After leaving the hospital, Hannah said goodbye to Don and Juan because she could no longer work at the company owned by Susan’s cousin. Hannah’s decision to go abroad was final; she would travel with Elizabeth to Europe, where she would also seek treatment for her illness.
As the private jet was about to take off, Hannah took a moment to video call Susan. Who knew when they’d see each other again? Hannah felt deeply indebted to her former secretary and close friend.
“You’ll be fine,” Susan said.
Susan chuckled softly, her eyes filled with tears as she tried to hold back her emotions. Hannah did the same.
“Pray that I will recover from this illness, Susan,” Hannah sighed, “and that I will be able to raise the child I’m carrying.”
“You will. You’re a fighter,” Susan nodded.
“You take care of yourself, too, okay?”
“We’ll still keep in touch, right?”
Hannah glanced at Elizabeth, who was sitting across from her. The elderly woman was busy sampling snacks and chatting with the flight attendant.
“I don’t know yet. I might get a new number there,” Hannah said, “but I promise I’ll contact you as soon as I arrive.”
“Okay.”
Elizabeth turned to Hannah. “We’re about to take off, Hannah.”
“All right, Elizabeth. Just a minute, I’m going to say goodbye to Susan.”
Hannah showed Elizabeth the phone screen. The old woman smiled warmly and waved to Susan.
“Bye, Susan. We’re leaving now; take care of yourself, okay?”
Susan waved back at Elizabeth.
“We’re leaving now, Susan. See you later,” Hannah said.
“Take care!”
Hannah ended the call and took a deep breath. Everything would be fine, she assured herself. With Elizabeth’s help, Hannah would get the best treatment in Europe.
*
When Hannah arrived in Europe, she stayed in Elizabeth’s luxurious apartment. She felt incredibly indebted to Elizabeth for taking such good care of her.
Hannah was immediately scheduled for a doctor’s appointment and was attended to by several attendants. Elizabeth made her feel so comfortable that she didn’t worry too much.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Elizabeth,” Hannah said between breakfast bites.
It was the second day after Hannah’s arrival, and she had a doctor’s appointment later that day.
“You can thank me later,” Elizabeth smiled. “Your recovery is a gift to me.”
“You’re like a fairy godmother to me.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, what kind of fairy godmother has chronic back pain?”
“The kind that always makes me happy, of course.”
Elizabeth looked at Hannah with a gentle, caring expression. Then she gently patted Hannah’s hand and smiled.
“Honestly, I’m sad and disappointed in Alden for mistreating you,” Elizabeth sighed. “I have always thought of Alden as my own son, which makes me feel guilty.”
“Elizabeth, it’s not your fault.”
“One day, you’ll understand what being a mother is like.”
Hannah fell silent, not sure how to respond. Perhaps the past made Elizabeth feel responsible for Alden, especially after being left with only his father.
“Now, finish your breakfast. We’ll be going to the hospital soon,” Elizabeth said.
Hannah nodded quickly. “Okay, I’ll finish this right now.”
*
Elizabeth took Hannah to an elite private hospital in the city. Elizabeth explained that the hospital specialized in researching rare and complex cases. Some of their research has been successful in treating certain deadly diseases.
Elizabeth also emphasized that a positive, determined attitude was crucial to successful treatment.
At the hospital, Hannah realized how well-known Elizabeth was. As soon as they arrived, they were greeted warmly by the staff. Hannah learned that Elizabeth regularly sponsors the hospital’s research projects.
“I’ve already spoken to a friend here, and as soon as you recover, I’ve asked them to offer you a job,” Elizabeth whispered to Hannah as they walked down the hall.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, Elizabeth. I’ve caused you enough trouble already,” Hannah shook her head. “I’ll find a job somewhere else.”
“Nonsense. If a good opportunity comes your way, you should take it, Hannah.”
With such advice, Hannah just nodded in agreement. Although it seemed like a lot to ask of Elizabeth, refusing might hurt the older woman’s feelings.
“A nurse will be with you today for some tests. I can’t stay with you because I have a meeting with some colleagues,” Elizabeth said.
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
…
Hannah spent the day in the hospital undergoing various tests. The doctor suggested she stay overnight, but she refused. Being in the hospital made Hannah anxious; she preferred to go back and forth from Elizabeth’s home.
Some of Hannah’s test results were ready by late afternoon, and she had to meet with the doctor. Hannah entered the doctor’s office with nervous anticipation. She had prepared herself for any diagnosis she might receive.
What disease and how serious? Hannah wondered.
“Please have a seat,” the doctor smiled warmly at Hannah.
Hannah sat down and tried to control the shaking in her body.
“How many tests have you had, Mrs. Hannah?” the doctor asked.
“Just once, at the hospital in Summerhill,” Hannah replied, “and the second time in Sunnydale, when they told me I was pregnant. I was in disbelief at the time.”
The doctor nodded. “You never tried to test again?”
“What for?” Hannah shook her head. “Each test left me more confused about what to believe.”
The doctor showed Hannah the results of the ultrasonography.
“You are pregnant. That’s right. You’re almost ten weeks along. That’s why you’ve been feeling dizzy, tired, sleepy and even nauseous,” the doctor explained.
“Morning sickness?”
The doctor nodded. “That is the only condition you are experiencing, Mrs. Hannah.”
“And my illness?”
“You are not sick at all. That’s why I want to contact the hospital where you were tested,” the doctor sighed. “How could they make such a wrong diagnosis?”
Hannah was shocked.
“So I’m not sick, Doctor? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely sure,” the doctor nodded. “You are perfectly well, Mrs. Hannah.”