XX - Sick

                                    

                                          
Tanya's POV
                          
We decided to bring Viniel to the nearest hospital from the studio. While in the car, binihisan ko rin siya kahit nahirapan ako because he's too heavy. Tumawag na rin ako kay Tito Justine to inform him about what happened to his nephew. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang kaba ko. Not that I'm overreacting but I swear, it's the first time that someone fainted in front of me kaya hindi ko talaga alam ang gagawin kanina.
                          
"Hija, I already talked to the doctor who attended Viniel. She said he's stable now. He just caught a simple flu." Tito Justine said pagpasok niya sa private room where we are staying. "Thank you for staying, ha? You can go home now. I can handle everything from here."
                          
I nodded and thanked the heavens when I heard the news. Tatawag na sana ako sa driver ko but we heard Viniel called us. I threw a look at him and saw na gising na siya.
                          
"Viniel! Thank god you're awake!" I exclaimed bago ako lumapit sa kanya. "How are you feeling now? Are you hurt anywhere? Tell me."
                          
He just looked at me and after a few seconds, a wicked smile started to form on his lips. "Why do you care? And you look so worried, Tanya. Sweet."
                          
Kung hindi lang siya nakahiga sa hospital bed ngayon I had probably broken his bones right now. But this is a sign that he's fine so okay na rin siguro.
                          
"I'm not! Why would I worry?" I retorted. "You know what, mahimatay ka na lang ulit so that I could live in peace again."
                          
"Really? You're lying. I almost choked a while ago because of how tight you hugged me sa studio." He teased. Talagang bang may flu siya? Is this the effect of being ill? Mas lalo siyang lumalala?
                          
"Didn't it occur to you that maybe I really am trying to choke you?" I shot back to hide the awkwardness because truth to be told, niyakap ko naman talaga siya kanina sa studio and while we're on our way here. But that's because ayokong lamigin siya and not because of something else.
                          
Sasagot pa sana siya but we heard Tito Justine cleared his throat to remind us that he's still here with us. "Viniel, I already called your Mom. Ihatid daw kita pauwi then the maids will take care of you."
                          
Viniel nodded. "Okay. But I'll stay in my condo instead. I don't want to go home yet."
                          
"Viniel, no! Ihahatid kita sa bahay niyo." Tito Justine insisted. "You can't stay in your condo alone in that state."
                          
Viniel groaned. "Tito, please. I don't want to! I'm fine! I can handle myself. And besides, Tanya will stay with me tonight."
                          
Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Viniel. They both stared at me. Tito Justine, with a questioning expression and Viniel with a pleading one. Oh no, Viniel, no. I won't babysit anyone here especially you.
                          
-x-
                          
"Viniel, ang bigat mo naman!" I complained habang inaalalayan ko siya while we're walking papunta sa unit niya. His arm is hanging on my shoulders while I'm holding my bag with my free hand. Nanlalambot kasi siya and he can't walk alone. And before anyone judges me, no. I didn't give in to him, he forced me to stay.
                          
"I'm sorry, okay? Did I ask for your help? I didn't, right? Ikaw 'yung namimilit." Sabi niya. I was readying myself for another round of bickering but when I looked at him, he looks like he's in pain so hindi ko na lang pinatulan.
                          
When we got inside his unit, binagsak ko na siya sa couch. Damn, I felt like I lifted a whale. Fit naman si Viniel so I guess, it's the muscles that make him heavy. I threw a look at him and saw that he's massaging his own head.
                          
Kinuha ko sa bag ko ang meds niya and gave one tablet to him. "Take this."
                          
"Thanks." He then took the pill at sumandal ulit sa couch.