Two Less Lonely People (A JLC-BA Fanfic)

Chapter 18

Mina has completed her 2nd session of chemotherapy and she was at Dr. Burgos' office waiting for her turn to see the doctor. Alice always accompanied her for check-ups and recently her chemo sessions. Mina was thankful for her sparing time to be with her despite her many domestic concerns.

How she had hoped Alex was accompanying her instead but she knew it was only wishful thinking.

Many nights she cried herself to sleep longing for the warmth of Alex' embrace. She yearned to hear his voice telling her how much he loved her and that everything will be alright; that he will be there to protect her and never let anyone or anything hurt or harm her again. Alas, she was always alone in bed cradling her pillow wet with her tears.

Despite her decision to keep her condition from Alex, she had hoped that he will pursue and find a way to get at the truth and find her. Yet, Alex never came, not even in her dreams.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the receptionist called her name. "Ms. Carmina, it's your turn now," ushering her and Alice into the doctor's room.

Dr. Burgos greeted her warmly. She and the good doctor had established rapport with each other and her visits were less formal now than before. Dr. Burgos has learned to tolerate "nosy Alice" as well. A real friend, that's what she thought of Alice; hence her high regard for her despite her 'flaws'.

"How are you, Carmina? You seem to be taking your chemotherapy well, no undue side effects so far?" Dr. Burgos asked.

"No, I'm fine doc," Mina answered.

Alice butted in instantly, "She is not just complaining doc, but she does have some bouts of vomiting soon after the chemo session is over and she is not eating because of that."

"Is that right, Carmina? Dr. Burgos turned to her wanting to validate what Alice had said.  "You have medicines to take care of those problems and you have to eat; otherwise, you will get weak. The chemo agents are strong and may make you weak so if you don't feed yourself properly, you will feel weaker."

Mina nodded. "I will remember that doc."

The doctor continued, "All the surrounding tissues we sent for biopsy other than the primary tumor all turned out negative. That is good, Carmina.  You need to have the chemotherapy to make sure that all the cancer cells will be taken cared of.   A few more sessions and it will be over."

"Thank you very much, doc." She smiled lamely as she spoke.

Dr. Burgos continued, "So let's go ahead with the rest of your sessions and after 3 months we will do some tests to monitor your status."

"If after 3 months and the tests turned out negative, does that mean I am cancer-free?" Mina asked.

"Yes." Dr. Burgos smiled at both Mina and Alice. "It's a good thing we found out about your condition early on."

"May I ask something Carmina, if you don't mind?" Dr. Burgos said.

"What is it, doc?" Mina asked.

"I was wondering about your fiancé, how did he take all this? I don't mean to pry but I haven't seen him at all since you consulted me." The doctor looked at Mina inquisitively.

"Oh, him." Mina started tentatively. "He is in Singapore right now."

"He was here during her operation, doc, but you didn't see him," Alice interjected.

"He had to leave after two days as soon as I was ok," Mina continued, uncomfortable that she has to lie to her doctor.

"Well, there is just one thing I need to discuss with the both of you Carmina; that is regarding your pregnancy. I am afraid you have to postpone having babies for some time until your uterus is ready. We need to prepare you for that since all other factors being considered you only have one ovary to produce your egg. Is the wedding going to push through as planned?" Dr. Burgos asked.

"Yes, we are getting married in December," Mina smiled sweetly carrying on the lie in front of her doctor.

Dr. Burgos leaned back on her chair and sighed. "I'm glad to hear that. At least you are one happy soul. Not like the girlfriend of my husband's best friend. If I may, I just want to rant about how cowardly my husband's friend abandoned his girlfriend. His girlfriend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, same kind as yours, Carmina."

"The woman had surgery without him knowing because she felt he won't be able to handle it, having lost his first wife because of cancer too. But I told my husband he has to know because the poor girl needs him now more than ever. But what did he say after learning about her predicament? He said he can't handle it and wanted out. Of course, my husband was in defense of his friend, he almost 'lost it' the first time, he said; so he understood what he was going through now. But I say some men are just cowards, cruel cowards!" The doctor shook her head as she ended her ranting.

Dr. Burgos noted Mina has gone pale and was trembling and in near-tears. Alice, too, seemed, distraught. "What is the matter, Carmina?" as she looked from Mina to Alice.

Mina spoke, "Where is your husband's friend, doc?" as she glanced at the doctor's nameplate at the table behind her. Margaret Luna-Burgos, it read. Margaret....could she be Meg?

"He lives in Tagaytay City but he is currently in San Francisco, California" Dr. Burgos answered tentatively, now wary of what is happening.

Mina spoke again with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Is your husband's name, Ted? Ted Burgos?

Dr. Burgos was momentarily stunned when she realized what was happening.  She placed both hands over her mouth and exclaimed "Oh good Lord! Carmina..... My God! You are Alex' Mina?"

Mina nodded. 

Mina felt her body getting limp and she felt the room spinning around her.  She sought Alice's shoulder and cried her heart out. She couldn't believe Alex would abandon her.  She had lost her only source of strength.  There is no reason for her to go on now.

 She wept long and hard clutching Alice's arms.