Desperation
1284 Words
Chapter 2
Alice's POV
I ran up to the window at once, and my eyes widened in shock at the sight before me.
Aunt Sam was already standing by the gate, and she seemed to be in a conversation with someone. Taking a closer look at them, I became even more terrified when I found out it was no other person but the doctor.
My mind spinned in thoughts, a wave of panic engulfing me all of a sudden. What could she be up to this time?
What if she asked who had sent for him? How would I explain to her that I had called a doctor on my own, without her permission?
While I was still battling with my thoughts, my eyes traveled to the gate once again, and this time, they were no longer there.
That sight alone made my heart jump. I dashed towards Brandy's bedside, gripping his hand firmly, as if that was the only solution I needed to escape whatever trouble was coming.
In no time, the door burst open, and they walked in.
Aunt Sam faked a sob as she dashed towards Brandy, clutching his weak hands.
“Doc please, we need to do something quickly.” She muttered, her eyes flashing with concern— fake concern.
Doctor Kevin didn't say a word. He only nodded, his gaze fixed on Brandy like he was trying to piece out a puzzle.
He pulled out a stethoscope from his backpack, and crouched down towards Brandy, checking his heartbeat.
When he was done, he stood up and shook his head slowly, his gaze returning back to me.
“What happened to him?” He quizzed as he began to place back the stethoscope in his bag.
My legs began to shake, like his question had stirred something inside me. But it wasn't about him— it was about the way Aunt Sam was staring at me. The look in her eyes said it all— she's going to make me pay dearly for being disobedient.
My lips pressed into a thin line, and it felt like words had suddenly failed me.
“Alice?” Doctor Kevin's voice rang out again, louder this time. He seemed to notice my unease as he placed a hand on my shoulder. “Is anything the matter?”
“No— no, I—” I stuttered, shaking my head quickly. “He just woke up and started complaining about his stomach hurting. He passed out before I could find help, and since then he's been this way.”
“Okay that's fine.” He said as he began to help Brandy up from the bed. “His condition is quite critical. We need to rush him to the hospital.”
—
When we arrived at the hospital, Brandy was laid in a stretcher and taken into a special ward, while Aunt Sam and I were asked to wait at the reception.
The time stretched longer with each passing minute, making my heart race. Aunt Sam kept flashing me that deadly, threatening glare, but I avoided her gaze, pretending to be busy on my phone.
In no time, Doctor Kevin was out, pulling out the gloves on his hands.
We both ran up to him at once, and I began to look around, hoping Brandy would step out too. But he didn't.
At that moment, my fear only increased, considering the fact that the doctor's face wasn't even smiley one bit.
“How's he doing? Is everything okay? Tell me he's fine.” I queried endlessly, clutching the tip of his coat.
He took a step back, but I held on even more firmly, refusing to let go.
“Alice, you need to calm down.” He muttered weakly, but I didn't even want to hear it. All I wanted was to see my brother.
“Don’t tell me that, doc! How's my brother doing?” I screeched, my voice dripping with anger— raw anger and pain.
“Okay, okay. He's fine!” He cut in, raising his hands to the air. “He's stable now at least. But—”
“But? What else could be the problem?”
“Alice, can you calm down and let him do his job?” Aunt Sam cut in, and I had no other choice but to obey.
I released his coat, but my eyes were still flashing with that deep desperation— fear.
The atmosphere was calmer now. The doctor heaved a deep sigh and continued.
“Like I said before, his condition is critical. He has been diagnosed with gastric cancer, and he needs to undergo a surgery as soon as possible.”
“Surgery?” We both echoed in shock, flashing a puzzled glance at him.
He nodded slightly and pulled out a piece of paper from the file in his hand, handing it to Aunt Sam.
“This is his report.” He continued, clearing his throat. “Apparently, the surgery costs a hundred thousand dollars. I'd advise you to get the money as soon as possible so we can commence treatment immediately. Without it, I'm scared your brother might lose his life in five days.”
My eyes widened in shock, and my eyes felt like they were spinning.
No, it can't be!
How was I going to afford a hundred thousand dollars for my brother's treatment? Aunt Sam had ruthlessly taken over our parents' fortune since their death, and I doubt she'd ever want to help us.
“Thank you for the explanation, doc. We'll surely do our best.” She said and grabbed my hand. “We should get going now.”
Doctor Kevin nodded in response. “We'll be expecting you.”
As soon as he turned his back, Aunt Sam's grip on me tightened as she dragged me towards the car.
She opened the door and threw me in, her hands moving too fast.
She hopped into the driver's seat, grabbing the steering without a second thought.
I caught a glimpse of her face from the front mirror, and my breath caught. She wasn't smiling anymore. She locked her gaze ahead, her face mean, cold, distant.
I didn't know how long the drive was, but in a matter of minutes, we were already at home.
“Step out!” She yelled, jacking the door open.
I didn't argue… I dared not. I just stepped out of the car, my footsteps hammering in my ears like thunder.
Before I could think, she grabbed my hand again, pulling me aggressively towards her room.
“What was the meaning of that drama you put up there?” She queried, her voice icy, laced with venom.
I didn't say a word. Words seemed to fail me at this point, and that only fueled her anger.
“You've suddenly lost your tongue huh?” She pinned me firmly to the wall with one hand, her breath warm against my face.
“You know what? f**k it!” She said and released her grip on me, turning to the door. “I guess you're old enough to fend for yourself and your miserable brother anyway. Of course you should be able to cover his medical bills.”
She began to walk towards the door, but before she could leave, I ran up to her, gripped her hand gently and fell on my knees, a stream of tears falling from my eyes.
“Please, help me, aunty. I obviously cannot do it alone.” My voice was faint, but thick with desperation, and I hated myself for that.
She turned slowly, her gaze locked in mine once again. “Oh, is that so?”
- Writer
