Chapter 11 Chapter 11
The next day, Fiel caught Aurora drinking coffee in the kitchen. She was busy reading, so she probably didn't notice him. As was his habit, he just stared at her whenever she wasn't paying attention.
Because he thought she wasn't aware of his presence, he was surprised when she spoke. "Hmm, doc...if you're going to stare at me all day, that's okay with me." She turned towards him and smiled. "Have you had breakfast, doc?"
"I've already eaten, actually. There are cupcakes in the fridge, by the way."
"Really? I didn't know; I haven't opened the fridge yet. I've been craving coffee."
She was about to stand up, but he stopped her. "Let me serve you. Just sit there, I'll take care of it," he offered, taking the food from the fridge.
"Here, eat well… and stop dieting."
"Thanks, doc. Hmm, where's daddy? He's not in his room."
"They went out, they had something to take care of."
He had asked Thor to accompany them so the old man would be safe. He didn't want Aurora to worry because he wouldn't be able to relax either. He looked at the book she was holding. He was curious because of the cover, so he asked her about it.
"By the way, if you don't mind, what are you reading?"
"Ah, this?" She raised the small book she was holding. "It's a novel about supernatural things."
"Ahmm, are you interested in that kind of thing? Those are just children's stories."
"I don't know, doc."
He didn't know why Aurora suddenly seemed uneasy.
Maybe she knows something about us?
He shrugged off the thought and tried to remain calm.
"What if, doc...what if they really exist?"
He coughed unexpectedly. He didn't expect Aurora to ask about that. He didn't know what to say.
He felt like a mouse caught in a lion's trap. He didn't expect them to discuss this topic. "Doc?"
He shook his neck to relax. "H-mm, okay..." He couldn't help but stutter.
"Okay, let's assume they're real. Like, for example—the vampires? What if you encountered a vampire? What would your reaction be?"
"None...What should my reaction be? I don't know...But there's a story I know, not all vampires are bad."
He was even more confused by her answer. Why don't you just ask what really happened to her? But he knew he didn't have the courage to ask about that.
"How are they not bad? According to legend, they drink human blood." Those were the only words that came out of his mouth. He didn't want to sound patronizing.
He wanted to know what she really thought about that. "Doc, even some people are bad. There are thieves, murderers, or whatever evil they can think of, they do it. When I was in high school, I talked to an inmate, and theft was his crime. He did it because his child was sick, and they were struggling, so he had to resort to desperate measures. His child needed daily medication to survive. They were poor, so he had to find a way to support his child's medication."
"Why didn't he just get a job?”
"He's old. He said he couldn't get a job because he didn't finish elementary school. You know how it is here in the Philippines; if you don't have a diploma, you end up in construction. The work is physically demanding, and when you're older, your body can't handle the heavy labor. The irony is that those who do the hardest work are often have the lowest paid."
He nodded in agreement with what the young woman said. He understood somewhat because of her explanation. "So, not everyone who makes mistakes is a sinner. Sometimes, they do things even if they're against their will because they have their own reasons. Like the cruel creatures you mentioned, maybe there are some good ones among them. People are just too judgmental."
"So, you're not afraid of seeing a vampire?"
"It depends, doc."
"Depends? On what?" He saw the mischievous smile on her lips again, so he doubted she'd give a serious answer.
"It depends on whether the vampire is as handsome as you. Of course, I wouldn't be afraid." She laughed.
He was right about her playful nature. "You're always joking."
"Seriously, doc. You know? I've noticed something about you."
"What have you noticed about me? My handsomeness? Okay, I believe I'm handsome. You're always reminding me." He smiled and winked at her.
"You're not human, doc."
Damn! Her words exploded like a grenade in front of him. So, she knows? But how? Why did she say it now?
He was speechless due to shock. What if she really knows about his identity? How would Aurora react? Is it true that she wouldn't be afraid of him? Could he handle it if she distanced herself from him and avoided him completely?
Maybe he wouldn't see her again. "Hey, doc? You're zoning out again. You're not talking."
"What did you say again?" he asked Aurora. Maybe he misheard or misunderstood.
"You said I'm not human. You know why? Because, doc, you're suited—suited for me." He sighed.
"I thought you'd say something else," he pretended to laugh, hiding the fear that had enveloped him earlier. "You're always joking. Nothing's changed about you."
"Should I change, doc?"
He shook his head at her question. "Honestly, I like the way you are. Just always stay the same," he said seriously.
She didn't need to change anything. She's perfect! They were in the middle of their conversation when Aling Maring entered. "What would you like me to cook for lunch, senorita?"
"You decide, ma'am. Just make sure to make plenty. And don't forget to make chicken salad; I've missed your cooking," she replied with a smile and turned to him.
"Doc, let's go to the lanai, it's cooler there. Hmm, if you're free and it's okay with you." He scratched his head. He didn't want to leave her, but he had something to do.
"I need to go to the clinic now, sorry."
"Aww, what a pity…hmm, how about this? We'll have lunch here."
"Sure, Leron and I will come here for lunch. Gray and Thor will be eating here with your dad anyway."
"Much better, doc, so we can eat together."
"I'll buy cake and your favorite ensaymada."
"Promise, doc, huh?"
"Promise…Goodbye. Take a rest to relax." He was about to leave, but his feet seemed to have a mind of their own as he turned back to kiss Aurora on the cheek.