Miracles + Chances

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

I woke up with a heavy feeling on my head. I smiled. It was all a dream. I'm glad it wasn't real.

"Jane, dear. How are you feeling?" I felt even happier when I heard my father as he was fixing the medicine cabinet.

"Better." Was all I could say.
"That's good then. You got me so worried. You better get up. I'll be driving you to the bus terminal in no time."
"Wait, what? You're gonna drive me to the bus terminal? Dad? What's going on?"
"Didn't you tell me your enrolment is tomorrow? You better travel for today so you'd get a rest for the night and be ready in the morning."
"What? Enrolment? Am I even allowed to go to school?"
"Why, of course dear. How can you not go?"
"Isn't it obvious dad? I'm sick. We're in the hospital right now."
"Oh, young lady. Enough with this. You're overreacting."
"What?"
"It's just a fever. The doctor said you can already go."

Fever? What?

Everything seemed to be weirder and weirder as the hours passed. Dad waited as I packed my things for my trip and it felt like I didn't even mess up a single nerve in my body. I felt normal; good as new. I feel alive. I have arrived in Baguio at two in the afternoon. I carried by big backpack with me all the way and rode a cab home. I smiled at myself. It wasn't a dream... it was a miracle.

I went to bed late that night, and wondered why William didn't even send me a message. I checked my phone and wondered at my contacts. But I never saw his name on. I didn't see any messages from him on my inbox. I dialled his phone then and it rang.

"Hello?"
"I think you've forgotten about me."
"What? Who's this?"

I was shocked.

"It's Jane. William? Are you playing tricks on me again? Quit it. It's not funny. After all, you owe me-"
"Jane? Jane Stewart? Oh, of course I remember you. Where did you have my number? Oh, I'm glad you called. It's been three years since we talked..."

What!? Three years?

"What are you talking about? William, are you breaking up with me?"
"Hey, uh, Jane... that's not what I mean... Jane..."

"I hate you."

Then I finally hang up. He's a jerk. I hate him now.

My phone suddenly rang after a minute... and it was Will. He called me back.

"Hey, Jane. I'm sorry. You must have mistaken. I'm not breaking up with you..."

Oh, I'm glad he finally came into his senses...

"Because why would I even break up with you? We're not even dating."

"What?!"
"Hey, I feel worried now. I'm sorry. I feel terrible..."
"Why are you like that? Just because I survived from cancer doesn't mean you and I are already done!"
"Wait. You've had cancer? Hey. Are you alright?"
"Oh, come on! You just came in the other day!!!"
"Excuse me? I didn't. And why would I even? I'm busy for my board exam reviews and how come will I risk skipping attendance for a girl who rejected me three years ago?"

And then it hit me.

"I rejected you? Three years ago?"
"Yes. You did."
"No! I-I―"
"Enough, Jane. I moved on. It's okay already. Just give me a call whenever you need me, okay? I'm glad we talked again."
"But..."
"I'm going to sleep already. I'm going to be early for tomorrow. Goodnight, Jane."

I swallowed so hard; suddenly felt an ache in my chest.
"Goodnight, Will. Sugar dreams."
"Sugar dreams, Jane. I'm glad you still remember that."