Graceful Stubborn Heart

What Is Happening To Me?

We brought Grace to the nearest hospital. Karlo had a quick discussion with the resident physician at the emergency room, which prompted the latter to prepare some medicine in a vial and had it injected on Grace. Grace said that she started to get dizzy. 

"Oh, no Grace. Don't sleep. No, you cannot sleep.", I panicked. 

"Are you the boyfriend? You look so worried but don't worry. It's the medicine working. She'll feel better when she wakes up.", the physician smiled at me reassuringly. Karlo and Mark just stared at me in disbelief without saying a word. I just ignored them and sat on the chair by Grace's bed.

"Excuse me. There should only be one person allowed to watch over the patient as this is an emergency room. We have to avoid this being crowded because we don't know if a life threatening case suddenly comes up and the crowd might cause the chaos and delay in our response. I hope you understand."< a nurse came to inform us very kindly. I volunteered to stay but Mark insisted that it should be Karlo since he's a doctor. I cannot protest anymore so I followed Mark outside where our friends are waiting very impatiently. 

Mike suggested that we go around town to grab something to eat and just buy a take out for Karlo and Grace. I didn't want to leave but I was too phased out by my worries to even care. I just followed them without saying anything. 

"Jake, are you alright? You've been out of yourself suddenly.", Bea asked breaking my trance. 

"I'm just so worried for her.", I replied honestly.

Mike gave a soft laugh but he didn't say anything. 

"You know what, we are all worried but why such reaction Jake? We're her friends and you're just the newbie. Uhm, please don't get offended but don't you think you're worrying too much?", Bea replied.

Again, Mike gave a little laugh but stopped when Mark tapped him on the shoulder. 

"Hey! Is something going on? You can tell us... You've never been like that to anyone? Like literally to anyone, even me.  Am I smelling something fishy?", Carmen teased.

"I wish I could tell you guys but even I, myself, feels lost. I don't know what is happening to me. I am just worried sick right now for her. I feel so guilty. Yes, I have never felt this worried before but I can't help it. What's happening to me?", I replied helplessly.

"Do you like her?" 

"Whooo! Cupid must have successfully worked his way secretly."

"OMG! Jake have you fallen for Grace?"

"Waaaa. This is getting exciting. Since when was this?"

Bea and Carmen has been talking endlessly, asking questions and I couldn't even give an answer because I do not know what is happening.

"Hey man, speak up!", one of them said.

I gave a deep sigh, " I wish I knew guys but I'm sorry I don't. She suddenly feels like a drug to me. Thoughts of her, I mean. When I feel tired from work and I get a few minutes to close my eyes and shut myself from the things around me, her face shows up in my head. No, not her entirely. Sometimes it's just her eyes, or her smile but I know that it's her."

"Are you on drugs?", Bea asked teasingly. 

"Yes, he's mad on drugs called Grace. Hahahaha.", Mike added and everyone laughed. I just smiled at them because it's true.

I don't know when this actually started. Suddenly thoughts of her keeps invading my mind and my dreams and I feel like I'm in a trance when I see her for the first time in a given day. MY sight seems clouded that's why I have to shake my head off first before I greet or talk to her.

Sometimes I also catch myself just watching her do whatever she is doing. Even if I am not directly facing her, I can still see whatever she is doing at the side of my eyes. My sense of hearing also suddenly improved when I am around her because I could always her almost every conversation she has with anyone. 

I was lost in my own thoughts that I didn't notice that we already found a restaurant. Bea got a call from Karlo in the middle of our meal. Karlo informed her that Grace has already woken up and that they're heading back to the beach because Grace wanted to rest. They just took a taxi going there. Suddenly, I started to eat quickly. 

"Hey! You might get chocked. Relax. Karlo is taking care of her. My boyfriend is a good doctor so you have nothing to worry. Grace is in good hands.", Bea winked at me.

I can't do anything but let out a deep sigh because they seem unable to feel the urgency that I am feeling right now.

After a few minutes, I started to notice that they are teasing me because it seems like they are delaying things on purpose. So, "Guys, would it be alright if I go ahead? I can swap places with Karlo so that he can have fun with you."

"Are you a doctor to swap places with him?", Carmen asked playfully.

"But he said that she's recovered and just needed to rest, right? And besides Bea might want to spend time with him or Karlo might want to spend time with Bea, instead of watching Grace sleep.", I suggested.

"Are you jealous?", Carmen and Bea chimed in together to which Mark and Mike gave a big laugh at.

"Hey, you two! Give the man a break! Cupid hit hard and he is helpless.", Mike teased.

"C'mon. She's your friend, don't you remember?",  I asked. 

Everybody laughed. Do I really sound stupid right now?

Mark, the most mature of all, suddenly had his arms on my shoulders and said, "C'mon to the van. Let's go back home to the beach."  Everyone followed but they're still couldn't get over their amusement over my words.

"Don't rush things. Grace is very important to us. She is not up for play or experiments. Her body is not something that you just lust at to explore and enjoy then dispose after for a new one. She is our friend. She is very important to us. So before you make your move to woo her over, think twice. Think a hundred times about your feelings toward her. She's not like your usual girls. She is a gem who deserves love, commitment and a serious relationship, not a fling or a f*****g buddy.", Mark whispered in my ear. It sounded like a threat but I am not offended because I know that what he is saying is true. I just responded with a nod and kept silent on our way to the beach.

Everybody seemed to notice my sudden silence so they already had an idea about my conversation with Mark. Mark always command respect, so no one spoke up anymore.