Nina.
As I paced to and fro the hospital room, the loud beep of machines whirring around me was a stark contrast to the loud music and laughter I had escaped minutes ago.
I stared at all the pipes connected to her, and the realization that I could lose my mom became stronger. “Mom! Don't do this to me, please…” My sobs grew louder by the minute. Melinda tried to console me but I wouldn't just have it. I stared at my mom, she still looked pretty as always. They had wrapped a big bandage repeatedly all over her legs.
“The police haven’t been able to trace the person who hit her.” Melinda broke the silence. The tears in my eyes poured out more, how could someone be so cold-blooded to leave an aged woman almost dead on the street?
Just then a young man dressed in blue scrubs came in.
“I’m Dr. Carl, I suppose you are related to her,” he said, pointing to my mom.
“She’s my mom,” I replied softly.
“I would love to speak to you privately,” the doctor said.
“You can say whatever you need to here, she is family,” I fired, referring to Melinda.
He adjusted his glasses and walked a few steps closer to where Melinda and I were standing. “Your mom is in a critical state. If she ever gets to walk again, it would be a miracle.” He paused, scanning my wet face to be sure he could go on.
“She sustained internal injuries and we would need surgery for her, then another surgery to remove the metal that entered her legs. This accident was really brutal.” I tried to process all he had said but the only thing that kept running in my head was; what if I lose my mom and how was I going to pay for all this?! I just lost my job! I cleared my savings to pay for rent two weeks ago.
“How soon does she need this surgery?” I asked, wiping away the tears that didn't stop flowing.
“Every minute we delay is dangerous. You can meet the accountant to collect the current bill. I'm afraid we can't continue holding her up unless you clear the bill.”
I turned to Melinda. “But she just got here in less than an hour,” I yelled.
Melinda cracked her throat softly, holding my right hand. “We will handle it, but please do your best to save her life.” The doctor nodded with a soft smile.
“We will give our all, and try to get the money on time. There is little we can do right now.” He concluded before leaving us. It felt like I was suffocating as different horrible thoughts ran through my mind.
*****
Melinda had stayed with me throughout the night. I barely slept. All I wanted to do was see my mom smile again but she didn’t even move an inch.
“How are you feeling?” My best friend held my right hand, rubbing the back of my palm gently.
“Blank,” I muttered.
“She will be fine, I have cleared the current bill and…”
“But… you didn’t have to do that.” I protested.
“Shhhh!!” She placed her index finger on my lips. “You are not just my best friend, you are my sister. Do you remember how you missed your exam because of me? You had to re-sit the next year.” I nodded softly.
“Whatever it takes to make Mom fine again, we will do it. Okay?” She assured me, lifting me for a hug.
I buried myself in Melinda’s arms while she patted my back gently. I needed that hug.
“I think you need to eat now.” She released me from the hug and walked to take my purse.
She brought out some cash and a card dropped to the floor.
Melinda bent down to pick up the card, on bended knees, and her eyes popped out. “Lucian Ryders?!” At the mention of his name, my heart seemed to stop beating for a while. I ran to get my phone from my purse.
“What are you doing with that dangerous man?” Melinda asked but I couldn’t pay attention to her right now. I had forgotten I had an appointment with the Mafia Don.
“I need to run, I’ll explain later.” I dashed out before she could say more.
As I stepped out of the hospital, I noticed awkward stares and murmuring from people as I walked. Flashlights from cameras from different angles followed me. I stopped a taxi and slipped into the car hurriedly before two journalists who were running in my direction could get to me. What did I do?
