MATILDA'S LOVE AND RETRIBUTION

Matilda sighed sadly as she rested her back against the front door, with an envelope in her hands.

"How will I clear all these debts alongside Niki's hospital bills?" Matilda whispered to herself silently, as a drop of tear escaped her eyes.

She immediately cleaned her tears as she heard Niki approaching the sitting room.

"Were you talking to yourself?" Niki asked with his eyebrows arched in curiosity.

"Of course not little champ, I was just going through our bills for the month" she replied with a faint smile.

"Oh..." Niki said with sadness in his voice.

Matilda walked up to him and bent down to make direct eye contact with him.

"You have nothing to worry about alright? Big sis got it all covered, my little pumpkin" She playfully ruffled his hair.

"Don't call me that, I'm 12 now" Niki said with a little frown which made Matilda laugh heartily.

"You will always be my little pumpkin, baby brother. C'mon get your bag, you don't wanna make us late" Niki rolled his eyes as he picked up his school bag.

"Did you pack your medication? Your oxygen mask, I don't want you to..."

Niki cut her mid sentence "check check check, I packed it all no need to worry".

Matilda patted his head with a smile " you're a big boy now, and so responsible, c'mon let's go now".

***************

Matilda hurriedly went past everyone she met on the stairs, she cannot afford to get late to her desk before Jaden arrives.

She got to her desk panting heavily and let out a sigh of relief "I hope he has not arrived yet" She said as she started to arrange her desk.

Matilda inhaled three times to calm herself down before knocking on his door.

She knocked thrice, and there was no response. She knocked again and this time she was met with her bosses' husky voice.

"Come in".

"Good morning sir" Matilda greeted with her head bowed facing the ground, her both bands folded in front of her.

She cannot afford to look him straight in the eyes.

"Are you talking to the floor?" Jaden questioned with annoyance in his voice.

"No sir...I...I was only trying to..."

"Save your explanation, I do not care. Go and get me my coffee downstairs, it must not be below 100°C. Now". Jaden bellowed.

With her trembling and shaky legs, Matilda managed to find her way out of the office. She heaved a sigh of relief like she was choking from shortness of breath.

Matilda ran as fast as her leg could carry her to the cafeteria. She got Jaden's coffee just like how he always wanted it.

Hurrying back to his office, to prevent the coffee from dropping below the temperature he gave her.

"This is your coffee sir" She placed it in front of him, still not looking him in the eye.

"What's my schedule for today?" Jaden inquired as he took a sip from his coffee.

"You have a meeting with the manager of SOS company, by 11am.

Next, by 1pm you have a scheduled date at the Sweet Sensation restaurant with..."

"What? Did you just say a date?" Jaden was furious as he stood up from his desk and began to approach Matilda.

Matilda took a few steps backwards, to avoid his terrible gaze.

"Your father called me and said I should..."

"How many times have I told you never to take orders from my father?" Jaden blurted out in anger, his eyes brazing in fury.

"I am sorry sir" Matilda answered with a soft and trembling voice.

" Do not apologise to me, this should be the last time you ever take orders from my father. Have I made myself clear?!"

"Yes sir" A tear dropped from Matilda's eyes as she was scared and nervous.

"Now, take this coffee away and get me a new one. Your stupid self caused this, now get out and cancel that so-called date".

"Yes sir" she muttered with a teary and shaky voice.

Jaden railed at Matilda and did not care at all that she was crying.

***************

Matilda brushed past everyone she met on the way, faster than the speed of light.

She got a new cup of coffee for Jaden and also got one for herself, to help relax her nerves.

"Here's the new cup of coffee sir" she said, bowing her head as she headed towards the door to leave.

Little did she know that the wrath of her boss was not yet over.

"Did I ask you to leave?" Jaden queried.

Matilda turned back and her eyes met with his, and she looked down quickly to avoid his terrible stare.

Her feet were glued to the floor, her hands shaking from the fright. She uttered no response.

"I need these files to be ready before you leave for work today. I do not care if you have to stay after work hours, just get it done" he pointed at the pile of paperwork on the table, as he spoke.

Matilda's heart sank immediately, she remembered she had promised Niki to watch his favourite series Harry Potter, together later today.

"Understood sir" still in that fixed position, Matilda managed to voice out a response.

Jaden stood and picked up his jacket from the coat rack, walking towards the door where Matilda stood.

"I will be leaving for the meeting now"

He stopped walking when he got to where Matilda was standing, like he was waiting for a response.

"You will look at me when I speak to you, Matilda" Jaden growled.

It took every ounce of boldness left in Matilda, to look him in the eye.

The intimidating height from Jaden was very obvious, Matilda barely reached his shoulders.

Matilda felt like his eyes were piercing through hers as he stared at her. She parted her lips to speak, but words failed her.

"Anyways, just get the work done" Jaden finally said as he opened and went through the door.

As the sound of Jaden's footsteps fade away, Matilda collapsed against the wall, letting out a breath of frustration in it.

She took the pile of paperwork and headed to her desk. She slumped in her chair, as she placed her head on the table.

"What a good way to start the day" she muttered sadly to herself.

Matilda rose up and finished her already cold coffee in one gulp, as her phone rang.

"Yes, this Matilda Blair speaking. How can I help you?".

The coffee mug fell from her hands and broke.

"What?!...No no, it can't be!" Matilda yelled over the phone, her hands trembling as she placed them over her mouth, tears welled up in her eyes.

Jaden drove through the gate of his house, in a reckless manner. He came out and threw the car key at the gateman.

He stormed into the house and headed straight to where he knew he would find his father at that time; in his study.

"This should be the last time you ever set me up on a date with someone, Father. I am not interested!" Jaden raged at his father.

"Young man, that is not how to greet one's father" Mr Brooks said in a rather calm manner, as he got up from his chair while holding his walking stick.

Jaden responded with a regretful tone.

"I am sorry father, it wasn't my intention to speak in such a terrible way. I'm just tired of the fact that you keep setting..."

"It's what I have to do as your father," Mr Brooks interrupted him.

"I promised your mother on her sick bed, may her soul rest in peace, that I'll make sure you get married and give birth to children that will carry on the name of this family and inherit the company".

Remembering his mother at that moment, Jaden bit his cheek to hide his hurt. His memories of her were still fresh in his mind and soul, he missed her.

"Can you not speak about mother now?"

Jaden spoke through his teeth, holding his fist by his side.

Mr Brooks placed his hands on Jaden's shoulder, "I do all these because I love you, son. Tiana is quite different from all the ladies you've met, just give it a try".

"No father, I do not like Tiana and I never will" . Jaden snapped back, as he shoved his father's hands off his shoulder.

"Goodnight dad".

He said and turned to walk away to his room, Mr Brooks watched him as he walked out on him.

Jaden slumped into his bed, and put a pillow over his face as his mother's memories continued to linger through his mind.

***********

"I need to see my brother". The nurse was taken aback by Matilda's outburst, as she did not notice Matilda running into the hospital.

"You need to be calm ma'am. Please, tell me your name and your brother's name". She replied Matilda as calmly as she could, trying to put her at ease.

Matilda was still panting and breathing heavily due to her running.

"My name is Mati...my name is Matilda Blair" she managed to speak as she placed her hands on her chest, to confirm she was the one.

"And your brother's name ma'am?"

"Niki Blair".

The nurse began to input some words into the system, as Matilda stood watching her, her eyes going from the nurse to her computer.

"Please ma'am, you have to take a sit while I help you locate where your brother is" the nurse spoke to Matilda with a warm smile spread across her face.

Matilda was not herself, she just wanted to know Niki was alright.

"I need to see my brother, I just want to see his face, to confirm...to confirm he is okay". Tears began to gather is her eyes, as they fell uncontrollably.

The nurse gave Matilda's hand a gentle squeeze, from across the counter.

"Your brother is stable, I can assure you that. The doctor is still attending to him. Just please take a sit, and relax. He will be fine".

The nurse's words managed to put Matilda at ease, as she headed to go take a sit.

Matilda sat and waited earnestly, one minute felt like a 100 years to her. She was eventually called upon, after waiting for 30 minutes.

Her heart started to pound rapidly, as the doctor walked up to where she was sitting.

"Are you Matilda Blair?"

Matilda nodded in affirmation.

"Please come with me".

Matilda didn't know what to expect, as she walked into the doctor's office and he ushered her to sit.

"Your brother is stable now". Matilda let out a long breath, as the news calmed her.

"But, we need to act fast". Her joy did not last for long, as the doctor began to speak.

The doctor looked at her with a serious face, and Matilda knew at that instant that, there was no good news.

"Your brother needs to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft surgery as soon as possible. He needs this surgery before the end of next month, if it's later than that..."

The doctor did not need to finish his sentence, he could read Matilda's face.

Matilda became pale all of a sudden, it felt like an arrow pierced through her heart. She forgot how to breathe for a few seconds.

"How...how much will the surgery cost?"

She asked in almost a whisper.

"The cashier will put you through that" he said pointing to the desk across his office.

Matilda managed to put a faint smile across her face.

"Can I please see my brother now?"

"Sure".

**********

"My little pumpkin"

Matilda placed her hand on his head, caressing his hair. She planted a kiss on his forehead, as hot tears streamed down her face.

She closed her eyes and cried with all the strength left in her.

"I'm so sorry you have to go through all these, if I could trade places with you my little pumpkin, I definitely would".

Matilda watched her brother sleep, with her bloodshot eyes, waiting for him to wake up.

The rumbling from her stomach reminded her that she had not had anything to eat throughout the day, aside from the cold coffee from work.

Matilda did not want Niki to wake up and not see her there, but she knew she had to get something to eat.

She dragged herself up and walked towards the hospital cafeteria. The smell of the hospital made her nauseous.

Matilda's phone rang, and the caller's name displayed on her phone's screen made her smile.

"Hello Matilda. How are you? If you need me to fly down there right now, I will. Just say the word".

Matilda chuckled happily, Diane was one of her stress relievers, hearing her voice always comforted her and put her at ease.

"I am fine Diane, hearing your voice made me feel much better".

"Baby girl, I'm always here for you, remember that. How is Niki doing?" Diane inquired.

Remembering the doctor's words, Matilda sighed.

"He needs surgery, Diane, and if he does not get it before the end of next month, Niki might..."

Matilda couldn't bring herself to say the word, her voice cracked. She tried to hold back the tears, but she could not.

"Matilda, I can give you out of my savings and also take out a loan here in my office for you..."

"No no Diane, you just got that job and I will not let you jeopardise it because of me".

Diane let out a sigh, she knew Matilda and how adamant she was.

"What will you do then?". Diane asked with worry in her tone.

"I will figure it out okay? Do not worry too much".

There was silence for a few seconds, when Diane responded with a dry "okay".

Matilda tried to relieve the tensed air.

"Enough about me, how does it feel to be a certified nurse now ?"

Diane let out a happy laughter.

************

The sun shone on Matilda's face, which made her wake up. She immediately checked on her brother and noticed he was still sleeping.

She reached for her phone to check the time, 20 missed calls was what she saw.

They were from Jaden, who also sent her text messages.

"Just forget about your job, come down to the office and pack your things".

Oh my God, oh my God".

Matilda hurriedly grabbed her bag from her brother's hospital bed stand, took her shoes then gave Niki a quick kiss before dashing out of the clinic.

She waved down many cabs, but no one was stopping for her.

The chilly morning wind did not even have any mercy on her, as it blew particles of sand into her eyes.

Eventually, she got a cab and headed back home to freshen up.

Matilda prayed silently for a miracle as she walked towards Jaden's office. There was no use running, she was hours late already.

"Come in".

Jaden's voice jolted her back to reality that, she was actually in a deep mess.

"Good morning sir"

"And what is so good about the morning?". Jaden looked up from his desk, and gave her a stern look.

"I'm so sorry sir, what happened was that..."

"I do not need any explanation!"

Matilda shivered and jerked from the angry tone of Jaden's voice. She cannot afford to lose her job now.

She immediately knelt down on both knees, Jaden's eye widen because he was not expecting her to portray such actions.

"Please sir, I had an emergency. My brother...my brother fainted and his school called me. I had to rush to the hospital".

There was no much tears left to flow, she was already drained. Still, the sadness could be heard in her voice.

Jaden cleared his throat, "still you should have given me a heads up. I needed those paperworks today".

Matilda lifted her head and her eyes grew wild with eagerness.

"I can do all of them right now, I will get them done right away, sir"

Jaden waved his hands, "it's of no use, I already did them myself".

"I'm sorry sir", she bowed her head once more, remorseful.

"Just get up and go back to your desk". Jaden sounded rather uninterested.

"Thank you very much sir". Matilda happily got up and dusted her knee, about to leave.

Jaden scoffed, " don't thank me yet, I already told the accounting department to cut little out of your salary this month".

Matilda's shoulders dropped, dejected and sad. Now, she really wanted the tears to come, but there was nothing left.

"What? You don't like that? Would you rather have me sack you then?"

Jaden tilted his head, his eyebrows arched, with his fist on the table like he was going to pounce on her.

Matilda stuttered, "Of..of course not sir, thank you for your generosity".

"I thought as much". Jaden made the remark, as he returned to what he was doing.

**************

All through the day, Matilda could not concentrate on her work. Niki was the only person lingering in her mind.

The thought of also where to get his money for surgery, clouded her mind.

The hospital already called her and informed her Niki already regained consciousness. She was asked to come take him back home,that there was no use keeping him at the hospital. All he needs right now is surgery.

Matilda kept staring at the wall clock, it was already 30 minutes to closing hour.

She hurriedly began to pack her bag, in anticipation to go pick up Niki from the hospital.

"And what do you think you're doing?"

Matilda was startled by Jaden's usual scary voice.

"It's almost closing hour sir, so I'm packing to go..."

Jaden didn't even allow her finish

"Come to my office", he walked away.

"Will this ever end?"

Matilda murmured to herself as she followed him.

"I'll need you to work on this and bring it in tomorrow morning, no excuses this time".

Jaden spoke with authority in his voice, as he passed a file to her.

"Yes sir".

Matilda knew she would have to work overnight, again.

"No rest for a poor girl", Matilda sighed as she swinged her bag over her shoulder.

***********

" Stop staring at me like that Matilda, I'm fine".

Niki's weak voice did not assure Matilda that.

"You are so strong my little pumpkin, I'm proud of you. Don't worry, after your surgery you will be able to play and live like normal kids".

"Really?"

"Yes my little pumpkin"

Matilda stroked his hair as he responded to her with a rather weak smile.

"I'm happy, can we go home now?"

"Of course love, let me get your bag".

********

As Matilda stepped into the house, she was welcomed with the cold air around the room.

She had not paid for their energy bill that month,the bills just kept on piling up for her.

She made dinner for Niki and herself to eat, although she didn't have any appetite, but she forced herself to eat something.

Matilda helped Niki change into his pajamas, and tucked him into bed. She sat beside him, their hands intertwined.

"Big sis has got a lot of work to do this night, so I just want you to sleep soundly. I'll try not to wake you up with any sound".

Matilda caresssed his face as she spoke, Niki nodded.

"You should go now, so you can start the work early and sleep on time", Niki suggested.

"Look at my little pumpkin being considerate and looking out for me",

Matilda gave Niki a little tickle.

Niki tried to free himself while laughing heartily.

"I'm not little anymore, I'm 12 now".

"Even when you become an adult, you will still be my little pumpkin".

She gave him a kiss on his forehead and muttered a "goodnight" to him.

Despite Niki's suggestion, she waited till he fell asleep before she left.

Matilda changed into her own pajamas, tied her hair and picked up her system to begin her work.

She managed to work half through, before the thought of Niki struck her again.

She dropped her system and crawled up into her bed, hugging her pillow to her chest.

There was no one to lend her that huge sum of money.

She had no property to lay down as collateral even if she wanted to take out a loan.

"Wait...", Matilda said to herself as her eyes sparkled with the idea that just came to her.

Jaden...she would beg Jaden to pay her a upfront of her salary.

She knew it was a 50/50 chance, with her scary and cold-hearted boss, but that was the only option she could think of.

"Yes!".

Matilda was delighted once a again, it was like life had given her and Niki a second chance again.

She rose up from her bed and began to work steadfastly, her hands moving freely on her keyboard, with the thought to impress her boss tomorrow by finishing up the work he gave to her.

**********

"You are kidding right?"

Jaden asked with a grin and a half wicked laugh.

The world came crumbling down at Matilda's feet again, the little ounce of hope she had was gone.

"Why would I pay you 8 months upfront of your salary?" , Jaden asked, his face filled with irritation.

Matilda sat upright, adjusted her shirt and looked directly into Jaden's eyes. She had to do this, for Niki, even if she had to walk into a lion's den.

"My brother has a coronary artery disease. He has been on drugs since I can remember, always in and out of hospitals. But now, the doctor said he needs surgery at this point and that...and that..."

Matilda sniffed, trying to prevent the tears that was building up from falling. She had to finish her story.

"The doctor said if he doesn't get the surgery before the end of next month, my brother might die".

Matilda couldn't help the tears from falling this time, her heart ached from the thought of Jaden not helping her out even after hearing her story.

Jaden's face did not show any expression, he still looked cold.

"I'll think about it and get back to you"

Jaden said, trying not to sound sympathetic or cold.

"Thank you very much sir, thank you!".

Matilda cried and laughed at the same time, her beautiful set of teeth was visible at this point.

Her hope was revived once again.

*********

Jaden paced round his room, with his both hands on either side of his hips.

"I can't just help her without collecting anything back in return, no."

He continued to pace about, but this time faster. He came to halt and stood facing his reflection from the standing mirror beside his bed.

"Jaden, you're a genius".

He made this remark with a smirk on his face, as he reached for his phone and dialed his lawyer's number.