RAY'S POV
"Here's the document you requested for," Mabel said slamming the file on the table. She looked fierce like a woman with a spear in her hand, waiting to fight. I just pretend not to notice the spite with which she looked at me.
"Thank you is the least thing you can say right now," she said. Something I was not expecting. I was expecting her to walk out as usual. But for the first time since after the day she first stepped into my office as my personal assistant, Mabel is requesting I thank her for doing her job. If this was in the past, I would have told her that that's exactly why she gets paid. But no, I was stunned and just looked at her.
"I thought you were mad at me?" I asked. The look on her face obviously proves that she's still mad, yet she chose to stay calm. She told me she was just reminding me that I was working with a human being not a robot.
"Humanity should be the first rule in the employment of labour," she said. I smirked at her. To me her words were shallow. I believe humanity means being human. And being human means not being perfect beyond the human capacity, and not being too evil beyond human ability. Therefore, humanity has both the negative and positive aspect.
"Do you dare disagree?" she questioned. Her eyes burned with a certain fire. But I was used to that look. It's the reason why I hold her close to myself. She is my best friend, probably the only true friend I have. One day, I will open up completely to her. But until then, I will enjoy the drama.
"Of course I….." my phone rang just as I was about to tell her that I actually disagree with the humanity concept.
"It's George. Come to the hospital, something's wrong," on hearing that, I knew I did not need to waste time asking what hospital or what he meant. I grabbed my car key and made for the door. The files can wait, Mabel as well. But if something goes wrong with that girl, the press would be on me, and someone who makes love with the devil might seize the opportunity to drag me down completely.
"I am coming with you," Mabel said, joining me in the elevator. I was not expecting her to. I asked her to just stay in the office and operate on my behalf, but she refused.
"The last time I left your side, you became the culprit in an accident. I'm not doing that this time," she said. Then she grabbed the car key from my hand before telling me she would drive. To be honest, I was so traumatised a month ago by that accident, I have not taken out my Audi R8 v10 since then. I try as much as possible not to go out with any superspeed car. The only reason why I'm not in police custody is because of my old man. And better thanks to the angel who had a recording of what actually happened. Still, I have to take responsibility for the girl's medical bills. If she wakes up and the police finds out the recording is true, she'll be charged to court and expected to compensate me for damages.
Mabel drove us down to the hospital. I was so crased, I did not wait for her to park properly before running out of the car and into the hospital. I headed straight to the girl's ward. On getting there, the room was empty. My heart moved up to my throat, almost entering my mouth.
"Is she dead?" was the first question I asked myself. Anyone would make speculation and throw more accusing finger at me if she dies without clearing my name.
"Why do you look dejected?" I turned to Mabel without trying to hide a thing. My eyes were covered with tears. It is only a matter of time before they drop. "where is she?" she asked. She seemed a little shaken as well. And that broke the last bit of hope in me.
"Sir! Are you here for the patient?" on hearing the voice of a third party, I immediately turned by back to the door. Even if Mabel saw me vulnerable, I would not allow another the same privilege.
"She has been moved to VIP ward C," the nurse said.
"Please take us there!" Mabel said. She does her job so well. And knowing this gives me peace whenever she's around. No matter how bad things get, Mabel would find a way. She knows when to step in on my behalf, and when to speak just like now.
"It's alright now Mr. Grant," Mabel whispered into my ears. One thing she's good at is sneaking up on you. I did not know when she got that close, close enough to whisper into my ears.
"May, you know what?" I asked her as we walk out of VIP ward B to VIP ward C, with the nurse leading us into the elevator.
"What?" you she asked, a smile gracing her face. Sometimes, I'd want to kiss her just like now, but I fear it will ruin our friendship. So I told her that I was going to make it up to her. The accident happened on her birthday and I had promised her I would take out, but I could not fulfill my promise to her on that day. I even forgot about it due to all the pressure and instead of apologising, I just pretended like I had no idea what has happened while expecting her to understand. But perhaps she wanted me to apologise or explain it myself to her. Seeing how she came with me to support me, I just realised that she does understand, but I should open up more.
"I'm sorry about your birthday," I said to her after giving her my word. It didn't take long before we arrived ward C which was just above the one the girl was previously out. Actually, she has a name, but it's not something that has ever registered in my head.
The first thing my eyes caught when we entered the ward was George hugging Kelly. Kelly, the girl who hit him on the head with her heels. It was obvious George likes her. But he didn't even do anything to get her out of police custody. If it was not for her African friend who pleaded with me, I would have hurt her in a way that would please the old man.
"George!" Mabel called. I felt dusgusted. Mabel and George have always been like this, without formalities. He walked towards us and hugged Mabel. I hated the sight of that but did not try to show it. Instead I asked why he called.
"The old man wanted a mercy death for Mari. He said she does not look like she would wake up and was wasting money," I felt the vibrations that reached my bones. I felt anger pull my head almost leaving me without reason.
"Ray?" George called out to me. But I just walked out of the ward. I made my way to the doctor's office. George's word was the trigger I needed to stand against my grandfather on this matter.