Blue Flower

Chapter 44

-Chester-

            “I’m telling you, you might kill yourself.” I warned her. She told me everything about this morning, on how she tricked her brother into her “pregnancy”. She didn’t think that it would put both of us into danger, especially in her part. Medicines for hyperacidity contained strong chemicals, and it might worsen her condition.

            “And I’m also telling you that I can handle this.” she boasted with a grin. That’s what I hate about her. She took things spontaneously and making an action without having second thoughts. Okay, I knew we’re best friends and I’m supposed to tell her it’s wrong, but my tolerance had gone big. So big.

            “Let’s see how far you can go.” I said and stood up. She was being childish again. I left the classroom and went to the bathroom. She called me out several times, but I didn’t listen to her.

            I closed the door and walked straightly to the counter.  I looked at myself on the mirror intently. Was I that disgusting for her brother not to accept me? I admit I made a mistake before, and I never expected a sudden warm treatment from him. And besides, Naomi wasn’t my girlfriend.

            Then the memories on the night we shared instantly flashed back in my mind.

            Did this call for a serious relationship? I knew I shouldn’t push her. I haven’t asked her yet, and we didn’t confess our “love” for each other. I washed my face in running water and left the bathroom.

            Outside, Naomi was waiting for me.  I closed the door and faced her with a stiff expression.

            “I’m sorry. I know I’m too reckless. But I’m doing this for him to accept you.” she explained.

            I sighed. Right at this moment, I should make it clear to her. “There’s no reason for him to accept me. I’m not your boyfriend, right?”

            Her face dimmed like all the lights at Time Square had been turned off. She looked down the ground.

            “At least as a person. Maybe as my friend.” She gave emphasis on the last word.

            I gave her a fake smile. There was even nothing to smile about.

            “Yeah. What are friends for, right?” I said almost sarcastically and patted her shoulder. I slowly made my way back to the classroom, wondering if I just said the right thing, and what her latest statements really mean.

            A phone call woke me up the next morning. Hera’s name registered in my home screen while my phone blinked on and off. The vibrating sounded so urgent, so I swiped the answer icon and took the call.

            “Hello?” I said on the other end. I was still sleepy so I yawned heavily.

            “Chester, this is important. Naomi’s at the hospital.” she answered. She was panicky that I barely got what she said.

            “What?” I asked, trying to make sense of what I heard earlier.

            “My sister was admitted just this morning. She fainted in the bathroom.” she replied. She added that Naomi needs my presence. Out of shock, I hung up the phone and prepared myself. It was too early to go out but I had no choice. On my way out of the house, I grabbed a piece of bread and the carton of milk left on the table, then slipped out unnoticed. I headed to my bike, rode on and headed to the hospital where she was admitted.

            Upon arriving at the parking area, I called up Hera to meet me at the entrance. I saw her right away the moment I hung up the phone.

            “Where’s she?” I asked.

            “She’s sleeping in her room.” she said. I could tell she was nervous with the expression on her face.

            We went to her room and found her there sleeping. Her face seemed drained and serene, like she had gone from a long trip. Her features were relaxed. I rushed to her bedside and pulled the nearest chair.

            “Naomi, wake up.” I said. I shook her arm lightly and then she opened her eyes.

            “H-Hey.” She could still smile despite her condition.

            “What happened? Are you alright?”

            She nodded weakly. “Yeah, I-“

            We were cut off by the sudden banging of a door against the wall. Hurrying footsteps came and when I turned around, I saw Noah’s furious face as he walked to Naomi.

            “How could you do this to me?!” he yelled and slapped her cheek.

            The sound it gave off made Hear and I freeze. He did just that even if she was sick. Naomi lowered her gaze away from her brother. I saw tears brim on the corners of her eyes, and eventually, they fell.

            “Don’t you know that you could die? Tell me now, why did you do this to me?” his voice raised even more. Naomi continued to cry without saying anything. Noah let out a big gulp of air. We were all silent, and in the next second, his eyes darted on me.

            “And you? Did you push her to pretend she’s pregnant?” he asked in a firm voice.

            I shook my head. “No, I never did that.”

            “Liar!” He came near me and punched my face. I fell from my seat and to the floor.

            “Do you honestly think I’ll accept you? Don’t get your hopes up too high. You’re nothing.

            I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. A small stain of blood made a line on it. It was really a hard blow, and I felt dizzy. I composed myself to answer him.

            “Sir, I didn’t push her to do that. I was even shocked when Hera called me, and told me that she was here. And about you accepting me? I’m not even doing a slight attempt.”

            Noah looked at me sharply, jaw clenched in anger. I told him just the right thing, nothing more, and really nothing less.

            “Let’s just leave here for a while.” Hera said to ease the tension between us. He obeyed his sister and they went out of the room. Once the door closed, I turned to Naomi, face heated up in ager.

            “What the hell did you do?” I screamed.

            She looked at me with teary eyes, begging for mercy, and explain what she had to explain.