002

What was even the meaning of that statement? I wondered.

"Mum, what do you mean by that? Are you sick?" . She nodded, bending her head like she didn't want to look me in the eyes. I froze. I immediately felt bad for thinking she's owing someone.

"What kind of illness, mummy? Why didn't you tell me about it? Was dad aware before he passed?"

"Yes honey. He was aware " she paused.

I couldn't even say how her facial countenance was. She seemed to be thinking of what to say next. Maybe, she doesn't know how to tell me what kind of illness she has.

"Mom, speak up." I whispered .

She still remained silent.

"Lorna, it's nothing okay. I'll be fine. Here's the thing, I'll be needing fifteen million dollars for my treatment. That's why I've been selling some of our properties"

I gasped when I heard the amount of money. We haven't even gotten up to five million dollars yet, if that's the case.

"Mom, what illness is this? I need to know please. " But, why the rush for the money? I wondered again.

"Talk to me, mum. Do you have limited time to pay this whooping amount of money? Please say something mum."

But the reaction I got from her was unexpected. Mum continued to pack our expensive pots, spoons and our oven. She acted as if she didn't hear me.

"Mom, talk to me. I know you feel bad, but please tell me the sickness. I want to know. "

"Lorna, I'll tell you after I've sold these. Look, I have just a week more to get this money for...for my treatment " she stuttered while she said the last sentence and started calling her buyer.

I sat on the stool close to her. My mind kept racing with thoughts. I was wondering the kind of illness my mom has that warrants that kind of money for treatment. The time duration is not even enough...how on earth will someone be able to raise fifteen million dollars in two weeks! "If she doesn't get it after a week , what will happen? Will all our properties even sum up to that amount? most of them aren't brand new anymore. " and these were my thoughts.

When my mom finished her call, she began to package these things. Obviously, her buyer would be coming to take our kitchen tools.

"Mom, are you going to die?" was what I heard myself ask next.

My mom stood at a spot. I could hear her heartbeats increase at a pace. Her eyes turned glassy as tears welled up in those grey colored eyes of hers. She hugged me tightly and I suddenly felt emotional.

"Mom, I don't want you to die. We lost dad when I was 18 and I'll be 20 in a month's time. I can't bear to be an orphan "

"I'll die, If you ever leave my side" I heard her whisper through my orange-red hair.

I looked at my mom. I would never think of leaving her. Even if I get married anytime, she will stay with me.

"I will never leave you, mom. Never!"

"And I won't let anyone take you away from me, baby" she hugged me passionately as I felt her tears dropping on my hair. Was someone trying to take me away from my mother? Never! I won't let that happen, I said to myself, though my mom was yet to explain that.

Suddenly, a knock was heard while my mom and I were still in our hugging position. None of us was ready to entangle from this warm hug. The knock came again, and this time sounded louder as if our door would be pulled down next.

"It must be my buyer. She came so fast" my mom said, as she disengaged from our hug, wiping her eyes.

"I'll get the door, mom" I stood up and walked to our door. While I walked towards the door, the knock became louder again

"We're coming " my mom said as she already kept the packaged items on the dining table.

I opened the door and I was driven aback at the sight I met. This can't be the buyer! A huge blonde young man clad in black suit and dark shades stood in front of our door. Then, I noticed a man who should be in his mid fifties behind him, also wearing black shades. I couldn't speak. Shivers ran down my spine.

Then the man behind the first guy, walked past the first guy and stood in front of me.

"Lorna, please let the buyer in already " I heard my mom say from the kitchen. She was already coming to the living room.

The man removed his black shades and I recognized him already! My dad's best friend who disappeared after my dad died. He wasn't seen after my dad's candle light procession at the cemetery, and whenever I tried asking my mom about him, she'll change the topic

But I felt excited that he was here...he's like an uncle to me.

"Mr. Draco!" I called his name in excitement and my mom immediately rushed to the door. She was shocked to see him, but the next thing she did was to pull me behind her and stand in front of Mr Draco. I saw his countenance change into a dark look. I could see fear, yet resilience as well in my mom's eyes.

"Hello, Vivienne!" he said in the most stern and coldest voice I've ever heard.