Fated to be yours

Chapter 58

It's not the first time he is travelling but he is exhausted from his long flight. Eighteen fucking hours! Damn! Why did Aaroon have to go all the way to America for his treatment? It's not like there aren't any good doctors in Thailand! He could have gotten the best treatment here and then Mew didn't have to lie to Gulf and go all the way to another country to see that old man.

Yes, he lied to Gulf about visiting his "business colleague" when in fact it was none other than Gulf's father.

On the trip back from Phuket, Gulf had seemed little out of it. He had thought it was because their trip was over but after asking him, he got to know that it was something much more worrisome. Apparently, Gulf had been trying to call Aaroon but all his calls were going to voicemail. "He had texted me the day before yesterday that he would call but he hasn't yet. He hadn't been in good health before going to the States so I am just worried" Gulf had told him, dismayed.

Mew wouldn't admit it out loud on that old man's face but Gulf's words had him worried too, his mind immediately conjuring the worst case scenarios about the man's health. But at that time he had kept his face neutral and lied through his teeth to his baby, that while Gulf was in the shower Aaroon had called him instead because he couldn't connect the boy's phone. "I am sorry I forgot to tell you earlier. He told me to tell you he is fine, just a bit busy. Don't think too much, tua-eng."

He doesn't know if it's because he is such a great liar or if Gulf just trusts him too much because his baby had believed him instantly. Gulf had smiled and kissed his cheek in thank you and Mew had never felt like the biggest jerk to walk this earth than at that moment for lying to such a sweet soul.

After they had reached home he had called Mild to push all his meetings and work for one more week and a few hours later he was back on the plane, flying to the States to check on Gulf's father. And his suspicion was right. Aaroon's health had deteriorated. The pronounced weight loss couldn't be hidden under the hospital gown. With a shaven head, sunken cheeks, and pale skin he almost looked unrecognizable. For the first time, Mew agreed with Aaroon's decision of not telling Gulf about his illness. He couldn't imagine the pain his baby would feel seeing his father suffering like that.

Talking to the doctor helped ease some of his worries though. He got to know that apparently, Aaroon has been responding well to the treatment, it's just that this time the treatment is much more intensive and it's taking a toll on him. But the doctor also expressed concern about the old man's refusal to be in contact with his family during such a difficult time.

"He feels guilty for his cancer relapsing, that he wasn't strong enough, and that he will be a burden on those around him. Sometimes he doesn't even take Sam's call.

Mr. Jongcheveeveat, feeling low is a part of this illness, treatment, and recovery, and it's definitely harder to go through all this second time but Mr. Aaroon has completely isolated himself which isn't good. Family support is extremely important during this time, talking about your thoughts and feelings can lighten your burden and help bring things into perspective, and helps in dealing better with your situation."

And Mew had tried to talk to the older man about the doctor's concern but in vain. It was like talking to a wall. Now he knows where Gulf has gotten his stubbornness from.

When he had shared his concerns with Jom, without a second thought she had offered to look after Gulf's father. Mew had never been so happy about Jom living in the States. Sure she wouldn't be able to look after Aaroon every day with work and baby Amara but she had offered to drop by the hospital during the weekends and whenever she will be able to. "He is a family, Phi" she had smiled when he had expressed his gratitude, Keith supporting her decision wholeheartedly. Even baby Amara had been happy to see the old man when they all had visited him even though the two had never met. And even though Aaroon had protested the idea of involving Jom and Keith in the situation with all his might, Mew could see he had been happy to be around them.