Uno Amore

Kapitulo 3

Zazdrick

It's been a month but Amasia is still unconscious. And it's been a month since I stop working. I've decided to leave so I could be her first sight when she wakes up. My mother is concerned about me because since I heard what happened to her, I've also decided to stay beside her.

Nang marinig kong bumukas ang pintuan, ay lumingon ako. I see kuya. He is holding a fruit basket for my beloved. I half-smile at him, and he just puts the basket on the table. Ramdam ko rin ang lungkot niya. I know he is playing hard on himself of his sister's situation right now. No'ng marinig namin lahat ang anunsiyo ng doktor, I felt like there's something plunging in my chest.

It shatters me.

"Bro, umuwi ka na muna kaya sa inyo," suhestiyon niya, at tipid lang akong ngumiti at sumulyap sa mahal ko. "Ako nang bahala sa kapatid ko. 'Wag kang mag-alala, sasabihan kita 'pag gumising na siya."

"I've been here since forever, ngayon pa ba ako susuko, kuya?" kalmado kong sagot, at huminga naman siya. "I know na masakit. Parang tinusok ang puso ko, kuya. But, no. I can't leave her..."

Yumuko siya.

Ayokong iwan si Amasia.

"Kung 'yan ang gusto mo, bro. Pero sana 'wag mo namang pabayaan ang sarili mo," saglit siyang sumulyap sa sahig. "Hindi ka na kumakain nang maayos para lang mabantayan ang kapatid ko. You can't do this to yourself, Zazdrick."

Bahagya akong napayuko.

I notice it too. But I chose this. Besides, I want to see my Amasia's beautiful eyes will bear at me. Gusto kong ako ang kauna-unahang makita niya.

"Mahal ka ng kapatid ko, at ramdam ko iyon," sabay hinga niya nang malalim. "Alam kong 'di siya susuko sa pagsubok na kinakaharap niya ngayon."

I did not reply.

"Maiwan na muna kita."

Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin. He closes the door with a frown in his face. I close my eyes and look at my pangit. I can't just leave her alone. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at suminghap doon. Mahal ko si Amasia. At gaagawin ko lahat, mabuhay lang siya, kahit buhay ko pa ang kapalit.

I smile at her gorgeous face.

"Ngit, gumising ka na. Marami kaming naghihintay sa pagbabalik mo," I try to resist the tears, but it slips down my cheeks. "Lumaban ka, ngit. Don't let darkness fetch you. If ever, unahan mo."

I smile at my own jokes. The ticks of the machine are audible in my ear.

"Nandito lang ako sa tabi mo. Maghihintay ako sa 'yo, ngit."

Bahagya akong tumayo at humilig para mahalikan siya sa noo. At 'di pa ako nakuntento at hinagkan ko siya. Marahan kong isinara ang mga mata ko at dinama ang presensiya niya.

I long for her hugs. Those fervent feeling that always soothe my senses. I pull myself off her and kiss her brow for the second time. My eyes are involuntarily close as tears make their way out from the cages. I sniff in her hair and pull away.

Her goddess-like face with tubes everywhere. I hate to see her like this. I've never dreamed this—this is worst than Daken's break-up. I crouch my head beside her and let my heavy eyes close.

"Ti amo... mi amore."

"Bro."

I open my eyes and jerk to the side. Craning my neck up.