Before The Last Sunset [Before Trilogy #1]

20

"She had a severe asthma attack." 

Dad came to me after a few minutes to explain Chelsea's situation. We were at the waiting area where the nurse let me stay. 

I looked at dad in disbelief. "Asthma? Kailan pa siya nagkaroon ng asthma?"

"It was mild when she was younger, but apparently now it worsened," Dad sighed deeply. "The tests also showed signs of fatigue. Care to explain why that could've happened?"

"She hasn't been sleeping enough because of her nightmares. It has been happening for nights straight. Ever since you left, ever since she called to tell me you and Mom were fighting." 

"Emotional stress must've triggered the attack," he shook his head in disappointment. "We gave her the treatment she needs. I'll call her pedia to check up on her. Does your mom know about this?"

"She didn't come home tonight. I can't even reach her anymore," I bitterly smiled. "I tried to tell the both of you about what was happening, but you were both busy to listen."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Chase," his eyes started to water. Guilt was painted all over his face. 

I looked away so I wouldn't get emotional. "Its fine...nangyari na. Ang importante maayos na lagay ni Chelsea." 

Chelsea was admitted to a room so they could monitor her state overnight. She was fast asleep the whole time. I had to go home to collect some of her stuff since we would be staying at the hospital tonight. Dad didn't leave her side and watched over her while I was gone. Mom on the other hand, was on her way back to La Paraiso. She apparently went out of town without telling me. 

I couldn't help but get mad at the both of them. This could've been prevented if they both settled their issues. It wouldn't reach to this point if they were just there for the both of us. Kailangan pa ba magkasakit si Chelsea para ibaba nila ang pride nila at mag-usap? We both needed them to be parents. But they failed in doing so, resulting to this. I was mad, so mad. But that anger quickly turned into sadness. I understood that they were going through something. Their marriage was slowly failing and there was nothing I could do. I just didn't understand why me and my sister were part of the damage. We didn't deserve this. Is this how it felt to have your family fall apart? It felt like hell. I wanted all of it to be over. 

Dad and I stayed in the room overnight. When morning came, we were both woken up by the sound of Chelsea's voice. 

"Daddy? Kuya?" she called out in a weak voice. Tears fell down her eyes when she saw our father by her side. "Daddy...you're back." 

"Shhh. Don't cry sweetheart," Dad kissed her forehead, trying his hardest not to cry. 

"I-I missed you so much," she sobbed into his chest. "Don't leave me again, Daddy. D-don't leave me. Take me with you, please." 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Chelsea," he mumbled apologies to her while comfortingly caressing her hair. 

Hindi ko natiis makita ang kapatid kong umiiyak. Kinailangan kong lumabas muna at iwanan sila sa loob. It hurt me too much. Araw-araw nalang siya nasasaktan at nahihirapan. She was too young to be handling this much stress. Kailan pa ba makikita ng mga magulang namin 'yun? 

Nakita ko si Mom na nagmamadali tumakbo papalapit sa kwarto ni Chelsea. Her hair was still wet from the shower and bare-faced. She stopped in front of me when our eyes met. 

"Chase," she said, out of breath. "Kamusta kapatid mo? Gising na ba siya?" 

"She is. Dad is inside with her."

Mom blinked twice in surprise. She wearily looked at the door, staring at it as if she was afraid to enter. I didn't want to prolong her agony so I opened the door for her, going in first. She followed behind me.