Chapter 3 Calling For Help
1454 Words
Lisa Lake
Snow White Hospital bed, clean sheets and white walls. I lay on the bed with my eyes opened. I did not know how many days I had spent, but I still felt pain all over.
Realising that I had lost my baby, my heart throbbed, fresh tears cascaded down my face.
I felt a gentle grip on my wrist and my eyes darted to the side. Hurley was sitting by my bedside, holding my hand tenderly.
My blood boiled and I withdrew my hand immediately.
"Lisa…" he slurred trying to put his words together.
"Don't touch me! You dirty scumbag!" I cried.
The smile on the corner of his lips suddenly froze, his worried look faded and it was replaced by a forlorn look.
"Let me go! I have had enough of your madness… Thinking about it, I can't be entirely blamed for the death of your parents…" I smiled bitterly.
" I've let you go, and you should let me go! The torture of the past few years, and the death of my child …It’s enough compensation…I don't owe you anymore…"
Hurley rose to his feet, his gaze cold and fierce. Without saying another word, he strutted out of the room, banging the door behind him.
Heartbroken, I shut my eyes and cried all night, loathing in pain and regret.
***
I spent a few more days at the hospital until l was finally discharged. Hurley neither called nor showed up. The first thing on my mind was to visit my mother.
Standing in front of Snow White Hospital, my phone beeped. Despite my dispassion, a part of me wanted it to be Hurley, but when I saw the caller, my eyes darkened.
"Hello… I can see that you have been discharged. It means you are good now. Let's meet, we need to talk. I will send the address," Tiffany blabbered and hung up.
I scoffed, staring at my phone. Who the hell did she think she was? Why should I go because she asked me to come? But then, I became curious about what she wanted to say.
I took a cab down to Amstel Coffee café, the one indicated in the address she sent.
She was sitting by the window wearing a bright red gown and looking gorgeous and classy.
Seeing her, my heart sank and I groaned as I pushed the sturdy glass door open. But I strutted into the café with a standard smile, I couldn't let her see my turmoil.
"I didn't expect you to come, you are so brazen," she snorted.
I smiled wider and sat down ignoring her.
Looking at the two cups of coffee on the table, I said coldly, "Cut to the chase, I believe you didn't call me out for coffee."
She chuckled lightly and picked up the cup of coffee in front of her. At first, she looked like she wanted to throw the coffee at my face, but she ended up taking a sip.
"You must have heard the news that Hurley and I are getting married… Hurley and I have been together for the past few days. We have also started discussing the wedding banquet. I wonder if you will be willing to come to our wedding…"
I felt particularly pathetic as I heard Tiffany's words. Looking at Tiffany's half-smiling face, my eyes drooped and I couldn't talk.
Tiffany scoffed and showcased the ring on her ring finger. The corners of her mouth raised, and she raised her hand, "This is the engagement ring Hurley bought for me, doesn't it look good? Even though you have been Hurley's mistress for these years, he doesn't seem to be interested in you."
My heart sank deeper. I thought I didn't care again, I thought I was willing to let go, but seeing the facts that proved that Hurley was getting married, my heart ached.
"Miss Jones, if a man doesn't care about a woman, how can he stay with her for so many years?" I said leisurely. "I wonder if Mr. Greene told you that I dumped him."
Tiffany's face crumpled up, she pursed her lips and glared at me, but I didn't give a damn.
"I, Lisa Lake, have always disdained other people's men," I said meaningfully.
"You!"
Her face darkened and she jumped on her feet, "What are you so arrogant about? Do you think I don't know why Hurley keeps you around? Isn't it just to get revenge on you for killing his parents?" It's so pitiful that you don't even know that you are being taken advantage of! Do you think that Hurley has you in his heart!? You are the most foolish fool! Puff!"
Yes! My heart sank, but I suppressed the fluctuations in my heart, and said with a smile, "Finished? It's boring!"
After saying that, I rose up to leave, but Tiffany grabbed my arm from behind.
"What? Did you want to escape now? If you are sensible, don't bother me anymore. Don't bother us!"
"You are really ridiculous! If it takes you to do this to be with a man! " I sneered and strode away with my shoulders high.
As soon as I walked out of sight, my legs buckled and I staggered. I held a nearby wall for support. It was as clear as the day that I must stay away from Hurley. And that's the biggest problem.
Although he left the hospital because I said it was over, I knew that it was all for a show. Hurley will not let me go easily. I needed help, but who do I turn to?
My stepfather? No, he is just a profit-making businessman.
Friends? Yeah, I was a lively girl during my college days and I had many friends. But sticking by Hurley's side all the years had made me lose most of my friends.
Syndy Parker came to my mind, but I just couldn't turn to her for help. I felt indebted to her just as I felt towards Hurley.
Cody James? The boy who grew up with me before I left my original home to live with Hudson Lake.
We had been in constant contact over the years until recently. Thinking of him, I had a warm feeling and decided to ask him for help.
With shaky fingers, I flipped through my phone and fished out Cody's contact.
"Can you help me?" I sent him a simple text message and my phone beeped almost immediately.
"Hello, Lisa. It's me, Cody. Did something happen to you? I got your text… it's been a while…you got me worried," Cody said, his voice full of concern.
"Well, something happened recently. I want to leave this place, but I can't help it. Can you help me?" I responded.
"No problem, no matter what happens, I will help you. Don't worry, wait for my call and take good care of yourself," Cody agreed without asking further questions.
'Help is on the way,' I told myself and hailed a cab to Merano Hospital.
My mother was still in the intensive care unit. Colour had returned to her skin and she looked better. I stood there, peeking at her through the glass door.
Tears fell from my eyes and I strolled out of the ward.
"Lisa Lake!" Someone called my name and I wiped my tears as I looked around.
My eyes dazzled around and settled on someone who looked familiar. He was smiling curtly at me.
"Philip Todd!" I yelled as I recognised him.
"Yeah! It's you! I'm damn right!" He yelled, grinning from ear to ear as he approached me. Without hesitation, he pulled me into his shoulders, hugging me tightly.
"It's been decades!" He exaggerated and I chuckled as I pulled out of his embrace.
"Yeah…" I rumbled, trying hard to smile. My eyes roved over him from head to toe.
"What are you doing here?" He asked curiously.
"My mother… she is sick and hospitalized here…"
"Aww…sorry about that," he said, his voice laden with concern.
"Thanks… and you? Why are you here?"
"I am one of the main shareholders of this hospital, and I happened to be around for an inspection today," he said with gusto.
"Wow! That's great to know." I said smiling.
"It's past noon already, I am done with my inspection for the day and I feel famished… Can you join me for lunch?" He asked politely.
He wanted me to join him for lunch… Where? I wanted to ask and while I hesitated, he walked towards his car and threw the door open for me.
I couldn't decline. I just walked in and settled in. He shut the door and rounded off to the driver's seat.
- Writer
