Finalizing The Contract

~Andrea~

“One more time Andrea, this depends on you.” Derrik said, staring me right in the eyes.

Shortly afterwards, I heard my phone blare and the caller was none other than Lisa, my sister. I took in deep breath and shut my eyes. I knew her call was related to mom so I had to act fast.

Aiish! I hate that I am in this situation right now but money is more important here. I will think about how to convince my family somehow, but first, I need to sign this paper.

“I will sign it and that is just because I need the money.” I finally said after much pondering. Saying that, I took the contract, read through it again then took a deep breath before signing on the buttom of the paper. Now I only have to wait for what is in store of me. I handed over the paper to Mr. King who took it without hesitation.

“Good Andrea, good. Now that this is done, I will give you the money as said earlier and add up the rest later.” Mr. King took the paper, glancing through it with a smiley face. Deep within, I knew I was in a mess right now but what could I possibly do.

“Thank you Mr. King. Thank you so much!” I felt a swell of emotions as I appreciated his help even though it wasn't without a pay.

“Don't thank me yet. Pay attention to this, if you think about backing out before the end of this term, you will have to pay me back all the money.” He cut me off, interrupting my happy mood.

“Okay sir, can I please have the money now. ” I was eager to have my mom saved and didn't really think about whar he said.

“Sure, and like I said, I will call you to meet up before the program. Get ready for that.” I nodded at his statement and watched as he took a cheque from under his laptop and handed it to me. I gasped as I stared at the amount written. Finally! I can save my mother.

“Thank you, thank you so much Mr. King. This money will go a long way for me. Thank you.” My excitement knew no bounds. I wished for nothing than to dance to show the world how happy I was but that can wait for now

“If we are done here, you can go now.” He dismissed me, focusing on his laptop.

I kept making little dance steps in excitement as I left the office. I had forgotten all about Lisa's call for a minute until a message binged on my phone.

'Andrea are you on your way? Please be here soon.' I read out Lisa message. The urgency in her message was quiet visible.

I rushed out in a hurry, flagged down a cab and headed to the hospital, tapping my feet in anticipation and worry.

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

“Miss, you will have to arrange for the money faster. I know I said 72 hours, but your mother still needs the surgery done as soon as possible. ” I heard the doctor say to Lisa. I was already a few steps away from them but Lisa had her back facing me. Getting the money from the bank took longer than I expected and for a moment I thought something bad might have happened by the time I make it to the hospital.

“My sister will be here with the money soon, doctor. Please give us some time.” Lisa responded, sadness laced in her voice.

“Like I said miss, be fast about what you do." The doctor was ready to leave when I quickened my steps and stood right infront of him with my arms on Lisa's shoulder.

“The money is ready doctor, can you please start the surgery now?” I said, trying to catch my breath from running all the way.

Laurel turned to me then rolled her eyes before averting her gaze elsewhere.

“Oh..you are here Andrea. I was just talking to the doctor." Lisa placed her hand on my shoulders, gently massaging it.

“Yes, I heard everything. Can we go ahead, doctor?”I said as I directed my question to the doctor once again.

“It's good you were able to get the money now. We will get things ready and start right away but you need to sign the consent form before we can proceed.”

“Where do I need to sign these?” If eagerness was a person, that'd be me.

“The surgical nurse will bring it to you shortly, just be patient.”The doctor said with a smile as he made to leave.

“Doctor -” I called out and he stopped to look at me.

“I know you said the rate of survival is quite low, but please, try to save our mother. She is all we've got.” I needed assurance that our mom was going to be okay.

“Let's hope for the best. Everything will work out fine. ”He said again as he took my hands, assuring me.

I slumped into the chair next to me and prayed my mother would go through this successfully. For the first time in years, I heard Laurel speak calmly to me.

“Where did you get the money Andrea?”

This shocked me and not only me but I could see Lisa was shocked too.

“I..my boss. Yes him..he gave me the money.” I nervously responded.

“And he asked nothing in return?” I stared at her for a while before bringing my gaze down to my hands.

“Yes.. I mean No, he didn't.”

This time, I could see Lisa looking at me with a questioning eye. Goodness, is this where I get caught? I can't tell them the truth as it is against the contract I signed.

Just as Lisa was about to take her turn in asking questions, the surgical nurse brought the consent form to be signed.

I sighed in relief as she had saved me from questions that were likely to blow my cover.

“Miss Andrea?” The nurse called out, not sure which one of us was Andrea.

“That should be me.” I replied, standing from my seat.

“You will have to sign this to proceed please.”

I quickly went ahead to sign it without bothering to read which was stupid of me. The nurse left after getting the signature.

“Um..have you girls eaten anything?”I asked nervously as they had suspicious eyes on me which was making me nervous.

“How can you forget this is still morning and we had food before coming here?”Lisa asked once again. If anybody will find out about this, I believe it will definitely be Lisa.

“Oh…hihi..yeah that's right. It's still morning." I said with a nervous laughter.

Laurel was back to giving me a cold shoulder after the interruption from the nurse.

“Instead of trying to cover up your tracks, maybe you should just tell the truth. That will make it easier.”

“Enough Lisa! I am your elder sister and no, I am not hiding anything. Quit asking me questions and let's focus on mom.”

“I am sorry Andrea, I was just worried and did not mean to get you angry.”This was the first time I shouted at Lisa and I felt bad about it.I just needed to do something for her to stop asking me questions, and that was the only way.

“I'm sorry for shouting.”I apologized

“It's okay. Let's focus on mom.”She said with a smile.

“I promise you two, I will protect our family. We will not lose a parent again.” I said as I held Lisa's hand with a smile.