"You need to come to the hospital right now," the voice yelled. It was 3 am in the morning when my phone rang. I picked it without checking the screen to look at the caller ID.
"What?" My eyes flew open and I yanked the phone away from my ear and brought it to my face.
Nurse Hailey. She's the nurse appointed to take care of my mother. I had given her my contact to reach me in case of any emergency. She is the one I go to anytime I want to reach mom and she updates me about her wellbeing.
My heart raced as I pulled back the phone to my ear. I
"Katara? Are you there? Can you hear me?" She was saying it but my mind wasn't registering what she was saying.
"Katie?" She called again when she didn't hear anything.
I snapped instantly, what was happening now registering in my brain. I looked at the screen of the phone to confirm that she was still on.
"Yes, I can hear you" I say back to her swallowing a big lump down my throat while I dread what she is about to say.
"Okay. I want you to keep calm and coke here as soon as you can. Your mother is fine but we need you here. I understand that this is unprofessional but we're close enough to let you know what's happening" she said.
"What's wrong with my mother?"
"She is fine, you only need to get here as soon as that."
"Alright, I'll be there soon" I said then ended the call.
I jumped out of bed and rushed to my closet, I pulled the first clothes that screamed a little decency at that moment. It is an overall shirt. I wore it hurriedly as I hunted for my slippers. I finally found it then I switched it from the flip flop I was wearing.
I knew my hair was a mess from sleeping but I couldn't care less. I dashed for my car and drove to the hospital, speedily. I hope I don't get charged for over speeding later on.
~~~~
I nearly hit a car parked nearby as I pulled into the hospital driveway. I drove around for about five minutes before I finally found a space to pack. It was 3 am in the morning but you'll still be surprised by the fleet of cars that were packed. The rate of People who have medical issues is skyrocketing day by day.
By the time I got to the room mom was admitted to, I found it empty.
"Are you Mrs Brown's guardian?" I turned back to see a petite, black young woman who was dressed in nurse attire.
I scrunched my brows up in confusion. I've never seen a black woman attend to mom before. The hospital ought to notify me if they change nurses or doctors attending to her. She must have sensed the confusion on my face.
"I'm nurse Wren. " She introduced me, but I was too tired to even return the smile. If I force , I might even break down right now. I think she also understands that she didn't force it and dive right into why she called me.
"I noticed you walked in earlier so I followed. I work alongside nurse Hailey but I wasn't in charge of your mother. You must be Katarina. Don't ask me how I know all these, I've heard about from Nurse Hailey"
I nodded… She works alongside nurse Hailey, that explains a lot.
Right now I'm more concerned about finding out where my mother is.
"Where's mom?" I asked instead, skipping the formalities.
I'm going to say hello to her later, she seems nice.
"I suggest you should go see Dr Griffin first. He's the right person to explain things to you. Nurse Hailey is with him" she said. I didn't skip the pity look on her face..I must say she's doing a shitty Job hiding that.
"Explain what? Where's my mom!" I snapped.
"Just go honey." She showed the door and I followed the path that leads to Dr. Griffin's office. After walking two long hallways and turning a couple of corners, I finally saw the door to his office. Dr Griffin was sculptured on his door,giving me the confirmation that I am at the right place.
I've only been there once. That was last year when my mom was admitted. He had called me that day to break the news of her cancer ailment. I left there weeping because that was the last thing I was expecting. Now, I dread how I'm going to come out of the office. Something in me keeps on telling me it's going to be the same.
I knocked on his door and didn't wait for an answer before I turned the knob and pushed the door open.
Dr. Griffin's face lit up as he saw me. He was dressed in his white overall, sitting behind his mahogany desk with a file in his hand. He closed it and I found my mother's name on it.
Nurse Hailey was standing beside him. I watched as she hurriedly wiped her tears with the back of her sleeves when she saw me.
Something ain't right.
It starts from me finding my mother's bed empty. I know what is to come.the truth is right here vividly at my front but I do not let my mind wander to the thought of my mother being dead. It is inevitable and someday it's going to happen.
Dr Griffin had given her a year to live with a 5% chance of surviving it.
"Good to see you Katie, we've been expecting" he forced a grin that didn't reach his face. "Take a seat
Nurse Hailey and I just want to talk to you real quick"
Dr Griffin motioned for me to sit at the pty and sat at his front and I did. I swallowed hard. The reason for this meeting was obvious.
The room was silent for a minute and I swear one could hear a pin drop at that time. Dr Griffin wasn't saying anything yet so I looked at Nurse Hailey. I could see the guilt in her eyes before she looked away. Though it was brief and short, my eyes didn't miss the look on her face.
It's my mom. I could sense it. This meeting is about what had happened to my mom or what is about to happen to her.
I shifted impatiently on my seat as I waited for Dr Griffin to say something—anything.
"Katie, I've known you ever since your mom was admitted to this hospital. In Fact, I made sure she got extra care because I'm close with you. So I put Nurse Hailey whom I trust in charge of her." He paused and search my face for fear that's not there before he continued.
" We discovered she was I'll with cancer and started treatment on that immediately. Recently she went into chemotherapy and we're still watching her heal.. when" he paused again.
When? When what??
I closed my eyes knowing what's coming. They list her. I know it, I can feel it. But Dr Griffin is really making it hard accepting that truth once and for all.
Just say it out loud that you lost her and make me cry. I was fighting a battle within me when I heard he spoke again and continued.
"We're so sorry Katie, I know how much your mom means to you. But you had to let her go, she's done enough and needs to rest now" he said finally.
"Yo..u… you lost her?" I asked. my voice croaked.
"Don't tell me you lost my mom!" I say, not believing what I just heard. I thought I was ready for what's coming but no! That's a big fat lie. I wasn't ready.
I looked over at Nurse Hailey's face to confirm. I need her to tell me what I just heard is a lie and my mom is hale and hearty and this is some kind of a prank.
Nurse Hailey didn't look away this time, instead she nodded her head slowly, confirming the question my gaze seemed to ask. She subbed violently, crying out harder with agony this time.
"I'm so sorry Katie, we did all we can" she sobbed.
"I'm very sorry for your loss," she said in-between sobs.
I stood up but fell back into my chair as I began to cry. The tears I've been holding for so long came out freeling on their own this time.
Why is death so cruel? Why did it have to take her away so soon?
Nurse Hailey and Dr Griffin didn't stop me as I mourned my loss. When I heard the news it felt as if some part of me was cut off.
I did everything I could to help her. Mom was just all I've got. I lost my father when I was a kid and barely remember anything about him. It has always been mom and she takes active roles in my life but now– now she's gone.
I didn't even want to imagine where I'm going to start from. She's the only family I have left.
"If you'd like to see her, I'll head you there to say your last word" Dr Griffin offered and I looked up with tears filled eyes and nodded.
I wiped my tears abruptly with the back of my sleeves and stood up. Nurse Hailey did the same.
I followed Dr Griffin out and we took an elevator to the fifth floor. He led us along a narrow path then we came back into the opening. We got into the morgue and he led me to where mom was being kept.
"I'm going to leave you for a while. I'll be waiting outside" he touched my shoulder and smiled. He nodded to Nurse Hailey to let me be alone.
"Take your time dear, I'll be outside" she forced a smile and followed Dr Griffin out.
It was when I was left alone that I allowed myself to cry. The tears I've been keeping in since all came at once, flooding my cheek.
I knelt down and cried.
"You promised not to leave me alone mom. You said you'll be here for me always. Where are you now? I'm left alone all by myself with you gone" I reminded her of her promise not caring that she might not hear me.
She promised not to leave me.
"You said it'll be okay and get better. You said you'd fight and continue to smile and never give up. But you broke your promise. You broke every one of it. You left first leaving me all alone by myself"
I realized things aren't going to be the same anymore. I am not ready to say goodbye to her just yet. It's so soon, the time we spent together is so limited to let her go just yet.
We made a bucket list of what we're going to do together.
"You never get to watch home alone for the thousandth time with me again. You didn't get to deep fry chocolate with me. Hell, you didn't try to steal boots at Starbucks then pretend you're making a YouTube blog. You didn't…" I broke down not completing my sentence. I could go on and on mentioning the things we promised to do together.
Half of the things we promised to do haven't been done. She promised to walk every stair in this hospital once she's better not minding that it's a twelve story building.
She was just given 5% chance to survive yet she made the best out of it. That's how carefree and happy she was while alive. With tears blinding my eyes, I didn't have time to check him out.
I was still choking on my tears when I felt a hand rubbing my back. I looked up to find Sean who was bent beside me. Judging from his hair, he looked like he had just gotten out of bed. He was dressed casually also In a polo t-shirt and some shorts.
"How… how did you… what are you doing here?" I asked in confusion. I didn't tell anyone I was coming here and it's even 3am in the morning.
"Shh" he .
He pulled into him and I sobbed on his shirt. He continued to rub my back, back and forth. I sobbed until I felt I couldn't cry any more. With him by my side, I feel at ease.
Kayla also showed up not long after when she heard the news. Thanks to Sean who drove me home as I was in no condition to drive back home. I was later informed that it was the hospital that called him in as he was in charge of paying up her medication and taking care of her bills till she died.A week after we put her to rest and buried her. Those who attended her funeral. just a couple of people. Sean, his driver, Kayla, people from her work, people from the hospital, Dr Griffin, Nurse Hailey and some others. some other mom's friends were present too which I recognize from the picture.It was quiet that morning when we buried her. The clouds were misty like it was about to rain. After the short service, the undertaker lifted her corpse lower into the ground.I hadn't cried until this part. It hit me that my mother is gone finally and I'm never going to see her.Life is so cruel. She is too good to die. She never deserved any of this.I felt Kayla's arms wrapped around me as I wailed
Sean POVI was seated in the study of my mansion when I heard the jingles of a key and the door opening. I was watching the reactions of people online after I had posted the picture of Katie's fingers online. I purposely didn't reveal her face yet but I will soon.I'm stalling that process for the reactions to grow massively and keep people waiting before I finally let the cat out of the bag.Earlier today when I made a proposal to her, I wasn't really planning it. The ring I haven't heard of was just a coincidence. I went in there to pick a ring for her so we could continue the pretense we had going on but she beat me to it when she started discussing the part and I know the only ticket I can use on her is a proposal.She recently lost her mother and I'm not obliged to owe her anything and I know when she finds a job soon she'll call out agreement quits so I had to do what I did to save my ass.The study door opened, revealing my best friend, Rick walking in. He had a big scowl on hi
"KATARA AMELIA GREEN!" I heard the loud shriek of my best friend's voice before she waltzed in my apartment hurriedly and she dropped her purse on the floor. She must have seen the news."Oh my Goodness! You never told me it'll be this soon. I have an inkling it's going to happen, but I never picture it to be this soon. Tell me I'm not dreaming" She said, taking my hand and glaring at the second ring Sean gave me when he proposed. I can feel my cheeks burning red with excitement."I still don't believe it," I say, grinning from ear to ear."And I never pictured Sean to be that romantic. It's all over the internet, you should have seen the way he looks at you""I know" I confirmedIt all happened a week ago but yet, it still felt like it happened minutes ago as I continued to replay the scene in my head. I had gone there with the thought of ending things between us and putting a stop to it, instead, I was given the best shock of my life.He bent on one knee and proposed.It was three y
I had just finished showering and was about to get into my bed when I got into bed when I got the call from Sean. I was startled and wondered what he could want at a time like this. I was even more shocked when I picked the call and heard his voice."Come over" he says without giving me the chance to protest or affirm if I'll be coming. It sounded more like an order and he already expects me to be there.I could tell that he's been drinking. His voice was a little bit slurred even though he didn't say much.Hesitantly, I got dressed and drove to his house. I wasn't sure he still lives in the same house I knew but with the help of google and google map, I was able to locate it.I went straight to his bar as that seems to be the logical place he will be and I found him there passed out on the couch.I sighed."Get up" I say scooting over to bring his large arms over my neck but he was unresponding."Leave me alone" he slurred, laying back and going back to sleep. I tried again but recei
They say when you suddenly change,it's hard to take back who had hurt you.It's not different in the case of Sean.I wanted to cry and throw a fist but I couldn't.I'll count this as my appointment for what I had done to him in the past.He hated me even though he was trying to hide it. What happened just now should have been enough reason for me to call off the engagement and travel out of the country like I always wanted.Maybe get a new life and start all over again.A life without me feeling entitled to pay Sean back or make him love me.And maybe I could even fall in love with someone else. By the time I get back to his bedroom, I find him gone already.I picked my few belongings and retrieved my clothes from the laundry.I had just gotten into my car when I heard my phone chimed. I dip my hand into my pocket and fished out the phone. I looked at the screen to see a message from Dr Griffins.Dr Griffins: I found something weird, you might want to see. You can come over if you hav
"Ma'am you can't enter. Only people with a person can" Two hefty looking men whom I guessed were the bouncers, blocking my way.I was dressed in a red flair gown that reached my mind, barely covering my ass with no panties. I am aware that Sean is having a confidential meeting which I'm obviously not invited to but I do not give a damn and didn't care about the stares I was getting from people on my way here.I stepped back from the bouncers, twirling my hair out of my face and maintaining a straight face."I'm his fiance and I need to get inside now '' I said, showing them my ring finger.I don't know if that counts but that's the thing I've got to claim right now."I'm sorry ma'am but we were strictly warned not to let anyone in" the other man spoke up.I let out a breath in frustration. Convincing them and having my way through isn't going as planned."Tell Sean I'm here or I'm walking through this path" I threatened.The taller guy who spoke up the first time looked at the other o
Sean POV"What the fuck?" Katie cried out the minute my hand landed on her buttocks.She swirls around and turns her head to look at me. From the expression on her face, it's obvious she wasn't expecting this. I wasn't either, I never planned to lock her in this room with me and spank her bare ass but she pushed me to it.She pushed me button and there's no going back now."Yes, what the fuck Katie. " I responded, palming her ass once again. It's soft against my palm so I keep finding my hands on them everytime.When he showed up here in this short gown,I lost my control. Firstly, I haven't invited her here. I wanted to and maybe pick her up myself but I was so upset that I'll have to rush the wedding that I let those thoughts go.It was the noise outside that attracted me and there I saw her standing, looking so crossed.If she wants attention then she'd get it."You need to learn your manners don't you agree?"She brings up her hands behind her and reaches to cover her ass with a go
Before the party could come to an end I escaped before Sean could find me again.He's possessive and wanted me as much as I wanted him.He's only not making it easy for us both.I can't take any more pleasure and torture than I already did today. I was put on edge without a release, I can go on.If he stays closer to me or touch me one more time, I'm afraid I'll have to beg him to fuck me senseless not giving a damn of where we are.The party hadn't gone the way I had planned. I went there purposefully to show I can be exactly what he wanted in a bride.I can be a dutiful and law abiding bride but things took a new turn when he found me outside and pulled me into that store room with him.I was still dictating if I wanted him or not when he bent me over and spanked my ass twenty painful times.My ass stings as I remember each pleasuring pain.I needed a tease so bad and that is why I escaped before he could get to me again.I had barely made it inside my apartment when I rushed to my