CHAPTER TWO

PATRICIA.

Why would this be happening to me right now? My life is messed up. I said as tears trickled down my face. 

“What's up girl?” Lila asked inquisitively, as she came face to face with me.

I received the shocking news that my Dad was involved in a ghastly motor accident, and that he was rushed to the hospital. Why me? I answered.

“Everything will be fine dear. You just need to pray and hope in God.” Lila advised, taking me by hand to sit on the cushion.

“What will I do now?” I asked sniffling. My Dad's company is crumbling and has no money because they are in debt. Where will I get money from to take care of his bills?”

“You need to go to the hospital to see your Dad first before you talk about bills.” Lila admonished, holding my shoulders.

“But you know that money for his medications will be needed?” I asked, cleaning my teary face with the hem of my clothes.

“I know dear, but first thing first. You need to see your Dad, and then know how he is doing. You really need to spend some time with him too.”

“This is not the time for shedding tears. You need to be strong for him.” Lila said.

“Alright, I will be on my way.” I said.

“Hold on, I'm coming with you.” Lila said as she told up to get her purse from her room.

I thought of how life would be. My Dad will be needing some rest as soon as he is discharged from the hospital, and I will be left to fend for us.

Sometimes, the way you plan your life, is not the way it would come out at the end. Unforeseen circumstances would tend to spoil it.

My friend's voice cut me off from my thoughts, “Let's get going girl. Stop crying, okay, everything will be fine.”

I was lost in thought, and didn't know when my phone started to ring.

Ding Ding….

“Patricia can't you hear your phone ringing? Pick the damn call.” Lila admonished as we stepped out so she could lock her door.

“I'm not in a good mood right now to pick any call till I'm sure that my Dad is okay.” I said.

“Someone might be calling you to lend some help to you. Can't you see that. Just take a look at the screen to know who the caller is. Lila blurted.

***

We met the receptionist at the front desk when we got to the hospital, “Good day miss. We are here to say Mr Macaulay, the man who got admitted today.” I snapped.

“Good day to you too. Give me a minute.” The lady at the desk said, as she brought a long note. She scrolled the pages of a book with her pen in search of heaven knows what.

“Alright, check Room 305.” She said 

“Thank you.” I thanked her, and went to the said room. 

Getting to the room, I couldn't recognise my father. The accident dealt with him, leaving him in the worst conditions. Life is so unfair for real.

He was sleeping and I didn't want to disturb him. Lila, seeing that I was about to tear up, patted my shoulders, “All will be well my friend.”

I nodded my head in the hope that everything was going to be alright. I sat down beside my Dad, taking his hands into mine. I bent down to kiss them.

As I was about to stand from where I was sitting to go  and plant a kiss on my Dad's forehead, I heard my name.

“My child, you are here.” He said barely above a whisper. I took in my Fad in a tight embrace. Our clothes were soaked with the tears pouring down from our wet eyes.

“Dad, I'm so sorry about the accident. I got a call that you were rushed to the hospital, and I came running over here to see you.” I said

“It's fine my child. So have you gotten the bills from the doctor?” Mr Macaulay asked, curiorisity written all over his face.

“I haven't seen the doctor yet, not to talk of asking him for the bills.” I answered.

“Well, he said I will be operated on.” My Dad said. Immediately he said that, I noticed that my father's legs were covered in bandages.

“Where are we going to get that huge amount of money from? By the way, we ain't financially stable right now. I said with a lot of concern in my voice.

“The only option available is to sell the house.” My father blurted with a hardened expression on his face. 

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You heard me right child.” He replied

“So after selling the house, where are we gonna stay huh?” I asked, not liking the idea.

“I don't really know for now. My health is important to me right now, and it should be the same for you.”. My Dad snapped.

“I will go see the doctor, and enquire about the amount that we are to pay. At least we will know where to start from.” I said hesitantly. 

***

“Doctor, how much are our bills?” I asked hoping he wouldn't call the amount that would surpass me.

“Your Father's bill is forty thousand dollars.” The doctor stated, looking up to me with his glasses at the ridge of his nose.

“Sir, the bills are much. Can you please reduce it for the sake of my ailing father?” I pleaded with him.

“Hello ma'am, this hospital is not a charity organisation. We offer top notch services, and if you don't mind, you can as well take your father elsewhere.” The doctor said, without batting an eyelid. 

“What will I do now?” I thought to myself as I exited the Doctor's office. 

Entering inside my Dad's wards I saw two men standing beside him. I clutched to Lila who stayed behind when I went to see the doctor. 

“Who are these men and why are they here? Do you have any idea?” I asked Lila, my stern face on the men. I just hope it's not what I'm thinking.