My Heart Is Yours

Chapter 14

Over the weeks, the bike ride continued. Alden showed Maine some other parts of their subdivision. But they would always return to the park, where the little nook at the oak tree would be waiting for them. They would spend the rest of the afternoon at the park, reading books or playing board games that Maine would have brought for that day. There were also moments during weekdays that they would do their homework under that tree. It became a special place for Alden and Maine.

Maine has greatly improved as well. There was colour in her cheeks and she didn't get tired easily anymore.

So it was a shock to Alden one afternoon on his way home from school when he saw Dr. Vega coming out of the Mendoza's residence, giving last minute instructions to Jenny. He hurriedly tried to catch up with the good doctor before he could get into his car.

"Doc Burnz!" Alden called as he sprinted the short distance between him and the doctor.

"Alden," Doc Burnz stopped and waited for him to arrive. "You're a bit late today. Maine said you're usually here by 4pm."

"I was with a study group for our finals next week," he explained. Then he quickly added, "what happened? Is she alright?"

Dr. Vega saw the worry on Alden's face that he sighed and said, "she had a relapse."

Before Alden could voice his concern, Dr. Vega continued, "don't worry, it's really a natural progression in her condition. You see Alden, her body is now beginning to cope with her activities. She's been walking and has been travelling, even if it's just short distance. Her body is now trying to adjust. Naturally, her heart will be affected. It wasn't used to being too active. Now her body is developing, trying to cope with all her activities. So now, we need to have a good balance between her activities so that we can help her body cope."

"What should I do, Doc?" Alden asked after carefully trying to understand Maine's condition.

"You will not like what I'm about to say," replied the doctor. "I understand that you've replaced some of her walks to bike rides. She would need to lessen the bike rides. Once a week is my recommendation. But her walks continue to be at 8-10minutes."

"The bike ride has affected her more than the walks?" Alden inquired. "She's just sitting there. How could it affect her more?"

"Travelling takes its toll on the body," Dr. Vega explained. "Like I've said before, even if you're just sitting, your body will feel everything. It put a strain on Maine's body. It's better for her body to be moving around than for her body to stay immobile but would experience different sensations."

"Maybe next time I'll just teach her how to bike," Alden muttered. While listening to Dr. Vega he couldn't help but think that it was all his fault once again. He blamed himself for Maine's relapse.

"That's actually not a bad idea, Alden," the doctor remarked. Alden was a bit surprised that he said his thought out loud. Dr. Vega gave a short chuckle and continued, "I'd have recommended it if we'd met during regular consultation but since we're here now, I'd rather have Maine move around rather than do nothing and still get strained. So, teaching her how to ride a bike is a good idea now."

Alden smiled shyly and pushed his glasses to the ridge of his nose.

"Can I see her?" Alden asked.

"It would actually depend on Jenny," Dr. Vega answered pointing at the nurse who was still by the gate watching them. "She's on bed rest for the week. But I would suggest the walks resume after another week."

The doctor bid his good bye and drove away leaving Alden with Jenny. Before Alden could say anything Jenny beat him to it.

"She's currently sleeping, Alden," she said. "I don't advise a visit right now. But when she wakes up, I'll tell her you stopped by asking about her. Tell her you're very worried and will just visit her tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?!?" Alden exclaimed. "Ate Jenny, can't I see her later?"

"Alden," Jenny replied. "You know how she gets overly excited when she sees you. She'll stress herself and will relapse some more. As much as I want the two of you to be happy, her health is my first concern. I'll let her reach you on your walkie-talkies."

Alden huffed an exasperated sigh but relented. Jenny was right about Maine being overly excited.

"Mom made ice cream the other day," Alden said, as he tried one more time to see her. "Can I drop by later to give the ice cream?"

"Nice try, Faulkerson," she answered and gave a soft chuckle. "I will be stopping you at the gate. But we'll serve the ice cream later for dessert. She'll like that."

"Ate Jen!"

"Don't start with me, Alden," she remarked. "You and I both know I'm doing the right thing."

Alden sighed. Defeated. He knew she was right. He just nodded and begrudgingly said, "just tell her I'll see her when I'm allowed to see her. But I hope we'll talk on the radio later."

"Yeah," Jenny agreed. "If she wakes up earlier, I'll tell her you'll be waiting by your walkie-talkie waiting for her to reach you."

"Thanks Ate Jenny," Alden said sadly. "I'll drop by later to give the ice cream."

Jenny gave him a sympathetic look as she watched him cross the street towards his home.

-oo-

Maine woke up still feeling some pain in her chest. Although it wasn't as intense as earlier, it still hurt. It was early evening, her night-light being the only source of light on her room. The rest of the room was dark.

She struggled as she tried to sit up and reached for the glass of water at her bedside table but someone beat her to it. She looked up hoping it was her best friend, but was slightly disappointed to see her father holding the glass. Maine reached out and took the glass, taking small sips from it before handing it back to Ted.

"How are you feeling, Baby?" Her dad asked, worry clearly etched in his voice.

Ted turned on the lamp on her bedside table and arranged her pillows. She leaned back on the headboard; her pillows were now propped behind her so that she'd be comfortable. She sighed and answered honestly, "it still hurts."

"I'll fetch your dinner and then you should drink your meds," Ted remarked as he stood, heading for the door. "Alden dropped by earlier bringing ice cream. Would you like some? Rio does make great ice cream."

At the mention of his name, Maine's face lit up a bit.

"He came?"

"He wanted to see you," her father explained. "But Jenny wouldn't let him. She wanted you to rest. Alden looked like a lost puppy when he came back with the ice cream, asking again if he can see you. But Jenny was adamant that you should not be disturbed."

Maine's face fell. She had hoped that they'd let him see her even if she was sleeping. She knew that he would be worried for her right now. Ted walked back and sat at her bed.

"It was a good thing I got home already," Ted continued as he saw the reaction of his daughter. "I made him promise that you shouldn't wake up if I let him see you. I only gave him five minutes so he stayed by your side for that long."

"How is he, dad?" Maine asked as the light returned in her eyes when she found out that they let Alden see her.

"He's worried for you," he replied. "He blames himself for your relapse."

"He shouldn't be," Maine remarked in a huff, her eyebrows furrowed. "Did you tell him that Doc Burnz said that this was natural?"

"I did," Ted answered. "And Jenny mentioned that he was able to catch Dr. Vega before he left. But you can't blame him for worrying. He's been your constant companion when you do your activities for the past couple of months. He would feel responsible for you."

"I'm worried that he's worried," Maine remarked and took a deep breath. She cringed when she felt a stab of pain on her chest. A tear fell down her cheeks which Ted immediately wiped off. He hated seeing her in pain.

"Alden's waiting for you to reach him on the radio," he said, reaching for the two-way radio and handing it to her. "I'll go get your dinner ready while you talk to him."

He kissed Maine on her forehead and stood. He was on his way out when Maine called him.

"Dad," she said. "What did Alden do when he was here?"

"We only gave him five minutes, Baby," he explained. "He came in, sat by your bed. He held your hand and just stayed like that until he had to leave. He kissed your forehead before he stood and went home. He was really worried about you."

"Did he sing while he was here?"

"No, Baby," he replied. "He was just silent the whole time."

Despite her feeling pain on her chest, Maine smiled and felt a blush starting. Alden came. He was worried and he came. Despite the pain she was feeling, knowing that he was there, made her feel better. Although she wondered why he didn't sing. He usually does when they were on the radio and she wasn't feeling well.

After her dad left to get her dinner, she started clicking on the talk button on her radio. Alden immediately responded.

"Hey!" He exclaimed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she answered. "But the pain is still here."

"Is there anything I can do to help ease the pain?"

Maine paused and thought for a moment. Then she said, "do you have your guitar back?"

"My what?"

"Your guitar," Maine replied. "Did your friend give it back to you?"

"Why?"

"I was hoping you'd sing for me."

"Hold that thought."

There was a long pause from Alden's side. She wondered what was taking so long. Maine's dad already returned with her dinner when he came back.

"Sorry," Alden said. "I was just grabbing my guitar from the other room. Give me another moment."

There was silence once more. Maine was patiently waiting for him to get back, her dad leaving her with her dinner. Then she heard strumming from the other end and Alden started to sing...

                So many things I wanted to say

                The distance is keeping us apart

                But your face I see on every corner

                Even as I close my eyes, I see your smile

                Remember I’ll always be there

                Whether the sun is high or about to set

                I see myself with you

                As we turn old and gray

                My life wrapped around yours

                Our souls tied in destiny

                Remember that I’ll be there

                Like the waves crashing to the shore

                I am yours, always yours

                In the darkness, your light shines bright

                Down at Central Park

                When the city starts to sleep

                Know that you’re loved

                Know that I’m yours

                Remember that I’ll be there

                Always by your side

                Never leaving you behind...

His voice was a bit distant. It was always like that whenever he sang to her. It was probably because the radio wasn't near him while he was playing, Maine thought.

But she loved it. She loved his voice. She loved hearing him play the guitar. It calmed her somewhat. And the pain on her chest lessened as well.

If only she could convince him to bring his guitar on one of their bike rides, she thought.

"Do you like it?" Alden asked.

"It's beautiful," she answered with a sigh. "You made it?"

There was a pause before he replied, "It's an original composition."

Maine could hear the reluctance in his voice but didn't mind.

"The song's for you," Alden remarked but again his voice was a bit distant. "I really hope you liked it, Maine."

"I love it, Alden!" She exclaimed. "Thank you so much!"

"I'm glad," he replied. "Do you think they'll let me see you tomorrow?"

"I'm sure I'll be well enough to take visitors," she replied with a smile.

"Great! I'll see you tomorrow then."

Before she could answer, Ted came back with ice cream. Maine smiled once more as she reached the bowl of the sweet dessert.

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "See you tomorrow. And bring more ice cream.