*6*
Lucky charm
Days, weeks and months passed in a blur. Hindi ko na namamalayan ang oras sa tuwing magkasama kami lalo na sa mga panahong nasa labas kami ng ospital. Isang beses kasi pinaalam nya ako para pumunta sa kung saan-saan.
Dahil nakita nya ang interest ko sa music, dinala nya ako sa San Fransisco Symphony Hall nang mamahagi ang tita nya ng tickets para sa performance nila. Sa ibang araw naman ay dinala nya ako sa Asian Art Museum dahil sya naman ang interesado sa culture na bahagi ako. Hindi rin kasi ako masyado familiar sa Pilipinas.
But of course, even in fairytales, there comes a point where I have to face obstacles along the way before I fully achieve the happy ending that I want.
It was the night before my birthday when I suffered from extreme chest pains. I was struggling for oxygen. I can't breathe.
It was the worst attack I've ever felt my whole life that I was rushed through the emergency because I went unconscious in just a matter of seconds.
"Serene, please.."
I don't know how long was I asleep but I woke up upon hearing Anthony's soothing voice.
"..stay with me."
I can feel his warm touch on my left hand as well. I slowly open my eyes.
"Y-you're finally awake!" he exclaimed.
Well, the princess can't afford to leave her prince behind. I'm bound to be awake for him.
"Thank, goodness."
His words were followed with a sigh of relief. He took a firm grip on my hand to his lips.
"What a blissful birthday you have, Serene."
I don't know of it was sarcasm or not but I went along with him.
"Of course, I'm a living Bliss you know," I fondly said and chuckled afterwards.
"Right. Afterall, you're Serenity Bliss."
And I think I just died not because of chest pains..
..but for melting my heart with that smile of his.
"Let this be your lucky charm then," aniya habang may kung ano syang hinahawakan sa leeg ko.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang may maramdamang metal string na nakasuot sa akin. Bumaba ang tingin ko roon.
G-cleft ang pendant. Ngumiti ako.
Regalo nya? Sinuot nya ba 'to sa akin habang natutulog ako?
"Keep it with you at all times," aniya. "It will keep you safe."
Ngumuso ako. "Why would I need it when you're here with me?"
Nagkamot sya ng ulo at bahagyang natawa. "Well, then.. it will keep you safe when I'm not here."
"When you're not with me?" I frowned. "Will you ever leave me?"
Mabilis syang umiling at ginulo ang buhok ko. "Like that's ever gonna happen?"
Hinawakan nya ang magkabilang pisngi ko at marahang pinisil. "I just want you to have something to remind you of me."
