Chapter 2

I get to the hospital location after over an hour of fidgeting in the cab throughout the ride I was so restless. When I get down, I rush inside like a madwoman not caring how ridiculous I look. I get directed to the waiting room and I spot Marcelo down the hall. Seeing him brings a little relief, I walk up to him like a robot and when he notices me, he gets up.

“Sammy come here” his arms open and I embrace him like my life depended on it and I let all the frustration out. I cry and cry without caring who might hear us, luckily the emergency waiting room today is practically empty. We stay like that for what felt like eternity until a doctor walk up to us.

He’s an average heighted man, blonde hair, clean shaved face he was neat but average. He looked completely exhausted that wasn’t settling at all. He clears his throat “you’re here for Mrs West?” he inquires looking at me. I’m sure I looked pathetic. My throat sore from so much crying I only manage a small nod. Marcelo takes my hand and gives it a small squeeze.

“There is good news and bad news” he pauses then looks at me probably expecting a reply but when I just stare blankly already expecting the worst, he continues

“Your mother is alive” my heart flutters from the glimmer of hope this man just gave me.

“But… there is more” of course there’s a but there always is and its never good.

“As you already know she has a chronic heart failure her heart is just too weak and she isn’t responding to medications. If you want your mother to survive, she needs a heart transplant surgery as soon as possible. The advantage of this surgery is when she adjusts, she’ll be fine for good that is if she survives”

Marcelo speaks for me knowing I didn’t want to ask “how much is this surgery?

” Well for everything it’s going to be about 1.7 million dollars” the doctor says and I almost faint. Where am I going to get that kind of money? I’m already in a lot of debt, my rent is due and I’m barely feeding properly. If Marcelo wasn’t helping id have starved most days

We thank the doctor and he leaves us there after telling us we can visit my mum but she’s unconscious.

“Do you want to see her?” Marcelo asks with a worried expression. I nod not having the energy to speak.

I hate the smell of hospitals I’ve gotten too used to the smell because of staying countless nights here, I hate being here, I hate being so powerless every single time things start looking up something happens. Theres only one way I can raise so much money so fast but can I do it? What will everyone think of me. I know Marcelo and my mum wouldn’t like it but it’s not like I have a lot of options. This is the best I can do. If it works, I’ll have my mum and she won’t have to suffer anymore.

We get to my mother’s station and I just look at her traumatized, she looks so pale and old. Nothing like the vibrant loving woman I know. She looks lifeless and it pains me to see my mother like this. I miss her so much. Our game nights, our random convos on the phone, everything about her. She has been sick most of my life and I can’t really remember when she wasn’t but she did her best to take care of me but as time progressed, she got worse and I had to do more for her but I loved her either way, I can’t lose her now. I just can’t.

“I can’t lose her MC, I’m not ready” I manage to choke out, my voice coming out hoarse.

“I could lend you part of the money… you know my songs have been doing well and I’m going to sign an amazing contract soon” he offers but I refuse.

“No MC you are not going to do that” I can’t accept that it’s asking for too much and I’ve burdened him enough.

“Stop being stubborn, who is going to give you that kind of money? Right now, I’m your only hope” he says frustrated he fists his palm trying to control his anger. Why is he angry?

“Well...there is one way” I explain everything to him plus the contract my boss offered me and he just looks at me bewildered.

“you’re not going to say yes though, right?” he stands up and looks at me I say nothing because he already knows what I’ve decided my silence speaks volumes

“You have to be joking Sam, you don’t even know the man…are you that naïve or just desperate?” he raises his voice barely controlling his temper.

Marcelo has never spoken to me like this and it hurts because I am desperate

“Stop it MC you know I don’t have a choice” my tone weak, I feel so tired. I’m just so sick of being helpless.

“You have a choice Sam be with me and ill give you everything. I always will, don’t let those people make you a gold-digger. He cannot be serious right now.

I don’t think I can deal with all this “you know what? I’m leaving” I walk out on him. He calls me back but I ignore, I know what I must.

When I get home, I carry my phone and call the number I was given after the interview. It rings three times before someone picks up.

“Who is this?” the interviewers voice clear, id recognise it from anywhere

I sigh and manage to compose myself before speaking “its Samantha west and I want to tell you I accept the offer”

Here goes nothing I guess. Hopefully he doesn't go back on his word or do something that'll make me regret this more than I already do.