EION’S POV
I blinked, staring at the wall blankly, feeling the familiar scent taking me in. Scanning my eyes around, it didn’t take long for me to figure out where I was.
Damn. Hospital again.
I couldn’t count how many times I’ve been to places like this because of this stupid disease. Why am I even here in the first place?
I touched the bruise on my face, hissing at the sharp pain. The last thing I remembered was driving my car…
Then I realized, because of this stupid disease of mine. I got in an accident…
Just then, a nurse in her white uniform came to inject something into me. I just closed my eyes, wanting it to end soon as I felt the sharp needle piercing my skin.
I’ve always hated injections when I was a kid, but now, it felt like a routine with all the treatments I had encountered.
Oh, now I remember. I got into an accident… I muttered a curse.
The nurse finally finished with what she was doing and left me. I didn’t bother to look as I felt a bit sleepy, but I heard the nurse talking to someone, “Family member?”
“No, a friend.” I heard a familiar voice responding. They continued talking after that as they shut the door, so I was not able to hear what they were saying. And after a few minutes, the door opened.
“So..” I heard someone clear their throat, and I didn’t move. The person just continued, “It’s your birthday today… Here.”
Recognizing the familiar voice, I opened my eyes a bit to steal a glance at her. There she was, Snow, holding a gift and a cake.
She had this uncertain look on her face, almost like she didn’t know what she’s going to do. It felt like it was just yesterday that I had fun annoying her…
I couldn’t help but notice the look of pity in her eyes.
And this is the first time I felt a bit ashamed. I do not want her to see me in this state.
Weak and bruised. Why did she even come here to visit me? Oh, it should be dad’s doing. What is he planning now?
“Just put it there,” I spoke up. Sitting upright, I crossed my arms in front of me, “I know you have a lot of questions and I’m not in the mood to answer them.” I said, not letting her speak.
I studied her expression, although she was looking at me with pity earlier, I couldn’t miss the same expression I saw when I had first met her at the shop.
The same Snow who looked at me with a fiery gaze, and I couldn’t help but smile at that.
“C’mon, laugh at me,” I said to her, and she just raised her eyebrows at me.
We continued talking after that and I can’t help but think.
It’s hurting me knowing she’s my cousin’s girl. If only I realized it sooner, she would have been mine. I gritted my teeth in annoyance. It was me who met her first. It should have been me.
“Sure, keep telling that to yourself.” I replied to her, “Just tell him the truth, that you love me. Plus, admit it to yourself.”
Rolling her eyes at me, I watched as she bid her goodbye, wished me to recover soon, and slammed the door shut, leaving me alone.
Damn, why did dad even make her come here? For all I know, he threatened her. Psh, they’re always controlling my life like I’m still a kid.
Suddenly, my phone rang and I watched as Aunt Maggie’s name flashed on the screen, face timing me. Pressing the answer button, Aunt Maggie’s worried look flashed before my eyes, gasping at the sight of me, “Thank goodness you answered my handsome nephew!”
I just stared at her with an annoyed expression, “What is it now, Aunt Maggie?”
At this, she raised her eyebrows at me, glaring at me, “Oh, so now you’re irritated to see me? gosh, what happened to my little Eion!”
I rolled my eyes. She had always been this dramatic. However, I hate to admit it, Aunt Maggie is the only one who I listened to after all these years since mom died. Hence the fact that I could not answer her phone calls. She’ll bring hell to me, and she’s scary when she gets mad.
I hate her nagging, but I couldn’t stand against her.
“Forget it, why did you call?” I asked.
She snorted at me, “I just wanted to tell you-”
“Is that Eion? Hi Eion!” Before she could even finish what she was saying, I heard Caleb’s loud little voice exclaiming, grabbing the phone from Aunt Maggie’s hand.
Caleb waved at me, “I miss you, Eion. When the hell are you returning here? You said you’ll play with me! I demand you to come back here-”
And Aunt Maggie grabbed her phone back from Caleb saying, “Where did you learn that word, Caleb?”
“Eion taught that to me! Cool right? Now give it back to me, Aunt, please give it back.”
Aunt Maggie just shook his head in dismay, “Gosh, stop hanging out with Caleb, Eion. He’s really idolizing you and he even copies your curses!” I just chuckled at them, giving Caleb a thumbs up and Aunt Maggie stood up, “Caleb, I’ll let you talk to him later but this is important.”
Then there was silence and Aunt Maggie’s face returned on the screen, “Forgive me for that, Caleb was fighting for the phone. He really misses you Eion.” She said, “You have to recover soon, you hear that my nephew?”She threatened.
I just nodded at her, letting her speak.
She then massaged her temples. “Gosh, why did you even get into an accident, Eion? I’m having my honeymoon in Greece and your father just called for me to ask for your whereabouts.” She said, looking like she’s stressed.
I crushed my nose in disgust hearing her mention her honeymoon.
“Are you doing fine there? I’ll visit you-”
I cut off her sentence before she could even finish it. “No, Aunt. Just enjoy your honeymoon there.” Plus, it would just be a hassle for her. I don’t want to disturb her.
Sighing, she nodded. “Okay. But when you’re finally recovered please, talk to your dad. I’m getting sick having to relay all your dad’s messages to you every time. Don’t you think it’s time to fix your relationship with him?”
The expression on my face changed after hearing her say that. She had a point, but I don’t want to. Not now.
I know I’m being too prideful but I’m still not ready.
“Let me think about that, Aunt. But I can’t promise you.” I answered her and she just nodded. “Okay, I understand.”
Then, as if remembering something, she wiggled her eyebrows playfully, “Wait a minute, you’re different today Eion. Normally, you would say to me that famous expression of yours “Will you stop intervening in my life”?” She asked, imitating my voice.
“I don’t talk like that, Aunt,” I said.
“Oh whatever, that’s not the point I’m trying to tell you. What I’m saying is…. You’re really changing, my dear. I’m so happy.” She offered me a genuine smile. “Well, looks like you finally realize it.”
“Realize what, Aunt?” I asked.
“Don’t even bother to hide it from me, I know you ever since you’re born from my sister’s womb, Eion. That you love Snow.” She said, stating as if it’s obvious.
Damn it, how did she know? Why does it feel like everyone knows it when I haven’t told anyone about it. Even my own dad?
“I know she’s Luke’s girlfriend now, but you should tell her what you feel.” She said.
I gulped. I have been wanting to tell her for a while now, but I don’t know why. I feel so awkward about it. I don’t have someone I can confide in. Someone I trust…
“Did you know? Me and her mother even bet and keep on pushing the two of you?” She stated, and I blinked at that. What?
“I didn’t notice that,” I said.
So that explains why Aunt Evy wants me to take care of her from the start? these old women… Well, I can’t blame them.
“What if she rejects me, Aunt?” I asked, not even bothering on denying it to her
“Well, that’s life. Maybe she’s not the right person for you. But what if she was just waiting for you to say it all along, and she just got tired so she settled for Luke now?” She asked. “Goodness, why did it even take you for how many months to figure it out? You’re such a chicken.”
I sighed. That’s it. She’s just messing with me.
“I’m ending the call, Aunt.”
“Wait Eion-”
Pressing the end button, I put down my phone and thought for a second.
It looks like I just got more confused after Aunt Maggie said that to me. What if she was right?
But on the positive side, I’m glad Aunt Maggie called me because I think I have an idea what to do now.