Chapter Eight

~Maya’s Pov~

I tried calling Lucy back but the call was not connecting. I was still stunned by the conversation I just had with Lucy.

“Grant Pharmaceuticals? No no, I hope I heard her wrong. Why the hell will she do such a thing without contacting me?” I murmured.

A mix of disappointment and hurt hovered over me. Desperation has led my best friend to such a ruthless man. I don't know him personally but I know of the damage his company has caused over the years. It wasn't news of the scandals related to that Pharmaceutical Company.

I dialed her number several times, frustration mounting as the call failed over and over again. “I need to reach her. I need to warn her on time.”

*******

One year ago

I walked through the corridor of the ICU department heading to visit Lucy’s mom, Regina. Lucy was ahead of me, her face full of exhaustion. We entered the room and headed toward Regina's bed. The faint sound of machines humming welcomed me, the door swinging behind with a soft creak.

I approached slowly, careful not to disturb her sleep. I halted for a few seconds and took slow breaths before looking at her. I watched her as she took slow breaths, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Her eyelids squinted and she slowly opened her eyes. She was so pale I could barely recognize her.

“Hi, Mom” Lucy greeted softly, her voice filled with sadness.

“Hi Regina” I added a faint smile, trying to cover the emotions within me.

“Hello my babies, how are you both doing? “ Regina’s voice was so faint, almost a whisper. Her eyes drifted towards us.

“I'm so sorry I've not reached out to you all this while, I just came to town and I knew I had to come see you.“ I began, slightly squeezing her palm, my fingers running through hers.

“Oh my dear, it's not your fault I know you have work.” her voice softened, and with a weak smile, she whispered.

Before I could respond, a nurse came in to call Lucy.

“Hello Miss Lucy I'm sorry to interrupt you, but the doctor needs your attention in his office,” she said politely.

“Oh..okay… Mom. I'd be right back.” She stretched to plant a soft kiss on Regina's forehead.

“Maya, please look after her. I'll be right back.” Lucy stood from her seat and followed the nurse out.

The room felt quieter as she left me with Regina. All I could do was rub Regina’s palm as I waited for her.

“Maya you're looking beautiful as ever. I always ask for you from Lucy. I hope she sends my regards?” She always compliments my looks which always makes me smile, her voice low but intentional.

“She does. I'm sorry I did not come sooner.” I apologized. I felt bad hearing those words from her. She has always seen me as a child and took care of me too. I would say I didn't want my heart to break more from seeing her in this state.

“There is something important I need to tell you.” she coughed and tried to sit up. I quickly gave her a hand to help her up.

“I'm all ears Regina,” I responded.

“You have to promise you won't say a word to Lucy,” she placed her left palm on my hand.

“This must be important if she doesn't want Lucy to know about it.” I thought to myself.

“Oh, I promise you ma,” I responded knowing fully well I might break that promise.

She chuckled. “ I know you're best friends but what I'm about to tell you can harm us all if you tell her.”

At this point I became scared and I wanted to know what it was by all means.

“I promise you again I won't tell her. “ I reassured her.

“It's about my health, I mean… the cause of my health issue. It wasn't of natural cause, I lied to the doctors that it was hereditary, that my mom also has it, but that's not the case.” she began, slightly adjusting herself on the bed.

“Wha…what..do you mean? Where else did you get it from?” I asked in shock, my eyebrows slightly raised.

“Shhhh I don't want nobody hearing about this. I trust you that's why I am telling you, so you can help me out. If it wasn't dangerous I wouldn't tell you to keep it a secret.” she said slowly.

“So what caused it then? “ I asked sharply and I couldn't help but beam at her.

“You know I once worked at the factory of a pharmaceutical company, well….” her speech was interrupted by a cough. “They once tested some new drugs on us and they made us sign NDAs to keep it confidential.” she continued.

“Wait wait wait…. I'm sorry for cutting you off but what?? That's illegal, and then what happened to the others?” I cut in immediately.

“Shhh…shhh wait…” Regina’s cough couldn't let her finish her statement. The machines started beeping, red lights flashing through the screen nonstop. I was so scared at that moment and quickly stood up to call a nurse. But before I could leave my seat, Regina tightened my palm which shifted my attention from the door.

“Gra ... .Grant” She struggled hard to say that word as the coughing became uncontrollable. Lucy and some nurses came running through the door. Their faces were laced with fear and worry. I looked at Regina with guilt, I felt responsible for stressing Regina to this point.

The doctors asked me and Lucy to leave but Lucy was being adamant. I struggled to take her to the corridor and tried calming her.

“I'm so sorry Lucy, I didn't know what happened. She just started coughing.” I apologized, my chest pounding as those words escaped my mouth.

Lucy was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't realize I was talking to her. All her mind was towards her mother, I mean who wouldn't be? I hated seeing my best friend in that state and I continued blaming myself.

“I'm sorry Lucy, I'm sorry,” I continued apologizing.

She looked up at me and came in for a hug.

“What are you apologizing for? It's not your fault my mom has cancer.” her eyes tearing up as she pulled away from the hug, her lips curled into a smile and she chuckled. “She’ll be fine” she said and cleaned off the tears on my cheeks.

“She’s a little bit extra right.” she continued still chuckling. That was Lucy’s way of hiding her pain. Always makes jokes to distract herself from it.

“You don't have to always try to cover up your pain when you're with me. You know that?“ I said, my fingers running through her hair.

“Girl enough about me, don't mind my mom she just likes to be dramatic sometimes.” she joked ignoring what I just said.

“Lucy, I came here for you, it's okay if you cry in my presence.” I could see tears building up in her eyes. She couldn't hold it back anymore as she burst into tears in my arms. I rubbed her hair from behind feeling

tears sock my shirt. I whispered to her “Everything will be fine”

From that moment I knew, it would break her heart even more if she knew about the source of her mother’s illness. She broke the hug and wiped the tears off her face.

The door became wide open and the doctor and nurse came out.

“Miss Lucy, your mom is stable now you can go and see her.”

The doctor accompanied her as they went through the door. I was asked to stay outside because I was not related to her.

I went back to my seat with a heavy heart, my palms covering my face, lost in thoughts. I felt a tap on my shoulder, as I looked up it was the nurse.

She sat beside me and whispered to my ears.

”I know that bitch told you something, but whatever it is I strongly advise you to keep your mouth shut if you care for her life or even your life.”

Before I could say anything, Lucy came out of the room with the doctor. I looked at the nurse and I was too stunned to say anything. She pretended to pat my back and gave me an evil smile.

Lucy came to where we were seated and told the nurse she could leave.

“What’s going on? Is the nurse aware of Regina’s situation?

Why would she threaten me in such a way? I asked myself.