Interlaced Fates (Book 1)

Oblivion: Chapter 12

Chapter 12 (Final Chapter)

"I had already contacted a friend of mine who is in private practice to check George's condition." Tito said as he sat across tita.

The storm hasn't stopped yet, thus making the atmosphere more miserable. "As soon as the storm leaves he'd come here, I hope George is still holding on." He said as he buried his head into his hands.

I looked at the both of them, and observed how this tragic event suck the energy out of them. Tita smiled, but I know she can barely pull it out.

"George will wake up, she will." I said with determination.

I know I should stay by their side but I guess my impulsive side got the best of me. I stood from my seat and walked back to her ICU.

Then I heard my phone ring, I took it and saw that mom is calling me. "Oliver." I hear her voice at the other end of the line, her cheery voice is now cold.

"What is it?" I asked as calmly as I could manage.

"Karen called me, why are you ditching her family for Christmas Eve just because of George is in the hospital. For Pete's sake! George wouldn't mind if you live your life."

"You speak as if you know her." I said as I restrained the anger welling up inside me.

"She's you're best friend. She'll understand." She insisted.

"Yes I know she will, but mom I don't love Karen as much as I do love George." Then there was silence at the other end of the line.

"Mom, I just want to tell you that after all these years the person who I have been searching for was just under my nose. Yes, I love Karen but in a different manner, in a very different degree. And I have mistaken it for something deeper."

"Then tell her Oliver, don't make Karen hope too much. I know you're aware of it, it hurts more than anything." She said and soon the cold tone her voice carries turned into something soothing.

"Okay, I would try to reach her." And with that she ended the call.

Mom is right, I just can't do that to Karen after everything I did for her. I should have thought more of my words.

I exhaled loudly as if it would take away every negative feeling I have.

Slowly, I went inside her ICU.

"Hey Georgie." I greeted casually, with my gaze still averted from her. But I know I can't avoid it. I know I won't help myself by not looking at her and how worse her condition is.

"Annalisa called awhile ago." I said as looked at her. I winced at the sight of her terribly wounded body.

"She's so worried about you that she wanted to fly back here, but the storm made it impossible. Sandra texted she'd be back as soon as she talked to her parents, she'll be staying here. And me, I'll stay here." I gave out a sigh as I tried to smile.

"Don't worry mom and dad would understand." I said as if I know she'd be asking me why am I doing this.

"Do you remember our prom? Our senior year. Truth be told, I guess I was already falling for you at that time. You looked so beautiful in that gown you wore, and the smile you wore when I gave you the corsage was priceless. I wish I could go back to that time, I wish I took the chance Annalisa grabbed for me." I sniffed as I held back my tears.

"Remember the song we danced to? Not shake it off by Taylor Swift." I smiled as I remembered how silly we looked on the dance floor.

"Oblivion by Bastille. Remember?" I looked at her as if she'd give me a nod.

"That song was really sad, I guess that didn't quite suit us back then. But now, I guess it fits."

"I know you can still hear me, want me to sing it?" I said with a light smile on my lips. I remember how she tells me to shut up because she doesn't like the timbre of my voice, but I know despite it she likes it when I sing her to sleep.

"When you fall asleep, with your head upon my shoulder. When you're in my arms, and you've gone somewhere deeper. Are you going to age with grace?" I sang as I held her hand, I sang as if this song would bring her back to life.

"Are you going to leave a path to trace? The oblivion is calling out your name." I stopped as I broke down to tears.

"Wake up George." I said in between sobs. "I know I look so desperate but I need you. I don't care what it takes I just want you alive."

"Please, hold on. Hold on tight, don't leave me now that I have finally realized everything after all these years. Stay." I said as held on to her hand.

I begged as I failed to keep my tears to myself.

"Excuse me." I heard a voice and quickly wiped away my tears. "What do you need?" I asked as I cleared my throat and faced the owner of the voice.

And I was surprised to see the nurse that I had talked to inside the chapel.

"Mr. Oliver?" She asked reflecting the surprise I have. "Yeah, and you are?" I asked with a small smile.

"Dianne." She said as she returned the smile.

"I see, so she's the best friend. Coincidence, she's the patient assigned to me. I guess were really meant to meet under the same hospital." She said in a nonchalant tone.

"Are you flirting with me?" I asked in disbelief, seriously? Can't she see that I am almost dying here crying my eyes out for the girl lying in her ICU bed.

Then to my surprise, she laughed.

"Me? Flirt? I'm sorry I don't do that." She said, "Excuse me, I have to check her vital statistics now." She shook her head with disbelief and jotted down notes and tweaked some things in her IV.

"Dr. Rosario had agree, didn't he?" She asked as she jotted more notes and checked her watch.

"Yes he did."

"Good, Oliver this girl might still be alive. I know I am no doctor but there are signs that she's in there, the doctors may have dismissed it. I will not try to give you much hope so I have to tell you this, in case she wakes up she'll never be the same." She stated as she looked into my eyes.

"What? So you're telling me she has a chance?" I asked as a spark of hope glinted inside of me.

"Yes, she might have another chance in this life. But if she makes it there will be changes, her brain was critically damaged and I don't know what happens if she possibly wakes up." She sighed, and looked at me with pity in her eyes.

"Excuse me, I have to go now."

As she left, I looked at George. She might wake up or she might not, but all I know is that I realized everything at a very wrong time.