Chapter 5: He's Mine

Zyra’s POV…

I stood clutching Ronan tighter in my arms while Roland’s gaze burned a hole right through me.

I had my suspicions about Andrew’s business; it had more to it than it appeared.

But I never pressed further, in this case, ignorance served me more good than harm.

He was the only one willing to employ a girl without any ties in the city.

I had no educational or even work history and yet he gave me a chance.

I couldn’t mess up the privilege, by prying where I wasn’t concerned. 

Plus I trust Andrew, he won’t do anything that would harm anyone. 

“I didn’t know you had a child,” Roland said, his gaze burning a hole right through where I held Ronan. 

“Well it’s been five years, you don’t expect me to be the same as you left me.”

I could have thought I saw him wince, but my mind must have been playing a fast one on me today.

“Five years.” He repeated moving closer.

“… and how old is your son?” 

“4 years,” I answered quickly, I wasn't going to give Roland any hint that he was his father. 

Andrew cleared his throat, “I didn’t know you both knew each other.” 

“It was a long time ago, we weren’t close.” 

“We weren't,” Roland added. 

I was about to speak when my phone started vibrating in my arms.

It was Nana calling, so I picked up the call immediately.

For her to call during my work hours. It only meant one thing.

“Zyra!” Her sob followed.

“Nana, what happened?” 

“I went to give him breakfast and I noticed he wasn't breathing….” She paused to sob again.

“I am on my way.” 

“I am scared, Zyra, the doctors said I should wait outside, he's all alone.” 

“I will be there in five minutes.” 

I ended her call to dial a cab.

“No need for a cab, I would drop you.” 

“But the store… who would watch it?”

“I would close.” 

“You don't have to.” 

“I would drop you off instead.” Roland butted in.

His brows had formed a frown as they drew together.

“I am capable of handling my own business without your help, thank you.” 

He didn't respond.

He grabbed my arm and started dragging me towards the exit, “From your tone, it was an emergency… drop the pride and allow me to drop you.” 

Ronan trailed behind me as fresh tears coated his eyes.

I knew he was about to start crying and was doing his best to hold it in. 

He was always so emotional whenever it came to Nana and Papa, so was I.

Roland stopped moving when he saw Ronan’s expression.

He crouched down and ruffled his hair, “You know what buddy why don't we go for ice cream while Mummy goes to Nana?” 

My heart melted and my feet became like jelly hearing his words.

Ronan nodded, wiping his tears.

It was for the best, I didn't want him to see Papa in such a state.

It was a heartbreaking scene for an adult already a child his age shouldn't go through such.

I didn't argue with Roland anymore. I just slipped into the back of the SUV parked in front of the store.

They must be staying a while for them to have already gotten car rentals.

Christopher sat in the driver's seat, I expected Roland to take the passenger's seat upfront, but instead he joined us at the back. 

I raised my eyebrows, giving him a puzzled expression, “I don't have a car seat, I want to be sure he's safe at the back with you.” 

I could only manage an ‘OH’ in response. 

The store wasn't far from the hospital but the drive felt like the longest ride I have had in my whole life. 

I tapped my feet gently, while clutching my hand tightly, my knuckles shone white.

Roland placed his hand on mine to calm my movements.

I raised my gaze from where he held my hand to meet his eyes.

For a moment the world fell silent as I stared deep into them.

I withdrew my hand from his creating more distance as the car could allow between us.

Thank God we arrived at the hospital sooner.

“There's an ice cream shop just around the corner. I will meet y'all there when I am done here.” 

Roland nodded, still holding Ronan in his arms, I waved Ronan goodbye and dashed into the hospital.

I saw Nana pacing about, she looked pale, for someone I saw in the morning I could almost no longer recognize her.

“Nana?”

She turned to me, “Oh, Zyra.” She started sobbing anew as she hugged me tightly.

My throat felt heavy, as I held back from crying. 

“How bad is it?”

“He's still in there, the Doctors didn't allow me to go in.” 

“Let's sit and wait for them, I am sure he will be fine, Papa is strong he will come out of this…. He always does.” 

She sniffed dabbing her cheeks with a handkerchief, “he always does.” she repeated.

I hugged her tighter. 

She scanned me, “Where is Ronan?” 

I was hoping she wouldn't notice.

“Umm, he's with a friend.” 

Her eyes held curiosity but she didn't press further, it wasn't the best time either.

The doctor's eyes held indifference in them, it's something you get used to with frequent hospital visits.

He went straight to the point, “His heart stopped working, but we managed to bring him back. He's currently on an ECMO.” 

I let out a shaky breath as Nana squeezed my hand tighter.

“He can't remain on an ECMO forever; he would need a heart transplant as soon as possible.” 

“We have been on the transplant list for over two years and he hasn't found a donor.” 

“His current condition puts him higher on the list, we have to hope for the best.” 

The doctor paused, he wasn't done yet, they usually started from the good news before the bad, what could be worse than what he had already said?

“Your insurance doesn't cover the ECMO and even the transplant surgery.”

“We would need to pay ourselves?”

He nodded.

Nana started muttering prayers beside me.

“I would see to it,” I responded.

I didn't have any means to come up with such a huge amount of money, nor could I take a loan because I had no trace in this realm.

What was I going to do?