I was thinking about what the doctor said earlier. I don’t know what to do.
“We’ll be putting them inside the Intensive Care Unit. You can watch them over,” said the doctor. “You can find them at room 329. But for now you should come with me, I’ll show you something.”
We headed inside a room. I learned that it was the room where x-ray results are examined. The doctor got the x-ray inside the brown envelope with my mum’s name.
“As we can see here, Mr. Nelson, your mother’s rib cage was seriously damaged. We also treated the stab wounds in her diaphragm. It will take a few months before it totally heals,” the doctor started. “And according to your sister’s x-ray, she had a crack in her left arm that’s why we cemented it. And she also underwent ultrasound because her reproductive organ was bleeding. And we found out that there’s possible egg fertilization occurring inside her. O, and before I forget, they need to undergo a special therapy so they won’t get traumatized that much from the incident.”
I freeze for a moment knowing that my mum’s chance of survival is 50-50. Also, my sister is carrying a baby that was caused by a criminal.
I went to room 329 and I found my uncle there with Officer Drew.
“I won’t be asking about what the doctor have said ‘coz I can see it you that you don’t wanna talk about it,” my uncle said.
“Say, do you want to file a case to the suspects? Because I just received a report that two of the suspects were captured already,” Officer Drew asked.
“I don’t want to think of it right now,” I replied.
“Nate, I would suggest you should take the night in the hotel. We’ll be staying here to watch over them,” suggested my uncle. “You looked very exhausted and depressed.”
They escorted me to the hotel. My uncle checked in and the receptionist gave him a key with the room number 435.
“Uhm, Uncle Sam, can I ask you a favor?” I started.
“Sure,” he answered.
“Can you get me some clothes and my guitar?” I continued.
“Of course,” he said.
I said good bye to them and locked myself inside the room. I decided not to think of it and I fell asleep. I was just awakened by the ring of my phone. It was Ashley calling.
“Hello, Ash?” I answered the call.
“How are you, Nate?” she asked.
“Well, should I answer I’m okay?” I don’t know what to answer.
“I’m sorry about your mum and sister,” she said.
“I guess that’s life. You don’t know what will happen. That’s why I blame myself. I shouldn’t have left them,” I said.
“Don’t blame yourself. I’m sure they’ll recover,” she cheered.
“Thanks for being there for me,” I thanked her because I appreciated much how she implicates with me.
“No problem. Say, what’s it that you’re gonna tell to me earlier?” she asked.
“Uhm, maybe this is not the right time for us to talk about it,” I said. “But expect that I’m going to say it real soon.”
“Okay, suit yourself. You know what? I’m starting to miss you,” she said.
“Same here. When I get through this problem, maybe I’ll take you out someday,” I told her.
“Sure!” she claimed. “It’s getting late. You should rest now.”
“Okay boss!” I joked. “You too. Bye!”
“Okay, bye. I miss you, Nate,” she whispered as she hangs up.
I realized that I missed her too. I wish she was here so that I can hug her.
After Ashley called, I decided not to sleep knowing that it’s just 11:00 pm. I also decided to play my guitar so that I wouldn’t think of the problem even for a short time.
When I got my guitar and open its case, I saw the notebook where I wrote the songs I composed. I just remembered then that I wasn’t finished yet on the song that I was writing for her. I tuned my guitar and continued with the song. I was working with the bridge of the song when a flashback came inside my brain. I visualized the night of our prom, the night when Ashley first kissed me on my cheek. I also reminisced that time when I drove her home that prom night.
“Nate, thank you very much for making this a perfect night,” she said.
“That was nothing. You know I’ll do anything for you,” I said back.
When she was about to enter their house, I held her hand.
“Ash, thank you for being my best friend,” I whispered. “But there’s one thing I wanted to tell you.”
“C’mon, what’s it?” seems like she really wanted to know.
I just realized that I was about to tell her about my feelings for her. Good thing I managed to change what will I say.
“Can I hug you?” I whispered again and smiled.
With no doubts, she hugged me so tight. I kissed her on her forehead and tell her to go inside.
“Good night, Nate,” she smiled back.
I didn’t notice that I fell asleep. I just heard the alarm clock that was set in 7:00 am. I saw my notebook and got surprised that I already finished the song. I checked my phone and saw that Ashley sent me a text message.
“Good morning! I really miss you now, Nate,” the message said.
Seeing those heart signs in the text message made me smile and inspired.
I dialed her number and called her. She picked up the phone quickly.
“Hello?” she started.
“Good morning Ash!” I greeted happily.
“Hey. Good morning!” she greeted back. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much. I just wanted to greet you,” I answered.
“By the way, Topher is going back there today. His mother called him because of the job offer in San Francisco,” she said. “And you know what? We’re on our ay there to visit Aunt Anne and Gemma.”
“Oh, great. Where are…” I figured out that I ran out of load.
I fixed my bed, my things, and myself. Headed down to the dining hall and I had the breakfast. I made my way to the hospital to make a substitute for Uncle Sam.
When I got in room 329, I saw Uncle Sam with his wife, Auntie Jessica. She was the one who is helping me find a job.
“Good morning, Nate,” they greeted.
“Same to you,” I greeted back. “I came early so that you can rest.”
They said nothing for a moment there and were just smiling.
(to be continued...)
