Sunset

Chapter 21

Lunch time ay dumaan si Mia to check on her and Troy. Because she is a doctor, she can come in in the ICU at anytime.

Naabutan ni Mia si Leila with her head slumped on the bedrail, asleep. She was still holding Troy's hand. It pierce Mia's heart seeing her friend and Troy like this.She walked slowly to where Leila is. She gently touched her shoulder.]

"Bes.......Bes.....,"she softly called her.

Leila stirred and slowly opened her eyes." Bes......sorry naidlip ako,"she answered then turned and looked at Troy. He is still the same. She stared at him a little bit longer then turned to Mia.

"Bes, I came to check on and Troy. And to take to lunch, kahit diyan lang sa cafeteria.Alam kong hindi ka pa kumain kahit breakfast," sabi ni Mia.

Ngayon naramdaman ni Leila ang gutom. Tama nga naman si Mia, she has eaten since yesterday. She glanced back at Troy. Napansin ni Mia yon at alam niya ang nasa isip ng kaibigan. Ayaw niyang iwanan ito."

" Bes, I dont want to leave Troy even for a minute. Baka kasi magising Siya and I am not here. I want to be here when he wakes up," Leila told Mia.

Mia handed her tote bag." Go freshen up. I will stay her with Troy,"Sabi ni Mia.

Leila nodded. She took the back and went to the restroom. She opened the bag. There were soap, hand towel, toothbrush and all sort of toiletries and even clothes.
She started washing her face. Next she brushed her teeth and then comb her hair.
By the time she got done. She felt a little better.

When she got back si Tita Lauren at Tito Oliver and Terence.
She said good morning to them, gave them a quick kiss and hug.
" Lei, Mia is going to take you to eat lunch while we are here to watch Troy,"Sabi ni Terence. Leila was going to say something but Terence added," Don't worry. If he wakes up, I will call you. Come on, eat something. You need your strength to watch over him."
She sighed.Terence convince her to eat lunch while they  watch Troy.
Mia and Leila walked out of the ICU unit. They were both surprised when they saw Leila's parents.
Mia was the first one who went to them, greeted and kissed them. Leila followed. There was an awkward silence.
Leila's dad cleared his throat and spoke." Mia, can you excuse us? We just need to talk to Leila,"sabi ng Daddy ni Leila.
" Sure Tito. Why don't I take you to the family room so you can privacy and I will let the ICU nurses know," she said.
Leila's dad smiled gratefully." Thank you ," Sabi nito.

" Of course, Tito ," Sabi nito and ushered them to the where the family room is. Mia opened the door and let them in and the called to Leila.
" Lei, if you need me, just call me okay,"sabi ni Mia kay Leila, kissed her on the cheek, gave her a quick hug. Leila hugged her too and Mia went out the door.

They all went to the couch. Naupo si Leila. Umupo na rin ang Daddy at Mommy niya sa harap niya.      

"Sweetheart,................ I am so sorry for......for what I did...............for everything. If I was not so stubborn..............if I have just listened to Troy......"her dad said. He looked beat.

" I don't care anymore if I lose my business over this.....this crazy arrange marriage.........Sweetie, you are free to do whatever you want.....this whole thing is over."he added. He saw shame in his face." You are right. Troy is a better man that I am. For putting you first instead of any material things."

       Gusto ni Leila na magalit sa Daddy pero wala siyang lakas. Lahat ng lakas, pag-aalala niya , lahat ay gusto niyang ibuhos kay Troy. And she is so
tired of all of these. She doesn't care about this any longer.

Lumapit si Leila sa Daddy niya at niyakap niya ito."Thank you Dad. I wanted to yell, scream at you, get mad at you but........right now, I just want Troy to wake up ......."sabi ni Leila crying. " I just want him back."

His dad hugged her tight and so did her mom. " I don't want to leave here Mom, not until he wakes up. I want him to see me when he wakes up."

" I understand,"sabi ng Mommy niya." But you need to rest too....."

" Mom, I will rest when he wakes up,"she said adamantly." Hindi rin ako mapakali if I go home. My mind would still be here."

"Okay, okay, honey,"sabi nito holding her close." Let me know what you need me to bring here in the hospital,"sabi nito.

Her mom was quiet for an bit then said," Honey, I also want to apologize to you."

She looked up at her mom." Apologize for what, Mom?" she asked.

Her tears started flowing." I should have been an advocate for you. I should been on your side and convince your dad to stop this non sense arrangement. But instead, I let you suffer and do all of these on you own. I didn't lift a finger to help you," she said.

Leila was silent and letting her system absorb what her mom is saying.

" Can you forgive me?"she asked softly.

Leila hugged her mom." It's okay mom. Right now, I don't have the energy to get mad or for anything else. All my worries, my mind is pre occupied with Troy,"she said quietly.

Her mom hugged her tight." He will be okay, honey. We will pray for him. God is good. Hindi niya papabayaan si Troy,"sagot ng mommy niya.

Leila couldn't help it when tears started flowing from her eyes.Tumango lang si Leila sa ina. She felt her dad's hand on her shoulder.

She was lost for words and hugged her mom tight.

..............