Chapter 3

AT THE MALL….

Maria watched Selena with a look of amusement as Selena didn't seem to make a choice. No doubt, there are lots of beautiful dresses there, and maybe even something in a more risqué or slutty style that could get Selena into one of the hottest clubs. But she seemed to be stuck on just one dress. The red silk with silver stripes was a perfect dress for her, it showed off her toned arms and hips. She was so focused on trying on dresses that Maria thought Selena would never notice her presence until she spoke up.

"Hey Selena," Maria said walking up behind her, "You sure this is what you want?" She asked. She wanted to help Selena choose a dress but wasn't sure how and had no clue which would work best regarding what the outfit is for.

On their way here, Maria had pictured a perfect dress for Selena but getting to the mall, she too was speechless because each dress she saw looked better than the last one and after trying, she gave up and then asked Selena to make a choice for herself.

But the way it is now, she is not sure if they are leaving the mall anything soon. If only she can think of something that will look great on Selena.

"Hmm?" Selena says, turning her head, "No, this isn't what I'm looking for." She replied while putting an expensive-looking dress back where she found it. This dress was probably worth more money than Selena has ever seen before. She was so focused on her own thoughts, she didn't notice when Maria walked over to her.

"We are taking the dress if you like it. The prettier the dress, the high paying client we will get tonight "

Selena wanted to protest but Maria was already taking the dress out of the hangar and heading towards the counter to pay for it.

Selena sighed and followed her. The dress is so expensive and she can't bear the thought that her friend is buying it for her.

Both said nothing to each other as they walked out of the mall carrying the dress in a blue plastic bag.

Selena was sad and Maria was worried about her and also anxious about tonight. "I hope nothing goes wrong," Maria prayed in her mind.

After waiting for another five minutes, a cab drove by and the duo stopped it, still not saying anything to each. Anyone seeing them in this mood, would think both are fighting. They had a problem at hand and each thinks that silence is the best for both of them.

"Please sir, take us to Collins Hospital,"

Selena said, adjusting herself inside the cab. Maria raised her brows," I thought we were going to the house to get ready for tonight?"

"Sorry, I thought we should drop by the hospital and see how it is with Andrew. I need to get his blessings," Selena muttered sadly.

"Wait! what? Are you going to tell him you will be sle..."

"Maria, bring it down. Someone might hear you," Selena said a low tune, cutting Maria short before she could spill their little secret.

"Sorry but you are not going to do that, are you?" Maria asked, staring at her right in the face.

"No, I am not. I just want to see him and the doctor too."

Maria was relieved by Selena's response. She had thought her friend was going to spill the beans to her sick brother. It would have worsened the brother's situation if she ever told him.

Silence fell between the two, once again not uttering a single word. This time the silence made both anxious, they didn't like it when the other was so quiet, especially when both were worried.

When Maria felt the car finally stop, she quickly got out of the cab while Selena followed behind. They thanked the man and paid their fares and headed towards the hospital.

Both walked through the lobby and found the hospital empty. It looked like the hospital was not having patients like the other days.

"Does it mean people have stopped being sick?" Selena wondered as she and Maria walked side by side towards Andrew's ward.

One of the nurses, Nurse Vera, met them on their way to Andrew's ward.

"Miss Johnson, Miss Parker, You both are here," the nurse said with a professional smile on her face.

"I was beginning to think you abandoned your brother, Miss Parker, but now I am relieved," the nurse added, chuckling.

"Nurse Vera, you know I will not dare. I was cut up with something that's why I am here late but I would need your help tonight."

Selena said, trying to sound casual as possible. Nurse Vera has always been her lifesaver since Andrew was admitted in the hospital. Each time she goes to school, the nurse takes it upon her to look after Andrew. She is more like a family to Selena and Andrew.

"Anything for you but may I know where you are going tonight?"

Maria shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other

Selena glanced in her direction and gave her an apologetic look, "sorry girlfriend."

Selena then turned to face the nurse who had a narrow look on her face.

"I got a job offer, part-time at this big bar. 200 bucks per night and I am taking it up."

Nurse Vera looked at Selena in disbelief "And you want me to believe that? I don't know where you are going but be careful. I will send Melissa to come to watch over Andrew tonight."

Selena smiled gratefully and bowed, "I owe you big time. I wondered what I would do without you?"

"Always remember that and again I am not sure you can do without me. You're welcome to try," the nurse said and turned her back on two of them then walked away, not without giving Maria puffy cheeks.

"That was close, I thought you were going to tell her," Maria said, releasing the air she did not realize she was holding.

"I know she did not believe me but then she doesn't know what I am up to,"

Selena chuckled and continued her journey to Andrew's ward. This time around, Maria was the one following her behind.