Farewell

I got up early to bid farewell to Aaron, whose leaving overseas to be treated.

"Mom, I'm going!"

"Ah," she called as I stand in front of the door, "At least eat your breakfast!"

I gave her a smile, "I'll eat lots when I get back"

she sighed, "Take care"

I waved as I got out of the house. I engined the car and went to the airport.

There is this magnificent sight of the early sunrise beaming over the horizon. Quietly I walk through the sliding glass doors of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reminiscing my past trips. All of the wonderful faces strolling to their respective gates, thus creating a light breeze with every passing body. The warm sun shining through the glass windows as if to brighten the lives of those within the glass panes. I start to walk my way to find Aaron and his father. And over all this many people, I won't find him that easily.

I opened my phone and searched for his name. "Where are you?" i texted. Not even a minute has passed when my phone light up.

It was from him.

Behind you, it said. I looked behind and there he was, in a sky blue button-down polo with his matching cotton pants holding a roller suitcase with his dad by his side.

He embraced me in his arms as I wrapped my arms around him too.

"Are you scared?" I asked the obvious.

"...Can I say no?"

I laugh softly, "No turning back now"

I felt his nod beside my shoulder. "Wait for me"

"Of course I will. But if you take long, I'll probably be with another guy" he pouted at me. "Lou..."

I laughed, "I'm kidding!" as I tighten the hug. There was silence. We both stayed quiet whil we're envelope in a hug. After some time passed I finally broke the silence.

"You must go now" I whispered. "I'll see you healthy and well"

"..Do you really want me to go..?"

"Of course! So that we'll be together for the rest of our lives"

He tightened the hug then lets go.

"Don't say goodbye."

I laugh, "I won't"

They both started walking to the gate, "No goodbyes, Lou"

I wave slowly, "No goodbyes" I gave him a smile. He smiled back and waved as he gets inside the get. One last time he mouthed, "No goodbyes" he shook his head.

I laugh as I shook my head. No goodbyes. I felt pain pierce through my heart as I watch them walk further away from me. I wasn't crying or anything, rather I feel relieve that he'll be okay, I want him to be okay. I turn my back and slowly exits the airport as I make my way home.

After he left overseas, lessons still started even without him and Jax comes along to play from time to time. We would meet with some of the members of the orchestra. The maestro even invited me to join their orchestra. I was delighted to have been noticed yet I'd rather play solo or with Aaron.

Aaron and I would talk most of the time. We would video call through skype and text. He would send pictures of him going through labs which is literally not allowed. And he says that the nurses love him, who doesn't. He makes everyone around him happy with just one smile. One smile it takes to wipe away their pain. He has that kind of power. Our last conversation were a week ago. He said that they need to do the operation quick before it spreads any further. And so they did.

Every day the thought of him doesn't slip out of my mind, if he's okay, is he eating well, has he lost weight. From all the months I've been with him not once, did I ever see him vomit or feel sick. Which made me feel weak for he doesn't even show me his lowest when I can help him get through it. Another is that he doesn't need any help, he just needs me to be there. That he can do it by himself but knowing that I'll be there in the end. So I pray, every day, every night, every time I have nothing to do or I have so many things to do. I pray with Blythe and Jax, with Mom, at the church. I pray that he can even take my away just make Aaron be safe.

A week has passed and finally I got a call from his dad.

"I'll just take this. Aaron's dad is calling" as I make my way out.

"Tell us what he said later!" Blythe yells as she fans herself of nervousness.

I nodded as a response.

I went outside and finally pick up the phone.

"Hello, Uncle?" my voice cracked. I shouldn't feel nervous yet what can I do. It's about him.

"...Louella..." he whispers, as if he just finished crying. I gulped as I try to be ready from what I'll be hearing next. "There's good news. And bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

"Uh," I paused. "...The good...news?"

"Okay. The good news is...The operation is a success"

I exhaled deeply, "Oh, Thank—Thank God!" tears shimmered in my eyes as my mouth curved into a smile. "And...the bad news...?" i pressed my lips together.

"Right... The bad news is... He's in a coma" his voice trembled, "It's been two weeks now and he's still not waking up" he struggled to swallow down a still-beating heartbeat. I froze in the place where I stood as slowly tears flooded my eyes. I covered my mouth as I suppress the sound from crying. The thing is, I thought he'll always be okay. That no matter what life throws, he'll stand up and say he's alright. Yet, why now...of all times, is this happening. I shut my eyes and breathed.

"Uncle?" I said in a lower voice.

"I'm still here"

"How much is the cost...cost to get there?"

Aaron is delicate. His ethereal beauty made my heart a thump. He made me what I am today. It's all thanks to him that I became more confident in myself, I am happier than ever, my surroundings lightened. And now, for so many times he did something for me, I'll be paying him back now too, although it's still a long way.

I talked with my mom and she let me decide for myself now. I now stand in front of Aaron, where he lies down with an IV in his hand. I smiled at him sadly.

"Talk to him. He can hear you" His Dad said as he gives me a smile.

"I'll talk to him nonstop that he'll wake up saying I'm noisy" we both laughed.

Hey, Aaron. Hurry and wake up.