The Last Petal

Chapter 14 - The Truth

“No way…” I was trying to convince myself that it’s not true.

“Tiffany! I got some… Why are you crying?!” Dennis just arrived. I turned to look at him with my blurry vision because of my tears. He’s holding a bouquet of flowers and a small box.

“No way…” I was hysterical. I kept on repeating the same phrases. “No way…”

“James, what happened?” Dennis asked James frantically.

James didn’t respond.

“Why are you not answering me?” Dennis grabbed James on his shirt’s collar. Shaking him; forcing him to answer.

James’ mouth is still shut. He removed Dennis grip from him and pointed on the TV screen.

“What is it?”

“Check for yourself.” James said, his voice a little bit taken aback.

Dennis grabbed the remote control and clicked play. The first 5 seconds of the video is dark but after awhile, it slowly lightened up.

“Hey” There was a long moment of silence…

“I don’t know where to start… I don’t even know how to begin… Well, most probably. I’m already gone by the time you’re all watching this. Please forgive me, if I didn’t have the courage to say these things to you while I’m still alive.”

*coughs*

“The reason why I asked Dr. Monroe to take this video of me while I’m still looking a bit healthy is because I want to be remembered as a healthy man, not a sick and dying one.”

“coughs*

“Mom, please don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault that I have leukemia right now. I know you didn’t want this to happen to me. No one wanted this. But mom, it is God’s will… *coughs* so please, don’t blame yourself. Mom, I love you so much. I’m really thankful for having you as my mom. I’m sorry if I have to leave you. Forgive me. Mom, stay strong.”

“Dad, please take care of mom.*coughs* Always make sure that she’s alright. Never ever make her cry. Will you? And dad, forgive me if I can’t give you the grandson you’ve always wanted, the grandson that’s going to inherit all of your properties, the grandson that’s going to carry your name. I’m so sorry. *coughs* Dad, I love you too. You’ve been a great role model to me. You’re the best dad.”

“… And to my everything, my life, my love. Tiffany… I love you so much. I’m sorry if I lied to you. I’m sorry if I didn’t inform you about my disease. I don’t want you to see me dying. I just can’t stand seeing you cry. But Tiffany, I want you to know that I didn’t want things to end up this way between us. *coughs* But I’d rather see you hate me than see you in pain because of my condition. Breaking up with you was the hardest decision I’ve made. The most painful decision I’ve made. You know, they said that if someone really loves you. They will never hurt you and if they do. You’ll see it in their eyes that they are hurting too. *coughs* I really love you Tiffany, that’s the reason why I chose to hurt myself to keep from hurting you… I understand if you hate me right now but I want you to know that, I love you and I never stopped loving you. *coughs* Tiffany, I would also understand if you’re going to fall in love with someone else. Just make sure that he won’t make you cry like I did. After we broke up, I followed you almost every where. I want to make sure you're okay. A few days ago, I saw you with a guy at the beach. I think he likes you a lot. Why don't you give him a chance? I know I am not in the position to tell you these things but baby you desercve to be happy. *coughs* Tiffany, thank you for making me the happiest man alive and for letting me fall in love with you. *coughs* Tiffany, pursue your dream, your dream of getting married. I’m sorry if I can’t be your groom but promise me that you’ll be happy with or without me. I love you… I love you…”