For the past six months, Freddie never had a seizure but once he started the stronger dose of chemo. Virginia witnessed the very first one. His body began to shake slowly and then it began to tremble violently until he knocked over the lamp near the sofa. Virginia was in the kitchen when she heard the commotion as she ran out and saw what she’s been warned about. Her heart stopped for a few milliseconds as she watched him go into a seizure. “Freddie….” She called but knew that he wouldn’t be able to answer her.
She wanted to hug him tight to keep him from shaking so much but she remembered Michael saying that you cannot touch him. All you could do is make sure he doesn’t swallow his tongue. Her heart ached as she watched him in what looked like excruciating pain. Finally it ended after what seemed like hours, in truth its only been a little over one minute.
When he stopped trembling, she reached to him slowly and hugged him. Trying to fight the tears that were ready to come out, she closed her eyes tight “Are you alright?” she asked.
She felt him nod his head “Did I scare you?”
“Not really.” She lied, her heart was about to jump out of her throat “Considering it was the first time I witnessed it. How did it feel?”
“Scary, I knew what was going on but I couldn’t stop it.” His breathing soon calmed down and he went to bed early.
*************
Fortunately, his mother never had to witness the seizure, she would have gone beserk. It happened a few more times that week, once when Joanne was there and the rest of the time, it was up to Virginia. Michael eventually called Freddie in for more tests. It looked like the new dose was giving him harsh side effects. The evaluation took longer than usual as Freddie had to stay back for a few days.
Virginia was home by herself on a Sunday and didn’t know what else to do. She was restless and her mind kept wandering to Freddie. Soon enough she decided to open the red bottle of wine and poured herself a drink, then another and another. Before she realized that her mind was working slower, it was too late to stop. The wine made her forget everything. All the pain and worries were not there. She felt the most relaxed as she sipped and carried the 1/3 bottle of wine to the couch.
Her mind was clear of thoughts but she felt extremely dizzy after she finally finished the whole bottle. Her eyes blurred as she ran to the liquor cabinet to find more booze. She normally didn’t drink and the liquor cabinet was there for decoration. It was actually her father’s but she never had any interest in it until that night. She found an old bottle of cognac, the strongest of them all. The date was 1974, the best of all years. She opened it with some difficulty as she tried to use her hands but they were to weak, so she tried with her teeth. Eventually, she shaved off the top lid with the knife and opened it. She chugged it down like it was coke, but she only did it once because it was too strong.
She stumbled her way back to the couch but soon got up when she heard the doorbell “Who is it?!!!” she asked with frustration. “Who dares…disturb me?” she swung the door open and found Jeff in front of her. Her eyes narrowed as she leaned on the door clumsily “What do you want?”
He covered his mouth and nose when her breath reeked of alcohol. “Ginny, what are you drinking?!!” he pushed her into the living room as he closed the door. He found one empty bottle of wine laying on the ground.
She held up the cognac bottle and showed him “This!” she said emphasizing her excitement “It’s the beeestt out there..” she sat on the couch but quickly slipped of and landed on the carpet “Ouch!” she burst into tiny giggles “That was fun!!” she pulled herself on the couch but this time Jeff stopped her from having her fun.
He yanked the bottle from her hand “Ginny! Stop it!! This is not healthy for you.”
She swung her neck towards him as she pouted her lips “What would you know? You have no worries…no sadness….nothing! Can I even drink to forget everything tonight? Can’t I??” she grabbed the bottle back unexpectedly. “Join me, its fun.” She pushed it in his face.
He shook his head slowly “The more sad you are, the more sad you will be if you drink. Alcohol does make you forget things, but it can bring it all back the next morning. Stop drinking, Ginny…” he coaxed softly.
She looked at the bottle and then at him “Fine, I already open this bottle…drink it all and I won’t have to drink it myself…” she gave him a goofy smile.
He knew there would be no stopping her even if he used force. She he took the bottle from her hand and took the alcohol in one gulp. It hit him quicker than he imagined as he began to grow dizzy, he opened his eyes wide as he tried to focus on the things around him. His mind grew cloudy as he began to sink back on the couch. Virginia was asleep on the ground. He smiled to himself as he pulled her up “Come on sleepy head…time for bed..” he used his whole strength to pull her up as they swayed from side to side down the hall. When the got to her bedroom, he dropped her on the bed and she slowly obliged as she pulled the covers over herself. Mumbling something incoherent “Hey…” he tapped her shoulder “Move over…” he said.
She did as he told and he fell onto the bed next to her. Her eyes slowly opened and she smiled “Good night…” she wrapped her arms around his neck as she cuddled at the nape of his chest and neck.
“Good night..” he breathed as his arm fell on top of her body, reaching down to her head as he kissed it dearly. She shifted in his arms as her head moved up and her eyes opened once more. She hasn’t felt that comfortable in ages, whether it was the alcohol or the feeling of someone’s arms around her. She felt at ease like there were no worries.
“Thank you…” she mumbled. He looked down at her with a serious face. She closed her eyes and felt something warm touch her lips. It felt nice as she responded to his kiss….
**************
The next morning, he woke up to the ray of sunshine coming through the room. He let out a long stretch as he looked around the room and realized it wasn’t his apartment. He quickly sat up and looked around again hoping that his eyes deceased him. He recognized the pictures on the wall, the tiny desk with the computer, it was Virginia’s room. She was no where in sight.
He grabbed his head when the blood rushed up to his brain. His head was pounding. Jeff looked down at himself and saw that his shirt was completely taken off. ‘How?’ he thought ‘What did I do yesterday?’ thoughts raced through his mind as he pictured the worst.
Virginia peeked through the door of her room “You awake?” she asked.
“Ginny!” he sounded surprised even though it was her room.
“Had a nice sleep?” she smiled warmly as she brought a tiny tray to the bed. “Its Jasmine tea, it’ll help you ease the hangover.” The steaming cup looked inviting as she held it up for him.
“Ginny…” he asked after he took a few sips “What happened last night?” he could barely remember.
“Nothing…we slept on the same bed.” She said slowly but surely.
He shook his head “Then why is my shirt off?”
“Because you threw up this morning so I helped changed you. That’s all.” She said simply. “Now drink up. Stop thinking about last night, nothing happened.” She said convincingly.
He seemed confused as his memory slowly came back after the tea soaked into his body. He remembered they were really intimate but the details were too hazy. “Are you sure we didn’t….uh….em…you know?” his eyes were a circular shape as he opened them wide.
She giggled “Of course not!!” he didn’t look convinced. She sighed as she tilted her head “You’re my good friend, I wouldn’t allow that to happen, even if I was drunk. I can’t believe you finished that bottle of cognac.” She said lightly as she got up and sat by the vanity mirror to brush her hair. “My father would be very proud.” She smiled and winked at him through the reflection of the mirror.”
He sensed something was definitely wrong about that picture. Either she was hiding something from him or his mind was playing tricks on him. “If something did happen, would you tell me?”
She turned to face him and eventually sat on the bed with him “Yes. Of course I will. Don’t you worry, everything is fine. I just needed to clear my mind last night. Now go on, change, you’re gonna be late for work. Why don’t you borrow one of Freddie’s t-shirts for now? I’m sure he won’t mind.” She smiled and got up “I’ve got to be on my way too, oh and can you lock the door behind you?” he nodded with a blank expression “Thanks Jeff.” Her smile grew wider “And stop worrying.” She insisted before leaving the room.
*****************
That night, she went to the hospital to pick up Freddie. It’s only been two days and he seemed to have lost all the life in him. He looked paler and his eyes were bloodshot, like he’s been drinking or crying. His balance was not too good as Virginia had to support him. “Is this how it would feel like to be old and useless?” he joked. Even though he looked completely different, his mind was still working and his personality was irreplaceable.
“Maybe…why don’t you ask an old person?” she quipped.
“Oooh, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” He teased.
She dodged his teasing eyes “More than you think…” she mumbled to herself.
“What did you say?” he asked “Is there something wrong?”
She smiled, showing him that there was nothing to worry about. “Of course not! Why would there be?”
“You’re acting very strange tonight.” He observed.
She shrugged her shoulders “Don’t I act strange period? I mean I am a head doctor.”
“Sometimes head doctors need to express their feelings too.” He hinted.
She smiled “Like what?”
“Like what you are thinking right now?” his eyes searched for any lies that she might have said, but she was too good at hiding her feelings.
“I am thinking what a nosy roommate I have.” She smiled but it slowly disappeared when Freddie continued to wrinkle his forehead with concern “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” She insisted.
“Well, I’m not.” He sighed. “I’ve been hiding my feelings for the longest time.”
“What are you saying?” she looked nervous as she looked at him with sincere eyes.
“I haven’t been very truthful to you with my feelings. You know in the past three days, I realized so much stuff? Things like love and life and death. I don’t want to regret anything if God decides to take me. So I want to be honest with you…” he smiled as he reached for her hands.
She shook her head slowly “Don’t do this now, Freddie.”
“Why not? You want to wait until I’m on my death bed? Just let me do this.” He begged. Smiling as he continued “I love you, Virginia Chan. I have never loved anyone else in the world as much as I love you right now. There is no one more perfect than you.”
His words touched her heart as her lips trembled lightly and tears began to flow evenly down her soft skin “No one’s perfect.” Her voice couldn’t hide the shakiness.
“But you are. I know you are….” He reached over and hugged her warmly while she allowed the tears to come out. “Shh…don’t cry. No matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side.”
She smiled at his sweet words. He was right, they’ll always have each other, no matter what happens. “Even death can’t separate us now.” She muttered. He nodded as he tightened the hug around her frail body.
Chapter 32
Virginia Chan – Vivian Leung
Freddie Lam – Nick Cheung
Joanne aka Jo Hung – Joyce Tang
Jeremy aka Remy Hung – Julian Cheung
Jeff Lai – Louis Koo
Michael Lam – Steven
Deana Chu – Ruby Lin Ma
The next few days passed by in a flash for Virginia. She continued to work and help patients, although she found herself turning into a horrible listener. Her mind would wander somewhere else when a patient was talking. But she would quickly snap out of it at the mention of death. She realized how much that word meant to her. It was strange how she responded so well to the horrible experiences of life that people had to offer her, yet she didn’t know how to deal with the living. She finally convinced herself that she was not a good psychiatrist, she was basically blessed with a good ear and a good way with words. She couldn’t help people, because she couldn’t even help herself.
That night she left the office early as she somehow found her way home, considering that she was in a daze the whole day. When she got home, she found a note from Jo and Jeff, indicating that she was taking Freddie out for a quick bite. He’s been eating extra lately due to the steroids.
The house was so silent that it became deafening after a few minutes. She had to get her mind off of everything. The only escape was her journal. She knew how much Freddie wanted to know what went on in her mind. He was always asking her, she knew he meant well but she couldn’t have the heart to tell him the truth. Instead she had a better idea, she would let him read it. She wrote a tiny note as she placed it on top of the journal, which lied on top of the desk. She left the room with the door open, indicating it was free for him to enter. She took out a blank sheet from the notepad that she kept in the drawer for emergencies. Scribbling a little note, she walked out to the living room and dropped the note on the glass table. Taking one last look at the house before she closed the front door behind her.
She took the bus for the first time in her life, it took longer than usual to get to her work place. She stood outside the building and gave it a long stare, she never noticed how high it was until that night. Virginia decided to take the stairs as she climbed the 10 floor stairwell. When she finally reached the rooftop, she was completely out of breath. But the scene before her took her breath away. The rooftop had the perfect view of the city life. Even though you could not see too far with the naked eye, she was still able see most parts of the city.
***************
Freddie entered the little house first as he looked around for Virginia. When he noticed that the close was clear, he motioned for Jeff and Jo to bring in the little couch. He spent most of the day cleaning out the third room that he recently found out from Virginia. He was turning it into a tiny office for her to use. It was a surprise that he make Jeff and Jo swear to keep a secret. They were finally done now that the couch was finally bought. Everyone pitched in to pay it. The room looked like a little office, Freddie was excited just to knowing that Virginia would love it.
After they were done setting up, Freddie closed the doors and the three sat down on the couch completely tired from the long day of work. “Gosh, that was a workout!” Joanne sighed. She leaned in from of the couch to grab a magazine on the table but found a note with Virginia’s writing. “What’s this?” she asked as she picked it up. She saw Jeff’s name on it “I think it’s for you, Jeff.” She handed it to him.
Freddie was sitting the closest to the hallway as he arched his neck to look down the hall. He found her room open ‘That’s funny, she never leaves it open.’ He thought as he got up and looked inside. He saw her journal there and a note on top of it.
Outside Jeff read his own note too:
“Jeff, I’m sorry. I lied to you. I really don’t want things to change between us, but that night…I don’t want to regret anything. But that is one thing that I do regret. I never wanted it to end this way. You are a great guy and you deserve someone much better than me. Someone that will give you their whole heart. Maybe that person is right next to you and you never knew it? Anyways, I just wanted to apologize and say goodbye.”
Freddie’s note:
“My dear Freddie, what can I say? Love is blind…Thank you for giving me the happiest days of my life. Knowing and loving you was the best thing that could ever happen to me. You always wanted to know how I feel right? Well, I have left this journal with you. I hope that you will be pleased to know my inner most thoughts.”
His tear dropped on the leather cover of the journal, he opened it slowly and skimmed through some pages from the beginning of that year. The dates were in chronological order but it was only random days that she would write. It was always something that bother her. The next few months had his name on every sentence. “Oh my..God…” he whispered when he got to the last page. It ended with the words ‘Not even Death can separate us now.’ A cold chill ran down his spine as he let the journal drop on the desk making a loud noise at the impact.
“Freddie!!!” Jeff called as he ran to the room, his hand was holding a note “She’s….” he was afraid to say it.
“Commit suicide…” Freddie finished for him.
Jeff looked shock that he would know but seeing the open journal, he knew that Freddie had read it. “Come on, let’s find her!!” Jeff pulled him towards the door, while Jo was on her cell phone. “Come Jo, we’ve gotta go!”
“Wait, Dai Lou said Deana saw Virginia on the parking of their building. He went across the suite to see if she came in to work but there was no one there.”
“Dear Lord, she’s going to jump” Jeff muttered.
“What?!” Joanne looked as shock as Freddie, who was as still as a ghost. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!!” she grabbed the keys from Jeff’s pocket and pushed the guys out the door. She drove in lightening speed to the building.
Surely enough, when they got there, they found Virginia dangling her feet at the ledge of the building. “GINNY!!!!” Freddie and Jeff called out to her in unison.
She ignored their calls as she continued to stare at the sky. “Come on, lets go up. She can’t hear you.” Jo said.
Up on the rooftop, Remy and Deana were already there as they tried to coax her back to safety “Ginny, please come back…its dangerous.” Remy said softly.
She closed her eyes and smiled “Hmm….you smell that?” she asked without looking at them “The sweet fragrance of the Man Lei flower.” She turned her head towards the pot of plant that was sitting at the corner of the roof. “Did you know that this flower only opens at night?” she looked up to Remy and Deana “You know why they call it Man Lei Heung Fa? Because the fragrance travels so far that you can smell it from miles away.”
“Ginny..please don’t do this…” Deana asked.
Virginia turned back to the city as she shook her head “It’s too late. I’ve made up my mind.” She could hear the footsteps of Remy coming closer “Remy, if you don’t want me to jump sooner, please don’t come any closer.”
Remy retraced his steps and took his place next to Deana. Suddenly the door to the stairwell swung open and appeared Freddie, Jeff and Jo; all out of breath. “Ginny…” Freddie gasp for breath as he leaned his hand on his knees. “No…don’t…”
She turned around and smiled at him “I knew you would eventually find me. Have you ever noticed how beautiful Hong Kong really is?” she pointed the city before her. “I’m sure going to miss it.”
“Why Ginny?” Jeff asked.
Her smile fell “Because life is too cruel.”
“These were the same words that your patients tell you but you still managed to keep them from jumping or ending their lives. Why is it any different for you?” Jeff reasoned.
She snickered “Its not. But the difference between me and them is that they still have a yearning for life. If not, they would have already died.”
“You think this is the answer?” Freddie spoke up “There are moments that I truly want to give up, but the more I think about your words, the more I know that I am willing to fight this until the end. Can’t you do that for me?”
She shook her head “Do you possibly believe that you could live through this incurable disease? No one has lived through your type of cancer, no one…” her head continued to move from side to side.
“Why can’t you just enjoy the moment until it ends?” Freddie asked as he took a step closer to her “Even if I was going to die tomorrow, wouldn’t you want to be with me today?”
She smiled as she turned to him and put up a hand “Don’t come any closer.” She sighed as she tilted her head to one side “If you were to die tomorrow, I would have died the day before….I guess I’m just selfish like that. I don’t want to be sad.”
“Ginny, why don’t you think about how Freddie would feel….he can’t stand there and watch you die. Do you know how painful that is?” Joanne asked.
Virginia’s face grew angry “Painful? That’s an understatement. More like pulling your heart out and sucking the life out of your body painful. For the past six months, I have been through nothing but pain. Can you imagine how horrifying it is to watch someone you love deteriorate in front of you?” her eyes quickly filling with tears as they flowed freely “Do you know how many times I was close to a breakdown? 97 times….yeah, I counted.” She nodded slowly as she used the back of her hand to wipe the tears away “I can’t do it anymore…” her voice quivered through the night air.
“I’m sorry Ginny…” Freddie said slowly “I don’t mean to cause you so much pain.”
She quickly looked up “You never cause me pain. It’s just watching you go through life everyday with the realization that you will die in a year. That’s what pains me. But don’t you worry, it will end very soon.” She smiled sweetly, her eyes puffy from crying too much.
“If you jump, I’ll jump too…” Freddie said daringly.
“No!” Joanne cried “You two are crazy! None of you jump!!” she commanded “There is an answer for everything!! I know it…and you know it!!” she said to Virginia.
“Well then tell me, Jo…” she said calmly.
Joanne looked from her brother to Jeff, silently praying for their help. Instead they looked to the ground “How could you guys give up like that?!”
Jeff put an arm around her shoulder “We’re not giving up, they are.” He said softly.
“That’s where you’re wrong Jeff…” Virginia said slowly “I’m not giving up….just leaving a little earlier…..Sorry Jeff…” her eyes wandered to Freddie’s “I love you…” she lipped the words to him before pushing her other leg over the ledge as she shifted her weight to the empty space before her.
“NOOOO!!!!!” Freddie’s cry rang out in a long echo as he rushed to where Virginia once sat. He was about to leap over the ledge after her.
If it wasn’t for Jeff’s quick reflexes, Freddie could have followed in Virginia’s footsteps. His arm reached around Freddie’s waist “Freddie!! No…don’t…” he pulled him back while Freddie tried to fight him. “She would be devastated if she knew you jumped too…calm down…” he soothed.
“No…why…” Freddie slumped down to the cement as he cried hysterically.
“Jo, watch him…I’m going down there.” Jeff waited until Jo and the other two sat next to Freddie to make sure that he wouldn’t jump too.
He raced down the steps as he prayed that she would be alright. His body was shivering from the cold sweat that ran down the side of his face. Jeff was trained for this type of situation but it was the first time he had to deal with a person that he knew so well. His lung was about to collapse when he finally reached the ground. He pushed the double doors open from the inside as he stepped outside. His eyes moving quickly as he searched for her body. “Ginny…” he whispered as he found her body lying on top of crushed cardboard boxes. He found a trail of blood flowing from her head. He came closer to examine and found a metal pipe right next to her head. “Ginny…” he called her over and over as she shook her body. He pulled her limp body into his as he embraced her “Please don’t die…” he whispered.
His body was caked with her blood by the time the others got down stairs. Freddie looked like a mess as she rushed to her side “Ginny?” Jeff shifted his position for Freddie to hold her. Freddie touched her pale face with his hand. “Don’t leave me…” he whispered.
The last sound he remembered hearing was the siren ringing loudly. The stretcher was brought out. The paramedics had to fight Freddie to take her body in. They put the breather on her as they took her pulse “She’s weak, we’ve got to get her to the hospital now.” One guy said calmly while the rest of the people worked fast to get her stable.
They others gathered in two cars as they followed the ambulance to the hospital. They saw Michael there as he rushed her through Intensive Care. He stopped for a minute when he saw his brother and Jeff “You guys okay?” blood stain covered their whole top body.
Freddie nodded quickly “Go…save her…please…” he stuttered.
Michael nodded firmly as he rushed through the metal doors. “She’ll be okay…” Joanne said softly.
Chapter 33
Virginia Chan – Vivian Leung
Freddie Lam – Nick Cheung
Jeff Lai – Louis Koo
Joanne aka Jo Hung – Joyce Tang
Jeremy aka Remy Hung – Julian Cheung
Deana Chu – Ruby Lin
The five waited patiently in the waiting room while Michael examined Virginia. It was hours until Michael actually appeared at the door. Joanne was so tired that she fell asleep on Jeff’s shoulder. “How is she?” Freddie was the first to see him.
“She lost a great amount of blood. Her breathing has slowed down a lot but it’s a good thing she didn’t go into shock yet.”
“What does that mean?” Jeff asked softly, not wanting to disturb Joanne’s slumber.
“She’s in a coma. Whether or not she’ll wake up will be all up to her.”
Freddie sat back down with a thump “Coma…” he whispered blankly.
“It doesn’t mean that she’ll never wake up. I’ve seen patients wake up after a few months and sometimes years. Just don’t give up on her.” Michael smiled as he put a hand on his brother’s shoulder “Yee Gor, you have the biggest impact on her life. I know with your radiation and chemo, you won’t have time to see her. But I believe she will wake up for you.”
“He’s right Freddie, don’t give up on Ginny. She needs you more than anything.” Jeff said.
Freddie looked up “I won’t.”
“Can we see her?” Remy asked.
“Yes, but just one at a time. She needs her rest.” Michael nodded “Room 306. If you guys need anything, let Siu Yuen know, she’s the nurse behind the desk in ICU.” The nodded thankfully and watched him disappear down the corridor.
“Freddie, why don’t you go first?” Deanna pushed.
He looked up at everyone “Thank you…” he left the room and entered the Unit. He walked slowly to the glass window where her room was. She was covered with tubes coming from all parts of her body. Even from outside, he could see the bruise on her forehead. He opened the door slowly as he took the place next to her bed. His hand slowly reached for her hands as he clasped it between his other hand. “Strange to be on the other side of the situation…Now I know how you felt when you saw me.” he smiled “I know you can hear me, Ginny.” He moved in closer to her face as he brushed some dust off her face “You need to wake up, I have to show you something.” He blinked the tears away as he continued “Me, Jeff and Jo were out shopping all day to find you a desk and a sofa. You know, the sofa you always wanted for your office. I didn’t want you to work so hard and so I came up with the idea of making the third room into a home office. We finished setting it up earlier…You really have to see it. I designed it myself. Yeah, Linda isn’t the only one with that special skills.” He couldn’t hold the tears further as he began to cry openly “Are you happy? You made a grown man cry!” he said almost angrily as he gripped her hand even tighter “Wake up! Please….” Freddie’s head fell on the side of her bed.
**********
Virginia opened her eyes looking at the most exquisite scene before her. The sky was the perfect hint of blue, white clouds floating through the air. The mountain breeze couldn’t be more cooling against the heat from the sun. The meadow was greener than ever as she walked across it. She had on the whitest dress. The place seemed to be empty yet it never occurred to her why it was empty. She followed the little road that trailed over the hills. The most content smile on her face as walked along the trail by herself. She abruptly stopped when she heard sobbing. Turning herself in circles as she tried to find the origin of the tragic sound. Her mind went blank when she tried to figure out who’s voice it was. She shrugged her shoulders after unsuccessful guess and continued on her way.
***********
Freddie managed to stop crying for a while as he talked to her unconscious body “Do you know how many times I wanted to give up? When the chemo was killing me slowly? It was very painful and I wanted to just stop. But when I see your face, you’re beautiful smiling face…” he swept the bangs off her forehead “I push myself further to go on and take the medicine. I’m fighting this disease for you, Ginny. If you’re not here, why should I go on? Please…wake up…”
He didn’t know how long he sat there with her. But soon enough, he fell asleep beside her bed. His eyes opened up at a hand touching his face. He thought it was the nurse so he ignored it because he wasn’t about to let go of Ginny. “Freddie…” a groggy whisper called to him. His head snapped up like a twig, a huge smile slowly forming on his face as saw her face. Her eyes were open and she was smiling through her own tears. “Did you miss me?” she whispered.
He chuckled “That, my dear was an understatement!” he reached around her shoulders as he hugged her tightly, not caring about the tubes and wires. “You came back…” he smiled as he refused to let go of her.
Eventually, they parted as she sat up on the bed “I was in the most beautiful place…until I heard you crying in the distant. I was going to keep on walking but I knew I had to turn back…” she sighed “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head “Don’t be, everything happens for a reason. At least you know now how important you are to me.”
She shuddered at the corny words “When did you turn so straight?” she joked.
Freddie smiled “The day I met you.” She turned away shyly. He suddenly stood up “Oh gosh, I’ve got to tell the others, they’ll be so happy!” he said excitedly “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.”
She laughed hoarsely “I’m tied down.” She put her hands out showing more hidden wires that were taped to her arms and finger.
Soon enough Freddie had dragged in everyone in the waiting room. Even Michael had to drop by to see. He was surprised to see that she was out of the coma so fast “You are by far the first patient to snap out of it that fast.”
“The power of love is invincible.” Jo said.
Freddie shivered “You’re sounding more like a girl. What’s wrong with you?” he said sarcastically.
“If you haven’t noticed, my hair is longer and I’m wearing a skirt.” Jo spun around showing her denim blue skirt flowing. Jeff and Remy exchanged glances as they shook their heads.
His eyes widened “Oh my god, she does have legs! What did you do to Jo? Tell me!” he took a hold of her arms as he shook them violently “Tell me!!”
The rest of the people laughed while Virginia snuck a glance at Jeff. He was smiling as he looked at Jo. It seems that Freddie wasn’t the only one that didn’t notice Jo looked more like a girl. Her smile quickly dropped when she saw Freddie began to shiver uncontrollably. “Michael!” she pointed from her bed.
Michael was quick to respond as he gently pushed Jo away and stood between Freddie and the metal bed. He was trying to prevent another accident from happening. Deana whimpered in the background as Remy hugged her affectionately. Jo and Jeff stood to the side as they witness another seizure. Virginia couldn’t take her eyes off of Freddie. Her biggest fear was happening again.
Within minutes, Freddie was out of the seizure as he stood up with the help of Michael. His breathing was heavier as he turned to Virginia “Sorry…” he said slowly.
She smiled “I’m use to it. I think you scared them.” She nodded to the rest.
Freddie turned to them. “Nothing to it….” He said casually. Michael was silent as his eyes moved to the ground, he seemed to be deep in thoughts “Michael, is that a bad sign?” Freddie asked.
Michael looked up with a grim expression “Not necessarily, it just means that the chemo is too strong.”
Freddie didn’t look bothered by the answer “I know you don’t want tell me, but I want to know. How many people have lived through this type of cancer?”
He knew there was no use in hiding it from his brother “None.”
Freddie nodded “What’s the longest that a person has lived?”
“Two years? Three years? I’ve heard of some stories in the US where a patient lived for four years.” Michael replied.
Virginia smiled at Freddie “Do you believe in miracles?”
He turned to her and noticed that she has never looked happier “I met a real life miracle.” He smiled in return.
“You will be the first to surpass the four year record.” She said it with so much confidence that it received smiles throughout the room.
************************* 5 YEARS LATER***********************
She leaned against the gravestone as she wrote in her journal. Her pen moving across the page as if it was dancing. Her face was serious as can be. Suddenly she stopped writing as she closed her books. She turned to the gravestone “Sorry Mom and Dad, I wish he would have been here in spirit.” Her eyes hardened as she spoke louder “You would have loved Freddie.”
“Mommy, mommy!!” her little girl ran to her from along the path where she ran off to play earlier.
“Yes, sweetie?” Virginia smiled as she brought her arms out to collect the four year old bundle of joy.
“When’s daddy coming?” little Trina asked sweetly.
“He’ll be here soon. Now be a good girl, Trina. Bow at your grandpa and grandma.” She turned the girl to face the gravestone.
Trina obediently bowed and turned to her mother “Okay, I’m done, lets go!” she said excitedly.
“Sweetie, what’s your rush? Daddy’s not even here yet.” She stroked the soft dark brown hair of her girl. She had Virginia’s eyes but her father’s smile.
“Oh…can I play over there?” she pointed to the gravestones down the path that led to the steps.
“Sure, be careful.” Virginia smiled when her little disappeared down the path as she walked up the steps. Her little girl was a hand full to take care of, but she felt so blessed for having Trina. If she would have given up five years ago, the little angel would never have been born. “Isn’t she the sweetest?” she said to her parents.
“You know, its not healthy for a person to talk to thin air all the time. You should go see a psychiatrist, let me introduce you to one. Her name is Dr. Virginia Chan.” His voice spoke up from his seat on the grave beside her.
She laughed comfortably “You know how long I’ve been trying to get you to wake up? My voice can’t strain that much you know.” She said sarcastically at her husband of 5 years.
“You could have fooled me.” He said sarcastically. She reached over and hit him playfully on the shoulder “Violent too, I love that in a woman!” he laughed as he stretched his body as it twisted and turned in all directions.
She gave a disapproving look “Mommy should be proud…” she laughed when he gave her a stern look.
“So how long do we have to be here?” he glanced at his watch “Oh my gosh!! It’s already 11am?? Where in the world is Jeff?? Did you tell him the right time Ginny?” Freddie demanded.
She rolled her eyes “It’s just been an hour and you fell asleep after 5 minutes, you were lucky I didn’t leave you here by yourself.”
“Wait…” he stood up and looked around “Where’s Trina?? I thought I heard her voice earlier.”
Virginia shrugged her shoulders “She wanted to play over there.” She nodded to the direction her little girl went to. “Stop being a worry wart, you would think after clearing your mind of that vicious tumor that you would learn not to worry and stress yourself out.”
He raised his eyebrow “That little girl happens to be your flesh and blood.”
“Well, she’ll be fine!!” Virginia retorted.
“And what if she isn’t, would you have forgiven yourself?” he asked harshly.
“I guess things never change around her huh?” The two stopped bickering at the familiar voice of Jeff’s. They turned in time to see him carrying Trina, who’s tiny arms were wrapped around her fathers. “Anyone want to claim this cute little thing?” he kissed her on the cheeks.
“Eww….” She wiped her face “Yuck!” she squirmed her way down as she ran to Freddie “Daddy two!!”
He picked her up with ease as he giggled with the little girl “Looks like she doesn’t like being kissed by MEN…” he teased.
Virginia gave him an evil glare “Don’t be putting junk in her head.” She warned. She smiled when she turned back to Jeff and gave him a hug “I’m glad you could make it.”
“I was held back at the office.” He started to explain.
She put up a hand “Say no more. Come on.” She nodded towards the gravestones “Okay everyone, give grandma and grandpa a bow.” Her eyes raised at Trina was still giggling with Freddie. They instantly quieted down as they respectfully bowed three times.
“Okay, lets go. Jo and the others are waiting for us.” Jeff said eagerly. He began walking with the other three followed behind.
Freddie laughed “She was only gone for a few days, you don’t have to be so eager.”
“Newlyweds you know.” Jeff turned around long enough to give them a wink.
“You were married for four years….I doubt that’s considered newlyweds.” Virginia snickered.
“Give it another year and you be pushing her out the door every night.” Freddie cracked. Virginia laughed at his joke because it was the complete opposite and he knew it. He wanted to be with her 24/7 and they only bickered as a way of teasing each other because it was so seldom that she got mad at him or he was mad at her.
The four squeezed into Jeff’s car as he sped all the over to the beach where they were having their barbeque. Remy and Deana were cooking while their little three year old boy was running around chasing Jo. Jeff had the biggest smile on his face when he saw his wife. “Jo!!” he waved to her from a few yards.
“She would have to be blind to not see you.” Freddie snickered.
“Or deaf to not hear you.” Virginia added.
Jeff turned to them with smile “Nice to see you guys agreeing again. But I kinda enjoyed the bickering.” He turned away from their teasing glare as he ran to Jo. He picked her up with his arms as he giggled like a little kid.
Jo smiled at him sweetly but soon turned sour when she saw Freddie “You” she pointed to him “Me.” She pointed to herself “Rematch!!” she roared as she charged for the volleyball court.
“Aw come on guys, we just got here!” Jeff complained.
Freddie smiled as he gave Trina back to Virginia and ran after Jo to the court “I’ll use my radio-active waves on you!!” He pointed to his head and made a buzzing sound with his lips.
“Radiation makes people crazy don’t they?” Remy teased. He was flipping hotdogs and burgers. When he saw Trina, he smiled as he put down the flipper and put his hand out “Aww…aren’t you the sweetest?”
She easily reached for him as she giggled “Uncle Reemie…”
“Come on, Ginny!! Let’s bring her down!!” Freddie called.
“Two can play at that game! Jeff!!” Jo waved him over.
Virginia and Jeff looked at each other as they shook their heads in reply, but soon gave in to their constant callings. So it was one couple against the other. As usual, Freddie and Jo got into the game so much that words flew out “You’re goin’ down fake man!!!” the old nickname that Jo use to call him.
Freddie laughed “You’re fly’s down she boy!!” she glanced down at her jean shorts to check as he took the volleyball and served it over the net, taking his chance to cheat.
The ball fell in front of Jo as she jumped back in surprise “You cheater!!!” she yelled from across the court.
“You said no rules!” Freddie replied heatedly.
“I never did!!” she argued as she came closer to the net.
Freddie approached the net with her too “I have proof. Ask Ginny. She heard you say it, didn’t you?” they both looked at Ginny, who rolled her eyes in reply.
“Come on Jeff, want something to eat?” she ignored the two bickering.
“Sure, I’m starving.” He took his chance to escape as the two ran of the sandy court. In the background, they could still hear Freddie and Jo arguing about the rules issue.
Virginia smiled as she looked at them quarrelling. Her eyes traveled up to Jeff’s “Some things never change.” She sighed as they both got something to eat.
******THE END*******
SIU BING LIBRARY