On the first day in Singapore, I need to make sure we make it to mom’s doctor’s appointment. Her first consultation on what would be the best option for a fast and full recovery. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Excited for the possibility of getting mom’s fast recovery but nervous for the brutal truth that might hurt me.
I hate to admit it but there’s something in my head that keeps telling me of the worst-case scenario. I’m trying my best to think positive and see the brighter side of things yet sometimes I find myself feeding negative thoughts in my head.
I ease my worries by switching my thoughts back to the Philippines. Turning my thoughts to Maddox who is probably in school at the time I’m preparing for breakfast. I put a smile on my face thinking Maddox and I was in the forest when we were in school together. The mini forest is our favorite place and I would probably be jealous if Maddox would bring someone there beside me.
“Angel, let me help you,” Lucy picks up a knife and starts slicing the onion.
“You don’t have to Miss. Lucy. This is not your job, not included in the contract you signed before you started working for mom. I can do this; I know how to cook.”
“Angel, this is not that hard. I am a mom so doing this at home is part of my daily chores. Besides, this will be our meal so helping you is like necessary for me. You don’t have to worry about your mom, Candace is with her.”
“Thanks, Ms. Lucy.”
At nearly 8 in the morning, we are having breakfast excluding mom who is in her room. Still doesn’t have a good appetite for her meal, urging me to call Angelo which will help mom in the mood of eating, but on second thought I don’t want to disturb Angelo who is surely starting his hectic daily schedule. We are already privileged enough that he spends too much money and time for me and mom.
“Angel, what time do we have to go to the hospital for your mom’s check-up?”
“Candace, we are scheduled at 4 in the afternoon so we have to leave here at 3:30 to catch our doctor's appointment.”
“I see. I’ll prepare everything your mom needs in the bag.”
“Thank you, Candace. I’ll have to buy our groceries after we have breakfast. Do any of you want to go with me? Well, Roland has to because he will drive.”
Roland nods in agreement as he is having his morning
“I want to come but we have to feed your mom first.”
“Of course, Candace. I’ll make sure mom gets her breakfast later before we go to the market.”
Thankfully, mom’s appetite gets better and she finally eats breakfast when I come to bring her food.
I check on my social media before taking a shower only to be bombarded by Cassandra’s post. Without a doubt, it’s a photo taken on the campus. She’s standing next to Maddox, both of them wearing school uniforms with the caption “Spending time with an Old Friend or shall I say Forever Friend.”
Maddox was tagged on the post yet he didn’t comment, making me feel better about it. Judging on Maddox’s looks, the photo is new. Probably taken early in the morning. I hate to admit it but I'm jealous. Cassy never changed; she seeks attention and she gets it upon reading the comments. Students are reminiscing about Cassy and Maddox’s relationship. Some of them even want a second chance in their relationship as they are best suited to each other.
This is where my insecurity hits me. I know I shouldn’t give it more time but it keeps repeating in my head. I drop my phone in my bed and take a shower to cool me down.
After taking a shower I ignore the urge of calling Maddox as I know he is in class. There’s nothing to worry about, it’s just Cassy back in her gross and pitiful behavior. Forcing herself to get Maddox’s attention.
At 10 in the morning, Candace and I are in the supermarket strolling on best buys, looking if we can have items on sale to maximize our budget. Angelo was so generous though. The limit on what we can spend in a month is big but as usual, I don’t want to take advantage of it. I’ll take every possible way where I can save.
Singapore’s food quality is high and the seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables look fresh. Candace and I enjoyed our time in the supermarket and got everything we needed for a week.
I’m trying my best to ignore Cassy’s photo with Maddox yet it keeps replaying in my head even when we got to the hospital.
Just when I thought my day wouldn’t get any worse. The team of doctors that Angelo arranged for mom told me that mom’s condition is nearing the worst that they had to be proactive with the chemotherapy. They had to start the following day.
There’s nothing I can do instead of agreeing to what they have to recommend to save mom. It’s hard for me to keep it to mom after I talked to the doctors. I only tell mom that she’s starting her chemo the following day.
Just when I need someone to cheer me up Maddox calls me when we get home. I answer him immediately. His soft voice is the only thing that can help me relax.
“Baby, how was your day?”
“Mad, thanks for calling. I needed to hear your voice.” I'm trying not to cry as I lie on my bed, stopping the tears from falling.
“What’s wrong? How was your mom’s check-up?”
“We got home from the hospital and doctors told me that mom’s condition is nearing the worst that they have to be proactive in her chemotherapy. I know they are trying to be positive and I should be as well but sometimes I can’t help it. Mad, I’m scared.” My voice was brittle as I said the last word.
“Baby, don’t be. As the doctors said, it is nearing which means there is a chance for your mom to be treated. We have to think positively. Medical technology nowadays is high tech and there are plenty of new ways to cure cancer. Doctors are always researching new ways to cure cancer.
“Thanks for encouraging me. Sometimes it’s hard for me to think on the positive side of things. I appreciate you calling.”
“I promised that I would call so I did. And also to clarify what Cassy posted on social media early this morning. Have you seen it?
“Yeah.”
“It was from our groupings in one subject. I didn't have the chance to decline. Baby, don’t take Cassy seriously just like before. Don’t be affected especially now that you are far from me. I don’t want you to feel insecure.”
“Don’t worry about it. I ignored Cassy the way I did when I was on campus.” I lied. “I knew she would do this again. She hasn't changed, everything she did from the island vacation to visiting mom and rescuing dogs was all lies. Probably people like her never changed.”
“I agree with you Angel and she is the least of our concern now. We have to focus on supporting your mom. She needs us more than ever.”
“Yeah, thank you, baby, for everything. You lighten up my mood. I love you.”
“My Angel, I’m always here for you. Let me know if you need help, I’ll be there in a heartbeat. I love you so much.”
“No, Mad we’ve talked about this. Don’t skip your classes. Promise me.”
A silence follows on the other line and a heavy sigh. “Alright, I promise. I love you, baby girl.”
“I love you too.”
We talk a lot about their school activities for the whole day even Luke and Samantha send their regards to me as Maddox said. The longer our conversation the more I realize that I miss Maddox and my friends so much.
We seal our conversation with a kiss. I still feel butterflies in my stomach holding my phone as I lie on the bed. It always feels better talking to Maddox.