Jack’s phone rang continuously as he tried to take it out of his bag. The ringing stopped as he pulled it out. “Multiple calls from the hospital. Strange” He muttered as he called back. The phone rang for a few seconds before the calm voice of the doctor cut in.
“Good morning, Mr Antonio.” the doctor and from the tone of his voice, he could tell something was wrong. His heart raced as he thought back to his father. “Did something come up?”
“Good morning doctor. Is everything okay?” He asked, trying to remain calm.
“Your presence is required immediately at the hospital. Can you make it down here within an hour?” The doctor’s voice was once again calm, making him even more anxious.
“I will be there in twenty minutes.” he replied and dropped the call.
“The doctor, I guess?” Harry asked, seeing the tensed look on his face.
“Yes, and I don’t have a good feeling about it.” he replied. He had made his sister go home the previous night. She had spent almost all the days of her break in the hospital and she really needed to rest. Staying at the hospital wasn’t a solution.
“I will drive you.” Harry offered, picking up the car keys before walking out, followed by Jack. The drive to the hospital was a silent and quick one. Harry had driven at 60mph, making them arrive in no time. They drove in and he had barely parked the car when Jack jumped out. He found a spot to park, parked and jumped out, trying to meet up with jack.
*
“Good morning doctor. I came as quickly as I could.” Jack shook hands with the doctor before taking a seat in the doctor’s office. He studied the doctor’s expression and the idea in his head finally hit home. “My father is dead, right?” he asked with a painful scoff.
“Unfortunately, yes. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Accept our condolence.” the doctor replied. Jack bowed his head, overwhelmed by emotions. He knew it was going to happen, but seeing it happen was even more heartbreaking. Harry placed a hand on his shoulder in consolation. His best friend’s dad was dead.
“Take heart, brother.” he muttered in consolation.
After pulling his emotions together, he raised his face up. His eyes were red, but no tears fell. He knew he had to be strong, at least got his at least. “I want to see him one last time.” he said, his voice hoarse. The doctor led him to the room where his father lay dead on the bed. He touched his hand, it was cold and unresponsive.
“Rest in power, dad.” he covered the white cloth up to his face and stepped before. Harry paid his respect too and they walked out of the room. They both walked sullenly into the car, with Harry manning the wheels before they drove off.
“Hey. I was about to go to the hospital. Wassup?” Alexa spoke, opening up the door for her brother. “Oh, Harry. Hi” She waved. She used to crush on her brother’s best friend when she was younger. A tiny bit of it was still alive, but she learnt to suppress it over the years.
“Hi, Alex” his tone was off and lacked the emotions it used to carry. Harry and Jack walked into the sitting room and she followed behind.
“There is no need to go to the hospital anymore.” Jack spoke out.
“What- What do you mean?” She questioned, already feeling weak in the knees. She stared at her brother’s eyes, searching for answers and he nodded slowly, giving her the answers she craved.
“He’s dead.”
He had barely completed his sentence when she screamed and fell to the floor, crying. She cried her hearts out with Harry standing by her side, trying to console her.
***
Damian stepped out of his car in the front of the building that was to serve as the headquarters of his newly acquired company. He had bought off a defunct company and merged it with his budding enterprise. The building was huge with enough workspace.
“Do you want a quick inspection of the facility?” the manager questioned, bowing slightly at his towering presence. Damian was a man of actions and he had witnessed that in the few weeks he had worked under him.
“Sure.”
The manager led him in a quick inspection of the building. There were enough office spaces, a large board room and other facilities benefiting of a multi million dollar company.
“You did a good job, nice job.” he commended with a pat on the man’s shoulder. Everything was in place now, he was just waiting for the right time to launch. His phone rang as he walked back to the car. He took it out from his pocket and a smile spread on his face as he stared at the caller.
He cleared his throat as before picking the call. “Hello. Good morning.” he said with a voice that could be mistaken for someone else in the dark.
“Good morning, Damian.” Karen replied.
Karen called him for the first time since forever. It must be good news.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m fine, thank you.” she replied and he nodded, waiting for her to continue. “I have few hours to spare later this evening if that will be okay for you.” she added.
A big smile spread on his face. His luck was just shining brightly on him today. Finally, she had agreed to meet him over dinner.
“Sure. Sure, it’s perfect.” he replied, smiling brightly like a six year old that had just been offered her favourite candy.
“Okay then. See you at seven”
“Should I pick you up?” he asked, hoping for a positive response.
“No. I’ll drive myself.” she replied, making his smile falter. “I will text you the location later. Goodbye.”
She dropped the call and just like that, his day was already made.
__
“What next?” Karen questioned, hands akimbo while she stared hardly at her friend who had just given her the worst advice of the decade.
“Pick a nice restaurant, Probably one of the most expensive ones in the city and go for your dinner.”
“And then what?”
“And then listen to what he has to say.” Ciara replied and she scoffed.
“Really? Ciara, really?” she questioned in disbelief. “Did you listen to all that I just told you?”
“Yes, I did. And I gave you the best advice, ” she boasted.
They were both at Karen’s house. After leaving Harry’s place early in the morning, they had driven to Karen’s place. They were both laid on the bed while they watched their favourite romance series on tv. After having their favourite meals for breakfast, they showered and changed into matching pajamas before going under the duvet.
“Ladies day in” Ciara had screamed, turning on the tv.
“You and Harry are so cute together.” Karen cooed, making her blush. “Still can’t believe how it happened. You owe me for not informing me every step of the way.” she spoke, pretending to be upset with her friend before they broke into a fit of laughter.
She had talked about Damian. About his return and plea for a second chance. After showing her his recent photo which she had gotten off social media, they both agreed he wasn’t bad after all. Ciara had convinced her to meet up with him and at least hear him out, even if it was going to be the last time.
“If this doesn’t end well, I’ll have your head for it.”
“It will, trust me.”