Chapter 2
940 Words
My eyes were fixed on both Rose and Vinceso
How could she?
How could he?
I looked at Rosee’s face, her expression free of remorse. She threw a blanket over her naked body in an attempt to hide what I could see.
But it was too late.
I'd seen.
My sister's husband.
My wife's betrayal.
My mind reeled.
My gasp snapped me back to reality. A look of shock played on the face of Alex, but her eyes were fixed on him.
"Vincenso?" she whispered.
No, Maggie. It's Alex.
Your husband.
My best friend.
Her eyes rolled back, her face turned ashen. She clutched her chest.
"Mark...help..." she gasped.
I ran to her and caught her as she fell.
"Maggie! Oh God, Maggie!" I screamed.
Maggie's body went limp and Rosee watched, unmoved.
"Call 911!" I yelled at Alex.
He jumped to action, grabbing his phone.
My eyes were locked on Rosee; I cradled Maggie’s head.
How could you?
Don't you care?
My heart shattered into a million pieces as I held my sister, weeping tears as I did.
With every mile I followed the ambulance, my heart pumping faster. I kept seeing Maggie’s pale face.
Don't take her too please, God.
Not now.
Not after...
My mind jumped back to my passing mother. She’d been my rock, my confidante. She had helped fill the void left by Mom's absence.
I couldn't lose her.
Not now.
Not ever.
My phone rang as I sped through the streets. The screen flashed Mom's face.
No, it's not Mom. It's been years.
'Mark, I just heard...' The other end was my aunt, trembling. Maggie... Oh God..."
I'm following the ambulance, Aunt Helen. I'll keep you updated."
"Hold on, sweetie. I'm on my way."
When I arrived at the hospital, my eyes were scanning the ER entrance. Medical staff rushed Maggie inside, and the ambulance doors swung open.
I jumped out of my car and ran after them.
A nurse stopped me. "Sir, you can't—"
"I said that is my sister."
She nodded sympathetically. "Wait here. Let the doctors work."
My mind was racing and I paced outside the ER.
Please, Maggie, hold on.
Then a woman ran in, Aunt Helen; tears streamed down her face.
"Mark, oh Mark..."
We hugged, clenching each other.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Rosee... Alex... Maggie saw them..."
Aunt Helen's eyes widened. "Oh no..."
The minutes ticked by and we stood there clinging to each other.
The slap echoed down the hospital corridor, and Rosee’s cheek met my aunt’s hand.
"That you, heartless, selfish monster!" Aunt Helen spat.
Rosee's eyes flashed anger, but Aunt Helen continued:
You destroyed my marriage, and how close you came to killing my niece.' Your sister-in-law!"
She took a step back, her face went redder.
"How dare you—"
"Get out!" I growled, and my fury boiled over. "You've done enough damage."
It was a mix of anger and guilt locked onto my gaze.
"Mark, please—"
"Leave. Now."
Security guards ran.
'A lady requested to be let into the building,' one of the guards said, firmly, 'but I need you to leave the premises, ma'am.'
She turned, her eyes tightening, and stalked away.
Aunt Helen’s face was streaming tears as she turned to me.
"Mark, I'm so sorry. I had no idea..."
I hugged her tight.
Don't blame you, Aunt Helen. It's hers."
We stood and held each other, and the hospital machines beeped around us.
Suddenly, a doctor emerged.
"Mark, we need to talk about Maggie's condition, we have somewhere to talk about it."
I just wanted to know if my sister was okay and nothing bad had happened to her. She was the only good thing that ever happened to me.
I wanted to cry, but I can't because people will watch me.
He became serious. "Mark, I need to—"
"Dr. Thompso
The doctor nodded. "Excuse me, Mark. I'll be right back."
I was left alone in the hallway, and as he hurried after the nurses.
What's happening?
Why did they call him away?
My mind was in overdrive as I paced outside Maggie’s room.
Aunt Helen grasped my arm. "Did the doctor say something to Mark?"
I shook my head. "He didn't get a chance. Something's going on."
We exchanged worried glances.
It felt like a minute snatched from time.
Where was the doctor?
What was happening with Maggie?
Her other hand found mine and squeezed hard.
"Mark, stay strong. Maggie will pull through."
My heart screamed otherwise, but I forced a nod.
I turned and began walking to the nurses' station. "I can excuse you! Could you please tell me how my sister is?
The nurse’s smile faltered. "I'll find out, Mr..."
"Mark. Mark Lauren."
She nodded and went off into the ICU.
The nurse reappeared, her face somber suddenly.
"Doctor will be speaking with you now, Mark."
Dr. Thompson showed compassion in his face. "Mark, I'm so sorry. But Maggie's cardiac arrest was too severe, and for whatever reason we did everything we could.
Mark, sweetie...
I shook her off.
The doctor nodded curtly. "Very well. We get our vitals again."
Maggie's room was a beehive when the medical team rushed back.
Minutes ticked by.
His face sober, Dr. Thompson returned.
Unfortunately, the results are the same, Mark. Maggie has passed away.
It felt like I had been hit in the gut.
"No! This can't be happening!" I screamed.
Aunt Helen grabbed me in her arms.
Mark, I'm so sorry...
Her voice was gentle; firm.
It’s time for Mark to accept the reality. Maggie is gone.
She was gone! My knees buckled.
- Writer
