Noahs Room

Noah's Room

After the whole debacle, I was a little frazzled, to be honest. I didn't want to walk back into Noah's room. He's sensitive and can always sense when I'm upset or sad. Instead, I took a walk around the block. I passed one of my favourite cafés and decided to walk in. I ordered a scoop of red velvet cheesecake ice cream and a scoop of red velvet. I sat down to enjoy my treat and something the reporter was saying on the television caught my attention. I turned around to listen attentively and grimaced. It was just what I thought I heard:

"We are here with the Governor-elect, Mr. Morgan…"

(Geena's husband.)

Mr. Morgan Sparks is a native of Manhattan, he went to Manhattan High and just won the primaries to represent his party. I stared at his smug face. Geena stood beside him in a Chanel suit looking like Jackie Onassis. I must confess, she looks good. I drowned out whatever the asshole was saying and drifted back to high school — to a particular conversation we had before graduation. Geena was telling her squad confidently, "I will marry Morgan and he will be Governor of this state one day. Mark my words." I guess she's about to get her wish. An evil idea started to form in my head, but I would have to put it on hold until Noah got better and we could find an apartment on the Upper East Side. Right now, I just live with him in his private suite at Manhattan General, as there didn't seem to be a point in leaving him alone. It's big enough, with two big beds, and the bathroom has a wide foot claw tub — thank goodness. Now that we have found his father, I believe his blood will help stabilize him, and we can leave the hospital next week. I finished my ice cream and headed back to Noah's room.

Passing some nurses on my way up, all of them greeted me warmly and asked how Noah was doing. He had charmed all the nurses. I smiled and answered warmly. I knocked softly on Noah's room door, not waiting for a response, and walked in. To my utter surprise, Brandon was still sitting in a chair by the window with a book in his hand and a cup of coffee on the side table.

"You're still here?" I asked.

He glanced at me and responded, "I just finished with his doctor giving him a few pints of my blood. Once he's done with the transfusion, he will be checked again. I was waiting for you to come in so I could say goodnight, Aaliyah."

"That's excellent. I'm so relieved. Please inform Desmond I will need a flat at The Noir Flame by next week, and thank you for this," I answered.

He stared at me and then said, "He is my son. It is my responsibility. If I had known sooner… but now is not the time for that. I will let Desmond know. Please get some rest."

"Oh, before I leave, please give me your phone. Let me put in my number just in case you need anything." I handed him my iPhone, and he saved his number. He handed it back to me and said, "I will see you both tomorrow. I bid you a good evening, Aaliyah."

He walked to the door, and I responded, "Good night, Brandon."

The next day, I woke up early, had a bath, and when I came out of the bathroom, I found Noah propped up on his bed talking animatedly with his doctor. I smiled and greeted her, "Good morning, Dr. Lisa. What's the prognosis?"

She turned and smiled at me, "Good morning, Aaliyah. Noah's blood levels are stabilizing, his blood pressure is back to normal, and if he keeps this up, you will be discharged by the weekend." I teared up and hugged Noah while ruffling his hair.

He said, "Mom!!!"

I faced Dr. Lisa. "Thank you so much for your tireless dedication."

She answered, "Just doing my job, ma'am. Make sure he eats a rare burger today. He's going to need the extra iron."

I responded, "I will order from the restaurant right away."

I picked up the phone to do just that and noticed I had missed a call from Brandon. I ignored it. I ordered the food and got dressed in leggings and a t-shirt. I glanced at Noah, but he was watching a cartoon on the television, so I made a coffee and sat down to catch up with my emails.

I heard a knock on the door. I stretched, got up to open it, and found the delivery guy and Brandon.

Brandon accepted the food, paid him, and walked in.

He said, "Good morning, Aaliyah. Here is the food. How is Noah doing?"

He turned to face Noah, who was watching cartoons on his bed.

Noah said, "Good morning, Mr. Brandon. I am much better."

Brandon went over to Noah and sat by the edge of his bed while they talked about the latest Arsenal match and the new PS games. I opened the paperback and put two different rare burgers and sodas on disposable plates. I handed one to Brandon and asked Noah, "Baby, do you need help with your burger?"

Noah sheepishly smiled and said, "No, Mommy. I can handle it, thank you."

Brandon glanced at me and said, "Thank you. How did you know I like rare?"

I shrugged my shoulders and answered, "Dr. Lisa mentioned I should get one for Noah, and I got three. Mine is well done."

We settled down to eat in silence.

I passed the second burger to Brandon and said, "Enjoy."

He accepted it thankfully. "They are delicious."

I glanced at Noah, who was hungrily eating his as well. I just shook my head and returned to my seat.

Just as we finished eating, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I hesitated, then picked up. A sticky, sweet fake voice came through.

"My wicked witch of the west," it sneered. "Oh, hello, Aaliyah. I heard you came back with a son too! Who's his father? Or don't you even know? What a shocker! Tut tut." The voice was unmistakable. Geena.

"I'm sure all our friends and Nana our only living relative, stuck in that old people's home—would love to hear this."

I felt a surge of rage.

"How dare you call me?" I said coldly.

But before she can respond I added, "You are shameless, Geena. I will make you regret ever messing with me."

She laughed, cruel and cold.

"In your bloody dreams, b#%*h."

I slammed the phone down and stared at the wall, darkness gathering in my eyes.

Let the Hunger Games begin.