Chapter 9
Bom’s sessions are held every two weeks and on
the second one, she refused to be hospitalized and begged for her parents to
let her come home after the deed. She called me that night sounding so
exhausted and asked me if I can sleep over. My Mom drove me. On her third
session, I wanted to come with them to the hospital but her parents said that
it’ll be better if I just waited for them at home which I did. Bom’s complexion
looked so sallow and pale when they arrived. Bom was vomiting almost nonstop
for 2 hours and she was crying that she doesn’t want to continue with the
treatment anymore. It was her only moment of weakness. The next day, she was
almost back to normal again but she felt so weak that she had to skip school
for 2 days. Our friends were starting to notice her increasing absences and
bouts of nausea but I kept my mouth shut. It was not my place to tell them.
After 2 months, the secret can’t be kept
anymore. She started losing hair and everyday at school, she would either wear
a beanie or those hippie scarves slash bandannas. Bom’s doctors recommended
brain surgery as soon as possible. They said that chemo and radiation weren’t
helping and that the cancer has progressively and aggressively grown. Surgery
was their last option. We had a crying session at that.
Two weeks before her scheduled surgery, we were
in our Science class when I heard Bom groaning, holding her head in both hands,
almost doubled over in her seat.
“Bom, are you okay?” I stupidly asked. I can see
her in pain but it was all my panicked brain could think of.
Suddenly, without a warning, she collapsed.
I knelt over her and began crying. “Call an
ambulance!” I yelled to the shocked faces of our classmates.
Our Math teacher, Miss Yoon recovered almost
immediately and asked the other students who crowded around us to move and give
Bom some breathing room. She then ordered Taeyang and Seungri to bring Bom to
the infirmary. The two boys readily followed her orders and I half ran with
them followed by a trail of some of our friends like Chaerin and Minzy.
The resident nurse called an ambulance and
Principal Kang also showed up in the crowded clinic. Seeing the number of
students inside, he told them to go back inside the classroom. When no one
moved, Miss Yoon bellowed. “Back to the room, NOW!”
And they left. Seungri and Taeyang stayed behind
with me, though.
“Let’s just take her to the hospital using my
car” Our principal suggested. “She might need immediate assistance.”
Miss Yoon agreed. The 2 boys then carried Bom
and gently placed Bom at the backseat of Principal Kang’s car and they also
climbed in the car, protecting Bom on both sides.
“Miss Park, can you please call Bom’s parents
and let them know that I’ll take her to the Main hospital?” Principal
requested.
I nodded tearily. Of course her parents need to
be informed.
Miss Yoon took the front seat and there was no more
room for me.
“Dara” she called. “Please take care of the
class. Can you do that for me?”
“B-but I want to come with -”
“We’ll take care of her” she sympathized. “What
she needs right now are her parents so please do call them, arrasseo?”
I could only nod and as they drove off. I
nervously dialed Aunt’s number. Oh God!
How do I tell her Omma the news?
The class was still abuzz when I got back
inside. I can still hear Bom’s Mom crying in my head. I was so scared and
worried that I couldn’t address all of our classmate’s questions. I couldn’t
tell them. I also called my mother asking her if she can pick me up so we can
go to the hospital after school and she said she’ll leave work early. She was
also anxious to know of Bom’s condition.
When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted
by the sight of Taeyang and Seungri sitting along the row of plastic chairs in
the hallway, together with our teacher, all with eyes that I can tell just
cried. I suspect the boys now know the real situation and Seungri for once was
at a loss for words when he saw me followed by Chaerin and Minzy who rode along
in the car with us. I couldn’t deny them since I know that they were worried
for Bom, too.
I knocked on the door and Aunt opened it.
Principal Kang then went out and I saw that Bom was asleep. It’s with the help
of pain killers, her mom said. Mom then consoled Aunt and Uncle and I woodenly
walked to Bom’s bed with Chae and Minzy trailing behind. I wanted to hug my
best friend but I was afraid to speak or touch her. I cried my tears silently
and Minzy then couldn’t resist asking what’s really wrong with our friend. They
must be really confused right now given the somber mood from everyone.
Aunt called them over and she ushered them
outside. I reckon she will be the one to tell them. I was left alone in the
room. I gently placed my hand over Bom’s. I didn’t say a word. I just wanted to
feel her warmth.
The next day, rumors of Bom’s illness have
spread like wildfire across the campus. The girls were quick to assure me that
they were not the ones who spread the news even if I didn’t ask them about it.
I didn’t care who spread the rumor. I just wanted the news that’s going around
to be what’s true. I have heard several versions of what happened yesterday
when Bom collapsed. I have heard that she was really pregnant … no, she had
abortion in the US and is having side effects … she really has AIDS … If the
situation wasn’t so serious; it could almost have been funny. It was like
Seunghyun all over again.
By lunchtime, most of the students have
gravitated toward our group’s somber table in the cafeteria. Gone were the
usual banters and laughter. Everyone was silent and just going through the
motions of eating. One thing we agreed upon though was visit Bom after school
and to try to appear cheerful in front of her. I briefly saw Seunghyun walk in
together with 2 of his male classmates but he didn’t stop by, seeing that our
table is full. They sat at the other end of the room. I did receive a message
soon after he sat down saying that he heard about Bom and that he’ll wait for
me after class.
I glanced at his direction and saw him looking
at me. I gave him a brief nod.
He was waiting by my locker after the last
school bell rang for the day. Together, we walked side by side towards the
parking lot. He inquired about Bom and that it must have been a shock to
everyone. I told him that I’ve known for awhile but had to keep it a secret
because he said he was worried knowing how much I care about my bestfriend.
Our other friends will also drop by the hospital
and they went in two cars. We pulled out of the school’s parking lot one after
the other and we were following Taeyang’s car when Seunghyun made a short stop
at a little flower shop by the road and picked up a bunch of yellow daisies.
“Do you think she’ll like them?” he asked.
“I’m sure she will” I beamed. “That’s so sweet
of you.”
“Well, we can’t go to the hospital empty handed”
he reasoned.
When we arrived, we saw our friends outside
Bom’s room with her Mom. She was talking to the nurse to let all of us in. I
guess they didn’t want too many visitors at the same time. The nurse relented
providing we don’t stay too long and not to be too rowdy. We bowed our thank
yous and Aunt ushered us in and after announcing to Bom that her schoolmates
are here, she left the room to give us our time together.
We let the ones who were not present yesterday
greet Bom first. One by one, the guys said their support and the girls gave her
hugs. Seunghyun and I are at the farthest back and when it was our turn, Bom
spread her arms and exclaimed, “Ssantokki!”
I rushed over and gave her a warm hug. “How are
you?”
“Better. I can go home tomorrow but Mom won’t
let me go to school yet.” She then pulled my arm and whispered in my ear. “Ya.
Why didn’t you tell me you’ll be bringing hot guy over?”
“Seunghyun?” I also whispered and she nodded.
“He heard about what happened and he was worried about you also.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? If I’d known I would
have combed my hair or brushed my teeth. Oh, why did I eat corn just now?” she
lamented. “Tell me, do I have something stuck between my teeth?”
I proceeded to inspect when she showed me her
teeth. “You’re good.”
“Sure?”
I nodded.
She sat a little straighter on her bed and
greeted Seunghyun. “Thank you for coming as well.”
Seunghyun came nearer and handed her the
flowers. “I hope you’re feeling better” he said. “These are for you.”
Bom’s face positively lit up and I could see the
reddening of her cheeks. “Ommo! Komapsumnida” she smiled in appreciation.
“You’re so thoughtful.”
“If only we had time, I definitely would have
bought you flowers too, Noona” Seungri said jokingly.
Bom just rolled her eyes at him. “Hmp! I bet it
didn’t even enter your mind. Thank God for Seunghyun-shi here, he knows what a
gentleman is all about.”
Seungri pretended to look hurt and pouted.
Taeyang then interrupted. “Don’t worry, Bom. Tomorrow, I’m going to send you a
bouquet of corns.”
Bom’s eyes sparkled. “Ahhh … as expected from
Tae.” She sighed dramatically with her hand over her heart. “Taeyang is daebak!”
She gave two thumbs up at his direction and Taeyang blushed with his cute eye
smile.
I have always suspected that he has a secret crush
on my best friend but was too shy to admit it.
We barely stayed an hour because the nurse soon
asked us to let the patient rest.
Seunghyun was already late for work so I just
took the bus after I accompanied Chaerin in shopping for fabrics for the play.
So far, we’ve only had one formal practice session.
It’s only November and the play won’t be until February, just in time for Valentine’s
Day. It’s the production and the wardrobe design teams who have a lot of things
to prepare beforehand.
While shopping, Chaerin reminded me of my
upcoming birthday next week. Usually, it was Bom who make plans for my party
each year. I told Chae that I don’t think I have the heart to make merry making
but she contradicted and said that this is the perfect time to have a party. It
would help lift everyone’s mood. Besides, we can also have a get together with
all of our friends and make a happy memory before Bom’s surgery. Bom love
parties.
I eventually gave in and I let Chae to do all
the planning.
Thursday came and Bom was back to school. She
looked paler than usual but she was her usual joyful self. She was gracious to
accept all the well wishes and kind words the students were giving her. At
lunchtime, I was sitting beside her when Seunghyun dropped by. I was at the
farthest end of the table so Bom wiggled some room so he can sit beside her.
Bom was obvious in her flirting that it was
amusing. Seunghyun was nice enough and indulged her, occasionally looking at
me. Bom was grilling him with questions about his lovelife and past
girlfriends. Those were questions that I wanted to ask myself but was too shy
to. So when he met my eye as if asking for help or a way out, I just rolled my
eyes at him saying he’s on his own. Ha. No
one can escape Bommie.
I received a message from him after lunch. “U
were right. Ur friend is scary.”
“That’s Bominator ^^” I texted back.
Meanwhile, Bom and I went home together. While
waiting for her Mom to pick us up, she told me something that made my heart
nervous.
“Dara-yah, I think I’m falling in love” she said
confidingly.
There it goes. My heart clenched. I couldn’t
think of anything to say.
She continued, “Do you think Seunghyun will
accept if I confessed to him?”
I was still silent. How do I tell her?
“Ani. What was I thinking?” she said in self deprecating
tone, shaking her head. “Who would like someone like me right? I mean, here I
am, I’m all puffy and I look ugly with me losing my hair.” She then laughed,
full of self pity. “Goodness, I must be going crazy to even think about
confessing. After the surgery, I will be bald. Who would want to date a bald
chick? Everybody is already staring at me like I’m some kind of a freak.”
Seeing her get teary-eyed, I could only think of
consoling her. “That’s not true” I said softly, touching her arm. “Any man
would be lucky to have you. And stop thinking that you’re ugly. Your beautiful,
Bom. I bet you’ll be rocking the bald chick look.”
“You’re just saying that coz you’re my best
friend.”
“Bom, look at me” I held both of her shoulders
to face me. “Don’t ever pity yourself again, arrasseo? The Bom that I know is
strong and confident and never cared about what other people thinks of her. And
don’t ever, ever,” I emphasized “think that you’re a freak. The students are
just curious about you. By tomorrow, this will all be yesterday’s news.”
She put on a brave smile and nodded. “Nomu
saranghae Dara-yah.” She gave me a tight hug. “You’re right. I’m Bominator,
right?”
“Right!” I laughed, glad that she regained her
sense of humor.
“Help me shop for wigs this Saturday?” she then
asked.
“Sure.” I readily agreed. “Oh! We can get a
blonde one.” I said excitedly. I can already picture her wering a blonde wig in
my head.
Bom caught on my excitement. “Yeah. I’m also
thinking of maybe blue …”
“Blue?” I exclaimed, incredulously.
“What’s wrong with blue? Everyone will know it’s
a wig anyway. Maybe I can also find a green one, huh? Why not go all the way
while I’m at it?”
“You’re crazy.”
“That I am.” She agreed. “You should know that
by now,” ribbing me with her elbow.
We then saw her Mom’s car coming up the gates of
the school. Before she reached us, I couldn’t resist asking. “Bom?”
“Yeah?”
“What you said earlier … about Seunghyun … are
you serious about it?”
She gave a hearty laugh. “Tokki, you know better
when I talk like that. When have I ever confessed? You know me; I’m all talk
and no walk …”
What Bom said was true. She would always think
up of plans on how she would confess to her numerous crushes in the past but
she never did. Not even once.
Still, there’s a cold dread inside my heart that
I couldn’t shake off. I feel like I’ve messed up something and now, it’s too
late.
