SHAWN’S POV
“Are you Mr. Shawn Gold, husband to Tiffany Dion?” The caller had asked and he had replied in the affirmative.
“She was pushed down the rooftop at school and is currently at the hospital…”
“What? What hospital?” he had asked in agitation as he got on his feet and picked up his jacket.
Rachel tried to find out what happened, and after giving a brief explanation, she offered to come with him.
He had driven like a man under the influence of alcohol, beating all road signs. How he made it to the hospital with Rachel in one piece was still a mystery to him.
They got to the hospital and after explaining to the receptionist at the counter, they were directed to the room she was in.
Now, as he sat beside her on the bed with all manners of plasters and stitches on her, all he prayed for was her survival. Rachel kept squeezing his hand and reassuring him that all will be well.
The door went open and his parents walked in, and his mother immediately screamed in fear as she saw the state Tiffany was in.
“Who did this to her?!” she wailed as she rushed to her side.
“A student from her school by the name Mary Quevara.” Shawn replied tiredly. That was the least of his problems, because he had ensured the culprit had been locked away in a juvenile facility pending when he had the time to ensure she paid for what she did. For now, all he wanted was for Tiffany to open her eyes.
“Any news from the doctor?” His father asked calmly.
“No. She just came out of surgery. We are waiting for the report.”
Just then, the door went open and the doctor walked in.
“The result is ready. She sustained fractures to her arms, legs and spines. Luckily, she didn’t break her neck or sustain a skull fracture. But she has a brain concussion that we fear might lead to post concussion trauma.”
“Postconcussion trauma? What is that?” Rachel asked.
“She might suffer from symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headache and memory loss.”
“Memory loss?” Everyone asked in unison.
“I’m sorry, yes.”
“This is bad.” Rachel muttered.
The door went open and Mr Dion rushed in. He ignored everyone and rushed to his daughter.
“Look at my princess. Who could have done this to her?” He turned to ask them as tears welled up in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Sir.” Shawn said. He didn’t know what to say to comfort the elderly man. It must really be hard to see his daughter bandaged up like vegetables. The sight was heart wrenching.
“Was the culprit caught?” He asked, wiping the stubborn tears that found their way down his cheeks.
“Yes. It was a fellow student. Her reason is what we do not know about.”
“And where is she?”
“At a juvenile facility.”
“Good. She would pay for what she did to my child.” And then he turned to the doctor who was still in the room. “How severe was the fall?”
“A fracture to the arms, legs and spines. A brain concussion, and like I told them, we are afraid she might suffer postconcussion trauma.”
“Will she be alright?” Mr Dion asked jittery.
“Yes, she will. She just has to regain consciousness and we would determine what other harm was caused.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
“It’s a pleasure. I would advise you all to allow her to rest. You can come back tomorrow.”
“I want to stay with her.” Mr Dion said, shaking his head.
“I understand, but she needs a calm environment. Remember, she just got out of surgery.”
Reluctantly, the elder man agreed. And everyone stood up. Shawn cast her one last look and on impulse, he leaned over and kissed her forehead before walking out.
RACHEL’S POV
She paced the length of her room as she got back from the hospital with Shawn.
Judging from the height of the rooftop, no normal human being should have survived a fall from such an altitude, but that little girl did! Why didn’t she die at the spot and save her from the stress of worrying.
The stupid girl she employed for the job was caught despite warning her to be careful. Now, Shawn had ordered she got locked up in a juvenile facility and there was every possibility the girl might run her mouth.
Although she had endured she wore glasses and not looked in her direction during their meeting, she could not overrule anything.
Her reputation was at stake if the little girl blabbed a word to the police.
“Arrrrgh….” She screamed and pulled at her hair.
Why was everything going out of plan? Why can’t she have her way and Shawn to herself without going through any form of stress.
Her phone rang on the table and she picked it up.
“How did it go?”
“I’m sorry but the facility is heavily guarded. I can’t get through to her.”
“I don’t pay you to give me excuses. Find a fucking way to get to that girl!”
“I can’t. The securities are armed to the teeth. I guess it’s your boyfriend’s order.”
“I don’t know how you will do it, but I need you to get in there and do the job. That’s why I pay you handsomely.”
“I’m sorry but you will either do it yourself or get someone else. I quit. Fuck you!” He said and ended the call.
She stared at the phone in disbelief as she blinked severally. Did he just end the call on her. He quit?!
Things were finally crumbling. Who was going to do her dirty jobs for her? Max was annoying, but he was a loyal employee and she couldn’t afford to lose his service. At least not now when she had a lot of mess to clean up.
Swallowing her pride, she dialed his number but it was busy and it kept directing her to voicemail.
She sighed in exhaustion as she collapsed on the bed. A painful headache hit her and she winced in pain.
Her phone suddenly rang and she grabbed it in anticipation, hoping it would be Max, but it was Shawn.
“Hey, Rachel.”
“Hi, Shawn.”
“So, I was thinking if you would be willing to follow me to shop for some toiletries and other stuff for Tiffany.”
She was tempted to turn him down but thought against it. She could use the situation to her benefit. If she presented herself as a support system, who knows, he could finally fall in love with her when he sees how much of a supportive partner she is.
“Sure. With all pleasure. When are we leaving?”
“If you are free, we could go in the evening, because I will be taking them to her tomorrow.”
“With all pleasure. Let me get prepared.”
“I will pick you up at your place at 5:00pm.” He said and the line went off.
Ignoring the painful migraine, she got into the bathroom to freshen up before preparing.