Chapter 47: Chapter 47

I felt my head was throbbing as I open my eyes. The first thing I saw was the white ceiling. I couldn’t stand the light coming from the light so I closed my eyes again. I felt someone was rushing to come near me but I can't seem to identify who they are.

"Call the doctor, Luke!"

"Jane?"

"She's awake now."

"Call the others, Ethan."

"Okay."

I can hear them yet I can only recognize some of their voices. The sweet voice of Chelsea, my mom and Ethan. I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw again is my mother, looking worriedly at me. She leans forward and a bit teary eyed. Someone entered and started examining. I don't know what they are doing and they are just busy checking.

"Her vitals are fine, doc." One of the nurses said. The doctor looks calm and diverted her gaze to me. I can clearly see now her smile towards me which I don't know what the reason. She looked at my mother beside me and mumbled something which made my mother went in tears.

“Good. She's fine now. ” My mom said and went near my side. After a few minutes of checking, they went out, leaving me with my mother and friends.

“W-why am I here?”

I can feel my throat hurts as I spoke. I forced myself to sit down so Ethan who was by my side helped me. The four of them surrounded me. I can see their worries but relieved on their pair of eyes as the same time.

“Are you okay, Jane? Does anything hurt?" Chelsea asked worriedly.

"I-I'm fine."

“I will talk to Dr. Enriquez outside.” Mom gave me a smile when I looked at her. "I will leave you here."

She was wearing her lab gown. I could see the worried expression on her face as she looked at me. She left us and went out to talk to the doctor.

"Jane..."

"Yes?" I answered to Luke. He was looking at me with a smile plastered on his lips. He was smiling yet it didn't reach his eyes.

"I am glad that you are fine now." he muttered. I smiled weakly at him and nodded.

"We were worried about what happened to you." Ethan said.

"How did I get here?"

“You got in—”

Someone barged in and the next thing I knew, someone hugged me tightly that made me almost lost out of breathe.

"Jack, let go of your sister!" Dad said angrily. I only heard his voice.

"J-jack," I said patting his shoulder. "I am fine." He loosened its grip but still hugged me.

"I am worried, Sam." he mumbled.

“You can let go now, brother. I am really fine.”

He loosened the hug. The dark circles under his eyes and the lack of sleep are obvious. He looked at me and noticed the concern in his eyes. The cold look were gone as he always throws at me. I can feel my brother, my brother who's with me when I am still young.

"What happened?" I asked. I don’t know why they seem to avoid answering or they just don’t want me to know something.

"Is your head okay?" I looked at my dad when he suddenly spoke.

"I am really fine."

"Let me talk to the doctor." said my older brother before he ran away out.

I felt my head ache again. I closed my eyes slightly and waited a few seconds as I felt dizzy. My vision was still blurred, when I looked up, I looked at my surroundings. A few seconds later, my vision also immediately became clear.

I suddenly remembered the night where I was riding in the car with Zaine driving. Wait...Zaine.

“Where is Zaine? Isn't he with me? ”

I suddenly felt nervous as I looked at them, attentive if what they will answer. My nervousness intensified when dad shook his head and now he was holding my hand. I feel the trembling of that hands. I don't know why but my hand shakee even more when I saw my friends sighing. My dad look at my friends direction and nodded slightly to them. They seemed to feel that so they also immediately smiled sadly in response to my dad.

"We'll go now, Sir Valdez," Ethan said. He looked at me. "Rest well, Jane."

I nodded before they left and the only left was dad and me who's now watching my friends' leaving throughout the door.

“What happened, dad? Why am I here? And where's Zaine? ”

He sighed first before looking at me.

"You got into an accident and stayed here for three weeks." he mumbled. I can feel the sudden fast beating of my heart. I thought...

“Three weeks, dad? Why... W-what happened to me?”

"The doctor said that the impact damaged some of your bones that mad you unconscious for several weeks."

“Dr. Enriquez added that it maybe the shuttered glasses or some object that caused the internal bleeding in your body.” he calmly said with a bit of cold voice of his. I felt my body shivered as I looked at my whole body full of bruises covered with this white-cloth bandages. There are many, including those on my arms and shoulders. I can move it but I can still feel the pain.

“Don’t do that. Your arms are fractured.” Dad reminded. I stopped that and looked at him. A long silence ensued before I finally broke the silence.

"Are you mad at me, dad?"

"I am." He straightforwardly answered and with no hesitation. "But I can't do anything about it."

"I am sorry dad." I uttered.

“The damage has been done, Jane. All you have to do is rest and get better. ”

“How about Zaine, dad? How is he? ”

He stopped for a moment but immediately sighed. He looks worried yet he immediately diverted his gaze from somewhere, avoiding my stares on him.

“He is still unconscious.”

I nodded. I am worried because he is the one who's driving that night.

“I will call the doctor. Your friends are still waiting outside.” My daddy told me when he look at mine.

I nodded again. I still can't believe that this really happened. I want to rest but at the same I want to see Zaine's situation right now. I am too worried about him as he was the one driving the car. He was the one who was so badly wounded apart compare to me that only wounds were sustained. The last thing I remember was his forehead bleeding that time.

He was furious at me because I didn't tell him to where Cheska is. I still can remember his words and how mad he is as he look at me. In just a swift of the moment, everything changed and they're not in there rightful places anymore. I thought that we will stay as good as before, but it didn't last long. The moments were I think I can now be with him is what I am anticipating the most, but it was ruined by a mere happening that can change our relationship—our friendship.

I thought that our relationship will level up, from friends to something deeper. He was sweet, caring and nice to me. He showed me that he cares even for just a short span of time. As if I am important to him. Despite of the arranged marriage planned by our parents, he still manages to act as if he cares for me.

But what if he's just acting? What if all he did was just an act for me to get close to him? What if all his words and actions towards me in that short period of time were not true at all?

It is very confusing. He is confusing that I even doubt of all the thing he have done to me. He was someone who is very mysterious behind those sweet aura he wears when he's with a crowd of people. He will have those cold expressions when he is with someone he trusted. The duality of him.

But... in that short time, he was still looking for Cheska. Even if he denies that he no longer feels for her, it will not be possible to get rid of their relationship. He still cares for her.

While I am just waiting for him. I like him to the point that I still cares for him eventhough he might not look at me as his friend just like before. His treatment to me could also change because I lied to him, not telling him what I knew about Cheska. Even though it was just a little information, it was still important to Zaine. And I can see through his actions that he is silently waiting for Cheska.

I only did that because I was not in a position to say it. It was Cheska who needs to tell them about it. I considered her as my friend and I value her as she is important to me.

But things changed now... I will wait for the right time, and when she still didn't get back, I will interfer now to solve this problem of her. I don't exactly know the reason but one thing is for sure, Aunt Zandra is behind all of this. I want to know why did she interfer and planned this things all along.

What is really her reason?

***

A week had passed yet Zaine still didn't wake up. He's been unconscious for a month now. I just came out the other day because I'm feeling better. I still have wounds on my arms but I can handle them The class has also started at C.U and there are lessons and activities that needed to be done because I have been absent for few weeks.

My classmates were still Chelsea, Clifford and Ethan while Luke took the strand, HUMSS. Nathan on the other hand, transferred to Australia as his parents decided it for him. There are only five of us plus Zaine who is ICU right now. Zaine is still in the hospital, unconcious, while Cheska, John and Nathan went overseas.

"How is Zaine?" Chelsea asked around this afternoon while we were in the canteen, eating our lunch.

"He is still in the ICU and has been sleeping for a month." Luke added while eating Shainghai that he got from their house.

"If only Cheska knew what happened to Zaine, I bet she will come home," Ethan said. I thought the same way too. If I were in Cheska's situation, I will do the same.

"Jane," Chelsea spoke up. "What really happened before you had the accident?"

I immediately got silent. I don’t know what the right word to say to them. They deserve to know, not just what happened to Zaine but also to Cheska, to why she left... And the person to whom is at fault.

I took a deep breath before looking at them one by one. I told them everything including my stay at the Madrigals' house. I didn't lose sight of the shock in their eyes, especially Chelsea's when she heard Cheska's name mentioned. I can see sadness on their eyes.

As I finished telling them, a long silence interfered. I can't seem to know how to break that defeaning silence. Even when the bell rang, signaling the start of the our afternoon class, I noticed their silence. They didn't react nor speak about that topic. Until we're going home, they just bid goodbye but never asked or brought up that topic.

Did I say something wrong?

I was with Ethan and both of us coming out of C.U. Aside from Chelsea and Cheska, he was one of my closest friend on the group. At least a few months since we met, he was one of the people I got along with, even though he was quiet at times and mostly grumpy. He was also the first to know about my heirship and about my family. He knows completely some details of my life that I don’t tell much to others.

He accompanied me for a walk in a park near C.U. Paul is still not here because there something he needs to arranged. He just told me to wait at this park as he is on his way. Paul is still my driver eventhough I am with the Madrigal's now.

Ethan was just quiet until we got to that park. I heard some music that he plays on his earphone. I turned to him and he was just sitting on the paved part of the side that could be seated and close to the bench. He removed the used earphone and put it in his blue Jansport bag before he looked at my direction while I am just watching what he was doing all along.

“Speak. I know something is bothering you.” he said calmly. I got stunned for a moment before sitting down next to him. There are flowers planted behind us that I think are displays in this park.

"There is," I answered weakly. "I'm confused by what's happening right now." He was just quiet and waiting for what I will say next.

"I like Zaine." I spoke up. I waited for his reaction but it didn't change as if he was expecting what I would say.

"Aren't you even surprised?" I asked.

"Not surprised." And there, he grinned a little. "I know before, I was always looking at your reaction when you are with him, or when you are just talking alone."

"Ah..." I scratched my head, didn't know what to say.

"So continue." he just smile a little.

“Though I like him and now that we are arranged marriage. I am supposed to be happy, right?” I ask. “But I can’t. Something is stopping me from not being happy about that.”

"Or perhaps, someone is stopping you." He mumbled that made me looked away. "That person is important to you that you don't want her to feel bad, isn't it?"

I sighed, releasing the heavy feeling inside of me. He is right.

"It's Cheska." he mumbled. I didn't answer but when he looked at me, he already knew it all along. I sighed.

“They like each other, Jane. Though, they didn't have the right time to be together.” he said.

We have the same thoughts. I didn't answer immediately as I don't know what to say. I just heard that truth from someone else, yet it’s still painful to accept it. I like someone who happens to like someone else.

"Zaine was a repeater just for Cheska," he continued. That's when I got shock with. “Zaine is already 18, so he must be in College now if he didn't repeat.”

“That was one of the things that made Aunt Zandra angry on her son. It was really a stubborn decision of Zaine.” he laughed, sarcastically.

“He can really do that just for Cheska?” I ask.

“Uh-huh. I think it's already more tham just an admiration?” he asked. I couldn’t help but be jealous of Cheska. She really has it all.

"But why did he still leave Zaine?" I questioned.

"No one knows either." he shrugged.

I sighed and looked away. I got silent but I still want to ask how close are those two.

"So..." he uttered. "I am curious to why your parents need you to be arranged marriage."

"Just business. But if I recalled and remembered what Jack said before the accident, it was because dad knew that I like Zaine since before."

"Your situation is complicated, tsk." He commented.

" You got it right." I laughed.

"But... if I were you, ask your parents to stop the wedding." He said with seriousness.

“I know you are smart, Jane. If you prolong that set-up of you and Zaine, nothing will happen to the both of you. He still likes or maybe love his best friend. You know who I am referring to.” he added.

"Yeah, I think so too." I uttered. “I still feel guilty about him. I don't think his previous treatments towards me will be reversed.”

He tapped my shoulder that made me looked back at him. He has that little smile plastered on his lips. His eyes are glistering as if it's telling me that everything will be all right. “Just wait for the right time. If you two are really meant for each other, then you are meant to be.”

I smiled. He is right. I will just enjoy my life with them and pursue my dream. In that way, I can live my life the way I wanted. Also, I don't want to depend on someone. I have dreams, and friendship is more important than that.

“How about you? Do you like someone now?” My curiousity boomed that made me question him. He instantly give me a grin.

"Secretly waiting for her."

I can think of someone but I don't know if that's what he's referring to. I was suddenly relieved and smiled as well.

“What is that smile? You can even court with her. It is not that you are a pedophile kind of guy.” I answer.

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

"Isn't it Nic—" I didn't finish what I was about to say when my phone rang. I answered that while looking at Ethan's frown.

"Hello?"

“Jane? Where are you? Are you with Ethan?” it was Chelsea. Her voice was flat. Very different from her voice. If I hadn’t just saw the caller's name, I wouldn’t have assumed it was Chelsea calling.

"Yes, he's with me." I answer.

"Can you go to the hospital right now?"

"Okay."

“All right. We will wait for you.” She immediately dropped the call. I felt nervous when she called. I looked at Ehan who's waiting for what I will say.

"Let's go to the hospital, Chelsea told us to go there...”

“Why? Something happened?"

" I don't know."

“Then, let’s go. There is a taxi parked on that side.” He pointed to the taxi near the C.U. main gate.

I nodded and we approached there together. We also boarded immediately and headed to the hospital. I texted Paul first and told him to just pick me up at the hospital.

After a few minutes, we immediately went inside and ran to the room where Zaine was confined. We looked at Chelsea and Clifford who were outside and seemed to be waiting. Ethan was the first to get close to them while Chelsea, I don’t know what expression she showed on her face. I felt a little nervous as I approached them. I couldn’t read what emotion she was showing me.

"Chels, what happened?" I ask. She didn't answer me. She immediately approached me and suddenly her palm perched on my cheek.

"What did you do to my friend, Jane?!"

I couldn't immediately moved by what she did. It was as if I was stuck in my position and all I could do was to hold on my cheek that she just slapped. My mouth fell open as I faced her while still startled. Clifford grabbed her arm and seemed to be begging her to stop.

"Chelsea..."

Ethan approached me. I couldn’t calm down eventhough I felt him caressing my back. All I could think of was what Chelsea had done to me.

"What's going on?" Ethan with suppressed angry expression, replied. "Why did you do that, Chels?"

"Don't yell at Chelsea, Ethan." Clifford was annoyed too.

“She deserved that. I don't know what else you can do after we are willingly accepted you to our group.” Chelsea says. Gone is the Chelsea I met. She is very different now. I couldn't even say a word because of what she said and how seriously she said them.

I couldn’t understand what she was pointing at, but I couldn’t bear to ask.

"Where's Zaine?" We turned to Luke who had just arrived. He even carries a plastic that I think are chips and his DSLR.

"What's going on, guys?" He innocently asked.

"Let's get in." Ethan muttered. He guided me inside and immediately a smiling Zaine appeared before us while watching T.V. Zaine looked at us and immediately frowned when he saw us, Ethan and me together.

"Get off your hands on her back, dude." He said, seriously. Astonished, I looked at him while Ethan who's beside me, distant a little away from me. I approached Zaine and smiled slightly eventhough I feel something's wrong.

"I knew t-that you'll be awake soon." I told him, stopping myself from shedding tears in front of him. I was nervous because he might still hate me. That he might have planted hatred and put an end to such a marriage that our parents had made.

He also smiled wider. "It's nice to see you again."

"A-aren't you angry at me?" I stuttered asked that question. His eyebrows furrowed slightly but he also immediately smiled. What is happening to him?

“Why should I be angry, I should be the one to ask you that. I didn't set you free during our Moving Up. ”

"Huh?"

"Didn't you go to our favorite spot that time?"

I was speechless and just stared at him. Only his smile and the bandage on the head and the dextrose can be seen with the remote control he holds. I don’t understand the point he's telling me.

"Should I call the others?" Ethan asked.

"Y-yes." I mumbled. I still haven’t lost sight of Zaine as he smiles while facing me. He turned off the T.V and motioned me to sit next to him.

"Why are you so shocked and confused?" He chuckled and hold my wrist gently. The next thing I knew, he envelope me in his arms.

"Zaine..."

“Let me hug you, please. I miss this.” he added.

“Are you okay—” We heard Luke's voice so I was the one to let go of his embrace. Stunned, I looked at our friends who had just entered and saw the shock on their faces.

“What are you guys doing here?” Zaine asked.

"How's Zaine?" Luke's greeted that I think was still surprised at what he just saw.

"I'm okay now." Zaine replied, smiling.

“What’s with you man? Did you crack your head?” Eventhough laughing, Cliff's didn't escape to look at my side and he's expression changed when he looked up at me.

"I am just with my best friends now."

"We're missing some people." Ethan replied. Zaine frowned but immediately nodded when his look passed us all.

"Of course, Nathan and John aren't here."

“How about Cheska? You didn't mentioned her.” Ethan replied.

"Who is Cheska?" He asked.

I immediately looked at him and could not believe what he said. I don't know if he's just joking or if he just doesn't know who we're talking about.

“Are you kidding Zaine? Very funny.” Luke ride on Zaine's joke but Zaine's forehead frowned even more.

"She's your girl best friend." I answered him. He stared at me and seemed chaotic as he was staring at me and has that confused look.

“I don’t know her. My girl best friends are only Chelsea... ” He looked behind me for a moment before he turned his gaze to me again. "And you."