At First Sight

Chapter 5

                  

After a day at the hospital, Julia asked me to take her to The Chicago Bean.  I don't know why she suddenly wants to go places lately.  But I enjoy every moment with her, I enjoy doing things for her.  I love being the one she can depend on.

I remember when I arrived at Chicago.  I thank Mike for telling everything to me.  After our conversation, I immediately book a flight to Chicago.  I took care of some things in Manila.  I asked my secretary for a meeting to brief her with all my pending projects.  I went to my dad's office.  I told him I'm filing for a leave.  He accepted it.  He loves me so much that he can't say no to me.  I love him too in so many ways because he accepts me and also because he is my father.  I wish all parents would be like my dad.  Love is not enough – acceptance should be teamed up.  LGBT kids go through difficult life from childhood to adulthood.  Why would some parents add burden to the life of their children.  Yes, love is the key.  If you really love someone, it is easy to accept, respect, trust and forgive.

I arrived at Chicago the day of Julia's operation.  She didn't know I was coming.  Walking towards her hospital room, I have mixed emotions.  I don't know if I am welcome.  I hold on to what Mike said, 'My sister needs you.'  I need Julia too, I need her in my life.  I want to be by her side this time of trouble.  I need her to need me.  It sound selfish, but I want her and I need her.

Opening the door, her family expects my arrival.  Julia was sitting on the bed.  Her scars and bruises have healed.  Her skin looks pale, seems like she haven't been out in the sun.  The very spirited Julia that I have known became the opposite of all. Silence fill the room as I walked slowly towards her bed, not saying anything. Closely by her side I stand, she's trying to figure who I was.  I know she recognize my presence, she's just scared to confirm.  My heart is in pain, because at her state now she still has pride which I perfectly understand.  Tears starts to fall, I tried not to cry but I can't help it.  I'm crying because I feel her pain. I know how hard it is to lose your precious sight. I miss her, I miss her big time.

"Drew?"  Her voice shaking.

And there is all I need to hear.  I wrapped her in my arms.  Keep her inside my embrace and tell her, "I'm here now."  She hugged me back, I felt her love again.  No words were coming out just tears streaming down our eyes.  Two lost souls who found each other again.

"Hi Julia, are you ready for your operation?  The doctor asked.

We broke our embrace as we talk to the doctor.  I wipe her tears.  She's still pretty and attractive, staring at her face right now.

"Yes, doc. I am ready."  She gladly replied the doctor.  I miss her smile.

"I'll wait for you, Julia.  I am not going anywhere."  I assured her that I will never leave her, not ever.

"I want you to be the first person I see when this operation is done.  I really want to see you, Drew."  Her hands touch my face.  Tracing every part, she touched my lips and kissed me.  I closed my eyes and kissed her back.  As we kiss tears never stopped.  She hopes to see again and I also pray for that.  But what I pray now is that whatever will be the result may we accept it.  My love for Julia will not change.

The nurses transferred her in a different bed and they pushed her going to the operating room.  Along with her family we walked by her side, I was holding her hand until we reached the operating room.  Her mom and dad and her brother. Kissed on the forehead and said, "We will pray for your operation.  Be strong."

"Julia, I love you.  I will be waiting."  I kissed her hand and kissed her lips.

"I love you, Drew.  I'm glad you are here."