CHAPTER 34: Friends Forever

EREVELL’s P.O.V.

This camping... This is probably the best one I’ve ever tried in my whole life. I mean, this experience is great. I will be forever thankful to my Mom for letting me try this. And also, for Gabriel as well for accompanying me in this activity.

Our mountain climbing was definitely the best. Not until we nearly reached the top, and I felt something weird. My chest started to get in pain, and as I tried my breathing routine, I can’t help but to gasped for some more air. Thankfully, Gabriel didn’t see it.

Hours passed by, and finally, we reached the top. The view is totally mesmerizing. I mean, I could die out here right at this moment after seeing the peaceful view below us. I secretly wiped the corners of my eyes, being on the verge of crying once again.

“It’s great up here...” Gabriel stated, starting another conversation. Maybe he noticed that I’m being silent person all the time... Which is very unusual of me, I guess.

“Thanks,” I said all of the sudden, looking at him straight in the eyes.

“For what?”

“For being my bestfriend, Gab. For allowing me to witness this world before I...”

My lips tremble as I tried to hold back the tears. Should I tell him right now? But I’m afraid that I might ruin the mood of the place. I mean, I should probably just tell him about it right after this camping is over. He has the right to know about the truth, after all.

“Before what?” he asked, brows furrowed in confusion.

“Nothing... Just always remember that I’m very thankful for having you...” I trailed off.

He looked dumbfounded by my words, blinking several times while trying to process in his mind what I just told him. When I realized that he’s not going to respond anymore, I decided to looked away, only to be surprised by the next thing he does. He gave me a hug, a tight one.

“Of course, I will. And yeah, I’m very thankful for having you as well...” he whispered in my ears.

We exchange smiles, before we finally decided to get down the hill. We followed our facilitator, and that’s when my stupid illness decided to attack me again. I feel week, my knees are trembling as I took every step down the hill. My breathing got heavy, and I didn’t notice the tree branch blocking my way down. I tripped over it, before I fell on the other side of the track, causing me to roll endlessly on the ground.

Until finally, I landed on the cold green grass, feeling the pain in different parts of my body. Thankfully, I didn’t hit my head. Though I’m still feeling weak, and I instantly knew for a fact that this isn’t because I fell and rolled over. It’s because of my illness. Now my vision is starting to get very blurry.

I tried to stood up, but when I did, I feel dizzy. I sighed, thinking what could have happened to me right here. I was all alone, lost in the towering trees. Until I heard someone called my name... Was it Gabriel? But that is impossible! Did he jumped just for me?

“Erevell!” I heard him shouted, so I followed the sound, and as I finally saw him, he’s already standing up from the ground.

“Gab...” I called his name, trying to fight back the urge to pass out again.

“Thank God!”

He ran over my direction before giving me a tight hug. It felt nice for a moment, not until I felt weird again, so I decided to pushed him away, my eyes filled with tears, as I feel a warm red colored liquid dripping out from my nose.

“Are you alright?! Did you hit your head?!” he asked out of shock.

I didn’t answer him. Instead, I started backing away, afraid of telling him the truth. I should tell him now about it. I know I should... I just... I don’t know how.

“Nope, Gab... It’s not that... I-I’m...” Just as I was about to announce the terrible news, that’s when I completely worn out and fainted on the cold ground once more.

The next thing I knew, I was already awake, laying down on the hospital bed for a hundred times in my whole life now. Mom is right here by my side, smiling as she saw me finally woke up.

“Hey, Mom,” I greeted her.

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked, now looking worried.

“Yeah... I’m fine.”

“Erevell... I allowed you to enjoy your life... Just... Please don’t die earlier than what the doctor told us about... I mean, just thinking that you’re going to leave me soon... It makes my heart break into pieces. So please, take care of yourself now and don’t die as long as you can still fight... I wanted you to witnessed more beautiful things in life...”

“Mom, we already talk about this. Don’t worry, I’m fine now. And I promise, I’ll try not to die,” I chuckled, trying to lightened up the conversation.

Mom looked down, but thankfully, after a few seconds, she started another conversation again.

“Did you enjoy the camping?”

“Yeah... Wait...” That’s when I remembered my bestfriend, Gabriel. He must be worried sick right now. “Where is Gab? I’m sure he’s here too...”

“Do you want me to find him for you?” I nodded as a response.

“Yes, please.”

And with that, Mom leave the room, only to came back after a few more minutes of waiting. She’s with someone... Someone I know, someone that could lessen any pain that I’m feeling right now. As soon as our eyes met, I flashed a cheeky smile towards his direction.

“Erevell...” he uttered my name.

“Hey, Gab!” I energetically waved my hands on him.

“Are you... A-Alright?” he asked, stuttering.

“Yeah, I am great,” I stated, and he looked very surprised.

He was about to say something when my Mom joined in, interrupting our little conversation.

“I’ll leave you two alone to talk.”

“Sure, Mom.”

Mom kissed the top of my forehead before walking out of the room. As she completely vanished out of our sight, Gabriel finally walked towards me, looking very nervous and confused at the same time.

I guess it’s still not the right time to tell him the truth. I still need to prepare myself, as well as Gabriel before he finds out about my illness. He doesn’t deserved to be hurt by the unexpected news.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked him.

“Are you sure you’re alright? I mean, you completely passed out earlier... And you almost lost your pulse...” he stated, still worrying.

“I’m fine, Gab. As you see, nothing bad happened to me. You don’t need to worry that much.”

He shook his head, maybe refusing to believe my obvious lies. Gabriel is smart, and he’s not that stupid to believe that I’m just alright.

“Tell me the truth, Erevell. Are you sick? Please tell me now... We’ve been friends ever since I was twelve and I couldn’t believe the fact that I’ve never confronted you about this...” he madly stated.

I looked down, avoiding his eyes. I feel guilty and annoyed at the same time, not because of him, but because of myself.

“Look at me, Erevell. Tell me the truth, please. Just... Tell me about it.”

“Why would I tell you about it if there’s nothing for me to tell, huh?” I asked him, trying to use my annoyed voice.

He looked at me unbelievably before saying another word.

“I don’t believe you,” he blankly stated.

“Then don’t, Gab. I’m not forcing you to do that.”

His brows furrowed right after hearing my words. Now it’s his turn to get mad at me. I mean, my words definitely turned him off.

“What the heck?! Do you know what I felt hours ago seeing you fainted in my arms?! You made me so worried, Erevell! And now you’re acting like everything is just normal!”

“Because it is, Gab. It is. You’re the only one who’s making things so complicated... This isn’t a big deal! Besides, if ever you’re right, I can’t see any reason for me to tell you about it, either way,” I said, trying to act emotionless and as cold as I can.

And there, I saw in his eyes how badly I just hurt him. I did that to him... I did it to my bestfriend. Now I hated myself more than anyone else.

“I’m your bestfriend, Vell...” His voice cracked up. “Is that still not a good enough reason for you? Or am I the only one thinking that way? Maybe... You don’t want me to be your friend at all...” he trailed off, looking hurt.

When I looked up, I only felt more guilty. He walked out of my room, and I was left there all alone, dumbfounded as I started crying. He’s right, I don’t want to be just his friend. Because I like him more than that. I love him. But he remained on treating me as his friend... Forever.