CHAPTER FOUR
1435 Words
BEE’S POV
Five hours went by like a snail.
I paced the corridors of the lavish private hospital. It is on a large estate where only billionaires and influential personalities live. Something in the environment stirred a memory.
It all came back in a rush. Six months back, after another failed try to land a job, I walked onto the ever-busy Coast city major road and got knocked by the driver of a luxurious car. I was rushed to an ultramodern clinic where I lay unconscious for several days. When I awoke, I was told the kind driver whom I had never met took my bills care of. In the accident's flash, I couldn’t remember a thing save a pair of startled gray eyes widened in horror as he swerved the car to avoid knocking me down, but it was too late.
I’m glad the accident left no visible scar on my skin save a minor cut on the temple. Sometimes my curiosity got the best of me and never stopped wondering who was behind those wheels that day.
Everything faded.
The white scrubs which the nurses wore caught my attention. Their uniforms made them look like little angels running around about to do a miracle.
Mr. Page needed one to pull out. I was sure the doctors were battling inside the theater with every technology they had at their disposal to save his life.
One glance at my wristwatch confirmed it was midnight. Just then, my cell phone dinged. I clicked the acceptance option.
“Girl, where the hell are you?”
Concern rang in her voice. Typical Gina.
“In a hospital.” I stifled a yawn.
“What, are you sick? Where is this hospital? I'll be on my way this minute.”
“Gee, calm down. Stop panicking. I’m fine.” She cursed under her breath, and a bunch of keys jingled. “It’s my boss.”
“Oh my God, Mr. Page! Oh dear, are you okay with yourself?” I could hear her freaking out, and I didn’t want to frighten her any further. I explained the state of things to her, and she relaxed before she swung into another round of questions.
“Have you eaten? Did they offer you any meal there?”
“I’m fine.” I assured her, though my stomach growled.
She hung up after so much assurance from me.
I smiled. The line went dead. Gina had slipped into the role of a doting mother and a loving friend all in one. She will have a panic attack if any harm comes to me. Her kindness was a constant reminder of the loss I had suffered as a child. Although she tried to fill that void, I wonder if anyone can ever fill it up. I miss both my parents, especially the woman whose breasts I suckled.
My cheeks were wet in seconds as her memory came alive. I can remember that incident just like yesterday, and it still hurt like hell. I was having a hard time placing a lid on my emotions when I heard someone call my name.
“Miss Bee?”
I turned in the direction of the voice. It was the doctor.
“Doctor!”
I closed the distance between us in swift steps, anxious to know how the operation went.
Behind his glasses were two tired eyes yearning for a good uninterrupted sleep. My heart at once went out to him.
“Yes doctor, how is he?”
He hesitated for some seconds.
My heart made a wild beat as I awaited his response.
Okay Bee, brace yourself for whatever is coming, whether good or bad.
After what seemed like forever. A smile slowly broke out on his face like the dawn of a new day.
“It was successful. The poison would have done a lot of damage to his internal organs and if he was brought in a few moments later, it would have been a sad story.”
I didn’t know I was holding my breath all the while; I exhaled slowly as relief washed over me like the sea kissing the river bank before flowing back into the mainstream.
“So doctor, can I see him now?” I was quite anxious to see his face for reasons I couldn’t place a finger on.
“No, Miss Bee.”
Disappointment was written all over my face. He must have seen it because he added.
“You need rest yourself, besides he is soundly asleep now. I can assure you, you will see him first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“A nurse will show you to a private ward where you can spend the night. So you know, Mr. Page will be transferred from the ICU by morning.”
I nodded and shook his hands.
“Good night Doctor.”
“Do get some sleep Bee. It’s almost morning. Good night.” He said with a faint smile.
I watched him retreat into one of the adjoining rooms. Just then, one of the nurses approached me and showed me the way to the private ward where I was to pass the night.
Immediately she turned on the switch, I was drowned in a sea of light. The whole place looked nothing like a hospital ward but rather like a presidential suite in a five-star hotel.
“What is this place again?”
“The Richard Page private suite or ward, if you may call it so,” The young nurse said with relish.
“You mean they lodge here?”
“Occasionally, yes. And especially for bed-rest. Mr. Page is more regular here than Mrs. Brunette and Chantel.”
“Who are they?”
“His mum and sister.”
“Wow.” I strolled into the kitchen on the right.
Different fruits adorned the island in the cozy little kitchen. I eyed her and saw something like a glint of pride flash in her cat-like eyes. I didn’t want anyone to wake me up because it was all a dream.
“You can have any dish of your choice from the deep freezer. It is always stocked full of various delicacies.”
My eyes widened in amazement when I threw the freezer lid open and, true to her word, it was stocked full of food items. My eyes had only fed off glossy magazines and food channels.
If falling sick meant having such treats, I was already considering being a permanent resident in this hospital.
The adjacent room housed the ultramodern bathroom which took a shower and a Jacques large enough to take in two obese persons at the same time.
One tap on the right knob and hot water gushed out. While the left knob brought the cold water running. I squealed like a child when it splashed on my hands.
The kind nurse smiled at my childish indulgence.
“I will leave you to retire for the night, Miss. Bee. Good night.”
“Good night nurse.” I excitedly said.
As the door shut behind her, I grabbed a succulent looking red apple and bite off a large chunk, filling my mouth in an instant with sweet juice which ravished my taste buds in a way I had never had before.
After eating to my full, I took a warm bath with Mr. Page, bath gel. I came out smelling like the scent of rain on dry land; fresh.
I bounced on the springy bed and zoomed off into a wonderful dream. I bet I slept like a log. It had indeed been a long day.
But my beauty sleep didn’t last long.
I hadn’t been asleep for more than two hours when the telephone rang.
On the second ring, I grudgingly reached for it. I was half asleep and half awake.
“Hello.” I yawned, rubbing my sleepy eyes with the back of my hand.
“Miss Bee, it's Mr. Page. I’m afraid you must come this minute.”
“What happened to him?” panic seized my breath.
The telephone line went dead.
I jumped up, threw my clothes on and dashed through the door.
What could have happened to my larger-than-life boss? The operation was successful. Dr. Wright had confirmed that. Did any complications arise while I was asleep? There was only one way to find out. But as I raced down the corridor leading to the I.C.U, another reason flashed across my mind.
Or is he dead? I shook my head.
That didn’t help to shake off the thought.
- Writer
