ALESSIA
After Claude left, I immediately took the calling card he gave to Adrian.
“Mom, please keep that. Don’t lose it. Maybe Uncle Claude will come looking for it,” Adrian instructed.
I raised an eyebrow. “Uncle Claude, really, Adrian?” I thought. I would have said it aloud if my son’s mind were in the right place. But he is still a child and doesn’t understand everything. I can’t tell him to stay away from Claude either.
“Come on, let’s go. We’re heading to the Heart Center,” I said to Adrian. We were supposed to leave earlier if Claude hadn’t arrived. Our departure is delayed. I didn’t expect him to track us down.
When we reached the lobby, we were greeted by the receptionist.
“Good morning, ma’am. Are you leaving again?” the receptionist asked.
“Yes, we’re going to the Heart Center. We just had breakfast,” I replied.
“Alright, ma’am. Take care.”
I thanked her before we finally left. We took a cab to the Heart Center. I had planned to take the subway to save money, but I worried about my son’s safety in the crowded train. It is better to take a cab despite the higher fare. Upon arrival at the hospital, we waited for hours before the doctor saw us.
I showed the doctor the referral from Adrian’s provincial doctor. Adrian underwent several laboratory tests. We were asked to come back the next day for the results and to speak with the doctor.
It was already dark when we returned to the motel due to heavy traffic. Just when we entered the room and were already preparing for a bath, there was a knock on the door.
When I opened it, a staff member with a cart full of food stood before us.
“I didn’t order any food,” I said to the man.
The man checked his paper. “Ma’am, are you Alessia Harris?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“In that case, this is for you. It was requested for delivery to you,” he said, placing the food on the table. Some of it crowded the small dining table, so he placed the rest on the bed.
Afterward, he left. I scratched my head as I looked at the abundance of food. There were only two of us, but it seemed the food in front of us could feed seven to ten people.
I had an idea of who the food came from but wanted to confirm.
“Son, stay here, okay? Mom needs to talk to someone briefly. Don’t eat yet. Wait for me. Just sit here on the sofa,” I guided my son to sit down.
“Mom, hurry. I’m hungry,” Adrian said.
“Just give me a moment, son.”
I left the room and approached the receptionist in the lobby. “Miss, excuse me. Do you know who ordered the food that was delivered to our room just now?” I asked.
“Oh, ma’am, it was delivered by your visitor earlier.”
“Visitor?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s from Mr. Claude.”
I thanked the receptionist upon hearing the answer.
When I returned to the room, my son was still quietly waiting. We washed our hands before eating. Although I have no plans of getting back or whatever plan that Claude is doing, why he is being nice to my son, I also don’t want to waste any food. I’ll just take this opportunity to enjoy the free food.
The fortune that was supposed to be given to my son by his father was something that I was avoiding from my thoughts. I wish I could give him that, but ever since I could recall, I had been struggling a lot to provide for my son. Sure I was earning enough, but I knew my son deserved more.
The next day, we returned to the hospital. The results of Adrian’s laboratory were out. But I Was nervous as I faced the specialist who will look after my son.
“Ma’am, your child needs to undergo a surgery as soon as possible. His condition may worsen if it is not addressed promptly,” the doctor said.
“How much will the surgery cost?” I nervously asked. This was my concern now. If necessary, I am willing to sell my share in the Artisan Paper Corporation. Hopefully, it would be enough to cover Adrian’s surgery expenses.
“Just prepare at least a million for his operation,” the doctor replied.
I blinked. I didn’t have a million. There is only a little over twenty thousand left from the money I had saved because Adrian frequently visited the doctor. I needed a lot of money. I had to sell my shares immediately. But how could I do it?
I needed to talk to Claude’s parents to get my share. Then I will look for a buyer. How can I manage this? I didn’t want to face Aunt Lavinia and Uncle Donovan yet. They would surely ask me where I would use the money for. Should I lie to them? They might find out about Adrian. They might even ask for a DNA test for my child. I would be in trouble if that happens. They would take Adrian away from me, it would kill me.
“Okay, doc. I’ll prepare the money. We’ll come back right away,” I replied.
I stood up and bid farewell to the doctor. As we walked down the hallway, I continued to think about what I need to do.
“Mom, what did the doctor say? Will I get better?” Adrian asked.
Something caught in my throat. My son only needed a surgical procedure to fully recover because his meds weren’t enough to make his condition better. Should I swallow my pride and face the Robinsons to ask for help again?
“Of course, you’ll get better, son. Mom will find a way to get you operated on,” I replied. I will think about myself later. I needed to prioritize my son’s life. I couldn’t bear to see him suffer every day. Since I am sacrificing anyway, I might as well go all the way. Why should I think about my own feelings when my son’s life is at stake? My pride, so as my fears, would not save my son.