Brandon POV:
When I arrived at the hospital it at that moment it really sunk into
me that how difficult it is to enter inside with the steady feet
without focusing on the rushing memories of my horrible experience
from my grandfather's last days in hospital that still haunts me.
I helped Erin and Elena out of the car. Erin was quite calm, even more
calm than me despite his age.
Elena, Erin and I made our way inside the hospital. The tears were
flowing from Elena's eyes while Erin was holding her hand and rubbing
her back to provide her comfort.
The smell of the hospital hit my nose making me want to puke, but
keeping the calm face I walked to the reception.
"Hi, I got a call from here that my parents Chase Edward and Hailey
Edward are here". I told them trying to keep my voice steady.
"Yes. Let me check in which room they're placed". The woman said
checking on the computer then she turned to me again "Your mother is
in room number 309 on 3rd floor while your father is still in the
surgery room number 2 on 3rd floor".
"Thanks". I said.
"No problem". She said staring at crying Elena with pity.
Taking elevator we made our way up to the third floor and searched the
room number 309. Finding the number I entered inside the room to see
my mom lying on the bed with her eyes closed.
Erin made his way to the bed where mom was lying stagnant. Elena and
Erin were beside her in minutes. I was frozen at the spot staring at
twins crying and holding mom's hand, begging her to wake up.
The nurse that I didn't notice before was standing in the room walked
to the twins and patted their backs. She told them to be quiet because
their mom was sleeping and need rest to wake up soon.
I took the step forward and made my way to my mother's bed to see her
face pale like she has lost much blood. Her naturally pink lips looked
dry and chapped, split from the bottom. She has a bandage on her head
and there was a small spot of blood at the right side.
"How is my Mom? ". I asked the nurse.
"She's fine. She got hit on her head and lost consciousness. We had
examined her injuries there's nothing to fatal, but she had a broken
hand which take will take four weeks to heal". The nurse told me.
I was just glad that my mother is alive. She means so much to me I'm
sure that she'll be fine soon.
"When will she wake up?". I asked her brushing my knuckles on my mother's cheek.
"I hope soon because if not then we'll have to run more tests". She told me.
"What about my dad? Do you know how he's?". I asked her concerned.
"Your dad is in surgery room The pieces of broken windshield was
lodged inside his chest. They're not deep to damage any vital organ
but surgery was necessary to remove them out from the skin. I don't
know more you'll have to ask his doctor for a detail". She said and
picking up her tray from the table.
"Are you the only family?". She asked me with mix of curiosity and pity.
"No my elder brother is also coming". I said while my eyes were still
glued on my mom's face.
"Oh okay. I'll inform the doctor that you're here". The nurse said
leaving the room.
I nodded my head and kissed my mother cheek.
Pulling out my cellphone from my pocket I send the quick message to
Noah telling him in which hospital mom and dad are put in.
Then I went to the see my dad. We I reached there he just came out
from the surgery room laying unconscious on the stretcher, and he has
a bandage wrapped on his chest covering the damage from my eyes. Dad's
face looked white like a sheet making me worried. His eyes were shut
tightly and lips were parted little indicating that he's breathing. He
had a small scratch on his left eyebrow and his hands was covered in
blue and purple buries.
With the shaking hands I took my father's hand in mine and light
graced my thumb on his knuckles to not to hurt him yet feel his skin.
Seeing me looking at my father hand the doctor decided to informed me.
"The surgery went successful, we've stitched the deep cuts. The buries
will heal with the time. Now we're shifting him in the room". The
doctor told me.
"Can you please shift my dad on the room near 309, my mom's there
too". I made a request.
"Yeah I'll see what I can do". The doctor replied.
"What relation do you have with the patient?". The doctor asked me.
"I'm his son". I said.
"Your dad need blood transfusion. Are you okay with donating your
blood to your dad?". The doctor asked me.
"I'm okay with anything if it benefits the health of my father". I
replied looking at the doctor.
After that the doctor told the nurse to prepare me for blood
transfusion. She took a sample of my blood and tested it then came
back to ask me few questions about my health. When she was satisfied
that I'm the perfect donor she started the process of blood
transfusion.
When the process was complete the nurse started to wheel my dad's
stretcher in different direction to the room he was supposed to go,
that made me worried.
"Where are you taking him?'". I asked her.
"I'm taking him for a CAT scan then he'll be transferred into a room".
The nurse said.
I went back to check on my mom and twins. They asked me where I was
making me tell them that I went to see Dad. When dad was shifted in
the room left to mom's room I took twins to see Dad. Again Elena
started crying after seeing dad and I had to tell her that if she
won't stop crying the doctor will throw us out for disturbing dad that
made her stop from crying. The twins stayed an hour with dad and
taking the advantage of that time I decided to inform my mother side
grandparents about the accident.
After three hours Noah appeared in the mom's room, dressed in jeans
and plain black t-shirt, twins ran to him hugging him. He hugged them
back and kissed their heads, murmuring something in their ears which
calmed them instantly.
He made his way to mom's bed and I literally felt him broke down but
for the sake of twins, he kept the faced of tranquility. The tears
that started to shone in his eyes was the only giveaway how hurt he's
at the moment. Leaning down he placed a soft kiss on mom's cheek and
placed his large hand above her small hand griping it and showering it
with kisses.
Noah and mom have a different type of relationship, they're not only
mother and son, they're more like best friends. He always understands
her better than me or twins, almost like dad understands mom. He never
needs to ask her how she's feeling, he'll always know when she's sad,
happy or angry.
I know mom loves Noah like she loves us but there's always this glint
of exultant and pride in her eyes whenever she sees him like she's
proud of him for being him.
Noah love's mom a lot, he would disagree with anyone on anything but
when mom says something he'll do it without hesitation.
Sometimes I had seen the sadness on my dad's face when he stares at
mom's and Noah's relationship like he craves for the same relationship
with Noah but I think mine and dad's relationship is similar like
Noah's and Mom.
I think dad is like my first the best friend, hiding my secrets from
mom and always teasing me. I always go to dad when I need advice for
anything.
And I'm sure Noah loves dad as much as he loves mom but it's like he
just have a better bonding with mom while I've a better bonding with
dad.
"Brandon where's dad?". He asked me snapping me out of my trance.
"He's on the left room beside mother". Nodding he went to see him.
I stayed with mom and twins to provide Noah some alone time with dad.
After half an hour Noah returned his eyes were puffy and slightly red
instantly I knew he had cried while he was in dad's room.
"I had a talk with doctor, he said they'll get better soon". Noah said
glancing at Mom.
"I know they'll get better soon". I said then the thought came to my
mind and I asked him "Where's your luggage?".
"I came straight here. I don't have anything except my phone and
tickets with me". He replied sarcastically.
Then taking a long sigh he dropped on the couch where Erin and Elena
are cuddled together.
"How are you Brandon? I know how tough this is for you". Noah said
looking at me.
Averting my eyes I told him "I'm alright".
"You don't look alright". He said making me nervous suddenly because
I'm indeed not alright from inside. I want to run out of this hospital
far away and never come back but I also want to stay with my parents
and not leave them alone in this condition.
"I don't care about myself right now". I murmured avoiding the talk.
After a few minutes of silence Noah said "The doctor said only one
person can stay here tonight".
"I'm staying here, you can go home and take twins with you". Noah said
resting his head on the couch.
"You must be tired after your flight you should go home and relax.
I'll stay here". I said.
"Brandon who's the big brother here". He asked me with raised eyebrows.
"You". I replied.
"Then you listen to me and go home, make sure to have dinner. Stay
night at home then come back in the morning with the change of clothes
for me". Noah said.
He glared at me when he realized I'm again going to protest which shut
me up instantly. After all he's my big brother and I've to listen to
him.
"Okay". At last, I agreed with him.
"Now go". He said.
"Are you sure?". I asked him again hoping that maybe now he'll change his mind.
The only response I got was intense glare at which I just rolled my eyes.
"Elena, Erin let's go". I said catching their attention.
"We don't want to leave mom and dad here ". Both said getting up from
the position of half laying half sitting on the couch.
"We'll come back in the morning again". I told them.
"No". They said in unison making me sigh and close my eyes for a
moment. I don't have much energy to lecture them why we need to leave.
Noticing my state Noah volunteered to explain them "Elena, Erin I'm
here with mom and dad. Look they're sleeping right now when they'll
wake up I'll call you so you can come and meet them".
"Promise". Elena asked him showing his pinky finger which he knew too well why.
"Pink promise". He said lacing his pinky finger with her and kissing her cheek.
"Now go with Brandon". He told her.
"Here's some cash and I've taken care of hospital bills". I said
slapping some cash on his hand and informed him about the bills'
payment, so he won't get worried about it.
"Wow you've really acted like your age today". He said with the twitch
of his lips.
"Haha Noah your not funny". I said dryly.
"But let me tell you I'm glad to have a brother like you. You really
have taken care of everything like an adult". He said.
My eyes were becoming misty at his praise I've been controlling myself
from bursting into tears for a moment I entered in this hospital but
if he kept saying things like this in no to time I'll be crying here
in front him and tell him how sick I felt mentally and physically
watching my parents in so much pain.
"Bye see ya in the morning". With that said I left the hospital with
twins trailing behind me.
On the way back to home I picked some Chinese food from the very
famous restaurant near the house. When we arrived at the house I told
them to get freshen up. After fifteen minutes they came back and took
the seat on the stools around kitchen counter where I have already set
the plates and food for them to eat.
They ate very little, so I had forced them to eat by sitting with them
and eating. I had no appetite and it was so difficult to swallow
anything.
After the most timorous dinner I ever had in my life, I took twins to
their room. When they were done brushing their teeth I tugged them
inside their beds then went to my room and decided to take a shower.
I stepped in the shower, when the water hit my head and started
running down from my face to my body I couldn't stop the tears from
flowing down my eyes. They kept coming after one another, mixing with
the water and draining.
The shower lasted for fifteen minutes but tears didn't stop flowing
make my eyes blurry and making a task of finding suitable clothes for
night difficult. Deciding to change into my old basketball shorts and
a t-shirt I went to bed.
I was just laying awake, feeling detached and finding imposed to
sleep. My bedroom door opened and Elena and Erin entered.l with their
small pillows.
"What are you guys doing here?". I asked them tired.
"We couldn't sleep". Elena said with her voice grouchy from crying.
Sighing I called them both on the bed "Come here".
They hoped on my bed and Elena decided to lay on the right side
placing her head on my chest while Erin took the left side settling
his head on my left arm. After few minutes they both fell asleep while
stayed awake for how long I don't remember.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Madeline POV:
I came out of the building after giving my CV and interview, they
politely told me that they'll call me if I'll get the job. I'm not
even expecting them to give me job but I might get lucky and get the
job.
But one question kept nagging in my mind and that's about my studies.
I'm expecting some acceptances letter from few colleges that I've
applied, I'm waiting for any college to give me full scholarship
because of my good GPA. But I've gotten offers of half scholarship and
I would've gladly taken them if the situation was different.
Right now my priority is to find a place to live and a job because if
somehow I even got the full scholarship I'll need money to fly there
and get settle which is out of question if I don't have sufficient
amount of money.
I took the bus back to home and arrived at house around eight o'clock.
When I reached outside the house my eyes landed on the mail box which
was open. I ran inside the house to find my aunt sitting at the couch
drinking alcohol again.
"Did you receive any mail?". I asked my aunt at which she pulled out a letter.
When I opened the letter I was shocked to see that it was a letter
from NYU, and they were offering me full scholarship which is a dream
come true.
I felt the tears burning in my eyes realizing that I've no money to go
there. Without saying anything I ran upstairs with the letter clutched
in my hands tightly, throwing myself on the bed I cried. The tears
kept flowing and loud sob emerges out of my chest. To hide my the
voice of sons I nestled my face in the pillow.
I have a great opportunity in hand but I don't have money.
Can I throw my future away like this?
If my parents were alive today they would never let me go through all
this pain and crises.
The new series of tears started drop from my eyes as I recalled my dead parents.
I wish my parents would come back in my life, magically.
With these thoughts swirling around my mind I fell a sleep.
When next morning I woke up the letter was still laying on my bed. I
looked at with the longing in my eyes I really want to study NYU. Then
leisurely my eyes roamed around my room and landed on Brandon picture
hanging on the wall.
He haven't called or talked to me in two days, he must be really angry
on me otherwise he wouldn't keep grudges this long. But I should tell
him what's happening in my life, he would surely help me with my
problem. So with that thought I pulled out my phone which is
surprisingly not broken as I've slept with it inside my jeans pocket.
I dialed his number and heard the operator saying
The number you're dialing is switch off. Please try again later......
Getting up with the disappointment blooming inside my chest I made my
way to washroom. After getting done with morning business I looked at
myself in mirror, my red puffy eyes were the clear indication how I
have spent my night. Sighing I went back to my room and pulled out my
simple blue jeans and white tee. Changing into them I decided to go
down and get something to eat.
When I went downstairs my aunt was sitting on the couch and talking on
the cellphone.
She glanced at me and ended the call.
"Good morning Madeline". My aunt said with the smile on the face.
I kept my face placate and didn't waste my breath on replying her
because seriously for me there's nothing good in today's morning but
for her we can say otherwise.
Ignoring my not so friendly attitude she continued "I just want to
tell you that we need to leave this house before seven pm because the
new owners of our house will be arriving tonight".
My heart dropped in my stomach and I lost whatever appetite I had
before coming downstairs.
Making a decision that I need to meet Brandon right now I left the
house without informing my dear humble aunt.
I walked to Brandon house and ring the bell few times but no one came
out. I waited there for fifteen minutes in the hope that at least
Elena would come out and talk to me but no one came out at my hundreds
of knocks on the door. I realize that the house is empty which is
weird unless they've gone on vacation to meet their relatives.
After my futile attempt of talking to Brandon I walked back to my
house with the sulking face. I straight went to my room and picked up
my cell phone to call Brandon again. But heard the operator blabbering
rubbish.
With the sinking heart I tried on his mom's number in the hope to know
something but got no response.
I felt completely and utterly lost. Like I've just lost the last hope.
With the heavy heart I started to pack my things, knowing inside that
I won't be able to take them with me yet because I've nowhere to go
except some cheap motel.
I've hardly $100 in my savings. I've forgotten to take back that few
dollars from Delia that I had saved for my favorite books. Now after
knowing how much I need that money she would not go to give them back
even if ask her to.
I didn't realize how the time went by in packing my stuff because when
I caught the sight of the wall clock I realized that it's already past
six.
Taking my hand carry I sauntered downstairs where my aunt and Delia
was already waiting for the cab to come to take them airport.
"Can I please place some of my stuff in the store room, I'll pick them
up after few days". I asked aunt Emma.
She handed me a key of store room and I went back to my room to pick
my boxes and put them in a store room.
It took me fifteen minutes in putting all my stuff down in the store
room and locking it.
"Thanks. I guess it's a goodbye then". I said handing back her the
store room keys.
"Goodbye". She said with the calm composer.
"So can I've a number of your new place so you know I'll contact you
when I want to pick my stuff". I said with the difficulty at the end
part because however she treated me she's still the only family I
know.
"Here's the number of my house in Columbia". She said handing me a
piece of paper.
"Um bye". I said.
"Bye". She said with small awkward smile.
I left the house staring at the house with longing eyes one last time.
When Brandon and I were kids, we played in this very house; after
Milly's first breakup she stayed here with me crying her eyes out on
douche bag of a boyfriend. I still remember the time Milly, Brandon
and I had sleepovers here and combine study sessions. This house holds
bunch of memories of my life, every single moment I spend her played
in my mind like a video tape. Leaving this house is more difficult
than I thought at first.
Sighing and rearranging my duffle bag on my shoulder I started
dragging my hand carry in the direction of bus stop.
When I reach at the area where few cheap motels were located I shudder
internally. The motel I'm standing outside look really cheap from
outside.
When I enter inside there was no one, so I took the time to access the
place. In the corners there were two maroon couches which look quite
dusty and the large center table was placed with the decoration piece
on it. Black curtains were hanging on the window and yellow bulbs was
the only light illuminating the room making it possible to see
anything. I was busy in staring at the stairs that were leading ups
and didn't hear anyone coming behind me.
"Hi how may I help you dear?". An old lady asked suddenly appearing in
the room and startling me.
I jumped in a fright and glanced at the lady scared while trying to
calm my beating heart.
"Sorry for scaring you. Do you want a room?". She asked.
I nodded my head, and she motioned me to come near the reception which
I didn't notice earlier. She asked my name and age after that she
pulled out a key from one of the drawer placing it on the desk.
"How long do you want to stay?". She asked me.
"Two days... I guess". I said.
"That'll be $30". She said smiling.
"Okay". I kneel down opened one of the pocket of my hand carry where
I've put my money to find it empty except a single fold paper.
With the shaking hands I pulled out the paper and unfold it to see a
note written.
Hi Madeline,
I've stolen your money, not because I wanted it. The reason is I want
you to suffer, really badly. You should've known now that I hate you,
I always hated you because you're the reason my father died. You don't
know the full story. Poor you, you don't even know what my mother has
done with you to seek a revenge for her dead husband.
Hope you die
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