Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Aliyah’s POV

A lot of things just did happen. The moment Lew stumbled down, I admit I was nervous. Almost all the resentment I felt for Lew .. suddenly disappeared and was replaced by anxiety.

What was that?! Is that the reason why he chooses to left me? Because he only has one month to live?

I am now in front of the emergency room.

Yes. I went to the hospital where he was taken. Why did I come along? I do not know either. As far as I know, I was worried for him.

My aunt also came to the hospital. She is on the other side of the hallway. Sitting. It was really obvious on her face that she was so worried for Lewis. I am just looking at her. I still do not dare to talk to her after what happened at the school event earlier.

Somehow, I feel guilty. I know it is kinda late now but I felt guilty. Instead of pushing away Lewis in my life, I should have been a little more patient and understanding. I should have been forgiving him instead of ruining not only his chance but ruining also my entire life.

I bit my lower lip so hard. So hard that it bleeds a little. Upon tasting my blood, I got this feeling of regret. Yes, somehow I regret what my life has gone through. I put myself in a scenario that is a war freak and hurting others is a must.

Why Aliyah? Why?

I shook my head. I should not feel this way. I am strong. Much stronger than my old self so I must go on.

After an hour, the doctor came out.

Lewis's parents were first searched but they were not here in the country. And I never knew if they also knew about their son's situation.

Aunt explained that Lewis's parents were not here with the patient. The doctor just nodded and said Lewis needs some rest. His condition is now stable.

A kind of relief.

"Is it true? Is it true that he has only..... a month to live?" I know my approach to the doctor is sudden but I need an answer. Earlier I was distracted by so many things running through my mind, and at least one, at least this one must be answered.

The doctor just nodded again and then he left.

So, it is true what my aunt said.

"W-why?" I am asking myself. All this time, I was clueless. I’ve been with Lewis for quite a long time but I was not aware that he was sick already. Have I neglected our relationship before? Was I to blame for not being considerate and understanding all along? Argh! I felt so frustrated.

Someone suddenly patted my shoulder. I take a look at who it was.

My aunt.

She explained to me everything. No matter how detailed her explanation was, only these words were absorbed by my mind:

Heart disease.

No cure.

Die.

One month.

Make Lewis happy.

Make Lewis smile again.

Ruzzel's POV

I kept on dialing Aliyah's number, but after 123456587989931656 rings ... no one is answering.

I felt quite nervous. She mentioned that she will just attend a school event together with Joana. Why does Aliyah is not picking up her phone?

After so many attempts to dial her, I just decided to go to the venue and pick her up.

I was about to leave the house when Joana suddenly came. She’s panting. I am looking at her back to see if Aliyah was following her but no to avail.

“Why are you alone Joana? Where is Aliyah? And also why does it seem like someone is chasing you?"

"S-something came up Ruzzel…”

“W-what? What is it? Wait, try to calm yourself first.”

“Aliyah is in the hospital right now."

“WHAT HAPPENED TO HER?!?!” Felt like all of the blood running through my body went through directly on my head. I could not imagine if something bad happens to Aliyah. I told Joana to calm herself earlier but look at me now who's panicking.

“Nothing happened to Aliyah. Its Lewis. Something happened to Lewis. "

I felt at ease. Thankful enough because it is not my Aliyah. But wait! It's Lewis, right? Aliyah’s ex-boyfriend?

"If it was Lewis then why Aliyah was at the hospital as well?”

“She followed Lewis.”

“WHAT?? WHY???” Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? What is the reason for following Lewis to the hospital?

“Ruzzel calm down.”

How can I calm down? It is her ex-boyfriend! I must be vigilant!

“Which hospital? I will go to Aliyah. ”

Then Joana and I left.

When we arrived at the hospital we went straight to Lewis's room.

"I still love you, Aliyah ..."

I stopped while hearing those words. I was looking from afar. Lewis's eyes were fixed on Aliyah. He was holding the hand of the woman I love.

I felt intense jealousy. It made me freeze.

"I know that Lewis."

And I was even more hurt by Aliyah's answer.

During the time that Aliyah and I have been together, I expected that she will slap Lewis because of what he says but I was so wrong. She is answering and talking to Lewis calmly now. She even agreed to the idea of Lewis holding her hand.

“Just one month Aliyah. I am asking for the remaining month to be spent with you. I know I am selfish with my request but I hope you will grant my wish. I will promise I will fix everything that has been destroyed.”

I was about to approach Lewis but Joana stopped me by holding my arm.

I wanted to shout to their face that I am just here, not that far and I am hearing all the things they are saying. Why does it seem they can not notice my presence? Are they numb?

"I am sorry Lewis, but I love Ruzzel. I can not give you what you want. And besides... I haven't completely forgiven you yet .. it takes time for me to forget everything though I already know the reason why you broke up with me.”

My eyes widened because of what Aliyah said. She has already gotten to love me back.

Felt like all the jealousy I am feeling right now was just erased by those words.

Aliyah suddenly turned to my side.

"What are you doing here, idiot?" she asked.

It made my mouth wide open. Earlier, she just said right in front of Lewis that she loves me but now, she is just calling me an idiot.

Is that her way of showing how much she loves me? Well if yes, I will just accept it.

"I'm here to pick you up, my love."

She rolled her eyes then turned to Lewis again. Look how moody she is. Mood swing huh?

“Gotta go Lewis. I will just come back to visit you again. Get some rest, okay? Goodbye!”

Aliyah approached me and pulled my hand. Joana followed us to say that she would be left alone to watch over Lewis. Aliyah just nodded at her.

Aliyah remained silent while we were on our way home. I also do not want to speak first. I respect the fact that she needs silence.

I was surprised when Aliyah suddenly grabbed my hand. Yes, I am driving but I could not help but to convert all my attention to her.

"A-aliyah…"

“There isn’t something much that I wanted to tell but just be reminded of these few words Ruzzel, stay by my side. Stay in my life. No matter how hard it may get, just choose to stay. For staying is much magical than letting go.”

"I- I will. With so much happiness, I will."

I can’t help it but my heart wants to explode. Hearing those words, the words that she wanted me to stay in her life made my heart fly away to the moon. I smiled. Yes, I will stay in her life… no matter how difficult it may get.