CAELUM
Chapter 19: I Believe in You
By: inSHANity
[Zeke's POV]
"You better take care of her properly, Xander." Muling paalala ni Mommy.
"Yes mom. I know."
"Good. Well then, I'm hanging up now. Take care, son."
"You too mom." I said and ended the call.
Tumawag mom ko kasi nalaman niya ang nangyari kay Tear. It's a bit of a bother kasi napatakbo pako mula sa shower nang nakatwalya lang para sagutin ang tawag niya. But I'm glad though. At least my parents care.
Pumasok nako uli sa banyo at tinapos ang pagligo. Nagsasabon pa kasi ako nang tumawag si mom >_<. Pagkatapos, kumain muna ako at saka nagdrive papunta sa Medina International Hospital kung saan naka confine si Tear. Hayy... I hope she's awake.
Pagdating ko, nagpark nako at dumeretso na sa kwarto ni Tear. Nasa labas nako nang madatnan ko ang isang lalaking nakasuot ng black shirt, black pants, black DC shoes, black leather biker jacket, at silver chain necklace. Hindi rin sya obsessed sa black no? Kasali siguro to sa kulto O_o
Napatingin siya sakin nang makatapat nako sa pintuan ng kwarto ni Tear. Angas...
Bubuksan ko na sana ang pintuan ng bigla siyang magsalita.
"Are you the one called Xander Zeke Heraldine?" sabi niya nang nakapamulsa. His eyes showing no emotion and no interest at all.
"Yeah. What's it to you?" I replied. Staring back at him. He smirked.
"You're an interesting one." He said. Nararamdaman ko na ang pagtubo ng mga sungay ko. Tch. I hate to admit it, but why is this guy cooler than me?! *-_- Damn it.
"So?" I said and he smirked again then let out a small sigh.
"If you're looking for my sister, then she's not there." He said, finally showing emotion.
"What? What are you blabbering on about?" I confusedly said. What sister is he talking about? Is he on drugs or something? O_o
"Masami's been transferred to the ICU. She's in critical condition right now."
"What?!" at first, hindi ko pinaniwalaan ang sinabi niya kaya dali-dali akong pumasok sa kwarto ni Tear. My heart dropped when I saw no one lying there, so I ran outside.
"Where's the ICU?!" natataranta kong tinanong yung lalaki kanina.
"4th Floor. South Wing." Agad akong tumakbo nang mabilis pero bahagya akong napatigil nang muling magsalita yung lalaki.
"By the way, I'm Kenzo Denver Jung. Masami's older brother." I nodded then ran to the ICU.
"Jace!" sigaw ko nang madatnan ko siya sa labas ng ICU.
"Xander. Buti't nandito ka. Tatawagan na sana kita." sabi niya na mukhang natataranta.
"Never mind that. More importantly, nasan si Tear?!" natataranta ko ring tanong.
"Inside. Hindi pa daw tayo pwedeng pumasok." Malungkot niyang sabi. Napaupo ako sa isa sa mga bench sa labas ng ICU.
"Wha- What happened?" I hesitantly asked. He sighed before answering my question.
"Her heart rate dropped abnormally. Nasa critical condition siya ngayon, Xander." my world crashed upon hearing that. Critical Condition? But why?
"Why? Napagod lang naman siya dahil sa paglalaro ng volleyball diba? Why did it come to this point?" hindi makapaniwala kong sabi.
"I don't know. Let's just wait for the doctor." He tapped my shoulder and sat on the bench in front of me.
Ilang oras kaming nag-aantay sa labas ICU. Halos makatulog nako. But whenever it the current situation hits me, nagigising ang diwa ko at napapatulala.
After a while, lumabas na ang doktor kaya agad kaming napatayo ni Jace.
"How is she?" I asked, trying to keep myself calm. Mukhang nag-aalinlangan pa ang doktor bago muling magsalita. No... please tell me it's not what I think it is.
"I'm sorry. We already did everything we can. But her condition is still unstable. Right now, machines are the only things keeping her alive. And there's only 45 percent chance of survival." tila ayaw magsink-in sa utak ko ang lahat ng sinabi ng doctor. 45?! So you're telling me... she's gonna die?!!
"F*ck it! Don't make funny jokes!" sigaw ko sa doctor at kinwelyuhan ito. Sinusubukan akong pigilan ni Jace pero nagpupumiglas ako.
"Xander, please calm down."
"Calm down?! Calm down?! D*mn it! YOU THINK I CAN CALM MYSELF DOWN IN THIS F*CKING SITUATION?!" marahas akong kumalas mula sa pagkakagapos ni Jace at sinuntok ang pader.
"This is all my fault. If only I was able to stop her from playing. If only I was able to take care of her more properly, it wouldn't have come to this."
"Don't say that, Xander. This is no one's fault. Doc, bakit masyadong grabe ang sinapit ng pinsan ko? Naglaro lang naman po siya ng volleyball diba?" I can sense that Jace was trying to keep his cool even if he is already panicking deep inside.
"It's not just that, Mr. Jung. Her current condition was also caused by extreme stress and built up emotions. But what really had a big effect was because she was drinking a mixture of energy drinks these past few days and she had an over dosage of stress pills. I'm sorry, but I suggest you inform your friends and family about this matter before it's too late. You may go inside." The doctor explained before leaving. I couldn't help but curse. Why did you keep everything by yourself, Tear? Andito naman ako diba?
"I'll just go and tell Enzo." Jace said before walking away aimlessly. Nagdadalawang-isip pakong pumasok sa ICU, pero in the end, pumasok parin ako.
Halos mapaluhod ako sa nakita kong kalagayan ni Tear. Why is her life so cruel? Why are these things happening to her?
I sat on the chair beside her bed an held her hand. I remained silent and just let out a big sigh. It actually sounds funny that even if this is happening, I don't feel like crying at all. Maybe it's because all this sounded so surreal kaya pati emotions ko namanhid.
"Oy, gising na. Tama nang arte mo jan." I said and poked her face. I bitterly laughed at my gesture. T*ngna Xander, you've gone nuts.
*knock* *knock* *knock*
I guiqckly composed myself as I heard the door opening. I turned to look who it was, and saw Tear's brother. He sat down on the couch on the other side of the room and didn't say anything. He just rested his head and looked up the ceiling. Weird.
A few awkward minutes have passed until I decided to leave the ICU. This guy might just want some time alone with his sister.
I was about to stand up when he suddenly spoke.
"Be prepared, Xander. About what's about to come." I looked at him and saw him staring at me seriously. You know, I've got this weird feeling since I met this guy. I don't know but I feel like he knows something. Something none of us are aware of.
"What do you mean?" I curiously asked.
"Just wait and see." He said and closed his eyes before letting out a big sigh. I just don't get this dude.
I was about to ask him again what he meant by that when I was interrupted by a text message.
——————————————————-
From: Stella Klye Cruz
How's Mi? Nagising na ba siya?
————————END————————
*sigh* I put my phone on my pocket and headed out. Di ko na rereplyan si Stella. Sa school ka nalang ipapaliwanag. Besides, I have to explain what happened to the Principal at para na rin ma-excused muna si Tear sa classes namin.
I rode on my car and headed to school. And as soon as I arrived, everyone was surprised to see me. Some people were whispering about what happened to Tear.
I just ignored them and went straight to the Principal's Office and then I to our classroom after.
"Xander!" pambubungad sakin ni Stella pagkapasok ko ng room. Everyone stared at me like I was some sort of ghost. Tsk.
"Ano na? Kamusta na si Mi? Ba't hindi ko kayo macontact pareho ni Aiden?!" sunod-sunod niyang tanong. I didn't answer and instead, I went straight to my desk to get some things I left on the drawer.
"XANDER!" sigaw ni Stella na halos ikabingi ko.
"Do you really wanna know?!" I stared at her emotionlessly. I can tell she was taken aback by my behavior but answered me nonetheless.
"Y-Yes." She stuttered. I sighed and looked away before talking.
"She's in critical condition. The Doctor said there's only a 45 percent chance of survival." I said, looking away. Everyone gasped in response. Some were already teary eyed. I guess, she just meant a lot to this school.
"Y-You're kidding right?" hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Stella habang napapaatras. I looked at her seriously, and straight in the eyes.
"Do I have the d*mn nerve to joke about this matter?" after I said that, she suddenly fell to the ground.
"No. It can't be. This isn't true." Sabi niya habang pailing-iling. Everyone just stared at her.
"Mi's... going to... die?" wala sa sarili niyang sabi. I know she's not in the right mind when she said that but, I just lost my nerves upon hearing those words that it made me grab her by the collar.
"I dare you to say that again. TEAR'S NOT DEAD SO DON'T THINK LIKE SHE IS!" I shouted and let go of her harshly that made her fall back to the ground. That made the classroom awkwardly silent.
"XANDER!" shouted Justin with a warning tone as he helps Stella. I didn't even notice him approaching. Guess I'm that spaced out.
"You people are actors. You act like Tear's your friend but you turn your backs on her when she's in danger. D*mn I can't believe you *******" I said before storming out of the room. I can even hear Justin calling out my name but I couldn't care less and went on my way out of the school.
I drove & drove without any destination in mind. I just wanted to get away from all this. And Ironically, I found myself outside Tear's condo unit.
I hesitated at first but I went in eventually. Besides, I know the code anyway.
When I got iin, I directly slumped on the couch in her living room. I thought about things and unknowingly, I fell asleep.
Xander, since you're a grown up now, we have decided to arrange an engagement for you.
My sister's name is Tear Masami. Unique right?
"Tear Masami Jung. Nice to meet you, I GUESS. Zeke."
You know, someone who broke your heart doesn't deserve your tears... And more than that, he didn't deserve you in the first place.
CORRECTION. Your EX-girlfriend... I'm her FIANCE. Name's Xander Zeke Heo Heraldine. and she's MINE... and MINE only... COUSIN
I'll be your light.
Ehhh kasi... Mamaya nga pala... Maglalaro ako ng v-volleyball para sa school.
Help..
*KRINNNGGGG*
I woke up and sat bolt upright. Did I just have a nightmare?
I was in a doze for a few seconds but realized that my phone was ringing so I answered it while wiping off the sweat off my face.
"Hello?" I answered. I forgot to look at the caller ID so I checked and it was Jace who was calling.
"Xander, you gotta come her, now." His voice sounded urgent.
"Why? Did something happen to Tear?" I asked while locking the door to the unit and heading towards the elevator.
"No... just... hurry. It's important." He hung up before I could respond.
That call made me anxious so I went to the hospital as fast as I could. What time is it, anyway?
7 AM?! O_O I was asleep for 19 d*mn hours?! How exhausted was I exactly?!
As I arrived, I noticed that there were 2 men standing outside the ICU. One was middle aged while the other looked old. Both of them had stern looks like I-am-high-class-so-back-off printed on their faces.
As I got closer, I recognized the middle aged man as Tear's father and the richest man alive. Thor Vincent Jung. Though I haven't seen the older man before.
"Hello Xander. We meet again." Tear's dad said as he offered me a handshake. That's weird. He made it sound like seeing her daughter and his fiancé was an unusual thing.
"Nice to see you again Sir—-err—- Abeonim." I awkwardly said when I remembered he wanted me to call him 'Abeonim'.
He smiled and then referred to the older man.
"By the way, Xander. This is my father, and Masami's grandfather, Jung Se Hyun." My eyes grew wide upon realizing that the old man standing before me was the head of the Jung clan. I immediately bowed in respect.
"It's an honor to meet you, Sir."
"Same here, Xander. Anyway, let's cut to the chase." I stood up straight and wore a confused look on my face.
"The Jung Clan has made a decision, Xander." Tear's dad said, which confused me even more.
"Decision?" I asked stupidly.
"Yes. And we have decided...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
To break off your engagement with Masami."
As he said that, I dozed off for a few seconds as if I didn't hear those words at all... What?! But Why?!
I kneeled down in front of them and started pleading.
"Sir please, if you don't find me worthy to be her fiancé, I assure you, I'll do even better if you would just please give me a second chance. I'm sorry! But please..." I pleaded, completely throwing off my pride. It seems they were shocked with my behavior.
"I wasn't wrong in choosing you to be my granddaughter's fiancé." Tear's grandfather said that made me even more confused.
"Eh? Then—-" I said but was cut off.
"But you know Zeke. You're not the problem here. Nor Masami."
"What? I'm sorry but I don't understand."
"The situation is the problem here, Xander. We have decided to break the engagement for your future. We don't want to tie you up in Masami's current condition. Look, you have placed your studies in jeopardy because you haven't gone to class since this happened. Masami's condition is giving you a great burden since you're her fiancé. Besides, we're not even entirely sure if she would ever wake up." Tea's grandfather explained. This sounds ridiculous. I mean, what the hell?! Just because of that stupid reason, they broke off the engagement?! F*ck.
I wanted to argue but it seems they already knew what I am going to do so he cut me off before I could even speak.
"Anyway, we'll give you a choice so it won't be unfair to you. 1 month. We'll be back by then to hear your final decision. It all lies on you, Xander." Tear's dad said and they bid their farewell before leaving.
I was frozen in my place. Why are they like that? Do they REALLY care about Masami at all?!
I went inside the ICU and saw Enzo there.
"How'd it go?" he asked as I took a seat beside him on the sofa.
"Hell." I replied and massaged my head.
"Thought so." He said and then went silent mode AGAIN. I frustratedly messed up my hair and took a big breath.
"Are they always like that?! I mean, no offense to your father and grandfather but... I hate it how people act like Tear's going to die soon. Don't they have faith in her? Do they REALLY care for her? D*mn." I said straightforwardly. I found it creepy how he smirked at me AGAIN and what he said next made me even more confused than I could get this day.
"I guess we're not that different after all... Brother-in-law."
[To be continued...]