Chapter 180 - Myrtle Shade

Cherry froze and pinned from where she stood, her mouth opened in massive shock. She couldn't believe that her mother's depression led her to the use of whatever kind of drug she had been indulging for a long time already. Not to mention the fact that she was using the latest drug the underworld had lately produced. She lived a lonely life and put herself aloof from the world. How come had she associated herself to those people who influenced her in using these addictive substances? And knowing about her mother's standards, the image she tried to uphold, and the beauty she maintained to conceal her insecurities, she could never accept the truth of her current situation.

As the doctor promised, the ICU nurses transported her mother to a regular private room a few minutes later. She was still asleep when they wheeled her in and even a few hours after they got themselves into the new room. That gave Cherry some ample time to prepare herself for their meeting.

When her mother finally stirred, Cherry hid in a corner where she couldn't be seen directly. She watched her reaction when she saw the flowers she placed at her bedside. She saw her leaned closer and held the note attached to the flower, which read as, "Mom, get well soon. I always love you. Cherry."

Writing that message caused her an emotional struggle. She hated her mother for years and even found it hard to forgive her. The humiliation was just too high, and to think, it prompted her to disguise her death and live a separate life. Yet, she knew that the first step to forgiveness should begin with her. And she knew that it would be the way to her emotional freedom.

Lost in her thoughts for a moment while she recalled her struggles, she sprang back to reality when a sob pierced in her ear. She saw her shoulders moving and a hand covering her mouth. In every moment that passed by, her mother's sobbing got louder until she got afraid that it might trigger another chest pain. She knew it could be fatal.

Gathering her strength, she walked slowly forward and approached her. Her mom got so lost in her sadness and crying that she did not notice that she was not alone in the room. Even when she paused and stood by her side, her mom still did not see her.

When Cherry felt that her mother was already gasping for breath, she wrapped her arms around her, pressing her body against her back. She then leaned her head on her shoulder and hugged her tight. The first touch was like a knob to the barrel of tears she kept inside, and her mother's warmth opened it up, sending the content in a deluge.

Her mother looked up to her and a terrified expression registered in her face. She also noticed the stiffening of her body. Before her mom could further react, she held her tighter, making her sob louder. She then felt her mother softened, and she knew that she had now recognized her.

"I knew it. I knew it," her mom said, as her sobbing turned to wailing. "Somehow, I knew it in my heart that you are alive."

After who knew how long they stayed crying in each other's arms, Cherry's mom opened up a conversation. "Dear, how did you make it through the storm?"

Cherry shook her head and replied, "I did not jump into the water..."

Cherry's mom stared at her for a moment as if she did not hear it correctly. Cherry then proceeded to tell her the truth of how it happened though she omitted some facts about it like how Ajie helped her with the plan and how Jeff's family rescued her. Such kindness of these people was something she could not risk to offend, and sadly, some truth meant to be kept forever.

"Why did you do it? You have no idea how you scared me to death? You have no idea how much pain I endured?" her voice started to rise in suppressed anger and embarrassment.

"I was angry. I was humiliated, and I do not need to tell you why..."

Cherry's mom looked down in shame. She could no longer look up to her and may have even wished she died during one of her hospital admissions. "Then why do you come back? I do not deserve your forgiveness."

Her words threw a sting inside her heart, and despite the humiliation that remained somewhere deep inside, it still managed to draw out a sense of pity towards her. A feeling that surprised her at the moment.

"Ma, can we start all over again and forget everything that happened between us? We only have each other," she said, tears welling up again in her eyes.

"Does it mean I am forgiven?"

"In one condition."

Cherry's mom looked up to her again, seeking for a reaffirmation of her sincerity. "Then tell me what you want."

"Let me help you overcome your drug addiction."

Cherry's mom threw her eyes wide in both shock and surprise. Where did she get the idea of that drug issue?

Cherry saw through the meaning of her reaction and did not hesitate to lay it open before her. "A laboratory test identifies a substance in your blood, and it is believed to be the causative factor of your heart failure."

Cherry's mom shook her head, and she saw the sincerity in her expression. "The doctor and some personnel also talked to me about it, but believe me, I can never do that."

Seeing that Cherry did not say a word, she continued. "I even have not seen an addictive substance in an actual figure yet."

Cherry gathered her brows in confusion and exclaimed, "Then why is it found in your blood?"

"I don't know. I only have one addiction, and it is coffee."

"How many cups of coffee do you drink each day?"

"Three to five times."

"What kind of coffee do you usually drink?"

"It's always our brewed, Arabica beans, but a year ago, someone introduced me to a slimming coffee."

Cherry's eyes widened this time. She recalled how her friend got breathless after taking three cups of a particular slimming coffee. She complained of too much palpitation and an excessive loose bowel movement.

"Too much coffee can harm us. And since the caffeine in it forces your heart to work faster, it is not good for you," Cherry tried to admonish but not forcing her to submission.

"I know, but this certain coffee I am addicted to is irresistible. It really makes my day, and I do not palpitate."

"What's the name?"

"Myrtle Shade."