Father, Pleaaseee!

CHAPTER 6 -HANDSOME MONSTER

AURORA

I wouldn’t come here if I had any other choice but this is the last resolution. The child needs the incubator now to ensure her chance of survival. I have never talked to the O’Malley’s and barely knew them. From what I gathered though they aren’t one to mess with. However, one of the sons was really sick as an infant and had to be constantly cared for in an incubator. They thus bought one and have it at home. I’m not asking them to give it to me for good. Just to lend it to me for a few days until the child becomes well again. Surely any human’s consciousness can run that deep at least.

I would have turned to Aden for help but I knew there was nothing he could do. He has so much on his plate that I don’t want to burden him with more. I can help handle this much at least. Furthermore, the most thing I will lose I think is my pride and I can live with that so long as it’s for a good cause. I don’t know why everyone here in the village is so afraid of them. They might be brutal, yes but since they went through the same ordeal wouldn’t they be lenient on the matter? Anyway, I have to try no matter what. Who knows I might just get lucky.

Honestly, the gate was huge. So out place. If I didn’t know any better I would be convinced that these guys weren’t from around and the gate was built as nostalgia to remind them of home. The six-bar Iron Gate was hugely impressive with spikes at the top. Gathering all the courage I rang the doorbell while rehearsing my speech over and over again. If they're as tough as everyone said they one then my words need to move them. I have persuaded Aden before but never when life was on the line. I don’t know why but I’m confident that I can do this. Everything will be well.

‘You must have a lot of guts to roam around here. Are you sure you are in the right place?’ a man questioned, his voice clipped as soon as he opened the gate. I could tell my presence wasn’t welcomed. Instead of letting me in, he stepped out and closed the gate right behind him. A cry, more of a scream really could be heard coming from inside. Whoever it belonged to must be terrified, desperate, and worn out. I have no clue what it’s about but it managed to rattle me a lot. My speech flew out of my mind. Completely forgotten. The man before me looked normal and handsome not deserving the monster reputation the villagers had labeled him. But then if you look closer and see past the physical looks terror would cloud you. Right now the clenched bloody fist and teeth lock-up did a number on my nerves.

‘I take you are not here to spy. What do you want? Don’t waste my time,’ a command not a statement.

I racked my brain trying to find the best way to put forth my plea. Then again being straightforward has always been my strength. I hope it succeeds. ‘I came to ask if you could please lend me the incubator,’ I spoke. Something like surprise flashed across his face. ‘Don’t worry I will take good care of it, sir.’

A burst of laughter. Real and raw the kind that came directly from the lungs escaped his lips. He laughed so hard that his breath came in quick gasps, tears gathered in his eyes threatening to spill over. Normally I’m all for humor but there was something different about his outburst though. It sounded sarcastic. I wasn’t winning this plea rather the losing end was near. Then just as the outburst came to an end and in its place a tough look replaced.

‘What makes you think I will give it to you?’

‘I’ve heard you have one sir. There is a child who barely survived the rains a few days ago and her lungs are very weak. She might die without the incubator. The hospitals one are all in use,’

‘Give me a good reason why this should concern me. You have five minutes. Convince me,’

‘I’ve heard your family have gone through the same. You know how helpless a parent feels…..’

‘How dare you? Who the hell do you think you are to compare my child to that of a mere commoner? How dare you open up the wounds I have tried to recover from so far?’ He interrupted irritation in his voice. His eyes thinned as if afraid to look at me. I get the feeling he is controlling the urge to smack me down. To be honest I hope he manages to successfully suppress his violent urge. I don’t think I can handle it. I knew silence was my only hope. To let the rage abate but I just couldn’t stop. My words had hit their mark. It might bruise but nothing I said was short of the truth. Although that was a really wrong way to put it. An apology was in order.

‘My apologies sir. I don’t mean to hurt you. I’m just… just desperate. Please help me.’

‘You are still here? I can’t believe this. You have the courage I give you that but get out of my house before I lose my temper.’ He roared turning around to leave. I had crossed the line I know but there was no way back for me now. I have to do succeed. For the child who has a bright future ahead. I reached out for him and grabbed his hand, ‘please. I will do anything.’

Pushing my hands away he roared, ‘Young girl, I’m not Aden. I don’t need a skirt hovering around me all the time. Are you sure you can do anything?’

‘Yes. So long as it’s in my power,’

‘Alright. Steal all of Aden’s wealth, give it to me and I will help the child.’

‘What?’

‘You heard me. Will you do it or not?’

Despite my teeth chattering from the cold, I fell down on my knees. I can’t sacrifice Aden .not him. He is my savior. Without him, there is no me. The child is important to me too. I can’t sacrifice her survival too. It’s not that I’m unable to choose between the two. It is that to me they are equally important. Making a choice wasn't an option.

The ground still had some running water. It wasn’t completely dried yet and cold had already gotten to me.

‘If you think that will move me, you are mistaken.’

‘Then it shouldn’t bother you. Besides, I’m inside your compound but outside,’

‘Are trying to start a war or something? Because I’m sure in no time Aden will be here looking for blood,’

‘I won’t tell if you don’t. Just please help me out. I will not be here if there was a shred of hope elsewhere,’

‘Fine. But there must be a prize to pay. Since you like kneeling so much; stay there till 7 pm.’

‘But that’s eight hours from now,’ I exclaimed. He couldn’t be serious. I’m barely holding up here.

‘Then better hold to your perseverance. How much does the child’s life mean to you?’ with that he left and went inside the compound. He left the gate slightly open to be able to monitor me. The annoying thing was I could see inside. I saw the man who was screaming a few minutes ago being punched and kicked; his screams getting lower and lower. I don’t think he will be able to hold on much longer. I have no idea what he has done to tick Mr. O’Malley off like that but the whole scene was just brutal. I’m sure I was meant to witness the scene. Mr. O’Malley doesn’t seem like a person who does anything on a whim or accidentally slips. Everything he does is carefully calculated.

I’m not sure of getting out of this unscathed but it is worth the risk. Furthermore what if my health compared to the lives of the people around me. I can always let one step on my pride. I will pick it up later, patch the torn-out pieces, and put it back in its place. One thing though, Aden should never find this out.

HAND