To Endure A Little More

THIRTEEN

Third Person POV

"Is this real? Are you real?" Aelia cups Jeremy's face, feeling the warmth of his body on her palms that calms her in seconds, although she gasps in disbelief. Another burning tear leaves her eyes as Jeremy takes her hand and places a feathery kiss. He keeps a hand over hers on his cheek as he takes in her warmth and closes his eyes. The two stay in spot for a few peaceful seconds before he rips off the pipe near his nostrils that provided him oxygen and sits up.

"Did I scare you, babygirl?" He speaks as if nothing had ever happened and Aelia gets caught in a trance for how easily he had returned to his usual self. Just a while ago, he was still as a statue, making her heart ache by the second, and now he's suddenly up and making jokes about it.

"For how long was I passed out?" He speaks, looking around, impressed by the interior of the room they were in. "Woah, where on earth am I? This is probably the most gorgeous hospital I've ever been to."

A laugh cracks on Aelia's teary face at his overawed form. "You're at my place."

Jeremy's face darts towards her as he blinks thrice in a row. "Where did you get all these machines? Your grandma's a doctor or what?"

"I ordered a hospital to provide us these and treat you at home. I know you'd be in trouble if your family found out about what happened."

"Wow, she must be damn rich then." Jeremy speaks again jokingly and throws Aelia a flabbergasted look which makes her laugh again and he smiles at that. His hand reaches out to her and he wipes her tears away.

The two stay like that for a few more peaceful seconds and Aelia enjoys the relief-full peace she felt in heart at seeing Jeremy returning to his normal self. Jeremy was also delighted by finding Aelia as the first person for him to see after waking up and finally being able to confess his love for her in words, although she hadn't replied to it which made his heart ache. Nevertheless, he was enough pleased by the fact that Aelia cared for him enough to worry and cry for him.

"Two weeks. It's been two weeks since you passed out." Aelia forces out, tears brimming her eyes.

"Holyshit-" Jeremy makes a face, trying to make it look as if two weeks are nothing but his jokes didn't seem to ease the tension in the air anymore.

"Two weeks, Jeremy Peterson! Two weeks since I thought I lost you... for my own mistakes." Aelia cried out, holding his hands in a tight grip as if she'd lose him again if she let go. Her words catch Jeremy off guard and his heart skips a beat.

Jeremy couldn't stand himself bringing Aelia pain so he quickly motions for her to climb into the bed with him. He takes her fragile form into his embrace and holds her tight as she hugs him tighter. Jeremy caresses her head and plays with her hair to bring Aelia comfort but she keeps crying into his chest.

"You won't lose me, ever again." He says, finally being able to make Aelia stop sobbing and she looks him in the eye. "Where's your grandmother, I should thank her for letting me stay for so long."

Right. My lies. Time to confess... Aelia hesitantly thinks, mentally cursing herself for making such a day come but she knew the risk she'd taken when she decided to bring Jeremy home if that's what it'd take for her to save him.

"Um... actually about that, Jeremy, I have something to confess." Aelia starts and Jeremy intently listens. "I lied. I don't live with my grandmother and I'm not substandard like I told people to be convinced by. I believe you can guess why..."

Just an "Oh." leaves Jeremy's lips as he tries to process. "I understand. You didn't want people to judge you through your background and rather through who you are. I know, I've wished I could do the same sometimes too."

"Yes, you're right. Jeremy, I've been through more than just worse in my past and all I wanted was a different life with everything across from the dreadful past. I hope you understand why I had to lie. Please, keep my secret." Aelia speaks pleadingly as Jeremy nods.

"I understand and obviously I'll keep your secret, love." Jeremy places a kiss on her forehead with a smile followingly as Aelia feels a huge burden being lift off her chest. She finally found someone other than Terran who she could trust and be loved by for herself and not her background.

"Thank you, Jeremy. For everything."

"You know I'd do anything for you selflessly... but I need you to keep my secret too in return." Jeremy says, lowering his head as if he's ashamed for asking her to do something in return. Aelia looks at him with confused eyes.

"You know, my ill health I mean. I guess you already found out about the infection I'm fighting..."

Aelia remains puzzled as Jeremy continues to speak to her. She gaps in bewilderment as Jeremy realizes that she wasn't aware of what he thought she was. Terran enters the room finally after gathering enough courage to tell Aelia the truth that he's been keeping from her for so long. He's rather surprised and baffled by seeing Jeremy out of his coma state.

"You didn't tell her about my disease?" Aelia's eyes widen at Jeremy's words as she finds out that Terran knew all along and Terran mentally slaps himself as he shuts his eyes.

Tears leave her eyes unceasingly as she attempts to leave the room only to be stopped by Andrew who's also fuddled to see Jeremy. She pushes him aside and runs out. The other two men give the patient a stare, asking for answers.

"What? I thought she knew I am suffering from liver Cirrhosis."