The Eye of the Varsity

CHAPTER 21

When Asher had been moved into his private room, we immediately went to see him.

Kumuha ako ng upuan at umupo sa kaniyang tabi. Tinititigan ko lang siya.

I sighed, heavily, "Get well soon, Asher. I'm sorry for what happened."

Tinapik ni Kuya Caius ang balikat ko, "Claire, kukunin ko 'yung gamit niyo sa villa. Babalik ako kaagad."

I nodded as my response to him while still looking at Asher then he left the room.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, laying my head on the bed while holding his hand.

I can't believe what happened after we celebrated. Something that may fuse happiness and sorrow, together.

Bakit sa lahat ng ating kasiyahan, may kapalit agad na dudurog sa ating lahat?

Napalingon naman ako kung sino ang nagbukas ng pinto.

"Claire, narito na ang mga gamit niyo. I also checked out the both of you at the villa," he said while carrying our things.

I smiled, "Thank you, Kuya. I will stay here first."

"Pagsubok lang 'to sa inyong dalawa. Sinusubok lang kayo para mas tumatag pa ang inyong pagsasama. Love can conquer everything..." he paused, looking at me. "Even death."

I nodded, "I will, Kuya."

"I need to go. Call me if you need some help," he bid his goodbye and then left after that.

I immediately turned my attention to Asher. I was stroking his hair and got shocked when his fingers suddenly moved.

My forehead furrowed, "Asher?"

Unti-unti niyang binuksan ang kaniyang mga mata at diretsong napatingin sa akin.

Pinipilit niyang igalaw ang kaniyang kamay para maabot ang aking mukha. Mas lumapit na lang ako sa kaniya para hindi na siya mahirapan.

He held my face, gently caressing it with his fingers, "I love you."

"I love you too," I stared at him, intently, "Kumusta ang pakiramdam mo?"

Kahit nahihirapan siyang magsalita, pinipilit niya para makausap ako.

I can't see him in pain. Mas doble iyong sakit sa akin.

"I'm okay, don't worry. Ikaw, hindi ka ba nasaktan?" he asked, worriedly.

Even in that situation, inaalala niya pa rin ang kalagayan ko.

That made me have in tears.

"I'm fine, Asher," I assured him. "You got shot...I'm sorry for that."

He smiled, weakly, "I told you, I would even die and embrace a bullet for you."

Realizing what he said brought me fear. It scared me to face what we will have in the future.

"No, I can't stand seeing you fight alone," I whispered, streaming down the tears in my face.

As his eyes saw my tears, he gently wiped them using his thumb.

He held my chin, "I won't leave you and will protect you as long as I can."

I kissed his forehead, "I love you."