Chapter One ~ Life changes

Emily

“We will try all we can. But we cannot operate on him until the payment is made. We are very sorry.” Says the doctor as he gives us the results for Dad who just had a heart attack.

I stand hopelessly as the reality hits me that we cannot afford to pay Dad’s bills. “We will think of something.” Lewis tries to remain positive and I nod my head absentmindedly. Because he is only fourteen and I don’t want him to know more than he does already. My legs are a puddle of jelly but somehow, I manage to walk back into Dad’s hospital room.

Tears roll down my face as I watch him sleep. He has tubes in his mouth and a machine that is keeping him alive. The bip sound is a constant relief which is a signal to show that he is alive.

The ones they will remove if we don’t make the payment.

A little voice reminds me and my heart clenches painfully. It hurts to see the strongest man I know rely on a machine. He has been our hero and our protector and now he is on the verge of being taken away. Wiping the tears out of my eyes, I walk out into the busy streets with the hope that the noise will distract me from breaking down.

I have to be strong.

I don’t know how long I walk when a screaming voice alarms me.

‘’Someone to call an ambulance!’’ an older man shouts as they try to calm the wounded dog.

Rich people! I shake my head at the madness. How can someone call an ambulance over a dog when someone who is an actual human is dying?

Someone like my dad. The thought comes crashing as guilt hits me. Maybe that is the only family he has left so who am I to judge?

I kneel next to the older man as I remove my hoody and open my mouth when that was not even my intention. “I’m a medical student but I think I can help.’’ I find myself saying this without realizing it.

“What does a medical student know about dogs? We need to get to the vet before it gets worse sir.” A man whose face I can’t clearly make out says and I ignore him.

“She knows what she is doing!” he snaps at him and turns to me, “Please young lady. This is my son’s dog and I took it without permission. We barely speak and if anything happens to it, he will never talk to me again.’’ He pleads as he pulls my hands in his.

Talk about no pressure!

I exhale as I calm myself down and try to remember the first step of dealing with a wounded animal. Like a miracle, I manage to place the broken bone back in its place and the dog is up and no longer in pain. “Woof!’’ It barks as it licks me making me giggle.

It was a good idea after all!

“You see, I told you.” The old man chuckles in delight and turns to me.

I’m about to respond when my phone vibrates, flashing a message from Lewis. “Dad just had another attack.” The message reads, draining all the blood from my face. My legs and chest feel like they will give out from the way I Stand and sprint back to the hospital.

He can’t just leave me like this, ‘’Dad you have to fight!’’ I shout as I open the hospital doors and run inside when I’m stopped midway by the doctor who is standing with Lewis.

‘’What happened!’’ I ask in a panicked tone which doesn’t get any better as the news the doctor gives me knocks the air out of me, ‘’We thought we had enough time. But with this second attack, we need to operate immediately, or else he may not make it into next week.’’

I’m left speechless and all I can do is nod as I try to process the news. No job in the world can pay me $50,000 by next week even if I have to sell my kidney. The tears don’t seem to stop, ‘’I’ll be right back Lewis.’’ I say to my brother who doesn’t know what to say in a situation like this. All he can do is nod as he too must be in shock right now.

I’m left with no energy and no hope as I stand outside the hospital doors with nowhere to go.

I squat with my head in between my arms as I sob uncontrollably.

Why do bad things happen to good people? All Dad has ever done is do good and help every time he can. Why is my drunken mum who left us still healthy despite her poor life choices?

“Emily?’’ a voice calls me and I hesitate if it’s really me who is being called. “Emily Harper?” The voice calls again and I look up.

“Yes?’’ I respond as I wipe my tears and meet the eyes of the man who just called me when I discover that it was the older man I met a few minutes ago.

How much time has passed? Oh no, did something go wrong with his dog?

‘’My name is Richgard Lockhart. I know about your situation and I think I can help both of us,’’ he says and I look at him.

It’s late in the evening but I can recognize that name anywhere. The Lockhart family is so rich that they’re like royalty. And in this entire city, there is only one Lockhart family.

‘’What do you mean help both of us?’’ I ask as I begin to wonder what a billionaire would be doing speaking to a commoner like me.

Then it hits me. “ Did something go wrong with the dog?” I ask as fear begins to grip me.

“No dear, Spike is fine.” He responds warmly and I nod before speaking,

“If it’s about thanking me for the help, you don’t need to worry. I was happy to help and I hope your son will now speak to you.’’ I force a smile as I hope the son he was referring to was another child and not the one we all know.

‘’As grateful as I am my dear, it’s not about the dog, it’s about my son.’’ He says and my brows furrow in confusion.

‘’Which son?’’ I ask when I know the answer but I hope he adopted someone on the way here. Because the Liam I know, the one the whole city knows, cannot love dogs.

You need a heart to keep a dog and from the news we constantly watch, he has none.

‘’Liam of course.’’ He chuckles before he adds, ‘’I only have one son and I want you to marry him!’’