Ch. 6..10: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 6-10
Chapter 06 The blind lady
IAN BRYANT MANSION
“Welcome home, sir Ian.” A young girl dressed in a maid outfit greeted Ian with a smile on her face.
Ian arched his eyebrows when he saw her. “Who are you?” He asked.
He has never seen her face in the house. Even if there are lots of workers working in his mansion, Ian Bryant can tell if there is a new face and although he is also not the one hiring them.
“I am Ruth.” The young girl replied.
“Ruth?” Ian repeated as he walked further into the living room.
“Yes sir.” Ruth smiled.
“Where is Mr Griffin?” Ian demanded.
“Mr Griffin is in the Kitchen.” Ruth answered.
“Please tell him I want to have a word with him.” Ian ordered.
Ruth rushed off to the kitchen. Ian unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat on the couch.
“CEO Ian, welcome back home.” The fifty eight years old chef greeted him cheerfully.
“How are you doing, Mr Griffin?” Ian asked.
“I am fine. And it is good to have you back home.” Mr Griffin smiled.
“When did Ruth start working here?” Ian questioned.
“Last week sir. I should have called to inform you that Mrs Perla sent in another worker but I didn’t because I figured out you would be too busy to pick up calls.” Mr Griffin explained.
Ian rubbed his forehead continuously. Mrs Perla Bryant would never stop treating her son like a high school kid that needed babysitters. She always hire new worker just for Ian to have people around him. And having too many workers in this home is one of the reason why he doesn’t like coming home.
Ian Bryant would rather stay at one of his hotels. Initially Ian had planned to stay in a small apartment but his mom insisted that he lives in this mansion to fit his reputation. Mrs Perla bought the mansion for her son on his eighteenth birthday. And her main reason for persuading Ian to move in was so that she can always come around to stay with him and she feels more comfortable with more workers around and not just her alone.
“How many workers in total?” Ian demanded.
“Eighteen workers sir.” Mr Griffin replied.
“Okay.” Ian Bryant stood up from the couch.
“Sir, what would you like to eat?” Mr Griffin asked.
“I am full. I dropped by at Lauren’s place to say hi so she gave me pasta. I just need a glass of water and painkiller.” Ian responded.
“Okay sir. I’ll get it.” Mr Griffin raced off.
Ian walked up the steps leading to the first floor. He switched on the room lights and crashed on the king sized bed. A knock sounded on the door about two minutes later.
“Come in.” Ian said.
Mr Griffin walked in with a tray filled with glass of water and painkiller. “CEO Ian, here is the water and painkiller you requested.” He sets it on the bed.
“Thank you Mr Griffin. But I’ll appreciate it if you stop calling me CEO just call me Ian and drop the formality.” Ian mumbled.
Mr Griffin only smiled. Ian had told him that several times but the man ever listens and doesn’t want to sound disrespectful.
“By the way, Miss Josie dropped by to check on you on her way back from the office.” Mr Griffin informed him.
“Really?” Ian arched his brows.
“Yes sir, she even tried calling but your phone was switched off.” Mr Griffin added.
Ian plucked out two pills and swallowed it before gulping down the whole glass of water. “I visited the park just to clear my head. I had to switch off my phone just so I could be at peace.”
Ian sat at the edge of the bed. Mr Griffin picked up the suit jacket from the bed and dropped it laundry basket in the closet. The old man is Ian’s only friend. Mr Griffin has known Ian since he was a little boy. To Ian, this man was also like a father to him. Mr Griffin understands Ian better than his parents.
Mr Griffin has been there to always put a smile on Ian’s face and always ready to listen to whatever he has to say. Right now, Ian has no other companion than Mr Griffin but he used to have a close friend.
His name was Bert and he was Ian’s childhood friend. Bert and Ian both grew up together but they were from different backgrounds. Ian Bryant is from a rich home while Bert was from a poor home but they were best friends irrespective of the differences.
During Christmas, Ian met Bert when he was ten years old. Bert came to the park with his mom and dad while Ian went with Lorna’s parents because his parents were too busy. At the playground Mason had kicked Ian’s butt because he stepped on his expensive boot. It was unintentional but Mason was jealous and retaliated because Ian had Lorna’s attention.
Bert saw what happened so he punched Mason on Ian’s behalf for being a bully. Mason and Ian were never on good terms because Mason felt that Ian was a threat to him and also his rival in everything. Bert fought with Mason until Lorna went in search of her parents and that fight had made them enemies.. They were never friends anyways. The fight caused a riff between both parents. Mason told his parents a different story but Lorna defended Ian since she was a witness.
When Ian was little he used to be a very shy and timid child. He always finds it hard to talk among his friends and some of his classmates took advantage of him. They called him a dummy and sometimes a bird brain which means stupid but that changed when he met Bert. Ian never saw Bert since the fight at the park until he was twelve.
Bert won a scholarship to study in a rich kids school that was meant to fund his education till higher level. Ian was so happy to see him but then Bert didn’t recognize him. Ian had to explain things to him before he could remember and they became friends. Bert was a genius and he did better than everyone in class. He became the best student in high school taking away Mason’s fame as the school most intelligent boy.
At sixteen, Bert started sleeping at Ian’s home sometimes so they could study together because Ian wasn’t all that good in arithmetic. His personality and bullying from classmates really affected his grades. But in a nutshell, Ian studying with Bert made him the second best student and even his parents were surprised he could get to such position.
Mr and Mrs Bryant decided to reward Bert for helping their son by paying him for tutoring Ian but he refused. Ian convinced Bert to take it as if he was tutoring another person and that he could use the money to buy stuffs for his mom and siblings but he didn’t accept it.. Bert worked during weekends to get money after his dad died when he was fifteen then Ian would always give him some of his allowance to buy food for his family on his way home. And sometimes Ian always help him at work to deliver papers and mails. Riding on a scooter with Bert was fun and Ian had enjoyed every bit of it!
Unfortunately Bert died in a hit and accident at twenty. His death was painful that Ian had cried for weeks finding it hard to believe that he was ready dead. But Ian made a promise at his funeral that he was going to take care of his mom and two siblings-Caleb and Cassidy.
Ian fulfilled that promise. Presently Bert’s siblings are in college and he is the one sponsoring their education and expenses. Also Ian always send allowances to Bert’s mom and he has given them a good life that Bert had envisioned for them. It was the least Ian could do to repay Bert for being a good friend to him.
“How was your visit to the park?” Mr Griffin asked as he picked up the tray.
“Well I was able to clear my head at the park. At least for a moment, I was at peace.” Ian answered.
“Okay then.. now you just need to take a shower and have a good rest.” Mr Griffin made an attempt to head for the door but Ian stopped him.
“Wait.. Mr Griffin!” He stopped and turned to look at Ian. “I just want to ask you a question.”
Mr Griffin shook his head urging him to go ahead. “What is it?”
Ian clasped his hand together. “Is it possible for a blind woman to bear children?” He asked concerning what he saw at the park today.
“Why did you ask?” Mr Griffin screwed up his face in confusion. His expression was as if the CEO has just grown two heads because he didn’t expect such question.
“At the park today, a thief snatched a lady’s purse and a little child raised an alarm but I was the only one who was quick to help her. I chased after the thief and managed to get the purse. I returned it to the lady only to find out that she is blind and she has two children!” Ian explained.
Mr Griffin heaved a sigh. The CEO is fine. He reassured himself. “Sir, you see being blind doesn’t mean one can’t give birth. It is the sight that is affected not the reproductive organs.”
Ian chuckled. Why didn’t he think of that in his head?! He mused. “I am a fool to not know a blind lady can give birth. I felt pity for her and I was tempted to offer them a ride but she was quick to dismiss me… like my presence irritated her.” He huffed.
“Disabled people are always sensitive and very cautious of strangers. But did she thank you for retrieving her purse?” Mr Griffin questioned.
“Yes, she thanked me.” Ian muttered.
“Okay. Please take a hot bathe and get some rest now. I need to tend to some things in the kitchen.” Mr Griffin sounded resigned.
“Good night, Mr Griffin.” Ian waved.
“Sleep well.” Mr Griffin managed a small smile on his face before exiting the room.
Ian stepped into the shower thinking he was going to forget the blind lady but her face kept replaying in his head.
Chapter 07 The Bryant Family
RIA ROBERT HOME
“Ma’am Elise, can you please check out this drawing if the style came out correctly the way Mrs Belinda had explained it.” Ria requested as she sat blindly behind the desk designed for drawing purpose.
“Oh sure! Let me take a look.” Ma’am Elise came closer to Ria and collected the drawing pad from her to check the drawing.
“Wow Miss Ria! You got the dress so perfectly! You are so talented! Well I was expecting this much from you. I am sure Mrs Belinda would be so happy to see her dress.” Ma’am Elise giggled.
“Thank you ma’am Elise. I just hope she likes the dress.” Ria toyed with the pencil in her hand.
“So what’s next now?” Ma’am Elise asked as she dropped the notepad at the spot where she had taken it.
“We should get the materials for the dress and some other things that we don’t have anymore.” Ria answered.
“Okay.. okay.. that’s not a problem. I’ll contact the man at the store and send a list to him.” Ma’am Elise said.
Ria nodded her head in agreement. “Are you sure I got the drawing perfectly?” She placed her palms on the drawing pad and traced the lines she was seeing in her head.
“Actually the drawing came out the same way Mrs Belinda showed it to me on phone. I am serious when I said that you are so talented.” Ma’am Elise complimented even as she glanced down at the drawing again.
“Alright. This is good to go.” Ria heaved a sigh of relief.
“Oh! That reminds me I bumped into Mrs Helen at the store this morning!” Ma’am Elise snapped her fingers.
“Did she like the dress we delivered to her yesterday?” Ria demanded.
“Yes.. yes she liked it and she even said one of her friends liked it too. I remember her saying that her friend would like to have the same dress. Isn’t that amazing Miss Ria?!” Ma’am Elise coaxed in excitement.
“Of course it is amazing. I am glad she liked it and I just hope that she comes around with her friend.” Ria smiled.
“And also Sophie called me this morning and she promised to transfer the money for the dress she ordered last week.” Ma’am Elise added.
“Yeah. I think Phoebe already packaged it this-” Ria was interrupted by the beeping sound from the home phone.
“I will take that.” Ma’am Elise moved to the home phone while Ria paid attention to the drawing pad again.
“Hello. Yes.. yes.. this is Miss Ria Robert’s home.” Ma’am Elise confirmed before she screamed out. “What?! Okay! I’ll be right there!”
Ria became frightened when she sensed danger in the rest of the conversation. “Ma’am Elise what is going on? Who called?” She stood up abruptly from the stool and tried to be careful so she won’t knock it off at the same time.
Ma’am Elise moved back to the desk. “Actually Phoebe’s teacher just called.” She replied shakily.
“Is everything okay with my girl?” Ria asked as her heartbeat accelerated.
Ma’am Elise was quiet trying to find the right words to break whatever the news was to Ria. “Ma’am Elise are you there?” She clasped her almost sweaty hands together.
“OH yes.. yes.. yes.. it is just that Phoebe is at the hospital.” Ma’am Elise informed her.
“What?!” The pencil in her hand dropped. “What… what’s wrong with her?” Panic filled her almost immediately.
“I don’t know.. the teacher just said she fainted after lunch.” Ma’am Elise rushed out her words.
“Oh my God.. Phoebe.. we should go to the hospital right away to check on her.” Ria tried to move away from the spot but she heard a thud. She just knocked off the stool.
“Miss Ria, you have to calm down and-”
“I can’t calm down!” Ria yelled in an unusual tone.
Ma’am Elise was shocked by the sudden outburst but she still move closer to help Ria away from the desk.
Ria tried to relax. “I am sorry. Please let us just go to the hospital.” She didn’t mean to yell at ma’am Elise that way.
“Yes.. you are right.” Ma’am Elise replied.
“Please help me with my purse.” Ria requested.
“Okay.” Ma’am Elise rushed off to look for the purse and she found it on the couch. “This is it, miss Ria.”
“Thank you. But what about my walking stick?!”
“It is right here on the sewing machine.” Ma’am Elise grabbed it and gave it to Ria.
“Phoenix must have dropped it there.” Ria breathed out heavily as they exited the house to head to the hospital.
AINSLEY HOSPITAL
IN A PRIVATE WARD
Lauren Bryant placed her hands on her waist as her eyes watched her mother who was sitting on the bed with a roll of tissue in her hands. “Mom, will you stop crying and tell me what happened between you and dad again?” She said.
“Mom, you have to tell us what’s wrong? What did dad do to you?” Josie demanded but Mrs Perla didn’t give any response
“Mom, you know how busy I am… I can’t keep sitting here with you when I have loads of files to tend to and sign at the office.” Piper said in a harsh tone almost grumbling at the same time.
“You can leave if you want to… it is not like you care… none of you care about me anyways except for my son. You are just anxious to know what happened so you can support your dad again.” Mrs Perla replied finally after a minutes of silence.
“Mom, you know we love you so just tell us what transpired between you and your husband.” Lauren spoke up again.
“I am not going to say anything until my son arrives. You can all leave if you want!” Mrs Perla shot her daughters a glare.
Lauren and Josie sighed while Piper rolled her eyes. Some minutes clicked by and then Ian rushed into the room. “Mom!” He stopped to catch his breathe after he was sure that his mom was good.
Ian had drove all the way from his office after Josie called and said their mother collapsed at home “Oh mom!” He walked ahead to the bed and hugged her.
“My baby.” Mrs Perla began to cry over again.
“Oh mom please don’t cry.. just tell me what happened? Why did you collapse? What did dad do to you this time?” Ian questioned frantically.
Piper cleared her throat when she saw tears in her mother’s eyes. “She’s so dramatic.” She muttered.
“Show some sympathy, Piper.” Ian gritted signifying that she should play along with their mother’s drama.
“What sympathy? It is not as if she lost her husband.” Piper snorted.
“Whatever. But you ladies just keep taking sides in critical issues. I am sure it is all dad’s fault again.” Ian pulled away from the embrace.
“Don’t mind them son. None of them care about me but they only care about their dad.” Mrs Perla sniffed.
“We care about you mom.” Josie said.
“It is okay mom so please just tell me what’s wrong. Listen mom, if it is about dad having another mistress we can sort that out like we always do okay?” Lauren added.
Mrs Perla nodded. “Well I wish it was just about him having another mistress this time but it is way bigger than what you think.”
“Like what mom? Just go straight to the point.” Piper grumbled.
“Like I said earlier, you can leave if you can’t calm down and listen to me.” Mrs Perla directed that to Piper before facing her son.
“Tell me mom.” Ian gave her hand a small squeeze.
“Your dad’s new mistress is carrying his child.” Mrs Perla Bryant blurted out
“What?!” They all exclaimed with a shocking look on their faces.
“Are you serious mom?” Ian asked
The ladies exchanged glances when their mom began to cry again. “Yes.. yes and I am sure of it my son.” Mrs Perla sobbed
“Who is she?” Piper asked with a raised eyebrow. Their mom might be too dramatic but they all choose to believe her knowing that their dad was never a saint when it comes to women.
“Now you want to know? Why don’t you just go and ask that your father who is never satisfied with one woman or even two!” Mrs Perla fired back at her daughter.
Chapter 08 Not my child
AINSLEY HOSPITAL
IN A PRIVATE WARD
The ladies exchanged glances when their mom began to cry again. “Yes.. yes and I am sure of it my son.” Mrs Perla sobbed
“Who is she?” Piper asked with a raised eyebrow. Their mom might be too dramatic but they all choose to believe her knowing that their dad was never a saint when it comes to women.
“Now you want to know? Why don’t you just go and ask that your father who is never satisfied with one woman or even two!” Mrs Perla fired back at her daughter.
Piper shrugged. “Well that’s because -”
Ian cuts Piper off. “Will you just stay quiet, Piper! You don’t need to talk back at mom.” He snarled.
His sisters weren’t so surprised but Piper felt offended by his words. “Show some respect Ian. Piper is your elder sister.” Lauren said.
“Then tell her to behave like one.” Ian retorted.
“Please stop this noise.. we are in the hospital. You can take on the fight when we leave here.” Josie cautioned them while Piper shot Ian a glare.
“Mom.. tell us about it. I mean.. the whole story.” Ian said as he wiped her tears with the crumbled tissue in her free hand.
“For some months now, your dad has been coming home late and drunk and sometimes he doesn’t even come home. I worry about him each passing day and every time I call his line always switched off. But somehow I got to know he was seeing another woman.” Mrs Perla stopped.
“Mom, do you know who she is?” Josie asked.
“Yes, I know her too well! Your father has no taste. I can’t believe he is having an affair with a club dancer!” Piper laughed but kept quiet almost immediately after receiving chorused glares from her siblings.
“I confronted your father about it but he denied it. I needed an evident to prove to him that he was having an affair so I hired someone to get me pictures of him and that lady. He didn’t deny it when I showed him those pictures. He begged me and promised not to go back to her.. the same promises he use to make when I catch him cheating on me.” Mrs Perla explained.
“So did he stopped seeing her after that time?” Ian questioned.
“Jack told me that he stopped seeing her and I believed him because he changed. I mean.. he was home for quite sometime and didn’t even visit his friends at the golf house. But that lady called me yesterday and said she was carrying his child. And she threatened to go to the media houses to tell them that she is carrying Jack Bryant’s child. She wanted me to transfer money so she won’t tell anyone about it. So I called Jack and asked him but he said she is not carrying his child. And in the end I passed out after too much yelling during our argument.”
Ian heaved a sigh. “Okay so the lady wants money but you are not ready to give anything.” Ian said to his mom.
“Not even a penny. She should have backed off when I asked her to leave my husband!” Mrs Perla gritted.
“Josie, please call daddy. And ask what happened exactly because I am sure that he would be more honest with you.” Ian instructed.
“Okay.” Josie brought out her phone to dial her dad’s number and he picked on the first ring.
“Hello dad.”
“How are you, Josie?” Mr Jack said over the phone that was now on speaker.
“I am good. Mom is at the hospital.” Josie replied.
“Yeah I know.” He dragged the last word.
“So why are you not here?” Josie asked.
“She doesn’t want to see me. Your mom made that clear to me that she would rip off my head if I ever show my face to her again.” Mr Jack responded.
“What did you do to her because she is refusing to say a word to us.” Josie lied just to get him to spill the truth.
“Look Josie, I was having an affair with a club dancer months back. I broke up with her after your mom found out about it and I swear I haven’t seen her since the past two months.. But I was shocked when Lexi called and said she is pregnant. She asked me for money for upkeep but I refused to give her anything because I don’t want to have anything to do with her anymore.” Mr Jack explained his side of the story.
” Lexi? Is that her name?” Josie furrowed her eyebrows
“Yes, Lexi is a stripper and she is famous in Niamh club.” Mr Jack answered.
“Niamh club and a stripper. Okay.” Josie gestured to Lauren to take note. “So what happened after you refused to give her money?”
Mr Jack cleared his throat. “Lexi threatened to tell Perla. I had no choice but to send her some money because I didn’t want your mom to know about it. You know how she is.. I don’t want her to roast me alive.”
Piper stiffed back a giggle which earned her another glare from her mom. “But if I had known Lexi would end up telling Perla then I won’t have given her a penny! That sly just wants my money!” Mr Jack coaxed.
“Is that child yours?” Josie asked.
“No! That child is not mine! I don’t even know if she is truly pregnant! But if she is pregnant then I am sure I am not the father! That sly called your mom and told her about the baby just because I didn’t agree to give all she is asking. So your mom and I argued over the phone until I didn’t hear her talking anymore. But I only heard one of the maids calling out her name.” He sighed.
“You should have rushed to the house.” Josie said.
“Your mom said I shouldn’t come home to see her. She doesn’t want to see me. She even threatened to file for a divorce!”
The children looked straight at their mom. “You should have explained things to her the first time Lexi told you she was pregnant. You shouldn’t have even given her a penny.”
“I was scared Josie. I was afraid of what your mommy would do to me. But believe me, I love my wife so much more than all these women I have been seeing my whole life. Plead on my behalf and I promise to make it up to your mom. I don’t want her to file for a divorce.” Mr Jack admitted.
“But dad you were sure that the child is not yours so I feel you should have told mom. She would understand and try to sort things out. Now Lexi is ready to tell the media houses that she is carrying a child that is not even yours.” Josie said in a calm tone.
“What should I do now, Josie? I am tired! I don’t know what to do! Plead with your mom to settle things before it gets to the media houses and please let her know that I will be faithful as an old dog if all these ends.”
Josie looked at her mom. “I will talk to mom but just promise me that you won’t get drunk.”
“I haven’t drank alcohol for weeks now. I promise that I won’t get drunk, Josie.” Mr Jack promised.
“Bye dad. Take care.” Josie hung up the call. “Well I am sure you all heard what he said over the phone.”
They all nodded in agreement. “What do we do now?” Lauren asked.
“Don’t worry Ian and I will sort things out with her.” Mrs Perla replied.
“What do I need to do then?” Josie questioned.
“Can you visit the club to confront Lexi and confirm if she is truly pregnant?” Ian said.
“I should be able to do it.” Josie answered.
“Good.. Lauren can go with you too. All you have to do is tell her we want to run a paternity test on her pregnancy.” Ian briefed them about the plan on how to get the truth.
“Good one, kiddo.” Piper teased.
“At least I’ve gat the brain.” Ian smirked.
“Good brain indeed.” Piper clapped her hands.
“You two can’t do without arguing. This is why I don’t like being in the same room with you.” Lauren pointed at her siblings.
“At least let us have a moment of peace whenever we are together.” Josie added.
“What do we do if Lexi refuses to do a test?!” Piper blurted out.
“I will do some background check on her. Lexi must have a lot of secrets as a club dancer.” Lauren answered.
“I am sure she is seeing a lot of men. But what if that child belongs to your father?” Mrs Perla asked in a low tone.
“No way!” Her children screamed in unison.
“Mom, it is obvious that child can’t be for dad.” Josie spoke up.
“And why on earth is she just saying she is pregnant after two months of break up?” Lauren reasoned.
“Lexi might claim to be scared of telling him because he might not want the baby.” Mrs Perla said.
“It is clear she is just trying to extort from us.” Piper said with a shrug.
“Then we will sue her if we find out she isn’t pregnant after collecting money from dad.” Ian snapped.
“We can also threaten her with a lawsuit just to find the truth.” Josie added.
“Yes, you are right. But we still have to be careful. I don’t want any one of you getting into trouble because of a mess your dad has created.” Mrs Perla had a sincere look on her face.
“So let us just work according to plan.” Ian kissed his mother’s hand.
Josie phone rang again. “Nanny Sophia is calling me.” She waved her phone in the air for them to see it.
“Ronnie is already causing trouble again.” Piper laughed.
“Maybe.” Josie stood up from the couch. “I have to go ahead mom.” She walked closer to the bed and kissed her mom
“I will stay with her today.” Lauren said.
“I am coming with you. I have to finish up some paper works at the office.” Piper stood up to leave.
“I’ll be here tomorrow morning.” Josie embraced her sister.
“Drop her off Piper since Lauren isn’t going home now.” Mrs Perla said to Josie knowing that she didn’t bring her car.
“Sure.” Piper agreed.
“Bring me a clothe to change in.” Lauren added quickly.
“Okay.”
“Take care. Bye mom!” Josie and Piper walked out of the room.
“What about you son? Are you leaving?” Mrs Perla asked Ian.
“I will be leaving soon too because I have a lot to tend to at work.” Ian replied.
“Okay. But you should stay with me for a while.” Mrs Perla embraced her son.
“Okay. I’ll stay for some extra minutes.” Ian replied.
Chapter 09 Shrimps allergies
AT THE RECEPTION
Ma’am Elise led Ria to the reception desk. “Good day nurse.” She greeted the petite nurse on glasses who stood at the desk.
The nurse looked up at them. “Good afternoon, please how may I help you?” She asked.
“We are the family of a little girl that was rushed in here not too long ago.” Ma’am Elise replied.
“Please what’s her name?” The nurse requested.
“Phoebe Lawson.” Ria answered.
The nurse glanced away from them and searched the system. “Yes she is currently in ward two hundred and six.”
“Can you give us the directions to get to the ward? I am not so familiar with this place.” Ma’am Elise said.
The nurse gave the directions to the ward and they walked away. “I am scared. What if it is something serious?” Ria mumbled.
“Don’t worry miss Ria, Phoebe will be alright.” Ma’am Elise assured Ria as she led her towards the ward.
“Well I hope so.” Ria’s voice quivered.
Ma’am Elise and Ria walked into the room where a female doctor was attending to Phoebe who had purplish bruises all over her body from too much itching.
“Mom. Ma’am Elise.” Phoebe said in a low tone.
The female doctor whose tag read. “Dr Gillan.” glanced up at them.
“Phoebe. Are you alright?” Ria called shakily when she heard her voice.
“Who are you please?” Doctor Gillian asked.
“Doctor Gillan, they are Phoebe’s guardians.” Miss Eve, Phoebe’s home room teacher answered.
“Okay please move closer. I am Doctor Gillan.” The female doctor introduced herself briefly.
“Is she okay?” Ria asked ma’am Elise because she couldn’t see if Phoebe was fine.
“Phoebe only reacted to what she ate at school during lunch hour.” Miss Eve spoke up.
“Yes, it is an allergic reaction.” Doctor Gillan said.
“What.. what did she eat?” Ria stuttered.
Ma’am Elise led Ria to the bed where she could sit in order to feel Phoebe. “Shrimps. She reacted to the shrimps they served with lunch at school.” Doctor Gillan answered.
“Mom.” Phoebe reached out to hold Ria’s free hand.
Ria furrowed her eyebrows. “Shrimps? Phoebe did you know about your allergy to shrimps?” Ria asked.
“No mom. I haven’t eaten shrimps before to know if I am allergic to it.” Phoebe responded.
“So what do we do doctor? Is she going to be alright?” Ma’am Elise questioned.
“Don’t worry she will be fine with the treatment she is receiving and enough rest will do.” Doctor Gillian looked up at the drip on the iron stand. “Just make sure that she doesn’t eat shrimps anymore.” She added.
“Yes.. yes.. I will make sure of that. She won’t eat shrimps anymore.” Ria rushed out her words.
“Good.. I’ll go ahead now. A nurse named Hazel will come around to check on her from time to time.” Doctor Gillian sounded resigned.
“Thank you, Doctor Gillan.” Ma’am Elise thanked the doctor before she exited the room.
“I am sorry for causing you so much trouble. I am pleading on the school’s behalf too.” Miss Eve apologized.
“No, it is alright. I am glad she was rushed to the hospital on time before matter got worst.” Ria replied.
“Thank you, miss Eve.” Ma’am Elise said.
“The head nurse at the school clinic referred us to this hospital. And please you don’t have to thank me, I am only doing my duty.” Miss Eve stood up from the chair she sat on and walked closer to Phoebe. “Stay strong okay?”
Phoebe nodded. “Thank you, miss Eve.”
The home room teacher turned to face ma’am Elise. “I have go ahead now and give a report at school. And you don’t have to worry about the medical bills the school will take care of everything.” Miss Eve said.
A smile broke out on ma’am Elise’s face. “I am grateful.” At least they wouldn’t have to spend a penny from the little they have at hand.
“Yeah. Goodbye miss Ria. Phoebe, take care.” Ma’am Elise accompanied Miss Eve to the door.
“Are you okay?” Ria asked in a concerned tone.
“Yes mom, I am fine. You don’t have to worry too much about me.” Phoebe muttered.
Ria reached out her hand and stroke Phoebe’s face gently before planting a kiss on her small free hand. “I was so worried about you. But I am glad you are doing fine.”
“How are you feeling now, Phoebe?” Ma’am Elise asked too.
“I am good, ma’am Elise.” Phoebe answered.
“You should get some rest now.” Ria muttered.
Ma’am Elise phone pinged. “Oh Miss Ria! It is the store owner.”
“Maybe the materials we ordered a couple of days ago are ready.” Ria gave Phoebe’s hand a small squeeze.
Ma’am Elise picked up the call and clicked on speaker. “Hello Ma’am Elise.” The store owner’s voice was loud.
“Yes, Mrs Rose.”
“I just called to inform you that the materials you needed are ready at the store.” Mrs Rose informed her.
“When should I come for it?” Ma’am Elise asked.
“At your own convenient time. Just let me know when you are coming around to get them.” Mrs Rose responded.
“Okay. I’ll get back to you soon.” Ma’am Elise pressed the red button and disconnected the call.
“Ma’am Elise, you should go and get the material before they sell it out to someone at a higher price.” Ria said.
“Yeah you are right. But will you be fine alone?” Ma’am Elise demanded.
“Yes. Don’t worry about us.” Ria replied.
“What if you need anything?” Ma’am Elise reasoned. If Ria or Phoebe needs to pee who would help each other out?
“I will get that myself. Go ahead and get the materials.” Ria answered.
Ma’am Elise was reluctant to leave Ria alone with Phoebe. Ria wasn’t familiar with hospital directions so how is she going to get whatever she needs? What if she bumps into someone who is not nice? What if she bumps into someone who can’t tell she is blind until he or she sees a walk stick with her? Since she hasn’t gotten over what that monster did to her so what if Ria bumps into the kind she feared the most that can make her lose her senses and start trembling like she used to? She pondered.
And her train of thoughts was interrupted by the little girl. “Ma’am Elise, go and get the materials mom needs to sew amazing dresses so we can make a lot of money.” Phoebe said to Elise.
“Alright… I will leave then.” Ma’am Elise agreed.
“Bye, Ma’am Elise.” Ria and Phoebe chorused.
“Take care.” Ma’am Elise hesitated a bit again before walking out of the room still trying to believe they would be fine alone.
“Mom.” Phoebe held Ria’s right hand as she stared at Ria. Sting of tears formed at the corner of her eyes wishing Ria could see.
“You don’t like what you see when you look at me right?” Ria said to her when she sensed Phoebe’s change in body language and tone.
“I like what I see in you mom. I mean -” Phoebe’s voice trailed off with the tears threatening to spill. “I like you… a lot.” Phoebe sniffed.
“Why?” Ria smiled.
“The fact that you are strong, hardworking, caring and selfless. And I was just wishing you had your sight then you would have become a well known seamstress now.” Phoebe was talking from the fact that some people in the neighborhood don’t want give their dresses to a blind lady.
Actually no one believes that a blind lady could do so much for herself. If only Ria had her sight then she would have gone far by now with her skills but no one wants to help. Some don’t want to get close to a blind lady because they think she can’t be of any use to them.
“Don’t get too emotional Phoebe. I really don’t mind the fact that I am blind now… as long as I am happy, everyone is doing fine and I can be able to achieve my dreams. I am not going to give up on that.” Ria won’t give in to discouragement because fulfilling her dreams was her mother’s dying wish.
“I just need to work on myself, Phoebe. I know that I can do better. I am sure that I will do better than this my dear.”
Phoebe wiped the tear that strayed down her cheek. “Yes I know. I believe in you.”
“Should I tell you about our new project?” Ria reached out on an impulse to touch her cheeks. “Don’t cry.”
“Yes. I am not crying anymore.” Phoebe sniffed.
“Good. Mrs Elise and I planned to get someone to design a new website so people can reach out to us from that site to get dresses. Ma’am Elise said that’s what people do these days to advertise their products.” Ria explained.
“Yes. And I believe it going to work out.” Phoebe shook her head.
“Yes it will work out and ma’am Elise will be in charge of the site.” Ria added quickly. She sounded so optimistic about the plans.
“Phoenix and I will help with cutting and sewing of dresses. We are doing a better job at learning about it.” Phoebe responded.
“We can do this my girl!” Ria giggled as she brought Phoebe’s small hand to her mouth and kissed it.
“I love you mom.” Phoebe held on to her hands tightly.
“I love you too.” Ria replied in a low tone.
IN A PRIVATE WARD
AN HOUR LATER
“Yeah I am doing fine now.” Mrs Perla said to Mrs Belle Simmons on phone.
“Oh, thank goodness, Perla. I was so worried about you.” Mrs Belle said calmly.
“Thanks for your concern, Belle.” Mrs Perla replied.
“I will come over to see you tomorrow.” Mrs Belle promised
“Okay Belle.” Mrs Perla hummed a response.
“Take care.” Ans the call ended.
“Hey mom. I think it is time for me to get back to work. Ramsey just sent me a text that there is an emergency.” Ian stood up to leave.
“Oh yes you should go ahead, my son.” Mrs Perla agreed.
“Take care mom. I’ll give you a call at night. Bye Lauren.” He said his goodbyes.
“Bye Ian.” Lauren replied without looking up from her phone. Ian exited the room
Chapter 10 The meet again
Phoebe coughed as she was about to fall asleep again. “Are you okay Phoebe?” Ria asked.
Phoebe cleared her itchy throat. “Yes mom.” But she coughed.
“Hold on, let me get water.” Ria stood up from the bed.
“There is no water in the room.” Phoebe mumbled.
Ria stood on a spot as she tried to figure a way to get water for Phoebe. There was only one way to get water for her which is going back to the reception and ask the nurse at the desk for help.
“I will be right back.” Ria said.
“But how will you get water?” Phoebe asked sleepily.
“I will retrace my steps back to the reception and ask the nurse for help.” Ria replied.
“No, don’t worry I will be fine mom.” Phoebe coughed again.
“You should drink water. I counted my steps on our way here so I can go back to the reception by myself. I will be back soon.. just relax.” Ria held the rails of the bed and she managed to find her way to the door.
Ria was able to remember the steps she had counted on her way to the room with Mrs Elise guiding her. She held on to the walking stick tightly and also using the wall as support to count her steps properly. One, two, three, four.. and she counted seventy steps to make it to a corner down the long hallway. Mrs Elise has mentioned the long hallway earlier.
Ria smiled at herself that she was getting close to the reception. Where is everyone? Ria wondered as she didn’t sense anyone passing by so she could ask for help.
Some seconds later, a nurse stepping out of a ward sighted her. “Are okay miss?” Ria heard a soft voice whispered in front of her. It was a female voice so she relaxed. “What do you need miss?” The nurse asked carefully studying Ria.
“Can you help me with something?” Ria requested.
“What is it?” The nurse asked.
“My daughter is in ward two hundred and six and she needs water.” Ria answered.
“Oh! Please sit here while I get a bottle of water for you.” The nurse enthused.
“Thank you very much.” Ria said to the nurse that led her to the bench nearby.
“I will be right back.” And with that the nurse rushed off while Ria waited patiently for her return.
**********
Immediately Ian stepped out of the ward his phone pinged. He rolled his eyes when he saw the caller’s ID. “Fish Face.” Lorna is the fish face! Ian declined the call and resumed walking. Some seconds clicked by and it beeped again but he decided to ignore it.
Ian passed by series of wards in a long hallway leading to the reception but soon stopped on track when he saw the figure sitting on the bench. His heart beat accelerated after he realized who the feminine figure was.
Over two months has passed and Ian has tried to tell himself to forget about her but it was easier said than done. He hasn’t been able to concentrate on work. He hasn’t been interested in any play. He has had a big trouble having a good sleep. Even when he was so swamped with work that he could hardly think straight, the blind lady had still popped into his thought over and over again.
She was a compact little thing only about 5feet4 inches with tight rear and flat stomach. Her legs were long despite her height. She has breasts that were just big enough to make a man look twice. To be honest, Ian can’t believe he had stared at them so many times that day.
Ian liked the way, her long brown hair swept over one shoulder. It was carefree and cute. Silver patch was over each eye with long lashes. Her nose was an artwork framed with an incredible cheek bone structure. Her heart shaped lips with a dimple just over the side of her mouth made her look adorable and her skin was nothing less than luminous. Everything about her had left Ian mesmerized the moment he had looked at her that day.
Ian had searched and visited the park thinking he would see her but it had seemed like he would never see her again which made anything he tasted not feel too good. Ian had been out of the country and the trip he initially intended to last three weeks had stretched to six weeks. And even though the blind lady had still been on his mind Ian had come to a conclusion that too much time had passed and he would never see her again. He had thought that the single day he had met her was destined to be the only day he would just have to savor her existence.
But then here she was sitting down with her walk stick in her hands reminding Ian of just how beautiful she was. Fate has managed to bring him to see her again. And Ian was quick to figure that it might be fate telling him something. It was still hard to believe. Being that awestruck by any woman was an experience Ian never had before and he also found himself wanting to care for her.
Ian jerked back to life then he saw her talking to a nurse. He moved closer enough to hear what they were saying.
“Miss, here is the water you requested.” The nurse handed her a bottle of water.
“Thank you, miss-” Ria waited for the nurse to fill in her name.
“Emily.” The nurse smiled.
“I am Ria.” She said.
“Ria? Her name is Ria!” Ian mumbled to himself as he watched her smile at the nurse.
“Nice to meet you, miss Ria.” The nurse giggled.
“Same here nurse Emily.” Ria replied.
“Do you need me to escort you back to your ward? I can help you.” Nurse Emily offered.
“No.. no I am fine. I can find my way back. Thank you. You have done enough for me.” Ria stood up balancing her walk stick.
Ian eyes did a slow crawl on her. She was dressed in a fitting pants and top. “She is beautiful.” He mumbled.
Nurse Emily said her goodbyes before walking away. How did she intend to find her way? What is she doing at the hospital? Is she sick? Series of questions flooded his mind until he heard a giggling sounds that snapped him out of my thought. Two children in hospital uniforms ran beside him down the hallway. He heard a sharp thud too.
“Damn it!” He uttered a profanity. The children had bumped into Ria causing the bottle of water to fall off from her hand.
Ian moved closer while Ria bent down trying to find the bottle of water. “Where did it go?” Ria said.
Ian rushed towards her and picked up the bottle which was not too far from her. “Sorry miss.” He cleared his throat. “Here is your bottle of water.”
Ria stood up, straightened her back and a frown formed on her face and she tended up too. She stepped back trying to make sense of Ian’s words.
“Two kids bumped into you and the bottle of water dropped.” Ian tried to explain. Well she should know that by now. He paused only to notice the liquid on her forehead. Are those sweats? Why is she sweating all of a sudden? Ian took a step forward to have a closer look and yes-She was sweating! “Are you okay?” He demanded in a concerned tone.
Ria didn’t reply but she held on to her stick tightly like in a defensive stance! Ian was quick to remember Mr Griffin’s words about disabled people. “She is blind so she might be thinking I want to harm her. Maybe I should do a proper introduction.” He thought within.
“Hi.. I am Ian.” He introduced himself.
Ria’s forehead creased. “And I just helped you pick up your bottle of water that fell on the floor after some kids bumped into your way.” Ian took her other hand and put the bottle in it.
Ria tried to pull back from him as if he had burned her with fire. The bottle of water dropped to the ground. And then Ian realize she was trembling and her eyes were filled with just one word-fear! He screwed up his face when the realization hit him. Ria was a happy person when she was talking to Emily but she was so different now. There was the look of fear now! It can’t be what he is thinking. Could it be the fear of being touched by a male? Ian can’t believe it!
“What has my kind done to her?!” He bantered within. He hated it to see her this way. He yearned to know more but he stepped away from her and far enough to make her feel relaxed.
“I am sorry for touching you that way. Believe me, I really mean no harm to you.” Ian picked the bottle of water and stretched it out so the edge was reaching her hand.
Ria took the bottle of water and she held it to her chest. “Miss Ria! Mommy!”
Ian turned towards the direction of where the voices came from. Phoenix came running with his arms wide to hug his mom and in no time he was between them hugging Ria so tightly. Ma’am Elise was surprised to see a man with Ria so she walked faster to reach their side. The first thing she did was hold Ria’s walk stick and gently pulled her away from Ian. Her eyes watched Ian trying to figure out his identity and why he was with her.
“Are you alright?” Ma’am Elise sounded worried.
“Yes. But why are you here Phoenix?” Ria asked.
“His teacher called me and said he won’t stop crying because of his sister. So I had to go and pick him up at school.” Ma’am Elise replied.
“Is that true Phoenix?” Ria asked shakily. Ian’s presence was still making her feel uncomfortable. Ian contemplated if he should leave or stay back? If he leaves then he may never get to see her again.
“Yes mom.. I was worried about Phoebe.” Phoenix pouted.
“A mother of two? Is she married?! What a silly question to ask. She has two kids and I am still asking myself if she is married.” Ian pondered.
“Huh?! It is you again!” Ian looked down at Phoenix who pointed his finger at him. “Yes! It is you! I recognize you! From the park!” Phoenix jumped in excitement.
“Do you know him?” Ma’am Elise demanded.
“Yes.. yes.. ma’am Elise he is the man that got my mom’s purse back the day we went to the park!” Obviously this boy never forgets a face.
“Oh really?” Ma’am Elise shot him a surprised look.
“Yes.. let us take him to the ward so Phoebe can also tell if he is the one.” Phoenix said excitedly.
“Sir, are you the one that retrieved her purse snatched by a thief at the park?” Ma’am Elise managed a smile on her face.
Ian scratched the back of the neck. “Yes Ma’am.”
“Oh! That’s amazing! Good to see you! I am Elise.” She stretched out her hands towards him.
“I am Ian.” He shook hands with her.
“I will just go back to the ward.. to give Phoebe water. She really needs it badly.” Ria said finally.
“Yes mom! I want to see Phoebe!” Phoenix held her free hand.
“Let us go.” Ria and Phoenix walked away.
“Mom.. how many steps do we count from here to the ward?” Phoenix asked.
“Seventy steps I think.. Phoenix.” Ria explained the directions to him.
“Why aren’t you sure of the number of steps?” He asked again.
“I lost count.”
Ian heard her say to the little boy. Phoenix counted the steps while guiding Ria. Ian watched them as they walked away until Ma’am Elise clearing her throat disrupted the moment.
“Thank you for helping Miss Ria.” Ma’am Elise smiled.
“No please don’t thank me. I am glad that I was able to help.” Ian replied.
“I should thank you. And I have always wanted to meet you in person because the children didn’t stop talking about you when they came back from the park. You are like a hero to them.” Ma’am Elise laughed.
Ian thought of asking this woman a few things about Ria but he discarded the thought. “I am glad to meet you too.” He gave her a small smile.
Ian’s phone beeped Lorna was calling again but he wasn’t ready to talk to her not now that he has found what he has been looking for months.
“Take this Mr Ian.” Ma’am Elise gave him a card.
“It is Miss Ria’s business card. So just in case you need a seamstress to make a dress for your mom, sisters and maybe a wife we make the perfect dresses. So please call these numbers or follow this address to find us.” Ma’am Elise smile was so bright as if she just hit a jackpot. Mere looking at Ian, she knew he was an epitome of wealth. She already sized him up, the suit, gold wrist watch and designer shoes. He is rich.
“Okay. I’ll definitely give you a call.” Ian grinned.
“Bye Mr Ian.” Ma’am Elise raced off leaving Ian behind to stare at the card in his hands.
Luck is really on his side today! He met Ria again and just when he was thinking of how to see her again someone has given him her business card with a contact information and address!
“I will surely make out time out of my busy schedules to see her!” Ian looked around and when he saw no one he screamed. “Yes!” He jumped with more happiness welling up inside of him.
Ian studied the card as he walked on. “Ria Robert Couture.” It was boldly written on the card.
As if he wasn’t listening when Ma’am Elise had mentioned her profession, his eyes widened in shock. “Couture? This is about clothing. Oh my goodness! She is a seamstress?! A blind lady is a seamstress?!” Ian cocked his eyebrows and moved his head from side to side. He is finding it hard to believe that someone like her can be a seamstress.