Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Hughie, Gulf, and Mew

I cannot say that I am happy with Aron's death. Yes, I wanted him out of our lives, but not this way.

But I cannot do anything about it. He was indeed crazy. Before he jumped, you would never thought that he would do something like that. After everything he did, I did not really think that he would commit suicide.

But at least, we can now live peacefully.

However, something has been bothering me. And it's Hughie!

Before Aron jumped, he told us that Hughie has leukemia and might die soon?

I am so worried right now.

And with that in mind, I was able to patch everything up.

The reason why he suddenly broke up with me. Why he suddenly shaved his head. And that nose bleeding. He had his reasons. And it was not only because he knew that I still love Mew.

The Hughie I knew would fight for love and would not give up easily.

I felt my chest tighten.

The thought of Hughie dying is making me feel so much pain.

He had to sacrifice his happiness because he knew that in the end, he will still have to leave me. But isn't leukemia curable?

I spaced out while sitting on a chair here on the rooftop. There are a lot of things going on inside my mind right now. One, Aron's bloody corpse is still fresh in my mind. His body is now being taken care of by the police and the investigators. And two, I just found out that Hughie is living with cancer.

There are now plenty of police here on the rooftop, investigating whether it was really suicide or murder.

Of course it was suicide!

The investigators already asked Mew and I for our statement but they asked us to wait until the investigation is over. Mew was just beside me and holding my hand the entire time.

An investigator approached us.

"We found a CCTV footage here in the rooftop. You are free to go now."

Mew got up quickly. But I was left sitting, trying to process everything that had just happened and what I just found out.

Mew had to guide me downstairs and into his car because I was still spacing out. We were both silent on the way home. He drove us home while I just blankly stared outside the window.

If earlier I had many things going on inside my head, now I am only thinking about one thing.

Hughie.

I have to ask him if it's true. If he really has leukemia.

I can feel my heart acting up again. My chest is starting to feel heavy. Because I am in pain. I remember how kind Hughie was to me back then. How he sacrificed so much for me.

Part of me is angry with him because he kept it a secret from me, but sadness and worry prevailed in me.

How could he do this to me? How could he keep it a secret?

I have only little knowledge about the disease. I was so restless that I pulled out my cellphone to search Google for leukemia.

My whole body almost trembled at what I read.

According to Cancer.net, "The 5-year survival rate for people 20 and older with Acute Myeloid Leukemia is about 25%. For people younger than 20, the survival rate is 67%. However, survival depends on several factors, including biologic features of the disease and, in particular, a patient's age. "

I almost dropped my phone.

"Are you okay baby?" Mew asked me worriedly.

I did not answer him. My brain is still processing the information I just read.

Does that mean Hughie's chance to live for five years more is only 25 percent?

My tears flowed. The thought of Hughie dying is so painful. I love Mew so much. But the fact that I might lose a dear friend in no time is killing me.

Mew held my hand and brought it to his lips to kiss it. He kissed the back of my hand.

"I love you," he said softly. "And thank God you're safe. Why did you go to the rooftop?" he asked, somehow worried.

"I thought it was you who wanted me to be there. I did not think it was Aron's plan."

"I thought I'd lose you for good," he added.

"Can we visit Hughie in his unit?" I asked Mew.

He looked at me with tired eyes before nodding his head.

"Did you know about his cancer?" I asked him.

I would really be angry with Mew if he tells me that he knew about it but he also kept it a secret from me.

"I did not. I just found out now. Don't worry yourself too much. I know Hughie is a strong person."

I nodded quietly. It was somehow a relief that he only found out about it now too. I thought that Mew conspired with Hughie.

When we arrived at the parking lot of the building, Mew and I walked straight to the elevator. He held my hand as we walked.

I rang the door bell when we got into Hughie's unit.

This is where I lived for three years. The password is probably still the same but I don't want to invade his privacy since we're not together anymore.

Mew was just quiet behind me while I was very nervous to death, feeling restless about the disease.

Even though I know that there is a bigger possibility that Aron was telling the truth, I still want to hope that he lied. But how would he benefit from it now that he is dead.

It's already ten in the evening. Hughie is usually still awake at this time because he does some work-related stuff before bed.

Two minutes passed but no one answered the door. I rang the doorbell for the second time. But another minute passed but still no one answered.

I was starting to get worried so I typed in the password to open the door. I hurried inside to look for Hughie.

"Hughie? Are you home?" I shouted. But I received no answer. I searched the entire unit.

I was shocked when I found him on the bed inside our old room crying in pain.

"Ahhhhhhh," he cried.

I quickly attended to him.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" I asked, worried. I began to panic.

I could see he was hurting and struggling but I did not know the reason. When I touched his forehead, he was burning up because of fever. Red spots were all over his body. I noticed that because he was only wearing a tank top and boxers. There was also blood dripping down his nose.

"What are you doing here Gulf? Please leave me alone!" he shouted even though he was writhing in pain.

I started crying. I can't stand him suffering like this.

"I am not leaving you here in this condition." I turned to face Mew. "Mew, can you please hand me a towel or a tissue?" He was behind me.

Mew moved quickly and handed me a tissue. I wiped the blood on Hughie's nose.

He pushed my hand away.

"Please don't do this," I begged.

"Leave me alone Gulf. Please," he pleaded.

"Why are you crying? What is so painful?"

"Just leave me. I can take care of myself."

"Dammit, Hughie! You can't take care of yourself in that condition!" Anger filled my voice as I cried. He is not in the position to drive me away.

"What is your doctor's name?" I asked him.

"Dr. Rodriguez."

I reached for his phone on the bedside table and unlocked it. Good thing I still know his passcode.

"Mew please call his doctor." I handed the phone to Mew and he quickly did as I requested. A few seconds later, he was already talking to the doctor.

"Aaaahhhhh," Hughie groaned in pain.

He tried so many times to keep his face away from my hand. But because he was struggling with the pain he was feeling, he could not completely stay away from me. Mew was just watching us quietly.

The doctor arrived 30 minutes later. According to him, it was bone pain and headache due to Hughie's leukemia.

So he really is sick. It felt like my heart was being torn into pieces.

We had to bring Hughie to the hospital. I told Mew not to come with us anymore because I knew he is still very tired from the trip but he insisted to come with us. He said that he also wants to be there for me.

We both slept in Hughie's room at the hospital that night. We both had a long and tiring day.

The following morning, the doctor said that the cancer is developing fast and that the chemotherapy should start immediately.

His first chemo lasted for 3 hours. Mew and I were just silent while waiting for his chemo session to end. I rested my head on Mew's chest. He played with my hair and occasionally kissed my head.

"Don't worry too much. Hughie will be fine soon," Mew spoke.

I am still very worried. I hope so, Mew. That is all I ask right now.

Hughie was then taken to his room afterwards. The doctor said that his next session will not be until next week in order to give time for the medicine to work and help his body adjust.

My system still cannot fully accept the fact that Hughie has cancer. I always thought that he's healthy. But looking at him now, resting and sleeping on his hospital bed makes him look so fragile.

I hope he wins this battle. Because my heart will surely be wrecked if he loses.

No, Hughie. You only have one option. And that is to survive.

He was discharged the next day. But he did not change. He still does not want me taking care of him.

Still, he could not stop me. He is still weak to argue with me.

After everything Hughie has done for me, the least I can do is to take care of him and to be beside him in this battle. I talked to Mew about taking care of Hughie and he said that he understands. He knows that I care about Hughie and that he will support me and will be there for me.

"I understand that Hughie is a very special person to you. I am also thankful to him for taking care of you for all those years."

It was a relief that he understands my situation.

Whenever I have an event, I ask Kuya Dominic to watch over and take care of Hughie. I had to look for a new stylist in place of Kuya Dominic. I'm still always with Mew. And after each event, we go straight to Hughie's unit to take care of him and attend to his needs.

Don't worry Hughie, you don't need to be alone in this battle.

Sometimes, Gabo, his new friend, watches over him when I have a big event where I really need Kuya Dominic. But sometimes, Gabo is busy with his work so Mew and I often take care of Hughie.

The following week, Hughie had to undergo chemo again. I was the only one with him in the hospital. Mew had to go back to the Philippines because he had to fix something at the company.

Until now, Hughie still hates the fact that I am watching over him. He just wants me away. He consistently pushes me away from him. But I always tell him that he has no choice and he cannot do anything about it.

My life for the past week became a routine. I would take care of Hughie, then attend to my projects, then sleep. And then repeat. It became like that.

"Why won't you let me take care of you?" I asked him as I was driving him home. We just finished his second chemotherapy session.

"I know that I will be gone soon. I just want you to get used with my absence," he said sadly as he stared outside the window.

The car came to an abrupt stop as I pulled the breaks. I did not care if we were in the middle of the highway.

"Don't say that!" I said angrily.

"What? It's the truth Gulf. The doctor said that there is only a very small chance of survival."

"But there is a chance! Don't be so hopeless! I hate you! You have to fight! Because in this battle, you have to be the strongest!" I spat.

I cannot help but be annoyed especially when he says that. He already told me several times that I should prepare myself. So fucking annoying!

He fell silent for the rest of the ride. Gabo texted me, informing me that he is free this afternoon so he will be able to take care of Hughie.

So that same afternoon I made sure to call Mew. But he did not answer. I called his secretary but she said that Mew was in a closed-door meeting with the board members.

The past week, we were both busy with Hughie that we did not have time for sex. I miss Mew so much.

At twelve o'clock in the afternoon, Mew called me through Facetime. It's already afternoon in the Philippines.

"I miss you," my voice was tired.

"I miss you too baby. How was your day?"

"It is okay, so far. It is still lunch here. How about you? How's your day?"

I noticed that he was still in his office.

"It was fine. Just had a very busy day full of meetings and such."

"Is there someone else who misses me?" I asked playfully.

"Hmm. There is." he smirked.

"And who would that be?" I acted like I was thinking.

"Do you want to see who?" Mews voice was seductive.

"Hmmm. I'm not sure. Will I be happy if I see it?" I raised an eyebrow at him.