Mason and Mia moved closer, hugging Mr. Beaumont’s sides. I had totally forgotten they were there with me, I was too caught up with what was going on.
“We love you, Grandpa,” they chimed in unison.
“I love you both too. Don’t mind your cry baby mummy okayy, I’m fine and when I leave here I’ll play soccer with you both okayy ?..”
Mason nodded solemnly, while Mia smiled and responded with a cheerful ‘okay’.
Oz stood at the door, observing everything.
“I’ll give you some time,” he said softly, exiting the room.
“You know he likes you right ?”
“Daaaad.” I exclaimed.
“I’m just saying, sooner or later you’d need someone by your side, someone who’d love and cherish you. I don’t know what you must have been through and I don’t want to know, cause the person will probably be joining his ancestors…” I smiled at that part of his statement.
“But don’t push everyone away because of it, I trust and believe you don’t deserve it but.. do not use one person’s mistake to judge everyone.”
“I understand Dad, for now get some rest, you’ve been talking since I got here. Jeeez.. you use to be very quiet.” He chuckled a little and turned to get some sleep.
The doctor returned after a while, checking his vitals.
“How’s he doing?” I asked anxiously.
“Stable for now. We’ll monitor him closely.”
“Thank you very much.” I said, before she exited the room.
It was getting really late that I had to call Kate to come pick Mason and Mia.
“Your Aunt Kate is coming to pick you both, you’ll stay with her tonight while mum stays with Grandpa okayy.” I said jolting them both from their ipad.
“But I also want to stay with Grandpa,” Mia protested.
“That’s not an issue, tomorrow you will, today is my turn while tomorrow is yours. So go home with Aunty Kate and prepare yourself to stay with Grandpa in the hospital tomorrow.” I said trying to change her mind.
“You promise ?”
“Maybe..”
“Maybe isn’t an answer mum.. do you pinky swear it ?”
“Ooh Mia.. do I get a break from you ?” I said running my hands through my hair. “You know what ? We’ll ask Grandpa when he’s awake, if he wants you to stay then you will. Afterall he’s the one we’re looking after he should have a say on the matter.”
“Grandpa won’t let me..”
“Well he’s Grandpa, his say is final..” I said shrugging my hands to let her no I have no say in it.
“Where are my cute little babies ?” Kate’s voice interrupted saving me from giving any more explanation.
“Aunty Kate..” Mia called running into her arms.
“My cute little pumpkin..”
“I told you I’m not little anymore Aunt Kate, I’ll be four soon, I’m a big girl.”
“Ooh really ?” Kate asked raising her brows.
“Yes,” she responded cheerfully.
“Alright then, big pumpkin it is. Hey champ how are you doing ?” She turned at Mason ruffling his hair.
“Hello Aunt Kate.” He responded before going back to his video game on his iPad.
“How is he doing Nora ?” She asked placing Mia down.
“He’s more stable now.”
“Thank goodness. I was so worried.”
“The kids must be exhausted, and they’ve not had anything good to eat. I’ll leave them under your care tonight while I stay with him.”
“That’s not an issue Nora. We’ll all have fun together right ?”
“Yeeeey,” Mia exclaimed jumping up excitedly.
I walked them to the entrance, kissing both of them goodnight.
“I’ll see you guys tomorrow okay ?”
“Bye mum, and look after Grandpa.” Mason said before getting into the car.
Shortly after they left I just got myself snacks to eat and curled myself up in the chair placed for visitors in the ward.
“Nora..” I heard my name in my sleep.
“Yes Mr.. I mean Dad. How are you feeling now?”
“Much better, you’ll be rounding up your program next month right?”
“Yes Dad.”
“No matter what happens I don’t want you to loose focus, do not worry about me, I’ll be fine, I need you to study hard so you can fend for yourself and the kids when I’m not here.”
“Don’t say that Dad, nothing is gonna happen to you.”
“I know, I know.” He said coughing.”I just want to be rest assured that you are comfortable, and I want you to also go and sort out things with your parents. I know your fears but you never can tell what their reactions will be. Family is important Nora don’t throw yours away.”
“Why are you saying all these all of a sudden?”
“Is nothing my dear I just want to get it off my chest.”
“Alright then, I’ll do as you’ve said, and rest assured you’ll be attending my graduation.”
“I’ll look forward to that. Go to school tomorrow okayy, you don’t have to babysit me all day the nurse will do that.”
“How do I concentrate when my mind won’t be at rest?”
“You have to, I’m totally fine you don’t have to worry ”
“Alright, alright. Now get some sleep you need it.”
***
Exactly a month and half later my graduation ceremony was held.
Mr Beaumont who has been bed ridden couldn’t make it, so I wore my graduation gown to meet him at the hospital, Kate had arranged a small celebration, decorating the hospital ward.
“I’m so proud of you Nora.”
“I couldn’t have achieved this without you.” I said hugging him.
Everyone say Ahhhh.
“Ahhhhh.” We all chorused as Kate took the pictures.
Finally I can get a real job, that will enable me to take care of my little family.
I decided to stay at the hospital that night, spending time with him.
As night fell, I held Mr. Beaumont’s hand.
“Thank you for everything, Dad,” I whispered.
Mr. Beaumont’s eyes fluttered open.
“I’m proud of you, Nora. You’ve become an amazing person.”
Tears streamed down my face.
“I won’t let anything happen to you, Dad. I promise. I’ll work hard and make lots of money to cover up your hospital expenses.”
He smiled weakly.
“I know, dear. But promises are meant to be broken. Just live your life, and make me proud.”
His voice grew fainter.
“Dad, no! Please don’t say that!”
But his eyes had already closed, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.
Initially I thought he was just weak and needed to rest.
Seconds ticked by, the hospital room bathed in an eerie silence.
Suddenly, the ECG machine beeped erratically.
The doctor rushed in.
“What’s happening?” I asked frantically.
“Cardiac arrest. We need to act fast!”
The medical team swarmed around Mr. Beaumont, their faces grim.
to me.
“Please, no! Don’t take him away!” I begged running after the trolley.
But fate had other plans.
They rushed him to the operating room however before they could do anything, he gave up.
The doctor’s voice cut through the chaos.
“Time of death: 3:47 AM.”
My world shattered.
It felt like he had been holding on for me, making sure I was stable before he left.
I watched as they brought the cloth and covered his face.
I just stood there in shock, one of the doctors tried pulling me away from the room but my legs were stucked to the ground.
This had to be a dream right?
It can’t possibly be happening, today is supposed to be a happy day.
What do I tell Mason and Mia?
How will they react?
“No, no this can’t be happening.” I said running back to the bed and pulling off the cloth.
I held his now stiff hand, mentally praying for a miracle to happen.
“Mr Beaumont, is me Nora. You have to wake up, you can’t leave me alone in this big bad world pleaseeeee.” I shook his body, tears blinding my eyes. I just wish he’d just wake up and tell me it’s a prank.