Chapter 31 Chapter 31
Tessa
We both walked out and Leah grabbed the first taxi that was packed in front of us. She waved and drove off my eyes lingered on her car until she was out of view.
I scoffed and grabbed the next taxi giving the driver the home address since Mom was still at the hospital, I could just catch a quick sleep at home.
The driver started driving, I rested my head in the mirror side my mind wandering around but the sudden sound of my phone startled me and I flung up surprising the driver but he kept quiet.
I held my chest bringing out my phone with the aim to curse the person but it turned out to be my mum calling. I hissed inwardly before sliding the green button.
"Hey sweetie, change of plans," she said immediately I picked up and I frowned my brows at what she meant by that. "I have to go to work," she revealed taking me by surprise.
"Why? Didn't you submit a leave form?" I asked angrily.
"Yes, I did, but my boss needs me, I'm also not expecting this, I don't know why he specializes in me among others. To top it all today is a weekend" Mom replied frustrations evident in her voice.
"Needed you? Please don't start with this. I need to rest, didn't I ?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
"My boss specifically asked for me, I can't say no," she explained.
"But why?" I inquired still can't patch up why her boss will need her at work on Saturday after she had submitted a leave form.
"Maybe if I get there I will understand but for now, I have no clue. Come and stay with your stepdad," she went silent for a while "You can as well tell the taxi that dropped you off to wait for me so he can drop me off. Bye," she spoke and hung up.
How many times did I have to remind her to stop calling Mr. Carter my stepdad?
I sighed, frustrated. I told the driver to change location and give him the hospital address.
He nodded and made a U-turn.
I looked out the window, feeling frustrated, my mind couldn't even stay in one place.
Soon we arrived at the hospital, and I stepped out, still annoyed.
"Wait here," I told the driver giving Mum a call.
"Come downstairs," I said simply and hung up.
Minutes later Mom rushed out, looking apologetic.
"Sorry again, sweetie," she hugs me warmly.
"It's okay," I replied, forcing a calm tone.
She entered the cab and closed the door.
"Pay the driver I haven't" I matched away not waiting for her reply.
I entered the hospital room, walked toward the empty bed, and fell on it tiredly.
I was hoping to rest but my stomach growled loudly, protesting the delay in eating. I sighed, frustration etched on my face.
I walked out of the room not without glaring at Mr. Carter.
My feet moved me to the cafeteria, with a grumbling noise in my stomach every step I took.
Inside the cafeteria, I joined the line and ordered chicken fried rice and a glass of pineapple juice.
I found an empty table by the window and gazed out, waiting for my food to be served.
Just then, the cafeteria door swung open, my eyes moving there a bit but I was forced to look for a long time when I saw the person walking in.
It was Leah, hand in hand with Mr. Grumpy. My eyes widened, and my body began trembling.
I quickly hid behind my menu, my heart racing. Why was Leah with him again? I didn't want her to see me, especially not with Mr. Grumpy.
I peeked over the menu, watching as she scanned the room. Her eyes swept past me, and I ducked back down, holding my breath.
Her gaze lingered in my direction, and I slumped lower, hiding behind the menu.
Please don't see me, I prayed.
Mr. Grumpy's piercing gaze also swept the room, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Leah's voice echoed through the cafeteria, laughing and chatting with Mr. Grumpy.
I remained hidden, holding still.
Don't look over here please, I silently pleaded.
Leah's chair scraped against the floor, and I tensed, anticipating her approach.
She finally settled into the chair beside me, ordering the same chicken fried rice and pineapple juice. My heart beating repeatedly.
I hid my face, attempting to conceal myself.
My order arrived, and the server settled it on the table but I couldn't raise my head.
"Are you okay, miss?" The server was forced to ask.
I nodded curtly, dismissing her with a wave of my hand.
Leah got her order and began eating, oblivious to my unease.
I knew if she saw me here, Mr. Grumpy would inform her that I was here with a patient, Leah would want to know and boom she would find out Mr. Carter was my stepdad.
No no no. That can't happen.
I shook my head off the thought and started rushing my meal, the food was choking but I was left with no option.
Finally I was done, I grabbed my belongings and stood up.
"Excuse me," Leah said, smiling at one of the attendants.
Why would she do that when I had just stood up?
"Tessa" she called when our gaze met.
Oh shit!
I muttered a hasty "Bye" and hastened away.
Leah's voice echoed from behind. "Tessa, wait!" She called but my leg was moving faster.
I prayed inwardly that she wouldn't ask Mr. Grumpy any questions about why I was there.
I thought I'd escaped her when I finally got outside the cafeteria until I heard my name.
"Tessa!" Leah's voice screamed.
I froze, my feet rooted to the spot not knowing what to do.
She approached me, concern etched on her face.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
My mind went blank. I wanted to lie, but words wouldn't form. "Uh...I..." I stammered.
"Hmm? What's going on?"Her eyes narrowed.
"I...I have malaria," I managed to say, my fingers fighting against each other.
"Malaria? You looked fine in school earlier. What happened?" She raised an eyebrow trying to touch my forehead but I moved back, and her hand slipped down.
"I...I hid it," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
Her expression softened and she nodded. "Oh, poor you. Get well soon, okay?" She hugged me briefly and left.
Relief washed over me, but anxiety lingered. Leah might still ask Mr. Grumpy about me. Their closeness made me uneasy.
Lost in thought, I walked back to the ward. Walking to sit down on the stool.
But a familiar voice snapped me back to reality.
"Tessa!" I heard.