Three Lies He Told Me

Seraphina POV My heart races as I enter the hospital room where my five-year-old son Eli lies in a hospital bed. His little frame is dwarfed by the clinical-looking bed. I was horrified when the school called to tell me that Elijah had fainted but was grateful when they said that he would be taken to St Elmore's hospital. I've been a nurse here for the last three years. It also helped to know that Dr. Phillips was the one that was taking care of him until I arrived. It had me laying off the gas as I sped here. I move to stand next to his bed. His eyes remain closed until I push the tight brown curl away from his forehead. His eyes fly open and a mix of fear and relief shines brightly. His beautiful eyes, the color of emeralds are the only part of Eli that reminds me of the man that would be his biological father. One reckless night searching for the comfort I'd never known from any member of my family. He chokes out my name in his tiny voice and I scoot in beside him, wrapping my arms around him tightly. "I'm here my baby. You are safe." I am the only one that Eli allows to hug him like this. He normally doesn't like to be touched. Even Thomas can only sit next to him on the couch when they watch his favorite cartoon. I'm honestly surprised the beeping of the machine next to us isn't driving him to cover his ears. He is very sensitive to sound. "What happened, my sweet boy?" "Those boys were bothering me again. They were calling me the r word. I got mad, but before I could yell back at them that I was not the r word, my head started to hurt. Then it was black around me," he says. "You are absolutely not anything but an amazing little boy. Those boys should never have said that to you. That isn't even a word they should know. I promise you that I'll talk to Ms. Brooks again, Eli." My words seem to land flat. I've spoken to Eli's teacher a few times, and she has reassured me she would deal with the issue. Maybe I need to find out exactly what she has done to deal with it because it sure as hell isn't working. Eli snuggles into my side, closing his eyes, effectively halting our conversation. The sound of a soft knock draws my attention away from my son and to the door. I smile when Dr. Phillips steps into the room. He has taken care of Eli since he was born. He is in his late thirties and handsome. Not that I would ever go there. First, I'd never date anyone I worked with. Second, Thomas and I have been exclusive for a year. He is nice and kind to Eli. I can't say I'm in love with him, but I feel safe with him, which is what is important to me. "Sera, it's good to see you. I just wish it was under better circumstances. Although our boy seems to be doing fine. I've run some tests and everyone is negative. I think he just got overexcited about what the bullies were saying, and his body did what it needed to do to protect him," he says. "I just don't understand why he would pass out. Little kids deal with ignorant little sh*ts all the time, and they don't pass out. Should he have scans?" I know that I don't have the money for those kinds of tests, but I'll do what I have to if he needs them. Eli is my whole world. Money isn't important compared to making sure he is alright. "Mama, you said a bad word," Eli says but never opens his eyes. The only evidence he even spoke is the slight smile on his little face. "I really don't think so Sera. Eli is a special boy, and it makes him sensitive to little sh*t's nasty words," he whispers the last few words with a smile. I'd like to keep him overnight just for observation, but I'm confident he won't have any more issues. I also don't want you to worry about the bill. I've already talked to my father, and it will be taken care of," he says. His father owns the hospital.I go to open my mouth, but he raises his eyebrows, daring me to argue. Not many people know that, despite my parents' wealth, I am a single mother with no real support. I have to practically beg for money if Eli needs something outside his normal treatment plan, but it always comes with a price. I nod just as his phone sounds in his pocket. He quickly fishes it out. His face immediately darkens. "I need to go we have a serious car accident coming in. Apparently it must be a big wig because my father is texting me directly. I'll be back later to check on the two of you," he says before turning and leaving me alone with my son. Once he is gone, I pull my phone from my bag and dial Thomas. The call goes right to voicemail. He should be well done with his court case, but he must be busy with something else that's important. Thomas is a top lawyer in his father's firm. He never ignores my calls. I leave him a quick message to call me when he gets my message. I don't want him freaking out about Eli and getting in an accident on his way here. A half an hour later, I'm sick of playing on my phone. I decide to head and grab some tea from the staff lounge in the ER since Eli is out like a light. I press a soft kiss on his forehead and make my way out of the room. As soon as I step into the hallway, the sound of familiar raised voices in the ER waiting room has my feet moving of their own accord. The minute I step into the room, I wish I didn't. Not only are my parents here, but so are my sister and Thomas. That isn't what has bile rising in my throat. It's the way Thomas is holding my sister in his arms and rubbing circles on her back. They look like a couple in an intimate embrace. My father is the one that notices me first."Sera, what the hell are you doing here? I thought you didn't work tonight. Did you follow us here," he asks. Thomas immediately releases his hold on Lydia and takes a step back. Tell me your guilty, without telling me you're guilty. My eyes meet my sister's normal triumphant ones before I turn without a word. I make my way back down the hallway. I'm just about to Eli's room when a hand grips my wrist. "Sera, let me explain." "Explain what Thomas. Explain why you didn't answer when I called you about Eli being in the hospital or when I caught you holding my sister like she is the most precious thing you've ever held." The color immediately drains from his face, and he releases the hold he has on my arm. "Sera, please let me explain. I swear to you that I was merely comforting your sister. My parents invited me to dinner at that French restaurant my mother loves so much after my big win today. I never expected your sister or parents to be there. In the middle of dinner, your father got a call that Kael Draven was in a serious accident. Your sister was beside herself that her fiancé was hurt. I never meant to ignore your calls. Is Eli alright," he asks. His story makes sense. He knows I hate the fancy restaurants his parents choose because they have no food that Eli likes. He also is the kind of man that would offer comfort to anyone if they were hurting. My anger fades slightly as I stare at the man I've been dating for over a year. I look for any sign of insincerity and find none. "He is fine. He passed out at school but Dr. Phillips thinks he just got overexcited. He is keeping him overnight to make sure he's right." "I am so sorry I didn't answer your call, Sera. You know I would never ignore you intentionally. Everything was just very chaotic, and I never turned my phone on after court," he says. He reaches for my hand and I don't pull away. "You also know you are the only one I truly care about. You are my girl, Sera. I would never betray you. Besides that, your sister is engaged to the CEO of a major corporation. She wouldn't do anything to jeopardize her meal ticket," he says with a smirk. He pulls me into his arms and I melt into his embrace. I'm grateful to have at least one person on my side.