Lea's POV
" You are leaving? For a couple of days? "
It wasn't like he owed me anything or that he even needed to tell me that he was leaving.
But when he broke that news, I felt super lonely all over again.
" I promise I will be back as soon as I can! It's only because of Mercy. I would have skipped it if it was anyone else... "
" Family comes first, Phill! " I could see guilt building up in his eyes. It was unnecessary, unwanted.
Why would he be burdened with my existence when he clearly had a life of his own.
Phill suddenly stood up ,coming close to me, grabbed my neck and planted a kiss on my forehead.
It was very unexpected.
I was almost shocked.
" I would have taken you with me if not for your medical condition. It would be too stressful at the function. But make sure to tune into the live stream and support your little sister. You know Mercy adores you. She would be delighted to know what you are watching. "
I hesitantly took a step back before smiling back at him.
" Of course! I will tune in and cheer for her. Send her my love and hugs. ”
Phill unexpectedly opened his arms at that remark while I stared at him with confusion.
" Come on now! Hurry up and hug me so I can pass the hug onto her. ”
His smile was so playful and mischievous that it made me giggle while I hugged him with enthusiasm.
When I tried to pull back I found his hands pressing me back into his chest.
" Just stay like this for a little longer. ”
I thought there was something in his voice.
I stayed like that as he held me lightly not demanding anything, not asking any questions.
***
Phill's POV
It felt criminal leaving her behind all alone.
I sniffed her hair as she hugged me, trying to memorize every detail of her scent.
I literally ran away after bidding her farewell because I knew I wouldn't be able to go if I lingered any longer.
It was a long flight back home.
It wasn't that long in reality but it felt like eternity in that hour.
Being with Lea had become my new norm.
" Look who is back! My favourite son! ”
Our mother pulled me into a tight hug as I saw Percy stand beside her with his head hung.
" What up, little bro! ” I hit his chest with a big smile and pulled him into tackle to lighten his mood. " How's life? How's the book coming? "
He was the most polite human being that I had ever seen.
" It's coming alright, brother! Thanks for asking. But the way, did you hear from Mercy? Does she know what we are doing? ”
I shrugged.
" Haven't heard back from her for a couple of days now. I didn't want to bother her.You know her temperament. She would rain down on me if she was busy and I troubled her. "
And we both laughed out loud.
" But I did text her. I didn't call her but I sent her a couple of messages. She hasn't seen them. And she hasn't called back. Honestly, I am a little bit worried! ”
He gestured with his thumb and his index finger held close.
" Let's call her right away! ”
I pulled out my phone and hit the dial pad.
We knew Mercy was always on her phone. For her to not see Percy's messages was not normal.
The ring went through but nobody replied.
We both stared at each other with intensified worry.
I called again and this time there was an answer from the other end. But it wasn't Mercy.
" Hello! Who is this? "
I asked.
" Hi! I am Miss.Mercy's nurse. She is currently changing hence I was asked to take the call on her behalf. Who is it that is calling? ”
" Nurse? Why? Where is she? What happened to her? ”
Percy gaped at my face while I screamed out loud, snatching the phone away from me, he blurted,
" It's Percy and Phill. Please , we need to talk to her! ”
I tried to snatch the phone away from him but he pressed on.
" Put it on, speaker... On speaker. ”
I yelled so we could both talk.
" Oh! She had to hospitalised because she fell sick on her set... "
" HOSPITALISED!!! "
Percy and I yelled in unison.
No matter what, Mercy was still the little baby that we used to carry around. No matter how many emergency cases I handled everyday, the gore and grime that I witnessed, imagining my little sister in the hospital was more harrowing and horrible that any collection of the former.
" Give the phone to me! "
He finally heard her voice from the other end.
" Mercy, what happened to you? "
Percy was the first one to go.
" Which hospital are you in? Why didn't you tell us? ”
I went after her.
" Why are both of you together? "
That was how she answered our palpitation.
" We are home. "
I said, " But that's not important. Why were you hospitalised? "
" Nah! Nothing important. Just a little.... never mind, it's embarrassing.
I was here only for a day. Got discharged in the morning.
But tell me guys, what are you both doing at home?
What's cooking?
Did Father find Mother sleeping again with another guy? "
She giggled so loud as if it was very funny and normal.
" Shut it, Mercy! Mother called us because of your debut. I bet you have no clue what she has been cooking behind your back! ”
Percy cut her short.
" Tell me what did she do this time? I swear I will not have it if she creates a ruckus at my debut function. "
We could hear her gritting through her teeth.
" Quite the contrary! " I barged in.
" She bought your agency and is planning to make your debut a mega event.
You will be launched under your own company banner like you had always wanted. ”