Dangerous Substitution

Chapter 2

Maya's little body was wheeled into the ER where the doctors tried to stop her bleeding, she lost so much blood and even required a transfusion. While they tried their best to keep her alive as she had already bled out too much, Maya's body was refusing treatment. It was almost like she didn't want to be revived, like she had found something on the other side that she wanted to stay with.

“ We've been trying to stop her from bleeding out for some time but she's not responding to treatment. At this rate I'm afraid we might not be able to save her” A matured doctor whispered to the young man who carried Maya in.

“If she dies, you might as well just save me the stress and go with her doctor” He said in a cold voice to the doctor whose throat suddenly felt dry as he watched him leave the hospital. The doctor immediately went in and instructed the surgeons to do their very best to make sure she stays alive.

Mrs Duffy rushed into the hospital and just then she caught a glimpse of the one who brought Maya in speaking with the doctor but he left before she could approach him, she got the information about Maya's accident from a customer who saw the accident happen and knew Maya from Mrs Duffy’s shop.

While Mrs Duffy was waiting, a young girl in cream coat rushed in and was asking about the accident victim.

Mrs Duffy was crying while praying for Maya's recovery when a group of people walked in. About four men dressed in suits and a graceful woman in between them. Mrs Duffy recognized the graceful woman as the head of a charity organization and the matriarch of one of the powerful families in that city, the Prescott's family.

“Oh my darling child, look how pale you are. What would I have done if something happened to you, your father and I would be so devastated” the graceful woman said while hugging the young girl in cream coat.

“Cut it out mother, I didn't even get a scratch, the one who took the blow for me must be in there fighting for her life. Ask the doctors to make sure she stays alive. I can't imagine someone losing their life because of me” the young girl said and hurried out of the hospital.

“Well, where are the doctors then and where's the guardian of the girl in there?”

Mrs Duffy cleared her throat and went closer to them signifying that she was Maya's guardian.

“Are you her mother ma'am?” The woman asked

“Her mother died when she was younger, I'm just the owner of the pastry shop where she works to save up money for college. Maya is really a sweet and selfless girl who does things out of compassion. Today she has sacrificed her life to save your daughter's own life without thinking twice. If not because of Maya, your daughter would be the one in there fighting for her life. I know what you do ma'am and I know who you are, please help Maya in any way possible you can I beg you” Mrs Duffy said with misty eyes as she talked about little Maya's life.

Mrs Duffy saw Maya for who she really was, while Maya was always putting up a front and acting strong Mrs Duffy knew she was a weak and tired little girl who's just been forced to grow up early and survive on her own. She met Maya sitting on the concrete floor crying one day when she was on her way to her shop, the little girl's reason for crying was that she hasn't found a job. All the places she went to refused to take her in because she was a child. From that day Mrs Duffy took her in and treated her like her own child.

She never screamed at her whenever she came late and she always gave her some pastries to take home with her.

“A young girl's life shouldn't be that hard. Anyways I'll see what I can do about it” The matriarch said and just then the doctors came out announcing that Maya's condition was stabilized now and she would be conscious soon. The doctors acknowledged the presence of the matriarch and assured her that Maya would only get the best treatment.

Maya was finally conscious after three days and Mrs Duffy was sitting in her room. When she saw that Maya woke up, she hurried to her side in happiness and stroked her head.

“My dear you're awake, how do you feel? Do you feel any pain? Should I get the doctor?” She said with a mix of happiness and worry

The smell of disinfectant hit Maya's nose and she felt nauseous, she opened her eyes and all she could see was white sterile walls. Her eyes were open but her sight was clouded,

“Mom is that you? Am I in the afterlife now” Maya said softly and Mrs Duffy's tears rolled down but she quickly wiped it and hurried out to get the doctor.

The doctor came and checked in on her and she seemed to be getting better. She got fifteen stitches on her collarbone and they were healing pretty good.

“Maya dear, look it's me” Mrs Duffy said to her when the doctor went out

“Mrs Duffy, you're here. What about the shop?” Maya said

“You're more important right now. Tell me dear how do you feel?” Mrs Duffy asked

“My shoulder is really hurting badly” Maya said trying to move her shoulder

“Yes, you got wounded there but it has been treated already and before you know you'll no longer feel the pain, okay?” Mrs Duffy said softly

Tears poured out of Maya's eyes while she sobbed, “Are you still feeling pain my dear, why are you crying? Should I go get the doctor again?”

“No..(sobs).. Now all the money I saved would be used to settle the bills” her voice cracked and her chest tightened

“ Look at this fancy ward they put me in (sobs) how am I supposed to pay up?” Maya cried out and Mrs Duffy hugged her while patting her back.

The door to her room opened and the matriarch walked in,

“It's good to know that you're awake now. Listen child you don't have to worry about the bills, I have taken care of it. I just want to use this medium to thank you for saving my daughter” The matriarch said to Maya

“Your daughter” Maya's voice trailed

“The young girl you pulled out of the way is my daughter” She said

“Yes she didn't see the car coming towards her and I just had to help her. I couldn't possibly take anything from you ma'am”

“You helped my daughter now let me help you.” The matriarch said with a smile to her