ET2: Through The Storm

Chapter 56

Crystal Dwight's POV

After Professor Sandro left, a moment later Ryle came in. 

"Love, I saw dad leave the hospital. Did he come here?" he asked. 

"Yeah," I replied without looking at his direction. I am taking my food out of its container. I still haven't had any food this afternoon and now I am quite hungry. 

"Did you two talk? What did he say to you?" He asked. I noticed him sitting next to me but not that close.

"He wants me to seek treatment."

My glance fell over him and saw him taking out some plastic wares as well. 

"Hindi ka pa kumakain?" I asked. 

"Isn't it good? Sabay tayong kumakain?" He began to open the pack of foods he bought. It's only a serving of rice and fried chicken. It's the same food as mine.

"Why are you eating that?" I asked again. 

"Aren't you eating that as well?" he retorted, eyes on my food. 

"Where did you buy that?" 

"At the store where you bought yours," he simply replied and started eating. 

Since he began eating, I continued as well. "Ryle?" I called him with still some bits of food in my mouth. 

"Yes, love?" He responded. 

"I'm sorry," I murmured, coated with pain. 

I saw Ryle put down his fork and looked at me. "What are you sorry for?" 

I felt my eyes warming up. "This past week, I know you had a hard time as well."

He chuckled as if he didn't take my words seriously. "It's no big deal, love."

"How come it's not a big deal? I got irritated for no reason and chased you out. Alam ko na hindi ka umuwi, na hindi ka umalis. You stayed all night outside the ward."

"Love. . ."

"Nakalimutan ko na hindi lang pala ako ang nasasaktan, ang nahihirapan. I was inconsiderate of how you may felt," I uttered with utmost sincerity. 

"It was really nothing, love. Naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit. I thought my words would bring you comfort. Little did I knew those were like knives. . . Lingid sa kaalaman ko na mas nasasaktan na pala kita."

"Ryle?" I called out. 

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"You don't need to —"

"I understand it now," I said, halting his words midway. "I understand now how nice it is if there's someone who stayed next to you when you were helpless and that someone happened to be the one you wanted to stay, the one you love."

I saw how Ryle's expression glistened. There's still a bead of rice at the corner of his lips. He looked at me with surprised written all over his face.

"What?" I asked when he stared speechless for a moment.  "Did I say something wrong? Does it sound bad?"

He shook his head right away. "No. Sabi ko naman sa'yo, 'di ba? Sasamahan kita sa araw-araw. Hindi ako aalis kahit—"

"Tama na nga 'yan. You are getting chessy again. Let's just eat first."

"Who started it, huh?"