Chapter Two

Maria's POV 

Hospitals were my biggest nightmare because they decided life and death but now it's the only hope I have.

The machines around her beep slowly, oxygen tubes rested beneath her nose.

“Hi mama,” I said, sitting close to her and adjusting the blankets over her.

She looks thinner today; her skin has paled, and her lips are dry, but she's still beautiful.

She opened her eyes.

“My Maria,” she called out faintly.

“Save your strength mama, I'm right here” 

The doctor walked in holding her chart. He drew blood for some tests, I could tell it hurts from the way her eyes tightened.

“Everything will be fine, Mama, the doctors are going to make sure of that,” I assured her.

“Maria, how are you,” she managed to speak

“Look at me mama, I'm doing fine,” I lied.

She looked at me with sad eyes like she knew I wasn't telling the truth.

“Mama you have to get better for me okay.” 

She just nodded

“I brought you some of your favorite fruits”

“I don't want any.”

“You need to eat mama, don't you want to leave this place?”

“Oh Maria, I'm not leaving this place anytime soon,” she sighed.

“Stop saying that mama, we are going to go home together, go see your favorite movies, go to the park you love so much,” my voice cracked.

She smiled.

I turned to wipe the tears threatening to fall from my eyes. She can't see me sad, it will break her heart.

“Miss Maria,” the doctor interrupted us.

“Yes doc.”

His expression hardened.

“Can I speak with you?” 

“Is something wrong doctor,” I asked quickly 

He didn't respond he just gestured towards the hallway.

“I was going over your mom's chart and from the test samples we have, her health is deteriorating,” he said as soon as we stepped out.

I froze.

“Wh.. what do you mean doctor?” My voice came out like a whisper.

“The medications are only to support her, they won't heal her completely. We can't delay the transplant anymore, her condition is critical,” he added.

“How long does she have?”

He sighed. “Without the transplant, barely three days.”

My world crashed.

“But doctor, that's not enough time, I don't have that amount of money now”

“I'm sorry Maria, there is nothing we can do anymore. I know this is a difficult time but without the money, we can't do the surgery.”

“Doctor please do what you can, I will bring the money,” I pleaded.

“You need to make a deposit first Maria, if we delay any further, she might not make it” he said and left.

She might not make it.

Barely three days.

Those words kept ringing in my ears.

 

Wiping tears off my face, I went back into the room.

“What did the doctor say?” She asked curiously.

“Nothing, Mom, just you should eat more, so that you will be able to withstand the treatment.” 

“Is that why you are crying?”

“I'm not Mom, something went into my eyes.”

 

“Well, I have to get to work, I promise to come visit tomorrow,please eat your fruits.”

Staying there longer will only worsen everything. I can't bear to see my mother like that. 

My chest tightened but no tears came out. The hallway seemed longer than before, I just kept walking, with no direction, the doctor's words clouded my thoughts. 

I pushed the hospital door open and stepped out. My eyes became blurred with tears, my knees weakened, and the ground spun beneath me. I couldn't take it anymore, my legs gave way, and I collapsed on the pavement like a helpless child. 

“Why me… why always me?” The tears finally fell from my eyes.

People walked past, cars honked, time flew but my world seemed to have stopped.

I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to put together the broken pieces of myself. 

“What should I do now?” More tears ran down her cheek.

Then his words echoed in my head

Everybody has a price.

No.. no.. that can't be my only option, but the bitter truth is that It was my only option, No one would ever lend me that amount of money without something in return.

The thought of selling myself for money felt like a stab to my principle and dignity  but I can't let my mother die, she is all I have.

The ringing tone brought me back. 

“Hello” I tried controlling my voice.

“Where are you, Maria!” Cassie yelled “Aren't you coming to work?”

Oh shit.

I completely forgot.

“I … I will be there soon,” I grabbed my bag and hung up.

The club was busy as usual, music thumped through the walls. I snuck in through the back entrance and headed straight for the staffroom.

“Where have you been, you are late.” Cassie snapped immediately she saw me.

“I know… I'm sorry,” I muttered, trying to fix my apron around my waist.

“There is a full house today, so get your shit together, you looked like you've lost someone.” She said.

I nodded. Grabbing a tray I headed for the bar.

“Hi Maria, you okay?” Emmanuel asked

“Yeah, I'm fine.”

“Alright, here, for table seven,”  he handed me two glasses and a bottle of vodka.

“Uhmm, Emmanuel I need a favor from you.” I hesitated, “I need you to send me to the VIP section. 

“Why is that?”

“Can't say but please, it's a matter of life and death.”

He looked at me suspiciously.

“Alright 10minutes that all,”

“That will be enough, thank you, you are a sweetheart.” I turned to leave.

“Maria” he called out. “You are forgetting something.”

 He handed me a tray “How do you expect to get in without a drink.”

My heart pounded with every foot step I took to the VIP section.

I can't believe I'm about to sell my dignity for money, my first time is going to be with a complete stranger. I have always dreamt of my first time with the man I love, in a decorated room, with fancy candle light and cool music. But it seems life has other plans.

“There is no turning back now Maria,” I said to myself as I got to the entrance.

I took a deep breath and stepped in.

Looking around I saw him at the same table, with a same black tuxedo but a different design, his hair was slightly messy today, his tie was out of place but his eyes where still thesame.

Cold, controlling.

I mustered all the courage I could find and walked up to him.

“You are back,” he said with a sly smile. He didn't look surprised at all.

 He knew I would come back and it stirred an uneasy feeling that I can't explain.