Strawberry Kisses

That X

Gio’s throat clogged when he found Sandy sprawled on the floor. Gone was the color in her cheeks, even from her lips. Carefully, he cradled her head and tried to wake her up to no avail.

“Dammit!” He picked her up and deposited her still form on the sofa.

Scrolling through his contacts, he found Tabi’s number and waited for his friend to pick up. Tabi came from a family of medical practitioners, save for the guy himself who got himself into art. But Tabi’s not answering. He tried calling Sol. His best friend picked up on the third ring. Loud music was on the background. It didn’t last though. He guessed Sol went place they could talk.

“Yo, Gee.”

“Are you with Tabi?” Gio asked.

“Yep. Why?”

“Tell him to pick up his damned phone! While you’re at it, ask him if he knows any doctor in Fersht.”

“Fersht? That’s roughly two hours and a half from Serendra City. What are you doing in that town in this weather?” Taeyang asked.

“Why are you having a damned party in this kind of weather?” Gio bit back.

“Don’t ask me, this is Tabi’s. Anyhow, why would you need a doctor?”

Gio’s patience was on edge. He took a lungful of air before speaking slowly but there’s no mistaking the underlying fury in his voice, threatening to come out. “Get Tabi on the phone now.”

He didn’t wait long. He heard a door open and loud music flooded his ears again. After a while, the noise got muted. They must have stepped out.

“Gee, what got your briefs in a twist?” Tabi drawled through the line.

“Do you know any doctor in Fersht?”

“Yes, I do. But why ask me? Your Dad’s network is more extensive than mine. And why do you need a doctor, are you hurt?”

“Dad’s in a conference. He won’t be available until tomorrow. Get that doctor here, quick!”

“What’s the address? Wait, the storm is getting worst. I’m not sure if Doctor Jung is crazy enough to make a house call,” Tabi said.

Gio looked at the unconscious woman. She’s dead to the world beside him. Tabi is right, no sane man would brave this storm. But what can he do? He’s no doctor, his magic works only in business. But he can’t just watch her grow paler by the minute. Gio rose from his seat and walked to the kitchen. He glimpsed an address book beside the kitchen phone earlier.

He thumbed through the entries hoping to find the address of the house but there’s none. Then he searches the book’s front and back covers. His fingers found an old resident ID. It belonged to a certain Margarette Park; it was the same name he found in that diary in Sandy’s bag. The woman in the picture looked old. She’s Sandy’s grandmother. They share the same smile.

“The address is No. 26 Cherry Lane St. West Quarter, Morganville, Fersht.”

“Wait, whose house is that? You are neighbors, bruh.”

“Oh yeah? Good. Tell him to get here ASAP. I don’t know what to do. It’s unfortunate I was never good with women.” Gio breathe in relief.

“You’re with a girl?” Tabi’s voice was teasing.

“That’s none of your business,” Gio snapped. “Thanks.” He ended the call just like that.

Sandy’s chest moved up and down as she breathes but the pallor on her face stayed. He stared at her like a dumb guy who’s at the end of his wits. He never felt this helpless before. He’s used to being in control. And when did he cared, anyway? He suddenly remembered something, and it made him busy with his phone. After a while, he was reading the reply to the text he sent. He nodded his head in satisfaction and turned to Sandy again, lost in his thoughts. The ringing of his phone made him flinch. It was Tabi.

“I gave your number to Dr. Jung so he can call you when he gets there. You’re lucky he’s at home and off duty. He knows a certain Martha Park owns that house. Someone told me she passed away nine years ago. I assume it’s the granddaughter Dr. Jung would treat?”

“Yeah. She got discharged from the Southern Cross earlier today. I found her unconscious a while ago in her kitchen while prepping dinner,” Gio confirmed.

“Oohhh. Dinner. You got someone to cook for you now, my boy? I will not think where would it lead later. Get it, man!” Tabi made gorilla noises over the phone, a feat too easy for him with his rich baritone.

Gio couldn’t help chuckling. “It’s not like that, dummy. I went to check a site here in Fersht. I miscalculated, the meeting took longer than expected. People book all hotels and inns in the area because of the weather. I’m here for shelter and food.”

His impatience is now more manageable that Gio explained. Though if he wished, he can just let Tabi think of whatever he wishes to think about the situation. He doesn’t care, anyway. The worst they could do is endlessly tease until the novelty wears off. Or, they found another friend among them to bully and tease. Gio is certain he can hold off until then.

“Whatever you say, bruh.”

Gio heard a beep. “Hey, I think he’s here. See you when I get back.” He disconnected the call and true enough, there’s a call waiting.

“Hello, Mr. Kwon. This is Dr. Jay Jung, Mr. Chen sent me.”

“Yes, Doctor. Thank you for coming. Please, come on in. I’ll be waiting by the door.”

Gio hurriedly went to the foyer to open the door. Twigs and leaves were flying everywhere as he emerged. He saw a man in a raincoat open the gate and ran his way towards the porch with his medical bag. The man stamped his feet on the wood planks as he climbed the steps.

“Doctor Jay Jung, at your service.” The man gave Gio a cold handshake as he pulled down the hood of his parka.

“Nice meeting you, Doctor. Sorry to call you out in this weather. This way, please.”

Gio helped the man with his coat. He watched as the man surveyed the house with interest. Jay Jung was a surprise. Gio was expecting a middle-aged man to appear. Instead, a man in his thirties showed up. He had the face and body of a professional ramp model. When they came in the living room, Jay rushed at Sandy’s unconscious form at the sofa.

“What happened?” Jay asked, rummaging through his bag for his stethoscope.

“She fainted while prepping dinner.” Gio fished out his phone from his pocket. “This is her medical record from Southern Cross. She got admitted last night after fainting at Charington Hotel. The hospital discharged her this morning.”

Jay took Gio’s phone in his hand. His eyebrows furrowed as he read. Then he returned the device to Gio and tended to Sandy. The man worked fast. Young as he was, he seemed experienced. There was no hesitation in his movements. After sometime, Jay straightened.

“She’s anemic. It hasn’t been long since she’s discharged. She should rest for at least two days,” Jay said. “Isn’t she on medication?”

“I don’t know. But I can look into her bag.”

“Please do. She needs to take her meds diligently. I’ll stay until she comes around, I need to talk to her.”

Gio’s brows knitted. “About?”

“I can’t say, Mr. Kwon. I must discuss this thing with the patient. Unless you are family, which, is not the case. I hope you understand. Doctors must adhere to our profession’s ethics.”

Gio prepared dinner for the three since the doctor is staying a little longer. Looking at the ingredients they bought, he made a vegetable and tortellini casserole. Baking and preparation time would only take less than an hour so it’s perfect. He can cook, his mother made sure of that. He used to resent her each time she wanted him in the kitchen to learn.

Why should he learn to cook? His mother has an army of servants to do that? But as he grew older, he realized it wasn’t about the cooking. In fact, it never was. His mother wanted him to grow a sense of independence, capable on his own. His mom shaped him up to be the man he is now.

With dinner baking in the oven, Gio took out two wine glasses form the cupboard. Sandy is still out and having wine with the doctor won’t hurt. In fact, Gio’s craving one. But as he approached the living room, he heard two sets of low voices talking. Gio stopped, afraid that he’s intruding on something. The atmosphere between the two looked tensed.

Sandy was sitting on the sofa while discussing something with Jay. He talks with a lot of hand gestures. He seemed to drive a point which Sandy couldn’t grasp. Gio saw her shook her head twice as if denying something. Jay’s annoyed sigh traveled through the air towards Gio’s ears. 

What could have triggered the doc? Watching the two, their body language seemed to suggest they know each other. Gio saw the doctor reached out his hand to take Sandy’s. Out of nowhere, Gio felt his spine tighten. He then cleared his thr0at to announce his presence.

“How is she, doc?” He noticed Sandy dropping Jay’s hand. The doctor stood, facing Gio.

“She’ll be okay after sufficient rest and sleep. Anyway, I think I should be going.”

“No, please stay a little longer for dinner. It won’t be long now.” Gio turned to Sandy, “I know it’s not my house and I have no right inviting guests over but can he stay for dinner? That’s the least we can do for him for braving this storm.”

“It’s okay.” Sandy looked up to the doctor. Her eyes a little droopy. From tiredness perhaps? Gio wasn’t sure. She still looked a little sick, too. “Please stay for dinner, Jay. I haven’t seen you in years.”

Gio froze, noting her tone as she spoke. So they knew each other. But why does he feel uneasy with the fondness in her voice? And they’re on the first name basis, there is so much to read between the lines. Jay nodded, giving her a small smile as he sat down again.

To Gio’s surprise, Jay unfurled Sandy’s legs and put it on his knees as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to do. Instead of admonishing him, she sighed while resting her head on the backrest. She watched under her lids as the doctor massaged her calves.

“You all right?” Jay asked.

“Yeah.”

“Who does this for you? I’ve been absent for long.”

“No one. Sometimes when it’s too much, I have Bommi. Or I go to a spa,” she admitted.

Jay scoffed. “Bommi’s hands are harder than bricks. The woman doesn’t know her strength. I think she got it from eating too much corn. You’re more likely to get bruises than relief.”

Sandy’s laugh sounded like chimes to Gio’s ears. “She claims she loves me too much that it leaks through her hands.”

“She’s using the same excuse until now? Whenever I cried from her bullying when we were young, she always claims she loves me too much she couldn’t stop herself from squeezing me to death.”

The two of them laughed. Gio felt invisible, an intruder in a private moment he has no business poking his finger into.

“Do you know each other?” he asked, feeling the stupidity of his question as soon as those words left.

Sandy answered immediately without batting an eyelash. “He’s my ex-boyfriend.”

Well, damn! Speech failed him.