Love for Time

Chapter 5 - He's my Friend

Cheryl doesn't remember how she got to this hospital. The only thing in his memory was that he woke up not because of the alarm clock he set, but Om Salim called before the alarm rang.

The original plan, indeed this dawn he will leave by the first bus to Semarang. But the news from Om Salim made him more panicked and confused. She said Grandma was being critical and will be operated on this morning.

Now in front of him, Om Salim and his wife were sitting with anxious faces near the door of the operating room. Where's the father, Grandma's biological son? Why is it that Om Salim is waiting for him right now? I don't know, Cheryl wouldn't think about it. Better not have Handoko there. If they meet, he can be sent home and get married.

"I'm sorry, you're in a hurry here. Om was just afraid that your Grandma would want to see you." Om Salim's voice sounded slow.

"It's okay, Om."

Salim doesn't say much, Cheryl knows she's sad. Even though Grandma was like a real mother to Om Salim, their relationship was very close. Closer than Handoko.

Salim stands up. He took a deep breath and walked back and forth near Cheryl. While Aunt Mery just sat quietly on a long bench near the operating room, praying.

Cheryl lowered her head, hiding the melted tears. My grandmother was the only one who loved her. If Grandma's not around, she might as well die.

Finally, the door of the operating room opened. They're approaching soon. Ah, but the doctor's face looks so worried.

"How's my aunt doing, doc?" ask Salim impatiently.

The doctor sighed, looking down for a moment it was clear that the news he was about to deliver was not good news.

"We've done the best we can." The doctor paused for a moment, looking at the anxious face before him. Not yet finished the words of the doctor, Cheryl was not able to stand it and her tears continued to drip.

"Mother Fatima has fought hard. But his condition is very weak. We don't know until when he stays. In his case, he could have lasted a week, two weeks ehm. It all depends on God's power. And if he survives, it's a miracle." said the doctor. Once again he exhaled heavily, feeling the grief of the patient's family.

The words are like daggers that hit Cheryl's heart. Doesn't Grandma have much time left? Cheryl's legs start to wobble, Aunt Merry hugs her. All this time Grandma was always healthy, why suddenly became like this?

"Mother Fatima has been moved to the ICU. If he is stable, he will be transferred to the hospital room. You can take turns to visit him when the clock has arrived. Now it's best to let him rest." continued the doctor again.

The ICU waiting room was very crowded that afternoon. There are many family members waiting for their families who are also treated in the same room. Om Salim and Aunt Merry sat side by side on a long bench not far from Cheryl.

When the clock comes, Om Salim tells Cheryl to come in first. Inside, Cheryl could only cry to see Grandma looking so weak with so many needles and tools attached all over her body. His eyes closed, his lips no longer smiling.

"Mom, this is Cheryl. She said Grandma wanted to see Cheryl in toga, get well, Grandma." whispered Chery in Grandma's ear. The hope was that Grandma could hear and open her eyes.

Cheryl's hand rubbed - rub the palm of Grandma's hand that was still asleep in her sleep. It may be due to the effects of the drug or it could be due to the decreased condition. With a heavy heart Cheryl left that space to swap turns with Om Salim or Aunt Merry.

Aunt Merry invited Om Salim in first. Now Aunt Merry and Cheryl are standing near the entrance of the ICU room, waiting for Om Salim to finish.

"Cher, look who?"

Someone greeted him, his voice so familiar in Cheryl's heart and ears. Cheryl look.

Brother Dimi, why is he here?

Cheryl stood up awkwardly. His mouth that had opened, was closed again. Since yesterday he waited for Dimitri but the awaited ones never showed up. It's a bitch, now you know - knowing she just showed up in front of him.

"CHERY!"

"ouch!"

A man's voice is heard. Accompanied by the sound of slaps and screams of pain mixed with shock.

"How dare you show up here son of a bitch!" maki Handoko on Cheryl.

Dimitri who was standing not far from there clenched his hands tightly and his jaw hardened. She couldn't accept Cheryl being treated harshly, but she couldn't do anything about it. Who he is compared to Papa Cheryl. Although all this time he knew how Handoko treated Cheryl. He never commented or judged. All he has done is accompany Cheryl and share with her.

"Don't make a fuss, Han. This is a hospital." Fortunately Om Salim came out of the ICU, at least some calmed Handoko.

But, it's not that easy. As if not satisfied with slapping Cheryl, Handoko returned angry - angry.

"You know what, Lim? Because of this damn kid! Mama's having a heart attack." - furious Handoko's fire. The other hand was ruffled by the waist and the other hand was pointing at Cheryl's nose.

Cheryl flabbergasted. He did not understand what Handoko meant to say like that. She hasn't seen Grandma since she ran away from home.

"That's it. It can be discussed later and not in a place like this." Salim tried to break up.

"Try once he became a submissive child, of course Mama will not be much thought. And must be healthy - healthy." said Handoko.

"Go, Cheryl. Better you eat, than you have not eaten." Om Salim ordered. He gave the code so Cheryl would step aside first.

Cheryl looked at Om Salim with a clear face, hoping she would let him stay. He still wants to be near Grandma.

Om Salim nods as a code so that Cheryl will obey him.

Feeling his presence would only add to the row, Cheryl decided to step aside.

"Come, Brother Dimi." Cheryl invites Dimitri who was silent and just watching the family drama in front of her.

"Wait on! You who? Are you Cheryl's boyfriend?" handoko asked, it was clear that she did not like the tone in her voice.

Dimitri was a little surprised. "Look... "

"No, Pa." cut Cheryl fast.

Ow!

Instantly the words, which Dimitri was about to say, hung in the air. He looked towards Cheryl, waiting for the next sentence.

"Sir Dimi and I were just friends, we just met here" Cheryl continued.

Yes, making friends is their best status at the moment. Cheryl doesn't want to add any more trouble with anyone, especially Keysia and her Papa.

Sensing Dimitri's gaze, Cheryl turned her head. His gaze met with Dimitri's sorrowful gaze. Cheryl replied with a smile, a bitter smile.

Connect yes....