Tattoo

BINUKSAN ni Kira ang pintuan niya at doon na naman bumungad ang panibagong set ng pagkain na nakasilid sa lalagyan.

She's still a bit hesitant to eat it, since she doesn't even know where it came from. But, still... she doesn't want to starve so she had no choice but to eat it.

She grabbed the food and she immediately went inside her apartment. Kira sat on her chair and started to open the meal.

Just like what she have said, a breakfast set.

Napatigil sa pagkain si Kira nang maalala na matutulungan pala siya ni Chaun sa paghahanap kung sino ang nag-iiwan ng pagkain sa labas ng apartment niya.

Binilisan niya lang ang pag kain dito miski na rin ang kanyang paghahanda papunta sa trabaho.

Simple lamang ang sinuot ni Kira na damit. She just wore her white sando with her denim jacket and black shorts, she used her checkered polo to serve as her jacket.

She immediately went out and locked her apartment before leaving. Dahil malapit lang ang studio sa apartment niya, kaagad siyang nakarating sa studio at saktong-sakto ang dating niya dahil nakita niya si Chaun.

Bumuntong hininga si Kira at kaagad na nilapitan si Chaun. "Good morning, Chaun." Bati ni Kira.

Chaun was clearly surprised to see her, "Good morning din, Kira." Bati nito pabalik at tumingin sa paligid. "Bakit nand—"

Hindi naituloy ni Chaun ang sasabihin niya nang biglaang mag-ring ang cellphone niya.

"Sorry, I'll just answer the call." Paumanhin ni Kira at kaagad na sinagot ang tawag.

It was Marta.

'Kira, I just want to remind you that you have your check-up scheduled today. Don't miss your check-up or else I'll slap you, okay?'

Napakagat ng labi si Kira at napatampal nuo.

She doesn't need to go to the hospital and get checked. She doesn't want to pay her bills.

"I don't think I can make it to the hospital today, Marta. Hindi naman importante ang daily check-up ko, diba? Thank you for reminding me anyway, love you!" Wika ni Kira at kaagad na pinutol ang tawag bago pa dagdag ng kaibigan niya ang sasabihin nito.

Kira sighed as soon as the call ended. Binalik niya ang cellphone niya sa bag at naabutang nakatingin si Chaun sa kanya na tila natatawa.

Chaun patted her shoulders, "You're still arrogant when it comes to check-ups, huh?" Natatawang wika nito, "Don't worry, we don't have work for today." Dagdag nito at umalis.

Naiwang naguguluhan si Kira. How did he know that she's arrogant when it comes to check-ups? Napakamot ng ulo si Kira at umiling-iling, she has no choice but to go and have her check-up.

BUMUNTONG hininga si Kira nang marating niya ang hospital. Why does Marta need to remind her about her daily check-up.

At higit sa lahat, ayaw niyang makita ang doktor niya. She doesn't want to see its cold eyes. It scares her. It looked like he's been in a deep pain.

Kaagad siyang pumunta sa mga nurse at kaagad na nagtanong kung saan ang puwesto ng doktor niya.

"What can I help you with po?" The nurse politely asked.

Kira looked around before answering the nurse, "Can I ask where's, uhm..." Napakamot ng ulo si Kira habang pinilit iniaalala ang pangalan ng doktor niya. "...Doctor...Doctor Ai--" Hindi naituloy ni Kira ang sasabihin niya nang kaagad na siyang unahan ng nurse.

"Ah, si Doc. Aivan po ba?"

Sounds familiar, so maybe he's her doctor.

"Uhm, yes. He's my doctor, I have an appointment with him for my daily check-up. May I know where is his office?" Kira politely asked.

The nurse sighed, "I'm sorry, ma'am. But, Doc. Aivan's not around in the moment. May pinuntahan po kasi siya." Sagot ng nurse.

"Ah, ganoon ba?" Deep inside she's cheering because of happiness. "Sige, mauna na ako. Thank you!" Pahabol na wika ni Kira bago tuluyang umalis sa hospital.

Hindi naman siya nanghinayang sa pagpunta dahil naglakad lamang siya papunta sa hospital dahil walk-in distance lang. Nasa harap lang din kasi nito ang parke na balak niya muling bisitahin lalo na at wala naman siyang pasok at wala siyang appointment.

She wanted to visit her grandfather's grave, but she cant. Malalaman ng magulang niya na nandoon siya lalo na ngayon at mainit ang mata sa kanya ng mga tauhan ng kanyang papa.

Pumasok siya sa parke na may dala-dala siopao at inumin. Gusto niya na makapag-relax man lang kahit papano.

Ito lang ang tyansa niya para makapag-pahinga sa kabila ng lahat ng dinanas niya ng halos dalawang linggo.

Pumunta muli si Kira sa fountain na tatamabayan niya sana kagabi, kaso dumating si Doc Aivan na walang ginawa kung 'di mang-agaw ng kung ano ang hawak niya.

Isn't it too much for a doctor like him to dictate what she wants to do right?

Tahimik lang si Kira habang kinakain ang siopao niya nang may makita siyang pamilyar na mukha.

"Oh shit..." Mahinang sambit niya nang makita niya ang isa sa mga kausosyo ng kaniyang ina.

Kaagad na naghanap ng mapagtataguan si Kira. Nagpunta siya sa likod ng isang mataas at malaking puno at prenteng nakasilip.

Oh no, she can't be seen! Hindi pa siya nagtatagal sa Pilipinas at biglaan nalang siya maipapadala pabalik sa kulunga niya. Simula't sapol palang ay ayaw na ni Kira ang yaman na mayroon sila. Tama nga ang hinala na ikakapahamak niya ito.

"What are you doing?"

Napagulantang si Kira sa nagsalita sa likod niya at napaupo sa gulat. Prenteng napahawak si Kira sa puso niya at pilit na hinahabol ang hininga. Nang magtaas siya ng tingin, nakita niya na ang doktor pala ito.

"Please don't do that... Are you planning to have a patient at this moment?" Prankang wika ni Kira sa doktor na walang pinapakitang emosyon.

She hated that emotion. It bothers her a lot.

The doctor took a glance at the distance she was looking at and turned his glance back at her. "Why? Are you hiding from her?" The doctor asked out of concern.

"Yes, Doc." Sagot ni Kira na habol pa rin ang hininga.

"Stop calling me like that. Nakakairita. I already mentioned my name, right?" He said and sat beside her.

Kira shyly nodded, but she's somehow shy to call him by his name. Because for Kira, it's a bit weird.

Panay ang pag-iwas ng tingin ni Kira sa doktor at hindi rin niya maiwasan ang mahiya dahil sa uri ng pag tingin nito sa kanya.

"Uhm," Kira started, "Is she gone?"

Kaagad na tignan ng doktor ang paligid at tumango, "She's gone." Sagot nito at nagbigay ng kamay para tulungan siya sa pagtayo. "Why are you hiding from her? Did you offend her in anyway, perhaps?"

"No, actually the thing is..." tila napakamot pa sa ulo si Kira at nag-isip ng pupwedeng ipalusot, "pinagkakautangan ko kasi siya. I haven't been able to pay her up until now."

"Oh, is that so?"

Mahinang tawa ang binigay niya sa binata at hindi alam ni Kira kung nahalata nito na peke ang pagtawa niya.

Pinagpag ni Kira ang pang-upo niya at nagtaas ng kamay. "It's nice to see you, Doc — I mean, A-Aivan... I'll be going --"

Hindi naituloy ni Kira ang sasabihin niya dahil pinigilan siya nito sa pag-alis. "May I know why you're here?" He asked.

Hindi alam ni Kira kung ano ang isasagot niya dahil hindi niya naman puwedeng sabihin na kaya siya napadpad sa park dahil wala siya para sa scheduled check-up niya. She already got away from her check-up that would probably cost her much.

Hawak-hawak pa rin ng doktor ang kamay niya at gamit ang isang kamay, kinuha nito ang cellphone sa bulsa at napangiti.

"You have a scheduled check-up with me today, am I right?" Pagtatanong nito at binalik ang cellphone sa bulsa. "Am I right, Ms. Chiumenti?"

Kira can't deny anything anymore. So, she forcefully nodded and looked away.

"Follow me then." Wika nito at nagpahila nalang siya sa doktor.

Dahil nasa tabi lang naman ng parke ang hospital, wala pa halos limang minuto ay nakapasok na sila sa opisina nito.

Malalagkit ang tingin ng mga nurse na nakakasalubong ni Kira na para bang kitang-kita ng mga ito ang pagkatao niya.

That made her anxious, and all she could do is to bow her head and just follow her doctor.

Nang makarating sila sa opisina nito, kaagad siyang pinaupo nito at sinuot naman nito ang coat at salamin niya.

"As far as I know... your friend, Marta, scheduled you this check-up. She just wants me to check on your wounds." Paliwanag nito.

Kaagad namang tinanggal ni Kira ang denim jacket niya para makita ang sugat niya sa braso.

Sinimulan na nito ang pagtingin sa sugat niya na halos pagaling na.

Napatingin si Kira ng maigi sa doktor, nakatuon talaga ang atensyon nito sa pagtingin sa sugat niya at halatang seryoso ito sa ginagawa nito.

Nabigla si Kira nang bigla itong humarap kaya kaagad siyang nag-iwas ng tingin at nararamdaman niya na nag-iinit ang pisnge niya.

This is new, she doesn't encounter this when she always had her check-up! Kira's not sure if she's really not fine anymore!

Tumingin si Kira muli at naabutan ang doktor na nakatitig sa tattoo niya sa bandang baba ng collarbone niya.

Kaagad na tinakpan ni Kira iyon gamit ang palad niya at mahinang natawa, "Kumusta naman ang sugat ko, Doc?" She asked out of the blue to divert his attention on her question.

Tumayo si Doc Aivan at dumeretso sa gilid para tanggalin ang disposable surgical gloves nito, "It's completely healing up. Magbibigay nalang ako ng ointment para hindi nagkaroon ng halatang peklat iyon. Lagyan mo na rin patin yung nasa tagiliran mo."

Sinuot ni Kira ang jacket niya at kaagad na tumayo, "How much will it cost me?" pagtatanong niya at pinapanalangin niya na sana'y 'di umabot sa kamahalan ang presyo ng irerekomendang gamot nito sa kanya.

"Probably, around nine hundred or less. It depends."

Kira cussed silently. Wala na siyang pera para pa bilhin ang gamot para sa sugat niya, she can't even buy a proper meal!

"Uhm," Kira took his attention, "is it possible if I won't buy the ointment? I'm kinda broke at the moment... besides, it will heal in no time, Doc!"

He chuckled as he went to his desk to get her prescription. He gave it to her, "You don't havw to worry about your future expenses. Your friend already paid for it. Even the prescription I am giving to you today." saad nito na ikinagulat niya.

Marta did that? She's shocked and grateful at the same time. Malaking tulong ang naibigay ni Marta sa kanya. She'll just save up some of her money to payback Marta.

Kira sighed and she looked at the doctor, "I, uhm, I probably should go." Paalam ni Kira, "Thanks, Doc." She waved at him goodbye and Kira immediately went out and as soon as she closed his door she sighed as a sign of relief.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya ginawa iyon at kung bakit siya ganito umakto. She's beginning to turn into a awfully weird person.

Sinimulan na ni Kira ang paglalakad papunta sa pharmacy para kunin ang prescription sa kanya.

Hindi naman siya ganito tuwing nagpapa-check up siya sa doktor niya sa Italya.

Kira smiled at the pharmacist at binigay ang prescription sa kanya. Kaagad naibigay sa kanya ng pharmacist and mga nireseta sa kanya.

Tinignan niya ang maliit na paper bag na pinaglalagyan ng mga nireseta sa kanya at medyo may karamihan iyon. Talagang gusto ng kaibigan na gumaling na siya.

Pumunta na kaagad si Kira sa elevator at pinindot ang down button. Habang naghihintay, nilagay niya sa maliit niyang bag ang mga nireseta sa kanya at kaagad na kinuha ang cellphone niya.

Binuksan niya ang email niya at nakita niya kung gaano karami ang email ang binigay sa kanya ng boss niya sa Italy. Bago kasi siya tumakas sa Italy, kaagad na siyang nagsend ng resignation letter pero parang ayaw siyang paalisin ng studio na pinapasukan niya dati.

Kahit rin naman siya ayaw niyang umalis dahil sa Italy, isa siyang sikat na photographer at kumikita siya ng malaki. Pero, mas gusto niyang sundin ang talagang magpapasaya sa kanya.

Nakaramdam si Kira ng pagkulo ng tyan.

She's tired of eating noodles everyday and she literally want to eat something new. But, what can she do? She can't just use her money for foods that will cost her that much.

Bumukas ang elevator at kaagad na pinindot ni Kira ang ground floor. Akmang magsasara na ang elevator nang biglaang may kamay na pumigil sa pagsasara ng elevator.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kira dahil nakita niya na si Doc Aivan ang pumigil at kaagad na pumasok. Patagong gumilid si Kira at nagpanggap na may kausap sa telepono.

"Hahaha! Oo naman, Marta! Mainit talaga sa Pilipinas!" Malakas na wika niya at sinimulan niyang paypayin ang sarili dahil talagang naiinitan na siya.

"You do know that I know that your friend can't understand that language, right?"

Kira froze.

What a stupid acting! Bakit ba kasi umaakto siya ng ganito?

Nakangiting binaba ni Kira ang cellphone niya at binalik sa bag. Hindi nalang siya nagsalita at napatingin nalang sa taas habang nakakurot siya sa ilong niya. Iyon ang mannerism niya kapag nahihiya o kung ano man.

Nang bumukas ang elevator, naunang lumabas si Kira at binilisan ang pagalalakad.

Pero nabigla siya nang biglang nasa gilid niya na ang doktor, nginitian niya ito at mas binilisan pa ang paglalakad.

Ngunit kahit gaano na siya kabilis maglakad ay nasusundan pa rin siya nito. Kira sighed and she decided to stop walking and she faced him with a shy smile.

"May I ask why are you following me, Doc—"

"–it's Aivan, Kira."

"Uhm, okay..." Napayuko si Kira, "may I know why are you following me, A-Aivan?" she felt uncomfortable when she addressed him by his name.

Aivan brushed his hair using his fingers and he smiled. "Would you like to have lunch?" He asked, "instead of eating your unhealthy cup of noodles. Binilin ka kasi sa akin ni Marta."

Since the very beggining she met him, this is the very first she saw him smile like that. Not a wide smile, but a half smile. Pamilyar na pamilyar ang ngiti na pinakita nito.

Ngumiti nga ito ngunit iba pa rin ang pinapakitang ekspresyon ng mga mata niya. And Kira hated it soo much, to the point she can't even look at him straight in the eyes.

Kira shooked her head, " You don't actually have to take care of me even if Marta told you to do so. You're not my caretaker."

"But having a meal won't harm anything, right?"

"I'm not actually hungry ---" Kira was shocked when her stomach growled.

"I'll take that as a yes." Aivan said, "I know a nearby restau that serves the best food. We'll only have a five minute walk."

Nagsimulang maglakad si Aivan at hindi pa rin alam ni Kira kung sasama ba siya dito o hindi? It is true that a meal won't harm, plus it'll benefit her too.

But she hates to see him. That's the only reason why she can't have a meal with her doctor.

Nabigla siya nang may humawak sa kamay niya na ikinalaki ng mga mata niya at doon na siya nagsimulang maglakad.

Nilingon siya ni Aivan, "The restaurant's quite popular so if we won't hurry, we won't be able to eat there."

Kira sighed and just followed Aivan's direction. A meal won't harm her, right?

KIRA and Aivan arrived at the restau in no time.

Kira looked up to find the name of the restaurant.

'Moon's Steakhouse'

They both entered the steakhouse and both of them got greeted warmly. She felt a warm and cozy ambiance inside the steakhouse.

"Ma'am, Sir... This is the way to your table."

Kaagad nilang sinundan ang waiter at nakita na nila ang lamesa na para sa kanila.

Umupo na silang dalawa ni Aivan sa lamesa na pang dalawang tao at kaagad din na inabot ng waiter ang menu sa steakhouse.

Kira looked at the food and it's prices, it's not that expensive and it's not that cheap. But, at her financial status here in the Philippines right now, the food's quite expensive.

There are different kind of steaks in the menu and costs probably one to three thousand and she can't afford it. Especially her favorite T-bone steak was also in the menu.

Without having any eye contact, Kira called Aivan out. "Can I really order anything I want?" Kira asked just to make sure.

She heard him chuckle, "Of course, Kira. You can." Aivan answered.

"I would like to order a T-bone steak with barbecue glaze and corn and carrots and ---" Kira was about to order a wine that's greatly paired with the steak when she realized that she's not actually the one paying for the orders.

She just smiled and silently closed the menu, she got used on ordering those when she was in Italy. "I'm sorry, I got carried away." Kira apologized.

"No, it's fine." Aivan said at her and then he looked at the waiter, "You heard the order, and make it two. I would also like a bottle of red wine for our beverage." Dagdag ni Aivan at binalik ang menu na nasa lamesa lang nila.

Kira happily squealed inside, that was what she was about to order next. T-bone steaks are best paired with red wine.

"Okay, Sir Aivan. Your orders will be here in any minute." Wika ng waiter at umalis.

Namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan nilang dalawa. Dahil sa katahimikan na namagitan sa kanila, nakaramadam si Kira ng pagkahiya.

"Uhm, Aivan..." Pagtawag ni Kira sa doktor, "thanks for the treat. And it's good that you ordered red wine for the beverage. Red wine's actually a good combination with T-bone steak."

Nagsisi rin kaagad si Kira sa sinabi niya. It gave him a hint that she knew about things like that when in fact, she introduced herself as an orphan. Magtataka ito dahil sa sinabi niya.

Stupid, Kira!

"How did you know about it?" Anito, "It looks like you've been into places like this. Alam mo na kasi kung ano ang gusto kong order." Pagtatanobg muli nito sa kanya.

Kira gave an akward laugh, "I did, uhm, have a project about food. And I happen to see and tried what I have learned from it." Palusot niya.

"Oh, I see..."

Kira thankfully sighed when their orders already arrived and the only thing that was left was their wine that'll be followed up.

Sinimulan na nila ang pag kain at pareho na nilang hinihiwa ang steak na in-order nila.

Nabigla nalang si Kira nang tanungin ni Aivan ang patungkol sa tattoo niya.

"I hope you dont mind me asking. I was just curious..." Binaba nito ang knife and fork niya at sinimulang magtanong, "what's the reason behind your tattoo? It's a unique design actually."

Wala namang masama kung magsasabi siya ng totoo diba?

"It's actually my —"

Hindi naituloy ni Kira ang sasabihin niya nang may narinig silang nabasag. Napatingin sila sa babaeng nasa harap nila na nakalaglag ng wine na bitbit nito.

The woman was tall and she had a brown short hair. Maganda ito at maputi.

"Iris!" Napatayo si Aivan sa kinauupuan niya at nilapitan ang babae na nasa harap nila.

Kira saw that her leg was bleeding because of the broken glass of the wine.

"Aivan, she's bleeding!" Kira exclaimed and that's when Aivan took action.

"Kira, I'll be back. Just stay there." Wika nito at binuhat ni Aivan ang babaeng nagngangalang Iris at dinala sa parang opisina sa gilid.

Naiwan si Kira na mag-isa sa lamesa at inaayos ng mga waiter ang natapong wine at ang nagkalat na bubog ng bote.

Kira did not touch her food. For her, it's a bit rude to eat without your acquaintance.

She just drank the water the water just served while waiting for Aivan.

While drinking her waiter, she suddenly remembered the face of the girl named 'Iris'.

She looked very familiar and on the way how Aivan got worried on her... Maybe she's Aivan's girlfriend?

It took Kira thirty minutes to wait for Aivan.

Aivan went out with the woman earlier and from the looks of it – he treated Iris' wound.

Lumapit ang dalawa sa lamesang inuupuan niya at sinalubong siya nito ng isang malawak na ngiti.

"I'm really sorry about earlier." Paghingi ng paumanhin ng babaeng nagngangalang Iris sa kanya.

Napatayo si Kira at umiling, "It's fine. No need to say sorry." Tinignan ni Kira ang naka-bandage nitong sugat. "Does your cut hurt?"

Tumango ito, "It hurts a bit but it's fine." Bigla itobg naglahad ng kamay at nagpakilala, "I'm Iris Montano, and you are?"

Tinanggap ni Kira ang kamay nito at nagpakilala rin, "I'm Kira Chiumenti" Kira smiled, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Iris."

"Just call me Iris." Ngiting saad nito, "Oh, both of you have a seat. Continue eating your lunch. Magdadala ako ng panibagong wine. I'm sorry for the commotion earlier." Wika ni Iris bago umalis.

Nahihiyang umupo si Kira at ayun din mismo ang pag-upo ni Aivan.

PAGKATAPOS nilang kumain ay hinatid pa silang dalawa ni Iris palabas ng restaurant.

Nakasama nila sa lamesa si Iris at doon niya nalaman na ito pala ang may-ari ng restaurant at kababata din pala ito ng doktor.

"Thank you for visiting my restaurant, Kira. I hope you enjoyed the food." Nakangiting wika ni Iris sa kanya.

Tumango si Kira at ngumiti rin, "I really enjoyed the food. It was delicious." Tinignan ni Kira ang oras at nang mapagtanto niyang malapit na siyang abutan nang gabi, kaagad siyang nagpaalam. "I have to go, I need to visit someone today." Paalam niya.

Wala naman talaga siyang lakad ngayon, kailangan niya lang makausap si Marta para sana maitanong kung ano na ang aksyonf ginagawa ng kanyang nga magulang para mahanap siya.

"Let me give you a ride." Pag-aalok ni Aivan sa kanya.

"No, it's fine." Pagtanggi ni Kira at ngumiti, "Thank you for the treat!" Aniya at kaagad na nagpaalam sa dalawa. She waved at them, "Goodbye!"

Naglakad na paalis si Kira at muli niyang tinapunan ng tingin ang dalawa, nakita niya kung gaano ka-close ang mga ito. She's been a photographer for not so long, but some of her clients in a wedding photoshoot were always childhood friends that end up being together.

Maybe they have a thing? We really don't know...

Sa kalagitnaan ng paglalakad niya pabalik sa apartment niya, napahawak siya sa tattoo niya. She should really get rid of it already.