Hook, Line & Sinker

Chapter 45

Chapter 45: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."  -Moulin Rouge

"This doesn't make us even," DJ said as I handed him a cake that Mama She baked.

He didn't report me to the head nurse nor did he get angry for the act that I pulled a few days ago. Matter of fact, he spent time with Maya the next day which really took me by surprise. It seems they get along well. They even watch the sunset together. Most of the time, Cassy is with them. 

I pursed my lips. "It's just a little something for you since you'll be discharged today. Don't worry, ililibre na lang kita ng burger saka fries."

"Tss. Cheapskate."

I chuckled. "Mag-iingat ka na lagi sa pagda-drive." I breathed. "Saka salamat ha? You've made Maya happy."

He nodded. "She'll be okay, right?" seryosong tanong niya.

Tipid akong ngumiti. "I'm praying for it."

He dropped by Maya's room before he left. Unti-unti ay naging malapit din kami ni Maya. The time flew by so fast. Next thing I knew it was already my last day at the hospital. I'm happy but sad at the same time. 

"Nurse Tamara, one moment please."

Nagtinginan kaming tatlo ng tawagin ako ni head nurse. "What did you do again?" tanong agad ni Miggy sa akin.

Saglit akong nag-isip kung may nagawa akong kapalpakan. But then I couldn't think of any. "Wala!" Alanganin akong sumunod sa head nurse. "Ma'am, kung ano man po iyong kapalpakan na nagawa ko, I'm sorry po ta-"

"Nurse Tamara, hindi kita tinawag dahil may kapalpakan kang nagawa," nakangiting saad niya. I breathed out a sigh of relief. "I just wanna commend you for how much you have improved. After our last talk, I saw your effort and the passion you put into your work. Congratulations. You are a full-fledged nurse now."

"Head nurse, pinapaiyak mo po ako!" Naiiyak na pinaypayan ko ang sarili gamit ang mga kamay ko. 

"Mami-miss ko iyang kakulitan mo."

Yumakap ako ng mahigpit sa kanya. "I'm gonna miss you po."

She hugged me back. "Babalik ka naman dito kapag naging RN ka na diba?" I nodded. "Then I'll see you soon."

Bago ako umalis ay sumilip muna ako sa kwarto ni Maya para magpaalam. She pursed her lips upon seeing me which made me chuckle. "Last day ko na nga hindi mo pa talaga ako ngingitian!"

"Bye." I smirked and hugged her. "Eww! Let me go!"

Natatawang hinigpitan ko pa ang yakap sa kanya. "Mami-miss ko iyang kamalditahan mo!" Tumigil siya sa mahinang pagtulak sa akin. "Alam ko mami-miss mo din ako!"

"You wish!"

Bumitaw ako sa kanya then I gently pinched her cheek which made her frown. "Cute mo talaga! Uy, magpakabait ka ha?" Hindi siya umimik. "Saka magpagaling ka."

"Whatever."

I breathed. "I gotta go." I gently tapped her head then got up. I was about to open the door when she called me. Lumingon ako sa kanya. "Yeah?"

"I'm keeping my part of the bargain. Magpapaopera na ako." Natigilan ako at ilang sandaling hindi nakakibo. "Aren't you gonna say anything?"

Walang kibo na lumapit ako sa kanya at kinuha ang mga kamay niya. "Gusto kitang gumaling pero ayokong pilitan ka na gawin ang isang bagay na ayaw mo o hindi ka pa handa. Do it not because of our deal, but because you want to live."