CHAPTER 2

Jaden drove through the gate of his house, in a reckless manner. He came out and threw the car key at the gateman.

He stormed into the house and headed straight to where he knew he would find his father at that time; in his study.

“This should be the last time you ever set me up on a date with someone, Father. I am not interested!” Jaden raged at his father.

“Young man, that is not how to greet one's father” Mr Brooks said in a rather calm manner, as he got up from his chair while holding his walking stick.

Jaden responded with a regretful tone.

“I am sorry father, it wasn't my intention to speak in such a terrible way. I'm just tired of the fact that you keep setting…”

“It’s what I have to do as your father,” Mr Brooks interrupted him. 

“I promised your mother on her sick bed, may her soul rest in peace, that I'll make sure you get married and give birth to children that will carry on the name of this family and inherit the company”.

Remembering his mother at that moment, Jaden bit his cheek to hide his hurt. His memories of her were still fresh in his mind and soul, he missed her. 

“Can you not speak about mother now?”

Jaden spoke through his teeth, holding his fist by his side.

Mr Brooks placed his hands on Jaden's shoulder, “I do all these because I love you, son. Tiana is quite different from all the ladies you've met, just give it a try”.

“No father, I do not like Tiana and I never will” . Jaden snapped back, as he shoved his father's hands off his shoulder.

“Goodnight dad”.

He said and turned to walk away to his room, Mr Brooks watched him as he walked out on him. 

Jaden slumped into his bed, and put a pillow over his face as his mother's memories continued to linger through his mind.

***********

“I need to see my brother”. The nurse was taken aback by Matilda's outburst, as she did not notice Matilda running into the hospital.

“You need to be calm ma'am. Please, tell me your name and your brother's name”. She replied Matilda as calmly as she could, trying to put her at ease.

Matilda was still panting and breathing heavily due to her running.

“My name is Mati…my name is Matilda Blair” she managed to speak as she placed her hands on her chest, to confirm she was the one.

“And your brother's name ma'am?” 

“Niki Blair”.

The nurse began to input some words into the system, as Matilda stood watching her, her eyes going from the nurse to her computer.

“Please ma'am, you have to take a sit while I help you locate where your brother is” the nurse spoke to Matilda with a warm smile spread across her face.

Matilda was not herself, she just wanted to know Niki was alright. 

“I need to see my brother, I just want to see his face, to confirm…to confirm he is okay”. Tears began to gather is her eyes, as they fell uncontrollably.

The nurse gave Matilda's hand a gentle squeeze, from across the counter.

“Your brother is stable, I can assure you that. The doctor is still attending to him. Just please take a sit, and relax. He will be fine”.

The nurse's words managed to put Matilda at ease, as she headed to go take a sit.

Matilda sat and waited earnestly, one minute felt like a 100 years to her. She was eventually called upon, after waiting for 30 minutes. 

Her heart started to pound rapidly, as the doctor walked up to where she was sitting. 

“Are you Matilda Blair?” 

Matilda nodded in affirmation.

“Please come with me”. 

Matilda didn't know what to expect, as she walked into the doctor's office and he ushered her to sit.

“Your brother is stable now”. Matilda let out a long breath, as the news calmed her.

“But, we need to act fast”. Her joy did not last for long, as the doctor began to speak. 

The doctor looked at her with a serious face, and Matilda knew at that instant that, there was no good news.

“Your brother needs to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery as soon as possible. He needs this surgery before the end of next month, if it's later than that…”

The doctor did not need to finish his sentence, he could read Matilda's face.

Matilda became pale all of a sudden, it felt like an arrow pierced through her heart. She forgot how to breathe for a few seconds.

“How…how much will the surgery cost?” 

She asked in almost a whisper.

“The cashier will put you through that” he said pointing to the desk across his office.

Matilda managed to put a faint smile across her face. 

“Can I please see my brother now?”

“Sure”. 

**********

“My little pumpkin” 

Matilda placed her hand on his head, caressing his hair. She planted a kiss on his forehead, as hot tears streamed down her face.

She closed her eyes and cried with all the strength left in her.

“I'm so sorry you have to go through all these, if I could trade places with you my little pumpkin, I definitely would”.

Matilda watched her brother sleep, with her bloodshot eyes, waiting for him to wake up. 

The rumbling from her stomach reminded her that she had not had anything to eat throughout the day, aside from the cold coffee from work.

Matilda did not want Niki to wake up and not see her there, but she knew she had to get something to eat. 

She dragged herself up and walked towards the hospital cafeteria. The smell of the hospital made her nauseous.

Matilda's phone rang, and the caller's name displayed on her phone's screen made her smile.

“Hello Matilda. How are you? If you need me to fly down there right now, I will. Just say the word”.

Matilda chuckled happily, Diane was one of her stress relievers, hearing her voice always comforted her and put her at ease.

“I am fine Diane, hearing your voice made me feel much better”.

“Baby girl, I'm always here for you, remember that. How is Niki doing?” Diane inquired.

Remembering the doctor's words, Matilda sighed.

“He needs surgery, Diane, and if he does not get it before the end of next month, Niki might…”

Matilda couldn't bring herself to say the word, her voice cracked. She tried to hold back the tears, but she could not.

“Matilda, I can give you out of my savings and also take out a loan here in my office for you…” 

“No no Diane, you just got that job and I will not let you jeopardise it because of me”.

Diane let out a sigh, she knew Matilda and how adamant she was.

“What will you do then?”. Diane asked with worry in her tone.

“I will figure it out okay? Do not worry too much”.

There was silence for a few seconds, when Diane responded with a dry “okay”.

Matilda tried to relieve the tensed air.

“Enough about me, how does it feel to be a certified nurse now ?” 

Diane let out a happy laughter.

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

The sun shone on Matilda's face, which made her wake up. She immediately checked on her brother and noticed he was still sleeping.

She reached for her phone to check the time, 20 missed calls was what she saw.

They were from Jaden, who also sent her text messages.

“Just forget about your job, come down to the office and pack your things”.