Fading Petals: Buried Beneath Daffodils

Chapter 1: REUPLOAD DUE TO ERRORS

NOTE: DUE TO ERRORS, I HAD TO REWRITE THE WHOLE THING. I KNOW, THAT'S THE CONSEQUENCE OF KEEPING A STORY IN YOUR NOTES FOR A LONG TIME.

"Good day, Miss Savannah," the doctor's voice echoed through the room, carrying an air of confidence and reassurance. "This is the doctor I'm recommending to you, Chase Silva, one of our greatest Oncologists here at our hospital. I know he would be able to help you."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, I was transported back in time. After so many years, encountering Chase again was like stumbling upon a long-lost treasure. He used to be Keith's and my best friend, a constant presence in our childhood adventures. But as the years unfolded, Chase charted his own path, chasing his dreams of becoming a future oncologist. He ventured beyond borders to study abroad, leaving behind a void in our lives that remained unfilled. The silence that followed his departure spoke volumes, leaving us to wonder about his whereabouts and his journey.

And yet, here he stood before me, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. The sight of him brought a rush of emotions, mingling nostalgia with a sense of gratitude. I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of relief at the prospect of his expertise guiding me through the challenges ahead. In that moment, I was grateful for the unexpected reunion, grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey with someone I once held dear.

"Chase?" I uttered, my voice betraying a hint of concern as I locked eyes with him."Savannah... so I was right?" His words hung in the air, laden with a mix of relief and apprehension. "I saw your name and hoped you weren't the patient Mr. Salvez is talking about..."A weak smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I processed his response. "Is that all you're going to say after all these years of not seeing each other?" I interjected, a trace of disappointment coloring my tone. "I'm glad you've achieved your dream, but here you are, back in the Philippines, and you didn't even bother to reach out," I added, unable to mask the subtle pang of hurt that flickered in my gaze. His eyes met mine, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips, speaking volumes without uttering a word.

"So where's your husband? Where's Keith?" Chase's question hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken implications. But before he could finish his sentence, he paused, noticing my distant gaze fixed on some unseen horizon."So, shall we go?" I interjected, deflecting the conversation with a seemingly casual question, masking the turmoil churning within me.-----------------------Three weeks later, as I found myself grappling with the harsh reality of my diagnosis, I couldn't help but reflect on the twists and turns of fate that had led me to this moment. There was a time when everything in my life seemed to fall seamlessly into place: my dream job, my dream home, my dream man. Yet now, as I confronted the looming specter of illness, I couldn't shake the nagging doubt that perhaps everything that had once worked in my favor wasn't truly what I deserved. Was I being punished by the world for daring to dream, for daring to hope?Despite the relentless churn of thoughts in my mind, I found myself trapped in a state of helplessness, unable to alter the course of events unfolding before me. In the face of adversity, I was left grappling with the unsettling notion that perhaps some forces were beyond my control, that perhaps I was merely a pawn in a larger game of fate."I don't know how to say this, but... it still suggests the same result, Savannah... you definitely have bone marrow cancer," Chase stated, but this time, my world didn't collapse like before. They say there are different stages a person faces when they know they have little time left. The denial stage, solution-finding stage, acceptance stage, and preparation stage. But I couldn't fully understand where I was in those stages, I didn't know what I should feel or do.Chase's grasp on my hand was firm yet gentle, a silent reassurance in the midst of my turmoil. With deft movements, he wiped away the tears cascading down my cheeks, tears I hadn't even realized were there. I mustered a weak smile, a feeble attempt to convey that I was holding it together, all while avoiding his penetrating gaze.But before I could fully register his comforting presence, the shrill ring of my phone shattered the moment. An unknown number flashed on the screen, and without hesitation, I chose to ignore it, unwilling to entertain any further disruptions."Maybe we should eat together later?" Chase's voice cut through the tension, laden with genuine concern and a desire to offer solace in the face of uncertainty. His words stirred memories of our shared past, a time when he had been my steadfast protector, a shield against the world's cruelties."Of course, Chase," I replied, mustering a semblance of composure. "We have a lot to talk about... like-" My sentence was abruptly halted by the intrusive chime of another incoming message, further disrupting our already fractured conversation."You don't want to answer, so I'll just tell you straight even if you don't want to hear it," the message read, its contents sending a jolt of shock coursing through my veins. "Keith and I have been dating, and I'm pregnant with his child. He's the father."With a surge of raw emotion, I sprang from my seat, the weight of betrayal heavy in the air. Ignoring Chase's concerned gaze, I hastily exited the consultation room, my heart pounding with a mixture of anger and disbelief. Without a second thought, I dialed the same unknown number, my hands trembling with a potent mix of anticipation and dread."What you've read is right," came the woman's voice from the other end, confirming my worst fears.Since when...?" I inquired, my voice barely above a whisper, weighted with the gravity of the revelation."If you want answers, you can meet with me... I'll give you all the proofs that you need... as long as..." Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken conditions."As long as what?" I pressed, my heart sinking at the implication."As long as you leave Keith for me..."The ultimatum hit me like a sledgehammer, the betrayal cutting deeper than I could have imagined. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a steely resolve began to take root within me."Where shall we meet?" I stated, my tone betraying none of the turmoil raging within. It wasn't surprising to discover that Keith had someone else. The signs had been there all along-the nights of his absence, the moments of neglect that left me feeling insignificant. Deep down, I had known that someone had usurped my place in his heart."At the spot where you usually meet with Keith... 10 pm. I'll wait for you for 30 more minutes." With those chilling words, she abruptly ended the call, leaving me reeling in disbelief. I clutched at my chest, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my clothes, a feeble attempt to anchor myself amidst the storm of emotions raging within."Savannah?" Chase's voice broke through the haze, his concern palpable in the air. I forced myself to push aside the turmoil, plastering on a facade of normalcy as I turned to face him."Hey, Chase, um... I don't think we can eat out tonight... It's urgent," I stammered, my words rushed as I hurriedly moved away, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of the truth.But Chase wasn't so easily deterred. He reached out, his touch gentle yet insistent, halting my retreat. "What happened? Tell me," he implored, his eyes searching mine for answers.Tears continued to stream down my cheeks, betraying the facade of composure I struggled to maintain. I couldn't bear to burden Chase with the weight of my pain, knowing all too well the depth of his compassion."I'm okay, you can let go of my hand now," I murmured, my gaze fixed resolutely on the ground. But Chase pulled me into his embrace, his arms offering solace amidst the chaos that threatened to consume me. In that moment, enveloped in his warmth, I found a fleeting sense of peace amidst the turmoil of my shattered world."I know you so well, for so many years," Chase's voice was a comforting murmur against the backdrop of my pain. "I know when you have a problem, I know when you're crying, I know when you're hurt..."With a heart heavy with sorrow, I wrapped my arms around him, seeking solace in his familiar embrace. No words were needed as tears flowed freely, each drop a testament to the anguish that threatened to consume me. I couldn't suppress the agony gnawing at my heart; I couldn't feign indifference to the pain that engulfed my soul.As I wept, my tears mingling with the fabric of his clothes, Chase remained a steadfast pillar of support. Despite the passage of time, he felt as though he had never left my side, a constant presence in the tumult of my life.After a while, we made our way to the cafeteria, seeking refuge in the mundane comforts of everyday life. Seated at a table near the vending machine, I recounted the events that had unraveled my world, each word a fragile thread weaving together the fragments of my shattered reality."Savannah? Do you want more tissue?" Chase's attempt at levity brought a fleeting smile to my lips, a brief respite from the weight of my burdens. We decided to take our conversation outside, eager to catch up on the intricacies of our lives."Hey, Chase, I'm sorry after so long without seeing each other-" My apology was cut short as he playfully shoved a piece of bread into my mouth, his gesture a reminder of the easy camaraderie that had defined our friendship."This bread is so delicious, there's so much of it that you're not eating," he teased, his words a welcome distraction from the somber realities we faced."So, how was your life, Chase? I suppose you've achieved all your dreams... Dr. Chase Silvas," I inquired, a hint of curiosity coloring my tone. His solemn gaze met mine, holding a depth of emotion that belied the simplicity of his response."No, not all of my dreams," he confessed, his words laden with unspoken truths and untold aspirations.As we delved into conversation, Chase's presence was a balm to my wounded spirit, his unwavering support a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf me. In his company, time seemed to lose its meaning, each moment a precious gift that offered respite from the chaos of my existence. Just like old times, we found solace in each other's presence, reclaiming a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of our lives.