A day with him

Nia's Point Of View

"If Nia agrees to take the risks of another sugery, she might still have at least 40 % of getting well for the long run" Dr. Lee explains to my brother who was now wearing an unbelievable frown in his forehead

"40% chance? This.. only this much chances are in for her when she undergoes surgery?"

"Yes, but if she's strong enough to fight for it, then she might get better for good," Dr. Lee adds while smiling at my brother which was I immediately stood up and said

"I won't do it"

"Nia, dear" I just stared at my mom's face

"Nothings permanent in the world, mom. I know, at some point in time, each and every one of us will die. It's just that at this point of time, I will be going first before you" I answered which was why she immediately burst into tears

There are a lot more patients that needs that heart, but because you've been a patient here ever since you were born, I'm giving you this opportunity. I'll give you a day to think about it, Nia" sabi ni Dr Lee

I'm currently staring at the ceiling in about 6 o'clock in the morning and I'm still thinking about what happened yesterday at the hospital.

Will I agree? But if I can't fight and am not strong enough, my destination for sure is death. I know there's not much difference to it except for the fact that if I didn't take the risk, I still have a year left to live. But if by chance, I survivd and was able to get better, then that'll be great. But if I don't? Ugh. This is so unnerving. I didn't know that I could still be this nervous even when I already know that I'm dying.

Until last night all I needed to do was decide if I was going to have surgery again or not. It's just so hard to think.

I have now taken a bath and have eaten.

So, it's know or never.

I got up and went to my closet. I replaced my pajamas with shorts and white plain shirt with converse shoes.

I went out of my room and headed straight to the kitchen. There I saw dad, drinking coffee while reading this morning's newspaper - a daily hobby he's been doing ever since retiring from the military and taking up the succession of the family's business.

"Dad, good morning" I greeted him immediately, kissing him on his cheeks and hugging his waist equivalenting to him putting his newspaper aside

"Oh, Nia, dear. It's still early. Go back to sleep. Huh? Why are you wearing outdoor clothes?" he said while looking me up and down

"D-dad, since I'm already dying.."

"You won't die, Nia. Trust God. At least not yet," dad firmly answered

"But dad, what if.. I die this week, will.. will you let me go out by.. by myself?" I asked while looking downwards

When I heard gasps, I presumed that those came from my brother and dad's right hand man who just entered through the back door.

"What? You want to go outside on your own?" dad asked making sure if he heard me right

Unknowingly, my eyes watered and tears fell from it.

Seconds passed, silence ensued. When I was ready to run back to my room, I felt a warm hand pull me to a warm body, embracing me gently and comfortingly.

"Stop crying, dear. It's okay. I'll let you do anything you want for today, but just for today you hear me? Is that okay?" dad gently asked making me sob and nod at the same time

"Shh, aren't you supposed to be smiling right now?" my brother teased me which was why I laughed and went to my brother's embrace instead

"That's much better" he answered all the while pinching my cheeks

"Be sure to come back before sunset, okay?" dad asked which was why I saluted

"And text you right away if something bad happens"

"Of course, you should. Also, bring lots of cash with you" mom added and so I went to hug her this time

"Thanks, mom. Can I go now?" I asked her and she nodded

"I'm sure it's a long day for you. Be sure while doing this, you'll think about what you're going to do about the operation, okay?" dad asked and I immediately nodded

"Maybe I could think clearly if I go to some serence places" I answered

"Try going to the Capital's park. Contact Brother Julse if you want him to fetch you back home okay?" I nodded again

Brother Julse sent me to the biggest park and when I got down, I thanked him which caused him to smile back and later then left me along to return back at the mansion. and now I was on my way to the park.

And dad's right, it's quiet here. It's a weekday, so for sure, kids are busy studying at school so there are no one her to play and goof around. Me? I am home-schooled. Because if ever I went to school, my family would be so worried they might even come with me inside the classroom. So I decided to be home-schooled so I never really tried playing with friends or even having one.

While walking, I looked at my wrist watch. 7:26 am. Time is so fast when it's the most important part of you're life. Tsk. I don't even know if I'll die next week, tomorrow, or later. I sighed again remembering the reason why I went out in the first place.

It's to decide on whether I'll accept the operation or not.

When I looked at the playground, my eyes widened. There's actually another person here. A boy. I walked in his direction. But he was facing the other direction, he was playing at the swing.

"Oh fcking hell! I already found her and was about to confess and even start to court her only to know that she's dying! What the fck is wrong with this rotten world! I don't even know her name yet!" he screamed while pulling his black hair with golden brown highlights"That's bad. You shouldn't say bad words and most certainly not doubt the universe," I answered which was why he immediately roared

"Huh?! Who cares, it's my li--" when he stopped swinging and went to face, he stilled and stared at me silly

He's actually.. very handsome. Well defined eyebrows, pointy nose, plump lips and canine like teeth. He's much more handsome than my brother.

"It's bad," I mumbled while I continue to stare at him

"U-uhmm. Yes, it's bad. I apologize about that" he replied and turned his gaze into his hands that were now on his lap

I giggled. He looks like a kid reprimanded by his teacher for doing misbehaving deeds.

"Can I sit down here?" I asked while holding the other swing which was why he looked at me again and nodded"Go for it"

I sat down the swing and breathed the fresh air.

Why is he alone so early in the morning? And what was it that he was screaming about earlier?

"So you don't know the name of the woman you love?" I asked him but he was still looking at his hands

Err. Is my face perhaps... dirty?

"Yes," he answered while sighing"Why is that?""Because I'm a coward""Oh. That's alright,""Huh? Why is that alright?""Because I'm a coward too. Everyone can be a coward once, twice or everytime in their lives. Don't hate yourself because of it"

He didn't answer me back so we just continued to stare at the peaceful scenery.

"Uhm, can.. can you accompany me today?" I frowned hearing his out of the box random question

"Hm? What do you mean?""Uhmm, I mean can you join me, even just for today? I really want you to come with me. I'll go to many place" I looked him in the eye, and I could see that his eyes were staring straight back at mine"All right" I replied even though I've long known that it's not good to go with strangers but for some unknown reason, I felt that he was a genuine and a very nice guy.

"Yes!" he immediately stood up and pulled my hand. I felt the callouses in his fingers. Could it be that he practices a kind of instrument? Or could it be household chores?

But since he was walking and holding my hand at the same time, I was pulled along with him walking into some unknown destination."So where are we going?" I asked"To my friends""Hmm. What's your name?""Keith. Keith Surato. You?""Yes. Nia Park" I replied"Are you Korean?""Half and you? Japanese" I replied

He nooded and smiled.

We just walk the walk until we were in front of a house. We came in and he pulled me to where there were people. There are 2 women and 4 men here. They are beautiful and handsome too. Looking at their heights and body sizes, we're all probably at the same age."Guys, I have someone to introduce you to," he said as they all looked at us"This is Nia. She'll be coming with us today" he said while introducing me to them

"I'm allergic to rich people," the one holding the camera said that while staring at me straight in the eyes which was why I looked at Keith

"Rich people?" I asked

"People with lots of money," the girl said again

"Risa," Keith said with a hint of warning tone which cause the girl to frown

"I see. If its just money, then I guess I am rich," I answered her and when she was going to retaliate, I immediately answered

"Rich in money, in faith and even in problems. Haha"

"Huh? You can solve problems with money, you know" she answered so I immediately smiled at her causing her to stare at me

"Money.. can't heal you" I mumbled which caused them to still and stare at one another

"Nia, how about you take a seat first, we're just going to talk for a bit" Keith said and led me to the soda which was why I smiled and sat right away

*

Keith's Point Of View

"Oh, so why are you saying anything? I thought you had something to tell us?" said Ian"Don't you guys think she looks familiar? She's actually someone we've seen for more than a dozen times already" I said"No, I just saw her here when you brought her" Lexi answered"She was the girl in the hospital. That's why she said what she said, the part where money can't heal people. So she said this before. She was the woman I wanted. Can't you see it?" I asked them again and then they were all shocked

She is the girl at the hospital! When I saw her on the playground, I knew she was her!

"S-she's that girl?" Risa asked obviously worried"D-didn't the doctor say that she was dying and needed surgery?" said Rex so I calmed down"Rex, that's enough. It hurts for Keith to hear that again. You already know that he's head over heels over the girl. Tsk. Tsk" Risa answered"It's okay, guys, if it's about romance, it's fine. It's not really possible for such a rich girl to fall for a boy from an orphanage. We're worlds apart. She is particularly heaven, while I'm down in earth" Yohan patted my me on my shoulder which was why I immediately smiled"So I brought her here. I want to at least help to convince her into accepting the doctor's offer and say 'Yes, I'm going to have surgery' so that my heart can at least be at ease knowing that she's alive and well" I told them"You can count on it, Keith. She'll never forget this day," Jared said"Yes! Go ahead! We'll help you too!" said Lexi"Thanks guys" I smiled and we went back to the living room

Naabutan lang namin siya na tumitingin ng mga picture frame sa pader.

"Hmmm.. Mmmm~*" pagha-hmm niya

Sarap pakinggan. Hays.. Napatingin naman siya sa amin

"Uh, hello" sabi niya sabay ngiti

Hindi mo talaga maklaklaro na ang isang magandang babaeng katulad niya na para bang matapang at walang problema ay babasagin pala.

Nung pumunta kami sa hospital nun kasi nagkasakit ung nanay ni Jared may narinig kami dun sa office ng doctor at nakita namin siya. Nalaman namin na may sakit siya at malapit na mamatay.

Simula nung araw na yon, parati na akong bumabalik sa hospital kahit wala na si Tita. Parati ko lang siyang tinitingnan sa malayo at nalaman ko nalang na nahulog na pala ako sa kanya.

"Tara. Kain tayo, Nia" sabi ni Rose sabay hila kay Nia pero mahina lang

"Ah, anu nga palang pangalan niyo? Di ko alam kung anung itatawag sa inyo eh" sabi ni Nia

"Ay tunge ka talaga Rose! Hindi pa pala tayo kilala eh" sabi ni Lexi sabay lapit kay Nia

"Hello, Nia. I'm Lexi Rivas. I'm fifteen years young. I'm good speakening english" sabi ni Lexi sabay tango tango pa ng ulo niya kaya napatawa kami kasama si Nia

"It's my honor to meet you, Lexi Rivas" sabi ni Nia sabay bow na parang prinsesa

"Wow, ang galing. Ako rin nga. Salamat sa iyong honor, 1st honor o 2nd honor, Nia" sabi ni Lexi sabay bow rin

"Haha. Shunga ka talaga, Lex. Ako nga pala si Jared, Nia"

"Rex"

"Ako si Ian"

"Yohan ang pangalan ko"

"Ah, tara kain tayo" sabi ko

Pumunta kami sa kusina. Nagluto na raw sila eh, nasa harap ko si Nia habang katabi ko naman si Yohan.

"So, kainan na!" sigaw ni Lexi at kukuha na sana ng pagkain pero napatigil siya nung nagsalita ni Nia

"Hindi ba tayo dadasal?" tanong ni Nia

Nagkatinginan naman sila kaya napatawa ako.

"Sige, ikaw ang magdasal sasabay nalang kami Nia" sabi ko

"Okay, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" sabi ni Nia habang nakapikit

Sinusundan lang namin siya.

"Lord God. Thank you for the blessings you have bestoned for us today. Patawad po sa mga kasalanan namin. Sana po gabayan niyo po kami. Salamat po dahil binigyan mo po ako ng chance na magkaroon ng mga kaibigan kahit na ngayon ko lang sila nakilala. Ang bait po nila. Sana po marami pong mga magagandang bagay na darating sa mga buhay nila dahil paminsan lang po mabiyayaan ng magandang buhay. Un lang po maraming salamat. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen" sabi niya

Nung nagmulat na siya ng mata niya. Tahimik lang kami.

"Nu bayan. Wag mo naman ako paiyakin oh" sabi ni Lexi sabay iyak at tabon ng kamay sa mukha

"Ha? Wala naman akong ginawang masama diba? Keith, meron ba?" tanong niya

"Haha. Pabayaan mo na yan" sabi ko sakanya

"Okay, pwede nang kumain" sabi ni Rex

Kumain naman kami, hindi siya pumili, kumuha lang siya at kumain. Akala ko kasi maaarte ang mga mayayaman, pero hindi rin pala. Pagkatapos naming kumain, nagpasya kaming gumala.

At ngayo'y nandito na kami sa Star City. Si Nia raw ang lilibre eh. Humiwalay na sa amin ung mga abnormal (Rex, Lexi, Rose, Jared, Ian, and Yohan).

"Uhmm, sa Ferry'swheel tayo?" tanong ko, napansin ko kasing nakatingin siya doon eh

"Sige" sabi niya

Pumila kami dun hanggang sa nakasakay na kami. Magkaharapan lang kami. Gusto ko ngang tumawa eh. Nakahawak siya sa upuan ng maayos at nakapikit ang mata niya. Haha

"Takot ka ba? Maganda pa naman sana dito, malapit na tayo sa taas oh" sabi ko

"First time ko to at dati, wish kong si kuya ang makakasama ko sa first time ko. Kaya natatakot ako, ayoko pa kasing tapusin ang buhay ko ng ganito kaaga" sabi niya

Lumipat ako ng upuan at umupo dun sa tabi niya. Hinawakan ko ung kamay niya kaya napamulat siya ng mata niya.

"B-baki-"

"Mahal kita, Nia" sabi ko

O________O - Nia

"P-pero, kanina mo lang ako nakita" sabi niya

"Matagal na kitang nakikita, Nia. Nung nagkasakit ung mama ni Jared, pinunta namin siya sa hospital, at dun kita unang nakita Nia. Simula non, bumabalik na ako sa hospital para lang sulyapan ka sa malayo dahil maraming nagbabantay sayo" sabi ko

Napaiyak siya at tumingin sa baba, nasa taas na pala kami.

"So, *sniff* alam... mo na" sabi niya

"Shhh. Oo, alam kong may sakit ka, Nia. Alam ko ung tungkol sa pagpapa-opera at sa hindi pagsang ayon mo dito" sabi ko

Patuloy lang siya sa pag-iyak kaya hinigpitan ko ang pagkahawak ko sa kamay niya

"Ayoko na magpa... opera, Keith *sob* Panu kung hindi lalaban ang katawan ko? *sob* Humiga sa kabaong ang punta ko, hindi ba? *sob* Ayoko pang mawala sa piling ng mga magulang ko" sabi niya kaya hindi ko na napigilang yakapin siya at yumakap din naman siya

"Nia, wala namang masama kung susubukan mo hindi ba?" tanong ko sakanya

"P-pero, ayokong irisk ang... life ko at hindi *sob* makasama ang mga mahal.. ko sa buhay" sagot niya naman at humihikbi hikbi pa

Humiwalay ako sa yakap at hinawakan ang magkabilaang balikat niya saka pinunasan ang mga luhang pumapatak mula sa mga mata niya.

"Tiwala lang, Nia. Kung sakali mang hindi ka magtatagumpay sa operasiyon mo, bibigyan ka namin ng isang masayang araw na mararanasan mo at alam ko namang makakayanan mo ang operasiyon mo" sabi ko saka siya nginitian

"*sniff* I hope so. Thank you, Keith. Thank you" sabi niya at muli akong niyakap

~.~

"Uwahhh TT_________TT Sira na ung cam ko!" sigaw ni Lexi

Nandito na kami ngayon sa mall. Nagwiwindow shopping lang. Wala kaming pera eh. Gusto nga sana kaming ilibre ni Nia. Pero nakakahiya na >____________<

"Where is it? I think it's in here somewhere" sabi ni Nia sabay tingin tingin sa mga stall.

"Ang ano, Nia?" tanong ni Rose

"Nia's Collection" sagot ni Nia at huminto

"N-nia's Collection? Teka, inyo yon?!" tanong ni Lexi

"Uhuh, ayun oh! Tara!" sabi niya saka ako hinila at sumunod naman sila

Nia's POV

"Ma'am Nia. It's already 4:26 in the afternoon. What are you still doing outside?" tanong ni Chey, Nia's Collection's Manager

"Dad let me out. Can you please help these gentlemens to find shirts that will suit them well?" tanong ko sakanya saka ko binitawan ang wrisk ni Keith

"Ofcourse, young lady" sabi niya saka nagbow at humarap sa mga sales guy sabay sabi ng "Boys" kaya lumapit sila sa amin.

"Po?" tanong nung isa, Oh Chinito~ Haha ^_^

"Escort these lads to the Mens Wear" sabi niya at naglakad na

"N-nia, anung sinasabi nila?" tanung ni Rex

"Don't worry. Sumunod nalang kayo. Kita kita nalang tayo sa cashier. Babay" pagpapaalam ko at agad na hinila sina Lexi at Rose sa Girls Wear

"Rose, you can pick anything you want. Just let them know if you wanna try it" sabi ko kay Rose sabay turo sa mga saleslady na nasa tabi lang din namin

"Uh? Nosebleed?" tanong niya kaya napatawa ako

"Sabi ko po, mamili ka nang kahit anong gusto mo. Pilian mo nalang din si Lexi. Punta lang kami dun" sabi ko at tumango naman siya kaya pumunta na kami ni Lexi sa mga Camera Section

Nagtataka ako kung bakit hindi makagalaw si Lexi at nakatulala lang. Eh? ?__________?

"M-may problema ba, Lexi?"

"OMG" sabi niya at agad na tumakbo sa isang pwesto kaya naman napatawa nalang ako at sumunod sa kanya

"Ang ganda naman nito Nia kaso nga lang mahal. Tsk" sabi niya at tinignan nanaman ang iba pang mga camera

"Jane" basa ko dun sa name tag ng isang saleslady kaya naman napatingin siya sa akin

"Y-yes, Ma'am Nia?" tanong niya

"Please give me one of these" sabi ko sabay turo dun sa mga camera'ng nasa harapan namin

"Ipapahatid nalang po ba sa bahay niyo, Ma'am?" tanong niya sabay lagay ng battery sa cam

"Nope. Paki balot nalang po. Kukunin ko nalang po mamaya sa cashier" sabi ko at tumango naman siya kaya lumapit na ako kay Lexi

~.~

"Uwa. Mukha na kayong tao!" pangaasar ni Lexi kina Keith

Nagpalit na kasi sila ng damit. And I admit. They do look dashing. Specially Keith ^_^

"Loko ka talaga kahit kailan, Lexi" sabi ni Ian sabay iling iling

"Matagal na kaming mukhang tao. Sabihin mo, mukha na kaming mayaman! Hoho~" sabi naman ni Yohan sabay apir kay Jared

"So, saan tayo ngayon?" tanong ni Rex

"May pupuntahan pa tayo?" tanong ko kaya naman napatingin silang lahat sa akin

"A-ayaw mo na ba, Nia? Pagod ka na ba? Masama ba pakiramdam mo? May nangyari ba? Sabihin mo lang. Ihahatid ka namin kaagad" natatarantang tanong naman ni Keith sabay hawak sa kamay ko at tinitigan ako

Grrr. Wag ka ganyan >____________<

*PAK*

"Wag oa, Keith. Nagtatanong nga siya eh diba, Nia?" tanong naman ni Yohan sa akin kaya tumango ako at tumawa kay Keith

"*sigh* Akala ko ano na. Tara dun tayo sa tambayan mga dre" sabi ni Keith saka ako hinila

~.~

"Ang tambayan niyo ay dagat?" tanong ko sa kanila na ikinatango naman nila

"Tara dun tayo" sabi ni Keith at hinila ulit ako at sumunod naman ung iba

"You really like to pull do you?" tanong ko sakanya

"Hindi ah. Sayo lang"

=///////////////////=

Pinaupo muna nila ako sa nilatag nilang.. ano nga un? Malong? Ah, oo malong! ^_^ Pinaupo nila ako dun kasi hindi daw ako pwedeng makipaglaro sa kanila baka masaktan pa daw ako. Ihhh! Ang sweet nilaaa~

Nagluluto sina Yohan at Ian. While sina Keith, Rose, Lexi, Jared, at Rex naglalaro ng volleyball. Nag aayos lang ako ng hapag kainan. Naka shorts kaming mga babae while ang guys naman nakatopless. And I hate it. Ang awkward kaya >____________<

Pagkatapos kasi naming magmall pumunta muna kami sa mga bahay bahay nila. Para raw kumuha ng gamit at para matago nila ung pinambili namin sa Nia's Collection kanina. Pinasuot nila ako ng isang tshirt na may smily face print at shorts na color pink.

"Huy" sabi ni Keith kaya naman napatingin ako sa kanya

He has this sweat look. Grr. Lalong pumogi. Bumaba naman ang tingin ko at agad na nag-gulp at kinuha ang isang towel na malapit sa akin.

"C-cover up yourself first" sabi ko at narinig ko siyang tumawa

"Naiilang ka ba? Haha. Sorry. Oh, ayan. Nakacover na po. Tara" sabi niya at hinila na ako galing sa pagkakaupo

"Saan tayo?" tanong ko

"Lakad lakad lang" sabi niya at inintertwine ang mga kamay namin kaya naman napatingin ako sa kanya, nakatingin rin pala siya sa akin nang nakangiti

"Err. Why is my heart beating so fast when you flash a freaking killer smile?" tanong ko sakanya saka binaling ang tingin sa sand, first time kong magpaa sa lupa. Ang sarap pala ng feeling ^_^

"Haha. Baka gusto mo ako?" tanong niya kaya naman napatigil ako bigla at tumitig sa mga mata niya

"Joke lang, Nia. Ikaw naman di ka maloko" sabi niya sabay gulo ng buhok ko at hinila ako ulit

Sinisway sway ko ung kamay namin kaya naman napapangiti ako.

"Wala namang masama sa pagkakagusto diba?" tanong ko sakanya

"Oo naman" sabi niya

"Okay. Well then, I like you, Keith" sabi ko

Napatigil naman siya sa paglalakad at tinignan ako.

"G-gusto mo ako?" tanong niya

"Yup. Hindi ka plastik. Hmm.. Gwapo ka, sa tingin ko naman may pinag aralan ka rin, at may takot sa Diyos. You have gorgeous green eyes" sabi ko sabay harap sa kanya at hinawakan ang gilid ng mata niya

"You have long and silky eyelashes" sabi ko sabay hawak ko ng mahahaba niyang eyelash

"You have a sharp nose" sabi ko sabay nilalakbay ang ilong niya gamit ang hintuturo ko

"And you have soft and pinkish lips" dagdag ko kasabay ng pagbaba ng kamay ko sa lips niya

Nagkatitigan kami ng ilang sandali at nagulat nalang ako ng maglapat ang mga labi namin. Nilagay niya ang kanang kamay niya sa likod ng ulo ko habang ang kaliwang kamay naman niya ay inilagay niya sa waist ko. Nilagay ko ang dalawang kamay ko sa leeg niya saka pumikit.

Nung nanunuod ako ng mga taong naghahalikan, nandidiri ako. Para kasi silang hindi nakakain ng ilang buwan eh. Pero ang masasabi ko lang dito, kakaiba. May kung anong koryente ang dumaloy sa aking katawan.

Tinanggal ko na ang kamay ko sa leeg niya at unti unti na siyang tinutulak. Huminga ako ng malalim at umupo sa may sand.

"K-keith" saad ko kaya naman napaluhod siya sa harapan ko at agad na hinawakan ang mukha ko

"B-bakit Nia? May masakit ba? Hindi ka ba makahinga? Ano? Sabihin mo lang Nia. Baka gusto mo nang umuw--" hindi niya natuloy ang sinabi niya dahil bigla ko siyang niyakap.

"Thank you" sabi ko

"A-akala ko kung ano na" malumanay ang boses niya

"Keith" sabi ko kay Keith sabay bitaw sa kanya

"Nagmamakaawa ako Nia. Gawin mo na ang operasyon" sabi niya sabay hawak sa magkabilaang kamay ko

"B...but what if I don't wake up when the operation's done?" tanong ko sabay tingin sa may sunset

Umupo siya sa tabi ko at ipinatong ang ulo ko sa balikat niya.

"Kaya mo, Nia. Malakas ka. Alam ko yun. Maraming nagmamahal sayo. Nandiyan lang ang Panginoong Diyos, ang pamilya mo, kaming mga bagong kaibigan mo, at ako" sagot niya kasabay ng pagtulo ng luha ko

Nanuod kami ng sunset ngayon. Actually, it's not my first time watching a sunset but this one's special for me. Naaalala ko ang parating sinasabi ni kuya sa akin tuwing matutulog ako galing sa check up: When there is a sun that is ready to set. Always remember Nia, there is always a sun that will rise. Just like us people. Kapag meron pang araw na sisikat, may pagasa.

And those words struck me again. Ngayon pa nga lang na buhay pa ako at nagdurusa sa sakit ko, nalulungkot na sila. Paano pa kaya kung hindi ako lalaban at tuluyan nang mawala sa mundo? Masasaktan sila.

"Promise me Nia. Na gigising ka pa pagkatapos ng operasyon mo para sa akin" sabi niya sabay hawak ng kaliwang kamay niya sa kanang kamay ko

"I promise Keith"

It's really hard to choose from life and death but I have made my desicion and I think it's for the better.

"Keith?" tanong ko habang pumipikit pikit na ang mga mata ko. Naliliyo ako

"Hmmm?" he asked while smelling and brushing my hair with his hands

"I promise you I'll fight for you and the one's I love. I will wake up. I promise" sabi ko kasabay ng pagtulo ng luha ko

"I will do the operation"

~.~

Keith's POV

Nandito kami ngayon sa labas ng Emergency room. Kasama ko sina Lexi, papa, mama, at kuya ni Nia. Bigla nalang siyang nawalan ng malay kaya naman agad na kaming pumunta sa pinakamalapit na ospital sa tamabayan at tinawagan ang pamilya niya.

Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Pero hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti dahil sa katapangan niyang pumayag sa operasyon.

"Nakangiti ka pa tol? Grabe, nasa emergency room na nga si Nia. Tapos nakangiti ka pa? Masaya ka pa sa lagay na yan?" tuloy tuloy na tanong ni Jared sa akin kaya naman binatukan siya ni Yohan dahil napatingin na ang pamilya ni Nia sa amin

"Mali ang iniisip mo Jared. Masaya ako dahil bago nawalan ng malay si Nia. Sinabi niya sa akin na papayag na siya sa operasyon, nangako siyang lalabanan niya ang sakit niya at gigising siya" sabi ko sabay tingin sa pinto ng emergency room

Ilang minuto ang katahimikan pagkatapos kong sagutin ang tanong ni Jared. Hanggang sa tumabi sa akin ang isang lalaking mga 20's na ata ang edad at kahawig si Nia. Nilahad niya ang kamay niya sa akin sabay sabi ng

"Hello. I'm Nial. Nia's brother" nakipag kamayan na ako sa kanya pagkatapos ay umupo na siya sa tabi ko at tumingin narin sa pinto.

"Keith. Ah, ano ni Ni--"

"Nia's Stalker am I right?" tanong niya kaya naman napatingin ako sakanya

Nakangiti siya sa akin.

"O-opo. Pero paano niyo po yon nalaman?" sabi ko

"I can see you hiding behind cars when we're done with her everyday check up" sagot niya sabay smirk

"Ah. Akala ko po walang nakakapansin sa akin" sagot ko sabay kamot ng batok

"Nia's lucky for having you as her stalker and you're lucky for having Nia to stalk. Malakas na babae si Nia. Parati niyang iniisip ang mga mas nakakabuti sa amin kaysa sa sarili niya. I know you like her or maybe, love and please don't make her regret waking up after the operation" sabi niya

"Pinapangako ko po" sagot ko

"I knew you'd answer that" sabi niya saka ginulo ang buhok ko at umalis na sa tabi ko

Mahal ko na si Nia, matagal na, kahit hindi ko pa siya kilala.

~.~

Lumabas ang doctor tapos sinabi sa aming tapos na ang operasyon at pwede na raw kaming pumasok. Agad kaming pumasok. Pinauna ko muna ang pamilya niya na lumapit sa kanya. Mga ilang minuto rin naman, pinakilala ako ni kuya Nial sa parents nila ni Nia saka ako iniwan para raw bumili ng makakain at ipacancel lahat ng mga meetings nila sa kompanya nila.

Umuwi narin naman sina Lexi kasi magaayos nalang daw sila at dadalhan na rin ako ng damit para makapagbihis na. Nang makalapit na ako kay Nia agad akong umupo sa upuan malapit sa kama niya saka hinawakan ang kamay Nia at hinalikan.

"Nia. Gumising ka na. Nangako ka pa sa akin diba?"

Alam kong para na akong tanga dito na kinakausap ang isang taong hindi naman ako naririnig.

"Alam mo. Nang makita kita sa park kaninang umaga. Hindi ko alam ang iaakto ko dahil sa sobrang kaba at bilis ng tibok ng puso ko" napatawa naman ako

"Alam kong ang korni ko pero, wala nang mas kokorni pa sa akin kung ikaw rin naman ang papakornihan ko eh. Nia, ang akala ko dati, pangarap lang kita. Pangarap na mahawakan, mahalikan, makausap at makasama. Parati kong naririnig na malubha na ang sakit mo"

"Nang isang araw narinig kong pinaguusapan ninyo ang operasyon na isasagawa sana bukas, naririnig kong nagmamakaawa ang pamilya mo para pumayag ka, at narinig kong umayaw ka. Nasaktan ako"

"Naisip ko. Halos mamatay matay na ako para lang mahawakan ka o makausap man lang. Pero ikaw, nawawalan ka na ng pag asa, ayaw mo nang mabuhay dito sa mundo. Ang sakit nun.."

Hinayaan ko nalang na may tumulong basa galing sa mata ko

"Grabe ka talaga Nia. Ang lakas ng tama ko sayo. Napaiyak mo pa ang isang katulad ko. O-okay lang naman sa akin na tingnan ka lang sa malayo pero ang mawala ka? Hi.. hindi ko kaya"

Napa-ubob na ako sa kamay ni Nia. Hindi ko na kinaya. Mahal na mahal ko na nga talaga siya.

Nagulat ako ng biglang gumalaw ang kamay niya na kung saan ay nakaubob ako ngayon. Napatayo ako bigla at tiningnan siya. May oxygen mask pa siya. Nakita kong parang gumagalaw galaw na ang pilik mata niya.

Agad kong pinunasan ang luha ko at tumakbo palabas ng kwarto niya.

"Nurse! Doctor! Tulong! Gumagalaw na siya!" doon ko lang napansin na naguusap lang pala ung doctor at ang pamilya ni Nia at naglalakad na sina Lexi papunta sa kwarto kung saan ako naroroon

Agad silang tumakbo at pumasok na kami sa loob. Marami silang ginagawa kay Nia. Pero isa lang ang napagtuunan ko nang pansin. Gumagalaw na siya. Ang ibig sabihin non. Buhay siya

"She survived!" singhal nang doctor kaya naman napatingin na kaming lahat kay Nia na binubuksan na ang mata

Lumapit ako sa kanya saka hinawakan ang kamay niya.

"Nia. Nia. Can you hear me?" tanong ko

Nang maimulat na niya ang mata niya. Umupo siya kaagad kaya naman inalalayan ko siya.

"Mom? Dad? Oppa?" tanong niya sabay tingin sa pamilya niya na marahil ay umiiyak na dahil sa tuwa

"I knew you can do it" sabi ng tatay niya kaya naman napangiti siya

"You're a big girl na" sabay ng mama niya sabay yakap sa tatay niya

"Good job baby sis" sabi naman ng kuya niya

"Buti naman at nagising ka Nia! Grabe, pinagalala mo talaga kami ng husto dun ah!" sabi ni Lexi

"Ofcourse, I can't leave you guys yet and I..." sabi niya sabay tingin sa akin

Hinigpitan niya ang pagkakahawak ng mga kamay namin.

"I promised" :**