Proposal

Chapter 006

Michael's POV

“Is my mom still alive or dead?” I managed to ask as multiple thoughts crossed my mind.

“She is alive. Fortunately, someone donated her blood to your mom and your mom is safe now,” the doctor said.

I wiped off the sweats that rolled down my forehead as a wave of relief washed over me.

“Can I see her please?” I asked the doctor anxiously.

“Sure you can,” he said as he called a nurse to direct me to the ward. My heart skipped a beat when I saw my mom lying in the blue patient gown.

I quickly rushed and pulled her into a bear hug and I almost burst into tears as her familiar peach scent filled my nostrils.

I couldn't imagine life without my mother.

I was not too close to my dad like I was with my mom, but when he died, I almost collapsed from a heart attack.

“Mom, how are you holding up?” I asked softly. My heart was beating faster.

She forced a smile on her face. It was written all over her face that she was in pain, but she tried to be strong. “I'm alright, dear,” she whispered.

“What happened to you?” I asked.

Tears suddenly filled her eyes as she frowned.

“It's alright, I already know,” I whispered, holding her cold palms.

Esther was the reason my mother is in the hospital.

I imagined what mom was facing. She took Esther like her own child.

I knew the heartbreak and pain was unbearable.

Esther was the reason my mother collapsed.

I never want to see her in my life again.

“I promise you will never set your eyes on her,” I said to my mother with an assuring voice. She nodded as tears streamed down her face.

Suddenly, a nurse entered and gave me her medicine and a prescription.

“Here are her medicines, sir, please make sure she takes them on time and, if there is anything, you can reach us via the number we called earlier,” the nurse said.

“Sure, thank you so much, let me save the number right away.”

My heart skipped a beat when I put my hands in my pockets and my phone was nowhere to be found.

“Where did I drop it?” I whispered.

I then suddenly remembered I flung it when I got the news that my mom was in the hospital. “Ahh fuck!” I groaned in annoyance, then I let out a heavy sigh.

“Mom, we are discharged, let's go home,” I said as I helped her get up from bed and gently placed her arm across my shoulder before walking her to my car.

“Mom, you will be in my house in the meantime. Maybe by tomorrow, if I'm sure you are alright, I will drive you home,” I suggested.

“Alright, no problem dear,” she replied.

A thought popped into my head as I started the car engine. Maya is at my house, and I'm driving my mom there.

Would mom hate Maya for Esther's sin knowing they were best friends?

“Mom, what do you think of Maya, Esther's friend,” I said as I looked into her face through the rearview mirror.

She raised her head and glanced at me through the mirror. “I don't know, I barely know her. Why did you ask?” she asked.

I breathed heavily and gathered the courage to tell her the truth. “Mom, I'm in love with her,” I said, still staring at her eyes to see her reaction.

She gasped as she rolled her eyes. That made my heart clenched.

Panic. I was panicking.

There was silence for a while between us.

“Well, if you trust her then you have my blessings,” she said.

A creep of a smile appeared on my face. The last time I heard something sweet was the day Maya said she loved me too.

I drove straight to the jewelry store. Who would ever think I would be here again, buying another wedding ring?

“Please, can I get a couples ring?” I asked the woman at the receptionist.

“Sure,” she answered. The first one that was brought to me drove me crazy because of its cuteness. I took it and made payment with my debit card, then walked back to my car and drove home.

****

“Maya!” I shouted her name from the entrance door as I carried my mother.

“Yes! " You are back. Where did..” Maya was rendered speechless when she opened the door and saw me standing with my mom in my hands.

“Oh my god, what happened?” she asked.

“She collapsed, but she is alright now,” I answered as I walked past her into the house.

I laid mom on the couch. “Thank you so much dear,” she said, with a forceful smile.

Maya then rushed to the kitchen and got some water. She poured it in the glass cup and placed it on mom's lips. Mom rose a bit and took a sip.

“Thank you so much, Maya,” she said as she placed her hand on Maya's cheeks.

“You are welcome, mother. I know you must be hungry. Let me get you something to eat really quick,” Maya said as she made her way to the kitchen.

Mom dragged me close to her.

“Maya is so sweet, Michael,” she whispered. Her words sent shivers up my spine. I feel my lips spreading, leaving a smile on my face.

I could feel butterflies all over my stomach.

Mother had finally accepted Maya.

Maya would be the only person that could make my mother forget about Esther.

Maya would be the only person that could heal the wound Esther caused in mom's heart.

I quickly stood up and headed straight to the kitchen.

Maya was busy cutting vegetables. She didn't even notice my presence.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. I knelt down and grabbed the wedding ring from my pocket. I opened the case gently and took out the ring.

“Maya,” I whispered to her.

She turned gently and faced me.

“Will you marry me?” I asked.