VALERIE
There are stacks and stacks of boxes in here. The only things properly set up are the furniture. Even Wilson looks as stunned as I am.
Does Christian expect me to put this entire place together? Is that why he left so callously?
"I'll leave now, Mrs. Turner."
I nod toward Wilson, and he leaves me alone in this dust-and-paper-smelling apartment.
I heave a tired sigh and grab a napkin before cleaning the couch and carefully placing Lizzy on it.
Looking around at the mess, restlessness claws at my stomach. I have no other option but to do this, but it doesn't mean I'll let Christian get off the hook so easily.
I take out my phone and search for his email because he has never once responded to my WhatsApp messages.
— I'm exhausted, Christian. I'm not happy about this! —
Frowning, I drop my phone back into my bag and begin unboxing. Since he did this, he'll have to deal with my arrangement of the place. He may have an intimidating look and commanding figure, but I've seen enough bruteness in life to be scared of him.
My phone rings just as I'm pulling books from the first box.
My heart slams against my ribcage. Is it Christian?
Taking out my phone again, I glance at the caller ID. My shoulders slump. It's from the hospital.
"Good evening, Valerie."
I already know what she wants to say. It's the end of the month.
"Could you give me just an hour so I can speak with my sister?"
"Oh, um, sure… but the treatment has been paused because your last bill is still pending."
My throat dries instantly, words sticking. I shut my eyes painfully, the sting in my chest growing. I want to tell her how unfair the hospital is being, but I know it's their bread and butter.
The bill is supposed to be paid yearly, but it's too large for me to handle. I can barely scrape by on monthly installments.
"Are you still there, Valerie?"
"Yes… I understand. I'll send the money in soon."
I end the call and search for Trisha's number. My finger trembles before clicking it.
Things are already so hard for her. It always hurts me to remind her about Sam's medical bills. Father pulled his hands off it a long time ago, so it's just me and Trisha—unless a family member suddenly remembers we exist.
Trisha's shop was burned down along with the whole complex half a month ago. She's struggling with a deplorable kiosk now, and she has two extra mouths to feed. Her husband only aggravates the situation.
My eyes begin to moisten. Immediately, I wipe them and glance at Lizzy, praying she didn't see that.
Tearing up solves nothing.
I swallow my empathy and call Trisha. She always answers on the second ring.
"Was just about to call you, Vally," she says, her voice dull. "I'm sorry. I should have called before the wedding."
"It's fine, Trish. How is Tim?"
"I dropped him off at his godmother's place."
"I thought you'd never listen!" Relief washes over me. She's always with him, barely resting. I've been advising her to drop him with Susan so she can have some peace and he can play with kids his age.
Trisha sulks. "I feel guilty dropping him off. What if he needs me?"
"That's just your mummy instincts talking. Give yourself a break!"
She sighs. "How's Lizzy?"
"She's asleep."
"And Christian?"
"He's at work."
I hear Trisha adjust in her seat. "What do you mean he's at work? Didn't you both just get married today?"
Why does she sound so surprised? This marriage was never what he wanted in the first place.
"Trisha, forget about that—"
"No, I won't. I know the circumstances behind your marriage, but I won't sit by and watch you go through what I'm going through." Her voice is heavy with worry and hurt. "If he gives you a hard time, don't hesitate to give him a taste of his own medicine."
"You're a strong lady, I know you can handle him. These men don't respect a woman until she stands up to them!"
I don't say a word. I know her anger stems from Father and her husband.
She hardly ever opens up like this, so I let her vent.
After a moment, she releases a tight breath. "Why did you call, Vally?"
"It's… Sam." I swallow the lump in my throat. "His bills are still pending. The hospital has already refused to continue treatment until we pay up."
She goes silent for a beat. "That's fine… How much do we owe them?"
"Six thousand bucks."
"And how much do you have saved?"
"Two and a half."
"It's fine, I'll send you three thousand now. Before noon, I'll chip in the rest."
I rub my brows as if the action could erase this burden.
"But Vally," she calls softly. "Don't you think it's a good idea to… tell the Turners—"
"No, Trisha!" I cut her off quickly. "How can you even think of that? Haven't we extorted enough from them already?"
"I know, but you're part of their family now. They won't hesitate to pay his bills."
"That won't happen because no one is going to tell them about it. Sam is our responsibility, not theirs." I add quickly before she can push further, "Say hello to Tim for me. Good night."
I end the call. Running a hand through my hair, I release a low groan.
I will never stoop as low as Father, soliciting pity. I've been handling Sam's bills for three years without begging outside our family.
And I certainly won't give Christian a reason to step on me.