Chapter 2 A Nightstand With A Stranger

AALIYAH:

"Miss Perez...?" The doctor called and I looked up from where I was seated with teary eyes. She gestured to me to follow her to Claire's room, and I obeyed, my heart in my mouth. Rita got up, following me. I felt so grateful she's here because it's like I'm going to pass out.

The sight of Claire, pale and fragile, with a drip inserted into her vein, was a heart-wrenching one.

I gazed at her, my eyes brimming with tears, as I struggled to come to terms with the sudden turn of events. Just hours ago, I was reeling from Carlos's shocking revelation. Now, my world has been rocked again, this time by my sister's critical condition. Oh Lord, please be merciful.

I nearly ran mad when I realized that Rita wasn't at home. She explained that Claire wanted cookies and she just left to make them. That's why she didn't notice Claire's condition.

"Miss Aaliyah, I have some news about your sister," the doctor said, her expression softening. "Claire is not dead. What happened was a seizure, likely caused by her brain tumor. She's currently in a coma, but we're doing everything we can to stabilize her condition."

I sat down in the chair beside Claire's bed, taking her hand in mine. "What are her chances?" I asked the doctor, trying not to choke on my tears.

The doctor hesitated before responding. "We'll need to run more tests, but...the seizure was severe. The tumor is malignant and aggressive. Claire needs surgery as soon as possible. How many times do I need to remind you?? Your sister is dying!" She shouted..

I felt a surge of fear, but I knew I had to relax, I had to think. "Please, doctor, you have to operate. You have to save my sister," I begged, tears streaming down my face.

But the doctor's expression remained cold, unyielding. "I'm afraid it's not that simple," she said, her voice firm. "The surgery will cost a significant amount of money. And until that bill is paid, I'm afraid we can't proceed."

A loud ringing filled my ear. Everything the doctor said became hazy and distinct. The only audible thing I could hear was my own labored breathing.

The words spun like a carousel. Over and over and over and over again......

Finally I got back to my senses. I felt a wave of anger wash over me. "You're telling me that you won't save my sister's life because of money?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Are you fúcking kidding me?"

The doctor sighed. "I'm just telling you the reality of the situation. We can't provide treatment without payment." She replied adamantly. Then softening, "miss Perez, I wish you understood this is beyond me."

I can't count the times I've disturbed her about Claire's surgery, begging her to just start the damn thing.

"Please, I'm begging you. Just start. I'll come up with money soon." I begged.

"I'm sorry ma'am, we can't start without the payment." She replied. "There's nothing I can do."

"I need to be with my sister, alone."I clenched my teeth. There was a noticeable edge to my words. The doctor nodded grimly, exiting the room..

"It's going to be fine.." Rita said from behind. I forgot she was with me, for a moment.

"No! You don't understand what I'm going through! I can't even come up with the money in two weeks! I'm so lost. I don't know what to do. We just recently discovered her condition and it's going to be too late. I'm going to die. I can't let her die!" I sobbed in agony.

Rita immediately wrapped her arms around me. "Aaliyah, I want you to know that I'm here for you. I'll help with the bills, okay? I'll work extra shifts, pick up more hours...we'll get through this together. Don't worry. I'll help you."

My eyes welled up with tears at Rita's kindness, but I knew I couldn't accept her help. I'd always been the strong one, the one who took care of everyone else. I couldn't let Rita, or anyone else, into my battles.

"Rita, no," I said, pulling my hands back. "I appreciate it, but I've got this. I'll figure it out on my own."

Rita's face fell, but she nodded. "Okay, Aaliyah. But promise me one thing: if you need help, you'll ask?"

I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt for lying."I promise."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind Claire's ear. Her eyes remained closed, her chest rising and falling with each steady breath. She looks so peaceful and it makes me glad.

I've seen so many worse days. My sister filled with pains everyday, sometimes she's not able to move. It's driving me crazy with fear and for minutes, I thought she was dead. I thought she was gone from me.

I whispered softly, "I'm here, Claire. I'll stay with you, always."

**

I immediately stopped at the hotel that I booked for Carlos and I. I didn't care. I was going to make the best of it. After all it's my money, my surprise. He can't abandon me this way. He's ruined everything.

My step sister always thought she's better than me, and that bastard helped her prove that point – great job, Carlos. He can't mess with me like that again.

I rushed to the cocktail bar and I ordered a bottle, drowning everything. I was going to drink all my worries away. I stumbled on my feet, the room spinning around me. I had lost count of the number of drinks I'd had, but I knew it was too many.

Everything feels better right now...

No one's going to mess with me! I'm on top of the world! I laughed drunkenly.

I stumbled towards the booked room. Fuck! What was the number? Room 74? 78? Damn. I can't remember.

My vision was blurry from the countless drinks I had. I pushed a door open, regretting drinking too much. I shut the door, feeling sick. I just need to sleep.

But my emotions got the better of me. I started crying, the tears streaming down my face as I thought about Carlos's betrayal and Claire's critical condition in the hospital.

I composed myself, getting up to use the bathroom. Immediately I opened it, I collided with a stranger.. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. And he was drunk, just like me. He stumbled backwards, catching me by the arms to steady me.

I looked up at him, and without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He smelled like whiskey and smoke, yet the scent was alluring. At that moment, he felt like my rock.

"I'm so sorry," I sobbed, my words slurred from the alcohol. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be alone. I'm just scared, I need someone now." My voice was cracking.

As I looked up, I gasped at the handsome stranger, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features.

Oh goodness. I know him.

Damon Hernandez!

The name itself commands respect, evoking a sense of awe and trepidation. As the CEO of Hernandez Industries, he has built a business empire that spans the globe, with interests in finance, technology, and real estate.

Oh goodness.. I'm scared.

Yet mesmerized.

So fúcking attractive. Oh my goodness. My body was pulsating with desire. I wanted to move backwards but he held me. "I could give you more than someone." he slurred, obviously completely intoxicated.

As his hands slithered down my waist, his breath fanning my face, I shook helplessly.

Oh goodness. I'm too drunk to think properly. My heart reeled with everything that just happened and.. and I just want to feel better. I just want to be loved and stop feeling so useless.

But I'm ready to give him my body. Carlos might not want me but this handsome devil might think otherwise...

To hell with them!

I didn't care that he was years older than me. I wanted him badly. Fúck!

"I need it." I sobbed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"You do?" He smirked, kissing my hair. "Aurora?"

I didn't know who that was but I didn't care..let me be your Aurora or whatever...

"Just touch me, handsome," I slurred, my eyes watery. "Just make me feel good, please," I choked on the words.

He hesitated, still staring intently at me.

I smirked. "You think I'm not attractive enough to get laid.. Well, let me show you what I'm capable of."

He gave a drunk, yet hot smirk and I melted in his arms, kissing him hotly.