Love Until It Hurts (Monteverde Series 4)

38

            "Matapang 'yan si Zade, Sam," Shain muttered before setting a basket of assorted fruits above the table. "Naaalala ko noong college, halos hindi mo mapaalis si Zade sa tabi mo. Kaya alam namin na magigising na 'yan agad, kasi gusto ka na n'ya uling makasama, bruha," June said before she sat next to Lyric on the couch. I heard someone snort from behind me and discovered that it was September.

            "I'm going out," Ashford suddenly announced and slid out the room. A minute later, Shain frowned at her phone and said, "I have to take this call." And went out, too.

            Nagtagal sila doon ng isang oras bago bumalik sa mga trabaho nila. September promised to go back the next day and I nodded. When they left, tsaka ko lang pinapunta si Jen. She hugged me tightly upon seeing me.

            "I know things are tough, Sam. Kaya mo 'yan."

            "Thank you, Jen. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng gagawin ko kung wala ka rito."

            "Alam mo namang solid tayo, e."

            Mamaya pa ang punta nina Daze at Ian. Kaninang umaga ay si Ate Alexiana at Kuya Vane ang kasama kong magbantay. Kahapon naman ang nandito ay si Kuya Alexander at Si Ate Blythe. Sila Tita at Tito ay babalik mamayang gabi.

            The first day, we were all cramped in here. Tita was crying so bad and Daze was, too. Pero sinabi naman ng doktor na kailangan lang bumawi ni Zade ng lakas at hindi naman kritikal ang kondisyon niya. We were all thankful. Tito Aaron promised to put the people who are responsible behind bars.

            I used the daily savings that I kept under my bed in Ilocos to pay for the hospital expenses. It was about time I gave Zade back the money he spent for me during college.

            I sat on a chair in front of his bed and caressed his hand. The steady beating of his heart calms me down. "I love you, Zade." I mumbled against his skin.

            "Sam, masyado na kayong nasaktang dalawa. Ang dami ng dumadating na pagsubok sa inyo," Jen said softly. There was something in her tone that told me I wouldn't like the next thing she'll say. And I turned out to be correct.

            "Don't you think those are signs that both of you should just let go?"

            Kinagat ko ang labi ko at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kamay ni Zade. Idinantay ko ito sa pisngi ko habang nakatingin sa payapa niyang mukha.

            "No..." I said in a sad yet determined voice. "Signs can mean anything. It just depends on how you view them. And those obstacles aren't signs that we should give up on each other. Those are signs that say we are both strong. We both deserve love. Because we survived numerous trials."

            "Sam—"

            I shook my head once more. "Jen, please know that nothing you say can make me change my mind. I am never leaving Zade. Not ever, okay?"

            "Alright. Kung 'yan ang gusto mo, susuportahan na lang kita. Magkaibigan tayo, e."

            "Some love is worth a million tears." I stood up and bent over to kiss Zade's forehead.