Family Pains

Emma’s POV

“A blank cheque, are you out of your mind?” I shouted at him, slipping him back the cheque.

Whatever game he is up to, I am not just willing to play.

“Come on Emma, your work deserves good pay, this is for you to write whatever you want, any amount, and it's all yours.”

I slapped my hands on the table,

“I am not some charity case Jason,and I don't need you to rise up the social ladder. I can see you already do well for yourself, there is no need to flaunt it in my face, I am not interested.”

He gave a sigh.

“I only propose an opportunity, but I see you haven't changed much. Still proud, instead of making a name on your price, which I know you wouldn't. How about I give you five million dollars for the job, excluding whatever expenses might accrue.”

I almost jumped out of my chair at the mention of such an incredulous amount that's over twice of what I got from the wedding. It was really tempting, but I didn't want to appear so desperate.

It was indeed a huge offer I couldn't afford to pass.

“I'll think about it then,” I ended up saying.

Jason didn't argue.

“You have three days Emma Wilson, three days to decide, I want the plans to be in place as soon as possible.”

“I said I'll think about it,” I replied stubbornly.

He stretched his hand out for a handshake, which I didn't see necessary, but I had to act mature, and put the past behind me. Between us, Jason was doing a good job of putting a mature face.

So I shook his hand, which I regretted immediately.

He held on to my hand tightly, caressing my skin with his thumbs.

I felt a tingling sensation run up my spine, so I quickly snatched my hands.

“I look forward to hearing from you Emma,” he left my office.

I let out a shudder, his charms still holding sway over me.

My skin still tingled, especially the places he touched.

“Snap out of it Emma, it was just a business offer,” I whispered as I closed my eyes.

The door flew open, and so did my eyes. I thought it was Jason again, it was just Irene, before I could ask where she was, she dropped a heartbreaking news.

“What happened to your phone, your mom said she's been trying to reach you.”

I was on my feet at once.

“My mom, is she alright?.”

“She is, but not your dad, he has been hospitalized again.”

I didn't wait for her to finish,

It was the fourth time in the month, and dad's heart condition has landed him in the hospital.

I flagged a cab quickly, went straight for the hospital, I met my mom, her eyes were red from too much crying, with one of my siblings.

“How is he?” I immediately asked her.

She was in my arms at once.

“Ohh Emma, the doctor needs to carry out the surgery at once, and we have to pay for everything that could be done. He's in critical condition.”

My heart became heavy as I saw my mother weep, almost everything we had went to dad's upkeep but his heart kept failing him, now he has to undergo a surgery.

I met with the doctor in charge, and told him to make preparations. All I had left was the payment from the wedding job. Fortunately I had enough to pay for the surgery after paying my staff.

We were told to wait outside, while the operation was being carried out on dad, I could feel the pressure in mom's hand as she squeezed mine.

“He'll be alright,” I tried to comfort her.

The surgery went on for three hours, we waited patiently for the doctor to come out.

“How is he?” I asked immediately as the doctor came out, my heart pounding.

“All he needs now is rest, thankfully we carried out the surgery in time.”

Mom hugged me as tears streamed down her eyes, we were not able to see him, as the doctor said we shouldn't yet, so we only watched him through the blinds outside the room.

I was still in my office shoes and clothes, and it was too late to return to the office, mom advised that I go back home instead.

I agreed, I was already exhausted.

Anna was worried as hell when I arrived home.

“What happened? I've been trying to reach you.”

I gave her the rundown of what happened at the hospital.

“Is he alright though?”

I sucked my teeth.

“He is, after I spent all my money on the surgery, but it was worth it, since he's still alive.”

“What are you going to do now? You can't run the job on an empty account. I don't mean to sound inconsiderate, considering your dad is still at the hospital but our rent is due by tomorrow.”

I smacked my forehead.

“I totally forgot, could you lend me some money, then by month end, I'll refund it.”

“Sorry girl, after I separated my part of the rent money, I used the rest to stock up for the month, we were low on groceries.”

“Oh, never mind then, I'll find a way.”

“What about the offer from Jason, aren't you taking it? Five million is a swell amount of money, you know?.”

“I don't think it would be wise going into business with my ex, besides it will only make things really awkward for us.”

Anna pressured me more.

“What's there to lose, besides, it's your job to keep it professional. Just do your work, get your money, and move on.”

I thought about what Anna said for a minute, she was right.

I checked my phone for Jason's number and called, he picked at the first ring.

“Emma Wilson,” his cool voice breezed in.