Accepting His Proposal

Andrea

Arriving at home, I met the twins crying their eyes out with mom lying lifelessly on the floor.

“Goodness, Andrea you are here. I was so scared.” Lisa said as she ran to give me a hug while crying. Their eyes were puffy from crying so much.

“We have to get mom to the hospital, we can't let anything happen to her. I will get a cab just wait here for me.” Irushed my words. We can't afford to lose her. Not after losing dad.

I spent an agonizing five minutes outside the hot sun before I was finally able to get a cab. The cab driver was kind enough to help us get mom into the car.

I kept praying nothing happens to her till we got to the hospital. The nurses were fast to rush our mother to a room for examination.

I kept pacing back and forth, thinking about the things that might be happening in the examination room.

A doctor suddenly came out after several minutes and we rushed immediately to the doctor.

“Doctor, what is wrong with our mother? Is she okay?” I asked, wa lump forming in my throat.

“Miss, your mother has pancreatic cancer which can be very serious if a surgery is not performed”

I backed away slightly, shocked at that. How? When?

“Pancreatic cancer? My mom never told us she was sick. Although we noticed she was frail most of the time, it wasn't that serious.” I felt tears streaming down my face but I was quick to wipe it away with my hands not wanting to get notices by Lisa and Laurel.

"She collapsed due to stress and physical strain. A surgery must be performed in the next 72 hours or I'm afraid you may lose her.”

“Gracious, this is so much to take in!" I cupped my mouth in shock. A surgery in the next 72hours?.

"Nothing is going to happen to our mother right?” I heard Laurel speak for the first time since the incident. She asked the doctor, urgency lacing her voice.

“People who undergo pancreatic surgery have a slight chance of surviving. I can not raise your hopes high, but maybe your mother can be among the few percent who survive. Get your money ready and sign the consent form to proceed with the surgery.”

“How much are we talking about here, doctor?” I needed to know if it was something I could afford.

“Considering there will be a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, it should cost $2.5 million.”

As the doctor finished speaking, I couldn’t help but cover my mouth again in shock, tears threatening to fall.

“How are we going to get that money doctor? We've never held such money in our entire lives. Can you please do something about it doctor.” I tried to get the doctor to sympatize with us but it didn't work.

“I'm sorry miss, but the money has to be arranged immediately else, I can't guarantee what will happen next.”

The doctor left right after saying that. I slumped into the hospital chair with all hope lost.

“What are we going to do Andrea? We have to save mom.” Lisa held my shoulders, forcing me to look at her.

“Don't worry, I will think of a way to solve this issue.” I assured.

“You better do it since you could not save dad, do well to save mom.” Laurel chipped in, her voice filled with venom as always.

“This is not the time to bring this up Laurel, Andrea is worried just as we are.” Lisa defended but Laurel was just so stubborn.

“Laurel please, can you stop blaming me for once in your life? I've been carrying this burden for years and it's eating me up. What hurts the most is you, my sister, saying all this. Please.” I had so many things to think about but this sister of mine was making things difficult for me.

“Oh Stop the pretence Andrea! You and I know it's your fault papa died so stop playing the pity game!” Laurel said in anger not caring how much her words were cutting deep into me.

My only resort was to excuse myself to the washroom. This has been my life for the past few years. Not going a day without accusations from Laurel and I can't escape it. I brought it upon myself when I asked for what I shouldn't the night we lost dad.

I'm tired. I'm drained. Only God knows I've tried.

“How I'm I going to save mom? Where will I even get that amount of money?”

I continued to cry even after getting to the washroom until realization dawned on me.

“Mr. King can help.” I whispered to myself then brought out my phone to calm him.

He answered on the third ring. Not waiting for him to say anything, I went straight tk the point. Just like he said earlier, this situation is urgent and needs urgent attention.

“ I've thought about your proposal Mr. King.”

Inhaling deeply, I continued, “I will do what you want provided I get the money you promised. ” I waited for his response.

“That's great news, Andrea. I thought you were going to reject it since you looked like you didn't buy the idea.” His voice came through as though he wasn't expecting my response.

“This is not the right time for this Mr. King. How much are you offering?” I could tell my next question shocked him but he kept his cool. His next words were not one thaf I expected.

“Oh…I see now. It’s all because of the money. Do you all go around throwing yourself at any man for money? That is disgusting.” He insulted and I imagined him gritting his teeth.

“Please don't try to paint me black Mr. King, I urgently need this money for something." I can't tell him what I am going through now but if he reasons enough, he would remember my reason for leaving the office that early.

“Of course you do. Anyway, I will be paying you $5 million.” My brain cells danced in happiness at the amount started. It'd go a long way to help me.

“When will I get the money?”

“Relax, Andrea, I will be giving you half tomorrow. ”

“Can you make it $2.5 million first?” I know I was sounding desperate but who cares? I needed this money.

“Are you in a hurry to hold such an amount of money? I thought you were different but clearly I was wrong.” He was still trying to sound hurtful. I don't get him. He wanted this in the first place and when I've finally accepted it, he is acting thia way.

“You do not know what I need this money for Mr. King. I thought you needed someone badly for your set up?”

“I did and still do. What can I say? Money does speak, doesn't it Andrea?”

He said as he gave out a bitter laugh over the phone. I noticed the sadness behind that laughter and simply gave out a sigh.

"Meet me in the office tomorrow. We will finalize things." He said and ended the call before I could say anything.

At least I have hope now. Mom will definitely survive.