Twice The Trouble

Chapter 98: Pain and Tears

Sophia

Everyone was crying in the living room.

It's been two days since Stacy's abduction and three days since I admitted everything concerning my fragile condition.

Mama May, Papa Ben, Ate Jolene, Bro Mack, Bro Benny, Ate Jasmine, Bro Allan.. all seven of them were in the living area, melting into heart-wrenching sobs that gloomy Monday afternoon.

Christmas is next week.The sky was gray and the weather was just as depressing as our moods.

Yesterday morning, everybody accompanied me to the hospital. They arranged for my operation, filed for my candidacy in organizing a heart transplant, but like what happened to me the last time I was taken to the hospital, the doctor explained the lack of heart donors and told everyone to wait and pray, and they apologized to me for the disservice.

I'm never going to get cured.

It was mission impossible to find a donor my age, gender,and blood type. The heart needed to be compatible with my body, otherwise my system would reject it, leading to my death.

In short, I needed the heart of an 18-year-old girl whose blood type is O positive.

As much as I wanted to keep living, I couldn't stand the idea of an innocent person losing her life in exchange for mine. 

So what should I do now?

Wait and pray, like the doctor instructed?

That evening, at precisely midnight, the tormented screams began.

I dashed out of my green bed sheets and switched on the lights.

"I'm here," I chanted into Stacy's blonde hair. She breathed in between gasps as I hugged her.

My sister had asked me about the incident in the past. She believed me when I answered her, honestly and cautiously, treading on eggshells around the sensitive parts.

This time, she didn't want hypnosis to fix her problems. And I was more than willing to be there for her through thick and thin, as always. She would try to heal naturally.

"I'm here, Stacy," I whispered to her.

I just didn't know for how long.

Lucas

Tuesday Morning in late December found me gawking into empty space at the dining table.

I had crawled out of bed feeling hungover, all my nerves on edge, after only three hours of sleep, likewise from the past four days since the incident.

Someone deposited a white mug of hot coffee in front of me.

It was a monumental effort to raise my head. "What are you doing here?" I grumbled.

The tall, brown-haired teenager sporting a red button-down shirt and pants arched his eyebrow in my direction.

"What does it look like?" My twin grimaced. "I came by this morning to make sure you ate something. Judging from your sunken cheeks, you've barely filled your stomach for days."

I stared down at the mug of steaming coffee. "I didn't hear you knock."

One corner of his lips tugged up in a smirk. "When have I ever practiced courtesy?"

Raising the mug, I took a sip of hot coffee, but the taste seemed wrong,off somehow. Despite the tantalizing aromas, my stomach remained knotted.Nonetheless I took another long swig of the caffeine, feeling the bitter liquid roll down my tongue, gushing into my sore throat.

Bryce set a plate in front of me, piled high with white rice, eggs, bacon, and toast.

"I don't think I can eat," I said.

"Too bad." My brother pulled up a chair and sat down opposite me. "You're going to eat, even if I have to tie you to that chair and feed you myself."

Too worn out to argue, I forced down a few bites--strangely, every bite seemed easier than the last, but I still managed to finish less than half of it.

I leaned back in my chair.

"She's dying."

"I know."

"Unless a donor shows up."

"I know."

"But there hasn't been any."

"Yeah, I know."

"How the heck do you know?" I snapped.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Bryce sprang up from his seat and strode towards the wooden door, grabbing the knob. He pulled open the door. "Because he told me." My brother pointed to a tall blond male wearing an orange t-shirt.

Liam

"Beautiful home," I commented as I stepped inside the receiving area of the elegant mansion.

The brown-haired De Los Reyes gave a derisive snort. "Cage, more like."

Lucas told his twin to shut up. His brown eyes met my amber eyes. "Why are you here, Liam?"

"I won't overstay my visit," I said, holding up a palm. "I merely wanted you to listen to something." I remained standing as I rummaged in my pocket, fishing out my phone.

"Don't say anything until the recording is over," I advised the two brothers.

I pressed PLAY.

My voice sounded first.

"Tell me."

Next came Sophia's voice.

"Tell you what?"

"About Lucas. What made you like him?"

"I'm not spilling any beans!"

"Come on. His traits. And when did you realize you fell for him?"

"I don't want to talk about this."

"Is that enough reason not to?"

A beat of silence fell before Sophia answered.

"He's sweet.. thoughtful.. considerate.. he never failed to make me laugh, and when he calls or texts, I always smile when I see his name. And he's gentle.. I mean, he's a perfect gentleman. Always asking for permission before doing something."

"He's also insightful.. not just because I know he reads, but because he's smart--he's profound. And maybe it's due to some hardships of life, but he never stops being kind to everyone. And I love that strength and mentality of his. I admire how he's hardworking and goodhearted."

"But what makes him different.. what made me fall in love with him was his caring nature. I've never met anyone more loving and affectionate than him. To me, he's perfect. And I don't mean he doesn't have any dents or creases. I mean I love him even with his flaws. I guess what I'm trying to say is.. I perfectly love his imperfect self. And what matters is that he's happy now."

"So that's it."

"How do you feel?"

"Err.. mildly awkward but good.. I feel good."

The recording was finished after that. I had recorded her answer weeks ago, when we attended one of Stacy's modeling gigs and I pelted Sophia with questions regarding her feelings.

"Liam," called Lucas.

"What?" I glance at him.

"Give me a copy of that."