David’s Odyssey of Love & War

A HUGE PROBLEM

I burst through the front door, my heart still racing and my body still trembling. I dropped my bag on the floor and started to pace around the living room livid with anger and frustration that continued to build inside me. I just couldn't believe what had happened. I couldn't believe I had been fired. It was so unfair, so unjust. I felt like I was going to explode. I was supposed to use my monthly pay for my mother's hospital bills, but now that I have been laid off without a penny, I wonder how it will work. My mother, Elizabeth Kent, has been diagnosed with cancer, and it has been hell catering for our upkeep together with her medication bills. I stormed into the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat to calm myself down, at least. But the cupboards were bare, and the fridge was empty. With a cry of rage, I started to throw everything in sight - pots and pans, plates and glasses.

"Argh!" I yelled, scattering everything I could lay my hands on.

I watched as the dishes shattered on the floor, bits of glass and china flying everywhere. My hands shook, and my chest heaved with the exertion. But even as I watched the destruction, I didn't feel any better. In fact, I felt worse. I had just destroyed our home, and for what? I sank to the floor, my head in my hands, as the feeling of helplessness overtook me. I felt so helpless like I had no control over my life. All I could do was sit there, wallowing alone in the mess I had made. Suddenly, I jolted up from the floor. I had recalled that I needed to be in the hospital in no time. Dr. Jermaine had fixed an appointment for us in an hour, plus I needed to see my mother. But how do I meet her looking like a mess? How do I feign happiness? Just how?

I got into my room, changing from my previous clothes to another one, something better, neat and simple. I was wearing black pants and a grey shirt. Without delay, I headed to Landmark Hospital.

On getting there, I went straight to my mother's ward and room, not finding her there. My heart thumped in my chest, and a wave of fear washed down on me instantly. Immediately, I rushed to the reception to meet the receptionist.

"Hello, ma'am." I greeted, catching my breath. She gazed at me and nodded her head, acknowledging my greeting. I had never seen her before; she was obviously a new employee.

"My name is Sam Kent, and I am here for my mother. She is a cancer patient, admitted to ward twelve, room 2b. I had gone in to see her, but I couldn't find her," I said, trying so hard not to have an outburst. I had really gotten scared, and I was ready to turn the hospital upside down if I didn't find my mother.

"Mr. Sam, you need to calm down. You sound like you're going to cause a ruckus if you end up not finding your mother," she responded, smiling. It was obvious from the way she assessed me with her eyes that she was stripping me naked there and then. It was evident in the smiles that tugged the corner of her lips.

"Thank God you know what I am capable of," I grunted.

"What?" She queried.

"My mother, where is she?" I asked once more, running out of patience.

"She…Oh, there she is," she said, gesturing towards my mom, who was struggling to wheel herself down the hallway and head into her room.

Then, she turned to me, "She probably…"

"Mom!" I called out, rushing over to her and not waiting to hear whatever the receptionist was about to say.

"Are you okay? Where did you go to? I was so scared! I thought something had happened!" I yelled. She gazed at me, smiling wearily. She was really weak; I could tell by her smile and reaction. I walked over to her back, pushing her into her room. As we got there, I helped her out of the wheelchair, tucking her into the bed.

I sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed while holding her hand. "How're you, mom?" I queried.

"I am fine if you're fine," she replied, boring her eyes into mine. I was shocked. Was it written on my face boldly that I had things to deal with?

"What do you mean, mom?" I pretended.

She held my hand tightly, squeezing it. "Sam, I am your mother and I know you very well. I know when you're happy and I also know something is bothering you. My son, what is the matter?" She questioned.

I sighed heavily. "It's nothing, mother. I just feel stressed from work," I lied. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her that I was fired. Not now, not ever. That would totally worsen her health issues, and I am never going to be prepared for that.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

I smiled at her, "Yes, I am," I replied, embracing her in a warm hug. "I need to see the doctor in his office," I said, pulling away from the hug. She nodded in agreement while watching me walk out of the room and head to the doctor's office.

"Hello, Doctor Jermaine," I greeted, walking in.

"Mr. Sam. You're welcome. Please, have a seat," he said softly.

"I'm sorry for arriving late for the appointment," I said, settling down.

"It's fine, Sam," he responded, putting the papers before him aside.

"You have asked to see me. Is there any problem, Doc?"

"Firstly, do you have your mother's accumulated hospital bills?" His tone sounded strict. Too strict for a man who looked like he was patient and nice.

I turned my face away, feeling uncomfortable. "No, I don't but…" I tried to say.

"No buts, Mr. Sam. We have tried enough for you," he said angrily.

"Doctor, I can explain," I begged.

"There is no room for explanation. Ma'am Elizabeth Kent has been here for the past three months without paying a dime. We had held on to your words about paying on the fourth month. It's the fourth month and you still have nothing to offer. This isn't a charity home, Mr. Kent. Or is it?" He inquired, standing up from his seat.

"Doctor, please. I promise…"

He scoffed. "Empty promises, Sam! You have an hour to prepare where she is going to stay as we need her out of the hospital. She has been in here for quite a long time without getting any better," he ordered.

With a broken heart and shattered ego, I flagged down a taxi and quickly wheeled my mom out of the hospital.

"Is everything okay?" She asked but I pressed a kiss to her head, waving off her worried look with a smile.

"Everything is fine, mother. The doctor thinks you're getting better enough to stay at home."

A week later, reality began to dawn on me. Our situation was no longer a joke or a nightmare. It was f*****g real. I had lost my job and the doctor was tired of playing saviour for my mother. Her health was deteriorating. Fast. I had to do something. Maybe plead with Laura since we both loved each other and would do anything to make either of us happy.

I was still hurt by the fact that she hadn't bothered to check on me since I got fired but then I thought it over. Her father must have placed a bar on her seeing me. I wouldn't blame the old man since he never liked me and then saw a more perilous reason why he should not like me. He had every right to keep Laura away from me. I had the assurance within me that she was probably dying to see me right now. I know and I am sure.

So, I picked up my phone and dialled her number. It took two rings before she picked up.

"Hello?" She called groggily, probably asleep or just tired.

"Laura..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say or how she'd react knowing what I'd been accused of. I expected her to hang up.

Her voice softened. "Sam?"

I almost cried. God! I missed retiring into her arms after a long day and inhaling her hair and body shampoo. I missed nuzzling her neck and feasting on her body. Everything twisted my insides and made me feel less of a man knowing I was not in control of my life.

"Yeah," was all I could mutter.

A long pause followed. "I heard everything that happened, San. I couldn't believe my ears. After everything we've been through."

Shit! She believed Astrid's made-up story. That snake. I hissed and muttered a curse. "It never happened, Laura. Listen. Why don't we meet up somewhere? Perhaps, a private park. I have a lot to explain."

"Why should I say yes?" Her voice sounded too disappointed. I didn't like that. "Fine. Meet me at fifteen. Ray's park is opened today."

I heaved a sigh of relief as I gripped my phone. Hope beamed and flashed across my eyes. On a whim, I dressed up in my best shirt, and joggers and sprayed myself with a perfume made with spice. Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in the park, the cold wind biting my skin. That's when she showed up from the dark, looking good in a pair of tight jeans and a black hoodie. She wore the hood, concealing her hair and a pair of sunglasses to shield her face.

It killed me a little inside that she had to go through all this to see me.

"Laura." I stood to meet her, my outstretched hand left in the air as I made to touch her. She was mad. "I know you're mad at me and you have every right to."

"Of course, I do."

I ran a palm over my face. "Astrid set me up, babe. I never associated with her or try and talk to her. All I ever did was go about my day and keep to myself only for this to be thrown in my face."

"So, you're saying everything my dad said about you was a lie?" She laughed, humour dancing in the cackling sounds. "Dad and Miguel weren't even there but they attested to it?"

"And you believe them? Laura, Miguel is a sick man. He will do anything to see that we don't end up together and you know it."

As if my words got to her which I believe it did, she shut her parted lips and looked away. That did it good.

"I would never do anything to hurt you, baby. You know that. Our worlds are just too different and trust me, everyone will do anything to tear us apart." I closed in on the gap between us and removed her sunglasses to wipe the small tears that fell. The way she looked up at me told me it would be the worst decision to leave and forget Laura. "I'm never gonna allow that."

I cupped her face and looked into her soft eyes. They reeked of pain and care. I'd never believe any woman could look at me with those same eyes. Beautiful and loving. Her lips were full and inviting. As we stood under the moonlit park, I brought my face an inch downwards and pressed my lips on hers. She tilted her head to invite me in, our lips entangled. My teeth nibbled on her upper lips for a while before taking the next part. We went on for a while before she started running her hands on my shirt, awakening something torturing and hungry within me. At once, I wished we were in a more enclosed place. So I could grab her and tear off her clothes so she was bare naked underneath. I wanted to touch her so bad but the clothes were making things harder.

"Sam?" She called, breaking the moment. "I really should go. Before Dad starts looking for me."

I rested my forehead on hers, closed my eyes and let out a sigh. I wanted to stay like that forever but Laura already pulled away and began walking out of the park. What would shape our future, I could not tell but I felt it. I felt Laura slip away as fast as my sanity.