Anabel began to pace back and forth, hugging herself as anxiety clawed at her insides. Her father was fighting for his life, and all they could do was wait. Three hours felt like a lifetime, and she didn't know if he would make it until the specialist arrived.
Her thoughts continued to race in every direction, but one unsettling doubt kept creeping in. What if the Desmond, who the nurse was suggesting, was truly the only one who could help out? The nurse had seemed so confident, so sure—but she couldn’t bring herself to believe that someone who was not a doctor could help the situation.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her pocket, breaking through her frantic thoughts. She pulled her phone from her pocket and checked; it was Sylvester.
She glanced at the name and let out a slow breath. "Not now." She wasn’t in the mood for whatever reason he was calling. Her father was dying, so nothing else mattered. She ignored the call and continued pacing about.
A few moments later, her phone buzzed again. She checked again, and it was Sylvester. Again, she ignored it.
Then a third time. Anabel clenched her jaw in irritation. "Can't he see that I don’t want to talk right now?" She murmured and stepped out of the hospital room, making sure her mother and Jethro wouldn’t overhear her. When she went out of sight, she swiped to answer.
“What?” she said sharply, not bothering to hide her frustration. There was a pause before Sylvester’s voice came through the line, smoother than ever. “Anabel. Why haven't you been picking? I’ve been calling and calling—you didn’t answer.”
“I’m busy now,” she snapped. “What is that?”
Sylvester chuckled lightly, as if he was amused by her irritation. “I’ve been looking out for you,” he said casually. “I thought you would visit us today.”
Anabel exhaled sharply and shook her head. “Sylvester, I'm sorry, but I I'm busy now.”
“What do you mean? You are too busy for us?” he asked, feigning hurt. “That’s odd. I thought you were coming today to see us, especially Vanessa."
“Anyway, my friend who paid for the surgery is breathing down my neck. He needs his money back. I don't know what to do now."
Anabel’s face darkened as he mentioned the money. “Sylvester, I don't think this is the best time to talk about this."
"What are you saying? You promised you would help." Sylvester said.
"Yes, but right now, my father is fighting for his life in the hospital." She replied, and Sylvester paused, clearly startled. “Your father? What happened?”
Anabel crossed her free arm over her chest before speaking up, “He collapsed at home. We are waiting for a specialist. He is barely hanging on.”
There was silence on the other end of the line. Sylvester was angry, knowing that the situation may delay their plans. She will surely give excuses. Though he wasn't ready to take it slow, knowing that Anabel loved and cared for him.
“I'm so sorry about your dad. I'm sure he is in safe hands. You don't have to worry much. Sickness will come and go. Your father will survive." Sylvester said sweetly, and for a second, Anabel thought maybe Sylvester was genuinely concerned. That he wouldn't continue to talk about the money. But his next words hit her like a slap. "So when should I be expecting the money?”
She pulled the phone away slightly, staring at it in disbelief before pressing it back to her ear. “Are you serious right now?” she asked him. “Did you not hear what I just said? My father is dying, Sylvester! And all you care about is money?!”
"I just said sorry right now, Anabel. I've shown my concern. I'm not a doctor. Not that your dad will die. He will survive. This situation with your father doesn’t change what you promised.”
“You....” She stopped herself, closing her eyes for a brief moment to rein in her anger. “I cannot believe you right now.”
“Why are you being too emotional? I'm sorry if my words sounded odd, but let’s not mix emotions with this, alright?
Anabel let out a bitter laugh. “Wow,” she muttered under her breath. “You really don’t care at all, do you?”
Sylvester sighed. “Anabel...."
“No!” she cut him off immediately. “You are asking me for money right now? Do you have any concern for me or what I’m going through? How can you?” He heard Anabel say and realized he just made a big mistake. He had provoked her. Right now, he needed to amend things before it got out of hand.
"I'm so sorry, Anabel. I'm not there to know how serious your dad's health is. Please, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Forgive my manners."
"Just leave me alone. You have provoked me already."
"I'm sorry. Please, which hospital is he admitted to? Let me come and visit him."
"I don't need you to come," Anabel bluntly replied.
"Please don't say that. I've said sorry. You came when I was in trouble. Please, I need to come. Tell me the hospital."