(Yours Series # 5) Always Yours (COMPLETED)

Chapter 24

"I'm sorry," he said.

I gave him a small and tired smile. "I hope she'll pull through..." sabi ko as I looked at Rhea na naka-clasp iyong kamay like she's praying. "She's all she has..."

"Sinong doctor?"

"Si Tan ata," I replied.

"She's in good hands."

"She is," I said. "But still, asking for a little miracle wouldn't hurt."

Bumalik ako roon para puntahan si Rhea. Umalis si Chester kasi tinanong niya ako if kumain na ba kami, but I said na hindi pa kasi ang daming nangyari kanina. He said na bibili lang siya ng food.

"Mukhang mabait," Rhea said.

"Very," I replied.

"Swerte siya sa 'yo."

"Thank you," I said. "Lagi kong naririnig na swerte ako sa kanya."

Rhea smiled. At least she's talking about something else. Alam ko na nakaka-stress isipin kung ano iyong nangyayari sa anak niya. If she wanted na ikwento ko sa kanya kung paano ko nakuha si Chester, I gladly would para lang distracted siya.

"Lagi kang kinukwento sa akin ni Eya. Salamat, Doc Gracey... Hindi mo alam kung gaano ako nagpapasalamat na may kasama iyong anak ko kapag wala ako..." she said.

I didn't want to cry—especially not in front of her because I needed to be strong. I bit my lip and drew a deep breath because I really needed not to cry.

"Well, she's a good kid," sabi ko. "And for some reason, she knows all the chismis going around!"

Nagkwentuhan lang kami ni Rhea. I was happy to distract her. Tapos dumating si Chester. Rhea thanked him for the food. I fell in love deeper—if that was even possible, but hey, with Chester, nothing's impossible.

"Do you think maba-ban tayo?" I whispered because Rhea fell asleep na. Pagod na siguro talaga.

"Saan?" Chester whispered back.

"Sa municipal hall," I said. "Since no-show tayo."

"Nagsabi ako sa kanila na 'di tayo makaka-punta."

"Oh. Nagalit sila?"

"Hindi naman."

"Okay. Good. I thought baka ma-ban tayo or something."

Chester stretched his arm and placed it on top of my shoulders. He pulled me close and I willingly laid my head against his shoulders.

"Are you secretly an angel or something?"

"No."

"But why are you so kind?"

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I really am not," I said. "I just... I just know that I can't do anything to magically cure the kids... so being there is the next best thing, you know?"

I felt Chester staring at me kaya naman tumingin ako sa kanya. He was staring at me intently—this was probably the most intense stare he's ever given me.

"I'm so proud," he said like he really, really meant it.

"You're making me blush," sabi ko kasi naiilang na ako with the intensity of his stare.

"I'm serious," sabi niya. "I'm so proud of the person that you are, Graciella. And I'm so grateful to be given the opportunity to witness the person that you will be."

I bit my lower lip. "Tama na. Wala ka ng sasabihin sa wedding vows natin."

"Nasulat ko na," he said.