Chapter 6

I am just stuck and totally confused, not knowing what to do next. 

“I can't go back to the hospital empty-handed!” I speak tenderly with a frown all over my face.

“How do I get someone to sell off this bus?” I questioned quietly. Looking so frustrated.

“I'm willing, as a matter of fact, to sell off my personal belongings just to save my mom's life!” I voiced within.

 “Yes, I am very much willing!” I purred in a tone filled with inclination.

Going to the ETC Bank to take a loan is totally unacceptable. Just as Lizzy had suggested. 

“How do I withstand Linda, the very person who hurled me into this mess?” I winced with an aggrieved heart. 

A heart so depressed and devastated. Shattered as though I bear the burden of everyone.

From all indications, there are no other available means for me to raise this huge amount of money, and the money that I have left wouldn't be enough. Not even half of what is demanded by the doctor can I boast of.

The only options left are to sell off the bus or seek help from Charles, my boss. And I'm pretty sure he can afford such an amount of money countless times. 

But he won't risk such an amount of money to anyone without you first being willing to do your share. By offering your whole body to him to consume! 

Mr. Charles has a history of sleeping around with staff. Going to meet him for help would be unwise. It is as good as offering myself to him to prey upon.

 In the same breath, I can't go and stand by Linda either; she doesn't deserve my attention anymore. She threw me into what I am going through.

“No, I can't!” I muttered. My face is so consumed by anger and frustration! 

“Fuck,” I hollered!

My friendship with Linda is over! 

She can go and get along with Miguel all she wants. 

“This isn't what I should be talking about now!” I purred. While scrolling through my phone, hunting for any available merchant.

“Linda will pay dearly for the furnace she ridiculously placed in my heart.” I tendered sorrowfully, biting my lower lip in anguish.

Since the medical bills were urgently needed, I had to go and withdraw the last money I had and quickly rush back to the hospital to deposit it.

Knowing fully well, the doctor might not accept such a low deposit. But I have to give it a try.

 “This is not the time for me to dwell on assumption and thought, but rather to take action. Whatever the outcome, fate will make it known to me.” I encourage my weary soul wrapped in doubt.

I went and boarded a taxi and headed to the hospital.

When I arrived at the hospital, I met Lizzy resting her head on the edge of the bed where our mom was lying down. She looked so tired; exhaustion was seen all over her.

I went closer and tapped her on the shoulder. She stood up sluggishly, stretching her body exhaustedly with her face squeezed.

I offered her some of the fruit and juice I bought while coming. 

“Has the doctor come to check on her ever since I left?” I calmly asked. Staring directly at our mom lying helplessly on life support.

“No, he only came to check on others while waiting for the deposit.” She responded calmly and pitifully.

Tears almost leaked out of my eyes when I heard that. My heartbeat almost seized. I started feeling pains all over my chest.

But I pretended to be strong. To avoid weakening her already weary state.

“Why did you want to sell Dad's bus?” Lizzy asked, staring at me directly in the face while holding the fruits I offered her.

“Please, let's discuss that later. Let's think about how Mom can be treated.” I responded calmly. Not knowing what could be her next question.

“Did you apply for the loan, Sofia?” Lizzy asked, staring directly at me skeptically. Such a question got me pissed. But I never made it known to her.

I was bearing all pains and heartbroken silently. Wearing a faint smile, but deep inside of me, I am losing it. 

The pain and anguish I am going through is becoming unbearable!

To cut her off from such discussion, I requested to go and see the doctor in his office to offer him the little money I came with. 

Plead with him to commence treatment immediately while I go in search of the remaining balance.

“Let me go and see the doctor to present the little money I was able to get from my little savings. I hope he will accept and commence treatment immediately.”

I spoke calmly and exhaustedly, yet acted strong and vigorously in pretense.

I left Lizzy and moved towards the office of the doctor. When I got there, at the door of his office, my heart was beating very hard and fast. My two legs were somewhat vibrating enormously, afraid of what the outcome could be.

I began prancing around, unable to knock at the door, afraid he would reject the little money I came with. If he rejects me, then I'm finished. 

I was moving about with a pounding heart, trying to summon the courage to take hold of that knob!  

People were passing by, some with a disturbing outlook to go and see their sick ones, when suddenly I summoned courage and struck at the door gently.

“Who is there? Please make your way in.” A voice echoed tenderly from inside.

I held the knob and pushed the door in with my face half buried to the floor, hopelessly.

I went in, shutting the door behind me.

“Good day, sir.” I greeted.

He lifted and nodded his head and returned it, glancing at the file in front of him. 

I stood there for a few seconds watching him while he flipped through files and also confirmed some information on the system.

 He appeared so busy. I stood quietly, rolling my eyes across the walls.

With his dark hair and beard properly shaved. His stethoscope was on the table with a glass of water close to where he dropped his handset. Files were piled up at the edge of the table.

A lot of pictures and frames hung around the walls with different paintings, each bearing a unique description.

At the extreme, a fancy table could be seen with lots of international awards and medals arranged in rolls.

I wasn't too comfortable there. I was feeling cool since the AC in the office wasn't too good for my health.

After a few seconds, he lifted his head, and our eyes clashed. 

“Please be seated.” He offered. He wore a friendly smile on his face, which revealed his dimples.

I went and sat in a chair directly opposite him, which he pointed to.

He brought out a file, opened it, and showed me some of the drugs that will be needed urgently. Telling me how urgent it is to prevent her illness from deepening or growing severe.

I was just glancing at the information, nodding my head while he spoke.

When he finished with his explanation, he asked if I had made the payment…