JAY-JAY POV
Today was my 18th birthday. And honestly, it couldn't get any better.
The party. The cake. The chaos. The love.
I felt full. Whole. Safe.
Someone knocked on my door. Soft. Careful.
I opened it.
Kuya Percy.
His face was calm. But his eyes weren't.
"How are you, Jay?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine. Why are you asking?" I said, trying to keep my voice light. Trying to pretend.
His eyes darkened for a second. Just a flicker. But I saw it.
"You know why I'm asking," he said.
I did. I knew exactly what he meant. And I didn't want to talk about it.
"Kuya… please. Not today," I whispered, trembling.
Percy stepped inside, closing the door behind him like he was sealing off the world. Like he knew what was coming.
"When are you going to tell them?" he asked.
I lowered my head. The weight of it pressed against my chest. Pressed against everything.
"I really don't want to say this today," he said, voice soft but firm. "But Jay… this can't wait."
"Yes, this can wait," I said.
My voice was steady. Barely.
Percy's expression shattered.
"What the hell, Jay?" he snapped. "You're about to die and you're telling me that can wait?"
The words hit like a slap. Loud. Unforgiving. Final.
I flinched.
He never raised his voice at me. Not like that. Not unless he was scared.
FLASHBACK
*A week before my 18th birthday*
I went to the doctor's appointment with Percy.
And I'm telling you — going to an appointment with Percy is hell.
He acts like he's auditioning for a medical drama and flirting with the entire cast.
"Why are you here again?" I asked, already regretting it.
"Because I have nothing better to do," he said, grinning. "And the hospital you're going to has cute nurses. I have to show them my handsomeness."
I snorted. "What if I tell Honey about this?"
"You wouldn't," he said, eyes wide.
"Try me."
He gasped. "You're evil."
"Jasper Jean Fernandez Mariano?" a nurse called.
I stood up. Percy winked. I rolled my eyes and walked in.
They took some tests. Routine. Quiet.
I tried not to think too hard.
The doctor came back.
She smiled at me. I smiled back — polite. Automatic.
"Did you come with anyone today?" she asked.
"Yeah, my brother came," I said.
Why is she asking that?
"Can you call him in for me, please?" she said gently.
I nodded and went outside.
"Percy," I said. "They want you inside."
He blinked. Then followed me in. Fast. Quiet. Weird.
He sat down beside me.
The doctor looked at both of us.
"Okay, Miss Mariano," she said. "I'm going to ask you a few questions. Please answer them truthfully."
I nodded.
"Do you get headaches — like there are a thousand needles poking your head?"
"Yeah," I said.
"How often?"
"Like… six times a day."
Percy tensed beside me.
"Have you ever been poisoned?" she asked.
I froze.
What the hell does she know?
I looked at Percy. His face had gone pale.
"Yeah," I said slowly. "About a year ago."
Percy turned to me, voice low. Sharp.
"Who the fuck did it, Jay?"
I swallowed.
"My stepfather," I whispered.
Percy didn't speak.
He just stared at me. Like the world had tilted sideways.
"Okay," the doctor said.
She glanced at the folder. Then at me. Then at Percy.
"Based on your answers and the lab results…" she paused.
Her eyes softened. Her voice didn't.
"We're afraid you have Paraquat poisoning."
I blinked.
She kept going.
"It's a toxic chemical that damages the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. It can cause death quickly."
Percy went still beside me. Like he'd forgotten how to breathe.
"But Miss Mariano," she said, "I have to say… you got lucky. You've lived with this for nearly a year."
Percy looked like he was about to cry.
I reached under the table and held his hand.
He didn't pull away.
"It has a very low survival rate," the doctor continued. "But that doesn't mean it can't be treated. It's just… the percentages are very low."
She said it gently. Like softness could make it hurt less.
It didn't.
I stared at the wall.
I didn't cry. Not yet.
Percy did. Quietly. Beside me. Still holding my hand like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.
"We can talk about this later. Maybe next appointment," she suggested.
I nodded.
We booked the next appointment for two weeks.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Jay, what are you thinking about?" Percy asked.
"Nothing," I said.
"When are you telling them?" he asked.
"Never," I said.
"Why?"
"Why do you think?" I snapped. "Do you think they'll be happy to hear that I'm about to die?"
Percy's eyes were red. He was crying.
"Shh. It's okay," I said, consoling him.
"Please, Jay. Go to the treatment," he begged.
"I already told you," I said. "The chances of me living are very low. And I don't want to spend the rest of my life being a lab rat."
"Do you think Keifer is going to be happy to hear this?" he asked.
Keifer.
I closed my eyes.
"I have a plan," I said.
I don't want to do this. But I do.
"I'll do it tomorrow."
"Now go," I said softly. "And behave like the Percy we know. Not the crying one."
He nodded.
And left.