He looked very pale, I thought as I got close to Jade’s side, I sat in the chair by his bedside. I washed as he slept, then I reached out to touch his hand, leaned in to kiss his cheek.

“Why are you leaving me Jade! I just got in, I could see you as often as I want, I got to hear you tell me you love me after so many years of wishing you’d do it, and now you’re leaving.” I sobbed quietly. “It’s so painful. I can’t take it Jade. I missed out on the times we could have spent together. Nothing is going to take me away from your side.” I moved my head closer to his hand and kissed it.

I don’t know how long I spent in that position sobbing quietly. But I heard his voice, faint but firm. “Please stop crying, that will end me fast, I can’t bear it Diana, please don’t cry!”.

I raised my head with a start, “Jade, I’m sorry for pushing you away, for not opening up, not reaching out. I’m sorry for being a coward Jade.”

“Hush, it’s alright Diana, it’s all my fault. I was afraid of rejection, of being too much, there were too many boys who wanted you, some I protected you from, others who were better than me. I didn’t realize you felt the same Diana.” He said, he sounded like he was going to cough. And talking made him tired.

“I need you, you are the only one I want right now.” He crooked, “I’m not taking you away from Gabriel, I can’t do that, I don’t stand a chance because I’ve got less than two years left, be mine for that time, give me a child. Help me to create a legacy. My parents will be devastated when I’m gone, I want them to have a mini Jade to hold on to. Please don’t say no Diana.” He said with tears in his eyes. He held on to my hands, putting them to his mouth, he said please again. I instantly stood up and bent to hug him on the bed. “I’d do anything for you Jade. I’ve always been yours, you’ve arrested my thoughts long before I understood what love was. I’d do whatever you wanted. I love you so much”.

We chatted a while, relieving the old times, how stupid we were not to realize we loved each other, always fighting like idiots. Moments we could have realized we loved each other but always misunderstood one another. We apologized and were happy we have little time together.

As if on queue, the family started walking in my mum was still with them. I realized Gabriel had told my parents everything on phone, I was informed.

I watched as they all came in, Jade had a smile on his face as he announced that I agreed to my offer. Everyone kept hugging and thanking me, they were careful not to spill their tears in Jade’s presence.

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