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DOCTOR'S FEE INCIDENT 9

LAURA AND I went to church together. She took me to the church that she often goes to every Sunday. It's a long way, but I brought my car, so we didn't have any problems. After we went to church, I invited her to eat. Today I found out that Laura is a bit silly, laughs loudly, and also likes to curse. She also speaks like a teenager. Only a few months have passed since she became my patient, who did nothing but mutter and wait for her husband. And here she is now, looking for life for herself and being happy no matter where she is. I think she has recovered quite a bit from sadness, or should I say---she is still sad but not just showing it. Well, who knows, the important thing is---we are both enjoying our company for now or maybe---whenever!

I asked about her earlier while we were on the trip. I was no longer ashamed to ask what happened to her and her husband because I wanted to know their situation. It turns out that the crazy guy hasn't come back since the last time Laura and I met, and the money I left her is what she used to start a life here in Manila because, as she stated, they don't have their own house in Tarlac, and she thinks, what if there is no one for her to come back there with? She said that she thinks twice before making a decision. And there she met this guy. She found a room that was just big enough for her and immediately made acquaintances and friends, who even helped her get a job. She said she bought the last amount for personal needs, like clothes and personal care for her. Like what she's wearing now, which is a simple black tee that fits her body just right and a short white skirt matched with her simple flip-flops. Her clothes are simple, but she looks good. She simply wore a simple headband to cover up her shower bangs while her long curly hair was just loose.

I was very happy while watching her talk. She kept laughing aloud. Laura is a very down-to-earth woman. And I noticed that she has two small dimples on both cheekbones, and her teeth are very pretty. Her mouth is a bit wide and widens even more when she smiles, but it suits her. Her round eyes are just right. I wasn't wrong; her mother is a black American, and her brothers and father all live in the USA, and she is the only one here because she said she didn't come and chose Paul over her family. She came from a wealthy family, and she was the one left here in the Philippines. She said that she only got married at twenty-two and so far has not had a child, so her husband cheated because he wanted to have a child. She said she didn't have any health problems, but no matter how hard they tried on , they really couldn't have one.

It was almost late afternoon when we finished chatting at the restaurant. I took her home because I wanted her to see where I live. She thought I was rich because our house was in an exclusive subdivision. She thought that I was a big-time doctor. Big time, literally! But no, I had just enough for all our needs, with extra to share with others.

When we arrived, she was surprised that our house was simple, but it was also big because it had three floors. You can see how hard Dad worked back then, so we became like this. There is a pool, Mom's garden that is like a jungle in the lake, there are six bedrooms, and we have three cars in the garage. Laura and I drove the fourth. She was very surprised, but I was even more surprised because when we entered…

"Hello, baby!"

"Mom?" I was very surprised when Mom greeted me.

"Mom? Did you just arrive? When--when?" I said, stammering.

Mom didn't answer right away because she was looking at Laura, who was currently hiding behind me.

And when Laura saw her, she immediately smiled and said, "Good afternoon."

Mom smiled at her too. "Hi, good afternoon too."

After a while, Dad came out of the backyard and immediately shouted, "Hello, Doc!"

"Da--- dad!" I stuttered.

He gave me a tight hug and a handshake. And, of course, he looked at Laura, who was never left behind.

"Good afternoon," Laura greeted him after smiling.

"You together?" Dad asked with a goofy smile. Looking alternately at us,

"Yes, dad," I replied cautiously. I even glanced at Laura, who seemed to be getting a bit shy.

A moment later, the rest came out of the backyard. Uncle Nick and Ben were there. The two greeted me immediately when they saw me. I didn't know how to greet them back because I was shocked. Laura also distanced herself because she was shy and was glad that Claudie had invited her to the poolside. I breathed a little easier because Laura might get wildly pissed off. They are a strong teaser, especially when a woman is around. Most of all---Dad, who is simple but the naughtiest of them all.

"Birthday boy!" said Uncle Nick.

Laura looked at me, then poked me from behind. "It's your birthday?"

I just smiled at her as an answer.

"What's up Doc? Let's celebrate!" Uncle Ben too.

Mom immediately intervened. "Hey! Stop that! He's on duty tonight!"

"Doc, you have a visitor; wow.. imported?" Uncle Nick said while pretending to punch me in the chest.

"Oh! That's Laura, his patient," Tejie replied.

Mom looked at me. "Patient?"

Tejie answered quickly. "Yes, Mom! And get ready because she's the one who'll replace Irene!"

"Huh? Clyde? You and Irene broke up?" Mom asked in shock.

"Oh, don't believe Tejie, Laura is just my friend," I answered quickly.

Dad was just looking at us and smiling. I saw him approach Tejie.

"Tej, who is that sexy and healthy---umm.. baby girl with Doc?" I heard him say to Tejie while simply making a hand gesture on his chest.

"Dad, that's his patient." Tejie answered, "You know, Doc, he loves charity."

"But she's beautiful, huh! She's older than Clyde?"

"Yes, dad! I think she's in her thirties."

I saw Dad just nod.

I'm sure I'll be their pick later, so I need to prepare myself. I'll take Laura first because I don't want her to witness their antics and anything.

June_Thirteen

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