*Andrea*
Alison would be staying for a few months, and this brought me more joy than it should. Now, I had someone who would take Austin to school and bring him back.
Unlike the past few days, I got to work early. I clutched a pack of lunch that Alison had made sure I took. I went over to my cubicle and sat.
Harper stepped into the office at that moment. “Who would have thought you’d come before me?” she asked, and I smiled.
“You better be prepared, the next few months, I’ll always be the first to be here.” I joked back as Harper pulled out her chair and sat.
Soon, others started pouring into the office. I had a lot of things to do. First, there was a design I was on. I had tried to finish it yesterday, but I couldn’t. Maybe it was because I was overjoyed at Alison’s return, or maybe it was because my emotions became a mess when Alison mentioned Alejandro.
My hand moved to my neck, and I touched the necklace.
Last night (10 pm)
After running away from the conversation about Alejandro, I stood in front of the window which was open. I stared into the perfect view of the city which spread before me.
If I was being honest, her words got me. It has been over 5 years, and I still think about him. I bit my lower lips; why can’t I just put him behind me for good?
I wasn’t stupid, slow, or oblivious to Dave’s feelings for me. He may not have said anything to me about it, but I still feel a bit guilty when I look at him.
He knows I know, but I can’t see him other than as a friend. I can’t allow anyone into my heart, not yet.
Not when Alejandro is all I think about. Maybe I am afraid of being hurt again, but I know Dave will never hurt me. He already sees Austin as his son.
I tucked my hair behind my ear. When the breeze kept bringing it to my face, I packed it into a bun and walked to the nightstand.
There was a white box on it. I had seen it in Alison’s room when I was cleaning the day before.
I was surprised to see the necklace inside. The same necklace that Alejandro had given me, and I had thrown it away before leaving Florida. A necklace with a diamond pendant shape.
It reminded me of my past, the past I was still somehow clinging to.
It turned out Alison had kept it with her. I don’t know why, but I was grateful to her and glad I had it back.
Opening the box, I took the necklace out of the box.
I traced the necklace with my finger caressing it as if it was Alejandro before me. I wore it around my neck and moved to the mirror.
Standing in front of it, I couldn’t help but admire the necklace, which was once an object that signifies his love for me.
I wondered if I still had the right to wear it.
“Just for tonight. You can take it off tomorrow morning.” I reminded myself and then climbed into bed.
I had forgotten to take it off so here I was tracing it. I contemplated taking it off, but then I stopped. Maybe I should wear it for some time. I placed the pendant inside my black blouse and concentrated on the work at hand.
It was just a few minutes after lunch break when my phone rang. A familiar name appeared on the screen.
“Hey, girl! What’s up,” I greeted Alison. She was not one to call me during work hours unless it was important.
“I’m fine, but Austin’s not,” she said, and I felt the world pause. “What happened to Austin?” I asked. I was already on my feet, ready to leave if needed.
Harper turned to me, raising an eyebrow.
“I don’t think it’s anything serious, he was taken to the hospital,” Alison said.
“And you think that’s not serious?” I asked, already taking my bag from the table. “Not in the way you’ll put it, The doctor said it’s a fever, and he will be fine.” She said, but I was already heading for the door. “Which hospital? I’m coming over,” I said.
“This is why I didn’t want to call you; you’ll make a big deal out of it.” She sounded tired, “I just spoke to the doctor.”
“Text me the address now,” I demanded and ended the call. Harper called my name, stopping me on my track.
“What happened?” She asked. A curious gaze was sent toward our direction but I couldn’t care less.
“Austin is sick,” I told her. I was already aiming to take the next cab. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to return today. Please help me take care of my table if I don’t.” I said, and she nodded.
“Keep me updated and worry less. He’ll be fine.” I left her and walked as fast as my legs could carry me out.
I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address Alison had sent me, urging him to drive as fast as he could.
Austin was taken to N&J Specialist Hospital.
The heavy scent of antiseptic hung in the air. I walked towards the receptionist, a nurse with her head bent down as her hands typed fast on the computer in front of her.
“Excuse me,” I said, she raised her head, “I want to see my son, Austin Wilson.” My heart beat heavily against my chest as I watched the nurse stare at me from head to toe.
She typed something on her computer and then said, “Walk down the hallway and then go left. The first door on your right.” I thanked her and rushed in the direction she just pointed out.
I pushed open the door and stepped into the room. Alison sat on a chair beside Austin’s bed.
Austin lay down. When he heard the door open and saw me, he tried to sit up, “oh my baby,” I walked towards him and stopped him from trying to sit.
I placed an arm on his neck, “you’ll be fine,” I said. His body felt warm.
“I told you there was no need to come,” Alison said.
“How could I have concentrated at work knowing that my son is in the hospital when he should be in school?” I asked her.
“What happened?”
“I got a call from his teacher. She said she had a fever.”
“What happened to the school clinic?” I asked, “I don’t trust them, so I brought him here.” Alison said.
I understood her perfectly, she didn’t have to explain. When we were in high school, she had been sick, and a nurse had admitted the wrong medication to her, causing her condition to worsen. From then on, she avoided school clinics.
“Momma, I’m fine,” Austin assured me.
“I know, but I just can’t help but worry. You are my son, the reason I live, and it hurts me to see you here,” I said.
“The doctor said I need to rest, I’ll be better in a few hours.” He lifted one of his arms protruding his muscles, “See, I’m still strong.” He said.
This earned a laugh from Alison and me.
“Yeah, my boy is strong,” I said, touching his puffed-up muscles.
“Is there anything you want?” I asked him, at this point, I’ll give him the world if he requests it.
“Ice-cream. I want ice cream.” He quired.
Alison offered to go, but I stopped her. “I’ll go myself.”
.
.
.
*Alejandro’s POV*
“We have another meeting by 2 pm today, but the director sent a message saying he will not be available at that time,” Jane said, scrolling down the iPad she held.
“Why?” I asked.
“He said something important came up, so we must reschedule,” Jane answered. I felt a surge of anger run through me. This man has been playing games with me
He was also trying to reschedule the meeting. This was the third time he had done that. I pushed my anger aside, I’ll let it slide just this time.
I looked out the windshield as the car drove at high speed across the bush road.
“We have another meeting in thirty minutes,” Jane informed me. “Let’s have lunch first,” I said, and the car changed lanes.
The car soon pulled up in front of a restaurant. I walked in with Jane beside me. The scent of different delicacies hung heavily in the air.
We sat close to the window, a bit away from other people. We ate in complete silence. I was quite satisfied with the way Jane walked, proof that first impressions don’t matter. Continuous impressions do.
We were in the middle of having lunch when my phone rang. Lucas’ name appeared on the screen, and I answered it immediately.
“Hi son,” I greeted, first placing my fork on the table and leaning into the chair.
“Hey Dad, how are you?” He asked and a smile came to settle on my lips. One of the things I looked forward to each day was my regular conversation with Lucas.
We may not be the closest, but it has greatly improved, “I’m fine. You -”
Knives and forks clink with plates.
“Mom’s in the hospital, she just called me.” He interrupted me. I wasn’t aware Nora was sick. She was perfectly fine by the time I left home today.
“I had no idea. Did she call you?” I asked. Jane sent me a look before quickly lowering her head and quietly continuing her dinner.
“She didn’t. She said she doesn’t want to disturb your work, and all I did to convince her otherwise was useless.” He said, he continued, “I know you are worried about her, so I’ll send you the hospital’s address now.”
“I wish I were there to look after her myself,” He said and ended the call before I could say anything.
My phone beeped immediately.
Lucas had sent the address. I had lost my appetite at the mention of Nora and could only wonder what type of game she wanted to play now.
I contemplated going to the hospital or not.
Deciding to go, I stood. I wasn’t going because I was worried; I just didn’t want Lucas to think I didn’t care.
Jane walked beside me, trying to keep up with my pace. Without questions, she opened the door, and I stepped inside the backseat of the car.
I told the driver the location, and we hit the road immediately.
We arrived at N&J Specialist Hospital quicker than I had expected.
Stepping into the hospital, I scrunch my nose at the smell. It was one reason I hated hospitals. It would always smell like hospitals.
Jane made the inquiries and I was soon led into the room where Nora was. She was seated on the bed, laying her back on the frame. A doctor was in front of her, with a file in his hand and a pen, scrubbing whatever she said.
Nora smiled when she saw me, “I didn’t think you’d come,” she said.
“Isn’t it why you made Lucas call me?” I asked directly. She looked weak and pale, and I immediately felt guilty for speaking to her in such a manner when she looked genuinely sick.
“I’m here now, that’s what matters.”
“Mr. Costa, I’m glad you are here. I have some things to discuss with you.” The doctor said, I looked at Nora, “I’ll be back.” I said.
“Please, can you get me ice cream outside?” She pleaded, and I gritted my teeth.
“I’ll have Jane do that,” I said and walked behind the doctor, who was already outside the door.
Jane wasn’t outside the door as I had expected. She sent me a text saying she had something to take care of urgently and would be back.
I guess I’ll have to get the ice cream myself.