4| This was over

ARIANA

Molly didn’t say a word as she grabbed her car keys.

Not one word.

Everything still sounded like a jock to me, for some reason I kept wishing my aunty was playing some of her dirty tricks just to drag my attention.

I followed her out of the apartment, my legs feeling weak, and my head spinning with my cousin’s voice still echoing in my ears.

Cancer.

The word felt unreal. Like something that only happened to other families. Other people. Not us.

Molly unlocked the car and got in. I stood there for a second, staring at the passenger seat like it might swallow me whole or something.

“Anna,” she said softly. “Get in.”

I did.

The engine started, and the car pulled out of the compound.

For the first five minutes, neither of us spoke.

I stared out the window, my hands folded together on my lap. My nails dug into my skin, but I didn’t feel the pain.

“She didn’t tell me,” I whispered finally.

Molly sighed. “She wouldn’t. Your aunty is strong to a fault.”

“I was just with her two weeks ago,” I said, my voice shaking. “She was laughing. Cooking. Complaining about my hair like always.”

Molly glanced at me briefly before returning her eyes to the road. “That’s how they do it. They hide it until they can’t anymore.”

Tears burned my eyes.

“What if we’re late?” I asked. “What if..."

“Stop,” Molly cut in gently. “Don’t go there yet.”

The hospital came into view in no time.

We parked, got down, and rushed inside.

At the reception, Molly spoke calmly, giving names and directions, while I stood there frozen.

When we finally got to the ward, I saw her.

Mrs. Dorothy.

My aunty.

She looked smaller.

That was the first thing I noticed.

Smaller, weaker, lying on a hospital bed with tubes and machines surrounding her.

“Aunty…” I whispered.

Her eyes slowly turned to me, and she smiled.

my aunty was a two sided person, yes she was harsh to be at times, but only when I do things she doesn't approve of, even if they are the right things.

“Anna,” she said softly. “You came.”

I rushed to her side and held her hand. It felt cold.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, my voice breaking. “Why would you hide this from me?”

She sighed. “I didn’t want to worry you. You already have enough problems. if Raymond hadn't tampered with the card, I would have paid for the treatment even without bothering you."

Molly stood quietly at the foot of the bed, giving us space.

The doctor came in shortly after.

He explained everything slowly, carefully. Chemotherapy. Tests. Time.

Then he mentioned the bill.

I stopped listening halfway through.

The number didn’t make sense.

It sounded like something meant for rich people. Not us.

After he left, the silence was heavy.

I looked at Molly.

She looked at me.

I already knew what she was thinking.

Later, outside the ward, Molly finally spoke.

“Anna,” she said, crossing her arms. “That bill is not something we can joke with.”

“I know,” I whispered.

“You don’t have savings. I don’t have that kind of money either.”

I nodded.

“There’s only one option,” she added.

I froze.

“No,” I said immediately. “Don’t say it.”

She looked at me seriously. “You need to swallow your pride.”

“I will not go back to that man,” I snapped. “I’d rather die molly.”

“Anna,” she said firmly. “This is not about you anymore. This is about your aunty.”

I turned away, blinking back tears.

“He scared me, Molly,” I said quietly. “He treated me like I was something he could play around with... just one month? does it make any sense?"

“I know,” she replied softly. “But he offered you a solution. And right now, you don’t have options.”

“I can find another way.”

“How?” she asked. “Tell me how, Anna.”

I opened my mouth.

Nothing came out.

That night, after settling my aunty in, Molly drove us back to the hotel.

The entire drive, my heart was at war with my mind.

When we reached the hotel, I stayed in the car.

“I can’t,” I said. “I can’t do this.”

“Just talk to him and apologize for your actions earlier,” Molly said. “Nothing more.”

I finally stepped out.

The receptionist recognized me.

“I need to see the man in the room, the one that had two entry cards” I said weirdly.

She frowned. “I’m sorry, miss. He checked out.”

My heart dropped.

“Checked out?” I repeated. “Already?”

“Yes.”

“Can you give me his details?” I asked desperately.

She shook her head. “We don’t keep personal details of residents.”

I stood there, completely empty.

Outside, I broke down.

I didn’t care who saw me.

Molly held me as I cried.

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “We’ll figure something out.”

That night, I barely slept, moving from one end to the other, what if I didn't get the job.... how on earth could I help my aunty out.

The next morning came before I could know it.

Molly forced me out of bed.

“You have that interview,” she said. “You’re going.”

I dressed slowly, neatly and professional, I really had a big luck I and molly were of same size and figure, though her heels were a bit tight on me.

My designs were neatly packed, but I noticed something.... one of them were missing. I didn't bother looking for it, the ones I had were more than enough.

At the company building, I was the first to arrive.

The waiting room filled slowly with other applicants.

Soon, my name was called.

Inside the boardroom sat three men.

Older and way too Serious.

“We’re waiting for Trevor our CEO, when he comes in, we start the interview." one of them said.

The door opened minutes later.

When I looked up to see who kept us all waiting for quite some time..... my heart stopped.

It was him.

The man from the hotel.

My breath caught in my throat.

He looked just as calm. Just as unreadable.

“Our CEO is here,” one of them said.

Trevor took his seat, his eyes locking onto mine.

Recognition flashed briefly across his face.

I swallowed hard.

" I'm so cooked." I mumbled.

“This is Ariana,” one of the men said. “She’s not certified, but she insists she’s fit for the job.”

I stood up.

“Yes,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I don’t have certification, but my designs speak for me.”

I laid them out.

The room went quiet.

The men whispered among themselves.

“She lacks credentials.”

“This company needs professionals.”

“She’s talented, but..."

Trevor said nothing.

He just stared at the designs.

Then at me.

My heart pounded.

I already knew.

With how I treated him.

With no apology.

This was over.

Finally, one man turned to Trevor.

“The final decision is yours Sir.”

Trevor leaned back slowly.

my negative thoughts were positive this time... I'm never going to get this job. I really messed up big time last night.