The life of a billionaire

EPISODE 007

James ran as fast as he could to the hospital which was a few kilometres from his house. He boarded a cab and almost forgot to pay the man his money . His thoughts were deeply on the news he heard from the phone.

He kept thinking and asking himself numerous questions. The hospital called him to inform him that Tina was admitted as she had a mild road accident, and James rushed to come see her as soon as he heard the news.

When he entered, he ran in like someone who was being chased by spirits. One of the nurses who noticed how he came in hurriedly and confused then directed him to her ward. She was lying on the bed but her head face to the other side, where the windows were as the gazed at how beautiful the skies were.

“Baby, what happened?” He asked as he drew so close to her.

“Nothing dear, just a mild accident” she responded. She wasn't really mad at him anymore, but was rather happy about how he worried and cared so much about her.

“I am so sorry baby, I promise it won't happen again” he apologised again concerning what happened earlier.

“It's fine dear. Honestly it's fine” she replied as they both held hands closely.

"Did you sustain any injuries, and where please?" He asked, as he was searching round her body for one.

“Don't worry, she'll be fine. She just had some mild bruises and injuries on her left elbow and knees, she'll be discharged soon”. The doctor who the nurse called explained to them as she came with her stethoscope to check her vital signs.

“Please doctor, Can I be discharged today? I really need to get back to work tomorrow, or I'll be fired” She begged.

“Alright, I'll get some medications to help ease the pain, so you'll be discharged on time, okay?” The doctor said.

“Okay doctor, thanks so much for your understanding,” she added as she turned towards James who's eyes were stuck to her face.

“Your welcome, don't worry, you'll be fine” the doctor said with a smile and left.

After 15 mins, Tina's Stepmom arrived at the hospital with sober eyes as though she felt even an atom of pity for her.

She came into the ward, alongside the doctor. Then she rushed to hug Tina who was surprised to see her shed a tear, let alone hugging her. “ I was worried sick about you,” the step mom said.

“I am fine actually, just a mild bruise” Tina said, still surprised that her Stepmom cared.

“My baby girl, hope you are ok and the injury doesn't hurt much” she inquired again.

“No ma, the doctor said I'll be discharged today” she turned to face the doctor with shaky eyes who was just smiling at how caring her Stepmom was and wasn't aware of what was going on. “Right doc?” She asked again, this time, they were all facing her.

At first, the doctor stood confused with eyes wide open, then she nodded.

“I think all she needs now is rest,” James said.

“Who made you her doctor?” her step mom asked with striking eyes. “And am sure you had something to do with this”.

There was silence for awhile, as James was already used to her bantering words which pierce like hard whip on the back. He couldn't say anything to defend himself, but rather remained as silent as door mouse and sat on the chair.

Tina on the other hand was just so surprised at her step mom's sudden change of attitude. At first she thought she was daydreaming but later realised she wasn't. However, she prayed that she gets discharged on time so she could prepare for her work tomorrow as she didn't want to give the manager a bad impression on the first day. She had worked and prayed so tirelessly to get this job, so she was determined not to ruin this opportunity because she knew it might not happen again.

The doctor came in towards the evening, with a list of drugs for her to take. She told her not to do strenuous exercises or activities, and to also take her medications seriously.

As they were about leaving, James offered to help Tina get up from the bed, and also take her home, but the step mom pushed him aside, took her by the hands and helped her to the cab outside, while James had to sort the bills.

Then when they where outside, Tina's Stepmom unveiled her true nature when James wanted to join them in the cab.

“Where are you going? Have you lost your way?” She asked, Tina kept her mouth shut, to avoid trouble.

“I thought I could-” James tried explaining, but the words got stuck in his mouth.

“-Could do what? Just go home and leave Tina alone” she replied and was about stepping into the car.

“But ma,I–” James wanted saying something but immediately kept shut as he didn't want to get into more trouble than necessary.

“You what?” She turned to the boy, looking at him in a disgusting manner.

“Sorry ma, good night ma, Good night Tina” James said as he waved to Tina who was still like a statue and he understood why.

She entered and sat besides Tina and the cab zoomed off. In 10 mins, the cab reached home. Tina's Stepmom didn't say a word after she spoke with James and Tina was surprised but happy. She was expecting to receive scolding and shouts from her step mom, or maybe numerous questions with consistent slaps, but none came through, rather the drive home was cool and calm. However she knew if she didn't receive it now, she would in the near future.

Soon they were home, she came out slowly as a result of the bandages she carried and walked sluggishly, this time on her own, as the Stepmom who had no pity for her walked into the house, leaving her behind. She managed to get to her room, took her drugs, got comfortable on the bed and slept off.

Early the next morning, unlike before, she woke up on her own and not with the help ofher alarm. She turned to the side of her bed and the sun was shining bright on her windows. She wanted going back to sleep as she was still feeling dizzy but decided to check the time first.

So with sleepy eyes, she turned to the other side and checked, didn't react, and then wanting to doze of, cleared her eyes, as though what she saw earlier was a hallucination.

“s**t, what have I done” she shouted as tried leaping from the bed, before she could remember that she was still bandaged.