Hoax (VBoys Series #1)

008

EUNICE

"Ano? Kumusta si Tita?"

I slightly shook my head as I heard Indigo's question. Inabot ko ang baso ng alak na nasa aking harapan and devoured it without hesitation. Mariin akong napapikit habang inaalala ang nangyari kahapon.

"Ma! Ma, wake up!" I still tried shaking her body kahit na alam kong wala siyang malay.

My own hands were shaking after I read the writings on the paper she held, pero hinayaan ko na muna iyon. What's important is my mother gets the medical attention she needed.

"Eunice? Where are you?" I heard Jaiden's voice from downstairs.

I called him and told him where I was, kaya madali siyang nakarating sa kinaroroonan ko. Instead of asking questions, he immediately carried my mother's body and hurriedly went downstairs.

Thank God I called him earlier. If I didn't, no one would've brought us to the hospital in an instant. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko kung sakaling may nangyari pang malala kay Mama.

"Mild stroke ang nangyari sa patient. She fainted because of stress and fatigue. For now, I advice that you let your mother be admitted for further monitoring."

Napatango na lang ako sa sinabi ng doktor. I didn't know what else to do. My mind was completely blank, and I felt my loss of energy. I couldn't even think straight. I felt numb.

"Eunice," I heard someone call my name. Nang lumingon ako sa kanan ay nakita ko si Jaiden na naglalakad papalapit sa'kin. "How's Tita?"

Simpleng tango na lang ang naisukli ko. I didn't have the strength to even say a sentence. "Okay lang."

He eyed me worriedly, but I stayed silent. Nanatili lang akong nakayakap sa sarili as we stood in front of the emergency room. I felt my eyes welling up with tears, but somehow, I prevented them from falling.

"Hey," Jaiden called, reaching for my hand.

As soon as I turned to him, he pulled me into a tight hug. I leaned on his chest, and as I took a deep breath, tuluyan nang tumulo ang mga luha ko. I sobbed quietly as he continuously rubbed my back.

"It's okay, love," he tried soothing me, but I just couldn't stop crying. "Everything's going to be okay."

I closed my eyes as my tears continued flowing.

I just wish.

Nabalik ako sa realidad nang muli akong magmulat. I was here now, back at my own house. The four girls were here with me. Sabi nila'y rito na raw muna sila dahil wala akong kasama. Natawagan ko na rin si Kuya, but he said he can't come home until tomorrow.

"Okay lang," I answered Indigo. 'Yon lang nang 'yon ang isinasagot ko sa tuwing may nagtatanong sa'kin. I didn't know what else to say.

Sky then reached for my hand. "If you want, you can stay at our house, or at Indigo's. Baka kasi... you're not comfortable staying here, eh." she offered.

I understood where she came from. Iniisip niya sigurong baka ma-trigger lang ng bawat sulok nitong bahay namin ang lahat ng memorya ko. I wasn't that sensitive of it, so I was okay. But I couldn't deny that it happens sometimes.

"'Wag na. Ayos lang." pagtanggi ko.

She slowly nodded at me, biting both of her lips. "Okay."