The Other Side of Dominance (BxB) ✔

Chapter 39 [Leave]

I was looking down on my feet when the tears trickled down my face. Convincing myself that I was numb didn't help at all because all the negative emotions seemed to dawn on me one by one. I knew it. I knew something was wrong with me and it was so stupid of me to turn a blind eye, to pretend that it was nothing serious.

"So what are we gonna do?" Kuya Atom initiated the conversation because no one seems to be participating.

Everyone were tongue-tied after Kuya Joko broke the news to the whole family. It was our agreement, though. That once we know what we're dealing with, if it's more than serious, we're gonna tell them what is happening.

"I know some doctors. We can create a team so we can customize the best treatment plan." suggestion ni Kuya Evan na kanina pa ako malungkot na pinagmamasdan.

"Mom." Kuya Atom called out to earn her attention.

I looked at Mom who buried her face on her palms. I noticed the dried up tears on her cheeks when she raised her head. Kanina pa siyang tahimik kaya hindi namin malaman kung anong tumatakbo sa isipan niya.

Kuya Evan and Kuya Atom both sat at the three-seater sofa with enough distance from each other, Mom and I both occupied the single sofas across each other while Kuya Joko remained leaning on the wall with squared arms, tahimik na nagmamasid at nakikinig sa pinag-uusapan. He had a poker face since we left the hospital, I wasn't sure if he's trying to hide his emotions but it was probably more convincing to think like that. I mean boys and how they always choose to be unexpressive, there's nothing new.

Pinagdikit ni Mommy ang kanyang dalawang palad, animo'y nagdadasal habang nakatabon ang mukha niya roon.

"I'm calling Astrid. She knows what to do." biglaang tumayo si Mom matapos ang matagal na katahimikan at nanginginig ang kamay na binuksan ang kanyang cellphone.

"We can settle with the local doctors, Mom. There's no need for you to cal—" pinutol ni Mommy ang sinasabi ni Kuya Evan.

"I'm gonna call her! She has more knowledge and experience in this area. I want the best treatment plan for my son." litanya ni Mommy, huling dumapo sa akin ang kanyang tingin bago tumalikod at binalikan ang kanyang telepono. She vanished from our sight right after a few seconds.

Tita Astrid is a double board certified oncologist, she's an older sister of my late father. But she works in Canada so we all had the same reaction when Mommy told us that she's gonna contact her. What is she going to do?

"I think Mom has a different action plan." marahan ang pag-iling ni Kuya Atom habang hinihilot ang magkabilang gilid ng kanyang ulo.

"I think Mom wants what is best for Harper." pagsabat ni Kuya Joko dahilan kung bakit nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya si Kuya Atom.

"Even if she brings him outside the country?" tinuro pa ako ni Kuya Atom. "With his condition, I don't think that's the best option here."

I don't know what they were talking about. But they probably got the idea since Mom is calling Tita Astrid so they think she's gonna bring me abroad. That's ridiculous. No one is leaving.

"We all want what's best for him. Period." Kuya Evan languidly snapped at the two of them, acting superior.

"So how did this happen again?" panimula ni Kuya Atom sa mas kalmadong boses. But I still could sense some resentment from him.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Kuya Joko. Until now, he's keeping a straight face while on the other hand, I don't know what face I was making. Natuyo na ang mga luha sa aking mukha, tulala at tanging pakikinig lamang ang aking kayang gawin.

"Harper has been experiencing the symptoms. Yesterday, he had a seizure. So I accompanied him to the hospital today and get himself checked." Kuya Joko had told them already about this but he repeated just to satisfy Kuya Atom's queries.