Chapter 5 The Crucial Decision

AMELIA'S POV

"I mean yes...I'm ready," my voice came again. The tension in my voice couldn't be hidden.

" I'm certain you still have the address," he said, his voice sounding as masculine as it could. "Come and sign the necessary documents."

"Clara, please I'd be back..."

"I can't afford to let you make some silly decisions at this crucial time, I'm coming with you," she fired, her words wrapped in eagerness.

The journey back to the lounge was as quiet as the first one, the only difference was the anxiety of the first time. I was not so much concerned about the person's identity since I already saw him, I just wanted to have the money and save my dying father.

"My rules must be strictly adhered to. I do not compromise my standards for anything, is that clear?" Nelson warned, his countenance stern and he gave an inquisitive look at Clara and I.

As I placed my hands on the lifeless document, my heart beat in thousands. I battled several thoughts still. 'What if I end up losing my father still or what if ...'

"I get it," I responded to his last statement. "And the money?" I inquired after signing. My teeth gnashed and my lips slapped hard against each other.

"Just a few minutes, it'll be here soon."

I looked at Nelson as he fumbled with his phone in an attempt to call a number. I wonder what kind of a man he was. I mean he wasn't even even bulging, not even the tears dropping on my face as I imprinted my signature seemed to move him.

"The money will arrive in a few minutes," he said casually again. "My driver will be coming to pick you from the hospital tomorrow evening, no excuse would be tolerated."

As we waited in the silence, his voice kept echoing in my head, I looked at Clara to see if she felt the same way but her mind was far away. She smiled slightly at the two people dancing from the dance floor. I cast my eyes back at Nelson and I couldn't believe my eyes, his blue eyes were steadied on me, scanning me from head down to my slightly revealing cleavage.

"Here it is," he announced in his usual husky voice,quickly sending his gaze away from my body.

As we stepped into the darkness of the night, my phone rang again.

"Come to the hospital right away, your father..." the line went dead.

***

"The money is ready, doctor. Could you proceed with the necessary requirements?" I sat directly in front of the doctor, who couldn't hide his surprise.

"Your father..."

"What happened to him," I cut him short.

"Nothing, just that he needs immediate attention," he said, bringing relief to my troubled soul.

I didn't blame him, I also found it quite difficult to process everything in my head. Everything seemed like a mystery that needed to be unraveled. Only that, I felt a bit calm within myself.

"Everything needed will be ready in an hour's time once we receive the payment," his emphasis laid on his last word as he spoke with his eyes half closed.

"Here," I placed the bag of money on the table.

"Just a few more steps, sign the necessary columns," he said in return.

Soon we were done. I walked back to clara, who was already dozing as she sat somewhere across the hallway.

"Thanks so much, Clara. It wouldn't have been the same story without your interference, you should go home now while I stay here," I said amidst tears.

She smiled, giving me a side hug before walking away, "I will be here in the morning. He'll be fine okay? Just have faith."

Within a short time after, my father was being wheeled into the theatre. His body pale, skin white and his eyes tightly shut.

"Remember my life is nothing without your presence, dad. I know you can hear me, and I hope you'll talk to me again."

"If nothing goes wrong, the surgery should not take more than 7-8 hours," the doctor cut me short before vanishing out of sight.

As he was being taken away, memories of his healthy days flooded my mind. He was a man of few words but I cherish him still, maybe because he was the only family I grew up to know.

Just then, a familiar figure approached me from a distance. The face was dreadful and fists clenched... With each step closer, his eyes seemed to burn with fury, his walking style signaled terror.

As I stood there, at the edge of uncertainty, my mind was an abode of anxiety, fear, and confusion, with my thoughts racing like horses, my breath caught up in my throat as I wondered what was going to happen next. I turned towards the exit of the hallway but what I heard next glued me to the spot.

"Don't run, don't do anything funny. Just cooperate."