One

Twenty five

Jade's POV

I woke up and the first thing my eyes searched for.. was her. I smiled when i saw her beside my bed. She was sleeping and i could see dark circles under her eyes. Poor thing, she must have stayed up for most of the night taking care of me.

Darn! I could stare at her forever.. I remember her sleeping at the bus years and years ago.. Sigh. She stirred and mumbled something. I stretched my left arm and hope that my IV line won't get stuck somewhere. I want to touch her face just for once. I want to feel her and take this moment for granted for-- who knows, this may be the last time..

Ouch. That hurts. But i don't care. I let my fingertips touch her cheeks praying that she will not wake up. I was enjoying the moment when the door suddenly opened. Surprised, i pulled my arm back and let out a loud groan.

"Arrgh! Ow!" I bit my tongue and shut my eyes. I felt Althea woke up and touched me.

"Jade? What happened?" aaah the concern in her voice felt like a pain reliever to me.

The nurse butts in, "She got surprised when.."

I snapped my eyes open. "Ahh no, because i got itchy.. ahm my nose.. itchy.. i may have stretched my arms too much." i quickly interjected.

"Are you okay?" Althea stood up and pull out some tissues from the box. "Does it still itch?" She wiped my nose gently and all i could do was to stare at her oblivious to the nurse standing gaping at us. I caught her arm using my right arm and told her i'm good. But deep inside, her gesture is somewhat.. electrifying.

"Allright. Next time, make sure you ask for help, 'k? You could've easily woke me up.."

The nurse once again butts in, "Well she--"

"Good morning, nurse. Is that my medicine?" I said in a slightly higher note.

Good thing Althea decided to go to the washroom. I told the nurse to be quick and not to say anything. The nurse then winked at me.

I laughed softly when she said, "You two will look great together."

I whispered, "You think so?"

"You mean you're really ahm, you really like girls?" The nurse whispered back, her eyes getting big every second.

I nodded and smiled at her.

"Wow! I was just teasing!" The chatty nurse winked at me and raised her thumbs up. Althea saw the nurse doing the thumbs up sign and asked what was that for. I bit my fingernails and hoped the nurse won't give me away. Good thing, she was able to explain that it's because she was done with the meds.

Althea went to the table where her laptop is and fished for some money inside her bag. She turned to me, "Uh, hey.. I'm going out for some coffee. Is there anything you want?"

"Uhm.. No, i'm good. Thank you."

"Ok. I'll be back asap." She went to me and kissed my forehead. I froze and she did, too. She smiled and went out hurriedly.

Althea's POV

Crap! Where did that come from?? No. No. No! This can't be happening!

"Hi.. Althea?"

I looked to where the voice is coming from and saw Emma. Gah! Great! This is just great! I composed myself. "Hi! You're here ahm, i mean you're early.."

"I was not able to sleep really well because i'm worried about Jade. How is she? Did you stay here all night?"

"She's stable and already awake. And yes, i stayed with her. Just go inside i'm about to get myself some coffee" I turned away and muttered softly, "You just turned my morning into nightmare.."

"Uhm, what? Did you say some--"

"Ahh no, i said i really, really need to drink coffee right now.. So, I gotta go.."

'Why is she here? Darn it! She was the reason Jade was here in the first place. And why do i care? Darnation, Althea! Get a grip of yourself. Good, now i'm talking to myself. I think i'm going nuts..'

'Ahh coffee! Just what i need..' i was enjoying my coffee still standing in front of the vendo machine when i heard someone cleared his throat. I looked around to see an old man smiling politely at me. I said sorry and started to walk away. Sigh.

...............

I knocked and went inside Jade's room. I saw Emma helping Jade eating her breakfast. I stopped momentarily and smiled. "Oh hey, you're already eating your breakfast. That's good." I turned to Emma, "How about you, Ana, have you eaten you're breakfast, yet?"

"Emma. It's Em--"

"Ah Jade, what time will your family be here? Will Bette be here today, as well?"

Jade smiled her eyes gleaming. Darn. I waited for her answer but she sipped from her cup and just nodded her head. Bitch. Two can play this game, Tanchingco.

"Ahm Elma, i forgot to buy Jade--" i turned towards Jade who was trying her best not to laugh "What was it that you want me to buy earlier? Errm was it a.. ah.. ah..."

"A toothbrush?" Jade said smirking.

Good one, Jade.

"That's right! a toothbrush! Crap, i forgot. Well i'm really sorry, Ana i got short on cash.. Can you please buy Jade one? She really, really needs it. Right, Jade?

"It's Emma.. And ok Jade. How many toothbrush do you need?"

Jade turned really serious, chewed on her inner cheek and said, "Two."

I went to my laptop and tried to suppress my laughter. Then after a while, i felt a pillow hit me.

Jade was laughing then i burst out laughing, too.

"That was mean! Why would you that to the poor girl? What has she done to you, anyway?

"To me? Nothing. But to you, this..' I said pointing to her back. "Besides, she's blonde."

"Now you're against blondes... Tsk.. Tsk.."

"Generally, nope, I'm not.. I even have friends who are blondes. But she ahm, well no offense to your date, but she looks cheap." I said rolling my eyes.

"Are you jealous?" i looked at Jade who was looking at me one of her eyebrows up and her eyes smiling. Damn! Damn!

"What? Oh come on.. No way! You're crazy!" i playfully shoved her on her left arm and then she yelled.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry, Jade! Sorry! Sorry!"

"I'm fine. I -- just move the pillow at my back a little lower please.." I was adjusting the pillow when Jade's family came in..