CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
1121 Words
Stephan couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease as he walked into his childhood home the next morning. The recognisable scene of the well-decorated walkway and the aroma of freshly made coffee should have brought him warmth, but today it only increased his nervousness. He made his way to the dining area where his father was seat at the head of the table patiently expecting him.
With caution, Stephan said, "Good morning, Father," and sat down across from him.
His father looked up from his newspaper, his face unreadable. “Good morning, Stephan,” he replied curtly.
The room was dead silent, and Stephan braced himself for whatever discussion was going to take place. He was familiar enough with his father to know that although he was a quiet guy, his words were powerful when he did speak.
It seemed like a lifetime, but at last, Mr. Rodriguez folded his newspaper and put it neatly next to his plate. He met Stephan's stare, and there was a decidedly steely edge to it. “Stephan,” he began, his voice low and steady, “What’s going on with the wedding plans”
“Nothing sir, preparations will begin very soon”
“You know breaking off the engagement is not an option so hurry up and do the right thing”
“Okay sir”
“Let’s eat” his father ordered
The breakfast was delicious but Stephan wasn’t interested in the meal
“Don’t you like the meal?” His father asked because Stephan barely touched his plate
“No, it’s nice” Stephan replied as he stuffed a spoonful into his mouth “Where is Mom? Why isn’t she joining?” He hasn’t seen his mother since he got here
“She went to the spa”. His mother has always loved to relax and be taken care of. Stephan smiled at the thought of his mother enjoying her spa sessions.
“It would be nice if you join us to play golf today” his father was trying to get him to hang out with Mr O’Neil
“I would have loved to but I need to attend to something urgently” Stephan lied. He had planned to visit Ethan at the hospital but he couldn’t mention it to his father.
After breakfast, Stephan drove to the hospital, upon arriving at the hospital he went to the doctor’s office to get a status update on Ethan's health. He knocked lightly before going in
“Hello, good morning Stephan, I wasn’t expecting you” Doctor Evans greeted with a smile
“Good morning doctor, I came to see you concerning Ethan” Stephan went straight to the point
“Please have a seat” he offered Stephan a seat, immediately they were settled down, he began to inquire about Stephan’s visit “ Hope no problem”
“No problem at all Doc I just wanted to know if there is any improvement with the treatment”
“Well, Ethan is doing great but it may take a couple of weeks more to notice improvements” the doctor explained
“I would like to carry out a DNA test on the child, would that affect the treatment” Stephan asked
“No, it won’t”
“Even if the test would be done in another hospital”
“That won’t be a problem, would he be returning to this hospital to continue treatment?”
“I doubt that I don’t want to stress him too much by moving him around and I would like for him to be treated at St Luke Hospital which happens to be my family hospital
“If that’s what you want, I will prepare the medical report, have the new doctor call me before the report is ready” The doctor tried not to feel hurt, the Rodriguez family is a very influential family of course they would want the best, not that he isn’t a good doctor but his hospital was lacking in so many ways and can’t be compared to the Rodriguez family hospital.
“That won’t be a problem Doc, thank you for your time” Stephan bade farewell and headed to Ethan’s room
The sight that greeted him was heart-warming, Ruby was playing with Ethan and he was laughing, he had never heard Ethan laugh, and the laughter brought joy to him. He smiled at the sight in front of him. Ruby glanced up and saw Stephan looking at them with a smile on his face.
“Hey Stephan, glad you’re here,” Ruby said, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “Look at Ethan, he’s so much better today!”
Stephan approached the bed and looked down at his son, who was giggling and reaching out towards Ruby. Stephan's eyes welled with tears upon seeing this. Moments like these proved that the lengthy and challenging journey following Ethan's diagnosis had been worthwhile.
With his voice stifled with emotion, Stephan muttered, "I'm so glad to see him like this." "Ruby, I must tell you something very important."
Ruby raised her head to gaze at him, worry shining in her eyes.
Ruby looked up at him, her eyes filled with concern. “What is it, Stephan? Is everything okay?
Stephan inhaled deeply and found the fortitude to say the words that had been on his mind. "I have arranged for Ethan to be transferred to a different hospital with better facilities, and the DNA test will be conducted there,"
Ruby's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "Stephan, that's a big decision, You should have told me before taking that step. Are you sure it's the right move for Ethan?"
Stephan nodded, his determination unwavering. "Yes, I'm sure. I want the best for Ethan, and I believe that the hospital my family owns will provide him with the care he needs."
A mix of emotions flashed across Ruby's face - confusion, concern, and even a hint of hurt. "Stephan, I understand your need for certainty. It's important for Ethan's future too. If this is what you feel is necessary, then I trust your judgment."
Stephan let out a sigh of relief, grateful that Ruby was being understood. "Ruby, thank you. I understand it will be difficult, but we need to know the truth. I've made arrangements for the DNA test to be conducted as soon as Ethan is transferred."
"Okay," Ruby nodded
"When are we leaving here"
"Tomorrow, I have spoken to Doctor Evans already and he has agreed to coordinate the transfer. The new hospital is prepared to receive Ethan and has all the necessary facilities for his treatment."
Ruby nodded her expression a mix of anticipation and worry.
- Writer
