There are actions that people do that just confuse us or drive us insane. Especially when their actions or words unravel all the feelings you bottled up inside. Surprises come and go in our lives, rejoice at the good things while watching out for the bad. These can alter the course of your future, for better or for worse.
“He's going to be all right Miss Winstel, all he needs is to maintain taking his medication and bed rest for three weeks. I also strongly advise that he shouldn't work for a month, stress will only cause the risk of another heart attack and we don't want that to happen.”
Francine nodded, smiling softly at the doctor. “Thank you doctor, thank you so much.” The man nodded in return before leaving to tend other patients. The faint beeping of the monitor and Mr. Winstel breathing through the tubes only heard. I looked down at the bill in my hands, smiling at the bold words printed on it, happy that I could help.
Bill paid.
Mrs. Winstel refused to let me pay the bills. I insisted strongly that she didn't have any other choice and didn't argue further about it. She made it clear though that she will repay me for my kindness, although I told her that it won't be necessary. My phone rang once again for what seems like the seventh time today. I ignored it like I did a while ago, knowing it is just my mother. Probably to nag me why I didn't go and that should have attended their luncheon.
Honestly, is she not tired hanging out with Rebecca Montgomery? It's not that I dislike her or their friendship, but it's getting annoying how they seem to appear at every event or place we go to. Like mushrooms, popping out of nowhere.
Admit it Rachel, you just don't like to see the Montgomery family due to Chad's obvious presence. I frowned at my subconscious mind, like, what does Chad's presence have to with this? It's already past noon and I ate lunch already with Francine and her mother at the hospital's cafeteria, but I admit I still am a bit hungry.
“You should go, I bet she's worried sick about you.” Francine mumbled when I declined Mom's call.
“She wants me to attend lunch with some of her friends but I refused. She's probably calling me because she wants to yell my ear off.” I answered, Francine laughed aloud at this before her laughter ceased down.
“I assure you, she's only worried. It's all right if you go and deal with your mother, my father won't be awake for another few hours.”
“Is it okay with you? Will you guys be fine?”
Francine nodded. “Yeah. We'll be okay here." She reassured me with a small smile. “You go deal with your mother, don't get her too worried that she'll send out the police to search for you.” I laughed and hugged her tightly.
“I'll come back to visit you and your father.” Bidding goodbye to her and Mrs. Winstel, I walked out of the room and down the hospital halls. Once out of the building, Joseph is waiting patiently with the Range Rover, hands tucked behind him.
“Where to, Miss Maxwell?”
“Home, Joseph.” I answered and got inside the car. As Joseph drove me home, I quickly sent Mom a message telling her I'm coming home. The car drove into the gates of my home, the familiar BMW of the Montgomerys parked in at the side. They're still here? I felt my palms go sweaty, making me rub them against the pants of my jumpsuit. Joseph stopped the car and I got out of the car, taking my time walking up to the front door. Nervousness is all I'm feeling right now at what Mother must say about me at the moment. She'll probably scold me once again.
“Good afternoon Miss Maxwell, your mother has been waiting for you.” Henry said when he opened the door for me.
“Please tell her I'll be with her in just a minute.” I hurriedly ran up the stairs, passing by Harvey's room. It was dead silent, which is a bit strange since it's usually noisy around this time of day. I directly entered my room, locking the door behind me.
I discarded my strained outfit, putting it on the laundry basket before going to the bathroom and taking a short half-bath, washing all the remnants of the stickiness of the orange juice off my skin, especially on my legs. Drying myself with my towel, I change into a pair of jeans and a white blouse. Tying the shoelaces of my white Converse, I hurriedly took off and out of my room, making it down the stairs in record time. I let out a breath and tried to ease down my nerves. Be calm. Walking to the living room, the more nervous I got. Don't worry, nothing's going to happen. This is just your mother, not the President.
Which is more terrifying.
Entering the living room, everyone in the room stopped to stare at me. Mom's eyes widened in surprise. “Finally! You're here!” She exclaimed. Concern evident in her eyes as I went over to sit across her. Ignoring Chad and his parents seated a few feet away from my mother, their undivided attention on me, I smiled apologetically.
“Sorry, Francine had an emergency regarding her father. I had to be there.”
This only alarmed my mother, who leaned forward as if she couldn't believe what she just heard. “What? What happened?” She inquired worriedly. My eyes shifted from my mother to Mrs. Montgomery who eyed me with her pale blue eyes before looking at my mother.
“Um, her Dad had a heart attack at his office this morning.” Mrs. Montgomery gasped loudly at her seat, a hand over her heart. I didn't pay any heed and continued. “I received a call from my assistant, Patty, that Francine went to my office to see me. At her current state, I just couldn't leave her all by herself.”
Francine has been like a sister to me ever since we met, it would be unfair and ugly if I just leave her like that. She comforted me a lot of times, the shoulder I could cry and rely on. "Goodness, is her father okay now?"
“Yes, Mr. Winstel is okay. The doctor advised them that he should stay at the hospital for a few weeks to see if he has any other illnesses. Further examination and all that.” I answered, accepting the glass of lemonade Henry just handed me, mumbling a soft 'thank you'. I tighten my grip on the glass, feeling eyes boring into my head. I turn sharply to see Chad already staring. Creepy. I quirked an eyebrow at him, and he grinned at me, much to my surprise and confusion. What is he grinning at? Come to think of it, if he smiles more and does less frowning, he'll look attractive. Just a tad.
“Well, that's a relief. I feel sorry for them, going through things like that is horrible. But of course, it's a reminder for everyone.”
What did she say?
I looked away from Chad, who is now frowning slightly, to his mother smiling. Honestly, it was blinding. “A reminder of what, if I may ask?” I couldn't help it, she seemed like she was mocking. The woman turned to me with a sweet innocent smile.
“A reminder for us that we should stay healthy. Not to do evil things for death is the consequence. Evil people deserve to die, the things they did, especially those that are in the news, horrible!”
“So wait, you're saying that Francine's Dad is evil and that he deserves what happened to him?” I question incredulously, frowning at her statement.
“N-no! You got it all wrong, what I meant to say was we shouldn't do wrong things—”
“Francine's father is a sweet man, all the years I have known him, all he ever did was show unconditional love to his family. He is like a second father to me.” I defended, narrowing my eyes at her that rendered the woman speechless in her seat.
She should be, she doesn't even know Mr. Winstel! The old man is harmless even to a fly, he doesn’t deserve to suffer.
“Rachel.” Mother warned, pulling me down from my standing position. I didn't even realize that I stood up while I was arguing with her statement. Mrs. Montgomery's face is blank in shock. I couldn't even believe that I yelled at her! I felt my cheeks go red in embarrassment, feeling my mother, Mr. Montgomery and Chad staring at me like I had grown two heads. Well, I worked with worse luck.
“I'm sorry,” I stated, standing up. “That was extremely rude of me. Excuse me.”
I strode off, unable to take the unnerving silence. Heading to the garden, I avoided Harvey who called my name from down the hall as I walked out of the house. The cold air made the hairs on my arm and neck stand. Slowing down, I rubbed my arm in embarrassment that I cast upon my mother. She'll show me that disappointed look for being extremely rude to her friend.
Sitting down beside the fishpond, I let out a defeated sigh, watching the fish just swimming peacefully in the water. Letting out a frustrated growl that probably scared the fishes, I fisted my hair and pulled at it harshly. You're an idiot Rachel! I shouldn't have come if I knew this would happen. Where is all your self-control now?
“Pull harder and you'll end up bald.”
“Go away.”
Despite my weak protest, Chad merely chuckled and sat down across me. His blue eyes staring at the school of fish, blond hair flying with the wind. I thought he'd be offended on what I just did to his mother, but instead here he is. “I wasn't expecting for you to lose your cool back there.”
I cleared my throat before answering. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to argue with her or anything.” I mumbled loud enough for him to hear. “I'm just stressed and worried about my friend.” I explained, burying my face in my hands in shame. “I better go and apologize to your mother. I have a feeling she hates me now.”
Obviously.
“Nah, she doesn't. She's shocked but trust me, she'll get over it.” He stated, standing up and scanned the whole garden. “And besides, she understands your situation.” Chad held out a hand for me to talk, a small smile gracing his pink lips. I stared at his hand for a few seconds and took it. He pulled me up from the ground looking amused. “I actually enjoyed seeing you stand up for yourself.”
“Which always gets me into trouble with my parents.” I grinned softly when Chad laughed, head thrown back. His attention was snapped to his ringing phone in the pocket of his slacks. Excusing himself, Chad took out his phone and answered the call. I went back inside the house, swallowing my nervousness to face Mrs. Montgomery and Mom. Catching sight of them chatting in the hallway, I took a deep breath and walked towards them.
Mom raised an eyebrow at me while Mrs. Montgomery gave me a muted smile. I hope her son is right. “Um, Mrs. Montgomery, I'm absolutely sorry about my actions earlier, it was rude of me to do that. I shouldn't have assumed things.”
Placing a hand on my shoulder, Chad's Mother smiled widely. It was relieving to see it. “Not to worry darling, and I should be the one who's apologizing. I didn't notice I was already offending your friend's father, without letting you finish no less. I'm sorry Rachel.” At her side, Mother is beaming in pride at me.
“Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery. It won't ever happen again.” The woman nodded, eyes smiling.
“I have an idea, dear. Why don't we visit Francine and her father at the hospital later this evening? I'm sure Francine and her mother need support as Mr. Winstel gets better.” Mother suggested, a hand on my shoulder with a smile.
“Yeah, that would be great, Mom.”
“What about you Rebecca? Do you want to accompany us?” Much to my surprise, she declined.
“I'd love to Helen, but unfortunately I have an important meeting this evening with some investors. I wish I could come.”
“It's okay, Rebecca.”
“Honey!” Mr. Montgomery called, walking excitedly towards us with a phone in his hand.
“Yes? What is it, Max?”
“I just received a call from the office saying the investors have arrived. They're at the hotel right now. I'll go ahead if you want to stay—”
“No, no. I'll come with you.” Mrs. Montgomery cut in, and turned to face my mother. “Well, we have to go now Helen. I must say, I'm looking forward to our next meeting, that is if I find time in my hectic schedule.” Mother laughed lightly and nodded.
“Same here, Rebecca. Take care.” Embracing each other, Chad walked in. Judging the frown on his face, he was obviously angry at somebody. Perhaps his caller a while ago is responsible for his sudden foul mood.
“Goodbye darling, see you around.” Mrs. Montgomery grinned and kissed both of my cheeks.
“Uh, yes, goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.”
Chad took a step forward and bow slightly. “See you around Miss Maxwell.”
“You too.”
I shifted my gaze to Mrs. Montgomery just in time to see her eyes twinkle in interest, but it quickly disappeared. Giving me a sweet smile, she walked away with her family, as Henry escorted them to the front door. Facing my mother, she gave me a reprimanding look that made me squeak. “I didn't expect you to accuse her of such things Rachel.” Oh man, she's still angry. Just as I am about to defend myself, she hushed me with her hand.
“I admit I am a bit disappointed, but you did make it up by asking forgiveness for your outburst. Just please don't do it next time.”
“I promise.” I answered before looking at the clock hung on the wall, ticking softly in the background. “What time do you want us to visit Francine's Dad?”
“Around six. I still have to assist your father in preparing for the gala that will be held two weeks from now.” She replied and walked away to answer the ringing telephone in the living room. Walking to a nearby window, I watched as the Montgomerys’ BMW passed through the gates before disappearing.
“Sis!”
Gasping, I jumped in surprise and sharply turned to face Harvey. I place a hand over my heart. “Oh, it's just you.” Harvey quirked an eyebrow at me in question.
“Are you all right, Sis?”
I nodded, patting his head and gave him a smile. “Yeah, just don't sneak up on me like that again.” The pout Harvey had on was cute, but if he wants me to treat him like a grown boy, he should stop. Not that I want him to anyways.
“What?” I asked when he didn't say anything. He crossed his arms and let out a breath.
“You ignored me when I called you. What's bothering you Sis?”
Oh, I forgot that he called me a while ago.
I pursed my lips, deliberating whether I should tell him or not. Maybe I should. “It's Sean's father, he's in the hospital.”
“I heard…” He mumbled, playing with the pages of the comics in his hand. “So it is true?”
I merely nodded. “Me and Mom are planning to visit them at the hospital this evening.” The pout came back.
“Can I come?” He pleaded, but sadly he can't even if he begs.
“Sorry Harv, you can't. Besides, Sean isn't there with his mother and sister. He's at home with a sitter.” I pointed out. “And you still have school tomorrow and the hospital doesn't let kids visit because of the risk of contaminating a virus.”
Harvey began muttering how adults are unfair. I shook my head in amusement at how serious he looked and decided to go to my room in hopes of working quietly. Burying myself with work and finishing off leftover paperwork. Once inside, I started working on my desk. Humming softly, I signed a few papers and reviewed the next one.
I shivered, goosebumps rising on my skin. I turned to look at the curtains swaying slightly, the glass window open, letting the cold wind in. That's odd. I don't remember opening any of the windows. I don't even have a reason to do so.
Frowning, I stood up to close it before I let the unwanted cold air in. Last thing I want is to get chilly and catch a cold. One more month and it'll start snowing, winter season kicking in. After I shut the window tightly, I went back to my desk and finished where I left off. Turning the television on, I lowered the volume and put the remote away. Halfway through the stack of paperwork, I called Patty to check up on the office.
“Mr. Rick has requested to move your meeting with him tomorrow because he has an emergency to attend to.”
“Is that all Patty?” I questioned, nibbling on my lower lip. Patty is not my trusted assistant for nothing, she's the only person who I could trust when it comes to information and updates. Even during holidays, she won't let it get on her way no matter how many times I told her to take it easy. And I admire her dedication.
“Yes, Miss Maxwell.”
“Okay, thank you Patty. And don't stay at the office too late.”
“Yes Ma'am.”
I hung up just in time when someone knocked on the door. “Who is it?” I asked aloud. Hearing the door swing open, I looked up from my work to see Harvey standing in the doorway. “Yes Harv?” His brown eyes scanned the room, as if expecting to see someone else or something out of the ordinary. He usually does that especially when he is bored. Shrugging, Harvey shut the door behind him and made his way towards me.
“I'm bored, wanna play Mortal Combat with me?” I shook my head at his suggestion.
“You know that game is too graphic for my liking, and I still have to finish this.” I answered, gesturing to my paperwork. Harvey rubbed his arm and flopped down on the mattresses of my bed.
“What about Tekken 6?”
Releasing a breath, I smiled and put my sign pen away. I guess playing for a minute wouldn't hurt and bonding time with Harvey is mostly what I need now. The paperwork can wait. “Sure Harvey.” I turned around in my seat to see him standing afar, frowning deeply at the box he's holding.
“What do you have there?” I stood up and made my way to him in curiosity. Harvey looked up and shrugged, shaking the small box in his hands.
“I don't know, it's just there laying in the side. Who gave this to you?” I took the box when he handed it to me, I frowned in return, not recognizing it.
“Honestly, I don't even remember receiving this.”
The box wasn't light as a feather but it sure isn't heavy. What could it possibly contain? Shaking it for a second, I took off the lid and looked down at the contents. What on earth—
I gasped loudly at the item, losing my grip, the box falling to the floor. I stared at it in shock as the dead rat's body inside peeked out of the box.