Accepting His Proposal

*Andrea* 

“How I'm I going to save mom? Where will I even get that amount of money?”

I continued to cry in the washroom until realization dawned on me. 

“Mr. King can help.”

Cleaning the tears running down my face, I called Mr. King who answered on the third ring. 

“ I've thought about your proposal Mr. King. ” I went straight to the point when he answered the call. The situation was urgent and required immediate attention. 

Inhaling deeply, I continued, “I will do what you want.”

“That's great news, Andrea. I thought you were going to reject it since you looked like you didn't buy the idea.” His voice came through as though he wasn't expecting my response. 

“This is not the right time for this Mr. King. How much are you offering?”

“Oh…I see now. It’s all because of the money. Do you all go around throwing yourself at any man for money? That is disgusting.”

“Please don't try to paint me black Mr. King, I urgently need this money for something.”

“Of course you do. Anyway, I will be paying you $5 million.”

“When will I get the money?”

“Relax, Andrea, I will be giving you half tomorrow. ”

“Can you make it $2.5 million first?”

“Are you in a hurry to hold such an amount of money? I thought you were different but clearly I was wrong.”

“You do not know what I need this money for Mr. King. I thought you needed someone badly for your set up?”

“I did and still do. What can I say? Money does speak, doesn't it Andrea?” 

He said as he gave out a bitter laugh over the phone. 

I noticed the sadness behind that laughter and simply gave out a sigh. 

Flashback (3 months ago) 

“I got the job! I got the Job! Mom!”

I shouted as I ran from my room to the kitchen, where mom was. 

I had gone for an interview at the King’s Empire two days ago and had lost all hope when no news came from them. 

While I was busy going through lists of job vacancies, an email came in hinting I passed the job interview. 

I was so happy and could not keep this news to myself. 

My mother, mrs. Laura dropped what she was doing in the kitchen and rushed to me when she heard the shouts. “Oh my goodness! I'm so proud of you Andrea!”

She held me as tears trailed her eyes. 

“Momma, we can finally afford Lisa and Laurel's school expenses.” I said, wiping the tears from my face. 

“Baby, I know all the burden is on you now, and I am sorry it happened this way.”

“Don't worry, Mom. I will always watch out for my family. For now, let's celebrate and I will help with dinner too. ”

“Come here baby,” Mom said as she hugged me once again. “Bless you my child.” 

We were overjoyed. 

End Of Flashback

Mom was so happy when I got the job and now this. I need to save her no matter what happens

The line was silent, neither was Mr. King speaking nor was I but then, I needed to break the silence. 

“When is the deal going to be finalized?” I questioned. 

“My lawyer will prepare everything on paper and present it tomorrow, including rules to follow. I will give you the $2.5 million after you sign the contract.”

“What rules are you talking about? Moreover, are rules even necessary? It's just a contract marriage and nobody is going to cross a boundary.”

“Nobody is crossing any boundary but since it's my proposal, I decide what to do. It's either that or nothing else.” Mr. King paused, probably expecting a reply from me. 

Releasing a sigh once again,

I spoke. “I apologize and Thank you, Mr. King, I really appreciate this.”

Without waiting for more words, he ended the call. 

I could not hide my excitement as I ran to my sisters to inform them. 

*****************************

“ I've been able to arrange the money, I will get it tomorrow.”

“How did you do it Andrea? That is a huge amount of money. I hope you did not do anything bad in the process?” 

I could tell Lisa was worried from the way she sounded. 

“Don't worry baby, I didn't do anything as such. All we have to think about is mom.”

“You can sell yourself for all I care. Just be sure my mother survives this.” 

Laurel's words were also cutting into my skin. 

“ Listen Laurel, I'm tired of your accusations. Can you for once think about the situation we are in now? Why do you keep blaming me?”

“Because you did it! He lost his life because of you!”

“ I've had enough of your accusations! I agree I asked for the Ice cream but he didn't die because of me! A vehicle ran into him! Can't you just get that!”

“Hump..even if it was a vehicle, that doesn't change the fact that he was there because of you!”

“Keep Quiet! Can you all keep quiet? We are in the hospital for Christ sake and you two are arguing like kids.”

Lisa started as she stood facing us. 

“Now listen Laurel, Andrea is older than you so give her that respect and stop blaming her. Are you not tired of blaming her over the years? Just get over it.”

“Get over it? Can you hear yourself speak? We are fatherless because of her and if care is not taken, we will be motherless as well.”

“Mom's sickness is not in any way related to her. Just let it go.”

“Like I said before, she can sell herself for all I care.”

Laurel walked away after ending her statement and somehow, she was right. 

It looked like I was indeed selling myself and freedom for a few months or probably a year because of money. 

Whatever it is life throws at me, I must be ready for it.