Finalizing The Contract

~Andrea~

“One more time Andrea, this depends on you.”

Shortly after he said that, I heard my phone ring and the caller was Lisa. 

I knew it 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.”

Saying that, I signed the contract and just had to get ready for what is in store for me. 

“Good Andrea, good. Now that this is done, I will give you the money as said earlier and add up the rest later.”

“Thank you Mr. King. ”

“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.”

“Okay sir, can I please have the money now. ”

“Sure, and like I said, I will call you to meet up before the program. Get ready for that.”

He gave me the money after taking back the contract paper. 

I could never have been more grateful. This money is going to save my mother's life. 

“Thank you, thank you so much Mr. King. This money will go a long way for me. Thank you.”

I said as I felt excited. 

“If we are done here, you can go now.”

“I will take my leave now.”

I left the place with a happy smile.

Since I could not answer Lisa's call earlier, I decided to call her back. She answered on the second ring. 

“Andrea, where are you? You got us worried.”

“I'm on my way. I will be there soon.”

“Please be fast. The doctor keeps asking if we have been able to arrange the money for the surgery. Maybe mom's health is deteriorating faster.”

“Don't worry baby, I will be there right away.”

I ended the call as I flagged a cab and headed to the hospital.

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

“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. ”

“My sister will be here with the money soon, doctor. Please give us some time.”

“Like I said miss, be fast about what you do.”

I heard the conversation between the doctor and Lisa as I drew closer to them.

They had their back turned towards me, so they did not notice my presence. 

I quickened my steps and got there before the doctor left. 

“The money is ready doctor, can you please start the surgery now?”

They all turned to look at me when I said that. Laurel was seated in one of the hospital chairs looking at me while Lisa stood. 

“Oh..you are here Andrea. I was just talking to the doctor.”

“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?”

“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.”

“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.”

“And he asked nothing in return?”

“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?”

“That should be me.”

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

I quickly went ahead to sign it and 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.”

“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.