Chapter 49
The moment I heard the news, I started booking a ticket online. My hands were trembling and I could not think of anything else because of my worry.
"Sasama ako." Meana said faintly.
Nagulat ako, lalo't halatang halata ang pag-aalala sa kaniyang mukha. I just nodded and booked a one-way ticket for two. I was so thankful because the latest trip available is tomorrow afternoon. We can leave immediately.
I asked my mother for the details. Aniya'y hindi niya alam ang tunay na nangyari. Sa ospital kung saan nagtatrabaho sina Mama at Tita Val isinugod si Chester kaya do'n lang din nila nalaman.
I started ringing some of Chester's friends that I know to ask for details. Meana is already in her room, packing up her things. We're both feeling agitated after hearing the news. Chester is in a critical condition! Mama said he was rushed to the hospital yesterday and until now he's still not awake.
"Hey, Aurora..." Neal's British accent greeted me.
"Oh God, Neal! Thank you for answering! What happened to Chester?" Mabilis kong tanong.
"It was an accident, Aurora. We were with him. We attended a party and he dropped us off but we were startled when Harry called us telling that Chester's car was hit by a truck."
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata sa balita niya. What?! Oh my gosh! Mas lalong tumindi ang pag-aalala ko. I can feel myself tearing up.
"Oh my... did you... visit him already?" I stuttered.
"I'm on my way to visit him. I heard you're out of the country. Where are you?" He asked.
"I'm... in the Philippines but I already have a flight tomorrow. Can you please update me about his condition? I will really appreciate it."
"Sure. Don't worry." He assured.
I was occupied for the whole day. I sobbed when I heard Tita Val crying on the other line. Ramdam ko ang takot at pagod sa boses niya habang ibinabalita sa akin ang kalagayan ni Chester. Chester's sister, Chelsea called me too, asking if I'm going home. I guaranteed her that I will.
I was so busy with answering different calls and fixing my things. Hindi ko alam kung anong dadalhin kaya napagpasyahan ko na lang na dalhin lahat. Sabay kaming nag-dinner ni Meana. She was so silent and her eyes were puffy but I didn't dare ask her about it because I feel like she doesn't want to be interrogated. At least, that's how I see it.
Pagka-akyat ko ng kwarto ay kaagad akong nag-shower. Pagod na pagod ako kaya naman sa kama kaagad ang bagsak ko. My heart is heavy from worrying too much. I was scrolling through my phone when I remember Olzen. Oh God, I almost forgot!
Hindi ako nagdalawang isip na tawagan siya. Tatlong ring pa lang nang sagutin niya agad ito. Suminghap ako at nanginig ang labi dahil hindi ko alam kung anong una kong sasabihin. I felt guilt-ridden because I almost forgot him again! Halo halo na ang pagod at nararamdaman ko.
"Hey..." aniya sa marahan na boses.
Kinagat ko ang labi nang tumambol ng husto ng puso ko. I miss him so bad! We didn't talk for the past days and his voice was enough to push me to the edge.
"Olzen..." my voice trembled.
He grew silent for a second. May narinig akong ingay sa background niya bago siya muling nagsalita.
"What's wrong?" He asked in his serious tone.
Dumiin ang kagat ko sa aking labi. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sa boses niya pa lang ay naiiyak na ako. When did I become so emotional like this? I don't know but his voice always gets me. It's like a lullaby especially when I'm not feeling okay. Back in the days, he always whispers sweet things to me so I can calm down. I guess it never changed.
