Chapter 54
Ashley
I've never been scared in my life like I was at that moment and at the same time devastated. My heart was thumping fast that I'm afraid it will reap out of it's socket any time soon. Neil's almost lifeless body was still visible in my head. I wished Mr Michael would allow me to go in and be by his side. Yet, he said Neil require an emergency surgery that there shouldn't be any distractions.
And here I am standing outside, my eyes keep glancing at the door. Kristine squeezed my shoulder. I know she's trying to comfort me. However, I know my mind won't be calm until I'm sure Neil's life is out of danger. “He’ll be fine” She ushered.
The only answer I could give is a nod before resting my head back on her shoulder. In just one night, everything changed. Raphael has been taken into police custody and I hope he will pay for every crime he committed. He dragged my family into his mess and now my father's name will be all over the tabloids. I know he must be done with his announcement. I don't even want to think about the negativity he'd get when he finally resume work. Will the company go bankrupt? Will people still look at him the same as before?
What felt like minutes turned to hours and before we know it, Mr. Michael spent three hours or so inside the operating room. There wasn't a bit of sleep in my eyes even though my mom perstered me to go home and have a rest with all that I've gone through. But I made it clear that I won't leave until Neil Is safe. And she stop trying to make me leave.
A pile of silent fell within all of us present at the hallway. Each with her thoughts. My eyes snapped to the door that was being open. Mr. Michael walk out lpulling off his face mask. I instantly rushed up to him. “How is he Mr. Michael? He's okay right? Can I see him?” I boambard all at once.
Mr. Michael suck in a breath. “He lost a lot of blood but thankfully he was brought it on time. He's out of danger. But I advice you to give some time before seeing him” As soon as the words left his mouth, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my heart.
I reached for Mr. Micheal's hand. “Thank you so much. Words could not explain how grateful I am. You saved my loved ones life I will forever be grateful”
“It’s okay Miss Ava.. Oh I forgot its Ashley. I'm used to the name already” A chuckle escaped both of us. “They’re both my names. So you can call whichever you want to. I'll answer both of them”
A smile resonate out of his lips. “Alright then. You should take a rest, you look out of place”
“I’m okay. I will-”
“This is an order from a doctor. I know you're worried about Neil. He's fine now. You can come back after taking a rest. Excuse me” That got my mouth to be sealed shut. He's right I need to take a rest. A hot shower is what I need to calm all my aching body.
“Don’t even think about going against his words. We should get going” Before I could get the chance to answer her, she dragged me away and we embark on our way back home. To the inn my parents are staying. Immediately I got in the room, I branched to the bathroom and took a hot shower. Washing all the dirt and problems away. I'm glad things are back to normal now. Does that mean, Neil and I will be together now?
I stayed in the bathtub longer than I planned to. Letting the hot water wash everything away. It was when I heard a knock from the door that made me snapped back to reality. “Are you staying in there forever?” I heard my mother's faint voice. A small smile resonate out of my lips. How I missed her scolding and nagging.
“I’ll be out now” I yelled out putting off the shower. I wrapped my body with a towel and used the small one to tie my wet hair.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I was met with my mom. She was now dressed into a simple clothe, her palms were intertwined together. “Mom” I ushered making my way towards her.
“Are you okay?” I added seeing her unusual expression. She let out a small smile. The smile I know didn't reach her eyes. “Yeah. I'm okay. Get dressed and let's talk” came her reply. I did as she said, dressed into a pair of white t-shirt and black leggings. Thank God they came along with clothes for me. At least I won't have to be bothered with wearing the same clothes. I applied a little lipstick onto my dried lips before squatting down beside her on the bed.
“So...” I trailed off waiting for her to commenced her talking. What I didn't expect happened. My body was being pulled into her embrace. It caught me completely off guard. “Thank you for coming back to us. Safe and sound” she whispered her voice cracking. I wrapped my hands around her too resting my head on her shoulder.
“Thank you for saving me. And I'm sorry for everything” I said truthfully.
“No Ashley, we are the ones to apologize. You had to go through all that suffering because of us. I'm sorry for making you think that we don't love you. But my dear, it's not what you're thinking. We love you equally and believe me when I say you're our precious daughter. Nikki is our daughter too but you're our present. You should never have the thought that we hate you. Both of us love you so much” I didn't know if it's her words that made me emotional. However, I found myself shedding out tears.
“And I'm sorry for doubting you guys. I love you all so much regardless of the circumstances” I didn't wait for her answer when I embrace her once again letting the tears make themselves out.
We stayed in that position for almost five minutes. She was the first to pull away wiping off my face with her palms. “Let’s not shed tears again. We should stick to happiness. Now smile” And made a smile out of my face.
“Now that things are almost back to normal, what do we do next?” I asked. The question has been bugging me.
“I don't know yet dear. I want to take some time off everything. Maybe I will visit your grandma's house. It's been a while. But don't think I'm doing it because of your father. I'm doing it for myself and I won't stop you from choosing your own choice”
Taking her hand in mine, I gave them a light squeeze. “I’m not saying you shouldn't go but this is the time Dad needs us. It's the time for us to stay by his side and comfort him for all that is happening”
She lightly pull my chin letting out a smile. “I didn't know my daughter is so grown up like this. I know he needs us and we'll be by his side. You and me. Everything will be normal again. Now let's go eat. I've forgotten. Your father must be cursing at us” we both let out a chuckle then alighted to the living room.
We were met with Dad eating quietly. One look at him and you'll know how off he was. “Go cheer him on” Mom whispered squeezing my shoulders.
“Hi Dad. What's making you so focused like this” I began squatting on the seat next to him. He let out a smile. A forced one at it. “It’s nothing”
“Dad. Everything is back to normal now. You should stop worrying. I'm back safe and sound. Raphael is out of our lives”
“I’m sorry Ashley, you had to go through all that because of my mistake. I don't know how to make things right again. How to bring my family intact like before.” He ushered in a hoarsed voice. I know he's holding himself back. So, I did what I think he'd need and also what I've been craving for a long time. I hugged him.
“Don’t say that. No matter the circumstances, we'll always be by your side. You're my father. You and mom are my family. We would face any problem together”
“Yes Richard, don't get the impression that we would leave you after all this. We're in this together” He heaved out a sharp breath.
“Thank you all so much. I'm really lucky to have you as my family. Your support is enough for me. And for Raphael’s sister, I will do everything possible to help her” We all let out a smile together. Our family are united again. My life will be back to normal.
“Now let's eat before the food gets cold” Mom announced. And we ate together reminiscing old times.
*~*~^
Later than night, I went back to the hospital Kristine as my escort. Kristine has been supportive to me above my expectation. She stood by me through my hard times. Getting a friend like Kristine is a blessing to me. “What are you looking at?” She asked finding my eyes on her.
I caught her off guard by embracing her. “Thank you so much for sticking through with me”
“Is that why you're looking at me like a gold medal. And worry not, I'm blessed to have you as my best friend and also a sister from another” we stayed in that position for a good two minutes before someone's clearing of voice snapped us both.
“Are you going in or standing here. She isn't going to disappear you know. Neil has been calling out your name since like decade. I bet he saw you in his dreams” I rolled my eyes at his remark. I don't know why but I feel like something is going on between him and Kristine. However, I didn't waste time to dwell on that. My main worry is to see Neil and that was exactly what I did.
I slowly pushed the door open stepping my foot inside. My heart escalate a bit due to the coldness I felt. My eyes landed on him. Back rested on the wall, his face pale. My eyes didn't waver a bit from his as I made my way towards his bed feeling some emotions rising up in me. I didn't want to break down in front of him. Yet, I know I won't be able to hold it in. Not when he's looking at me with the alluring eyes I fell in love with. Not when he's looking at me with love visible all over his face.
He opened up his arms with a smile on his face. Even with his sick face, he looked incredible handsome. Trekking my way up to him, I got into his embrace letting the tears out. “Why did you do that? Do you know how worried I was? I thought I won't see you again. I thought you're leaving me” I blurted out wrapping my arms around him tightly as if I was afraid of him disappearing out of my sight.
“I’m sorry. I didn't think about how you will feel when I'm gone. I-”
I pulled apart immediately punching him lightly on the chest. “Yes you didn't. You didn't think about my feelings. You didn't think about how I will cope without you by my side. You didn't think about our memories and our future. You always do things your way without asking for my opinion” I kept punching him letting all my emotions out.
“I was on the verge of turning to a widow. I would've been single fore-” My words got struck in my throat when he crashed his lips on mine.
I immediately responded circling my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. It was slow yet, it held a lot of things. Our love for each other that doesn't needs words to express them. We pull apart to catch some breath. Neil rested his forehead on mine and stared into my eyes. I stared back finding myself lost in the pool of them. All I could see is love in his eyes. “I love you Ashley. So much that I'm willing to lose my life for you”
“I love you too Neil” I crashed my lips into his once again. And that was enough for us. To be together. In each other's arms.
THE END
