5

“No, Tiffany is fine. She just had a minor relapse. Has she been spending a lot of energy?” Doctor Harper asked as she touched Tiffany’s forehead with the back of her hand.

“Yes, she has. She has been getting a little bit more active lately, and though I curbed it a bit, I also didn’t want to make her keep sitting or lying in one place. I thought a little exercise would be good for her, but it seems I was wrong. I hope my carelessness hasn’t caused more damage.” I confessed as guilt gnawed at me.

‘Maybe I should have forced her to stay in bed all day until she fully recovered. Her health is really delicate, but still, I took it too lightly.’ I blamed myself. ‘If something bad happens to her, it would be all my fault because I was irresponsible and careless.’

“It’s not your fault.” She assured me, and her smile grew softer. “You did the right thing by encouraging her to play more, which is needed for her recovery, but it seems we overestimated how fast the recovery would be. She’s healing a little bit slower than we expected.”

“Slower?! Does that mean the surgery wasn’t successful? Will she need another one?” I panicked.

If that was the case, then it was really, really, really bad. I couldn’t afford another surgery. I was already in so much debt that even though Bianca paid me that instant for her dress, I would still be owing a whole lot.

“No. It was successful. Tiffany is just healing a little bit slower than we thought, but she’ll be fine. We’ll just prescribe some drugs for you, and you should be mindful of how much energy she uses. She should rest a lot and follow the diet plan I gave you.”

“Ok, thank you, doctor.” I let out a silent sigh. Those, I could do. It was far better than surgery or spending a whole lot on another treatment.

“When can she go home?” Dorothy asked, stealing the question out of my mouth.

“Once you get the meds, you’re free to go home.” Doctor Harper said and gave me a warm smile. “Tiffany has been through a lot, but she’ll be fine. She’s a strong young lady.”

“Thank you.” I whispered, staring at the sleeping child. She was strong—far stronger than me—and I would give her everything.

(✿^‿^)(✿^‿^)(✿^‿^)

“Do *yawn* do I really h-have to *yawn* sleep now?” Tiffany yawned, pouting as she snuggled under a blanket with her stuffed kitten by her side.

“Of course, dear. The doctor said you need a lot of rest and sleep. And you’re already dozing off.” I smiled and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight sweetheart. I love you.”

“G-goodnight mummy. I *yawn* love you too.” She mumbled as her eyes fluttered close, and in a second, she dozed off.

‘She seems a little bit weaker than before, but at least she’s ok.’ I thought as I walked out of the door and gently closed it behind me so as not to disturb her.

“Is she asleep?” Dorothy asked, looking up from her laptop.

“Yes, she is. I’m glad she’s alright. I was worried about the worse when you called.” I sighed as I sat beside her, the old sofa sinking under my weight.

“You should have seen me this afternoon. My heart almost jumped out of my mouth when I saw her fall. I was so terrified.” She replied as she picked up her bottle of soda and took a small sip.

“Thanks for looking after her, Dorothy. I don’t know what I’ll do without you.” I grinned, leaning my head on her shoulder.

There was nothing in the world I could give her that would show how much I appreciated everything she did. There were friends, good friends, best friends, and Dorothy. She was good personified. There for me through the ugly, uglier, ugliest moments of my life.

“I literally didn’t do anything. Even a random stranger would have done what I did. Beside, Tiffany is my goddaughter and my little baby; I would give her the world.” She replied as she patted my head.

“Don’t downplay your effort.” I scolded her as I sat up straight and took her hands in mine. “Not many people will do half of what you’ve done and are doing for me. You’ve suffered and inconvenienced yourself a lot for us. I know I won’t be able to pay you for everything, so I’m completely grateful and indebted to you.”

“S-stop it. D-don’t use words like indebted and paying me. You’re making it seem like I bought an island of gold for you.” She stuttered, avoiding my gaze as her face turned pink.

“But I want to. You’ve always been dodging when I want to get you anything, and you’re breaking my heart.” I pouted and faked sniffing.

“Fine! If you want to pay me back, just buy me that cake from that bakery I love. That will cover everything.” She grumbled, still avoiding my gaze.

“Aww, you’re so cute.” I giggled, through my arms around her and squeezing her into a tight hug.

A cake wouldn’t and couldn’t measure up to what Dorothy had, but her being her would never ask for anything in return.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, Dorothy. I will spoil you rotten when I start making money. A whole day for spa, mani-pedi, and shopping. The three of us and a whole day of fun.” I giggled, kicking my legs like a child.

“Hope it isn’t the money Bianca is going to pay you that you’re planning to do all this. You still have your debt, remember.” She teased and poked my cheek.

“Ugh! Don’t remind me.” I groaned as I let go of her and pressed my finger to my temple. “I did a lot of calculations, and my pay isn’t going to cover all what I owe. Hopefully, I get bigger gigs immediately after I’m done with hers.”

“Most likely you would. Bianca is a very popular influencer—”

*Ring Ring*

My phone buzzed on the other couch, and I stood up.

‘Who’s this? I don’t know this number.’ I thought as I squinted at the screen.

“Who’s that?” Dorothy asked, tilting her head to the side.

“I have no idea who it is.” I replied as I picked it up and placed the device on my ear. “Hello?”

“Hello, Is this Aurora Nigel?” A familiar masculine voice asked from the other side, and I bit my inner cheek. Was it really him?

“Yes, who are you?” I said, stopping myself from jumping to conclusions. Because it sounded like him didn’t mean it was him. It could be another guy with almost the same voice. And why would he even call me? Just because he promised didn’t mean he would. He had nothing to do with me.

“It’s Sebastian. I took you to the hospital this afternoon.”

“Oh,” I mumbled as I crisscrossed my legs, surprise laced my voice. He was actually calling me. How did he even get my number? I didn’t recall giving it to him.

“How did you get my number?”

“Bianca gave it to me. I hope you don’t mind. She didn’t want to, but I insisted.”

“No, I don’t mind. Thank you for your help this afternoon. It meant a lot to me.” I smiled and scrunched my brows as Dorothy waved at me, trying to get my attention.

“Sebastian?” She mouthed and I nodded.

“You’re welcome. How’s your daughter? Tiffany, right? Are you guys still in the hospital?”

“Yes, it’s Tiffany, and she’s fine. She was discharged, so we’re at home now.” I said, running my fingers through the bottom of my hair.

“That’s good.” He breathed, almost sounding relieved, which was just as strange as him calling me. “If you need any help, reach out to me. I promise I’ll be there. Anything at all.”

“Oh, y-you don’t have to. We can manage just fine. I don’t want to inconvenience you.” I stuttered, almost choking on air.

That was a very huge promise that he just popped out of nowhere. Taking me, a stranger, to the hospital was a bit understandable; calling me later in the day was strange but also understandable; but promising me help for the future was crazy. Who would go out of their way to help someone they don’t know? It was bizarre and a little bit weird. Or did he have an ulterior motive?

“You’re not an inconvenience. I’ll gladly help you.” He replied, and I cringed. Ok, that was creepy.

“Ok, thank you. Goodnight.” I blurted and ended the call before I heard anything else.

“So…” Dorothy drawled, raising her brows as she placed her laptop beside her. “Sebastian uh?”