Chapter 13

*JANELLE* I laid on the operating table with my eyes closed. I could hear the doctor and nurse moving about. My heart was pounding wildly. Did I really want to do this? What if I end up regretting this decision? If I had the child, would I regret having him or her? I didn’t know that. But I knew that at this moment, I wasn’t 100% sure that I wanted an abortion. Hell, I didn’t want to go through with this. I immediately sat up. “I can’t do this.” I shook my head and turned around to leave. The nurse led me to where my clothes were. I changed out of the hospital gown and back into my clothes and then I hurried out of the room. I was in so much rush that I didn't pay attention to the road ahead, then I bumped into a man. I covered my forehead and apologized. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." “Janelle?" I looked up to see Marco Gallo. “Doctor Marco?” I let out, surprised. A group of people stood behind him. I was even more surprised than he was. "What are you doing here?” When Danica was first hospitalized, I was visiting the hospital when I came by a scene of a severely autistic little boy having an episode. Since I’ve always loved kids, I had tried to help but it didn’t calm the kid down. But Marco had come and I, as well as everyone present had been amazed at how easily and gently he could calm the boy down. I especially loved how comfortable and safe the kid looked with him. Marco and I had become friends after that and we would always chat and hang out each time I came by the hospital. He came to know of Danica’s condition and even insisted on assisting on some of the medical bills at that time. He was a very kind man. He smiled, gently. Before he could say anything, the director of the hospital said, “Doctor Gallo came to the hospital to give a lecture." I could see that he was becoming famous now. He deserved the fame. Marco was a psychologist, specialized in caring, treating autistic patients. “What about you? Why are you here?” He asked me. Thinking of my mother's firm attitude, I shuddered. “Elle!"My shuddering turning into a full blown tremble when I heard that voice. I turned to see my mother rushing over from the other side of the corridor with the check list in her hand. She had obviously gotten to know that I ran away from the operating room. She looked pissed. I pursed my lips, and I was about to cry. "Mom…” Marco said to the director, "You should go, I’ll catch up. I have something to do." “Okay, please don’t forget about my offer. I sincerely invite you to come work here, this is a nice working environment with great benefits.” Marco replied, calmly , "I will think about it." “Auntie, what's the matter? Let's go outside. This is not a good place to talk." The hospital was crowded with people at the lobby, so it was not suitable to talk here. My mom also knew Marco and what he did for Danica back then. She respected him very much. But she clutched my wrist tightly, for fear that I would run away again. As soon as we walked out of the hospital, I knelt down in front of my mom. "Mom, please, we just lost Danica. I don’t want to lose this baby.” I didn’t know if it was because Marco was standing there but my mom was quiet for a long time. And when she finally spoke, she only said.”As you wish.” After saying that, she turned around and left. I slowly squatted down. I have been pretending to be strong, but my tears were coming out, fast. I didn't want to cry, but I couldn't control myself. I felt so pained. ********************** Marco sighed as he stared at Janelle. He had met her when her sister was on the first few months of treatment. He had found her remarkably strong and incredible and so he helped her financially back then, though it wasn’t enough to cover the total bill, it was what he had at that time. He was then transferred to a hospital in another country. He was so busy with work that he had little to no contact with her. He had no idea her sister passed away. Marcelo squatted down and comforted her. He had saw how she always tried to be strong and positive even while her mother was scared out of her mind. She would sometimes not eat at all but always made sure there was food for her mother and sister. When he noticed that, he always ordered takeouts for her. Marco wanted to touch her head to comfort her, but before he could do so, Janelle suddenly looked at him. "Thank you for your help back then, I will definitely pay you back when I have enough money in the future." Marco’s hand paused above her hair and slowly clenched. He took his hands back and said with a smile, "Elle, I just wanted to help. You don't need to pay it back." She shook her head. "You're very kind, and I remember what you did for me." She would definitely pay pack in the future if she could. Marco helped her up. "Where do you live? I'll take you home.” Janelle was worried about her mother, she needed to go check on her, so she nodded and told him her address. When they arrived, Janelle opened the door and got off the car. Marco asked her, "Are you staying permanently in this town now?" Janelle turned around and looked at him. She nodded and replied, "Yes." Marco nodded too. He might have just found a reason to stay.