Chapter 21

Ana Louella

After I confronted Drake about Meg's condition, I went directly to the hospital where Meg is staying but before that, I made sure that I'm composed, leaving all my frustrations behind. Meg can't see me in that state because she will surely worry about me and that would just make her condition severe which I don't want to happen.

I took a deep breath before twisting the doorknob open and there, I saw Meg lying in a hospital bed and covered with a white blacket. Her eyes were closed and a nasal cannula was attached under her nose.

I can't directly look at her knowing that I didn't do anything to save her. I shouldn't have left them in the university, I shoud have just stayed with them. If I were only there, this wouldn't happen to Meg and I don't think I can ever forgive myself nor Drake if something bad will happen to her.

"Lou, didn't I tell you to stay in the hospital? Why are you here?" Andrei questioned as he walked towards me.

"I'm fine now, Drei. Don't worry about me anymore, I'm fine." I replied and I glanced at Meg for a moment and then looked at Andrei again.

"How is she?" I asked.

"She's fine now. The doctor said, she can be discharged by Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning if her condition won't get worse." He replied and I sighed.

After hearing those words from Andrei, I can't help but worry about Meg.

"What about her parents? Do they already know what happened to her?" I asked as I walked towards the chair that is placed beside the hospital bed and then I sat.

"I've informed her mom already but her boss won't just let her go. As for her dad, I wasn't able to inform him since he doesn't have a phone." He replied and then he took a chair and placed it beside me.

"But no worries, her mom will surely be here at around nine o'clock." He added as he sat and I just nodded.

"What time was she admitted here?" I asked.

"Before noon, Dane brought her here and Ace told me about it." He replied.

I was quite surprised to know that. Who would have thought that the person who made her suffer would also be the one who brought her here? How ironic!

"You've been watching her for seven hours already. You should go home Drei, so you can rest. I'll stay with her until her mom arrived." I replied and he shook his head.

"No, I'm fine. I shouldn't leave you here alone, what if the devils came after I left? Then, I won't be able to protect the both of you." He retorted and I gave him a small smile.

Andrei is so considerate and thoughtful at the same time and I love him for that. I should just agree with him because I'm sure, he won't listen to me.

"Fine, let's stay with her together." I uttered and he just nodded.

"Hey, what about you-" We both said in unison which made us chuckle.

"Okay, I'll speak first." I stated.

"Okay." He briefly replied.

"I'd like to know what happened to you, Drei. What did they do to you?" I asked and he sighed before answering.

"Well, I cleaned Ace's house but I'm fine." He said and I looked at him dubiously.

"Seriously, Lou. I am fine so will you please stop worrying about me now?" He added as he flashed a smile at me.

"Fine, I believe you but if they bothered you again, just tell me and I'll give that Drake what he deserves!" I said and I looked at him confidently as I fisted my right hand and lightly punch my left palm.

"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" He said as he gave me a salute and I just chuckled at him.

"But what about you, Lou? Did Drake bother you?" He asked and I shook my head.

"No, he didn't." I replied and then I smiled at him widely.

Right now, I'm hoping that the smile I gave to Andrei was convincing enough. Well, he has to believe me because I don't want to discuss everything that happened to him!

"Are you-" Meg cut him off.

"Hey. Lou, you're here." Meg grunted weakly which made our heads turn to her direction.

"Hey, how's my Meggy?" I asked her softly and she smiled at me languidly.

"I'm- I'm fine now because you're finally here." She mumbled.

"Of course, I'd come to see you." I said and she just chuckled.

"Are you hungry? Do you want some apples or oranges?" I asked and she shook her head.

"What would you like to eat then? I'll buy it for you." I said and she shook her head again before replying.

"Aren't you sick? Why are you here?" She asked softly as she placed her hand on mine.

"I'm fine now. I've had a good rest at home so I'm fine now." I replied.

"But were you in a hos-" I cut Andrei off by stamping his foot and then I squinted at him after that.

I can't let Meg know that I was brought in a hospital because she will surely worry about me and Andrei almost blurted it out.

"Don't worry about me anymore, Meg. I'm okay." I added as I flashed a smile at her.

"I'm glad to know that, Lou." She replied and I just smiled at her.

"I haven't seen Drake in the university earlier. Did he do something to you, Lou?" She asked as both of them looked at me and I shook my head before answering.

"No, he didn't. Didn't I tell you that I rested at home?" I replied and they both sighed.

"I hope, you're not lying, Lou." Andrei spoke out and I quickly shook my head.

"No! It's true, I spent my whole day resting at home." I said as I grinned at them.

"Then, I'm relieved." Meg whispered as I caressed her head.

"Either of my parents would surely take a leave to look after me so you guys can attend your classes tomorrow or else, you'll miss the lessons, especially you, Lou. You need to write down notes for me." She stated as she grinned at me.

I looked away from her and then I gulped the lump forming in my throat as I remembered the last words I have said to Drake. I have to leave the university tomorrow and in return, my friends will have a peaceful stay in there. How can I explain it to them?

 "O- okay." I said and she smiled at me weakly.

"I'm so happy and grateful to have you guys in my life." She said and I immediately hugged her carefully.

"Hey, it's almost eight o'clock. You should eat now, Meggy. What would you like to eat?" I said as I moved away from her and she nodded.

"Well, what else can I eat other than bland stuffs and fruits?" She said as she pursed her lips, Andrei and I laughed at her retort.

"How about you, Lou? What do you want to eat?" Andrei asked.

"I want some fried chicken and pasta with meat sauce, or pizza." I replied.

After I said the last word, my mouth suddenly watered. I feel so hungry right now. Finally, I have regained my appetite.

"Well, since we're friends, I think, we should all have porridge for dinner to make it fair, aye?" Andrei spoke out.

My hopes were instantly shattered after hearing Andrei's statement.

"No!" I argued.

"Yes! We'll have porridge for dinner!" Andrei piped up and I shook my head.

"No!" I repeated.

"Seriously, you don't need to eat porridge. You can eat whatever you want, don't worry about me." Meg stated as she chuckled.

"Did you hear that, Drei? I am having fried chicken, pasta and pizza tonight!" I declared and he immediately shook his head.

"We'll be eating porridge tonight! Complaints are not allowed." Andrei stated and with that, he left us and I wasn't able to complain anymore.

After a few minutes, Andrei came back holding a plastic bag. He fixed the overbed table and then he placed the bowls of porridge one by one.

"Let's eat!" He exclaimed and I sighed.

"Okay." I mumbled and then they chuckled at me.

A few moments later, my friends had already already finished their bowls of porridge while mine is barely touched. I hate hospital food!

"We'll just get some fried chicken later. Meg would be jealous if she sees us eating friend chicken. She can't eat greasy food, that's bad for her health." Andrei whispered and I grinned at him.

"Really?" I asked in astonishment and Andrei just nodded.

"Hey! I thought you want to make it fair!" Meg piped up and the three of us laughed together.

My laughter died when I suddenly remembered what had happened earlier. I have no plans to tell them about it especially the reason behind it because if they found out that I'm leaving, they would also do the same thing.

I can't let that happen because it is a one-shot opportunity for Meg. She worked hard for that scholarship so she can't just dump that opportunity. As for Andrei, he did his best to enter the university to prove his dad that he can also do good in academics. He quitted playing basketball to focus on his studies so he shouldn't leave as well.

"I want the both of you to promise me one thing." I stated and they looked at me.

"What is it, Lou?" Meg asked.

"Promise me, that no matter what happens, you two won't leave the university." I spoked out.

"Wait, are you leaving us?" Andrei asked and I shook my head.

"No. Just promise me that." I replied and they looked at me skeptically.

"Come on, Meg." I said urging her to make her promise.

"I promise." She spoke out and I smiled at her.

"Your turn, Drei!" I exclaimed and he sighed before replying.

"Okay. I promise as long as you won't leave us." He stated and I flashed a smile at him.

I felt a little relieved after hearing their promises. I know that this would be a tough decision but this is the only choice I have right now.