Chapter 19: Rivals

I just finished my treatment today. Although my hemoglobin is still low it did not stop me from proceeding with the chemotherapy. Because I had blood transfusion yesterday, my blood count is expected to normalize in a few days.

I was advised by my doctor (Lance) to stay one more day at the hospital so he can closely monitor my condition. So I'm still here with my Mom killing our time by watching some movies. I felt better than yesterday and was able to eat my favorite cassava dessert.

I was about to close my eyes and sleep when someone knocks at the door. I thought it was the nurse who will have to check my blood pressure. Turns out to be one of my favorite person in this world. "Dude! You're back!" I exclaimed upon seeing my best friend walks inside the room. "Hey, sweetheart, I never thought you've missed me that much huh. I was so worried when I heard from Auntie that you collapsed and is currently confined here. As soon as the airplane hits the run way, I called my brother to fetch me so I can go here directly". Yes, that's Andrei trying to explain why he is suddenly here at the hospital and even straight from his flight abroad. "So you haven't rested yet?" I asked him. "Yes, that's how important you are to me. Are you touched? Haha. He answered. "But seriously, how are you? Are you being taken care by your dear doctor?" He asked. "Yes I am very much in-charge of taking care of her and monitors her condition from time to time." Someone answers from the door who turns out to be Lance. "Oh, Lance my friend, there you are. I haven't seen you in decades. I thought you will never come back." Andrei answers him sarcastically. Wow, I feel a sudden tension between these two men. What's going on?

Lance approached me closely, shoving Andrei to the side. He began his checks, starting with my heartbeat, pulse rate and blood pressure. "Hey man, is that supposed to be done by a nurse, why are you the one performing these checks?" Andrei asks Lance with curiosity. "Mr. Rodriguez, I'm a doctor, I can do this too. Earlier you are asking if her doctor takes care of her. Now that I'm doing what you have asked me to do, you are now asking me why? Lance answers with irritation on his voice. "Whoah, man, chill. Why so formal, we used to be childhood friends too remember? You can just call me Andrei not Mr. Rodriguez as I feel so old. Hehe." Andrei responded with calm. "Hello, I'm still here children. Mom can you scold these two immature boys please." I started to intervene in the middle of their conversation just to loosen up the tension. "Sorry Auntie I'll zip my mouth and behave." Andrei responded and proceed to sit down on one of the couch. Meanwhile, Lance continue with his checks while Mom starts to speak with Andrei just to divert his attention from us.

When we were young, I was always together with Andrei since we're in the same age, we're neighbors and classmates. On the other hand, Lance's parents are my parents closest friend. He treats me as his younger sister because he is an only child. We all go to the same school, but since Lance is older we rarely spend our time with him there. But most of my summer were spent in Lance's family vacation home. Sometimes he visits us whenever he has errands from his Mom. He makes sure he brought my favorite treats whenever he comes by. I have close relationships with Andrei and Lance but in different ways. However, between the two of them there was always a gap eversince we were young. Lance once said to me when I was in highschool that he don't like me hanging out with Andrei because he is very carefree and seems to be immature. But what he don't know about Andrei is that he is very kind and responsible. He's not just taking his relationships seriously. Still, he's the best friend I ever have. And Lance. . . he's my secret love.