Chapter 4

"I bet you, she is suspecting you are up to no good. She is very inquisitive for my liking," Maria stated in a matter of factly tone. Selena couldn't deny that Nurse Vera was indeed curious about where she was going tonight. She has always been like that.

Since her parents died, the nurse has been more than family to them. She can run to her for any assistance but this time, she doesn't want to trouble the nurse.

Selena had pleaded with the doctor not to mention the kind of money that is involved in Andrew's surgery to Nurse Vera and that's for a personal reason.

Telling Nurse Vera would not be the best option because she would not be able to help with the amount that is involved and again Vera would not ask questions when she finally gets the money for Andrew's surgery. It's for the best, hopefully, tonight will work as planned

By now they were standing before Andrew's ward.

Selena opened the door and her heart dropped to the ground.

Andrew was lying on the bed, looking as if he was asleep. His hair was messy and his skin was paler. He was breathing but slowly, indicating that he was exhausted. Even though Selena knew he was semi-awake, she felt as if she was watching someone else's life slip away.

He had two drip banks attached to his two hands. His right hand was holding on tightly to the IV stick connected to his left arm. His right wrist was strapped on the medical board beside him.

Selena looked back to see that Maria was behind her. The ward looked dead enough for a living soul.

Selena moved closer to the bed and grabbed Andrew's left arm. As she held him, a sob rose from her throat. Her eyes started watering, tears streaming down her cheek. The sight brought pain to her chest.

Her kid brother lay on the hospital bed, looking completely lifeless. She could not bear seeing him so fragile. He looks worse than earlier. She was here before and he had more life in him, what happened in space of time?

She let go of Andrew's arm, placing her hand softly on his forehead. A shiver went down her spine as she touched his feverish skin. She felt his temperature with the back of her palm which was burning hot. She wiped off the beads of sweat from Andrew's brow.

"Andrew? Can you hear me?" she whispered as she sat down on the chair next to Andrew's bed.

Maria walked up to her and placed her hands on her shoulders, "he will be fine. Once we get the money his surgery will commence."

Selena wanted to believe these words so much. It still was heartbreaking to her that in case she fails to get the money, her brother might die. She imagined how she would be if that happened and cringed inside. If she failed to get the money and Andrew died, then she would have to live alone in this lonely world. Who is she without her brother so she killed the negative thought and hoped that she will get close to the amount of money tonight even if she has to sleep with more than one man. It's the least she can do for her brother because if she is the one in this situation, Andrew will do heaven to get the money for the surgery.

"Believe me, he will be fine," Maria added, then squeezed her shoulders.

"He will be fine depends on me, you know? if I mess up tonight, I am doomed."

"And that's why we can't mess tonight up. Andrew deserves to live so we are going to make that happen," Maria said with a look of determination in her eyes.

Andrew stirred and opened his eyes little by little, Selena and Maria were so engrossed in their talk that they did not realize he was awake.

They stopped immediately when they noticed

"Andrew....," Selena uttered.

Andrew smiled softly,

"Hi," he whispered weakly.

"You looked like you went to heaven," Selena jokes, bringing a smile to his face.

"And guess the first thing I will do if I eventually do that, is tell mom and dad how amazing you have been since they passed but I don't want to go now, I would want to see more life with you, Sis."

Andrew's little speech got everyone teary.

After he finished talking his eyes closed for a few seconds until they fluttered open. He blinked twice at each of them before turning towards Maria

His smile widened, and his eyes brightened when Maria squeezed his toes. Selena smiled warmly too.

"Don't you worry, you will be well soon enough," Selena assured him.

"I believe you but Sis, the money is huge. How are you going to get it?"

Selena exchanged a glance with Maria then looked back at him, "how did you know?" She asked uncomfortably. Andrew was not supposed to know how much was involved.

"Well let's just say, I overheard two nurses talking about it. One apparently was with the Doctor when he called you. That's not important, what's important is how you will be getting the money."

Selena cleared her throat, "Maria's boyfriend wants to lend me the money to pay back later so you don't have to worry."

She said making sure to cover her lie with a smile.

Andrew stared at her for a while, obviously, he did not believe her but he didn't want to show it.

"Alright," he nodded and closed his eyes.

"I just hope she is not going to do what she did last time," he thought, worrying.