"Hi Aunt Susan, how are you feeling?" Aila went beside Susan and placed her presents on the side table.
"I feel better now because I noticed that since yesterday my Yhuan has been smiling again" Happiness swelled inside of Susan as she recalled and told Aila the story of how a mystery man paid for her surgery and even upgraded their room into a private suite.
"I can't fully comprehend how lucky we are to receive such a blessing." Susan continued as gratitude flowed through her.
Aila felt a glimmer of happiness hearing how thankful Susan is, even if it can't be directed to her, hearing her feel blessed is already more than enough. She glanced at the young man and saw him staring back at her.
"You brighten my day and encourage me to hope Aila, thank you."
Aila was astounded that Yhuan said that out loud, she was embarrassed because her mother could hear him. Susan smiled, looking at the two, who were both flushed.
"Thank you for encouraging my son Aila, but you know what would make me happier?" Susan asked Aila, who was very eager to do things to make her at ease and happy.
"What is it Aunt Susan, I will do my best to make it possible." Aila clutched Susan's hand.
"Accept my son's love, if you do, at least I am at peace knowing that whatever happens to me after this surgery; there is someone left for my dear son."
"Everything will be fine; don't think of such things Aunt Susan." Aila was fighting back her tears at the thought of Susan's predicament.
"Nothing is certain in this world, my dear, so always remember to make the most out the days you have."
"Knock, Knock"
Their heart to heart talk was cut short by the nurse who came in to take Susan to the operating theatre. Yhuan kissed his mom goodbye. He sat on the sofa, and bowed his head with both his palms on his face.
Aila felt Yhuan's anxiety, the uncertainty of having his mom back healthier after the surgery. Aila sat beside Yhuan and patted his back, making him feel that he has someone with him, no matter what.
"Aila, thank you very much, I do not know how to make it up to you".
"You don't have to, we are friends, and we don't keep count of such things." Aila smiled at Yhuan to make him feel more at ease.
"Is he really just a friend to me? Why do I feel like I want to make him happy?"
Aila's mumbling was a little loud and was heard by Yhuan.
"I'm sorry, what's that?"
Aila raked her hand through her hair and blew out her cheeks; she gathered all her courage to tell his decision to Yhuan.
"Let's make a deal, pretend that we're together until your mom gets better."
"What? Are you sure? Are you really willing to do this?"
"Yes, I really want her to somehow feel better." Aila rested her back on the chair's backrest and tossed her hair. Both her hands are placed on her lap as she stared at the empty bed in front of her.
Yhuan was still speechless, his eyes gleamed waiting for Aila to declare it as a prank.
"What do you think? Should I call you Love?" Aila's tone was still serious.
Yhuan suddenly jumped up and punched in the air for joy. He could not believe that after four months of courtship Aila finally gave him an answer, even if it was just an agreement, he was still happy.
"Okay, I agree Love." Yhuan held Aila's hands and gazed at her beauty.
She smiled and warmly clasped his hands.
"Love, I shall see you tomorrow then, it's getting late. Please update me about Aunt Susan's surgery."
Yhuan agreed and walked Aila to the bus stop.
As soon as Aila returned home, she called Reese told her that she is together with Yhuan now.
"Are you serious? Why? Oh Aila are you thinking straight? Do you think he will be able to accept your real identity?"
"Wait, I'll answer your questions one by one Reese's, yes, I'm serious, I want to try it out with him at least I can make his mom happy, well about my identity he doesn't need to know" There was a trace of sadness in her tone.
"His mom? Is that more important to your happiness?" Reese was frustrated by Aila's decision.
"For someone who has cancer, yes, it is important to me."
Aila explained to Reese, she understood her, but still feel something off about this decision.
"Please just don't get yourself hurt in the process." Reese begged her friend to be more cautious in the future.
Aila finally smiled and answered Reese; "I'll keep that in mind girlfriend."
The next day, Aila met up with Yhuan again, he waited at the hospital lobby.
"Mom, I want to introduce Aila to you again… but today as my girlfriend".
Yhuan was full of pride as he introduced Aila smiling from ear to ear.
"Really? Wow, God really answers our prayers, Thank you Aila for finally accepting my son's heart. I am happy for you both."
Yhuan gently placed his arm across Aila's shoulders and kissed her head.
"Aila, I'm sure my son will be happy because of you, I feel at peace no matter what happens to me"
Susan tearfully said to Aila. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she quickly wiped it with her hand.
"You will recover immediately, that's all that will happen, Aunt Susan."
Aila smiled as she continued to wipe away her tears.
"Love, don't cry anymore, look, mom is already feeling better".
Yhuan handed Aila a handkerchief while still holding Aila's shoulder on the other hand.
Aila accepted the handkerchief and held his hand on her shoulder, she smiled at Yhuan.
"Thanks Love"
Aila thought of her family, it was impossible to always be together. While her own family is always apart, they ensure the nation's family are taken care off. But seeing Yhuan's small family, she realized that sometimes simpler families are the happiest even when the times are difficult as long as they are together.
"My daughter in law, do your parents already know about your relationship with my son?"
Aila did not expect that question, how can they know about this?