Back to work

“Sereia, Phoenix had been calling me.” Mom said.

“Don’t answer his calls mom,” I said, decorating my room.  “I don’t even want to ask how he got your number.”

Mom sighed. “Why are you avoiding him? Did something bad happen between the two of you?”

“Nothing. I just lost interest in him.”  I answered and she just nodded her head, leaving me alone.

After leaving work for almost a month, I decided to settle everything at home and when I was ready, I was back at the clinic.

Nothing had changed that much, but it felt different.

“I’m sorry about your grandpa.” I heard my assistant, Ruth, saying as she gave me a bouquet of red roses.

I smelled it and looked at Ruth in confusion. “Red roses are not something you give to someone who just lost someone, Ruth.” I scolded her.

She shrugged, “That’s not from me.”

“Then who?”

She giggled and pointed to the man just sitting on the sofa for the customers. Turning to the direction she was pointing at, my eyes went into slits. What is this man doing here?

She whispered excitedly at me, “I didn’t know you knew the famous Phoenix!”

I sent her a glare and motioned her to keep quiet. I held on to my lab coat and stood up to approach him.

Phoenix was wearing black sunglasses and a face mask as if hiding himself. He removed his facemask and the corners of his lips curved into a smile at the sight of me, "Hi."

I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask him but instead, I asked,  "What are you doing here? And why are you wearing glasses and shades like a stalker?”

“Oh, I was careful not to be seen by my fans.” He pointed at Ruth, “except you.” Ruth’s cheeks flushed at that.

“Oh right, you’re famous. I forgot that. You’re supposed to be getting ready for your marriage with Miss Buenaventura.” I brought it up.

“I decided to visit you, Miss Hudson,” he replied.

I huffed. Clenching my jaw, I turned to Ruth and asked, "Why did you let that man here?" I asked my assistant.

She looked at me like I was insane. "He’s Phoenix, boss. Of course, we have to let him in!”

I sighed. Really, I forgot that she’s one of Phoenix’s fans.

Ruth then came to him with a pen and paper. “Please sign here please. I’ve always been a huge fan of yours, Phoenix Mason Hill!”

She exclaimed. Phoenix smiled at her and winked, grabbing the pen in his hands. At this, Ruth was on the verge of fainting.

When he was finished, Ruth then thanked him and went back to her table beside me.

I watched as I let everything happen, my mouth falling open. I rolled my eyes at Ruth. "Next time, don't let him in."

Phoenix snapped his head at me, “What? What are you talking about, Sereia?”

“Then what’s the reason why you came here?” I asked, crossing my arms in front of me. “Stop disturbing me, Phoenix. You already have a fiance. And I have a job that needs to be undisturbed.” I said. “Understood?”

“Why are you bringing my marriage up? Are you jealous?” He asked, the coy smile on his face was irritating.

I sighed, “It’s just all over the news. It’s irritating.”

His face then turned serious. "That’s why I came here to talk to you, Sereia."

"No, before you can talk to me, make sure you have an appointment and bring your pet with you.”

“Oh, is that it?” He asked and finally left.

Good. I thought he would make a fuss about it but he listens to me. I sighed in relief, happy to push him away.

The next day at the same time In the afternoon, we were supposed to close the clinic when Phoenix appeared holding a black stray cat.

"I'm a customer now and I made an appointment with your assistant. Can I talk to you now?”

I pointed at the sign. "We're now close."

He gasped. "First of all, I was searching for a pet when I saw this cat at the road yesterday. What kind of vet are you, my pet is sick." He huffed.

I glanced at Ruth to make sure he planned an appointment and his name was on the record.

Sighing, I just nodded. "Enter then."

He smiled at that and instantly entered the clinic.

"My pet is sick," he repeated. “She seemed to be very weak and not eating the cat food I gave her.”

I nodded, grabbing my stethoscope from my desk. I grabbed the cat from his hands and the cat lay on the table.

I did a minimal check-up, looked for its heartbeat and its vitals.

“Nothing seems to be wrong with this cat. She’s just very malnourished and needs to be taken care of.  When did you last feed her?" I asked.

"Well, earlier on my way here.” He answered. “What about you? Have you eaten yet? He asked back.

I ignored his question, "Are you letting your pet rest?"

"Did you rest?" He asked back.

"No," I replied honestly.

He nodded and handed me a paper bag. "Good. I brought you lunch. Ruth told me you haven’t eaten yet. And take a rest. It’s not good if you always look stressed." He said.

I sent an irritated look at Ruth. Gosh, what mind of bribe did Phoenix do to make her like that?

“Then I expect you to take care of the cat. Let her eat this type of cat food. I’ll also give you the vitamins that she needs. Bring her to me after a month to see if there are any changes.” I said, putting it into a note and handed the paper to him. I grabbed the vitamins from our store at the back and some of the cat food. Phoenix then left to pay at the cashier.

I stroked the cat, waiting for him to return. When he did, I stood up and handed him his newfound pet.

He seemed to be lost in thought staring at me and I raised my eyebrows at him. “What?”

“You look beautiful wearing that coat, my princess.”

I wrinkled my nose at him in disgust. That doesn’t have any effect on me anymore.

“Aren’t you going to take your cat?” I changed the topic.

"I can’t. You already stole my heart last time.” He answered.

I snapped my fingers in front of him. He’s really speaking nonsense.

"What are you talking about? I’m talking about your cat, not your heart. I’m not a cardiologist." I said and handed him his cat.

"Why are you here in the city anyway? What about Lola Nanding at the house?" I asked. I already knew that he returned to the city last week from the news but I want to confirm it. See if he’ll bother me again.

What we have was the past. That was just a silly crush. I feel indifferent to him now.

"I’m doing some business here.” That was all he replied, petting his cat’s head.

"Won't you even ask what kind of business is it?" He asked.

I shook my head, removing the stethoscope from my neck. "No.”

He sighed, "Nevermind. I'll tell you what it is as long as you agree to let us go on a date."

"No thank you," I said.

He looked at me with a pout and just left quietly.

I fixed some things on the clinic and it was night when I let Ruth close the clinic

I stepped outside and saw Phoenix leaning on the wall.

He noticed me and his eyes brightened up. "Let's go?"

"I thought you left already?" I asked and he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I waited for you to take you home. Shall we go now?" He said.

I shook my head and pointed at the red sports car from afar.  “Thank you, but I have my own car with me.”

“Okay.” He said sadly. "I also want to ask you out. Let’s go on a date, Sereia." He suggested.

"No, you’re already engaged and I’m busy." I rejected.

“C’mon, I won’t stop no matter how many times you reject me. Please? Tomorrow. 6 pm? I’ll wait for you here.”

I sighed. He was not taking my no as an answer. “I’m not sure. But I really won’t go.”

He sighed and said, “I’ll wait for you tomorrow. See you soon! Goodnight!” He left and I just hopped on my car and turned it on, driving my way home.

Now that he’s also here in the city….what now?