Chapter 13: Hope Renewed

For the next couple of hours David sat by Jasmine’s bedside.  He knew that she couldn’t hear him but somehow it was comforting just be near her and talk to her. He thought about all of the wonderful times they’d shared. One of Jasmine’s favorite things to do was sing and they often sang together. But mostly, he loved to sing to her. Words alone weren’t enough to express all that he felt for her. Singing allowed him to express the depth of emotion that was in his heart.  He thought back to what had brought them together. At the time he had no idea that acting would lead him to the love of his life but he was forever grateful.  Moved by his thoughts, he began to sing softly: “Nandito ako umiibig sa iyo…” Holding Jasmine’s hand firmly in his, he thought about the first time he sang this song to her. It was so much more meaningful to him now, with everything that had happened. He knew now more than ever that he’d always be with her. She was his soul mate.

At the last note David leaned over and kissed Jasmine gently on her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered in her ear. Then, rising slowly from his chair, he turned to head towards the door and was surprised to see Edgar and James just arriving.

“How are you holding up, David?” James asked, putting his hand on David’s shoulder.  Looking at him, it was clear that the last several hours had taken its toll on this young man.

“I’m okay…hanging in there, I guess,” David said. “And you?”

“About the same,” James said. “I think we’re all just praying for the best but trying to be prepared for the worst. Jasmine’s mom and brother are on their way from Australia. They should be here in the morning.”

“Good. They must be so worried…Jasmine will be so happy to see them,” David said, trying to sound more hopeful than he felt. “I’m gonna step away for a little while to call my mom and maybe stop by the chapel. I’ll be back soon but please come get me if she wakes up.”

“Of course, “he said. “And David, I just have to say…I can’t thank you enough for how you’ve been here for Jasmine through all of this. I’m so grateful that you’re here. Thank you for loving my daughter.”

David hardly knew what to say. “There’s nowhere else I would be. I’m just praying to have another chance with her, that it’s not too late… I love her more than anything,” he said.

“I know you do,” said James, smiling. “Go ahead. We’ll let you know if there’s any change.”

Making his way to the waiting room, he took out his phone to call his mom. He’d promised her that he would keep her updated on Jasmine’s condition and knew that she was probably very worried at this point. Speaking to her now, she was initially relieved to hear from him but it was quickly replaced with sadness when she learned that Jasmine had not yet regained consciousness. She tried to reassure him and he promised to let her know as soon as there was any change.

It was during this time that he noticed that he had a message. That’s strange, he thought. He hadn’t heard the phone ring and there was no notification that he’d missed any calls. When he saw who the message was from, he had to sit down. Jasmine??  And as he began to listen, he closed his eyes as feelings of shock and sadness washed over him. Why hadn’t he heard this before? Was this a cruel joke? While it was so wonderful to hear that sweet voice, to hear her say that she missed him, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. Looking at the date and time of the message, he realized that it was from the night at the beach, the night his phone had been washed away. How could this be? He’d had delayed messages before but this was out of the ordinary. Then he remembered that though he’d replaced his actual phone, he hadn’t changed his phone number. He was still able to access the same messaging system. And now, by some strange occurrence, this message was suddenly appearing.

He couldn’t help but wonder how different things might have been.  I was so wrong, he thought, as he slowly made his way to the chapel. First about Edgar and now hearing this. Jasmine hadn’t moved on at all. She hadn’t stopped loving him, just as he hadn’t stopped loving her. His heart leaped at the thought but he couldn’t forget the painful reality. How hurt she must have been when he hadn’t responded. And now, would there be another chance for them?

                                                   ___________________________

Entering the chapel he remembered the first time that he and Jasmine had prayed together. It was forever etched in his mind and on his heart. He’d never forget how she’d prayed so passionately about the Cross and what it meant to her. He’d been so moved and so inspired to understand more, to deepen his own faith. The Cross had always held some significance to him before, but standing there now, he remembered the moment that he realized that it was much more than a symbol but the most important element of his faith. It was the true atonement. Shortly thereafter, she’d given him the Cross necklace and now, as he held it, he thought about how it symbolized the ultimate gift she’d given him.  She’d helped him to let go of an impossible burden and he had been truly set free.  

As he knelt down to pray, David suddenly felt the weight of all the emotions he’d been carrying.  He opened his mouth to pray but instead heard the sound of someone weeping. It took him a moment to realize that it was him.  When he was able, he began to pray:

“Father I’ve been so foolish, “he said passionately, as he wept. “How could I have been so blind and so selfish, so angry?  You brought Jasmine into my life and now I could lose her forever.  You know how much I love her, how much I need her. There’s so much that we haven’t done, so much that we haven’t said. I’ve wasted so much time but please, Father, let her be okay. You know all things and you know that I can’t be without her… she’s my heart, the joy of my life. She’s such an amazing gift to me…to everyone around her.  If you heal her I promise that I’ll never let her go. I’ll never leave her side. I won’t let her down again... I won’t let you down...”

He continued praying until there were no more tears and nothing else left to say. It was a relief to let go of all of the emotion that had been bottled up inside him. David felt the burden of worry, anger, and fear melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and a renewed hope. Jasmine was going to be okay. He just knew it. He just had to be patient, which was easier said than done.

Drying his tears, David slowly stood up and made his way to the chapel exit. As he entered the hallway, he saw Edgar quickly heading towards him. He had a huge grin on his face and tears in his eyes. “David!” said Edgar, unable to contain his joy. “She’s awake! Jasmine’s awake!”