A False Benefactor
Rachel
My impatience grew, and I began to feel some twinges in my lower abdomen, which seemed quite strange. I suspected it was due to anxiety. Lindsay had left some time ago to handle details related to the payment of my hospitalization and hadn't returned yet. It worried me, especially after almost an hour of waiting.
I understood she must be talking with Joseph and his son — I didn't even want to think about Enrico's name — but the elapsed time was excessive, and all I could think was that something was wrong regarding the payment. Perhaps the amount was much higher than what I had available, and maybe Lindsay was struggling to resolve the situation.
As my concern for my friend increased, so did my discomfort, along with the rapid beats of my heart, suggesting a possible rise in my blood pressure, as the nurse had warned earlier that morning. I was nervous, and I couldn't find another explanation. Even though I knew this wasn't good for me, something left me deeply distressed, and I didn't understand what was happening to me. I thought it might be the result of hormones, as my hand unconsciously rested on my still-flat belly.
I thought about calling Lindsay, but my phone was out of reach from the bed, and I had no intention of getting up without assistance. I didn't want to risk feeling dizzy and falling, endangering my baby's life. It was painful enough knowing one of my children was no longer in my womb, and I didn't want to dwell on it. I wouldn't take the risk.
With no other option, I waited for Lindsay, who appeared almost half an hour later, looking as nervous as I felt.
"You took your time," I remarked.
Despite the words, I tried to maintain a non-arrogant tone, avoiding any discomfort between us. After all, there weren't many people by my side at that moment, and Lindsay had shown several times that she genuinely cared for me. I wouldn't make the same mistake I had with my sister. Not this time.
"Sorry, Rachel," Lindsay apologized, displaying a sheepish smile.
Lindsay hurried to grab the small bag she had brought with some of my things. After checking everything was in order, she closed the backpack and looked at me with a strange smile, avoiding explanations for her long absence from the room.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, clearly avoiding any probing from my side.
"I'm fine," I replied straightforwardly. "Just waiting for you to get me out of this hospital."
She then mentioned that Thompson had called her and explained that he had a setback, preventing him from taking us home.
"So, are we taking a taxi then?" I asked.
"Ryan is waiting for us," Lindsay explained. "Shall we?"
As if on cue, a hospital staff member knocked on the room door and wheeled in a wheelchair. I was carefully guided to the ramp where patients were boarded, and soon after, I was settled into Ryan's car, on our way to Joseph's house.
I had several questions about what had happened with Thompson, why Ryan was already at the hospital, and the reason for Lindsay's delay. However, she seemed rushed, and as we got into the car, I didn't feel it was the right moment to bombard her with questions.
Something else caught my attention: the series of calls Lindsay seemed to be ignoring on her phone. It was unusual to see her reject calls, especially several in a row like that. Someone seemed to be trying to reach her.
I felt, more than heard, another phone vibrate. After a few seconds, I realized it was my device. I took it out of the bag in my lap and saw that Thompson was calling me at that moment.
"Who is it?" Lindsay asked before I could even answer.
"Hello," I answered when I picked up, not identifying who was on the other end of the line beforehand, but clarifying immediately after, "Hi, Thompson."
"Where are you guys?" He asked anxiously. "The nurse told me you've left."
"Yes, that's correct," I confirmed the nurse's information. "We left with my... brother."
It was very strange to say that out loud, but I felt a sense of relief in doing so, which was both surprising and gratifying.
"I thought I was supposed to drive you home," Thompson said, his tone sounding somewhat aggrieved.
Upon hearing that, I glanced sideways at Lindsay, as I had assumed Thompson had canceled our arrangement. However, he didn't know we were no longer going home with him.
Lindsay ignored my glance and continued to stare straight ahead. She was in the front seat next to Ryan, who was driving, while I was in the back seat.
"I understand that you were very busy and couldn't take us home," I explained.
"I needed to attend a last-minute meeting, but I came back to the hospital as quickly as I could, dear," Thompson explained. "But everything is alright. Can I come visit you at your home?"
That question was delicate, as I wasn't going to my own home, but to Joseph's house instead. I was sure Enrico would be at his father's house and wouldn't appreciate unknown visitors. However, I couldn't simply refuse Thompson's kindness, especially when he had been trying to help me since we met at the café.
"Of course, I'd love for you to visit us," I ended up saying.
The intrigued look Lindsay gave me was uncomfortable. After saying goodbye to him and ending the call with Thompson, I faced Lindsay directly.
"Any problem?" I asked.
"No... nothing," she replied, though it was clear Lindsay didn't like that I had accepted Thompson's visit.
This surprised me, as just a few hours ago, she was talking to him on the phone calmly as if they were old friends. What could have happened in such a short time for my friend to change her behavior so much towards the man who was trying to help me?
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