The Unlikely Love

9

VALERIA

“I’ve been trying to reach you!! Victor said you left. What happened??” Nicole shouted over the phone. Once I was done taking a shower, I checked my phone and saw missed calls from Nicole and Terrence. I had to give Nicole a call because she had left me multiple texts.

“I had to go home because I felt so sick, babe.” I responded, sitting on the large bed.

“Really? I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to you taking my shift.”

“It wasn’t your fault, babe; besides, I’m better now.” I said, forcing myself to let out a little laugh.

“Are you sure?” She asked.

“Of course I am.” I responded.

“Okay, are you still home? Are you on your way out?” She asked.

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, I’m home. I’m preparing for work.” The lie was so easy to tell.

“Okay, don’t come. I’m going to take your shift.”

“Nikki, you don’t have to do that. I’m okay now.”

“No, I insist. Take care of yourself, go out, or something. Besides, Victor seems to take a little too much pleasure in his work, so I could get him to cover for the entire evening.”

I laughed hard. “You are right.”

“Take care of yourself; I love you.”

“Love you.” I said before disconnecting the call. I laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. So many thoughts were going through my head. Especially the discussion I just had with my boss. I turned to my side and sighed as tears began to flow. Again.

My phone rang, and I picked it up. The caller ID read “Doctor Charles.” I quickly sat up, said a little prayer, and answered the call.

“I don’t care about what you’re doing; your sister needs you right now.” He said and disconnected it.

At that moment, I started panicking. I started thinking of the worst.

What was happening at the hospital right now?

Was my sister safe?

I ran out of the room with the key card and started running down the stairs as I dialed Terrence’s number.

“Please, please, please, I need you.” I said with tears in my eyes.

“Woah, slow down, where are you??” Terrence asked with worry.

“Meet me in the hospital; Vanessa is in trouble.” I said, disconnecting the call. I jumped down every staircase till I got to the exit. Just so Nicole would not see me, I left the hotel using a different exit. Then, I took a taxi straight to the hospital, silently and fervently praying with tears in my eyes that my sister was okay.

***

I almost forgot to pay the driver as I ran through the entrance door with my shaky legs. I swallowed hard as I made my way to Dr. Charles’ office, terrified. On getting there, I saw Terrence sitting by the waiting area, tapping his foot worriedly. His workplace was closer to the hospital than mine. When he saw me, he rushed to embrace me.

“Where is he?” I asked when he broke the hug.

“I have no idea; he only asked me to wait here and asked that I tell you the same.” He responded.

“Okay, did he look worried??”

“I..I don’t know.” Terrence replied.

“What do you mean by that?!” I shouted. Terrence looked at me, totally confused.

I sighed and took a seat. “I’m so sorry. He sounded worried on the phone, like something was up.”

Terrence sat beside me and took my hand. “It is going to be fine; V. Vanessa is alright.”

" I hope so.” I muttered. At that moment, I saw Dr. Charles. I quickly got up with Terrence, waiting for an update.

I knew it was going to be a bad update because he somberly approached me. I tried to swallow, but it was tough.

“Doc?” I said.

“I’m afraid Vanessa’s condition has worsened. She needs a bone marrow transplant urgently to have a chance at survival.”

My eyes widened with shock, and my hands were trembling. “What can be done, Doctor?”

“You know what, Valeria.” He paused. “We’ve scheduled the transplant in two weeks, and time is of the essence. The procedure is costly, and we require payment before the surgery. Vanessa’s chances of recovery hinge on this,” Dr. Charles conveyed, his expression filled with empathy.

Desperation filled my voice as I asked, “Is there any way to delay the payment?”

Dr. Charles sighed, “I am afraid not. I understand this is overwhelming, but the time frame is tight. I recommend reaching out to any available support networks to expedite the process. We’ll do our best to help, but the funds must be secured within these two weeks for us to proceed with the transplant.”

I sat down again. My surroundings were beginning to look blurry because tears welled up in my eyes.

“I’m so sorry about this, Valeria. You know I am.” He added.

“Thank you, doc.” I said before he left.

Terrence sat beside me and put his hand on my shoulder.

“Hey.” He said soothingly. I closed my eyes and let the tears roll down my cheeks.

“V.” He said calmly as he placed my head on his shoulder, leaving me to cry silently.

“What am I going to do?” I whimpered.

“I’m here for you; don’t forget that.” He said with a calm tone, caressing my hair.

I sighed, “I know you are here for me.”

“Then please, let me help you with the bill.” He begged, and I heard the sincerity in his voice, but how could I say yes? How could I owe him that sum of money for that long?

“You know I genuinely care about Vanessa; I see her as my younger sister. I would do anything for her. Let me do this, hm?” He added.

I sighed and sat up, biting my lips before directing my gaze at him. “No, Terrence, I appreciate the offer, but I can handle it. I don’t want to owe you anything.”

“Let me help you. Besides, it’s not about owing me anything. Your sister needs help, and I want to be there for her, for you.” He persisted.

I knew he wanted to help; I knew that this was just Terrence’s nature, but I didn’t want to accept that kind of help from him. It was too huge. I could have owed him forever.

“Why don't you want my assistance, V? You clearly can’t get this money from anywhere. Let me help you. Your sister’s life is at stake here. Don’t be stubborn.”

I knitted my brows and my voice took on a hint of defiance. “I’ve got it under control, okay? I don’t need you to play the hero.”

He sighed. “This isn’t about playing the hero. It’s about doing what’s right. Let me help, please.” He gently said.

“Thank you, Terrence, but I don’t need your help. I can’t accept it.” I said, getting up and attempting to leave.

“Why? Doctor Charles has given you two weeks, V. Don’t forget that.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ll figure it out.” I said, storming out.

That was a very stupid thing to do, I agree, but I couldn’t take the money from him because there was no way in hell that I could reimburse him. And I didn’t want to give him some kind of hope that this would get us back together. I didn’t want that at all.

I saw the restroom sign on my way out and walked into one of the toilets. I sat on the toilet lid and thought for a moment about how messy my life had become.

I decided that I would do everything in my power to support my sister, even if it meant turning down Terrence’s money.

At that moment, all I could think of was the one option left to me—at least there was a way to repay that man. Right?