Chapter 7
효 72%을
With bated breaths, I waited. With tears streaming down my face, I prayed that my baby boy was brought unarmed from
that fire.
I wondered how the fire had started inside this grand hall in the first place. But I couldn’t dwell on that thought when my entirety was being shaken by worried about my son.
I will forever be indebted to whoever the man that had risked his life to save my son.
“I’m so sorry, Irene. I couldn’t help him: Delores came to my side and hugged me.
“My baby will be fine.” I said firmly, sniffing. “Charlie will be saved, don’t worry.” I said to her, but it was more of me comforting myself.
And the longer it was taking for the man and my son to emerge, the more hope was fleeting away from me.
“The firefighters are here!” Someone yelled, and it instantly renewed my hope.
I dashed to the first firefighter I saw, “Please, my son and a man are in there. Save them. Please, my Charlie can’t die.” I cried to the man, grabbing the sleeve of his suit.
We will do our best. The man assured me and as I turned around, the door busted open
My son was cradled in the arms of the man that saved him- Damien.
For the third time, Damien saved my son, and this time around, I couldn’t help but feel greatly indebted.
“Mummy,” my son weakly called as he slowly fluttered his eyes open and located me. I stood there watching how much fate was working so hard to bring a father and a son together.
Was I being too cruel by keeping that information to myself?
Or is my decision still the best? Because now I am confused, but one thing I surely feel is gratefulness.
“Baby.” I trudged forward towards them, as if it was a reunion of the three of us being a family. But the dream was far fetched. 1 should never even let such an idea cross my mind.
Damien Chad will remain my past love. Nothing more. I tell myself firmly as if chiding myself.
Everything else that happened afterwards was a blur. But I never for once left Charlie’s side. And neither did my son let Damien go for a second, he clung tightly as if he could smell their DNA in the air that Damien is his father.
The only person who seemed to disappear was Eva. How can she claim to love a man and not be there when he is in danger?
But that’s Damien’s problem, not mine.
“We won’t admit him. The smoke didn’t get into his lungs. But we will be starting his diabetes treatment, however, he won’t be admitted. He can go on with his academics while coming a few times a week to get the treatment.” The doctor explained to us, Damien was standing beside me as Charlie laid on the bed in the emergency section of the hospital.
“Thank you, doctor. But my son and I will be returning to Los Angeles soon. I only came here for a job.” I explained.
“It’s no problem. Miss Boden. We’ll send the charts to the hospital you choose to continue treatment with in Los Angeles. But he needs to start now, before things get worse. He’s been very stressed lately. The doctor replied, and I knew he was right.
12:59
Chapter 7
So, I agreed to it without further arguments. I will do anything for Charlie, even if it means standing close to the man I never want to be close to.
“The nurses will give you some medications and some shots of insulin to carry along with you. I know it’s not easy, but you are doing so well so far. The doctor said to me, and left. His words left an impact on my heart that almost made me lose control of emotions and break down again.
Because I really needed to cry out my frustration and pain.
It’s
by a miracle that this whole catering job hasn’t gone to Hell, because since my arrival in Miami, nothing has gone way. Everything had almost been happening against me.
And it very much sucks.
“I can stay with him, you can go rest for a bit.” Damien said to me, pointing at a nearby couch.
“No, thank you. I’m not leaving my son’s side” I said with a finality tinging my tone.
“I didn’t mean that. I’m just trying to help.” He said as if I heard him wrong. But I didn’t hear him wrong. I just can’t openly accept his help. He has done enough for my son.
“Look, I’m not trying to be rude or something. But I want you to know that I’m very grateful for everything you have been doing for Charlie. Words can’t express my gratitude for them. But at the same time, I don’t want Eva’s drama, So how about you leave now and go meet your wife–to–be?” I said to him, raising my eyebrows for him to get my message.
“I can handle her. Don’t say no to my help. I want to be here for you. You two have gone through a lot today, even your assistant has to rest as well. Let me stay with you.” Damien said softly as if he was suddenly a new man, one I hadn’t met before.
“Or just until Charlie gets discharged.” He suggested and with the way Charlie’s grip around his hand was tight, I silently agreed to it.
I pulled a chair close to Charlie’s bed and sat there. Waiting for the nurses.
Soon enough, we were done with the hospital routine and were leaving the hospital with new medications for my son’s diabetes. It was Type 1 diabetes that only requires medicine.
“Should 1 drive you or should I hail a cab for you?” Damien asked.
“Take us home, my superhero.” Charlie had intervened before I could decline Damien’s offer.
And as if my son’s answer was all he needed to hear because instantly, a smile graced his lips.
“Charlie, he’s a busy man.” I said to my little boy in my arms.
“I don’t mind, Irene.” Damien said quickly.
“Yay, my superhero will take us home and my mummy will cook for him.” Charlie said and my eyes widened in surprise at those words.
“I take up on your offer, Charlie.” Damien said with a grin as he softly squeezed Charlie’s cheeks.
Let’s go, my car is parked over there.” He said and led the way.
And all I could was stand there and think about just what kind of mess my baby boy just
