him. His horror-stricken eyes widened.

My legs!

He scrambled the blanket until he completed got it off of him, revealing his legs wrapped with bandages.