Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 41: Finding Home

"I am HOME with you."

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Few minutes later, the nurse came back announcing​ that the chaplain was no longer around in his office. But she assured Denise that the minister would make rounds the following day.

That night, Denise also learned from Mailene that Bianca was in the ICU and had been in comatose since the first day she was brought in the hospital from the accident.

Denise asked the nurse on duty to assist her in going to the ICU just to take a look at Bianca. She was placed on a wheelchair, although, she was hesitant and demanded to just walk since she could manage herself.

Looking through the glass window, she saw Bianca's body lying in isolation, with all the apparatus that sustain whatever life left in her. The once flawless face of the unconscious woman was completely covered with plaster and by the look of it, Bianca's face was deformed. Only God knows if she would survive.

The knowledge that Bianca was struggling for life, while she's alive, left an undescribable guilt she never felt before.

She remembered that day when they had the accident, when she pulled Bianca out from the car and suddenly, without warning, some trees fell on them, hitting Bianca and crashing her head, face downward, on a certain rock.

What if they remained inside the car? What if she didn't pull her out? She was sure the damage was not as worst as this. And if not, would it be possible that instead of Bianca, she's the one lying​ there fighting for life?

"I'm sorry Bianca. I thought, I did the best thing for both of us. I'm sorry, I didn't see the trees coming. Please forgive me." She's crying bitterly.

"Miss, are you okay? I think, I need to return you in your room." Denise didn't protest when the nurse ushered her in her room.

The helpless image of Bianca in the ICU reechoed in her memory, disturbing her conscience. She could not imagine herself in such scenario, although she deserved it better. She was an ungrateful and unforgiving child. She could have died. But somehow, God gave her a chance to live to make amends and make things right.

Lord, please don't allow her to die. Please give her the chance to live, just like what you have given me.

Denise was absorbed in her thoughts. She didn't notice Caroline get inside, who was astonished when she saw Denise was crying and mumbling words silently.

Caroline tapped her shoulder and asked, "Denise, are you okay?"

Denise was surprised to hear a familiar voice. When she held her head up and saw her best friend infront of her, she flung to her and like a child, cried endlessly in her shoulder.

Caroline hugged her friend. She gently caressed her back for comfort saying,

"It's okay Denise. You're now safe. I'm here now and you can drain yourself for crying. Just don't make it too long or you'll drown both of us here, okay?"

Denise released a sudden smirk and hit Caroline lightly on the chest. "You're a freak." Wiping her own tears with her bare hand.

"A pretty freak while you're a crazy genius." And they both laughed.

I'm glad you're here, pretty face."

"I'm glad you're back, genius. But you can't stay here long. You know, I hate hospital. It's only for you that I came here."

"I know."

"Besides, we only have a couple of days left before classes start. I'm excited to start college life. So better be in hurry recuperating. You sure don't wanna like missing the first day of school, right?"

"Yeah, you're right. I'm okay now. I think I can go home..." The last word creeped in right away, without giving too much thought about it the past days. It left an uncertain feeling when it slipped in her tongue, casting a confused look upon her face. Where is home? She asked herself.

Caroline was quick to determine her friend's predicament. She clasped her hand reassuringly and said,

"Yaya Inday and I did a little make over in your room. You'll love the new wallpaper I pasted in one corner of your room. Also forgive me if I have to remove your curtains and replaced them with blinds. You're just too lazy to wash them, anyway. Your room is ready anytime you come home."

"I don't have a place in that house anymore. The house will be too crowded for all of us."

"Denise, you can't go on with that hatred in your heart. Just let them go."

"Caroline please, let's not argue about it. It's just that I'm not ready to face them."

"Okay. So, what do you want now? To walk away from all the people who love you?
They are your family, Denise. Why don't you give them​ a chance to explain? I'm sure they have reasons for hiding the truth from you."

"They hurt me, Caroline." She said pleading for understanding.

"Oh yes. And who do you think is not hurting? Everyone is hurting, Denise. You hurt me, too. That day when you walked away, when you shut me out from your life, when I thought you would be needing me to trace your maternal ancestry, but left me out; when you didn't even dare to call me, when you didn't show up at Lexus, when I don't know whether you're still alive, you hurt the hell out of me. You hear that? You hurt me." Her emotions gave way, flooding her eyes.

"But I have already forgiven you even you didn't ask for it. You know why? Because I just cannot throw our friendship away just like that, simply because I am hurt."

"Caroline I'm sorry for dragging you in my mess. I'm very sorry if I hurt you, too. But I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry, if I can't do it now for them."

"I'm afraid now that if one of these days I'll do something wrong against you, you'll never find in your heart to forgive me."

"That won't happen , Caroline. I know you would not do anything to hurt me intentionally."

"Exactly! It's nobody's intention to hurt you, too." She cupped her face and said,

"Look at me, Denise. Now tell me, tell me if you don't love Inang and Amang anymore. For if you do, don't let her die without your forgiveness."