36 - The child's love

Abigail's POV.

I marched to the hospital room given to me and knocked twice before entering the room. Priscilla and Gerald's eyes are on his child, especially since Gerald's child is sick and Priscilla is taking care of her grandson. I couldn't believe Hilary would do this to her son, and I wasn't expecting her to be so irresponsible. I pity the child because he ends up with a mother who is careless and selfish like Hilary.

“Hey,” I approach Gerald and rest my hand on his shoulder, giving him the support he needs at a time like this.

He glanced at me before smiling and turned to his son, “I shouldn't have focused my entire attention on my job. I forgot that I have a son who still needs his father. This is my fault.”

“Don't blame yourself, Gerald. It's not only your fault because Hilary was to blame for this irresponsibility, especially since she didn't take your son's situation seriously.”

“My daughter was doing her best to give her son a better life, so don't blame her. It was her husband's fault,” Priscilla interfered, and we both glanced at her. “Excuse me? Clearly, Gerald has nothing to do with this mistake. Your daughter was busy fooling around with my ex-husband instead of taking her son.”

She stood from the wooden chair and glared at me, “It was your fault! None of this would happen if you didn't return! Why can't you just die?!”

“Enough! My son is already sick, and yet you dare to start a fight? What is wrong with you, Priscilla?” Gerald halted her, and she shut her mouth before sitting down.

“Mommy…” our gaze immediately turned to Gerald's son after he spoke. “Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?” Gerald asked her son.

“Where is Mommy?” He asked, looking for his mother, who was not there.

Gerald and I stared at each other before he turned his gaze back to his son. “She'll be here any minute, Gio. Don't worry, son.”

“Daddy…” Gio moans. “Yes, baby?” He questioned.

“Why does mommy hate me?” He asked all of a sudden, and we were both surprised. I can feel the pain in his heart and the sorrow his mother gives to him.

He's weak because of the illness he was suffering from, but he's a brave child. Gio was trying to be strong despite his pain, and I was amazed at his braveness.

I have two sons, and as a mother, I can't stand seeing this child suffer while his mother is not doing anything and having fun.

“Uh, Gio.” I stepped in, sitting beside his hospital bed, and held his hand to make him feel not alone. “Do you remember me?”

He nodded softly, “Yes… Mom said you are bad.”

I cleared my throat and replied, “I want to apologize for my actions when we first met, but I'm not bad. You see, there are things you don't know, but I'll understand if you hate me.”

“Where is Mommy?”

“Uh, your mom is busy with work, Gio. But don't worry because your father is here,” I stated, trying to make him feel better, but he just smiled softly, which meant he wanted his mother.

Ever since our paths crossed in the mall, I felt comfortable being near this kid, and I know he's a friendly kid.

“I want my Mommy…” he murmured, still looking for his irresponsible mother.

“You know, Gio. Remember my two sons? Ashton and Aiden? I can bring them here to cheer up. How's that?” I said happily, trying to cheer him up because I could see the sadness peek through his eyes.

Priscilla stood again and said, “I'm going out. I have to call Hilary.”

“What for?” Gerald opposed the idea of calling his wife. “Don't waste your time because your daughter already made a choice.”

“She's still Gio’s mother, so she has the right to know what is happening to her son.”

“Hilary is unworthy to be a mother because she let our son die—”

“Enough!” I shouted, stopping them from making a scene and saying bad things about the boy's mother because he could understand it. “Stop it. Don't you see your son's situation, Gerald? He's sick, and yet you decided to say bad things about the boy's mother?”

Their eyes landed on Gio, and the kid looked at them. Priscilla immediately looked away before grabbing her purse and rushing out of the room. I remain on Gio’s side because I can feel this kid's longing for his mother after all the things happening in my life.

“Gio! My baby!” Speaking of the devil. Hilary barged inside the room and pushed me aside to greet her son, but she left me dumbfounded by her drastic actions. “I'm sorry, baby. Mommy's late.”

“You're not late, Hilary. You don't have a plan to check your son,” Gerald muttered, can't hold himself back anymore because of rage. “What kind of mother are you?” He questioned, pointing at her.

“Gerald, stop. Your son is here,” I halted him but he didn't budge.

"Why am I the only one to blame here, Gerald? Aren't you also lacking in our son as a father? Instead of giving time to our son, you poured all your time into work!" Hilary replied to Gerald but didn't seem to care even though their son was in this room.

"What the hell! You two stop!" I pulled them both away, causing Hilary's attention to turn to me quickly. "You!" she pointed at my face. "You're the reason my family is like this!"

I scoffed, "Me? Why me, Hilary? You're Gio's mother, but you gave yourself more time than being a mother to your son! So don't blame me for what's happening in your family!" I replied.

"There's no one to blame here but you, Abigail! You—" Hilary was quickly stopped by the sound of the machine next to Gio's bed.

"Son!" Gerald exclaimed and quickly ran towards his son.

"Baby!" Hilary called to her son while Gerald repeatedly pressed the button to contact a nurse.

The nurses and doctors arrived in just a few seconds. I froze as I watched them revive the boy, and I couldn't move. Until the machine was running smoothly, and I was quickly brought back to reality when Hilary slapped me.

"Hilary!" Gerald quickly approached me. "What are you doing?!"

"Get that woman out of here if you still want to see our son, Gerald," Hilary threatened him.

"Don't you have a conscience? Abigail is the reason our son is safe. So, don't you dare threaten me!”

“Get that woman out of here!” She raised her voice, pointing at the door.

“You—”

“No, Gerald. I'll leave. Tell me if something happened to your son, and I'll be willing to help you.” That's all I said before heading out, touching my cheek.

“Abigail!” Hilary shouted. I rolled my eyes because she was not done yet with her scene. “What, Hilary?” I asked.

“Stay away from my son!”

I raised an eyebrow, “I'm afraid I can't do that.”

“Why is that?” She inquired.

“Your son almost died because of your irresponsibility, and if you don't want to lose custody of your son, Hilary. Be a good mother.”

She clenched her jaw and replied, “Who are you to tell me what to do, huh?”

“Me?” I stepped closer and murmured, “I am Abigail McAdams. Putting a child's life in danger and becoming irresponsible is a huge problem, Hilary. Now, if you have nothing to say, I have to go. I can't stand being near someone who can't even care for her child.”