The Person Behind The White Robe (Completed)

Chapter 34

#TPBTWRTheTruth

Nagmamadali akong pumunta sa bahay ng Villaflores. Sa bahay kung saan ko unang nakita si Hyle after 5 years.

Ilang beses akong nag-door bell pero wala talagang sumasagot.

I sighed.

Nang pauwi na sana ako ay nakatagpo ko si Mrs. Villaflores. Nagulat siya nang mapagtanto niyang Bierneza ang kaharap niya.

Una nun nakangiti siya as if she just saw a friend. Siguro akala niya ako si Ate.

"Tita..."

"Arianne."

I blinked twice. She sounded too tired.

I would just want to confirm if dito sa house na to nagho-home school si Hyle and I want to know the reason why naghohomeschool siya. And the other part is that... why didnt i have the knowledge about this. Since 2nd year lang kasi nagsimula. And I think I should know the reason kasi all these years, I thought nasa school siya nag-study.

Pinapatuloy ako ni Tita sa loob ng bahay nila.

Nang makapasok ako, nawala na yung nakita kong libro, figures at mga charts before.

"Its a bit messy up here, Arianne. Marami lang kasing mga lakad." Sabi ni Tita.

Pinapaupo niya ako sa sofa. She is sitting beside me.

"You're grown up. I didnt get to talk to you sa binyag ng anak ni Angela. But I am beyond happy that you visited here. I have been waiting for you."

My smile faded.

"You... waited?"

She smiled. Small little smile.

Its like a hint that there is something going on and I know nothing.

What is really going on?

Where is everyone?

She took my hand.

"Its been years, Arianne."

"Ah oo nga po tita. I am sorry I didnt get to visit here for some time." Sabi ko.

"I understand. An intelligent doctor is intelligent for a reason. Hard-work." Sabi niya. She sighed.

Natahimik kami.

"Tita..."

"Hmm?"

I look at her.

"Is it true that Hyle is under home-school since second year in college?" I asked.

She paused.

"I lookee for him everywhere but I am not quiet sure for I havent asked any staffs from the faculties just yet." I said.

"Dear..."

"Is there something wrong po ba tita?" Sabi ko. Nagmamalasakit na malaman ang katotohanan.

Paanong home-school? How is that even possible?

"Arianne... Hyle is sick."

I froze.

I feel alarmed.

"Po?" Sabi ko.

What sickness? How worse? What?

"Hyle has leukemia. Just like what his Kuya Dranreb has."

And just like that, I found her broke in tears.

And I dont know what to say.

There were no tears coming out from me. I feel so numb.

I feel like all of me has been taken out and been shoved down to the ground and buried me deep. Making it so hard for me to get up again.

"Dranreb has leukemia before but he survived. But we lost him when his heart failed. We could make it happen for Hyle. We could somehow treat him just like how we treated Dran..."

"Youve keep it for 5 long years." I said.

"It was Hyle's request. We wanted to tell you. Bernard and I would want to tell you but—."

This is the part where I felt my chest getting heavier and my heart feels like being cut apart. I heard a crack.

Hyle hid this from me for 5 years!

I didnt know.

I covered my mouth.

"How is this possible—"

"We want Hyle to admit it to you but he wouldnt want to. We always convince him to be honest, Arianne but he says he wont take his meds and procedures when we will tell you or anybody that he is sick."

Namumuo na yung luha sa mga mata ko.

"My husband took him to our other hospital abroad kasi natakot siya when Hyle finally went out and off to finally see you. After that kasi nanghina siya. He was madly pale. That is why my husband just took him outside the country to treat him better. Doon din kasi nagpapa-treatment si Dran noo. And for awhile it was effective. Dran survive... he was getting better." Sabi ni Tita. She paused for she is so drown with tears right now. "Dran's cancer came back after a long years being surivor. My husband has been trying to find any answers to literally cure Hyle at all cost. We wouldnt want to lose our son.... again."

Nanghina ako sa narinig ko ngayon.

He squeezed my hand.

"He is still under home-school kasi gusto niyang makatapos. He wanted to make sure na magiging doctor siya. He wanted the title. Kasi yun daw ang promise niya sa sarili niya and sa kuya Dran niya."

I feel so lost.

Lord, why?

"Arianne, I am so sorry."

"I-..." hindi na ako nakapagsalita. Niyakap ako ni Tita. She patted my back. She is so strong and brave. Knowing na takot siya, nakaya niyang icomfort ako.

"I am so happy to tell you everything. Hyle just wont let us."

"Tita...

"Bakit anak?"

"We will graduate together. And Hyle will survive." I said. I prayed.

She pulled me in closer for our hug. She burst in tears and so do I.

Hyle....

Thinking about his name...

I cant afford to lose him.

No.