Chapter 21: Every Choice's a Bet

Nelly scanned the area but the person she’s expecting wasn’t anywhere to be seen. With the short interaction and limited understanding of the person she’s looking for, she tried guessing where she’d find her. She had two destinations in mind. She first headed to the nearer destination, the kitchen.

As she neared the kitchen, she heard a familiar voice. “You know that she doesn’t belong here.” It was Neil. She froze in place. There were only two people that could be referred to as a ‘she’ at that moment. She had a strong feeling her brother was talking about her. Her heartbeat sped up. Stacy’s words echoed in her mind. ‘Do not trust anyone.’

She always thought that Neil was her driftwood, her only support. He’s her brother so he wouldn’t hurt her, would he? She felt her chest tightened. ‘Do not cry. Do not cry. Listen to him,’ she told herself.

“I do. What do you plan to do? She’s already one foot in this mess of a gang fight,” another voice said. If she remembered correctly, that must be the leader, Chad. “It’s still possible to send her away. If we do it clean, and if everything goes well, she would be able to start her new life somewhere else, somewhere safe,” Neil said.

“You think so? From what I see, I doubt she can survive alone in the city, even if it’s safer,” Chad voiced his doubt.

So, that’s how everyone here viewed her. She wouldn’t deny that she certainly couldn’t survive alone. Even though she’s not from a complete family with immense wealth like some of her former classmates, she had a mother who protected her well. At least back then, she wouldn’t need to worry about not having a roof over her head or if someone wanted her life. Now that she looked back at her life and how she turned out to be, compared to those around her right now, she felt useless.

“Is there a chance we can find someone who’s willing to take her in? Like a hospital or something as such. Her medical skill is exceptional. I believe..” Neil started brainstorming for ideas. “It’s hard to get a job in places like that. You need to go to expensive universities for years,” Chad refuted.

The more she listened to their conversation, the more she felt her heart break. It was her dream as a poor student, to secure a scholarship and attend university. Hearing Chad’s words gave her another reality check. What she lost weren’t just her mother and her life in the city. Her dream would never come true.

She didn’t realize that she was crying until she felt a teardrop on her hand. She tried looking for the determination she had when she left the room. ‘I have to be strong. I shouldn’t break down at times like this,’ she told herself.

She heard Neil sigh loudly. “I wanted to keep her hidden until she’s eighteen. Then, she could go back to the city, to the life she’s used to. But now..”

“I think I should still keep her there. I’ll move out to stay with her. At least if there’s an attack, I’d be there to protect her,” Neil said. Nelly’s heart skipped a bit. Even though they’re not anywhere near close, her brother did his best to keep her safe.

“Have you thought it through? If you’ve already made up your mind, I’ll give my full support. Take some men you could trust with you.”

Nelly turned and left. She didn’t know what to do with the new information she just acquired. She’d have to hide for two years. Neil would move in with her. There’d be other men living with them.

While she was walking mindlessly, she saw James, one of her earlier patients in the common area. Her brows furrowed in disbelief. He was playing cards with a group of men, talking loudly and laughing. In his hand was a bottle of beer.

She couldn’t help herself. It was as if her legs grew thoughts of their own. She marched towards the group. “You shouldn’t drink that,” she pointed at the bottle in his hand. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing upon her interruption. All eyes were on her. She immediately regretted her action. She felt heat rising to her face, accumulating at her ears. Her heart thumped loudly.

“Just a little. I’ll just take a sip, doc!” James replied jokingly. It’s obvious he didn’t take her seriously. Everyone in the group burst out laughing. “Yes, you shouldn’t drink that,” another man mimicked her, his voice rising an octave. That made the whole group laugh once more.

The shame she felt at that time was immeasurable. She really wanted to dig a hole in the ground and bury herself in it. “Stop teasing our little doctor here. She saved your life, you know,” another man teased. “Say, doc, what’d happen to him if he drank that?” Someone else chimed in. Once cued, she started explaining seriously. “Drinking can delay healing. Alcohol in your system will cause blood thinning. It will..”

“He can drink some blood to fix that!” Another man exclaimed. Everyone started laughing again, disregarding her and her unfinished explanation.

Nelly turned to leave. “Don’t be angry, doc,” they continued teasing. “Hey, our doctor is angry. Please don’t tell Neil to beat us up. We’re scared!”

She felt her tears accumulating again. Quickly, she increased her pace and headed for the warehouse. She knew she would find Stacy there.

And she was right. Stacy’s right there behind the table. Nelly moved to sit opposite her. “Bored already?” Stacy’s still as casual as usual.

“You’re right,” Nelly said. There was a slight pause. “He’s decided to move back out with me,” she added. “Hmm,” Stacy gave a perfunctory reply. “I overheard their conversation. He’s going to hide me there for two years and send me back to the city,” Nelly continued. She didn’t know why but she’s developed the habit of consulting Stacy.

“And what’s your thought?” Stacy asked. Nelly stopped short. What’s she thinking? She didn’t know what to think. That was exactly why she came to her. “I..” she stuttered. Stacy did her work quietly, not giving her any response.

Some time passed. “What do you think?” She asked Stacy. Stacy lifted her eyes just enough to take a look at her before focusing back on her work. “I don’t have any thoughts. That’s your situation, not mine. You should have your own opinion. Otherwise, I’m worried for you.”

“If I were to live with Neil and a few other men in a hidden place, it should be safe. At least it’s safer than here. Right?” Nelly suggested.

“Nothing’s certain, Nelly. Think it through. Every choice’s like a bet. If you win, you win. If you lose, then that’s too bad!”