Chapter 10:Vanessa's Warning

Maya stared at Sophie's text until the words were blurry. Mom was in the hospital. That was all it said, no details, no explanation. Her head spun, and she had to sit down.

Her hands shook as she called Sophie. The phone rang four times before her sister answered, voice thick and sober from crying.

“Maya? Did you get my text?”

“What happened? Is Mom okay?” Maya was already putting her books into her bag.

“She collapsed at work. They think it’s exhaustion or her heart. I don’t know. The doctors are running tests. I’m at the County General, but they won’t tell me much because I’m not eighteen.”

“I’m coming. Stay there.”

The bus would take an hour, too long. An Uber was about forty dollars and she didn’t have such an amount of money.

She stood on the library steps, panicking, when one of Dominic’s club prospects appeared.

“You okay? You ran out like something’s wrong.”

“My mom’s in the hospital. I need to get there.”

“Hold on,” he said, pulling out his phone.

“Don’t call Dom, he's busy.”

“Maya, you’re shaking.” He dialed anyway. “Dom said to call if you needed anything. This counts. Don't forget.”

Within minutes, Dominic’s truck appeared. He dropped out and steadied her as she stood.

“I’ll drive you,” he said, walking her into the passenger seat.

They sped down the highway. Maya stared out the window, heart beating faster than normal.

“She collapsed at work,” Maya said quietly. “She never rests. I kept telling her to slow down.”

“That sounds familiar,” Dominic replied. “You work out yourself just like her honestly.”

“This isn’t about me.”

“No, but worrying for forty minutes won’t help either.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

She tried to breathe. She wasn't herself until they arrived at County General. Dominic parked by the emergency entrance.

“Go. I’ll find you inside.”

Maya ran through the sliding doors and spotted Sophie in the waiting room. Her sister jumped up and hugged her.

“She’s stable. That’s all they said.”

“I’m here now. We’ll figure it out.”

A nurse appeared. “Are you Mrs. Chen’s daughters?”

“Yes, how is she?”

“She’s resting. The doctor will talk to you soon. You can wait here.”

Sophie leaned against Maya’s shoulder, crying softly.

“This is my fault. I asked Mom for money for a trip last week. She took an extra shift.”

“It’s not your fault,” Maya said firmly. “Mom pushes herself too hard. Always has.”

“But what if it’s serious?”

“She’s tough. Remember when she worked with a broken toe? She’s a fighter.”

“Everyone has limits,” Sophie whispered.

Maya had no answer. She just held her until Dominic returned with coffee and snacks.

“You didn’t have to stay,” Maya murmured.

“I’m not leaving you alone.” He handed Sophie a candy bar.

“You’re Maya’s boyfriend from the motorcycle club,” Sophie said.

“Something like that,” Dominic replied with a small grin.

Time dragged. Maya hated the sterile smell, the flickering lights, the fear tightening her chest. When the doctor finally came, she and Sophie jumped up.

“Your mother’s stable,” Dr. Morrison said. “Severely dehydrated, overworked, dangerously high blood pressure. She needs rest and fewer hours. If not, next time could be worse.”

“Can we see her?” Sophie asked.

“She’s awake. Room 247.”

They hurried to the elevator. Dominic followed quietly until Maya caught his hand. “Come with us,” she said softly.

Their mom looked smaller than Maya had ever seen her. Pale, hooked to an IV, eyes opening weakly as they entered.

“My girls,” she rasped. “You didn’t have to come.”

“Of course we did,” Sophie said, rushing to her side.

“I’m okay,” their mom murmured. “Just tired.”

Maya stood at the end of the bed, feeling guilty like she was the cause.

“Stop blaming yourself,” her mom said gently. “This isn’t your fault.”

“You work so hard because of us,” Maya said. “If I’d gotten a better scholarships”

“I work because I choose to,” her mom said. “Because I want a better life for you.” She reached out a weakl hand. “Come here.”

Maya took her hand, heart aching.

“Who’s this?” her mom asked, noticing Dominic.

“This is Dominic. He gave me a ride.”

“Nice to meet you,” her mom said, studying him. “Thank you.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said quietly.

“You girls should eat something,” her mom murmured, eyes closing.

“We’ll stay,” Sophie said, pulling up a chair.

Maya nodded but stepped out for air. Dominic followed her down the hall. The moment she sat, the tears came flowing unstoppable.

“Sorry,” she gasped between sobs.

“You don’t have to apologize,” he said, offering her a napkin. “You’re allowed to break down.”

“She’s killing herself for us,” Maya whispered. “And I’ve been too distracted with all the club drama to even notice.”

“Your problems matter too,” Dominic said softly.

“Not like this. I can’t deal with biker wars when my family’s falling apart. Maybe we should end this by telling everyone it was fake. Go back to being nobody.”

“It’s not fake anymore,” he said, voice firm. “And walking away won’t make you safe. The Vipers already know who you are.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?” Maya’s voice cracked. “I can’t keep living like this.”

“Running won’t fix it,” Dominic said, squeezing her hand. “We’ll figure it out.”

Before she could answer, the sound of heels moved down the hallway. Vanessa Sterling appeared, all bossy and smirking.

“Well, isn’t this cozy?” she said. “I heard Maya’s mom was here. Thought I’d stop by.”

“How do you even know about that?” Maya demanded.

“I have friends in the registrar’s office. They said you left campus upset. It wasn't that hard to guess. Your mom works at the textile factory, right? My family owns it. Small world.”

Maya went cold.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I already told you to stay away from Dominic. But since you didn’t listen, here’s the deal. Your mom’s job? It exists because my family allows it.”

“You’re threatening her job?”

Vanessa smiled sweetly. “Break up with Dominic and walk away, or I call my father. Your mom gets fired. ‘performance issues.’ Collapsing at work is a perfect excuse.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Watch me,” Vanessa said, pulling out her phone. “You have until Monday. Choose him, she’s fired. Choose family, and I’ll even move her to an easier position.”

Then she turned and left, heels echoing down the hall.

Maya stood frozen, horror feeled her up.

“She’s just bluffing,” Dominic said.

“No, she’s not,” Maya whispered. “The Sterlings own half this city. If Vanessa wants her fired, she’ll make it happen.”

“There’s always something you can do.”

“Like what? Choose between you and my mom’s job?” She laughed bitterly. “Between a fake relationship and my family surviving?”

“It’s not fake,” he repeated. “And we’ll figure something out.”

“You can’t fix this,” Maya said, tears pouring down her cheeks again.

Her phone buzzed. Another unknown number.

Tough choice, isn’t it? Us or your family. Choose wrong and you lose both. Tick tock, college girl.

Maya stared at the message for a while before looking away.