Chapter 007

The next morning, my phone rang unexpectedly—it was Kate on the other end, speaking in a low voice. I could barely hear her, but I immediately told her what had happened to Mom.

“Kaye, Mom was rushed to the hospital,” I said.

“What happened to her?” she asked, sounding worried.

“She’s been really upset with you since yesterday. She said she’s been calling, but you weren’t answering,” I replied, feeling anxious. I could hear Kate sigh. “Then earlier, she had a heart attack. She turned pale and eventually fainted. I’m about to head to the hospital now to meet Papa there,” I added. “Please come home, Kaye. I’m sorry, but Mom and Dad don’t have any money for the hospital bills, and Mom was still worrying about the electric bill earlier. She said it might get disconnected.”

“What? But I sent them money recently! Why would we get disconnected?” she asked, sounding frustrated.

“I don’t know, Kate. Mom said you didn’t send the allowance this month. Kate, please come home,” I begged her.

“They’re unbelievable… Alright, send me the hospital’s name, and I’ll go there to check on Mom. But I probably won’t go back to the house; I’ll just rent an apartment instead. George, if you want, you can stay with me while I’m here. I don’t think I’ll stay in the Philippines long; I might finish my vacation days back in Dubai. It’s awkward being in the same house as Charlotte after everything. You know how the neighbors are. If I’d known things would be like this, I wouldn’t have come home. Mom and Dad are really frustrating,” she said.

“Yeah, Kate, and the neighbors here are gossiping. Since yesterday, everyone’s been talking about you, especially Minda. I don’t know exactly what they’re saying because they stop whenever I walk by. I’m really sorry, Kate. I’ve wanted to tell you, but Michael has completely turned Mom against you. They keep saying that things will change once he becomes a ship captain. I don’t understand! And now, Minda asked me why she saw you getting out of a taxi, so I know what they’re implying,” I explained.

“Don’t mind those rumors. They don’t help us. Alright, George, I’ll take care of some things, and you send me the hospital info and Mom’s room number. I’m booking my flight back now,” Ate Kate replied.

“Okay, Kate,” I said before hanging up.

After packing Mom’s things, I headed straight to the hospital where Dad was. I also told them that Kate had called. Mom’s face brightened when I told her Kate was coming to the hospital. That afternoon, Kate arrived and went straight to Mom’s room. She avoided mentioning yesterday’s chaos, likely to avoid upsetting Mom.

“How are you feeling, Mom?” she asked.

“I’m better. George, ask the doctor when I can go home. We’re wasting money here; we should use it to pay the electric bill instead,” Mom replied.

“Mom, don’t worry. I’ll give you money for the bill and your allowance. Just let the doctor check on you,” Kate said.

“And don’t forget your sister’s tuition, Kate. Finals are coming up. I know you’re upset with us and your sister, but what’s done is done. It would be a waste if she stopped now, with graduation so close. I also think maybe you and Michael weren’t meant to be. Don’t you have an American suitor in Dubai?” Dad asked gently.

Kate didn’t reply. She just pulled out some cash and handed it to Dad. “Here’s the money for Charlotte’s tuition, and this is for your allowance. I’ll handle the hospital bill, but I won’t be staying at the house. I’ll rent an apartment during my vacation, and George will stay with me. I’ve already booked my flight back to Dubai. My boss called me in early because my replacement isn’t handling my job well,” Kate explained.

Mom’s mood brightened at the sight of the thick stack of bills Kate handed to Dad, all in thousand-peso notes. “Oh, is that so, Kate? Alright, do whatever makes you comfortable,” Mom said sweetly. “But before you go back to Dubai, we have one last favor to ask,” she added.

“What is it, Mom?” Kate asked, clearly annoyed but still respectful.

“Kate, Charlotte can’t be showing without getting married. And Michael is about to board his ship. He can’t leave without marrying her first.” (I saw Kaye’s face turn red with anger, but she stayed silent.) “So, before you go back to Dubai, maybe you could lend your sister some money for the wedding. She’ll pay you back once Michael’s on board,” Mom said sweetly.

"Why should I? , they did this mess,  then let them find for themselves. I'm sorry Mom but don't involve me with their sh*t?" I can't beleive on what they are telling me. I turned my back.