Chapter 41

"Gee!"
"Gee where are you going?"
I heard the call of a familiar voice who had not yet left the place.
It was ate Kianna. He is also here.
I hurriedly wiped away the tears, then turned to face it.
"Hey sister," I said first.
"Why are you here? You shouldn't be making-" he stopped after noticing my bloodied pulse.
I quickly wiped it off, then turned away from him.
"I just want to breathe ..." I let out a violent sigh. You are so good at lying Gee. The believer is just crazy.
"I heard your family are coming, or maybe they already arrived?" I could feel her, slowly nodding at what she have realized.
"I'm fine sister. Thanks for visiting ..."
I went straight to the quietest place. No one can be seen. Probably can't use the place yet, because I see it's just new work.
But I like it here. At least I could spend a time alone ... That's what I thought, when suddenly ate Kianna appeared just beside me. We sat on the bench together, both silent.
"Do you know why Auntie is like that?" he asked suddenly after just a moment.
I looked at it sadly, a forced smile.
"Sure. He wants me to be a good son who can be proud of the abusive neighbors."
"Wrong," she playfully tapped my head. Things that used to be done as a tenderness.
"That's really the reason, sister."
"Tita was just like you before ... She was also an achiever. She always had a high score, often participated in competitions, became the president of SSG, as well as a club that was criticized in college. She was pretty popular before, they were both mommy and me. The difference She's an extrovert, you on the hand is an introvert. She was also Maria Clara then, mommy was Magdalena. It's like you're just Kiesha, right? " when he laughed.
I nodded. I haven't heard this side story. From the very beginning I liked the flow. I was as if listening to the old version of me's untold tale.
"One day, their graduation was near when the storm came. Your father came ..." she paused for a moment.
"Dad got her pregnant then, didn't she?"
"Yup, but do you know what kind of man tito was before?"
My forehead furrowed slightly. Of course I don't. And it never crossed my mind to find out more about my parents' past. All I know was mama got pregnant months before her graduation. He felt so bad about the problem that he fell not only because he failed in his promise to release his grandmother, but also because he wanted the Latin honor.
"Tito was a gang leader then. He doesn't go to class, he hates it."
I sighed heavily. Really ?!
"How did you find out about those, sister?"
"Mommy herself told the story," she raised her lower eyebrow, "But do you know what's beautiful? Auntie herself changed her."
"When Maria Clara, meets the gangster. Wow ..." I am in between amazed and surprised at the revelation.
"The two liked each other, until my aunt got pregnant. Case she was shot, when she would have accepted the disappointment."
"I thought-"
"You thought brother Gordon was the first child," she cut me off, "Nope. There was a first made baby before him. especially the study. Tito and I are still separated so it's even more chaotic. "
"She have gone through such pain?"
"Hmmm," she nodded, "So you, don't get upset if your aunt has been cruel to your mother. She just doesn't want you to be like her, especially that you two share the same interest and style. You're both inosente sa pag-ibig. She just want you to achieve the things she have failed to attain, because she was poisoned by love. Though right, but it arrived at the wrong time ... "
I just kept quiet. Even now, it seems that there is a possibility that what happened to mama then will happen to me again. Maybe love will also hurt and change the dream. The only difference I see in our story was, the mutual and unrequited love. I loved him back, while I will love the person whose heart is reserved for others.
I sighed heavily for the second time ...
NO!
It won"t happen to me the mistake once mama goes through. She have raised me strong and rational to do right; to avoid the path she have walked through before.
"I hope now you realize at least a little bit," Ate Kia handed me a piece of orange. That's just my wide smile after seeing what is written here.
FIGHTING!
Each letters made her presence unique. I will cherish this for a lifetime. When it withers, I will plant the seed and take good care of it.
"Thank you sister," I smiled widely at her.
"You are always welcome," she got up from her seat, "If you have a question or problem, feel free to tap me. If it's about love, well let's just talk about school instead ..."
Now it makes me really wonder why he doesn"t want to talk about love. Is it because he has no advice to give, or because there is a story to avoid?
"Have you ever fallen inlove?" I managed to ask before she could walk away.
I have never heard of a man earning a living even at the right age.
"Of course I do," she smiled at me faintly, "But he didn't know ..."
"Why?" I got up too.
"Let's just say I just don't want him to know the truth ... He was too much for me."
"You're just here," we were both surprised by the presence of brother Gideon.
He was only looking at ate Kianna, silently scanning every detail of her face.
"Why are you rubbing your face against me again Gideon? I said 'diba, you're too sick to look at," Kia's sister openly insulted.
"Look who's talking ... Of all the women, you're the only one who hates me," his older brother replied sarcastically.
"Whatever!"
As the scenario often happens. Reach for the bully and answer the meeting between the two of them. They're always like this since grade school. Maybe it would be a miracle if one day nothing bad happened.
I thought they'll go mature now that they're both on their mid twenties. But their quarrel seems to have worsened
Apart from listening and watching, I have nothing else to do ...
Room 112
I've been standing here for a long while. Infront of the room I never thought of dropping by. Across the corridor is the way back to my hospital bed. The two elders were left still quarreling to give them space with each other, and hopefully talk to mama again. But I don't know why I got here instead. After meeting Martha my feet automatically moved in line with it.
He didn't notice me because his eyes were too busy inside the paper bag. So I took the opportunity to take a silent step.
I could clearly see from the glass of the door what they were doing. How the sweet look and smile on each other can only be bestowed.
I saw how Martha could freely touch and play with his hand. Without feeling any awkwardness. Everything was natural between them; a pure sign of love.
I heard from Kiesha earlier that he have lost his consciousness. Lucky enough, he was revived. As far as I can see, he is in good condition. It just doesn"t seem to have the pain acquired. Seems like a normal routine.
I am here outside, alone. Watching the guy I like, having an affection to someone else.
"Hey!"
At the same time as I slightly jumped the selfless stare in panic when suddenly the image of Kiesha came over my sight. It was ridiculous, quite pleased with my reaction.
"Kiesha," I annoyed and slapped her on the shoulder.
"I've been looking for you for a while ... I thought you left."
"How did you find me?"
"I met my sister Kianna. She said you're going in this direction. So I immediately thought you're gonna visit Zi. How did you find out the room she's staying in?" he peeked inside as well.
"I followed his woman," I secretly sighed.
I hope I didn't help earlier. I just realized it now ... I'm already physically hurt, I haven't missed the suffering of my heart, it's just beating, with the wrong person.
But if I really let him, my conscience will punish him in case he dies. Especially since the pipe would have been hit straight to the head. And that"s really strong. It would lead him to serious danger. Many witnessed that incident, but few dared to intervene to join the fight. I become a hero to the person who never saw me as special as I do.
That's enough Gee! It already happened.
The damage has been made. I should just be thankful I am still alive.
"Let's go inside," Kiesha pulled me closer to the door.
"I'm fine here."
"No ... Zion has to say thank you to you personally. And you should also talk about something."
"What?" I raised an brow.
"He planted a kiss on your neck. He should hold you accountable-"
"It's not a kissmark!" I'm about to run away. It would be embarrassing if I suddenly lived the event that I would have wanted to die.
"Anyway, your family has already left. They tell you to go straight to your house when you come out here later," he changed the subject.
I sucked. I just felt remorse for the insult to mama. There is enough reason for his restriction and recollection. She was just like me, in words and deeds. She totally knew what I can possibly do, which made her worry. And I'm just a girl. We need to be careful, we need to be watched ...
"How are the bills?"
"You will pay."
"What will I pay?"
"Kidney, I don't have any money either ..."
From her, my gaze averted to the glass window. Two pairs of critical eyes were first seen. Seriously, even with a door between us, I felt naked in the way it stared. He's not mad, he's not pleased either. His eyes are again sporting a blue, like he usually do.
I myself was the first to look away. He moved to the side, then pushed Kiesha to the left position.
She waved hi at him and even mouthed, 'Can we get inside?'
I don't know what he said or did in response, because he really walked away from the door. Ready to run away.
"Let's go in," he opened the door.
"I don't want to," I shook my head quickly.
"C'mon, don't be KJ!" she tried to reach for my hand.
"You just-"
"Come in," Martha tenderly invited. Her smile was sweet as she looked around at Kiesha and me.
If only Zion had invited me, I might have changed my mind. But now that she showed up, I completely lost my will to get inside.
"Please get in ... Geline."
Speaking of, his sudden call had me dumbfounded. My breathing hitched a bit and lips parted.
"Don't act anymore," Kiesha herself pulled me in after realizing I wasn't doing anything, and planned to do anything to respond to their invitation.
"It's good that you're so big here," Martha said excitedly.
Something in my heart is not fun.
"Yes indeed ... Zion is the most disadvantaged, as friends we are here to personally greet his condition."
We both quietly listened to Kiesha and Martha talk. If only I don't know Amira, I would believe the sparks and smile drawn on her face. I have no doubt it just shows fakes. But we've been friends since babies, I know when she's acting and when she's not.
"I felt so sorry, that's why I couldn't leave him no matter how firm his stand was. Earlier he was pushing me, forcing me to go home because my parents might be worried."
Is that called pushing? It's better to say funny.
"I heard your brothers were sent to jail. Was it alright to you?"
"I handed them over myself. They've gone too far in line."
"Indeed ... There's nothing wrong with our baby boy. He was an ideal and-"
"You alright?" Zi interrupted what Kiesha had to say.
It looks directed at me. I assume he was talking to me?
"Me?" my confirmation.
"You're hurt too, did something serious happen?"
"By the way, I'm sorry for you, aren't you? You were touched by the madness of my brothers and sisters. They were drunk, and their favorite scapegoat was Zion," Martha almost whispered.
"It's okay, it's already happened. I hope it doesn't happen again, I couldn't stand another trouble."
We stared at each other for a long while. I am not psychic, but I could totally sense negative vibes between us. I really feel like we're both just plasticizing. And I know she can feel the same.
"Ehem ... I ordered a lot of food, it might have arrived," Kiesha casually entered the conversation. It simply cuts the tension between the two of us in front, "I can't bring all of it alone, can you accompany me?" she pointed at Martha.
"I'm just the-"
"No, you are a patient. You are not allowed to go out, especially if the bill has not been paid yet," he glared at me.
Didn't he say he was just making up a story so that Zion and I would be left behind ?!
"Okay ..." Martha replied hesitantly.
"Alright, let's go!" Amira playfully winked at me, so with a sheepish smile.
"I'm fine!" I mouthed.
"You'll be left here," he almost pushed me to sit on the bed Zi was making.
Before I could protest even more, the two already walked out. As wide as my best friend's smile was, so dark was the face of the woman with him.
She obviously dislike the idea.
But sorry, Kiesha's decision once made, it can never be change.
I was just shaken by the thought. My eyes were only stuck on the empty door, and it lasted for a couple of minutes. I meant this to avoid the eyes of Zion, who felt like he had been watching me before. I couldn"t bear to stare at it, seemingly scorched by the strange coldness he reflected.
"Are you really okay?" he cracked in silence.
I turned to face him, still avoiding an eye contact.
"When I say that the body really hurts, will anything change? If you thought I did that because I am concerned about you, well sorry to say this but you got it wrong. I did it, to make up for the insult done. .Now, we"re even, "I shrugged.
He just remained silent. Slightly get up, then fold your arms.
I couldn't bear to glance at his band. I could totally sense it- now that I turned around really, I just confirmed how it would glide over my body as fingers played with the moist lips. I was also wearing hospital gown like him. I couldn't seem to determine what's making my clothes unique, that impelled him to silently appreciate.
If I hadn't just grown anemic, he probably would have seen earlier how my cheeks blushed with just a simple gesture.
How dare you-
"Are you looking around?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
Thrilling, but still suplada.
That's the only good disguise I could think of to hide my real feelings. This is not the right time to burst into intense confession. I mean, there isn't right time at all. I want to keep this affection with me forever, if possible.
I don't want to spill sweet metaphors now, and then get catastrophic hyperbole later.
I'm fine with the secret desire ... It should be that far.
"Is it forbidden?"
"Yes! You look like you're going to get hurt ..."
"Your noise is too much."
"Then, I better go-"
"Thank you," before I could finish my sentence, he cut me off, "Thank you for saving my life."
I sucked. No more finding the right word to say back here.
"If it weren't for you, I might be in the coffin now," he added.
"Coffin right away? Can't funeral homes be allowed first? It will take more than eight hours before you will be embalmed," I grumbled.
His cute smile is what I saw next. He tilted his head, then leaned his back on two adjoining pillows.
"Do I look ridiculous to you?"
He shook his head.
"Is that all you're going to say? If so, I'm not leaving," I didn't wait for his answer. It is obvious that it has no intention of responding.
I turned around and slowly walked out. I am actually trembling inside. At the same time, the heart wants to separate from the body due to its intense drumming.
"What can I do to pay back?" he suddenly asked.
Just stay safe ... Stay healthy and stop being a bastard.
I chose to just keep in mind the response to him. It's up to you what you want to think. I just want to get out of this place as soon as possible.
"Hey, Geline!"
"Geline Neilani Gavino!"
"Oh, deaf!"
I just let Kiesha be the one to call. I deliberately turned off the road so that they could not meet, but his eyes were like an eagle's. Very sharp ...
"Where's your order?" I asked when he finally got to the side.
"We didn't proceed with the exit."
"Or maybe you don't really have an order?" I doubt he turned around.
"What do you think of me, a liar ?!" she dramatically gasped and held her chest.
"Yes."
"Geline ... I did that, so you and Zion could talk, why did you leave?"
"We're done talking."
"That didn't last for a minute!" he bluntly shouted, "It's good that I looked back at you. Otherwise you would have left me."
"You should still be thankful. You and Martha didn't last long."
"Anyway, just in case we actually get outside. I feel like he'll find out that I really don't have an inoder."
"Indeed ..." I nodded.
"Where will we go?" he gently took my hand after staring at us towards the exit.
"At seven eleven. Buy ice cream."
"The patient is not allowed to go out. Especially when the bills have not been paid."
"I'm just going to be honest. And who would think I'm a patient anyway?" I continued walking.
"Your gown says it all ... All right, you'll be embarrassed too. I'll just run away, while you stay here. While the management scolds you, the hospital fee will escape."
"Who brought me here at the first place?" I asked in greeted teeth.
"I did. But that doesn't mean I'll pay for your expenses. Aray mo, problema mo."
Aba, I felt betrayed my God! How dare she do this ?!
"You're really shameless Kiesha."
To be continued...