My Ex is my Bestfriend

Dr. Ethan?

I followed Layla's line of sight. And sure enough, Ethan Garcia is standing there. When did he come back? How did he know this would happen? Ethan met my eyes for a beat and then looked at Layla.

But I saw happiness in Layla's eyes, so I decided that my personal matters could wait. Layla is our priority right now.

Ethan inched forward, then holding Layla's outstretched hand. I remember, Layla told me that Ethan was the one who entertained her during her sad moments. He was there to talk with her, tell stories and make jokes. He may be her confidante during the time Ethan was working here, a short time that may be.

I watched their interaction, how Ethan, with just his simple smile and jokes would make Layla laugh. It's how Ethan cheers you up and for a while, you'd forget all the sadness and heartaches you experience. And I knew that first hand, because he was like that to me too.

So as not to disturb the two, Mr. Ryan and I walked out of the room.

Well, I needed that breather too.

"Ms. Cass," Mr. Ryan said, "Thank you for coming here on such short notice."

"Anything for Layla. She was like a sister for me, so I would do anything for her. Being here is the least I can do."

"But it's the best for Layla right now."

I sighed. "Mr. Ryan, I can't believe it's too soon. We just planned to go to beach. And then...."

Mr. Ryan bowed down his head, unable to say anything. Still at a loss too.

"And the kids, how am I gonna tell them?" I stifled a sob. This is so heartbreaking for them.

Mr. Ryan consoled me for some time. But I feel sad. I don't want to lose people important to me. I don't like to be in this same situation again.

Doctors then came in, grabbing Mr. Ryan's attention. They were telling Mr. Ryan of a new patient. Another one to be in this same fate, probably. Mr. Ryan excused himself, leaving me alone in my thoughts.

I leaned back on the wall, facing Layla's room. My mind's in turmoil, not knowing what to do, what will happen and how I am going to cope with it.

I sighed and prayed that everything would be okay.

***

I didn't know I was crying until someone wiped away my tears.

"Ethan," I breathed.

His eyes were red, his face portraying like a father grieving. Layla must have been so important to him.

All of a sudden, he hugged me. I tried to break free but he held me tighter.

"Cass, please let me hug you. Just a little while. I need you."

He didn't mind leaning his head on my shoulder, even if he's so much taller than me. I know it's uncomfortable for him, he told me once before, but he says it's still worth it because he likes me close. And now....

Just then, I felt wetness on my shoulder, his shoulder slightly shaking. He is crying. And I only saw him this sad once. It was when our relationship ended.

Instinctively, I rubbed his back to comfort him. I felt he pulled me tighter to him, as if he will never let me go. I ignored that thought and continued rubbing his back. My tears fell too.

Just this once, let us both share the grief of losing Layla. Just this once, I am willing to lower my defenses for Layla's sake. Just this once, I'm letting him to hug and hold me.

All too suddenly, Layla's mom went out of the room and called us in. Ethan looked at me then held my hand. I squeezed it, showing support. We went inside the room together.

Before going in, her mom whispered to us, "I fear, she'll be going now. You two are the most important person she wants to see before she goes." A sob. "Including me. And... *sob* and *sob* she wants us to accompany her until.." her words stopped, and Ethan and I both understand what she means.

I hugged her, no words to express our sadness.

***

Inside the room, Layla was breathing unevenly. Her mom sat at her right side caressing her face. Ethan and I sat on her left. I can't bear the gloomy atmosphere so I nudged Ethan to talk about something just like he used to with Layla.

He complied and immediately stood up, an act of sorts from him, which delighted Layla.

I listened to him tell about a story about a young man courting the girl he likes. Of how he struggled to hear a yes from her father.

And so many comedic stories Ethan could think of.

When Ethan reached the story about the carabao and the cow's exchanging of clothes, I smiled. It was our shared joke before.

I looked at Layla to see her reaction. I saw her smile with tears in her eyes.

I saw her take a deep breath until she breathed no more.