To Cherish You Forever

Chapter 4

The first day of the conference was great. I learned so many things and got to connect with business people. It was actually a good opportunity to open more clients for our company. Armed with my knowledge and experience in managing a digital marketing department, I was confident that I would make a good impression with everyone present at the conference. The second day of the conference went smoothly as well. I even met some people who wanted to visit our company. Meanwhile, I kept updating my boss with the whole activities at the conference. It was really worth it.

On the third day, the event concluded with a dinner celebration. Everyone came in their formal attire. Gone were the crispy business suits and tidy dresses and slacks. I definitely had a blast at that time. However, it was short-lived. Right when I was about to leave the event, I got an unexpected call from both my parents. Mom told me to go home immediately.

“You need to go home right at this moment. There was an accident earlier and he was in it.”

It was an emergency that had something to do with Alden. Right then and there, my heartbeat was so fast. My chest tightened. I had to inhale and exhale to calm myself down. There were so many things going on in my head. Mom didn’t get to talk to me that long. She couldn’t stop herself from crying hysterically. It was dad who filled me in some information.

“Alya, the police just called us five minutes ago. They identified your brother who had been in a car accident. They already transported him to the hospital. Your mom and I are going there now. We want to wait for you but your brother is in a critical condition right now.” I started crying. I was in a mess. I had no one to ask for help in this country. I needed to get myself straight. It took me almost half an hour to finally calm down and took some actions.

I went to where my hotel room is. I changed into a comfortable outfit. I quickly packed my clothes. While in the taxi, I was trying to book a ticket home. The latest I got was three hours from now.

I couldn’t cry anymore. My emotions are in a turmoil right now. I have to stay sane so I can get home safely. I want to be with Alden. Right after I checked in and just waiting for my flight, I had the time to reflect what happened.

I had so many questions running around in my head. I wanted to get a full detail from dad but even him couldn’t exactly tell what happened. I kept praying for my brother right at the moment I waited to board the plane until I arrived back home.

Once I arrived at the airport, I immediately called dad to check where they are now. It was Daphne who answered the call. I got confused who she is at first. I am pretty sure that the number I called was my dad’s

“Who is this? Where’s dad?” I said immediately, too confused and emotional at the moment.

“Alya, it’s me Daphne.” Of course, my cousin Daphne would be there to comfort my parents. Her mom and my mom are siblings.

“Hi Daphne. How are you doing? I am so glad that you are with mom and dad.” I wanted to say something more about Alden but I couldn’t. It was like there was something that blocked my throat. It was painful to keep talking.

“We are family. I will always be here through thick and thin. By the way, are you at the airport now?” She asked.

“Yes, I’ve just arrived. I wanted to call mom and dad immediately. I am on my way there.” I am still full of energy even though I took a five hour flight and I still didn’t get to sleep.

“Alya, grandma’s driver is waiting for you when you get out of the airport. He will drive you here. I already gave him your number earlier. Expect a call from him.” That’s all and I ended the call. I didn’t think of my ride back home. I was so glad they sent the driver for me. I just wanted to see my brother as soon as possible. Dad said he is in critical condition. That was earlier when they didn’t get to see him yet.

It took me like twenty minutes before I got out of the airport. I immediately spotted my grandma’s personal driver. He took my luggage. Once inside the car, I called my boss, Mr. Nicholson. I needed to inform him what happened.

“Hello Mr. Nicholson, how are you doing?” I said while struggling with my thoughts.

“Hello Alya! How are you doing? I got good words about you from some people at the conference. I was never wrong about you.” He said proudly. If it was another time, I would have been very happy to hear his praises but not today.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Nicholson. Hmmm…I called about something else. I received an emergency phone call last night from my parents.” Mr. Nicholson was quiet from the other line. I thought I lost my connection so I checked my phone screen.

“My twin brother got into a bad car accident. I am on my way to the hospital right now. I just would like to inform you if I could take a leave of absence from work. I could be reached anytime if there is any questions regarding work.” I said without pause. I was glad I was able to say what I wanted to tell him without crying.

“Alya, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he is fine. Of course, you can take as much leave as you want. You are the most hardworking person in the company. You never even had any absences from work. Please tell your family to be strong and so are you.” I was so grateful to Mr. Nicholson. I was trying to control my tears.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Nicholson. I am really grateful to you for everything.” I had to tell him that. It is not easy to find a boss who gives you great opportunities and values you as a person.

“My family and I would be praying for the fast recovery of your brother.” I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Such comforting words was just what I needed at that moment.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Nicholson.” Right after that phone conversation, the driver told me that we were getting close to the hospital. I started to get anxious and my heart beat faster than normal. I had to take a deep breath.

Outside the hospital, I saw my dad and cousin Daphne waiting for me. I immediately got out of the car and went running to hug my father. I was crying hard on his chest.

“Dad, how is Alden? Please tell me that he will be alright.” I was too scared to face him, afraid of what I was going to see.

“Alya, please calm down. The doctors are doing everything to make him get better. All we can do right now is to wait patiently and pray that he would overcome this.” Dad was right. I needed to calm down.

I didn’t remember how I got to my brother’s room. Everything was in a blur. Both dad and Daphne were talking to me but I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I am now just outside the door to where my brother is. Only one family member can get inside at a time. Then, I saw him when the nurse slightly opened the curtain to his room.

When mom got out of his room, I got to talk to her a little bit. She told me about Alden’s condition. Although I slightly saw him earlier from outside his room, when I got inside, I still wasn’t prepared to see him in his present condition.

He is in a coma. The doctors are waiting for him to get conscious. He had some bandages around his head, arms, and legs. There were a bunch of tubes attached to his body. I was getting hysterical.

A nurse walked inside the room. She gave me a glass of water. I calmed down a little bit and started talking to my brother. I don’t care if he doesn’t hear me. The most important thing is that I get to express what I want to tell him.

“Al—Alden, how are you doing my big brother?” Tears began to flow again from my eyes. I was trying to say something light but it made me more emotional. I couldn’t speak to him without crying. So, I just got closer to him and held his right hand for awhile. I looked at him quietly, carefully observing him.

“Alden, please come back to us. We still have so many things to do together as a family. Please, Alden, wake up.” It is hard for me to hold back my tears. I had to keep taking a deep breath.

“Alden, your little sister Alya is here. I promise to take good care of you. Just please wake up. We will take care of the rest. We will never leave your side. I love you so much my brother.” I whispered those words in his ear. I was hoping that he would open his eyes or just move his fingers a little bit.

“Ma’am, I am really sorry but your time is up.” Said the nurse after an hour, while her head was down. I couldn’t do anything but leave his room. It is their regulation.

When I got out of his room, I went to hug my parents tightly. I cried hysterically again.

“Mom, dad… it is so difficult to look at Alden in his situation right now. I am feeling his pains and struggles. Please tell me he will be fine.” I continued crying while talking to them.

“We really have to be strong as a family. He needs us right now more than ever. Alya, please be strong for your brother.” My mom pleaded. I knew that they were hurting more but they needed to think straight.

“Alya, my child, stop crying. It will only make you sick.” Said my dad, who was still hugging me tightly.

“You are right, dad. I am sorry I can’t help it.” I tried to control my tears this time. I also don’t want to add more stress to my parents. I can see how much they were trying to stay strong for all of us.

“So, what did the doctors say about Alden? I have so many questions running in my head right now.” I told my parents frankly.

“When we arrived here earlier, we saw the doctors examining him. They said he is in a coma right now. They said that they did some series of tests. They will talk to us immediately as soon as the tests come out.” My father said in a pained voice.

“I really pray he will get better soon.” I just held on tightly to both my parents’ hands. I was afraid to voice out my fears about the outcome of the tests.

“Yes, that’s all we can do right now.” Assured my mom. We have been praying and patiently waiting for the result of the tests. When the doctor came to directly inform us of Alden’s condition, we were all crying again.

“I just want to let you know that Alden suffered some injuries to his lower back and some broken bones in his ribs and right leg. He also suffered from a traumatic brain injury. That’s why he is in a coma right now. The next 24 hours is very crucial for the patient. I have to tell you straightforwardly that we still have yet to determine the severity of his brain injury. We need to do some additional tests tomorrow.” The doctor said continuously.

“Doc, do you think he will be fine? Please tell me.” It was my mom begging the doctor.

“We are doing our very best to save him. When he passed the critical stage, it would take several days or probably weeks or even more for the patient to regain consciousness and become aware of his surroundings.” That’s all the doctor said and left to attend to other patients.

“At least, we have something positive to hold onto. I am sure in my heart that Alden will be fine.” It’s my dad. His words gave us some encouragement.

“Dad, thank you for staying positive for all of us.” And I hugged him again.

“By the way dad, did the police tell you what exactly happened to Alden?” I was waiting for his answer but only shook his head.

“The head of the police who investigated the area will come here tomorrow. I am hoping he could answer all our questions.” I can’t wait to hear the official statements from the police.

“Me too, dad.” That’s all I could ever say at that moment.