The Compromise

Chapter Two

Kira's Pov

The atmosphere was tense, and I knew for sure something was wrong. I had just gotten back from the hospital. Mum's cancer was getting to stage three, and the doctor was already on my neck regarding money for her chemotherapy.

Dad stopped caring for Mom for as long as I could remember. He has never visited her in the hospital since her ailment started. Come to think of it, not even when I was born. Although I understand he had no choice at the time, I mean, that was the same day his darling wife gave birth to 'Flora his flower'. She just had to go into labor when she heard Mom was about to be put to bed and needed Dad by her side. Now that I think of it, I'm almost certain that she induced her labor. But what do I know? Mom would never believe it. Sometimes I wonder how I became her daughter or how she became my mom. To put it nicely, she is naive, but to put it plainly, she is a dummy.

It gets so sickening at times that I almost feel like knocking reality into her skull. These are times I tell her to move on with her life and forget all about my father. "Come on, Kira. He's not as bad as he seems. He loves us, that I know." She always says.

But what can I do? She is still my precious mother, whom I adore so much. So yeah, silly me nods, reassuring her she was probably right.

I couldn't imagine losing my sweet mother to the cold hands of death. Never! Not on my watch. I made up my mind to confront Dad and take the money for her treatment from him, but something was off. He looked so worried, pacing back and forth around the living room.

"Good day, Dad," I said, looking keenly at his face to understand his mood. It felt like I was invisible. This is not weird, as this was a normal feeling I had any time I was in this shitty house, but today was... different. Not even his 'pixie-wannabe' of a wife paid any attention to me. On a normal day, she would haul insults at me and my mother just as I walked through the door.

"So, what do you think we should do?" Father asked his perplexed-looking wife as he finally sank onto a sofa.

"We will think of something, but not in front of this wenchy daughter of yours," she said, storming upstairs.

"So is this whole fuss about me now?" I thought.

"Tsk.. why are you here now? What is it?"Dad asked with irritation.

"Well, dad, mom needs your help. Her health is deteriorating, and she needs money for her treatment." I pleaded.

"For heaven's sake! Don't you know the right time to be stupid? Can't you tell things are awry at this time? or is that you just don't care?" Father said in rage.

"I'm. I'm sorry, but this is important too. I've spoken to you about this countless times, but you've never given me a positive or reassuring response."

"Oh, this girl is so stupidly spoilt! Now, get out of my sight. I have pressing matters to attend to."He said as he wobbled his way to his office with his walking stick.

"Not this time, Father," I thought, and I rushed to hold him by his right leg.

"What is this menace doing?" He said.

"Dad, you must help save my mother. I won't let you be until you give me the money needed for her treatment. I cried, tugging at his feet.

Suddenly, I heard a loud thud at my back, and I blacked out.

"Kira! Are you okay?"

"Agh, why does my neck feel so stiff?"

I opened my eyes and saw Aunt Nina looking at me so worriedly.

"What happened to you, dear? Why are you on the floor?" She asked as she helped me up my feet.

"I don't know. But I remember I was with my dad right here, and then suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my back, and that was it."

"But your dad left for his room a while ago. First of all, sit here while I get you a glass of water to chill out." She said that and hurriedly walked to the kitchen.

" Goodness! The pain.." I tried remembering what had happened.

"Here"

I took the glass of cold water from Aunt Nina, and I guess that was just what I needed to recall it all.

"Wait. Did he? No way!"

"What is it?" Aunt Nina asked, bulging her inquisitive big eyeballs.

"It was him."

"Him? Who?"

"My dad. He must have hit me so hard with his walking stick that I passed out."

I could feel my blood boil merely thinking he did that.

"What? Why would he do that?" Aunt Nina asked in bewilderment.

"It's fine, Aunt Nina. I'm good. I'll.. I'll see you later."

I just wanted to be out of this place and never come back.

"How is Beatrice doing?" Aunt Nina suddenly asked.

"Mom is getting better," I said, faking a smile.

"You know I will help in any way I can, right?"

That was true. Aunt Nina has been a pillar of support for me for as long as I can remember. She and Mom were childhood friends and have remained so for twenty five years now. When Mom got sick, she kept visiting and taking care of her. Well, until the devil, in the person of my stepmother, asked her to stop if she still wanted to keep her job. Aunt Nina sure was ready to damn the consequences, but I asked her not to.

I took a cab to the hospital. I just needed to be with Mom at this point. How I will get the money? I didn't care. All I wanted was to be with the one who cared for me the most.

On getting to her ward, she was fast asleep. I was glad because I didn't want her to see me this devastated.

I sat beside her, tears rolling down my eyes. I made up my mind to do whatever it took to get the money. I mean, whatever.