From chaos to happiness

CHAPTER2:PROTECTIVELIE

Mr. James’ expression changed back to being cold and serious as usual the second he heard the question.

“I gave you all the information you need to know.”

A cold response which did not surprise Rachael. She knew he never liked to talk about his private life, she never knew why but she hoped he could trust her enough to open up to her, one day maybe.

“I’m sorry for my negligence,sir.”

She rapidly apologized before leaving the office.

‘Was I too rude to her? Can I trust her? She seemed to be serious and honest, she’s always transparent in her work. But what if the same scenario repeats itself again? What if she betrays me as Lucia did? No…no…no… I cannot let it happen again.’ He said to himself while heading back to his activities.

Rachael had only one thing in mind; announcing the good news to her mother. She did not think twice before gathering her things before leaving the office, forgetting how rudely Mr. James just answered her and heading to the hospital.

IN THE HOSPITAL

Her heartbeat increased as she walked through the corridors of the hospital, recreating scenarios, explaining in detail the good news to her mother. She finally had the solution to their problems.

She finally arrived at her mother’s hospital room door, leaning on the door’s frame, she watched her mother discussing with a nurse.

“Lisa I’m so proud of you, you’re so strong and resistant. The injections are working and you are getting better. But you still need the surgery…” the nurse was still talking when Lisa discovered her daughter was standing outside.

“Enter sweetheart. What are you doing here by this time? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

Lisa asked nervously, thinking something should have happened at work.

“O no mom, I just took a day off. I have to talk with you about something.” She answered joyfully.

“Miss Rachael, I’m just from telling your mother how strong she is, she’s holding onto life with all the strength she has. I understand where your sense of determination is coming from.”

The nurse said joyfully while packing her equipment.

“I’ll be back soon to check her vitals, I guess you guys have to talk. Excuse me.” She then said while leaving the room.

Rachael then came forward and sat close to Lisa, her eyes filled with joy. Seeing her mother in that state, battling with life just confirmed to her she was making the right choice. The thought of seeing her mother finally out of the hospital made her more emotional, as she could not hold her tears.

Lisa, on the other side seeing her daughter getting more and more emotional was getting worried.

“Rachael,sweartie, tell me what it is? You know we don’t have secrets for each other. And I told you not to worry about me, I'll be fine.” Lisa said while caressing her daughter’s hair.

”No mom, it’s not about that. It’s good news. You know you became my best friend and my only family since dad died when I was still young. I can’t hide anything from you.”

Rachael answered, her eyes filled with tears. Ever since her dad died, they were just the two of them as Lisa’s family abandoned her when she got pregnant with Rachael at a very young age, and Rachael’s father’s family had never accepted them.

“Then tell me what’s wrong Racheal.” Lisa answered, with a soft tone.

“Mr. James and I are…” she was about to continue when the doctor entered the room.

“I see you are looking better today, Lisa.”

Over time, Lisa and the doctor became good friends, since Lisa spent most of her time in the hospital. Everybody liked her as she was a kind woman, always smiling no matter how hard life with cancer was and always making work easier for all the hospital’s staff. She even became the favorite patient of the nurses.

“Rachael, thank God you are here. Can I talk to you outside please.”

“Of course doc.” She replied. “Mom, I’m coming back soon.” Rachael then gave Lisa a kiss before stepping out.

Once outside, Rachael took the doctor’s hands, “Doctor, I want to thank you for all your efforts regarding my mom’s situation. I really appreciate it. She wouldn’t be present today without you.” She then gave her a hug.

“It’s normal. Helping her is a pleasure, and we became friends.” The doctor replied with a smile.

Then her expression turned serious. “But time is against us, we need to operate on her as soon as possible. Her body is already adapting to the drugs.”

“Program the operation as soon as possible doctor. I could raise the necessary funds.” Rachael said, radiating joy and satisfaction.

“Ok…”

When heading back to her mother’s room, Rachael then remembered something. Lisa was a traditional woman, and she’ll never allow her to marry a man she’s not in love with, especially after the experience she had with men.

She then realised telling her the truth will be a big mistake. But her mother was very intelligent, she could detect when Rachael was lying to her. So she had to be very careful and smart when choosing her words.

She entered the room slowly and calmly.

“Is there any problem with the doctor honey?” A small murmur came out of her mouth.

“No mom, don’t bother. I was just fixing the last details for your operation.” She replied with a smile, but trying to maintain her calm. She knew a simple error could trigger her mother’s attention.

“Operation? What did you mean? Where did you get the money from?” Lisa asked in disbelief.

Rachael sat on her mother’s bed, holding her hands, she took a deep breath before splitting out the truth, «her truth».

“Mom, Mr. James and I are getting married. Please let me finish.” She calmly interrupted her mother as she was about to talk.

“We started dating a few months ago, but I never wanted to mention it due to your cancer, I was scared you’ll take me for someone selfish. He has been my support ever since, but we wanted to keep it a secret due to his social position, as he was scared people would invade my privacy. This morning he decided to take our relationship to the next level by proposing to me.”

Lisa took a brief moment of reflection. She was angry that her daughter kept such a serious issue a second but at the same time she was grateful seeing her daughter putting her emotional life aside just because she was sick.

On the other hand, Rachael hoped the scenario she just came up with could deceive her mother.

‘Atleast they are now very low changes of the agreement been exposed since the secret will stay between Mr. James and me.´ she said to herself, convincing her she made the best decision.

“Sweetie,I am happy you could find a man who values and respects you, but I don’t like the fact they are secrets between us. You know since your father left, our transparency towards each other is what made our bond this strong.” Lisa said softly, her hot soft palms gently caressing Rachael’s hair.

"At least I can now go in peace, knowing Mr. James will take care of you. I know he’s a good God.” she continued, tears filling her eyes.

“Mom, no. Your operation will soon take place and you’ll make it. We’ll wait for you to get better before celebrating our union.” Rachael replied to her mother in tears.

“No my darling, I don’t want to disturb you nor your future husband. I refuse to be a financial burden.”

“And who said you were disturbing?”

Rachael and Lisa turned, seeing Mr. James standing at the door, flowers in hands,a big smile spreading across his face. Mr. James had always admired Lisa for raising her daughter this well, he couldn’t help but smile whenever he saw her.

‘What on Earth is he doing here? He’s not aware of the new plan. What if he says something off? Mom will never support the shock.’ She asked herself as he entered slowly into the room, heading towards Lisa’s bed head.’