CHAPTER 36

While talking to Mommy Gloria on my Android phone, I could see the morning sun streaming through my clinic window. I needed an update on Maya's condition following yesterday's incident. With the flood of clients, keeping track of everything was challenging. Mommy Gloria informed me that Maya had stayed at the hospital briefly but was now back home.

"She's fine now, dear," Mommy Gloria said. "The doctor mentioned it was over-fatigue, but they're running more tests. You know she hasn't been sleeping well lately," she added, her voice tinged with worry.

"It's not surprising, given how much she's been taking on," I replied, glancing at the clock. It was eight in the morning, and I had called right after arriving at my clinic. "She needs rest, Mom. The stress is showing on her face, and it's not good for her health."

"I keep reminding her. And, by the way, Ben will be coming next week. He's anxious to see his son and has been preparing to meet Hector again."

"That's good news, Mom. Hector needs support. Remind him of everything."

"And you? Should I remind him of you?" Mommy Gloria asked gently.

I took a deep breath. "No, Mom, please don't mention me to him, especially around Maya. His memory is improving, and I don't want to complicate things."

"All right, dear. I hope you're okay."

"I will be, Mom. Don't worry," I assured her. Then, a thought struck me. "Did Maya mention anything else about Hector?"

"Like what? Is there something I should know?"

"In the past few months, Hector was involved in an incident," I explained. "He accidentally hurt Maya and spent a day in jail. I didn't realize it was him initially, and my report led to his arrest. I'm trying to help sort it out now."

Mommy Gloria gasped. "Oh my God! I didn't know. Thank you for telling me, Clara. Which police station? Ben knows a lawyer. We'll handle it when he gets here."

"Mom, please calm down. I'll help sort this out. I'm so sorry for my part in this. It's all my fault."

"I'll talk to Maya," she said, her voice breaking. "Thank you, Clara. I understand."

"To manage Hector's case, I worked with a friend at the DSWD, arranging his treatment and temporary release. Given his condition, total charges were unlikely."

"Ben will have a lot to handle when he arrives. But remember, Ara, the most important thing is that our son is alive. Nothing is better news than that."

"Hey," a voice interrupted from behind. I turned, startled, to see Eric. I thought he had left after dropping me off.

"I have to go, Mom. I have a visitor." I ended the call abruptly.

"Was that your mom?" Eric asked, approaching with his usual hand-in-his-pocket pose. "Did I interrupt?"

I smiled and replied, "No, just someone I call Mom."

"Interesting. You even made me a visitor to her," he said with a sarcastic smirk that didn't sit well with me.

I sighed. "Why did you come back?"

"I forgot this," he said, revealing a bouquet of red roses behind his back. "Happy monthsary!"

My eyes widened in surprise. I realized I had forgotten our special day. "Oh! Thank you, baby. I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was today."

His smile widened. I placed the bouquet on my desk, accidentally knocking over a journal. It fell open to a page about Hector. Eric picked it up, glancing at it.

"Who is Hector Villanueva?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.

My heart skipped a beat. "Uh, that guy? He's my patient. His situation is complicated," I said quickly, taking the journal in his hands and closing it. Eric nodded, still looking curious.

"All right," he said, his smile returning. "I have to go. There's lots to do at the studio."

I stood up and hugged him, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne. "Okay, baby. Drive safely. Happy monthsary!"

He kissed my forehead and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

***

"M-Maya, I thought you were resting?" I said in surprise. She stood with Hector in the reception area, their unexpected visit catching me off guard.

"I'm okay now, Doctor," she said, smiling weakly. She looked pale, her eyes red from strain. "We came because Marco needs occupational therapy."

I glanced at Hector, sitting on a bench, softly singing to himself. His presence unsettled me.

"I'll contact Dr. Carl, the occupational therapist. Can you wait – " I paused mid-sentence, recognizing the song Hector was singing. I couldn't help but furrow my brows.

"He's been like that since last night," Maya said with a thin smile.

"Please wait in the lobby," I told her, my tension mounting. I hurried into my office, trying to steady my nerves.

After confirming Dr. Carl's availability, I escorted them to the Occupational Therapy Department. Rachel texted me about a new client, prompting me to leave them immediately.

In the hallway, Hector's voice stopped me. "Clara."

I turned to see him standing at the double door of the O.T.D., his familiar smile piercing my defenses.

"Thank you," he said softly.

My pulse quickened. I stood frozen, my thoughts a chaotic swirl. Hector must never know me, I resolved. I had to keep my distance to protect everyone involved.

I nodded as Hector walked away and then disappeared into the doorway. The last image of him smiling left me feeling both fearful and nostalgic.

As the situation grew more complicated, concern started to consume my mind. I had to expedite my plans before it was too late.