Chapter Sixty-four

Chapter Sixty-four
Hearing what the doctor said makes me feel like I'm going to cry. My father only has a few months left. I felt Harry's hands on my side, reminding me that I'm not alone in this fight. He asked the doctor about the treatment and the possible cost.
The doctor said the treatment cost thousands of dollars. It might extend my father's life, but it can't cure the disease. The doctor added that we'll need to have the patient's permission if he wants to do it.
Right. The last decision still depends on my father. It won't matter how much we want to help him if he doesn't want to help himself. The doctor told us to talk to him and respect his decision, whatever it'll be.
"I think it'll be better if you talk to your father alone about this, Georgia," Harry said.
Harry's right. He's my father. It's my duty to do this. I have to convince him to accept the treatment, for Harry's going to help us. I want him to be present on my wedding day.
I went to the visiting area alone. Seeing my father in a pathetic condition on the other side of the booth triggers an emotional response. I held my tears back. This is not the right time to cry. I have to convince him to undergo treatment.
"Father, I—"
"I know why you're here, Georgia." There's a crack in his voice through the ringer. "You don't have to bother saving me from this disease. I'd rather choose to die than extend my life and suffer. This prison is hell." He coughed. "Adding days to my life will only prolong my suffering."
I didn't know what to say. My father had seen through me, through my eyes, that I bear so much compassion for him. I can feel the sadness in his voice. He had suffer a lot in this place, and maybe, maybe, I am not in the position to make him suffer more.
"But father, I want to see you on my wedding day. Please think about it. You might change your mind," I said in a hopeful tone.
"I won't, Georgia. There's nothing to reconsider. There's only one thing I want for my remaining days, and that is for you to have a good life. I don't want you and your boy to waste your money on me. I know the treatment will cost you a lot. You'd rather use that money for your future," he said.
I haven't prevented the tears from falling down my eyes. I've never heard him say these things before, and for the first time in my life, I felt like he cares for me, that he's my father, the one who brought me into this world.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I wasn't a good father for you... I'm sorry if I hurt you... I'm sorry for what happened to your siblings... I know I'm the most horrible man on earth, and no matter how much I apologize, I can't undo the things I did. I hurt my own children, and perhaps this is God's punishment. I know it's not easy for you, for your mother and siblings, to forgive me. If only I could turn back time..." His lips quivered as he said these words.
I didn't expect to hear these from my father. I've already forgiven him, but having him admit his own mistakes makes me feel better. I know forgiving him doesn't only set him free but also sets me free from hatred.
Silence, that kind of silence that speaks so loud. I know there's nothing I can do or say to change his mind, so I wiped the tears out of my face and stood up. This is his decision, and there's nothing I can do about it. I walked toward the door, looked back once again, and saw him going back to his cell.
I went to the waiting area, where Harry's sitting on a bench. He stood up when he saw me. I ran towards him and wrapped my arms around him. I haven't prevented myself from crying. "I can't convince him... He won't undergo treatment..."
Harry tapped the back of my shoulder. "It's okay, dear. It's not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. You just want to help, and it's his decision whether he wants to be helped or not; there's nothing we can do but respect it."
Harry and I went back to his car and went home. A sigh left my mouth as I sat down on the couch and leaned on its back. I can't forget what my father said.
"Here. Drink this." Harry handed me a glass of wine. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.
I accepted the glass. "Thanks."
He sat down beside me and sighed. His elbows on his knees. "Life... It doesn't always go as we want it to be." He turned to face me and said, "Be strong, Georgia. You'll get through this."
I tried to smile, but it quickly faltered. I just drink my wine instead. Harry put his glass on the table and extended his hands to me. "Come on, let's dance."
I looked him in the eyes. This is his way of trying to make me feel better. I handed him my glass, and he put it on the table beside his. Then he held me by my waist. My hands were on his neck, and we swayed on the floor.
"So, what music do you want to be played while you walk in the aisle?" He asked, not taking his eyes off mine.
"I don't really have any preference. But maybe we can ask Matt and Ryan to play for us; you know, I love their songs," I said. "How about you? Is there any specific song you like?"
"Nope. I think you're right. We can ask those guys to make music for our wedding," he said.
"How about going to their studio tomorrow?" I asked.
"Sure. Also, we can start the preparation. I know you want your father to be there during our wedding, so I've decided to expedite the process. My employees are now working double time, and we have the exact date. It'll happen on my birthday," he said.
"Really?" A wide smile invaded my face. I quickly wrapped my arms around him.
"I'll do anything for you, Georgia. I don't want to see you sad at our wedding. I don't want to see you cry and make it look like a funeral." Harry caressed my back.
"Thank you." I kissed him.
"You're welcome." He let me go and picked up his glass. He sat down on the couch with his legs crossed. "Sit on my lap, darling."