.THE SUBSTITUE WIFE RETURNS

I sat in the chair in the doctor office trying not to think too hard. I was a little shaky in the hands, and I managed to sit still. The white walls, the slight odor of antiseptic, and the quiet ticking of the clock did not help to soothe the pit in my stomach. Dr. Morrison, the expert who had  treated me long, cleared his throat and started talking.

“I am afraid your condition is more serious, Ariana,” he said, with a soft and serious voice. “Your eyes and ears are becoming weaker than ever, the bleeding seems to be more serious these days. Unless you take your medicine as prescribed, you may lose them altogether in a few months.”

I swallowed hard. I had heard these words very many times, but each time it was like a hammer at my chest. I nodded silently. Arguing was impossible, I was aware of the truth.

I’d be blind and deaf in a few months time.

“And the funding?” I asked quietly. I had a shiver in my voice, and I managed to get it out. “The NGO, the one that aids me in my treatment. I’m 18 now. Will they continue?”

Dr. Morrison shook his head slowly. “No, Ariana. They will just assist patients who are below eighteen years. I think you will need to get other means of financing your medicine now. And you need to act fast.”

I pressed my lips together. My mind spun. This was not a surprise to me, but it felt like I was struck by a punch. How would I manage now? My father had long ago indicated that he was not going to  give me another dime or spend another nickel on me. He said I had made enough trouble already, my mother had died giving birth to me, I was sick as a child and now doctors told me I was not going to make twenty-one. Why bother?

I arose sluggishly, and after hearing more words from the doctor telling me ti take care of myself, I left the office. Each step was hard, as though I were walking in mud. The sky was clear outside and the sun’s heat touched on my pale face. I squinted a little , knowing how fast I was growing to being a blind and deaf girl.

The car ride home was quiet. I did not even look at the city or the cars that passed. I couldn’t. My mind was too full of worry. I  heard  the sound of  music before I reached the Hale mansion. People were everywhere, maids dashing about, florists carrying flower arrangements, caterers carrying trays of food. It was a merry and talking house, a sharp contrast to what life had in store for me, a dark and soundless life.

One of the maids, a young girl I had been brought up with, had seen me, and called after me, in a low voice, “Miss Ariana, your father is seeking you. He  demanded once you are back you go see him in his at once.”

I nodded. I didn’t speak. I was well aware of what that was.

I went to the office of my father, and the sound of my footsteps on the marble floor was reminding me of my smallness in that large house. The door was open, and there he was, Richard Hale, my father, sitting behind his great mahogany desk, papers on his desk.

“Where have you been? Why were you not at home all day? he demanded. His voice lacked warmth and concern, and was nothing but accusation.

I hesitated, then spoke. “I went to see Dr. Morrison. He replied that my condition has deteriorated. He told me that my hearing and sight would not last much longer unless I keep taking my medicine. My voice shook slightly. “I… I need your help father. I’ll even… I’ll work if I have to. I just… I need the money to keep going.”

My father sat back on his chair and clasped his hands. His eyes were cold, calculating. “I have spent enough money on you, Ariana, “he said slowly. “Soon enough to  bankrupt e should I go on. You have made me spend money in your entire life. Since you were born, you were a loss and a burden from beginning.”

I flinched. His language was harsh and hurtful , and I endeavoured not to get affected by it. I heard them once, many a time. “It-it’s not my fault father.” I mumbled.

“Not your fault? Then whose fault is it?”  he went on, his voice a little higher. “Your mother died giving birth to you. You were ill since you were a toddler. All the treatment, all the doctors, all the time in hospitals has cost me a fortune. And now the doctors tell you you will not live to twenty-one. Why will i try bond with a child who would die anytime soon? Why would i want such a pointless relationship? When i can bond with the one who has never brought me any worry?

I swallowed hard. I couldn’t respond. I had no words.

He confined, and his voice was lower, colder. “She will make me profit,” he said almost smiling at the thought, “Alina. She will get married to Damien Blackwood who is amongst the wealthiest businessmen in the country. This marriage will guarantee me the wealth, my power, and my legacy. You... you have done me no good. You are useless, Ariana. It is only a burden that is soon to be gone.”

“I… I will get another way, I said to myself. “I’ll… I’ll work. I’ll get help elsewhere. I can manage.”

He motioned his hand in dismissal. “Do as you like, Ariana. But do not ask me again of money.”

Before he could say another word I turned my back. I did not want to see the rage or hate in his eyes anymore. I went back to my room without saying anything, and every step reverberated in the silent halls of the mansion.

When I got there I shut the door and leaned against it, my body trembling. I drew a long breath, but that had no effect on me.

I slowly walked over to the mirror, nearly terrified at what I was going to see. My image was pale and frail as I stared at it. but I was stopped by my eyes. The crimson, weird spots which began like a dot was now covering the greater part of my eyeballs.

One tear  fell down my cheek. I didn’t even try to stop it. I had long since abandoned the hope of having a normal life.

“Why… why does it have to be me?”