The Rumors
I can't believe that some fans will think I that I used to date Nop back in high school just because we're school mates.
My head is starting to ache this early in the morning. I get up and prepared for today as I have another shoot. It's a good thing that my schedule is only this afternoon so I have a lot of free time this morning.
As I went down for breakfast, I realized that today is Emily's follow up check up so I will have to accompany her as I promised. I think it's a good thing since it will take my mind off and I will get to know the Phi that my little sister always talks about.
We arrived at the children's hospital and walked to the Out Patient Department. I walked towards the nurse station and informed them about my sister's scheduled check up today. They checked the system and confirmed her appointment.
While waiting, I could hear some whispers from other people at the waiting area but I chose to ignore it. Instead, I focused my attention to my sister who was quietly playing beside me.
"Patient Emily Armstrong." The nurse finally called. I nudged on Emily so that she knew that we're about to go in. I held her hand and lead her to the doctor's office.
"Hello there, Emily!" Dr. Heng greeted cheerfully which made my sister giggle. He's been her doctor for 3 years now and I can say that he really takes good care of her during her routine check ups.
As I was watching them, my mind wander back to those rumors about me and Nop. I know I should not be bothered by them but somehow, at the back of my head I couldn't help but think, why would people make up those kinds of things? What would they get in return? I sighed and returned my attention to them.
"I see that your sister is getting healthier these past few months." Dr. Heng said.
"Thank you. We can see that too. She has been livelier than before." Becky said.
"Emily can come just for routinary checkups, maybe every 6 months, just to make sure that she'll be as healthy." Dr. Heng told Becky as he handed her an updated prescription of Emily's vitamins.
"Thank you doc. We'll make sure she takes these vitamins and to come back for her check ups." Becky said as she gestured to Emily that they're about to go. "Say bye now to Dr. Heng." Becky said to Emily. "Bye Doc!" Emily said as she waived her goodbye. She then turned to her sister. "Becky, I want to see Phi."
Becky then remembered that she also want to meet this certain phi that her sister always speaks about. "Okay then, we'll see your phi. I also want to meet her." She said as she took Emily's hand and together they went out of Dr. Heng's office.
As we were walking outside of the hospital, Emily suddenly let go of my hand. "Phi!" She called happily as she run towards a female doctor who was walking towards us. "She looked kind of familiar." I said to myself as I followed my little sister. She removed her facemask as she welcome my sister to a warm embrace. It was then that I realized, who this "Phi" really is.
"Phi Freen..."
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Freen walked towards us with three ice cream on her hand. She handed one to Emily and one to me, before sitting beside my sister. I swear, I have never felt jealous of Emily, not until I found out today that the Phi that she's always talking about is no other than "my" Phi Freen, who I have never seen for years. But since, she is my sister, i can't help but just smile, as i watch them interact with each other.
Freen must have noticed me looking at them because she smiled at me and signed that i should join them.
"I didn't know that Emily is your sister." Freen signed. "It's okay. I also don't know that you are the Phi that she has been talking about every time that she comes home from her check ups."
She went back to watching Emily play. I still couldn't believe that after all these years, I will be able to interact with her this close. I realized that my admiration for her has never changed. In fact, I admire her even more right now. Seeing her still do her best, despite losing her voice, I think it's very brave of her.
I didn't know how long I have been staring at her but I noticed her waving at my face, looking worried. "Are you okay?" She signed. "Yes, I'm okay." I replied. "You looked like you were troubled. Is it because of the rumors?"
I'm surprised that she also knew about the rumors about me and Nop. But then, it is the power of social media. Even if there is no basis, people will still spread false information without verifying the facts.
"No. Don't worry. Besides, those rumors are not true." I replied. I still have to find a way to address those baseless rumors. Freen gave me a reassuring smile and patted my shoulder. "It's okay. I believe in you." she signed.