Against Our Love

MARIA'S P O V It's ok Maria,I really understand how it feels but how long will you continue to cry over this problem. We need to find a way out,said Margaret;my best friend in college. She has been my friend ever since I started college and people call us the MM girls because of our names,Maria and Margaret .I knew she said that just to console me so that I would stop crying. Hearing of my father's illness made me sad and I never wanted to stop crying, especially the huge amount of money involved in his treatment. That has been the only problem I have been thinking about as I sat under the big mango tree at the school backyard with Margaret. My father has been the only family I have since my mom passed away when I was fifteen years and I really remember how my dad struggled before getting me into college. This thought made me shed tears and become emotional as I keep wondering how to raise money for my father's treatment. Margaret continued with her motivational words as if she will be able to raise even $50 to help. All hope was lost and I needed to get back home to take care of my dad. Tears ran down my eyes as I saw how my dad was lying down looking at my face without even saying a word. There was no hug and kiss from him this time around as I have been getting Everytime I come home. I knelt beside my dad and held his hands tightly assuring him that he will be fine. The drugs have sustained him for a while and he needs the surgery to be able to fully recover, said the doctor as he brought drugs for my dad's afternoon medication. I quickly wiped my tears and asked the doctor if there is any way he can carry on with the surgery then we can pay back later when he is fit but he said it doesn't work that way. Fear gripped me as the doctor said the surgery should be conducted in the next five days before anything happens. I can't lose the only family I have and I need to act and do everything possible to save the life of my father. I vowed to myself. I was able to organize some money from selling some of my personal stuff and my dad's motorbike but the money was not enough to start the surgery. At the moment I realized I need to get a job in order to raise enough money for the treatment but taking such a decision will also affect my education and that was another problem to think about. Losing my father will haunt my life forever and will blame myself for not being able to save him when I had the chance, for going my education will also cost my future and this was the debate in my head as I lay down near my dad on the hospital bed. After a warm and refreshing bath in the morning,I took out my white bodycon and matched it with black skirt as I stepped out to get myself a job. I wandered under the hot sun as I moved from one tooffice to the other looking for a CEO who would lend me money for my father's treatment and deduct it from my salary. Would I have accepted it if I were in their shoes?,I wondered as I continued my search. With all hope lost and thinking of what to do next, I bumped into a nice looking young woman packing loads from his car. Watch your steps young lady as she yelled at me.I accepted my fault and apologized quickly as I continued my journey. I looked back and realized the woman was having difficulty packing the loads as I gave her a helping hand just to show how sorry I am. What your name and what is bothering you this hot afternoon as she looked at me with curiosity. All is not well ma'am,my name is Maria and I have been moving from one office to the other looking for a job but no one seems to employ me based on my qualifications and my employment request as I said with my head down. Am so sorry to hear that my dear,the woman said looking so concerned after I narrated my story to her. So what hospital is your father admitted to,she asked and I responded Stanford Hospital ma'am. Wait for me here she said as she headed towards her bedroom leaving me at the hall. She has a very beautiful place,well furnished and her sofa was different from the one in my house and I kept admiring the beautiful photo frame of her family mounted on the wall. Such a beautiful family she has, I added. Mom am home!!!, a deep voice called out as he entered the hall. Doctor Andrew, what are you doing? I shouted, looking so surprised to see the doctor who is taking care of my father in madam Angela's house. Hello Maria,what are you doing in my mum's house,he asked, looking surprised as I am. Here you come sweetie,how was the day and how come you are home this early. Hope all is well at work?,madam Angela said as she returned from her bedroom to the hall holding a brown envelope in her hands. She hugged and kissed doctor Andrew as I kept wondering how small the world is. What is Maria doing here mom and where do you guys know each other?Doctor Andrew asked his mom with all curiosity. Well we just met a few hours ago and to be honest she is a very good girl,we trained and mannered,madam Angela answered as she sat beside me rubbing my shoulders. Wait a minute,where do you guys know each other?Madam Angela asked, staring at us . Ma'am, Doctor Andrew is the doctor taking care of my dad at the hospital,I replied. Such a small world. Andrew, make sure you take care of her father and proceed with the surgery.Am going to take care of all the medical bills and all other bills henceforth. Madam Angela said. Thank you ma'am, I really appreciate it. I don't even know how to thank you,I said as I knelt to her feet with tears flowing down my eyes. Deep within me,it was a moment of happiness but I couldn't control the tears that kept flowing from my eyes. It's ok darling ,you are a very good person. This is the only help I can offer a well mannered and beautiful girl like you. Madam Angela said as she held my hands consoling me. Alright guys, enough of this emotional scene,I'm crying already. Is the food ready?Juliet, doctor Andrew called out. Yes sir, Juliet; their cook responded as she served the food on the dining table. I assure that everything is going to be alright and your father will be stronger after the surgery is done so don't panic and wipe your tears. I know you are a strong girl and the surgery is going to be successful. I was enjoying my rice with chicken while listening to Doctor Andrew's consoling words. Imagine wandering under the hot sun with an empty stomach so I didn't spare the chicken as I vigorously held and broke every bone in it, although Doctor Andrew's words gave me faith and hope. Thank you so much Madam Angela,I really appreciate everything you have done for my family and I,I will forever be grateful to you. I said as I asked to take my leave in order to attend to my dad at the hospital. Alright Maria, please extend my greetings to your dad and be a strong woman,madam Angela responded . I will talk to one of my son's to get you a job in his company and will call you if he agrees to give you one. She added. Thank you so much ma'am,I will be looking forward to your call,I said with a smile as I headed to the hospital.