Just A Friend To You (BOYSLOVE) COMPLETED

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ELI'S POV

"Huy bes ok ka lang?" napatingin ako kay Gail nang tapikin niya ako, kanina pa pala akong nakatulala. Tiningnan ko lang siya at muli kong binaling ang aking paningin sa labas ng bintana.

A month has passed since the accident, and Cole remains hospitalized. I've been barred from visiting him, leaving me anxiously waiting. While hailing a taxi at the waiting shed, Matthew approached me.

"Hatid na kita?" sabi nito.

"Thanks pero hihintayin ko nalang ang taxi na dumaan rito." sabi ko sa kanya.

"Sigurado ka? Hey! Everything will be alright, gagaling din si Cole. Just pray ok?" sabi nito at niyakap niya ako.

Tears burst forth as I blamed myself for Cole's situation. Why did this have to happen? Was I selfish, prioritizing my own happiness? Their words echoed in my mind: 'Excessive joy is often followed by sorrow.' Had I been too self-centered, chasing my own happiness?

Matthew's comforting drive home was a blur. I felt detached, lost in thought. My teachers intervened, discussing my struggles with Mom. A two-week break offered some solace. Gail's warm hug in our living room was a testament to her concern; even she saw the toll on me.

"Bes i have something to tell you." excited nitong sabi.

"What?" sabi ko habang nakatuon ang aking paningin sa tv.

"Kinausap ko ang ating mga kaklase na dalawin si Cole sa hospital, syempre kinunchaba ko na rin ang ating adviser." she said.

"Diba nga bawal akong pumunta doon." sabi ko.

"I know, kaya nga gumawa kami ng plano, our adviser will talk to Mrs. Herrera, habang nag- uusap sila ay pasimple ka naming ipupuslit sa loob para makita mo si Cole. Pero hindi ka magtatagal sa loob best dahil baka mahuli tayo ng ina. Okay?" sabi niya sabay thumbs up.

On Friday, my classmates, adviser, and I visited the hospital. I wore a hoodie to avoid detection by Cole's mom. Tita Isabel scrutinized my friends while I hid behind a wall, waiting for a chance to slip in. Our adviser distracted her, and I seized the opportunity. I removed my hood and approached Cole's bed cautiously. Seeing him brought tears; I deeply missed him.

"K-kamusta ka na? You know what miss kana ng mga kaklase natin." sabi ko nang makalapit sa kanya and I hold his hand. "Don't worry about me, I'm doing great, even though I miss you. I'm sorry if my actions put you in harm's way. I truly am. I pray daily for your recovery, wanting my king to dance with me at prom. I really miss you." As I spoke, Cole's hand moved. I knew he heard me, even in his sleep.

"Hey Eli it's time to go." sabi ni Gail, bago ako umalis ay hinalikan ko muna siya sa pisnge at agad na lumabas ng kanyang kwarto.

Nakabalik na rin ako sa school pagkatapos nang two weeks na break, naka-upo kami ngayon ni Gail sa kanilang hardin, dahil sabado naman at walang pasok ay niyaya niya akong tumambay sa kanilang bahay, lumapit ang kanilang kasambahay at binigyan kami ng miryenda.

"Eli may tanong lang ako ha! matagal ko na sanang gustong itanong sayo to kaso baka makadagdag lang ako sa stress mo, Now that you're okay, I can finally ask: What really happened to Cole? Was it an accident, or something more? Please share the truth." sabi nito. Tiningnan ko si Gail at muling bumalik saking alaala ang nangyari ng gabing yun.

F-L-A-S-H-B-A-C-K:

Masasabi kong ito na ang pinaka-magandang nangyari sa buhay ko, ang maisayaw ka nang taong tanggap at mahal ka ay isa sa mga ala-alang hindi ko makakalimutan.

I've always seen my future in your eyes
There's always something 'bout you
And I don't know if you realize
I know, you've hurt your heart, my baby
With someone you loved in the past
But you gotta know I'm here and we'll make it last, make it last