How This Love Grew

Chapter 2

I felt the tenderness at my back. As I opened my eyes, I saw the ceiling fan which hardly rotated. When I got all my consciousness totally, I tried to sit up and reached my feet into the gray ground aiming for my shoes. The bed was enough tall for me to do this so hard. I wonder what happened to me. When I finally fit in my shoes, it swiftly took on me that the last place I were was on the road to the gym after I left Paulo and Lorr at the canteen. I can’t remember anything now after that and how I got into the clinic. It was just my logic that perhaps I fainted and someone helped and brought me here.

The door opened after a few seconds. It was Jano on his jersey outfit. I composed everything in my mind. Maybe it was him who took me here.

“Thank you, Jano.”

I didn’t take back although I wasn’t really sure about it.

“You’re too tired and the raging heat caused you here.”

Jano explained. I can see the exhaustion on his face. He is sweaty and probably was passing by me when I tumbled to the ground. As I can see, it was a little or less than 20 minutes back then. I thought it was a day.

“You can go back to your training now. I’m so sorry I passed out and probably caused you trouble back there.”

I stood and checked for the window - for no reason at all. It was a classical thing but I thought of it as an escape for this unfamiliar mood. Inside me is an undying stress which I thought that added most of the reason why fainted on the road.

“No. It’s nothing. Actually, Paulo sent you here and not me.”

“It’s. . It’s him?”

“Why? Is there a big deal for that?”

“No. They were at the canteen that time and I don’t recall. .ah, yes. Maybe.”

It occurred to me that I didn’t look back and I haven’t possibly seen him following me.

“He left just now. He called for me and told me to take care of you here until you wake up.”

“Oh, now he’s a boss?”

“As you see, I was just pushed to be here because I owe him some personal reasons.”

“Okay then. I thank you still for waiting when you really don’t have to. Besides, there are nurses, I think?”

“It’s just your ‘thought’. There was no one here actually. We just crashed the door. He was really terrified of your situation. Of course I am too! But his was just so. . How do I put it? Dramatic?”

At first, I can’t assess what he’s saying. I am trying to comprehend and read back his words. Really, Paulo did this for me and I haven’t seen him do that. It was like I missed the climax of a show. How stupid of me! I should’ve tried to open my eyes back there and see how he lifted me up and how I crushed into his chest that I’ve been really longing for – that actually happened but didn’t know.

“Hey, if you need something just call me. I’ll be back at the gym.”

“No, you don’t have to. I am heading off too.”

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll just wait for you.”

“Please Jano. Take your time to go back. I’m really alright. I am not a one to worry for too much. That fainting was a normal case and in fact had nothing to do with you.”

“Ok. I’ll. . I’ll go now. Take care.”

“Yeah. Thanks!”

I waited for him to close the door before I got up. Then I approached the table at the corner of the windowsill to get a glass of water. I always feel this thirsty thing in me. I don’t know if this is a good one for I will be always drinking liquids instead of sweet beverages or just unlucky to always crave for more whenever I don’t need.

I still feel a little bit dizzy at the moment. But I managed. I went directly to the gym to look for Paulo and give him acknowledgment for a heroic deed.

I entered the gym with my eyes busy. Then and there I saw at the far end of the bleachers Paulo was with an unknown girl. They are chatting and close to each other. And probably almost done because both their feet are itching to walk away. I didn’t take it much to be jealous for. I was just out of the clinic and my normal tendency with this is still hanging and I care a little less than normal. When I saw him cut his word with the girl, I quickly changed directions and pretended I didn’t ever saw him. But with my peripheral vision I can see he’s coming towards me. I don’t know how to feel then – if I were to ignore him because instantly he’s with another girl or just give a faint smile for what he did to me. But both two would not help. I wouldn’t necessarily give a damn to it.

I went towards the other end of the bleachers and get my things. I won’t take the training this afternoon and I’ll just call Irene to give the excuses I will need.

“Hey!”

I was ready to pick up my phone when he was abruptly making a scene between us. I tried not to get bothered and mocked that I just felt him.

“Oh! Paulo! I thought you were outside.”

“Are you alright? I’m so sorry to leave you there. I’ve. . I’ve got things to settle and –“

“Don’t you worry. By the way, I’ve heard it’s you who helped me. I owe you a lot. I’m so sorry too for the delay to your important things to do.”

I wish I didn’t look like mad or a kind of jealous girlfriend.

“No. No. You don’t need to. I’m a kind of nervous because I saw you fell on your way.”

But, I felt sorry too because I made him worry. Oh, Paulo.

“Oh my. I’m so sorry. I wish it was Lorr who’s seen me there so it won’t bother you anymore. But it’s like she left me hanging again, like a real best friend.”

I partly giggled and at the same time bothered because of Paulo. If it was Lorr, perhaps she will take a moon walk before she gets to me. And she’ll probably laugh at my face though I wish she won’t.

“It’s alright. By the way, she’s with me when I brought you at the clinic. She insisted me go to the hospital outside because we all know that no one’s in the clinic. She almost died back there worrying for you.”

Now, I’m totally wrong to her.

“Did she?”

“Yes. She actually rested on your chest to check if you’re breathing. But at least 5 minutes when we got there, she fled in which she seemed you’re okay already. She’s in a hurry, I think.”

“I see. Her family duties were really true.”

At the back of my mind, what is she doing there? Does she know this will happen? Just a wow for my girl.

“Thanks Paulo. But I’ll be going now. I think I won’t make it to the training today.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’re really not. Stop cussing. Whether you like it or not, I’ll join you.”

And so did I.