*** One September Night (Part 2) ***

Continuation....


Tintin called me at around 10:30 confirming the news of Delaine's death. DELAINE IS DEAD. I was staring at the wall trying to digest the words. That can't be true. This means that I wont be seeing her seating outside with her towel, her white sando and shorts. I wont be hearing her call Nicko,"Kuykuy", I wont be receiving any text messages from her anymore. These words were a complete shock to me. I never imagined I would get to experience this. I have never imagined that this can happen to a neighbor, much more to a friend. I was trying to console Michele. What happened? Why did I not hear anything? Did she ask for help? What happened to her? Did she had a seizure. I tried to ask Michele the questions, but like me, she didn't know what happened as well. We all know for a fact that Delaine had goiter, but I dont think goiter be the main cause for her demise. Maybe she had a stroke, or an epileptic seizure, or a heart attack. At this point, there were so many questions, the overwhelming situation didn't help either.

Tin called me up asking if we can contact their mom who was in Japan that time. Me call their mom? HELL NO. NO WAY. But I knew I had to. I was trying to be strong, and I was trying to act as calm as possible and try to console Michele, who was incosolable at that moment. But the worst thing was she had to call their relatives to tell them of the news of what happened. I have never answered so many personal phone calls in my entire life. I didn't even think that it was possible to asnwer 3 calls all at once. Two with a cell phone, and one with a landline. I didn't even know what I was doing or saying that time, so when Tin asked me to contact their mom, my mind went blank. I didn't even know how to call overseas, but in a twist of fate, I was able to dial their mom's number without me even knowing. Their landline rang, and since Michele didn't want to answer the phone, I answered the phone. It was their mom. Uh-oh. She asked why we called her phone. I asked her if she was their mom, since I really dont know her voice, I introduced myself to her, and told her that Michele needs to talk to her. I handed the phone to Michele, and told her to tell her mom what happened. That was the worst thing. My heart went out to Nanay Rose, when I heard her shout. I was two - three feet away, and I swear, I heard her wailing. Her grief was indescribable. As a mom myself, I dont think I can bear that if I am away, and if anything like happens to my children. My heart went out to mother and child, and although they were talking in the Visayan dialect, I understood them.

I had to bring Michele to the hospital. Good thing, hubby's best friend, Erdy heard the news, and even asked me why did we not call him? I was like, I dont know what to think anymore. Erdy told me to get dressed so we can go to the hospital. He had to tell that twice because I was already spaced out, and just didn't hear him the first time he told me because I was in total, complete shock. Up to this very day, I still could not describe how shock I was.

When I saw Delaine in the hospital, I knew I had to get out of the emergency room. It reminded me of my Daddy's death 14 years ago. I still could not believe it. I really cant. I was trying to be strong as the next person, but I knew I was fooling myself all too well. I knew that any moment, I can just break down and cry.

I went outside of the emergency room trying to get some fresh air. I saw Jay-R and Yeyel, seated at a corner, looking glum and shocked as well. I decided to join them, Jay -R offered me his seat then stood beside me. Erdy decided to join us when he knew that I was outside. We were trying to talk about what happened, we were actually the "witnesses" to what had happened, when this guy, from out of nowhere, asked me if we were with the girl who committed suicide. Here is my recollection of how the conversation transpired:

Man: Kasama nyo ba iong nagsuicide?!?
Me: Sino ho nagsuicide?
Man: Iong babae?
Me: Sino ho?
Man: Iong babae sa emergency room.
Me: Hindi ho nagsuicide ion. Inatake ion. (sounding irritated)
Man: Ah hindi ba? Kala ko kase nag suicide eh.
Me: (turning to Erdy) Hindi nag suicide si Delaine noh! Hindi mag susuicide ion! Hindi nya magagawa ion!
Erdy: Oo nga, chaka bakit naman sha mag susuicide? Wala naman shang problema ah!
Me: (turning to the man) Kalalaking tao, napaka chismoso!

I honestly wanted to pound the man's face. @#$!@#$!@#$ Hindi magsusuicide si Delaine noh! Ang kakapal ng mukha nio! I decided to go back to the emergency room, but the sight was too much for me to bear. After like 20 - 30 minutes, Michele decided to go home and take care of some things. The rest were waiting for the pick - up from Holy Trinity. I had to say goodbye to them, but I really wanted to go to Holy Trinity. I bade them goodbye, I hugged Steph, and nodded at Kenneth, but when I turned to Tintin, my defenses broke. She turned to me and said, Wala ng Ate D si Kuykuy. I knew she was trying to hold back tears, I just couldn't take it anymore, I hugged her and cried silently. Kaya naten to Tin. Kakayanin naten to. Babalik ako Kame. Samahan ko lang si Michele umuwi.

Erdy drove home and we were all quiet in the car. When we arrived in our compound, Sam was already there, and my defenses nearly broke this time. I hugged him and told him what happened. His arms just told me that I need not worry, I'm here now. Things will be fine.

Although I know that things are going to be fine, I know for a fact that it's not going to be easy. I had to muster enough courage to actually look at the once-lively-house in front of our apartment. I still do not believe that I was able to experience this. It's really different when you just hear that someone you know died. But when you see the bad side of death, it's a totally, new, shocking experience for you. We decided to go back to Holy Trinity, and just stayed there until we knew of what was going to happen.

When I got home that morning, (we went home at around 4:30 am), I had to wait until the sun rose before I had to go to bed. I was tired, but I cant sleep. Everytime I would close my eyes, I would see Delaine, and how she was lying on the floor. What happened. I still cant believe that it happened. Right in front of me. So many questions. So many unanswered questions. So many realizations. So many what ifs.

Delaine,

Thanks for the friendship and the kindness. I will miss you. Salamat talaga sa lahat.




Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord,
And Let the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her
May She Rest in Peace
Amen

Mary Delaine Ty Santos
March 1, 1980 - September 27, 2006