Runaway (MaiChard Oneshot Compilation)

Without Words (6)

Your marathon was all the way in Cebu. You didn't want me to come because you said that it would be too much for me, but I insisted like always. Besides, did you really think that I wouldn't come to support you?

We got to the resort, and before I could settle into my room, you were already knocking on my door.

"Bilis na! Let's go to the beach!"

I knew how much you enjoyed the beach. How you are so thankful to be able to do this now that you're on a break.

We got to the beach, which was conveniently situated behind our hotel. You were wheeling me with your frail arms, and I knew it was extra hard for you to do it on the sand. I would really do it myself, but I'm just feeling so weak.

You placed me on the shore, took off your cover up, and proceeded to run to the ocean. But, once your feet touched the water, you stopped. You were so breathtaking, looking like a beautiful painting with the sunset as your background. You turned around and looked directly at me. You started walking slowly over to me.

"Paano ka?" you asked me with your head tilted to one side, taking my hand into yours.

"I'll be fine. Sige na," I smiled at you.

I saw your lips curve into a half-smile, and you surprised me with what you did next. You proceeded to sit on my lap, wrapping your arms around my neck, and resting the side of your head on mine. I took a deep breath in, and was hit with your sweet smell.

We stayed like this for a while, until I realised that I need to say something now, before it's too late.

"You know what?" I struggled to say.

"What?" you replied as you snuggled your face into my neck.

"I have a bucket list."

"Really?" you question as your eyes lit up, pulling away from me. "What's in it?"

"Only one thing's in it."

"Ano 'yon?"

"I want to complete it first before telling you. Can you help me out?"

"Sure, but how can I help you complete it kung hindi ko naman alam kung ano 'yon."

"Basta sagutin mo lang 'yong itatanong ko sa'yo."

"Fine, go on."

"Dei...I love you. Do you love me?"

I saw your eyes widen, and moisten. You pulled your head back and was just staring at me with your doe eyes.

"Yes," you finally answer with tears, as you came back and tightened your hold on my neck.

"I know it was selfish of me to do this to you. To make you fall in love with me. But I just couldn't help myself, love."

"I was willing to do it, Alden. I was willing to risk it for you. Madali ka naman kasing mahalin eh," you profess and giggled.

"Even though these cancer cells are taking over my body?"

"There's still hope, Alden. Ang Diyos na ang bahala."

-

I was cheering hard for you in the heat of the morning. I know there's a shaded area, and you kept on telling me to just stay there. Pero wala eh, stubborn talaga 'tong minahal mo.

Kasi naman, if I did choose to stay there, hindi mo ako makikita ng maayos. Hindi mo makikita kung gaano ako humahanga sa'yo of how far you've come. Hindi mo makikita na pinipilit kong iwagayway yung banner na ginawa ko para sa'yo. Hindi mo maririnig 'yong sigaw ko, kahit napaka sakit sa dibdib kong gawin.

And then I saw you. You were nearing the finish line, huffing, and wiping your sweat with the back of your arm. You stopped, placed your hands on your hips, tilted your head back and squinted your eyes. I could tell that you were so tired. You then look towards you, your eyes widening a bit once you saw the arch that said, "FINISH". You took a step, but then you didn't continue. You blinked a couple of times, and I noticed na parang babagsak ka na. I value your safety over mine, Dei.

I don't care about the people behind me shouting out for me to stop. I don't care if my caregiver was shouting at me either. You were already on the ground, your hands placed firmly in front of you as if it the asphalt wasn't burning hot.

I wheeled myself so fast towards you. As soon as I reached you, I got up from that wheelchair and dropped down beside you. You were so red, and almost out of breath, hindi ko kayang nakikita kang ganito.

Binuhat kita, naupo ako sa wheelchair at inilagay ka sa hita ko. I turned the chair around and started heading for the end of the track.

"Alden, ano-" you asked, as you realised what was going on.

"Tinutulungan kita, Dei," I struggled to say as I pumped my arms as hard as I could.

"Alden, no. Nahihirapan ka, stop," you pleaded as you could see how much I was struggling.

"You need to finish, Dei," I declared tears streaming down my face, not only because I was feeling the consequence of what I was doing, but also because of the realisation of how much I was in love with you.

"Alden, please. It's ok," you told me as you placed your hand on my arm, it feeling heavy as you no longer had the strength to hold it up.

"No. You need to finish."

"Alden, makakasama 'to sa'yo," you said, and I could feal your tears dripping down on my neck.

"Never kang makakasama sa'kin, Dei," I proclaimed and could see that we were near. "You pushed yourself too much, love."

"Only because I can see how much you're pushing yourself for me," you whispered and that was the last thing you said.

Na-heatstroke ka. And call me exaggerated but I couldn't take seeing you looking so lifeless.

"Alden!" you screamed from the hospital bed, sitting up straight away.

"Dei, Dei, I'm here," I said and went up to you as quickly as I could.

"Where am I?"

"Nasa clinic ka. Sabi ng nurse magpahinga ka lang daw ng konti. Masyado kasing mainit, tapos kulang ka sa tubig kaya ka hinimatay."

"Bernard," you addressed my caregiver. "Bakit mo naman hinayaan si Alden?"

"Ma'am, sorry po. Nakita ko po kasi kayo, and got worried. Tapos biglang papunta na sa inyo si Sir. Eh ayaw na akong papasukin ng mga tao para habulin siya."

"Dei, please. It wasn't his fault."

"Eh ikaw, how are you feeling? Kahit malapit na akong ma-unconcious at that time, alam kong napagod ka sa ginawa mo."

"I'm ok, Dei."

I'm ok now. But believe it or not, 30 minutes ago, I was coughing up a lot of blood. Good thing you were still asleep, and I got here in time before you woke up.