Love Found Me (English Version)

Two

Claudine's POV

Monday came and I'm back to work again.

I was reviewing the notes of the wedding preparation of a client when my stomach ached.

"Aah! Shit! Why are you aching again!" I complained to my tummy.

I closed my eyes in pain.

I then remembered that I haven't had my breakfast yet.

"Oh, Clau. Looks like you haven't eaten yet." Jessie Cruz commented and handed me a skyflakes. "You have done that several times and you did not learn from it!"

I smiled when I heard the concern in her voice.

"I'm scared to be late. Thanks buddy." I said and grabbed her skyflakes.

I bit on it and sipped on my coffee.

"Ah! I am in heaven!" I sniffed its wonderful aroma and sipped again.

I returned my focus back to my tasks on hand.

"Oh, Clau. Are the flowers and venue all set for Mr. and Mrs. Avenido?" Our boss, Hayley Salvador, asked and sat across from us.

"As of today, Ms. Carpio who is in charge of their flower shop is currently out of town. I'm trying to reach her thru her email and mobile phone." I said and jotted something on my notepad. "About the venue,  Mr. Valentino confirmed to me that their place is available."

"That's good! Keep me posted about Ms. Carpio so I can call some back-up for the flowers." Ma'am Hayley smiled at me then turned to Jessie. "How about the other set-up and decorations? What's the status?"

"They are all set, madam!" Jessie grinned giving her two thumbs up.

"Great! Thanks girls!" Ma'am Hayley whistled and went back to her table.

I continued noting the tasks I need to accomplish within this week when I felt another jolting pain in my stomach.

"Not again!" I complained and breathed slowly clutching my stomach.

"Buds! You look so pale! Why don't you go to a doctor for a check-up?" Jessie's worried voice reached my ears.

I did felt something weird before I passed out at my table.

I woke up facing the white ceiling of the hospital.

I turned my eyes to my right and saw dextrose stand beside me.

"Buds!" Jessie exclaimed when she saw me. Her eyes were red and brimming with tears.

"Oh, why did you even bother to bring me here? I just missed out on lunch." I said and started sitting up on the bed.

"Stupid brat! Why did you not tell me about it? I hate you!" Jessie complained and her tears instantly fell down.

"Huh? What are you saying?" I frowned in confusion.

"Your illness! Your cancer! The reason why your stomach is constantly aching!" She said practically yelling at me.

Right then, my jaw dropped. I blinked and stared in disbelief at her.

"That! That expression on your face! Stop pretending! Why are you keeping this all to yourself? I'm here! I'm your friend!" Jessie said, crying.

"Aah. Please stop making jokes about that." I started to smile yet my tears can't stop from falling.

"Do you honestly think I'm joking!" Jessie exclaimed and started wiping her tears. "Oh my God! You didn't know??"

I shook my head, tears flowing nonstop.

"Shocks! Wha-what did I do?" She started to stutter frantically.

Suddenly, the doctor came in and saw us in our state.

"Hello, Miss Claudine? How are you feeling?" He asked and met my gaze. "You must have known the truth."

"What truth, Doc?" I asked and sniffed.

"Stomach cancer. At this state, stage 4. Why didn't you ever have a check-up? Don't you feel anything at all or you chose to ignore your illness?" The doctor asked straightforwardly.

"I did not know. My stomach aches frequently. It just so happens that I had skipped a meal. After eating, I easily feel full regardless of how much I ate. I sometimes feel nauseous but it also happened that I have my monthly period so everything seems natural. I did not know I am dying." I said in all honesty.

"I'm Doctor Javy Buenavista. Those things you said are all symptoms of stomach cancer already. Didn't it even occur to you to have a check up before?" Dr. Buenavista asked in disbelief.

"I really have no idea, Doc. And lockdown. As much as possible, I don't want to go outside. My parents are both senior citizens. I also have niece and nephew who are toddlers. I don't want to be exposed outside then let them hug or make contact with me at home." I answered truthfully.

"Funny how you tried avoiding the virus but an even bigger illness came to you." Dr. Buenavista shook his head. "I have to talk to your parents. Or guardians about your condition."

"No! I will be the one to talk to them about this, Doc." I pleaded.

I don't want to add to their burden.

I don't want them to know.

It would be better if no one will know.

"Fine. You tell your parents and decide on it. To be honest, stomach cancer is not curable. But it is treatable. Cancer cells has already spread. It is no longer confined in the stomach." Dr. Javy said.

I felt all the colors drained on my face.

I have been slapped by the truth.

"I'll see you later. Expect nurses to habitually check on your vitals. You'll be discharge tomorrow." Dr. Buenavista added before he left.

"B-buds." Jessie said in a soft voice and touched my hand.

"Can you leave me alone for a moment?" I asked staring into space.

"Okay. I'll buy us some food." Jessie nodded and left me in my room.

How?

How will I tell my parents about this without hurting them?

***

Nicholas' POV

"My deepest condolences." I sincerely said to the Romualdez family.

They nodded and I went outside after paying my respects.

I still have to go to my cousin's hospital to catch up about my parents.

I had a quick stop at a gas station to fill the tank and bought some snacks before enduring a long drive.

As soon as I arrived at his hospital, I rang him up.

"Javy, tol! I'm here! Where are you?" I joked over the phone and he chuckled.

"Asshat! I'm on my way! Let's meet at the caf!" Javy Buenavista said and hung up.

I returned my phone back to my pocket and went to the caf.

Luckily,  I only had my snack. I'll ask him for a treat!