Chapter 11
Margaret's arms were getting all weak and wobbly.
But she wondered if it was Raymond calling. That answer meant everything to her.
She struggled, barely managing to grab the phone from the sink, took a quick look, gave a bitter smile, answered, and hit the speaker button with shaky hands.
Nancy's voice came through, all frantic, "Margaret, did you get the money? Your dad just got another critical notice from the hospital! They want us to transfer him; they can't wait anymore.
"Margaret, I'm lost here. If you're in trouble, you gotta tell me. I'm begging you.
"I can't live without your dad. I love him. I can't live without him."
Nancy's voice was desperate, almost breaking down, pleading.
Margaret's body was all swollen from the warm soak, the water felt like tiny ants crawling through her veins, eating her up.
Nancy said, "Please, just a bit longer. My daughter’s got the money; it'll be in her account soon. We’re not short on cash!
"Can you give us another half hour? I'm begging you, I'm on my knees."
You could hear Nancy kneeling through the phone.
Nancy was always so dignified. She never kneeled for anyone.
All because of Margaret.
Regret, helplessness, anxiety made Margaret bite her lip and cry. "Mom, tell them the money's coming soon."
Nancy cried. "Okay, Margaret, I'll tell them."
Margaret, feeling weak, said, "Mom, after Dad's surgery, tell him I'm sorry to him and the Hughes Family."
Margaret's face was getting paler. "The one I owe the most is you, Mom. I was dumb, didn't see Raymond for who he was. I didn't listen to you and Dad about who to marry. I shouldn't have fought with Dad, gone on a hunger strike, and run away to make you guys give in."
"Margaret, I don't blame you." Nancy sobbed on the other end. "You said this would pass soon, we just need to hold on a bit longer."
It was almost over, but she couldn't hold on anymore. She was fading.
Margaret asked, "If there's a next life, would you still want me as your daughter?"
Nancy said, "Yes, of course, I would."
A comforting smile appeared on Margaret's face. She thought, 'That's good. Next life, I'll be Mom's daughter again. I'll listen to her and never pick the wrong guy again.'
Margaret's voice was getting weaker. "Mom, keep an eye on your account. If all goes well, the money will be there soon."
"Margaret, are you okay?" Nancy seemed to sense something, her voice full of worry.
Margaret replied, "I'm just a bit tired. I want to rest early."
Margaret hung up. Her eyes suddenly closed.
The phone slipped from her hand, hitting the bathroom floor with a thud.
Her mind grew heavier, more chaotic. Her consciousness scattered until it was pitch black.
Then suddenly, it lit up again, like a slideshow in her head.
She saw the first time she met Raymond, when Marlon brought him home.
He was in a worn-out denim shirt, standing all shy on the steps, looking at Margaret who was leaning against the railing in a pink dress.
It was snowing hard that day, snow piling on Raymond's shoulders, like it was gonna crush his small figure.
Margaret had the servant bring him a suit to change into, his cold eyes on her: "Ms. Hughes, I will repay you."
There wasn't a hint of gratitude in his voice.
A flash of white light streaked by, Raymond kicked open the bathroom door.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
