FORGET ME NOT

BONUS JB'S POV

JB

When I woke up, I knew I didn't feel well but I decided to go and play for our last game for the season. I am not sure about my condition but I pushed myself thinking that it's my last.

I can do this. Nothing is impossible. Dreaming is believing. I kept on repeating.

I stumbled making my way to the bathroom. Dizzy, I crashed down on the floor, vomiting in the toilet bowl. 

"You can't give up now, Jb" I mumbled in my mind while my world spinned as if I am in a roller coaster that is endless.

When I felt better, I slowly did my usual routine and clambered down to have breakfast. I didn't want to tell my mom that I am not feeling well because I don't want her worrying about me. It will only make me wince in pain more.

"Good morning" I said as I sank down on my seat. Dad's up early and, as usual, he's in a cranky mood. 

"What time is your game tonight?" Mom asked handling me my medicine.

Opening the box for Saturday meds, I answered mom who's eager to know what time my game is. "6 pm"

"We can't make it" Dad interjected contemptuously. Well dad never went to my game. Not a single one that is why it's normal for me to go in my games alone.

But this time, it's different. "Please?" I begged with a little hope.

Dad shook his head. "No"

I shut my mouth before I could say anything wrong.

"I'll try to watch okay?" Mom said, squeezing my hand, making me feel better.

"No" Dad exclaimed indignantly.

My siblings frowned."I'll just make a banner for you, Jeanineeee" Gerald said to ease the tension. Tiffany nodded assuring me that they are here to support me. "Me too"

A smile appeared on my pale face. Even though I wasn't blessed with a lovable and understanding father, I know that my mother and my siblings are always there for me no matter what. They've accepted who I am and what I am. "You don't have to but thanks"

When I was drinking my juice, I felt my hand ache, making the glass fumble off from my hand. I blundered, trying to fix the mess I made.

"Look at what you did!" My father blurted out and then walked out of the room.

My mom immediately bent down to help me. "Are you okay?" she kept on asking. I could see the worry in her eyes. I shrieked in pain, vomiting on the floor.

"Jeanine!" Mom shouted. I lifted my head, facing her. "Just help me go up to my room"

"No we're going to the hospital" Mom induced me but I shook my head.

"No mom, I have a game tonight"

"What's more important? Your game or your life?" She exclaimed.

I didn't answer, inclining my head to face the floor.

"We're going to the hospital" She said once again.

"If I die, then let me die"

Stunned, she broke down on the floor beside me. "No. I won't let that happen"

 "One day, you'll have to accept the truth that my life here isn't going to last that long"

"Don't say that"

 I hugged her and said, "Just remember that I love you okay?"

 I jerked my head to face my siblings who were also in tears.

"Come here" I said. 

They hugged me. "I'm willing to share my life to you" Gerald said.

"I am too" I mumbled.

"What can we do?" Tiffany asked.

"Just take care of mom"

"Then you'll live?" Gerald asked.

"I'll always live in your hearts. Just like a star, you can't always see me but you know I'm always there"

* * * *

I got in the gym two hours before the game. I was feeling okay, I wasn't quivering in pain unlike a while ago.

"Hey" I greeted my team mates, waving at them.

"You ready for the game?" Coach asked patting my shoulder as I settle on the bench.

"Yeah of course I am"

"Well good. Go join the team and warm up"

I nodded following his orders.

It was almost six pm when Trish and our friends arrived. I went to them before the game started.

I sat on Trish's lap waiting for the announcement. She hugged me from behind and said, "Take it easy okay?"

My lips parted into a smile. "Yes ma'am"

 "I'm serious, Jb. Don't be to aggressive" she retorted planting a kiss on her back.

Snorting, I nodded.

 I will never get tired of this girl.

 "Good luck! Do your best and let God do the rest" I jerked my body to face her. Grinning widely, I kissed her hard on the lips and said, "I will win this game for you" then I left saluting to them.

First Quarter, I always played it easy. I was giving way for the other team to shoot and score. The crowd was starting to create whispers but it didn't affect me. I know they were confused because of my strategy. I took advantage of the other team's energy so when I attack in the fourth quarter, their defense wouldn't be that strong. The quarter ended and the score was in favor of the opposing team by six points.

 "You can do it, Jeanine!!" Trish shouted making me glance at her. Our eyes met and I grinned as if it was the end of the world.

 It was the third quarter when I went wild. I was like a growling tiger waiting for chances to score points. I scored ten points in two minutes. The audience cheered like they were breaking the four walls surrounding us. At the end of the quarter, I started to feel dizzy. My head was aching and my vision was a blur.

Trish approached me to ask if I was okay.

 "Babe, you okay?" She asked checking my body temperature with her hand. I flinched saying, "Yeah don't worry just a bad migraine" I was pulling my hair hoping that it would ease the pain.

I tried to not be so obvious when I went back to play the game. I felt like something was pulling my brain out. I was hurt and crushed. I gasped for breath, quivering, praying to God to give me a little time. I tried to fight it. I was about to shoot the ball when I knew that it was my end.

 I glanced at Trish, and mouthed the words "I love you" then it was a complete darkness.