Song: Fall in Love Again- Angeline Quinto

Love

Kiel literally pulled me towards him making Jaxon loose his hold on me.

"Oh!" I exclaimed when I almost bumped into his chest.

Tiningnan ko naman muli si Jaxon na seryosong nakatingin sa kanyang kapatid. Binalik niya ang tingin sa akin at nanatili na iyon doon. I looked away because whenever he stares at me, I couldn't keep my gaze that long.

"Let's go, Margaux." Aya ni Kiel.

"Where are we—"

"Kiel," tawag ni Jaxon.

He sounded really cold. I feel  like he's annoyed. Nilingon ko siya at nakita kong malamig na tingin ang binibigay niya sa kanyang kapatid.

I heard Kiel chuckled. He tightened his hold on me. Napaangat naman ako ng tingin sa kanya. Hindi inaasahan na gagawin niya iyon.

"Kuya, we are not yet-"

He was cut off when Jaxon moved closer to us and took me away from his brother. Tumama ako sa dibdib niya. Para akong laruan na pinagaagawan ng magkapatid. Hindi ko alam kung kanino ba dapat ako sumama. Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa.

"Uhm..." I cleared the air. Sabay silang napatingin sa akin. "I should get going."

"No."

"No."

Sabay rin nilang sinabi. Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ko.

"Okay?" naguguluhan kong sinabi.

They're both so weird! Parang kanina lang okay ang lahat. Tapos ngayon, parang mag-aaway sila ngayon nang dahil sakin.

Pinilit kong lumayo kay Jaxon pero hindi niya ako hinayaan. Nanatili siyang nakahawak sa akin. He lowered his gaze on me. Nang mapansin na masyado nang mahigpit ang hawak niya sa akin ay niluwagan niya ito. Lumingon naman ako kay Kiel. Bakas sa mukha niya na hindi siya natutuwa sa nangyayari.

I mean...sino ba ang gustong matuwa sa ganito? Both of them made me look like a toy na gano'n lang kadaling pag-agawan!

Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit hinayaan ko silang gawin iyon, e. I was in shock! You couldn't blame me!

"I hope it's not happening again." Sabi ni Kiel. My forehead creased a little.

Anong...tinutukoy niya?

"I'm afraid it is," Si Jaxon.

This time I couldn't hide the confusion in my face.

"What's happening? Kailangan pa ba ako rito? I think it's my queue to leave now." Sabi ko. I tried to laugh to lighten up the mood but the both of them remained serious.

"No..." I heard Jaxon whispered. Kiel chuckled.

"Again!? Are we really going to fight over a girl again?!" Tumaas na ngayon ang boses ni Kiel.

Nagulat ako roon. Hindi ko inaasahan na magkakaroon sila ng away nang dahil lang sa babae. I don't even see them as someone who will fight over a girl!

Inangat ko ang tingin ko kay Jaxon. I was surprised to see him already staring at me. Hindi ako nagsalita pero ipinakita ko sa kanya na naguguluhan na ako sa nangyayari.

"Come on, Kuya. I know you're going to give this up eventually. Kaya ngayon pa lang, isuko mo na."

What give up? Anong igi-give up? Sinong igi-give up?

Jaxon tilted his head a little and chuckled. Hinilot niya ang kanyang sentido habang natatawa pa rin. Today is not the right time to laugh about this. Gusto ko sanang sabihin iyon sa kanya.

"Not this time, Kiel." Jaxon finally said. Agad na bumaba ang tingin niya sa akin. My mouth parted.

It looks like he's declaring a war that he knows he's gonna win.

"W-What do you m-mean?" Nauutal na tanong nito. Lumakad siya palapit sa amin pero bago niya tuluyang gawin iyon ay nagsalita muli si Jaxon. "I'm willing to give up a lot of things for you, Kiel. But not this...not this time."

Sa tingin ko kulang nalang magsalubong na ng tuluyan ang kilay ko dahil labis na akong nagugulohan! Kiel looks shocked. Pinilit niyang tumawa pero mukhang imposible.

"K-Kuya...tell me you're joking."

Jaxon shakes his head at his brother. "I'm not. May mga bagay na hindi ko dapat isinusuko para sa 'yo. At ito iyon, Kiel."

"Since when?"

"That's not important right now."

Umiling nang ilang beses si Kiel. Hindi makapaniwala sa nangyayari. Kahit ako rin. Bukod sa hindi makapaniwala, sobrang naguguluhan na rin ako sa nangyayari.

What are they fighting over? Ano rin 'yung pinag-awayan nila noon? Gusto kong itanong pero alam kong wala ako sa lugar. Also, I don't think it's the right time to ask about it!

But then I'm also a confused citizen who has no idea what was happening!

"You gave Jessica up for me...why can't you..." Hindi natapos ni Kiel ang sasabihin.

Jessica? Sinong Jessica?

Bakit parang magsasabihan ng exes ngayon? Should I tell mine, too? Should I tell them about Louie and James, too?

"And where is she now?" Tanong ni Jaxon. Matagal na hindi nakasagot si Kiel. "You left her, right? Because you wanted to focus on the military."

"I have goals." Kiel explained.

"I have mine, too. But that doesn't mean I will leave someone behind."

Kiel chuckled insultingly. He glared at his brother, still surprised with what was happening.

"If you want...you can come back to her. Just give...Margaux up for me."

Namilog naman ang mga mata ko nang mabanggit ang pangalan ko.

"M-Me? How did I end up in your conversation? Nananahimik lang-"

"We'll talk about this soon, Kiel. Just not now. Not infront of her."

Jaxon did not give him time to speak. Hinarap niya ako at hinila ako palayo sa kung nasaan ang kapatid niya. Jaxon walked me towards my room. I stopped before I insert the key.

"If you want to go to the lagoon, just tell me." Aniya. Tumango ako.

"I'm actually planning to go tomorrow. But I have some works to do and I have to visit Andrew. So, maybe next time?" sabi ko. Siya naman ang tumango ngayon.

"Uhm..." I started. "About a while ago...if you don't mind me asking...what was that?"

Hindi na talaga kinaya ng curiosity ko. I couldn't go on to another second without asking about it. Maiintindihan ko naman kung ayaw niyang sabihin sa akin ang tungkol doon...but at least give me a gist? Pakiramdam ko kasi damay ako sa kung ano mang tension ang nangyari kanina.

"That was nothing."

"That isn't nothing to me. Especially when I got mentioned. Anong kinalaman ko roon?"

Tiningnan niya lang ako. He took a step back, signaling me that it was his time to leave.

"You'll understand soon."

"What if I don't?"

"You will. You're smart."

"But that doesn't need logic!" Reklamo ko.

"Good night, Margaux." I groaned and crossed my arms over my chest. He didn't show me any emotion.

"You are so unfair."

I felt disappointed dahil hindi ko nalaman ang sagot. Malamig niya akong tiningnan bago sumagot.

"I really am unfair, Margaux."

Napairap ako at sa sobrang inis ay tinalikuran ko na lang siya at pumasok na ng kuwarto ko. If he doesn't want to tell me, then I'll find out myself!

Kinabukasan at maaga akong nagtungo sa medical ward. I'm surprised to see everyone is here already. Madalas kasi mas nauuna ako kaysa sa kanila. Normally, they will go around here at ten o'clock.

It's only seven in the morning at nandito na silang lahat ngayon. Everyone is attending someone. Checking them every now and then. I smiled.

The last few months here in Afghanistan was really an eye-opener for us. I didn't know that I will enjoy it here despite the war that is happening. Gustohin ko mang magtagal pa ako rito upang makatulong pa ay hindi ko magawa. I don't know when we will leave this country pero nadadama ko nang malapit na iyon.

I'm glad I have met a lot of people here. Especially Andrew. He already have a special place in my heart and I will keep him there.

"Why are you guys up so early?" Tanong ko habang dinadaluhan naman ang isang pasyente.

"Sinusulit lang namin ang panahon, doktora. Feeling kasi namin malapit na tayo umalis dito, e." Sabi ni Tracy.

"We can extend if you want. Gawin nating isang taon 'yung stay natin dito. If ten months isn't enough for you?" I joked. Mukha naman siyang nasamid.

"Doc naman! Nag-jjoke lang ako, e. Miss ko na rin naman kahit papano ang pamilya ko." Malungkot niyang sinabi.

"Lahat naman tayo miss na sila, Tracy..." pagsingit ni Erin. "But you cannot deny the fact that you also have gotten close to the people here. And that's one thing we're surely going to miss."

Sumangayon ako. People here are the nicest people I've met. You wouldn't even think they're going through something as traumatic as this. They are very resilient and positive.

I smiled at the patient when I finished dressing his wound. He did the same.

"Thank you..." nanghihina niyang sinabi.

"You're welcome. I hope you get better soon." I replied.

He's one of the people who were saved yesterday. Marami rin ang nadalang sibilyan kahapon. Nabalitaan ko na nagtungo sila Jaxon sa critical area. Matigas din ang ulo ng isang 'yon, e. I don't think he's fully recovered.

You really can't stop a man who's dedicated with his work huh?

Kahit si Kiel ay hindi ko rin nakita. What happened last night was really weird. Wala akong ideya sa kung ano mang pinag-uusapan nila.

I was really curious last night that it kept me up all night. I started forming some theories inside my head. With the mention of the girl named Jessica...I thought that maybe she's their ex-girlfriend?

But of course, hindi naman pwedeng mag-agawan sila forever sa Jessica na 'yon. So, one has to give her up. And I think it was Jaxon. I remember Kiel mentioning that Jaxon always give things up for him. It could be her.

Ito ba 'yong sinasabi ni Jaxon na maiintindihan ko rin kalaunan? How will I even understand when all I do was make up theories about it? Malay ko ba kung tama ang iniisip ko?

But then...I can't help but continue to think about it.

If Jaxon gave Jessica up, malamang ay napunta siya kay Kiel. But...does Jessica like Kiel? Why did Jaxon gave her up? He's like the guy who's not going to give up easily. So, what could be the possible reason?

Napatigil ako sa pag-iisip nang madiniy ko ang pagtigil ng isang truck 'di kalayuan sa kung nasaan ako ngayon. Agad akong lumingon para makita ito.

The soldiers have already arrived. I stood up. I tiptoed so I could see kung kasama ba si Kiel o si Jaxon doon. The first person I saw was Kiel. He looks grumpy. Ang dalawa niya namang kasama ay nasa likod niya lang habang nakasunod sa kanya.

Then next person I saw was Jaxon going out of the truck. Nakita kong nagdudugo ang gilid ng kanyang labi. It looks like someone punched him. Napahawak ako sa aking bibig nang dahil sa naisip.

'Di kaya'y nag-usap na sila at nagkainitan? Maybe that's the reason why Kiel looks so grumpy? Hindi naman siya ganoon. He's full of energy at madalang mo siyang makita na ganoon ang itsura.

Agad namang nagsilapitan sa kanya ang mga sundalo. They lined up in front of him. May sinabi siya na hindi ko marinig kaya mas lumapit ako.

Oh gosh, Margaux! What are you doing? What he's saying to his troop is none of your goddamn business kaya bakit ka pa lalapit?

I should've stopped myself from walking closer but being the hard headed woman that I am, lumapit pa rin ako. I acted like I was just passing by. Yumuko ako at pasimpleng tumingin sa kanila.

For a moment, I saw Jaxon's eyes moved towards me. I raised my brows at him as a sign of acknowledgement at saka naglakad muli palayo. Nagtago ako nang makakita ng lugar.

Bakit parang wala lang siyang pakialam sa sugat niya sa gilid ng kanyang labi? Kailangan nang gamutin 'yan! It looks huge!

Nang matapos siya ay umalis na sa harap niya ang mga sundalo at hinarap niyang muli ang truck upang may kuhanin doon. I walked towards him coolly. Naramdaman niya naman agad ang presensya ko kaya siya napabaling sa akin. I inserted both of my hands on my side pockets. I smiled at him.

"Hi," I said. His eyebrow rose. Bumaba naman ang tingin niya sa kanyang combat helmet at inayos ito.

"Hi." he replied.

"What happened to your lip?"

Kung 'di ko pa siguro sasabihin 'yon ay hindi niya mapapansin na nagdudugo pa rin ang kanyang labi. Dinampi niya ang kanyang daliri roon at hindi na nagulat na nagdudugo pa rin ito.

"This is nothing." Aniya. My widened when I saw it bleeding again.

"Gosh! It's bleeding." Napalapit ako nang 'di oras sa kanya, tiningnan kong mabuti ang labi niya.

It isn't just a wound anymore. It's a cut! Kailangan nang gamutin iyon.

"This needs to be...checked." I said then I pressed my thumb over his bruised lip at ako na mismo ang nagpalis ng dugo nito.

Parehas kaming nagulat dahil sa ginawa ko. Napaatras naman ako bigla. Why...did I do that?

"Yeah. That needs t-to be checked." Pambawi ko. "I'll... go get a nurse."

Lalakad na sana ako palayo ngunit napatigil nang may bigla akong naisip. The thought of a nurse cleaning Jaxon's wound sends terrible thoughts inside my head. His wound is located on his lower lip. If a nurse will clean it... then, may chance na mapalapit ang mukha nila sa isa't isa.

Oh, no! I won't let that happen.

If there's a chance, I'll go grab it. Kaya ako na lang. That needs to be me! I couldn't stand the thought of Jaxon and a nurse in one room. No way! Baka hindi pa ako makapag-focus sa trabaho ko.

Oh my god! What is happening to me?

Umiling ako at humarap muli sa kanya.

"No...I'll be the one to check that." tiningnan niya lang ako at hindi sumagot. "Come with me."

I'm surprised he did what I told him without hesitation. Akala ko magmamatigas siya at ipipilit na wala lang ang kanyang sugat, e.

And my thoughts were true! Kung hindi siguro ako nag-volunteer, siguro ibang tao ang nasa posisyon ko ngayon. Cleaning up this wound means I have to move closer to him. As in close! Ang malas lang namin dahil doon pa kami sa mahina na ang ilaw napunta. I couldn't see it properly that's why I have to move closer.

Wala naman siyang sinasabi habang ginagawa ko iyon. He's just letting me. At nang matapos, agad naman akong lumayo sa kanya

"Next time you get into a fight, make sure you won't bruise your face. Sayang, e." I whispered the last words.

"I'll take note of that." He said and then he smirked.

My jaw dropped. I didn't know he heard that!

Hindi nawala ang ngisi sa kanyang labi habang tumatayo. Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin.

"Thank you, Margaux." That was the last thing he said before he went out of the room.

Saka lang ako nakapagpawala ng malalim na hininga nang mawala na siya nang tuluyan. I slapped myself because I'm getting weirder and weirder now!

Hindi ka ganito, Margaux! What is happening with you?!

I calmed myself down and cleaned up my mess. Matapos ang trabaho ay dumiretso naman ako sa kung nasaan madalas sila Andrew. I brought them foods again which made them so happy again.

"Thank you, doctor!" sabi nila. Ngumiti naman ako at pinanood sila habang kumakain.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Dr. Margaux?" Tyler, Andrew's friend asks.

I chuckled a little. "Right now, I don't have one. But before, I do. Doctor is already an adult. It's normal."

"How many?" Sasha asked.

"Just two. They're exes now. So, it doesn't matter."

"Why don't you have one now?" Si Andrew naman ang nagtanong ngayon.

"Why are we talking about this? This topic isn't for kids like you!" I joked.

"Because we think that you and the soldier you're always with looks good together!" Sabay-sabay nilang sinabi. Like they were already planning to tell it to me.

I smiled in amusement. These kids! Hindi ko alam na pati sila nagmamasid!

"Who?" I asked.

"The captain!" Tyler answered for them.

"Ah..." Tumango-tango ako. "Well, we're nothing. We're just friends."

I saw Sasha frowned. Andrew looks shocked.

"Why are we talking about this?" tanong kong muli at ngumiti sa kanila. "Were you guys talking about us when I'm not around?"

Nag-iwas naman sila ng tingin. Bigla silang umakto na para bang inosente sila. I chuckled.

"Well, there's nothing wrong. But you're just too young to be talking about it." pangaral ko sa kanila.

"But we are just curious." Andrew said sadly.

"I know...but it's much better if you talk about things your age."

Etong mga batang 'to! Ano naman kaya ang naisip nila at bakit ang love life ko pa ang gustong pag-usapan?

Nanahimik naman sila. Parang dismayado sa aking sinabi. Hindi ko alam kung saan ba sila nadidismaya, e. Sa ayaw ko bang pag-usapan nila ang love life ko o ang pagiging mag-kaibigan lang namin ni Jaxon?

I sighed.

"Fine! Dr. Margaux likes the Captain. But as of now, we are nothing. But I'll make sure to keep you updated with it." I admitted to them.

Sa kanila pa talaga ako unang umamin ha?

Sabay-sabay silang nag-angat ng tingin at nagtatalon sa tuwa. I can't help but join their laughter, too. I ruffled their hairs and made them promise me not to tell anyone.

I shake my head. Ah...I finally admitted it.

Love... I wasn't expecting to find love here. I wasn't even expecting to love someone here.

Noong una akala ko hindi ako marunog magmahal. But when I met him, it's like I already mastered it. Gano'n talaga. May mga bagay na hindi natin inaasahang mangyari. Biglaan nalang ang lahat.

But I hope that I won't regret it. Because once I know that he feels the same, I will fight for it.