Beneath The Clandestine Paradise (Chaotic Series #3)

Kabanata 39

Beneath The Clandestine Paradise

Kabanata 39

"She's developing an abnormal liver function, Mr. Bernardino. Her immune system is destroying her healthy cells. We'll do more treatment for her."

My eyes stayed close. Naririnig ko ang sinasabi ni Dr. Romualdez at narinig ko rin malalim na buntong-hininga ni Dad. Hindi ko pa minumulat ang mga mata, alam ko nang nasa hospital ako dahil sa amoy.

I felt a familiar touch on my hand.

"Dad, baka lumala pa nang lumala ang sakit ni Ate. Naaapektuhan na ang atay niya," Kristina said worriedly while holding my hand. "Her brain might damage too if it keeps getting worse."

Katatapos lang ng birthday ni Dahlia kahapon. We had a simple party in the house and we were so happy. I was overwhelmed too because she received gifts from five Vendivil. Pero kinabukasan, ngayon, kinailangan akong dalhin sa hospital.

My disease is getting worse again. As Dr. Romualdez said, we need another treatment.

"Anything, Doc. Do everything to make my daughter heal," Dad said anxiously. "My daughter is brave. She can do any therapy."

"Yes, Leon. 'Yon talaga ang gagawin natin. She'll undergo Cyclophosphamide for weekly injection and for her oral medication." Ani Dr. Romualdez.

I'm already enrolled for third year, first semester. Malapit nang magsimula ang klase pero mukhang hindi ko ata mapapasukan ang unang first month of class.

My condition is serious and too much to take. Pinapahirapan ako. Pero kinakaya ko. Hindi lang pamilya at mga kaibigan ko ang nandiyan para sa akin. Grim is also there despite he can't be seen by my family.

The following weeks have been heartbreaking for us. Dr. Romualdez reported that I have liver complications already. I lose weight so I have to stay in the hospital in the meantime.

"I hate to see you like this," humihikbing sabi ni Dahlia habang pinagmamasdan ako. "Hindi ka naman ganito kapayat last year e!"

My Yary and Rems were asleep on the couch. Pinagkasiya nila ang sarili nilang dalawa sa baliktarang posisyon. They didn't want to go home kaya nagpaiwan dito. It's already midnight. My personal nurse is outside.

"Mababawi ko pa naman ang katawan ko kapag gumaling na ako," sabi ko. "So chill."

"Chill? Chill?! The fuck?! How can I chill when I always see you getting injected and so thin?! Do you want me to split while drinking a Montes?!"

Tumawa ako at sumandal sa headboard. "'Wag ka ngang maingay masiyado. Tulog 'yung dalawa, oh."

She wiped her tears. Now she looked pissed as she glanced at our sisters. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Bakit?" tanong ko. "Don't tell me nag-away kayo?"

"Hindi. Tsk," umiling siya at umupo sa bandang dulo ng kama ko. "Naiinis ako kay Lolo."

"Why?"

"Narinig ko kanina na gusto niyang pagtrabahuhin ang dalawa. I talked back. Sabi ko ayoko. They're still minor. Tayo pa nga lang, hirap na hirap na, 'yung dalawa pa kaya? I want them to enjoy their youth first. Now that you're sick, aakuin ko muna ang lahat. I just don't agree of what Lolo wants. Ayokong maranasan agad nina Yary ang tinatrabaho natin para sa negosyo." Aniya.

I sighed heavily. "You know how our businesses run. Bukod kay Papa at Mama, si Lolo ang pinakanasusunod sa pamilya natin."

"Yeah. And I just hope you won't follow that old man of marrying Diano Enriquez."