David’s Odyssey of Love & War

ANOTHER PROBLEM

It's been a month since we left Lakestone City and moved to Evergreen Dale. Evergreen Dale was an urban city close to where we used to live. I had decided to move out following the fact that I had lost my job, plus I needed intervention in my mother's health issues. After so many pleas, Doctor Jermaine couldn't bear to give me another chance. I wouldn't blame him, though; if I were in his shoes, I wouldn't have done anything either. Besides, he really tried for me— for us.

My mother is currently admitted to Shalom Hospital, where she's being taken care of. You might think that I had made it, but no, I haven't. Not yet, at least. Somehow, I managed to find a hospital that was running free medical checkups, so I reached out to them and pleaded to them to help save my mother's life, and they accepted, but then it was under a condition.

A condition that they would only give her medications till I present the money for her surgery. This contract was only going to be valid for a month. A month, which was going to expire today, and I still haven't found the money for my mother's surgery. Isn't life so cruel? It chooses to be fair, rosy, and sweet for some people, while other people should go and figure it out themselves.

I could go back to TosyRosy Cargo shipping company and beg Mr. Pedro for help. Speaking of Mr. Pedro, why has Laura yet to reach out to me? Is she okay at all? Several times, I had tried to call her, but I needed help to get her numbers through. Did she forget about me already? So fast? We loved each other. I loved her. No, I love her. I still love her so much that I would do anything to have her in my arms, but then why wasn't the energy reciprocated?

My mother coughed, pulling me out of my trance. I rushed over to her, grabbing a jug of water and a cup placed on the table on my way.

"Mom, are you okay?" I asked.

She outstretched her hand, taking the water I had poured into the cup for her. She gulped it down slowly, sighing. Her condition was getting critical every day regardless of the medications, and this was as a result of telling her about my job predicaments. All she needed was surgery, and I just couldn't do anything to work it out. I dropped the jug of water and the cup on top of the dispenser, sitting down on the bed. My eyes grew misty as I gazed at my mother.

I instantly recalled the times she was healthy and hale, but right now, she looked so taken out in a bad way. And what hurt the most was that I couldn't bring myself to help her get back to her feet. She had done so many things for me, and just this one thing I was supposed to do as her only child and family, I couldn't. Maybe I didn't deserve her as my mother. Maybe I just didn't. I should have listened to Mr. Pedro's advice about having something to do with his daughter; at least I would have received my salary that was enough to cater for us. This whole issue was all my fault. It's all my fault.

"What is going on in your head?" My mother asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I was mute. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize that she had spoken to me not to talk of the fact that she couldn't bring herself to speak loud. She tapped my shoulder, and I finally got myself jolting.

"Nothing, mother. Just thinking about work." I answered, looking away.

"What is going on in your head, Sam?" She asked, yet again. "I doubt it's just that."

I sighed, pain clutching my chest. "It's nothing, mom," I replied.

"No, don't say that. It can't be anything, and you look sad. There is no way you want to throw me off by saying nothing. I can see the writings on the wall."

I grabbed her hand, tightening my grip on it. "Mother, I'm sorry," I begged.

She looked confused, darting her eyes around the room. "What're you sorry about?" She asked.

"I'm sorry for not being the son you expect me to be. For keeping you here for so long, unable to do anything. I'm so sorry. I promise I will sort everything out in no time. Please, don't give up on me," I implored, pleading.

"Come here, my son," she said, pulling me into a hug. We finally pulled away, and she held my cheek. "Sam, I don't blame you for anything. In fact, I'm grateful to you for not abandoning me, and above all, I am grateful that I am your mother," she continued. "Please, do not be hard on yourself. We will definitely pass through this together, and don't you worry, I will be fine in no time. I trust and believe in you. Don't be scared,"

I broke into a sad smile, clenching my hand into a fist. I was so heartbroken. I wished there was something I could do to help my mother's condition. I wish I could just heal her from every pain instantly. Without delay, I engulfed her in a hug once more, letting my strong body enclose her frail shell. Then, someone entered, interrupting the moment.

I quickly cleaned sat up, not wanting anyone to see me like that. Who could it be? When I looked behind me, it was the nurse who approached us. There was a sigh of relief escaping my lips.

"Nurse! It's good to see you. I thought you were away for today," I greeted, outstretching my hand for a handshake. She ignored me and proceeded to see my mother, who was in bed. She unplugged every medical device and proceeded to get her out of the bed.

I looked at her, totally confused. "What are you doing, Nurse?"

"Our contract expired today and merely looking at you, you have nothing to offer. Please, evacuate this building in the next twenty-four hours," she responded, making her way out of the room.

"Nurse! Nurse! Nurse!" I screamed, but there was no response, making my mother break down in tears.

I sank onto the floor, my heart shattered with no mercy. We had just been sent away again. Why does this keep happening to us? It was no longer just a series of coincidence but a loadful of s**t. It was more like the universe connived against me to make life miserable for me. First it was in LakeStone and now Evergreen Dale. All because of a bloody woman. I punched in a number on my phone, my lips pressed in a tight purse as I tried to seek help from Laura.

It rang once, twice, three times and then several other times. She never picked up. The answer was pretty clear. She didn't want me in her life.

"How can I blame her?"

When next I rose, it was to flag down a cab and take my mother home. The plenty of times we have moved my mother was starting to tell on her body. She had a crazy temperature later that night that I took care of with frozen water and a towel. The next morning, she looked even paler and tinier. I could see life slipping away from her. The fact that I couldn't do anything made me want to run crazy or make me hit my head against the wall. I can't protect my mom so what is the point in living?

Laura was now gone. She had decided to leave my life even though it was against both our wills, I'm sure. That damned man must have seized her phones or deleted my number and threatened her against associating with me because the next time I picked up a paper after two more weeks, the front headlines said Laura Neil was getting prepared for marriage.

"...saying it herself in one of her interviews with the Lakestone New Times that she was preparing to get married. Who the lucky man is, we will never know." I squeezed the paper which was slowly turning into furnace the more I read, burning my hands.

What do they mean, lucky man? Miguel was one hell of a bastard who would do anything to get what he wants. Not a lucky man or anything. Him getting Laura wasn't luck, mine was. He just happened to have the tools to seize her. If there was anything I aimed to do now, it is to save Laura from this forceful marriage.

We both love each other too much to be tied down to different people we don't even love. I stuffed the paper into my coat pocket and moved away, heading to the bustop.

"What do you think about the man Laura Neil would get married to?" A bunch of teenagers started behind me, making me roll my eyes.

Laura Neil was like a bad dream, always haunting me no matter where I went. "I have a guess at Miguel. That man is often seen around her. And the way he looks at her..."

The girls giggled kicking against the seats. "I literally want him to look at me the same way. That man is in love."

With the millions her father makes. I thought, letting out a soft chuckle.

"Laura Neil is so lucky to have her."

"I'm so glad the rumors about her falling in love with their ex janitor is wrong."

That's when my ears perked up and my shoulders tensed. What happened to the janitor? And what kind of rumors had been spread about me?

"Janitor? Who was that?"

"I don't know. It was pretty much hearsay from a cousin who worked on the dock. He said the man was always hovering around her until he was caught sleeping with another employee."

My fists kept clenching and unclenching. Pedro had promised to keep this low and in return fired me. How did word about this get outside the four walls? Then it dawned on me.

Astrid.

I ran a hand across my face. That woman must still be going with the story that I tried to take advantage of her.

"Thank God things escalated so quickly. I'm pretty sure he's just after her father's money."

I've heard enough and just wanted to drop from the bus. Immediately the bus stopped, I rushed out, tilting my hat low against the chilling wind. With my hands in my coat pockets, I started walking home, reminiscing and retrospecting.

That's when a call came in and what I saw on the caller ID made me almost lose my s**t.

"Hey!" I called breathlessly against the phone.

"Sam," my hand found the nearest bench and I quickly sat down to stop myself from passing out. I was now breathing hard. "I'm sorry."

My lips broke into a smile. "It's fine, Laura. I totally understand. I do."

"I should have believed you and not some crazy psychopath woman who works for my dad. I mean, why would you even do that?"

I shut my eyes tightly, not knowing what to say. It was all coming in too fast. "Father was only trying to protect his company so I understand him and I'm sorry you had to lose you'd job over that. Why don't we meet somewhere?"

My heart leaped for joy at the thought of her suggesting to meet first. "I was just about to say that. I have lots of questions."

"I'll text you the address and time, Sam."

I nodded as if she can see me but I was too excited to notice or think about it. "Sam?"

"Yes?"

"I love you." She said, her voice cracking.

"I never doubted it for one second." I laughed softly, bitterness clouding my eyes. "I always knew you did."

She sobbed as well but stopped abruptly. A voice in the background made her stop.

"Who are you talking to?"

"No one you should know." Laura said back to the person.

"Let me see."

"You don't have to!" I thought a yelp before she hung up which got me worried. What happened to her? I didn't need to ask the question. It was that f*****g Miguel hurting her.