Her Full-Time Apricity

Chapter 14: Cold as Winter

Chapter 14: Cold as Winter

I found myself shivering as another gust of wind blew in the middle of a heavy downpour. May bagyo ba? Hindi na kasi ako nakakanood ng balita dahil sa sobrang busy sa school at community works.

Before getting back inside the clinic, I made sure that no traces of dirt or mud were visible.

Mabait si Doc Trish, I just want to establish a good impression.

“Friday na nga pala ngayon ‘no? Oh Vanessa nandito ka na pala. Nakapag distribute ka na ng meds per section?” Doc Trish asked as she holds her mug of coffee. Agad naman akong tumango, “Pero may dalawang classroom po akong hindi nabigyan dahil nasa meeting daw po yung parehong adviser.” I reported and Doc Trish only ordered Nurse Bea to jot it down.

Returning to my chair, I thanked Nurse Bea as she handed me a cup of hot coffee.

“Grabe last day niyo na agad dito...wala ng maiingay.” Nurse Bea sighed.

“Yung dalawa lang naman maingay, ni hindi pa nga natin naririnig tumawa ‘yang si Vanessa.” Doc Trish pointed out and I could only flash an awkward smile, eventually hiding it as I sip from my coffee.

Five weeks have quickly passed by and our duty here at Logan Hills’ elementary school ends today. Then by three days, after we finish our needed preparations, we’ll finally have our first hospital duties.

Unlike most of nursing colleges that sends their students per batch or section all in the same hospital, Sevit University has this tradition of separating their students, sending them into different hospitals that they have connections with.

Kaya naman magkahiwalay na naman kami nila EJ ng mga pag d-duty-han.

Suddenly, my phone’s screen lit up as I received a message from Timothy.

“Malapit na raw po sila Timothy.”

I announced and Nurse Bea voiced her excitement.

Andy and Timmy were asked by Doc Trish to be here today, siguro para na rin makapag paalam kami nang maayos sa isa’t isa.

Or maybe not...

“Okay, kumpleto na kayo...As your kind instructor, I just want to give you three a few heads up about the hospitals you’ll be having your clinical duties. Sino nga ulit sa inyo ang mapupunta sa Sevit hospital?”

Doc Trish asked and Timothy raised his hand, si Estelle naman kasi ang makakasama niya doon.

“I used to work there, also became a clinical instructor to nursing students. You have nothing to worry about the heavy loads, and terror CI’s. Karamihan kasi sa mga nagiging instructor doon eh mga prof din sa Sevit. Downside is doon kadalasan isinusugod ang critical emergencies dahil mas kumpleto ang equipments sa Sevit hosp. So better prepare yourselves for some bloody patients, even during midnight.” Timothy kept nodding as he also takes down his note. Magkasalubong na rin ang mga kilay niya, shows how serious and focused he is.

“So? Kayong dalawa naman ang sa Logan Hills?”

“Yes, Doc.” Andy and I answered in unison.

Parang bumigat naman ang mga binti ko nang lumambot ang ekspresyon sa mukha ni Doc.

“May sa-demonyo instructors sa Logan hosp...”

She sighed as she continued telling us about the stories she heard from her students, saying that the work at Logan Hills’ hospital is utterly back-breaking.

“Vanessa, it’s a good thing that you can’t easily be fazed, even when under pressure. Andy, your optimistic way of living will come handy especially in your lowest times. Just keep in mind that we always have the choice to get used to things that can’t actually be change only to give us comfort.” Doc Trish smiled at us.