Her mind was blank for a moment.
Then in a flash, she leaped and hurried into the bathroom. But was this bad luck? She had looked forward to this day. Even showed off on her best friends chat group, the gown she had gotten. What would she say now? That her evening was spent inhaling the distinct smell of formaldehyde? Katie was surely going to laugh to no end.
As the water cascaded down her body, tears glistened her eyelids. But it wasn't his fault either. It would be foolish for him to go on with preparations while his mum lay sick.
Besides, Mrs Blossom loved her to a fault. The woman wouldn't have fainted on purpose to hinder them from having a beautiful evening.
Her phone beeped again. She closed her eyes in annoyance, sinking further into the tub.
A few minutes later, knowing that she couldn't remain there forever, she stepped out and flipped through the messages. It was Kingsley texting her the address of the hospital and apologizing once again. She sent a love pictogram and took unhurried steps to her wardrobe.
Selecting the most simple of wears, she dressed up hurriedly. As she came out of the room, Samantha smiled at her.
"Ma, would you like to have anything? There's crispy smashed potatoes, spaghetti, chicken tortilla soup...
Please pack them into disposable plates" She replied, settling into the couch.
A young red-haired teenager peeped out from one of the rooms. Was this the appropriate time to discuss this? She hardly ever saw Natasha.
"Hi mummy"
Natasha smiled, her expression softening at once.
"How are you doing today?" She asked gently, pulling her close for a hug.
"I am fine... School was excellent too" Mara replied snuggling into her warm embrace.
"Do you need anything?"
"Not at all..." How could she possibly have needs? Here, everything was at her beck and call.
"I'll see you when I get back..."
"Caramel is turning 14 today Mother" Mara stated as Samantha came in, the maids behind her carrying the food packs.
"Curfew is 8 pm. Don will escort you" Natasha replied and stood. Smart breezed in at that moment.
"The fruit basket is in the car ma'am"
"We're using the Volkswagen" She replied. As they drove out of the compound, Natasha could only wish the fall wasn't serious.
Halfway through the journey, she still hoped it was a trick.
***
Perspiration shone on his brow as he sat in the visitor's room troubled and unsettled.
Just like the young man beside him who didn't respond to his flawed greeting in an attempt to start a conversation, the faces around him bore grief and worry. Everyone present had a problem or a relative who had one. Realizing that this was not a place to exchange greetings or make acquaintances, he sat all by himself.
Repeatedly, his eyes darted to the entrance of the ER, his mind conjuring up several scenarios of what could be happening. He was going crazy from not having a clue as to what occurred behind the glass doors. Time dragged slowly as the lonesome clock ticked in response.
Distracting himself was seeming impossible as he tried to stop the mental images from wreaking havoc on his sanity. The repulsive smell of the drugs and disinfectants didn't help matters either. He felt he was going to puke. Kingsley stood up pacing endlessly.
He tried whispering a few words in prayer. Perharps that would help calm his troubled mind.
"Dear Father, please help her in Jesus' Name. Amen"
He opened his eyes, expecting some kind of peace to settle over him but nothing happened.
He repeated the process. This time as he prayed, he scanned the wall for some kind of comfort. The adverts stared back at him confidently stating only what was written in them. He tore his eyes away frustrated.
His phone beeped. Hoping it was Natasha, he reached out for it. However, It was Paul. He quickly texted back the address of the hospital, wiping the sweat beads that clunged to his forehead.
The doors swung open as the Doctor sauntered out accompanied by two nurses. Kingsley on recognizing him, dashed over immediately.
"Doctor, is she going to be alright?" He asked hopeful.
The latter raised his brows in response as he escaped again through the next door.
"What the..." Kingsley clenched his fists, restraining himself from hurling curses.
"Please calm down. We're currently running some tests" A kind nurse patted his shoulder.
"Why didn't he answer me? Will raising his brows make me less worried? Am I waiting here for nothing?" Kingsley questioned, dissatisfaction lacing his tone with each one.
The nurse sighed.
"Dr Langsten is like that. He will discuss it with you soon" She replied and exited through the same door.
He covered his face with his palms and sat down heavily.
"Too much anxiety isn't good for your health, young man," The older woman seated close to him said, her eyes shining. He looked at her again, making sure it wasn't a trance.
"How could someone be happy in this kind of condition?" He thought concluding the woman was ridiculous. Out of courtesy, he plastered a smile on his face and whispered "Thank you". Then stood up, attempting to walk away.
"She will be alright," The woman said again behind him.
He spunned around. Very few people knew his mum. She hardly ever associated. Only a few friends here and there from the Bible Study group. Other than that, she worked at her jobs and as usual, prayed. Still, he was curious.
"Do you know my mother?" Kingsley asked.
"Not at all...I was here when they brought her in" She smiled again.
"Oh..." He stammered, lifting his hands apologetically.
"For a moment, I thought you were a friend...maybe from Church" He scratched his head.
"It's alright, young man. Church is good." She replied and questioned almost immediately.
"Do you mind if we pray together?"
He couldn't refuse. He sat immediately as she held her hands in his. For the short moment it lasted, peace bubbled within his soul.
Matthew 18:20 filtered into his mind- "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
"It's well" She whispered, her large blue eyes staring at him.
Tears welled up in his as he looked away helplessly. He wondered how someone could be so hale and hearty one moment and in another moment, knocked down and unconscious.
But this woman had managed to instill hope and peace.
"God is in control and he will always be," She said.
"Thank you ma'am" He replied. Not wanting to leave her side, he tried engaging in a conversation.
"Do you mind if I ask why you are here?" He requested, scratching his head.
"My grandson had a cardiac arrest"
"That's his mum" She added, pointing to a young woman who was walking towards them. For a moment, sadness clouded her features.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Kingsley asked feeling sorry.
"Sure he will. The Lord doesn't leave his people without help" The older woman replied, her confidence returning. It was no match for him.
"I wish I could have your kind of faith" He replied slowly.
"You have faith, Kingsley. How often do you study the Word?" She asked, still smiling.
He folded his arms, shifting his foot nervously.
"Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word only. She said to him with strong emphasis on only as she caught her daughter's signal. She tapped his shoulders and stood.
"You need to be strong because the world will tell you otherwise"
He swallowed.
"I hope you don't mind...I need to see the doctor alongside my daughter. What's your name? I'll pray for you"
"Kingsley" He replied. As she walked away with that enchanting smile, he knew she was certainly going to pray and that brought relief to his soul.
Another scripture floated to his consciousness, penned down centuries ago by Prophet Isaiah.
"...They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
"Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word ONLY" He whispered with a smile. Rising to his feet, he strolled out of the hall. Hope arising.