| Fan Fiction |
by kglove
“Hey mom, what are you doing here so early?”
“I just wanted to check on your father before I leave. I have a meeting later this afternoon that I can’t miss. Where are you going?”
“I was gonna go buy breakfast. I'm so sick of hospital food so I'm going to the restaurant nearby. You want anything?”
“No, thank you. Go ahead but be back as soon as possible. I can’t stay long and your brother doesn’t have company.”
Ken rolled his eyes. “What are you talking about? RJ doesn’t need any company, he has Kim up there.”
“Kim? She didn’t go home last night?”
“Uh-uh. She was here with us all night. RJ told me she took a few days off from work.”
“Did she really?” she smiled. “Well then, go and buy breakfast for them as well. I’ll go and check on them.”
Ken kissed his mom before leaving. She got on the elevator and walked to Randy’s room. When she opened the door, she immediately saw Gerald and Kim sleeping. They were seated beside each other and Kim’s head was on Gerald’s shoulder. She quietly closed the door and went to check on her former husband. Not too long after, a nurse came in.
“Good morning. I’ll just check Mr. Anderson’s blood pressure.” The nurse told her.
“Any improvements on Randy’s condition?”
“Well, there are still no changes from yesterday. His BP is stable but as you can see he is still unconscious. We will know more when he wakes up, that’s one thing for sure.”
Gerald stirred and saw his mom talking to the nurse. He was about to stand up when he realized Kim was sleeping on his shoulder. His mom saw him awake and turned her attention on him.
“Mom, what did the nurse tell about dad?”
“Nothing new, son. She just came in to check on your dad.”
“Sorry I fell asleep.” He looked around. “Where’s Ken?”
“He went out and bought breakfast for you and Kim. You can go back to sleep, I’ll just wake you up when he comes back. By the way RJ, I'm going home today. I need to go back to work but I will be back in a few days. Send me regular updates about your dad’s condition, will you?”
“Definitely mom. Are you going to be okay to go home by yourself? Do you want me to…” he was interrupted by Kim’s movement. Upon seeing Gerald’s mom, she immediately sat up straight and smiled shyly.
“Good morning, Tita. Sorry I didn’t realize you’re here.”
“That’s okay, hija. I know you’re tired. Thank you for being here for your Tito Randy and for my son.”
“It’s not too big of a deal, Tita. Your family is like a family to me as well so I want to be here for all of you to show my support.”
“And you are like the daughter that I never had. I just hope there’s still a chance for you to be my daughter in law.”
“MOM!”
“What, I'm just telling that I still want Kim for you.” Kim was blushing profusely but was saved by Ken’s arrival with their breakfast.
“Thank God! Kim, let’s go we’ll eat at the cafeteria. Ken do you mind staying with mom while we eat?” Gerald hurriedly got the food that Ken brought and motioned for Kim to go with him.
“Wait, RJ. Can we talk before I leave? I need to go and this won’t take long. Kim, do you mind?”
“No, of course not. Gerald, I’ll wait for you at the cafeteria.”
“Ken, could you go with Kim, please?” When Ken and Kim left, he faced his mother. “Mom, what were you thinking? I don’t want to put Kim in a very uncomfortable situation.”
“Son, I only said what I feel. I really wanted Kim to be your wife someday.”
“Kim and I are broken up already. She’s with someone else.”
“If she is, RJ, then why is she here and not with that someone else? Come on, if you are that guy, would you allow your girlfriend to be with her ex-boyfriend?”
“That’s not the point, ma.”
“Then what is?” challenged his mom.
“You know what, forget it. What is it that you want to talk to me about?”
His mom sat down. “I just want to make sure that you will not leave your dad before I leave. Make sure he is always taken care of.”
“Of course. Like I told Ken, I'm not leaving this hospital until he wakes up. Only then I will be able to sleep soundly.”
“Good. I have to go. Call me as soon as there are developments with his condition, okay?”
“I will. Take care, mom. I’ll walk you out.” He offered.
“No, I'm okay. Go and eat your breakfast with your brother and Kim.” She kissed his eldest son and left.
***
Later that day, Ken went home to rest. He promised to be back for dinner. Kim was in the bathroom when Ken left and so she was surprised that Gerald was not there in the room. She went out and saw Gerald sitting in the hallway where they usually stay.
“I thought you left with Ken. I heard him saying he wanted to go home earlier.” Kim said as she sat down across Gerald.
“No, I just don’t want to be alone in that room with my dad. I can’t stand seeing him in that situation. And why would I leave when I know that you’re here. If you’re not leaving without me, then I'm not going without you as well.”
“Gerald, I know you’re exhausted so I don’t really mind if you go home for a couple of hours to get some rest.”
“No, I'm okay. I want to be here when my dad wakes up. That’s the only time I can relax.” Gerald smiled. “Listen, I want to apologize for what my mom said this morning. I never wanted to put you in an uncomfortable situation.” He hesitated for a while. “Uh, have you talked to Jeremy?”
“Well, the last time he called me was two days ago, I think. Why?”
“Is he really okay with you being here? Kim, I know we’re friends but if you’ll have problems with him because of this…”
Kim shook her head. “Jeremy knows I'm here. Don’t worry about it.”
“Are you and Jeremy having problems that you’re not telling me?”
She was silent for at least a minute before she replied. “He and I kind of… stopped dating.”
“What? Why?”
“Some things are not just meant to be. Plain and simple.”
“Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?” Gerald asked.
Kim just smiled. “I'm fine. It wasn’t going to work out anyway.”
Gerald sat closer to Kim. He thought about holding her hand but decided against it. Instead, he just looked at Kim. “Look, I know this is totally not the right time and place but I’ll take my chances anyway. I'm not going to say I'm sorry that you and Jeremy ended your relationship because I’d be lying if I say that. As much as I want to see you happy, it broke my heart to see you with someone else. I was such a jerk for letting you go and for causing you so much pain. But Kim, I want you to know that I will do everything that I can to make you love me again if you’ll just give me another chance to prove myself.”
Kim was taken aback by what Gerald said. It’s the last thing she was expecting, considering his father’s situation. She just stared at him and blinked a few times without saying anything.
“Kim, you don’t have to say anything right now. I just want to let you know how I feel. I understand this is sudden especially for you”
“Gerald…”
Kim was interrupted by the approaching nurse. “Mr. Anderson, your father’s doctor is here and he wants to talk to you.”
“Oh, sure.” Gerald smiled at Kim. “Let’s go?”
“Go ahead; I’ll be there in a sec.”
Gerald left with the nurse. Kim got her phone from her purse and called Cathy.
“Hey Kim, what’s up?” came Cathy’s perky voice on the other line.
“Sis, Gerald just told me that he wants me back.”
“Really?” Cathy’s voice was excited. “What did you tell him?”
“Nothing. I mean, he really didn’t give me a chance to say anything. He just told me to think it over and that he’s not in a rush.”
“Well Kim, I know you broke it off with Jeremy to be with Gerald but I think he’s right. Come to think of it, its not right for you to jump back in a relationship with him right away. Make him earn it this time. Come on, we both know that when you first got together, it was a bit of a sudden as well. So this time, make him someone who deserves to be given a second chance.”
“You think so? Isn’t that just delaying the inevitable? Cathy, I know deep in my heart that I want to be with him.”
Cathy rolled her eyes. “Kim, I know that. But I guess what I'm trying to say is give yourself some time to get to know him again. A lot of changes happened while you were apart. Get to know the person he has become after your break up.”
Kim was silent for a few moments before she sighed and nodded. “Okay, I will do that. Thanks for the advice, sis. You’re the best!”
“I know!” Cathy laughed. “So how’s his dad anyway?”
“I don’t know yet. He left to talk to the doctor. I’ll go there after this.”
“Alright, text me if there are any updates, okay?”
“I will. Bye sis.” Kim ended the call.
***
Right before dinner, Gerald woke up Kim who fell asleep on the couch.
“Kim, Ken brought us dinner.”
Kim took a few moments to realize what Gerald said. She slowly sat up. “How long have I been sleeping?”
“Few hours.” Gerald smiled at her.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
Gerald shrugged. “I know you’re tired. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything.”
“Just so you know, Kim, he was staring at you while you were sleeping.” Ken teased.
“Ken, shut up.” Gerald warned. He turned his attention back to Kim who was fixing her hair. When he saw that Kim is ready, he opened the door and waited for her. On their way to the pantry, Gerald kept on stealing glances at Kim.
“Do you have something to say to me, Gerald?”
Gerald was bemused. “Sorry, didn’t mean to do that. I guess I'm trying to see any reactions from you. I mean, about what I told you earlier.”
“Oh. I thought you said I don’t have to say anything about it now?”
“No. I mean yes, I said that. Sorry, don’t think that I'm pressuring you. Forget I asked.” Gerald struggled with words which secretly amused Kim.
Gerald led Kim to one of the empty tables and served the food that Ken brought. When they were already settled and started eating, Kim spoke out loud, which surprised Gerald.
“Are you serious about that?” Gerald stared at her, confused. “I mean, you know, about you and me.”
“Kim, I meant what I said, every single word.”
“I thought that maybe you’re just emotional about your dad and it just so happened that I'm the person who’s beside you.”
Gerald shook his head. “No, if you must know, I wanted to tell you how I feel even before my dad’s accident. I was just sidetracked because of Jeremy. I saw you happy with him and I don’t want to ruin that for you.”
“So you gave up that easily?”
Gerald’s jaw dropped when he heard what Kim said. “I, uh, I…”
Kim was stopping herself from laughing out loud upon seeing Gerald uneasy. He was so busy fidgeting with his food that he didn’t notice Kim smiling at him.
“Kim, I don’t want you to think that I easily get swayed by people who want to get your attention. I am more than ready to prove to the whole world that there’s no other girl for me than you.” Gerald explained.
“Look, I was just kidding. I didn’t mean to put you in a bad light or whatever. You’re so serious that’s why I wanted you to lighten up.”
Gerald smiled for the first time. “You scared me for a while there.” He shook his head. “But don’t get me wrong, I still meant every word that I said and I plan to show it to you.”
***
Gerald saw Ken standing outside their father’s room alone.
“Ken!” he approached him hurriedly. “What are you doing outside? Who’s with dad?”
“RJ, dad just woke up and he’s being checked by the doctor and nurses to make sure he is okay.” Ken said excitedly.
Kim broke into a wide smile and tugged Gerald’s hand, who remained speechless. “Ge, did you hear that? Your dad is going to be okay.”
Gerald faced Kim and hugged her, crying. When they let go, Gerald wiped his tears and smiled. “Sorry, didn’t mean to be a cry baby. I'm just so happy that dad is okay.”
“I'm glad that Tito Randy is alright.” Kim said, wiping her tears as well.
“Ken, have you told mom?”
“Yeah, she said she’ll be here tomorrow.” Ken saw their stepmother rushing. “Tita, the doctors are still inside and we can see him once they’re done.”
They all waited for several more minutes before the doctor went out and informed them that Mr. Anderson is well and good. Gerald was about to follow Ken and his stepmother when he noticed that Kim was not behind him.
“Kim? Let’s go. Dad will be very pleased to see you. Come on.” He offered his hand but Kim didn’t take it. “What’s wrong?”
“Ge, go on. I’ll see your dad later. I'm sure he wants to see his family first before anyone else.”
“Kim, what are you talking about? You’re a part of our family. Dad adores you a lot.” Gerald saw the hesitation in Kim’s eyes. “Look, I'm not going in there without you. Please?” he once again offered his hand.
Kim saw Gerald’s sincerity and looked at the hand that he offered. She smiled and took his proffered hand. Kim was surprised when Gerald lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Before anything else, I want to let you know that you are a big part in making all of these a lot easier to handle. Your presence means a lot to me and I really appreciate that. Even if you don’t take me back, I’ll forever remember this, Kim.”
“Gerald…” Kim was cut off because the door opened and Ken called their attention.
“RJ, Kim, dad wants to see both of you.”
“We’re right behind you, bro.” Gerald smiled at Kim and ushered her inside the room.