It was another day and I woke up feeling dizzy. Despite the dizziness, I insisted on going to work. I didn't mention it to Prisy, knowing she would be worried and insist that I don't go to work.
I got off from the bus at my usual stop and walked slowly towards the restaurant. As I crossed the road, the dizziness became severe, my vision blurred and then everything became dark.
----
As I slowly opened my eyes, I found myself in an hospital bed. The soft beeps of the machine created a soothing background noise but the harsh fluorescent light disturb my eyes. I tried to sit up but a sharp pain forced me back to the bed. The walls painted with pale green surrounded me and the smell of disinfectants filled my nostrils. As I recalled my last memory of crossing the room, I became to panic.
How did I end up at the hospital? What happened? Who brought me here?
Just then, the door opened and a familiar face came in.
"Good morning, Becca. How are you?", Nurse Dina asked with a warm smile. I knew Dina, an acquaintance who was like an elder sister. We usually crossed paths whenever I come to the hospital for my medical checkup.
"Good morning, Dina. I'm fine. How long have I been out?", I asked.
"Twelve hours, I think", came the response.
Twelve hours?! Good God! I remember I was on my way to work yesterday for my afternoon shift when I blanked out. I must have fainted while crossing the road... And Prisy must be worried.
"Your illness acted up, Becca. Did you take your medication?", Dina's concerned voice rang out, bringing me out of my reverie.
"Huh... Yes, I did."
Dina nodded thoughtfully, "I think it's due to hormonal changes that's why it acted up. Nevertheless, I'll go call the doctor". With that said, she left the ward leaving me to sink into my thoughts.
----
It was almost noontime when Nurse Dina came into the ward to check my IV drip.
"The doctor said you can be discharged after the drip. Just remember to take your medications", she said. "Okay, I will". I really don't like taking medicines but I have no choice, given my condition.
"Dina, please can you tell me how I ended up here? Who brought me to the hospital?", I inquired.
"You were brought here by a handsome, young man with balayage hair. He said you collapsed in front of his car', she replied. That piqued my curiosity. Could it be who I'm thinking?
"Balayage-haired man?", I repeated.
"Yes, and he paid for your bills too." She added. "He has quite distinctive features -heterochromic with brown and blue eyes". My heart skipped a beat hearing these words. Could it be him? The same man who accompanied CEO Leo that day? I felt a mix of emotions; first, gratitude and then, curiosity. "Do you know his name?", I asked, trying to put a rein on my curiosity by sounding nonchalant.
"Yes. He is a well-known figure, you know". Her voice sounded gossipy. "He is Rex Salvador".
----
Stepping into the house, I saw something that made my heart sink. On the couch, Prisy sat, her eyes red and puffy from crying with black bags underneath. She looked at me, her face etched with worry.
"Hey, Prisy. Good evening," I said softly.
But she didn't respond, just kept staring at me.
I sat beside her, putting a hand on her shoulder, ''Prisy, what's wrong? Tell me, who hurt you? Huh?"
Finally, her mouth parted as she spoke, "You.''
I was taken aback.
"Me?!", I exclaimed.
"Yes, you. You hurt me. You don't even trust me. Then what's the use of having a best friend?", Her voice was cracking and tears threatening to gush from her eyes.
I was confused. I trusted Prisy and I've never hurt her. She's my sister, my best friend and my roommate. She was the first friend I met after I escaped from that hell.
"I am sorry, Prisy.", I apologized sincerely. "But tell me, what did I do?" I asked.
The tears finally escaped from Prisy's eyes as she hugged me. "Why didn't you tell me? That you have VVS?" She asked, her voice muffled against my shoulders.
I froze surprised she found out. I kept it hidden because I didn't want her to get worried.
"Prisy... I ... How did you find out?", I stuttered.
Pulling away from me, she explained, "I went to wake you up this morning and I found a bag of medications and a medical report."
That said it all. The morning I was dizzy, I was a bit disorganized.
"Prisy, I'm sorry. I didn't mention it because I did not want you to be worried."
She heaved a sigh and cleaned her tears. "Are you okay? It seems you didn't come back last night."
I hesitated, unsure of how to tell her. "Hmm... Actually, I was hospitalized", I stuttered again.
Prisy's expression morphed from worry to anger. "REBECCA!!", Her voice thundering and echoing in the room. She was really angry, hurt and frustrated. I could sense it. But at the same time, I was happy because I also sensed the love and concern from my friend.
"Prisy, I'm fine.", I said, trying to reassure her.
Ignoring my words, she glared fiercely at me. "Rebecca, what do you take me for? First, you hid the fact you have VVS and then, you didn't even call me to let me know you were hospitalized. For a night? A night, Rebecca!!"
I understood her anger and I was consumed by guilt.
"I'm sorry", I muttered, not daring to look at her eyes.
Prisy's anger finally went down as she buried her face in her hands and wept. I wrapped my hands around her . "I'm sorry, Prisy. I'm so sorry."I whispered, my own voice shaking.
Prisy pulled away from me and spoke, her voice trembling. "Becky, I'm hurt. Don't you trust me? You have VVS, for crying out loud. I should have known... I mean, I saw the signs. You'd lose consciousness anywhere. And I thought you just love sleeping. Hah!"
She gazed at me, wiping the tears I didn't know had escaped from my eyes. "I'm worried about you, Becky. You are not alone any longer. You have my mom and I. Please, just stop keeping things like this to yourself in the name of you don't want anyone to worry. That's nonsense."
I bowed my head not saying anything. I felt a lump in my throat as I tried to process my emotions. Prisy's words cut deep and I knew she was telling the truth. I had been pushing her away, not wanting to burden her with my health issues. But as I listened to her words, I realized I not alone anymore. Her concern and care enveloped me, and I felt as though a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I felt lighter.
"Prisy, I...", I finally started to speak, my voice cracking. Prisy looked at me, waiting for my words. "I'm sorry, Prisy. I... I just didn't want to be a burden to you or your mom. That's why I tried to handle it on my own, thinking I could do it." I paused to take a deep breath so I could calm my racing heart. "With your words, I've realized I'm no longer alone. I'm so grateful to you and your mom. Thank you, Prisy."
Prisy smiled as she hugged me. "That's right. You have my mom and I. We're together in this , okay?"
"Okay". I smiled, feeling a sense of love and gratitude for this lovely friend of mine. Maybe, I had found a true, best friend in Prisy. A friend who will weather every storm with me, no matter how fierce. And me with her.
*VVS- Vasovagal syncope