Another Day
"Alice, let's walk together again," Oliver said with a smile.
"Sure," Alice replied.
They both knew Bryle was walking behind them, intentionally keeping his distance. Bryle had realized it was wrong to prevent Alice from making friends, finally accepting that his place in her life was different from Oliver's. The two boys were on better terms now; they could converse and even joke around without the old tension.
"So, what's your favorite food?" Oliver asked.
"Hmm, Sour Fish Soup—Sinigang na Bangus. My mother's cooking is the best," Alice answered. They continued their pleasant conversation until they reached the pedestrian crossing, waiting for the light to turn green.
Alice started walking first, but she noticed an ID lying in the middle of the road. As she leaned down to pick it up, a red car rushed toward her at high speed.
"Alice!"
Oliver immediately lunged forward and managed to push Alice out of the way. Unfortunately, he couldn't save himself. The car struck him with a sickening thud.
Bryle saw the entire incident unfold; it felt as though time had slowed down. He watched Oliver fly over the hood before crashing onto the pavement. His glasses shattered, and blood began to pool around him.
"AHH!"
"Help that boy!"
"Call an ambulance!"
"Hurry, get some help!"
The crowd shouted in shock. Alice ran toward Oliver, sobbing uncontrollably. Bryle rushed over to restrain her, knowing that touching him might worsen his spinal injuries.
"Oliver, please wake up!" Alice cried, struggling against Bryle's grip.
"Alice, help is on the way," Bryle said, his voice tight.
"This is my fault!" Alice wailed. Minutes later, the ambulance arrived. The paramedics worked quickly, rushing Oliver to the hospital with Alice and Bryle following close behind.
The Hospital Waiting Room
Upon arrival, Oliver was rushed into the Emergency Room.
"Ma'am, you have to stay here," a doctor instructed firmly as the doors swung shut.
"Doc, please save him," Alice pleaded, her hands trembling with fear. Hours passed in a blur of antiseptic smells and muffled hospital sounds. Finally, Oliver's mother arrived, looking frantic and still in her work clothes.
"Oliver! Doc, how is my son?" she asked anxiously as the surgeon emerged.
"You don't have to worry, Ma'am. He is stable. There is some damage to his arm, but he will be fine," the doctor explained.
As the doctor left, Alice approached her, still weeping. "A-Are you Oliver's mother? I-I am so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I'm really sorry, Ma'am," she stuttered through her sobs.
"It is not your fault, Alice. Don't blame yourself," Bryle said, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder.
"Dear, please stop crying," the woman said, taking Alice's hand. She appeared stern, but her eyes were kind. "It is not your fault; it is the driver's. Oliver will be okay."
Alice hugged the woman, weeping until she finally calmed down.
The Cold Welcome Home
Later that evening, Bryle drove Alice home. She was exhausted, her mind replaying the sound of the impact over and over.
"It's all your fault," Camille snapped the moment Alice walked through the door. "I heard the news. Oliver is in critical condition because of you. How can you just sit there while your friend fights for his life? You're a heartless person."
Camille acted as if she knew Oliver personally, using the tragedy as another weapon.
"You know nothing, Camille. Don't talk to me right now; my head hurts," Alice said, ignoring the taunts as she headed upstairs.
"Really? Who cares? I bet you're actually happy about this!" Camille called out. Alice stopped for a second, her grip tightening on the railing, but she knew arguing was useless. She locked herself in her room.
Buzz. Buzz.
It was a message from Kianna: Bess, are you okay? Don't blame yourself. Oliver will be fine. Where are you? I'm coming over.
Alice: I'm home, Bess. Don't worry. Thank you.
Kianna: Are you sure? Just tell me if you need me, I'll be there in a heartbeat.
Alice: Wow, are you my girlfriend now? You worry too much.
Kianna: Of course! We're best friends. It's my job to worry.
The Hospital Ward: Kianna's Antics
The next day, Alice and Kianna were watching over Oliver while his parents were at work.
"You're so selfish, Bess. You didn't even tell me you had a new friend this handsome. Look at his eyelashes! And his nose is so perfect," Kianna whispered, leaning over Oliver's sleeping form.
"Ugh, Bess, what are you doing?" Alice put her book down. Kianna's face was inches away from Oliver's.
"Shh, I'm just admiring his skin. What skincare does he use? I need to add it to my cart," Kianna joked. She then turned her attention to Alice, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
She suddenly lunged forward, placing a knee on Alice's chair, trapping her against the backrest with her arms.
"Keep your eyes on me," Kianna said with mock seriousness.
"W-what are you doing—" Alice started, but Kianna placed a finger over her lips.
"Shh," Kianna whispered, bringing her face closer. Alice swallowed hard, closing her eyes and bracing herself for whatever madness was coming next. She felt Kianna's hands cup her cheeks.
Bess, if you're planning something weird, stop right now!
"Bess! What products do you use?! Your face is so clear! I can't even find a single blackhead!" Kianna squealed, pulling away and pretending to faint. "I need to know your secret!"
Alice let out a huge sigh of relief. "You're literally insane, Bess! Just take a bath. You actually made me nervous."
Kianna looked at her with a wicked grin. "What were you thinking? Don't tell me you're actually gay and wanted me to kiss you?"
She leaned in again, pouting her lips playfully. "Mwah!"
"GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU FREAK!" Alice laughed, pushing her friend's face away as they struggled in the quiet hospital room.