Chapter 3

I arrive at the hospital, my heart pounding with fear for Layla. I sprint towards the receptionist's desk, but then I see Kate. She's sitting in the waiting area, tears streaming down her face. "Kate," I whisper, my voice trembling.

She stands up and rushes towards me, wrapping her arms around me. I can feel her sobs shaking her body as she clings to me. "Bella," She whispers. I can feel my tears welling up as I realize that something terrible has happened. I just hope it’s not what I think it is.

"What happened? Is it Layla?" I ask, my voice shaking with fear.

Kate pulls away from me, her eyes red and puffy. "Yes," She chokes out. "The doctor says we have to make the payment soon because she needs to be operated on urgently." She says

My heart drops to my stomach as I realize how serious the situation is. "Or?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"We might lose her."

I feel a lump form in my throat as I try to process the information. "Did the doctor give any time limit?" I ask, my voice trembling.

Kate shakes her head, her eyes filled with worry. "There’s not much time." She says

"How much is it?" I ask trying to hold back the tears.

"A million." She responds, wiping her tears

I feel my heart pounding like a storm. I don’t have money for the operation, I barely even have enough money for her painkillers.

"I will arrange the money, she’s gonna be fine," I assure wrapping my arms around her.

I have no idea where to start looking from but I can’t let anything happen to Layla. She’s all I have. She has to be fine, I will make sure it is that.

I pull away from Kate, feeling a sense of desperation. I need to make a call. I quickly dial Matt's number, but he doesn't answer. I'm not surprised, he's always busy at work. I decide to send him a message to let him know what was going on before I call my boss's number.

I take a deep breath before dialing my boss's number. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for her to answer. When she finally picks up, I can hear the sound of her keyboard typing in the background.

"Hello," I say, trying to keep my voice steady

"What do you want, Bella?" She grunts at me. My boss and I are not on good terms. I think she dislikes me because I take taking breaks and make mistakes but don’t blame me, I have a lot going on in my life and sometimes I lose focus and it only gets harder because I have I need to check on Layla especially when Kate isn’t there.

"I need your help, it’s really urgent," I tell her.

"Anna told me you left work without informing anyone." She says.

"Yes I know but it-"

"The counter was open, no one was there to attend to customers. All you had to do was just sign out so someone else would take the place." She says

"I know. I know I should have said something before leaving but I have no choice. It’s about-"

"Layla?" She continues the sentence

"Yes," I respond

"How expected. You see Bella, I know your sister is struggling but you don’t have to keep using her as an excuse. I’m not falling for that anymore."

"Please you have to understand, it’s really-"

"I don't want you to call me again," She interrupts, "And yes, you're fired." With that, she hangs up the phone.

Tears well up in my eyes as I try to process what just happened. How am I going to pay for Layla's medical bills now? I need to think of something, anything to save her.

"Were you able to arrange it?" Kate asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I shake my head. "No," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I will think of something." I say to her. My hopes are now on Matt, I hope he sees the message and calls me back immediately.

"Kate, thank you so much for being there for Layla." I say, my voice cracking as I wrap my arms around her.

"I will always be there," She replies, her voice full of warmth and affection. "Layla is my sister too."

I pull out of the hug, feeling a slight wave of warmth. I don't know what I would do without Kate.

Heading into Layla's hospital room, I take a deep breath before opening the door. The smell of antiseptic hit me as I see Layla laying on the bed, hooked up to machines that keep beeping and whirring. It reminds me of Dad, he was also in such a position before he passed away. It breaks my heart to see her like this. Tears begin to stream down my face but I wipe them off, I can't let myself fall apart now. I need to be strong for her.

Sighing, I sit beside the chair next to her bed and hold her hand tightly as I use my thumb to caress her hand. "I'm here, Layla," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not going anywhere."

I sit there for quite a while not knowing what to say. I promised to protect them, I promised that things won’t be the same as Dad’s, and I promised her that she will be with me forever. I can’t things take her away from me. I can not do that. I hate to see her like this, I have to help her.

"You’re gonna be fine Layla. I promise you that." I kiss her forehead before stepping out of the room.

I sit on the waiting chair as tears stream down my face. I’d die before I let anything happen to Layla. I look at my phone to see Matt hasn’t replied to my message. I think of another way to arrange the money but since I found none, I decide to ruin my life and save hers. I dial Jacob's number and as he picks up, I say "I’m ready to sign the contract."