A Problem After The Other

Chapter Five

A Problem After The Other

Sophie’s POV

I held Asher's hand firmly as I sat beside him, watching him sleep. His snores revealed his pain and discomfort. I could only hope that he would recover soon, as that was the only way I could find some relief and resume my job search.

"You need to go settle the bill," Rose told me.

I nodded at her and stood up, making my way to the counter. Rose took her seat beside Asher, holding his hand just as I had done. I dragged my feet towards the counter, wondering how I would manage to pay the bill once again. All I had was the money Rose and I had been saving for Asher's surgery. I let out a heavy sigh, realizing I had no choice but to use that money to cover the bills.

The attendant at the counter already knew why I was there. I had been in and out of the same hospital since Asher was born, and I had become well-known to the nurses and doctors there.

"Hello, Sophie," the attendant greeted with a smile, handing me the bill.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw the amount it had accumulated to. "Three thousand, five hundred dollars," I murmured to myself, calculating how much would be left and how I would have to start saving again for Asher's surgery.

I looked up at the attendant and handed her my card. I cleared the bill and slowly made my way back to the ward, doing my best to maintain the fake smile on my face so as not to affect Asher.

He was already in a condition I would never wish upon anyone - he couldn't move his legs. The more I thought about his condition, the more it reminded me of its origin and the reason he ended up like this. It was all because of Maxon. He was responsible for my child's condition, and it frustrated me that I couldn't bring myself to hate him. I had wondered for many years why I couldn't hate Maxon. After what he did to me, I should have despised him. Sometimes the heart doesn't follow what we want.

Returning to the ward, my wristwatch beeped almost immediately. It was time to pick up Amara from school.

I turned to Rose. "Could you please stay with Asher? I have to go pick up Amara from school," I requested.

Rose stood up and approached me. "Of course, Sophie," she said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Just promise me that you will be fine and remain strong for these kids."

I smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, I will be," I replied, though it was only to assure her. In truth, I was in no mood to be fine. How could I be fine when my son was lying there with a high fever?

I stumbled onto the street, heading for Amara's nearby school. My mind was filled with racing thoughts, and it felt like I was caught in a web from which I might never escape. My son had only been admitted a few hours ago, and I had already spent almost all the money I had with me. I was left with little to nothing, and I didn't know how I would be able to cover the remaining bill. On top of that, I had to start saving again for Asher's surgery.

All these troubles and burdens were all because of Maxon. He was responsible for my son's condition and for every problem I was facing. It was all Maxon's fault. If he had stood by me when I needed him, if he had trusted me to the very end and supported me, none of this would be happening. But the man I loved with all my heart and trusted completely pushed me away when I needed him the most. He made me feel like I was nothing to him, breaking our ties and relationship like it meant nothing, as if I never meant anything to him.

My heart still ached from the pain his actions caused years ago. The wound he left may never heal. Maxon once again made me feel rejected after meeting him for the first time in five years. He still made it seem like I was nothing to him, just as he did back then.

I sighed, feeling a bit of relief, but with the burden I carried and the struggles I had yet to face, I was still searching for a way out, a way to get the remaining money for Asher's surgery. Now, I had even used a portion of the money, leaving me with very little.

I finally arrived at Amara's school and spotted her from a distance.

"Mom!" she exclaimed as she rushed towards me.

I knelt down and pulled her into an embrace. "My princess," I murmured.

Watching her start school without her twin brother always broke my heart. I wished they could attend school together, do things together, but Asher's health limited what they could do.

I I pulled back and cupped her beautiful face, "How are you, princess?" I asked, looking into her sea rover blue eyes, just like Maxon's. "I hope you learned a lot today!" I chuckled.

Everything about Amara reminded me of Maxon, from the color of her eyes to her deep dimple, her teeth, and her smile. Everything was exactly like Maxon's. Even though she was a girl, she bore a striking resemblance to Maxon. The color of her hair was just like his. It was as if she carried a piece of him in her.

I remembered looking through Maxon's childhood pictures. In one of them, he had long hair, and Amara looked just like him in that picture. I knew he wouldn't be able to argue that these kids weren't his after seeing them, but I wanted to protect them from him and his family. I didn't want my kids to be taken back to that lawless world where humans were treated as nothing but slaves and maids. I wanted my kids to be in a place where they would be respected and cared for, regardless of their status.

"Mom, Mrs. Amy said I should give this to you," Amara informed, reaching into her backpack. She pulled out an envelope and handed it over to me.

I took it from her, wondering what it could be. "She asked you to give this to me?" I asked, and she nodded.

I tore the envelope open, crossing my fingers as I read through its contents, hoping that it would be something positive.

"Good day, Mrs. Sophie.

I am writing on behalf of the school authority and as Amara's homeroom teacher, to inform you about the outstanding fees.

According to the school authority, you have to clear this bill before Amara can return to school.

Please note that the exams are fast approaching, and as you know, Amara is a very bright child. You wouldn't want her to fall behind.

Please consider this an urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Amy."

My hands trembled as I held the letter, trying to process the information. Not only did I have to deal with everything concerning Asher, but now I also had to find a way to clear Amara's outstanding school fees. But how? I had no money, no job, and no means to handle this.

"Mom," Amara's soft voice broke through my thoughts, "Why are you crying, Mom? Did Mrs. Amy write something bad about me?" she murmured.

I sniffled and quickly wiped away the tears that had fallen unnoticed. I shook my head, trying to maintain a smile. "No, Amara. I am just so happy. Remember I told you that sometimes people cry when they are happy? It's just that," I chuckled and pulled her closer.

I could feel her little hands wrapping around my neck, providing comfort and warmth. Her innocent touch only caused more tears to flow from my eyes. I tried my best to keep them hidden, not wanting her to worry. I attempted to regain my composure, but the tears continued to spill.

I wanted to provide my children with the best life possible. I wanted to give them everything they deserved. But the reality was that I had nothing. I couldn't even provide for myself, let alone for my kids. How was I supposed to navigate this situation? The weight of my helplessness brought me to tears as I held Amara close, seeking solace in her presence.