Loving a Believer

Chapter 6: For the Old Time's Sake

F A R A

I slowly opened my eyes. At first, my vision was blurred until it became clearer. The first thing I saw was the white ceiling then the smell of the hospital hit me. A groan escaped from my lips when I felt an uncomfortable feeling in my throat and stomach. Then I remembered why - I drank the bleach in the bathroom.

My eyes moistened as I frowned in frustration. I was sure it was my brother who brought me here to the hospital. He should have just let me die!

"Fara..." I heard a familiar voice on my side. Binaling ko ang tingin sa kaliwa ko nang mapansin kong may kasama ako sa k'warto. My gaze landed on a familiar man... No... I knew him. I couldn't believe he was here with me, seeing him face-to-face.

"Finally, you're awake. How are you feeling?" he asked and even felt my forehead. Napapikit ako saglit nang maramdaman ko ang init ng palad niya sa noo ko.

I looked away. "Where's Tyler?" I asked in a hoarse voice. Medyo nalalasahan ko pa ang bleach sa bibig ko.

"He's not around."

My brows furrowed and I looked at him. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here to take care of you," he said.

His answer made my lips part in shock as I stared at him, trying to determine if he was joking. But his face was serious.

Bakit si Storm pa? I thought.

"I am no longer your obligation," I said in a cold tone.

I saw his facial expression change. Was he annoyed? Irritated? Not sure but he sure looked pissed.

"I'm doing this for the old time's sake," aniya habang nakikipagtagisan ng tingin sa akin.

For the old time's sake . . .

I felt a familiar ache in my chest. The pain from our past came back. I couldn't respond to him. I tried to move but I just groaned again when I felt the pain in my stomach. Storm was alarmed when he saw my reaction.

He called the doctor right away.

***

"G-give me water, please," pakiusap ko kay Storm. My throat was dry and I was starving. Parang mamamatay ako.

Napatigil siya sa pagaayos ng mga gamit ko saka lumapit sa akin. He dipped his index finger into the glass of water placed on a table beside the bed then he wiped his wet fingers on my lips to lessen their dryness.

"Be patient. You will be able to eat and drink tomorrow," he said.

Nanubig lang ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. Napapikit ako nang mariin at hinawi ang kamay niya. Naghalukipkip ako at nilubog ang mukha ko sa unan ko.

Kung alam ko lang na ganito ang kahahantungan ko, sana dinamihan ko na ang inom ko para natuluyan na ako.

***

The next day, we went home to my grandma's house. Storm and I were not talking to each other even if we were together all day. I noticed some changes in him. He seemed different. There was definitely something wrong with him that I couldn't point out.