Chapter 5. It's okay honey,
1166 Words
John returned his mind to the question after the question was repeated. "Yes ma. She is going to be fine. I heard that she was awake for a few minutes in the middle of the night. So there is no doubt, she will soon be awake."
Then Edythe exhaled in relief. The news that her daughter was doing great was enough to make her calm, happy and sad all at the same time. But she tries to hide her sadness as she retires to the seat beside Rica's bed.
While she sat holding Rica's hand as she stared. The soft, tender and weak of Rica was heard.
"Mom…"
The three of them in the room heard the voice and all their gaze was shifted to her.
In the mind of John, he was full of joy to see her awake. The fears which he was having were totally gone. The mother of the girl had forgiven him, the girl was awake and her bills had all been taken care of by Hamilton.
"It's okay honey, you're going to be fine." Edythe assured the child with tears of joy.
"Principal Elnora?" Rica said as she shifted her gaze and saw Mrs Jaxon.
"Let me inform the nurses that she's awake while I get something for her to eat."
"That's very thoughtful of you." As John was about to leave the room, Edythe added. "I didn't get to know your name."
"It's John. John Adkins."
"I'm Edythe Reed."
At the mentioning of her name, John recognized her as one of the applicants in the hotel. He was so shocked as to how life had brought them together again even before they met at the hotel because Edythe had been selected amongst those that got the job even though hers was without merit.
John quickly left the room before she too would recognize him.
It was after he had left the room began to ponder over his thoughts. How would he be able to keep all these from his boss while they will be working together in the hotel. Well, she would be working as a cleaner so it doesn't have to bother me that much.
After some hours, after the nurses had checked on Rica and he had brought them something to eat, which they had already taken. Mrs Jaxon had already returned to the school after the nurse checked on Rica and told them that she would be fine in a few weeks.
While Edythe was having a nice chat with Rica in the ward, John came outside of the room to make a call. It was Hamilton's cell number which he had dialed.
"Hello sir, the parent of the girl have arrived. She is here now with the young lady."
"Okay. I'm on my way back to the hospital."
After the call was terminated, Edythe came out of the room and found John seated on the waiting seat in the corridor.
"You're still here?" She asked, looking surprised. She thought John had gone in search of his daily bread since it was roughly an hour since he left them in the room after he brought the food.
"Yes madam, I'm still here."
"Don't you have somewhere to go?"
"Oh…" John looked at his wrist watch as though he had forgotten that he should be at work. It was some minutes past ten that morning. "I don't think I'll be going anywhere for now."
"Are you sure? She is fine now and the nurses are here for her, you know?"
John did not know what to say, so he kept silent.
"Anyway, I have to get going. Thank you once again for your care."
"Madam, you are leaving already?"
"I'll be back later to see how she's doing." Edythe answered as she rushed out of his sight. Her mind was calm after finding that Rica would be okay.
Now she was troubled about work. She had ignored a series of calls from her boss, and she knew quite well the consequences of her action. So she moved in haste to see what she could do to retain her job.
Immediately she left the hospital, Hamilton arrived. In haste to see the parent of Rica, he came into the room where John was now alone with Rica. After he had looked around without seeing anybody new.
John knew exactly what he wanted to ask so he just gave the response first. "She already left. She said she'll be back later but I don't know when."
Then Hamilton felt weak in his spirit, his aim for rushing down there was not achieved. As he looked and saw Rica, whose eyes were slightly opened watching them. He took the seat very close to the bed. "How are you dear?"
"I'm fine sir."
"Oh, you can call me Hamilton." He was at this point feeling a strange connection between him and the little girl. "What's your name?"
"Rica," she replied with a soft, tender and feeble voice.
"Rica, can you forgive me for running you over?"
Rica was slightly surprised, she shifted her gaze to John. "It was sir John here who knocked me with the car and I've already forgiven him."
"Oh, I see," he looked at John and back at Rica whose eyes were fixed on him due to his surprise look. "I guess John didn't tell you that it was all my fault. I was the one who made him lose focus while driving and that is why I also need you forgiveness. Technically, I was the one responsible."
"The doctor said I'll be okay, so it's not really much of a big deal. As long as you are here it shows that you care and I forgive you too."
"Thank you very much. And I'm glad to see that you are going great. In less than no time you will be out of this place and if you ever need anything, don't fail to tell me."
She nodded as she too was beginning to like Hamilton. His gentle voice and care made her feel comfortable.
"Okay, Rica, I guess we'll be leaving now. The nurse will be here for you and if you need, just tell the nurse to call us and we'll be here."
"I understand, you have to get to work just like my mother."
"Oh, your mother was here?" Hamilton acted as though he did not know. But Rica already knew that it was his mother they were talking about when he arrived.
"Yes, but she had to leave for work. It was very important."
"Yeah, I understand. What's your mother's name again?"
"Mrs Reed."
"I would like to meet with her."
"I'm sure she too would like to meet you."
"Okay, till then. I'll be back later in the evening and I'm sure your mother will be around by then and we'll get to know each other. Thank you once for your forgiveness."
So Hamilton and John left the room and the hospital.
- Writer
