Hailey~
I woke up with a start, my head pounding as I sat up on the bench outside the pediatric oncology ward. I rubbed my temples, trying to piece together how I ended up there. The last thing I remembered was standing on the balcony, sipping a drink and worrying about the future. But something was off. Fragments of memories floated in my mind – a face, a voice, a sense of relief – but they were all hazy and unclear.
I pushed the thoughts aside, shaking my head as if to clear my thoughts and focusing on the task at hand. My sister's health was the priority, and I needed to find a way to pay for her treatment.
I stood up, my legs weak, but I managed to support myself and entered the ward. My eyes lit up with a warm smile at the sight of my little sister. Ava, despite the challenges of leukemia, looked brighter and more energetic than I had seen her in days. She was chatting with other children in the ward, her laughter infectious filling the room with good vibes. My heart swelled with love and determination.
I won't let you die . I whispered to myself.
"Good morning sis". She greeted me all the way from her bed . All the kids in the room looked towards my direction and then greeted me.
"Good morning children". I warmly greeted smiling in their direction. I walked towards Ava's bed.
"I see they've moved you from the emergency unit without my permission," I teased, ruffling her hair playfully.
"Yes, and I like it here," she giggled pointing at the bed post opposite hers.
"see that kid over there?" I nodded looking at him. A dark handsome,cute-looking boy with curls sat on the bed playing with a teddy.
"His name is Javi and he's my friend. He shared his toys with me". She said smiling and holding up a stuffed dinosaur.
"How nice of him; he's definitely better than Chelsea and her brother". She nodded happily.
"So what are you gonna eat this morning? just name it". I asked casually, but before she could respond I realized my phone was missing. I quickly stood up to search. My mind began to flash back to the previous day's traumatic events, like the places I went to trying to remember where I had dropped it.
Oh my God!!
"Looking for this ?" Ava said her small fingers wrapped around my phone. Relief washed over me, I sat back on my seat and Ava handed me the phone.
"Where did you find it ?" I asked curious.
"The nurse gave me this morning to give to you as soon as you woke up." She replied
"She also said someone has been calling you none stop since yesterday".
It must be Ashley, she must be missing me already, but so soon.
"Thank you." i said with a slight smile I had tried switching on my phone but the battery is already dead.
"I want to eat chicken for lunch". She said with an energetic smile.
"I've had breakfast with the other kids at 8:00am while you were asleep". Ava said. My stomach growled loudly at the thought of chicken I need to eat something it's almost 10:30am.
"Ava I'll head home to freshen up and prepare your chicken, nothing is compared to home cooked meal so please stay well don't leave the ward okay? I'll be back before 1:00pm".
I tried my best to advise her, I knew Ava might not listen even after all my advice she will still do whatever she likes. I gave her a tight hug and kissed her forehead before heading out.
I stopped by the nurses' station to let them know I'll be heading home for a few hours. I also met with Dr Raymond.
However, my conversation with Dr Raymond later that day brought a new challenge to light. My sister wouldn't be discharged until the bone marrow transplant is done, and the hospital's financial assistance program came with an exorbitant interest rate which I completely ruled out from my list of financial aid. My mind whirred with worry, but I have pushed on besides I'm going to meet with Ashley I'm sure the both of us will figure something out.
I headed home to prepare lunch. I decided on grilled chicken breast since it has less fat, and veggie salad, totally Ava's favorite
…
As I got home I slumped into one of the sofas, it felt so super soft compared to the rock of a bench I woke up on this morning . Since when did life became so hard, a moment we're at the amusement park next we're at the hospital. I sigh completely exhausted and drained.
I quickly shove off all bad energy and negative thoughts to the back of my mind, stood up, tied my apron and began cooking, determined to focus on the task at hand.
…
After cooking, I carefully packed the meal in a container, along with a refreshing juice for Ava. I've already dished out my meal earlier on so I just had it, The chicken in my mouth it tasted so divine, not over cooked or under cooked, just perfect. I moaned in satisfaction.
I've improved in my cooking skill lately, turns out online cooking classes paid off. My mind flashed back to last night at the balcony with the stranger I can't quite recall his face and what he said but all I could remember was his hand around my waist.
Woah!
A wave of panic washed over me, coursing through my vein, thinking of the things he might have done with me, or maybe I did something embarrassing. But how did I end up on the bench just right outside Ava's ward, like how did I even get there.
I instantly shook my shoulders hoping the awkward memory will shake off as well just then, the sound of my phone snapped me back to reality. I moved over to the cabinet where I had plugged it. I was shocked to see the caller was Evelyn.
"Oh my God, Eve!!!" I said over the phone my smile widened. Evelyn is my childhood friend we grew up together in the countryside back in Florida. I missed her so much, the last time we talked was on New Year's Eve, since then for some reasons she didn't call until now!
"Girl where have you been, I missed you".
Hearing her voice warmed my heart I felt like crying.
"Where you left me…you abandoned me"
I said dramatically, then she burst into laughter.
Her laugh still chaotic as ever actually she got it from me, I influenced her.
"Well… I'm back in the city I just wanted you.."
"What!!! why didn't you tell me?"
"Hailey I called you several times yesterday you didn't pick up".
"Oh … about that, let's meet up today so I can fill you in". I said calmly.
"I hope everything is okay?" She asked, her tone picking up on the subtle change in my voice.
"Yeah everything's fine". I replied trying to mask up the situation.
"Okay then, can't wait to see you girl I'll text you the address".
"Can't wait to see you too, bye"
"Bye!!"She said before ending the call.
I let out sigh before dashing into the bathroom, having a quick shower then dashing out completely forgetting my unfinished meal.
First I'll go to the hospital to give Ava her lunch then go visit Eve then meet up with Ashley later sounds good. Taking in mental notes.
Ava-Eve-Ashley, Perfecto . I hurriedly jump into my black-baggy Jeans Trouser and a white body up shirt I got from Closeta last week. I applied light makeup and restyled my brown curls into a much better bun.
I checked my phone for the address and my eyes widened in shock.
She was at The Opulence Suite!!!
Oh my gosh .
A single night's stay can costs up to $1000 if not much.
I hurriedly rush to the to pick up Ava's lunch then headed out I was at the front of my door when I heard footsteps behind me. I look back to see the property manager, Mrs Gabriel waiting patiently for me to close my door.
"Miss Hailey Collins, I was out and about the neighborhood yesterday but you where not around and I decided not to call you best reasons known to me."
I already know what she was going to say, I just wait patiently to receive it.
"Young Lady, your monthly rent is due for two weeks now, at first I didn't want to inform you because I know you always pay up on time but I see things are off lately so I'm here to remind you Incase you forget."
"I promise to pay I just need few weeks". I pleaded with Mrs Gabriel.
"I can't promise you Miss Collins but I can sure give you a lift". And with that she headed for her car turning my mood sour as I slowly followed behind her. On our way she asked about Ava, but I told her she was hospitalized with fever. I know I lied but I couldn't bear to burden Mrs Gabriel or gain her sympathy.
She dropped me at the hospital, wishing Ava quick recovery the zooming off.
….
As I stepped into the ward, Ava was missing her bed was empty.