The Last Letter

24

Chapter XXIV

I reached for my bag and took out the pictures I printed earlier then handed them to August.

“Wow! It turned out great!” He said and smiled. I helped him in changing the pictures since he’s having a hard time lifting his left arm. I show the pictures in front of him and he can’t take off his smile as he looks at our goofiness.

“These are actually for you. So you should get well as soon as possible so we can have more photos again.” I chuckled.

“Yes ma’am!” He exclaimed. We laughed for more seconds and we just stopped when he choked and asked for water. I helped him drink since he is helpless in his state, he can’t do anything by himself.

“Did you remember anything today?” I asked when we finally calmed down.

“No. I only saw pictures in my mind. I doubt it’ll help.” He answered.

“Just don’t overexert yourself, August. I’ll get better as you recover.”

He nodded and took a deep breath.

He suddenly lifted his hands in the air and looked like he was feeling the air.

“Is the air conditioner high? Why do I feel so cold?” He asked.

It wasn’t even that cold in his room. I stood up and touched her forehead and neck and he didn’t feel that hot.

“I think you don’t have a fever and it wasn’t cold here. Why do you feel cold? Is there a ghost?” I asked and he immediately changed his facial expression to poker face.

I looked at him and laughed. “Don’t tell me you are afraid of ghosts.” I said, still laughing. Wow, this is the first time I laughed this much. I felt my stomach hurt a little.

“It’s not funny, Suzanne.” He said with a straight face.

“Okay calm down.” I took a breath to calm down but I still laugh lightly whenever I look at his face.

And the door suddenly opened. It was August’s mom and dad and they brought a huge bag and a paper bag.

“Oh hi Suzanne!” His mom greeted me cheerfully and in a loud voice. I really admire her so much.

“Hello!” I bowed to the both of them politely and smiled.

“Where’s Aries? Ohh are you having some alone time with my August?” She said,

“Mom, stop! Aries is out with Ben, buying both of them dinner.”

“Hmm oh yes I think I saw Benjamin earlier. I thought…” August’s mom said and smiled mischievously.

I sat back and August and I are in silence now. Just after about 10 minutes, Benjamin and Aries walked into the room, carrying 2 huge plastic bags.

“I knew it. I bought two more meals because I felt mom and dad were here. Come on, let's eat Suzanne.” Aries said.

“But we already ate Aries.” His mom said.

“Eat a little mom. It will be uncomfortable if we’re eating while you and dad are just looking at us.”

“And you didn’t even buy something for me?” August said with a poker face.

“Of course not! You said you’re still full.” Aries looked at us and winked.

Benjamin and Aries cleaned the table and placed the food on the table. I walked to them and helped them set the table since I am an expert on that job.

Just like August, well actually more than August, Aries is also loud and has so many stories he wanted to share. Aries is the type of person who I wish had the same personality with. Even when he just met with me today and I’m still a stranger to him, he did not hesitate to tell me his personal stories and his journey as a business person in a much bigger province. He told us that while we are still young, we should invest in land or money.

In fact, I noticed that the only person who’s quiet and serious among August’s family is his dad. He was just sitting there, laughing when Aries says something funny, but he does not share his opinion.

After a while of just eating, chit chatting, laughing and hearing Aries’ stories, since it was about 10pm now, Aries, Benjamin and I bid our goodbyes to the family.

On to the hospital parking lot, Benjamin and I also said goodbye to Aries and he said to stay safe and it was nice to meet me in person. I was actually left confused when he said that but I shrugged it off since I now felt the tiredness in my body.

It was still raining that night.

As usual, Benjamin drove me off but something wasn't right.

Benjamin didn’t talk too much to me. On our way to the dormitory, he was quiet until when we reached the dormitory, he just said “goodbye” and smiled that I could tell was a fake smile. And after that, he just drove off. He was still energetic when we bid goodbye to Aries but then when we were alone, he was suddenly quiet.

I don’t know what I did but I know I did something that made him act like that to me.

When I finally laid on my bed, I retraced the moments he was with me earlier but I can’t seem to find something that will make him… angry? Irritated? Offended? Sullen? I don’t know.

***

Benjamin’s POV

Up until I drove Suzanne off to her dormitory, I can’t seem to talk to her properly and I think she got the wrong idea. I know my actions but I can’t help acting that way after what I saw earlier.

When me and Aries went out to grab some meals, I wished to buy something for Suzanne. As a token of gratitude from our pictures that night she printed them out for me.

I realized I forgot my wallet that was in my bag at August's room.

I excused myself from Aries saying I have to get my wallet in August’s room. He told me he could just lend me but as a stubborn type of guy, I declined and rushed back upstairs to floor 6. I was about to open the door when I heard Suzanne and August laugh inside. The type of laugh that we used to do together a year ago but changed now. The type of laugh that I wished she would do again with me.

I looked at the small glass window at the door and I could see Suzanne’s back but I saw August’s face and they were laughing together.

I can’t help but get jealous with their interaction. I still hear them laughing inside and it made me irritated. I stepped back from the door and walked downstairs again without care for everyone as long as I didn't bump into someone or something.

I just walked straight with my hands curled into a fist.

I think I just calmed down when I saw Aries waiting.

“Did you get your wallet?” Aries asked right away.

“No. On floor 3, I realized I don’t have much cash so I just went back here.” I lied.

“How much do you want? I won’t keep your tabs.” He said and chuckled.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll just buy that later.” I smiled.

“O…kay.” He answered and carried the plastic bags with our food inside.

When we reached August’s room, I tried to be as lively as possible. Inside, we’re August’s mom and dad, Suzanne, and August.

I acted as normal as possible and still participated actively in Aries’ talkshow. He’s the only one who talks, that's why it is his talk show.

When it was time to go home, I still politely bid goodbye to Uncle and Aunt and as for August, we did our signature fist bumps. I wished him to be well, as genuine as I could.

Me, Suzanne and Aries walked down the hospital and bid farewell to Aries this time. Suzanne and I went to where my car is parked without speaking. We were still silent until we reached her dormitory and I said “goodbye” to her halfheartedly. Scared that she may confront me about the way I act, I drove off as fast as I could and when I looked at the side mirror,she was still standing in the exact place where I left her.

My thoughts are full of negativity as I drive home. When I reached our house, I went straight to my room and took a quick shower. I wish I could turn back time and speak to her normally on our way to the dormitory. She might get the wrong idea that I was angry and worst case, she might avoid me again.

I closed my eyes and thought back on my actions. Clearly, they were just laughing as friends, nothing more, nothing less. It was my fault that I thought of something because of their interaction.

I know it is wrong to be jealous of my best friend. Knowing August for a decade and a half, I can see he only treats Suzanne only as a friend. I definitely know when August is in love or not, it’s obvious. And knowing Suzanne for only 2 years, he could fall for August anytime because my friend is far better and nicer than me. I still don’t know her completely but I perceived, she still only sees me as a friend.

I just wish August won’t betray our lifelong friendship because I know I'll do the same for him.