A/N:

Hello.

I'm doing an early weekend update again.

Vote/Comment and share. I will see you next week. Have a great weekend :)

***

My response was instantaneous, borne from years of training and exposure to emergency situations.

The pallor in Arizona's face told me if I don't act fast, there would be two emergency situations I have to deal with.

I was on my feet before she finish reading the text message from Lola telling us that they were on their way to emergency.

Mr. Gomez passed out in the bathroom and he was unresponsive.

They were on the way to Santos Gen and she said to get there as fast as we can.

On the way out of the restaurant, I felt Arizona's quivering body.

I held her tighter by the waist to keep her from falling.

"It's going to be alright." I whispered as we walked to the parking lot.

Whether from shock or out of habit, she searched her purse for her car key.

"Take this," She pressed the unlock button and the white Range Rover beeped.

She climbed in the passenger seat and I got on the driver's side.

Arizona forgot to put on her seatbelt and I pointed towards it.

She pulled the belt but couldn't even lock it.

"Here let me." I moved towards her and heard her sniffling.

"Ari, I'm here with you, okay?"

Her lips trembled and I looked in her eyes.

The blues were a deep shade.

I knew she was scared.

#

     Traffic was light but the urge to drive faster was strong.

I let common sense take over.

If I do something illegal, it would delay us even more.

Besides, I also had to think of Arizona.

She's under a lot of stress and I don't want to add to her anxiety.

I remembered when I got a phone call from the dean's office.

It was during my third year in med school.

Tatay got into an accident and since I had an exam that day, the assistant waited till I got out of the room to tell me the news.

Her lips were moving but I couldn't understand the words.

I was picked up by one of Tatay's friend and on the way to the hospital, I wished the jeepney could fly so we'd get there fast.

My wishing didn't do anything to clear the traffic or to soothe my fear.

I glanced towards Arizona who was looking outside the window, head leaning on the glass.

I took her hand in mine and she squeezed it tight.

Once we reached Santos Gen, I parked on my spot and removed my seatbelt.

Arizona undid hers and was already opening the door.

She ran towards the entrance, red heels and all.

The security guard bowed when he saw me but I was in such a hurry to acknowledge him.

"This way." I took Arizona's hand and ran down the hallway towards the elevator.

Pressing the up button, I waited for the door to open then let her in first.

I closed the door and we stood side by side.

She was biting her thumb, an old habit when she's nervous.

When I looked at her, there were tears in her eyes.

"Come here." I embraced her.

"What if he's not okay, Jules?" She sobbed, her tears soaking through the thin fabric of my shirt.

"Don't say that. We don't know what's going on." I raised her chin then kissed her lightly on the forehead.

#

Lola Paula was sitting at the waiting room when we reached the ER.

She stood up to meet us.

Just like Ari, her face was tear-stained too.

They hugged each other and I told them I would check what's going on.

The receptionist was surprised to see me.

"I thought it was your day off, Doc."

"Yes it was. Any update on Mr. Andres Gomez?"

She checked the computer.

"He's being transferred to room 806."

"Are you sure? He's not going to the OR?"

She checked again.

"There are no notes about an operation."

I exhaled.

"Dr. Mendoza is done so he'll be out soon." She smiled.

I thanked her and walked back to join Arizona and Lola Paula.

I told them what's going on and they were surprised too.

"Are you sure about this?" Lola asked.

"Yes." The door to the ER opened and Dr. Mendoza, a bald man in his sixties, came out.

I stood up to meet him.

"I didn't know you were here, Dr. Perez."

"Mr. Andres Gomez is a family friend."
"I see." He looked at Lola Paula and then at Arizona.

I introduced him.

"There's nothing to worry about." Dr. Mendoza smiled.

"I don't understand." Lola remarked.

"He gained consciousness when he was brought in and the symptoms points to heartburn."

"Heartburn?" Lola and Ari exclaimed.

"Apparently, he drank scotch before going to bed.

"Damn that man! He almost gave me a heart attack!" Lola blurted.

"We are keeping him here till tomorrow for more test. I ordered a gastrointestinal exam so I told him not to eat and drink anything for eight hours. Does he smoke, Mrs. Gomez?"

Lola shook her head.

"Good. We'll bring him to the fluoro room when he wakes up so we can do the test. For now, you can see him in his suite."
Dr. Mendoza tapped me on the shoulder then smiled at Lola and Ari.

"I'm going to kill him!" Lola exclaimed once he was gone.

#

Mr. Gomez was asleep when we entered.

"I'm sorry for bothering you, Julia." Lola looked at his husband, his chest rising up and down in a steady motion.

"It's okay. I told you to call me if you need anything."
"Why don't you sleep, Lola? I'll call a cab, go back to the mansion and maybe bring you some clothes?" Arizona suggested.

"Why don't I drive you back there?" I offered.

"We've already done enough damage for tonight. Besides, you have to rest too." She gave me a weak smile.

"Don't worry about me. I'm used to this."
Ari looked at Lola Paula who was also hesitant to accept my offer.

"I've seen this situation too many times. At least one of you needs a decent rest."

"Nakakahiya naman sa'yo, hija."

"Don't be. I'm always here when you need me."

Arizona asked if Lola needed more stuff before saying goodbye.

She kissed her on the cheek then I led her out of the room.