“So Lucy, have you made up your mind?”

“Okay,” I say hesitantly. “I’ll... be your girlfriend.”

“Good girl,” he said, patting my head. I feel a little grossed out by that gesture. “Now, let’s go bring nanay Maria to another hospital.”

“You'll have to transfer her..? To where?”

“To Manila of course.”

“B-But...”

“Lucy, please trust me.. I'm your boyfriend. I'll keep her safe. The best hospital facility is of course in the capital. Don't worry please?”

“Um.. hehe... Okay.” I giggle softly. I know it sounded fake but I felt like I had to do it.

“Hmmm. Hahahahahaha.” Sigh... That's great. He didn't get mad.

“Thank you,” I say, trying to sound grateful.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says with a smile. “I’m just happy I can help.”

While we're walking , I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just made a deal with the devil. But if it meant saving my grandmother, I was willing to do whatever it takes.

“Are you willing to take that risk?” the doctor asked me.

I looked at Sir Doccia and then back at the doctor. “Yes,” I say firmly. “I want to do whatever it takes to save my grandmother.”

“Very well,” the doctor says. “We’ll schedule her transfer this Saturday.”

“Saturday?” Why?

The doctor took a glance at Mr. Doccia before saying, “Well, there are some things that need to be done prior.”

“Um... Thank you..” I feel like something is wrong. But whatever. There's hope now. Thank you my lord.

I spent the night at the hospital, holding my grandmother’s hand and praying. There's no way I can go with her even though I have to be there. I need to work as well. That's why I can't leave. Nor I can send Binary with her. Arrrrrgh. What should I do?

“What's the problem?” Sir Doccia is staying with me, I don't want him here, but I can't really say that. I'm his girlfriend now.

“I am just thinking of who should I leave my grandmother to.”

“You're not coming with her?”

“I... wanted to.. but I have to work.”

“Work? Lucy, who do you think is your boyfriend? Don't worry about that. You can quit being a nurse and just work for me.”

“No!”

“!"

Oh no.

“I-I-I'm so sorry... I love being a nurse.”

“Oh. I see. Haha. I understand. But I can help you be a nurse in Manila.”

“I am still contracted to mister Reverren—”

“I can deal with that. Just say the word. I'll handle the rest.”

“Um.. thanks.. but Binary will have to—”

“Lucy, be firm with your decisions. You can't be wishy-washy like this. Especially if your partner is like me. Stand up with your head high.”

“I...” I don't think I can do that.

“Well, let's worry about that next time. Wanna go on a date?”

“!” I don't... “Can we do that tomorrow? I-I'll cook for you hehehe...”

“.............”

“.............”

Did I anger him?

“Oh. You wanna spend time with your grandmother? Fine. I'm an understanding boyfriend. I'm looking forward to your cooking.” He pats my head again. But I can't show my aversion. Smile. Smile! I have to smile.

“Hehehe..”

“Hahahahahahaha...” Oh no... Now I have to bring him home. I messed up.

I'm home. I want to stay with nanay but the doctor told me to go home because I still have Binary to take care of. I know he just don't want me to exhaust myself. I still have to work. But he is right that I need to take of Binary as well.

Besides, I have to tell her about my deal with Mr. Doccia and grandma soon. I can't delay this.

I'll say it after we're done eating dinner.

“Ate?”

I-I... No.. I'll just wash the dishes first so that there's nothing else to do but tell her.

“Want me to help..?”

“Um... N-No.. please go to sleep..”

What am I doing? I have to inform her... now!

“A-Ate...? Did I do something wrong...?” Oh no. Please don't look upset. You're making me feel even more guilty.

“Of course not... I'm just... I just have to te—” I can't speak. It feels like my heart is in my throat. And I can't create a sound. But I have to tell her. What am I doing? Why am I so scared? I have to inform Binary. It's unfair... “I'm sorry... I'm.. I'm just r-really tired..”

“...sniff.. ate don't worry... nanay Maria is strong so please take care of yourself as well... I don't.. I don't want to be alone... Ate... sniff...”

B-Binary..... I am... I am so sorry... Oh my god... I'm so sorry...

“I'll... sleep now... Please rest as well... ate...”

Wait. I have to tell you something... please... I have to tell her... please move your feet Lucy... just take a step.. it will all work out... Just move... Please... Please move...

“...sniff... I'm so sorry... I'm such a coward...”

Maybe this is for the best. There's no need to rush anyway, right? I mean, how do I even explain this to Binary? I'm sure she would be against the idea of leaving nanay Maria all alone in Manila. Well, even if she says she will come with her, I don't want to leave her all alone. She's too young for responsibilities. She should just be in school, enjoying her student life. It's too early for worries... What do I do?

“What's the matter, Lucy? You seem troubled.”

“D-don't you have work?”

“Hmm. Anything for you ahahaha. Don't worry about me. Rather, I worry about you. You look terrible.”

“I-It's nothing..”

“You're my girlfriend. Please entrust me with your problems.”

“But that's—”

“Lucy!”

“!”

“Sorry. Just tell me what's wrong.”

“I'm just worried about how to explain things to my little sister...”

“Ah, I see. Well, don't worry about that. I can talk to her and convince her to agree with your decision,” he says reassuringly. But that just made me scared. If possible, I don't want them to ever meet. However, I made a promise to him so I doubt I can still keep it that way.

“Thank you, Mr. Doccia. But I don't want to burden you with my problems.” I say with a forced smile. Although I don't like him, I can't show it.

“Lucy, you're my girlfriend now. Your problems are my problems. I want to help you in any way I can,” he replies, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. But I don't feel comforted at all. In fact, I feel repulsed by it. I know he wants something from me. But I have to endure because I have no other choice for he is my only hope.