CHAPTER THREE.
1179 Words
KELVIN'S POV.
I remained fixated for a while as I couldn't take my eyes off the disfigured blood and dirt stained figure lying before me. My heart stopped, trying to process what I had seen.
I was frightened.
I didn't want a repetition of what happened with my cousin, Julianne.
She was my closest friend. We were teenagers when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnosis had a huge impact on us both.
I was there through the treatment process. I supported her in every step. I watched her, facing death headon and I was inspired by her courage.
Still, she didn't survive. Her absence left me with a deep sense of emptiness and guilt. I didn't do enough to help her. I could have been able to save her.
When I met Esmeralda, I saw a lot of Julianne's qualities in her and that was what connected me to her.
"Esmeralda," was all that silently escaped my trembling lips in a bid to not scare her the more.
The silence that followed weighed a ton, as she started deeply into oblivion.
I wasted no time as I ran towards her. "Open your eyes , Es!" My voice trembled with fear.
I reached for her hand as she mouthed my name, "Kelvin" soundlessly.
"I'm with you, I got you" I assured her, sighing in relief.
I stared at her, unable to stop my mind from wandering. I thought about how much I doted on her.
From watching her at the diner, I had been so attracted to her courage and strong appearance but now, all I saw was her weakness and it was a huge pain in my heart that she was in this state.
"Es, you need a doctor," I tried to rouse her. She sighed weakly and I took that as her sign of cooperation.
I sat her up. I took her in my arms and drew her closer. She leaned in to me, placing her hand on my chest.
I smelt the fragrance of her shampoo, probably from the last time she had a wash.
As I walked to the car bearing her in my arms, a feeling of responsibility washed over me. I felt determined to protect and keep her safe from any form of harm.
She was weighty, but I didn't mind.
I was elated to be here for her.
On our way to the hospital, she was silent.
I watched her from the rear view mirror , making sure she was okay.
When we got to the hospital, I took her straight into the emergency room because I realised that I had forgotten to inform Dr. Nelson earlier.
They rushed to attend to her and I was not allowed inside.
I moved restlessly around the waiting room as I sent a text to him.
I feared that something more serious than I thought was going on. I closed my eyes saying a short prayer.
Dr. Nelson stepped out of the emergency room after ages.
"She's stable now" he tapped my shoulder comfortingly.
"But we must keep her here for observation for a while, you have no reason to worry"
I sighed in relief before asking to see her.
"Sure, you can . Try to keep calm. She's asleep. She needs the rest. A lot has happened these past days"
I shook my head determined to be there for her in every way possible.
The determination to make a difference in her life and helping her through whatever this was, enveloped me instantly.
As I stepped into the ICU, I knew at this point that there was no going back.
I crouched by the bed Es laid, clinging onto her hand as I looked at her quiet face, peaceful as she slept.
The beeping sounds of the machines that surrounded us posed as a recurring reminder of her current state of fragility but I was comforted by Dr. Nelson's words, “we'll have more information soon but she will be ok” he had promised.
I couldn't phantom how quickly everything happened over the past few days. From our beautiful diner, then two trips to the hospital.
My eyes turned back to her with a mix of emotions. I was worried sick for her.
I was tired but I knew I had to summon all the strength I had, for her sake.
As the nurse came back to check on her, I stood up to talk to her. "How is she doing?" I tried to keep my voice calm.
"She's still stable," she responded.
"We are still running some tests and the doctor will talk to you soon" she concluded as she walked away.
I nodded, uneasily. Questions lingering.
As all around fell calm, the machines beeped even more rapidly.
I looked up and saw her eyes fluttering open gradually from the door.
I knew she was going to try to get up if she saw me and I didn't want to bother her so much. So I watched her from the door.
I stared at her like her recovery depended solely on it. For a moment, I felt like I was the only person in her world and I vowed to make the world beautiful from this moment on.
In no time, Dr. Nelson walked into the room.
Es had closed her eyes again, she must be so tired. I imagined as I turned to Dr. Nelson.
"Doc, I haven't been able to get any other information on her health " I started.
"Like I said earlier, we just have to monitor her closely"
"What do you think is going on?" I tried to get more information.
He hesitated, looking at Esmeralda before looking back at me. "
"Come with me" he whispered.
He led me away from the hustle and activities of the emergency ward.
"I need to talk to you about ESMERALDA," his expression mixed with seriousness and exhaustion.
I was gripped with so much fear. "Is there a huge problem?" My voice was shaking, mixed with a fear of trepidation.
"Not really, She's responding well so far. We are taking very good care of her, don't worry" he replied bluntly.
“What she's going through at that moment is more emotional than physical. Let's make sure she has all the love and care she needs. She's going through a lot” he concluded
"Sure Doc! I understand and I'll do my best!" I responded. Composing myself but still unable to hide my feelings.
"You can be here for her through this time. Esmeralda has been lonely for so long, she needs us at this point. We will monitor her and adjust her care as needed" he concluded.
He left.
I felt relieved but my heart still pounded. Emotionally or not, I wanted her totally okay.
What if I couldn't do enough to keep her okay? What if?
As I stood there with unanswered questions trailing through my mind. My phone beeped…it was a text from an unknown number.
“I found you bastard” the text read.
I froze.
- Writer
