3 - Loss

Melissa’s POV

I step back as though Andrew just slapped me. With those words, he might as well have.

“That’s right,” Andrew even reinforces it. “If you didn’t scheme and force your way into my life, do you really think I would have married you? I wouldn’t have chosen you. That’s why you had to use that child to force my grandfather into arranging a marriage for us.”

In all the fights that we had, in all the arguments that broke out between us, these things have always been the quiet part. He never said them out loud. That’s why I’ve been able to at least say something back.

But this time, I got no words. My heart has been scooped hollow, sinking with the realization that he will never see me as his wife. In his eyes, I was the one who trapped him with a baby. Even if I kill myself slaving for him, changing for him, this will never change.

“Allie still needs you,” I just mutter. “She can die, Andrew. I know you don’t believe me, and you’re free to check it out for yourself.”

Andrew hesitates. He’s stuck between his resentment and his concern, the very small trace of it that he has for his daughter.

However, before he can decide, Eleanor comes creeping out of the hospital room and towards him.

This action is deliberate. She has no embarrassment on her face. She’s well aware that an important conversation is going on, and now she’s just pretending to hate having to interrupt.

Andrew sees her. “Eleanor, it’s fine. You don’t have to go here—”

“I know, Andrew.” Eleanor flashes him a fake shy smile before glancing at me. “I can’t help but overhear, Melissa. I know it’s not really my place, but please don’t be mad at Andrew. If there’s anyone you should be mad at, it should be me.”

“No, Melissa has no right to be mad,” Andrew states, scoffing.

“As a mother, I understand her,” Eleanor says softly, which makes Andrew look at her like she’s a saint that descended from the heavens. “This is all my fault, Melissa. I’m really, really sorry.”

I would have been touched if she told Andrew to go see his other child too. But I know that she won’t do that. The self-righteous smile on her face says enough.

When I don’t say anything, she gives Andrew a scared little look before continuing, “I left when I was pregnant with Lottie, and I spent a lot of time wandering abroad. The only thing I want now is for Lottie to spend time with her father. Allie was lucky enough to be born into a good family with a loving father. I just want Lottie to have the same.”

Eleanor’s voice breaks right at that moment. The perfect performance. Andrew’s eyes soften, but only for her. He already forgot everything I said about Allie.

“It’s alright, you didn’t do anything wrong,” he assures her. “I’m going to make it up to you and Lottie.”

Completely insensitive, Eleanor wraps an arm around his waist. I can tell he’s about to go with her, but Lottie's tiny figure comes running out to the hallway.

“Daddy, it hurts!” she complains, her cheeks shining with tears as she holds out her arms to hug him.

“Oh, honey,” Andrew says softly, carrying her in his arms. “I’m going to take care of you now, okay? Everything will be fine.”

He starts to walk away, but I can’t just let it happen. Seeing him with Lottie like that just tells me that I need to get him by Allie’s side. Especially now that things are so uncertain. I walk behind him, about to call his attention when he suddenly spins around, handing Lottie to Eleanor before facing me.

“I’m going to see Allie,” he declares, and my heart almost gives way with relief. But then, he takes it all back when he adds, “I never wanted her, but you should count yourself lucky that she’s a good kid.”

“She’s your daughter,” I whisper.

“Yeah, and of course I care about her.” His eyes are as cold as ice. “You should stop using her as a pawn to get attention from me. The act is getting old. I’m going to see her later, so please just stop making shit up because you’re jealous. It’s not good for the kid.”

He takes Lottie from Eleanor, who barely gives me a look despite acting all apologetic just minutes earlier. I know that when Andrew turns back around, he’s going to disappear and forget about this promise.

So I swallow all my pride to stop him.

“No, you will see Allie now.”

Andrew’s face darkens. He holds Lottie closer to him, like she’s going to disappear if he doesn’t.

“This is the last time I’ll warn you, Melissa,” he growls. “Lottie needs me right now. If she gets infected, it’s going to be on you. And I will make you feel it. Mark my words.”

With that, he whips around and leaves. Eleanor shoots me a glance and I know she looks away quickly because she’s gloating. My heart cracks with every step he makes.

There goes my last chance.

There goes Allie’s wishes.

I was angry, but now I just feel numb. I’m empty, basically just dragging my feet across the floor as I make my way back to Allie’s room. I sit down on the chair, staring at the clock. Seconds pass by, turning into hours. I can’t do anything now but just wait for Allie to be back from her surgery.

Part of me is still waiting for Andrew to show up. But seven hours pass and there’s no sign of him. I vaguely wonder if a cut is enough to keep him occupied for that long. Meanwhile, Allie is battling for her life and he won’t even move a finger for her.

After a while, the door opens. I shoot to my feet, my pulse racing in my ears as I see Doctor Samuels.

“How’s my daughter?” I ask eagerly, looking behind him in the hopes to see Allie. “Is she going to be brought back here? Can I come see her? Is she awake?”

He looks away when I try to hold his gaze in the hopes of hiding his expression. But it’s too late. Shining from the fatigue in his eyes is something that I never wanted to see: regret.

Suddenly my questions are answered. I just don’t need him to speak anymore. But he does, further crushing my hopes.

“Allie fought bravely,” he says, his voice cracking. “But the odds were against her. She was already suffering from organ failure. The donor that we found pulled out at the last minute.”

I step back, shaking my head in denial.

Surely this isn’t real. Surely there’s been a mistake….

“I’m sorry. Allie is gone.”