Chapter 26

**Bella-Rose POV**

I don't know how long I slept cramped up in one of the chairs in the waiting room when a nurse woke me gently. I jolted from the chair remembering the happenings of last night.

"Agatha. I mean aunt Agatha, is she ok?", I asked the nurse worriedly. Not even bothering about morning breath. Self-consciousness went out of the window to buy some manners. I hope she finds it soon.

"The surgery was a success. We just brought her out of the theatre. However, she needs a lot of care and attention. She may have headaches or nausea for 2 weeks. It will take 12-13 weeks for her to recover fully. For now, she is asleep. It may take a day or two for her to overcome some confusion. Fortunately, there was no leakage as expected. She will recover fully with no lasting damages", the nurse conveyed.

"Oh, thank god! I was worried sick. If something happened to her...I couldn't even voice out that thought. Thank you nurse for conveying this happy news", I said wholeheartedly.

"It was you who should be thanked. She is very lucky to have you as a niece. If not for you, she wouldn't have made it", the nurse praised raising my cheeks colour.

"When can I see her?", I asked instead of gobbling the praises. They make me uncomfortable.

She checked her watch and said, "it's 9 am now, it would be better if you come back around say 3 pm? You too will have some rest until then".

"Oh...ok. I will come back at that time then", I said dusting any imaginary bunnies that may have resided while I slept.

"Before you leave, here is the bill of your aunt so far. As this is major surgery, it's mandatory to pay some of the bills beforehand. After this, you can pay the bill every other day. It's the hospital policy. Does your aunt have any insurance?", the nurse asked, giving me the bill.

Does she? "I don't know. You see, I was meeting her after 2 years. I was supposed to come sooner, but something happened and I arrived later than usual. That's when I found her", sprouted another lie. With the speed I'm accumulating these lies, I could go for an Oscar pretty soon. Mom, here I come! You are not the only one in this race anymore.

"Well, this is unfortunate. Why don't you do this? Pay the bill for now and take all the necessary papers for the insurance. When your aunt is in her right mind, you can ask her. If there is insurance, then you may come to me for any extra papers needed", the nurse said smartly.

She must have seen such cases regularly. That's why she had an answer ready. It's all great and well but the thing here is, I don't have the amount the bill is showing. Which 23-year-old middle-class girl working under her miser nana would have a five-digit amount ready in her bank? I couldn't blurt out I don't have this kind of money; can you give it a few days or some years?

I gave her a tight smile instead and asked her, " sure. Is it okay if I do it by tomorrow?"

"Fine. I will hold the fort until then. But no more than that, ok?", the nurse asked anxiously.

"Absolutely", I gave her my megawatt smile.

Once the nurse left, I started walking to the car. Even though I slept fitfully on that chair, I'm still tired. It would feel good to lie down once I reached home. Wait! I checked my watch to confirm the time the nurse said. It's 9:15 am, and I'm not at nana's, managing the counter.

I quickly unlocked my phone and there are 50 missed calls and 20 messages from nana, dad, mom, and Scott. The oldest call was one hour back. If an hour of the signal can do this, I shiver to think about an entire night.

I called mom first to cover both of my parents. My mom lifted the phone on her first ring.

"Mom!", I said as a way of greeting my mom in an overly cheery manner.

"Bella-Rose James. Tell me why I shouldn't disown you now?"

"Psst. Mom. Stop being dramatic"

"We are five minutes away from calling the police, you know that? I thought my daughter was left with at least some of her brain cells. But no, you have to prove me wrong and gallivant all around the city in the middle of a stormy night where all of Atlanta is staying in", mom's voice raised as she uttered each word. By the end she is shouting.

"Jeez, mom. Some of my brain cells? You are the one who used to say I was just like you in intelligence. Does that mean-"

"Bella-Rose James, stop changing the topic. What happened last night? Where were you?"

"I'm alright. I was in no way in any danger. I was safe the whole night. For now, let it slide, I'm bone tired. I will talk about it later, ok?"

"We are going to have a long talk, young lady. A very long one"

I gulped imagining the inquisition already.

"Ok. Please inform Scott and dad about me that I'm still alive and talking, will you?"

"Not funny Bella", mom said, sounding like she is on the verge of crying.

"Mooommm", I dragged the word.

"I'm just happy that you are safe. But promise me one thing, never do this again, Bella. Promise?"

"Ya...ya. I promise. Now stop crying, you look old when you do that", I said tongue in cheek.

"What?", My mom screeched as I cut off the call.

I then called my nana. I would have dumped this too on my mom if I could. Unfortunately, I don't want to be the reason world-war-3 started.

"Bella-Rose James, where are you?", asked Nana calmly as if she is sipping tea.

Twice the full name effect. Not good. It means I'm back on their shit list. How come Scott escapes and I was the one who always ends up there?

"Nana. I won't be able to make it today. Something happened. I will tell you tomorrow. But for now, can I get a free pass?"

"Hmm...interesting. You owe me an explanation young lady", nana said mysteriously.

Crisis averted, for now, I drove my car back home. My thoughts are troubled with the bill and how I'm going to pay it. I wish there was a tree that grows green bills instead.

I have to ask nana...but if I do that then I would be literally selling myself into slavery. My dream will remain a dream forever. But what other option do I have? Loan...is not a bad idea. Luckily, I never had to face that like normal students because of my parents. However, doesn't it normally take some time to get approved?

Uhh...before my brain could explode, I entered my home. Was it only last night I rushed out? It felt so long ago. Right! James! I completely forgot about him. He must be worried sick.

I quickly typed the mail-

[mail from Bella to James]

To: james.aonal@gmail.com
From: iamfifibel@gmail.com
Subject: Agatha

Dear Mr. Aonal,

For a man who is good at issuing orders you sure are blind. Check the id before you send a mail. It's a basic rule. I pity the company who hired you. From the tone of your mail, I would guess you are one of those people who dumps all their work on their juniors. I would sue you for harassment if I really was Melanie.

Poor Melanie, what must she be facing daily working under you! You are an arrogant, rude, obnoxious man (I'm guessing you are a man. There is nothing wrong if you are a girl with the name 'James') and have a severe case of "I'm-the-king-of-this-world". You are lucky I don't know your boss's details. Count your blessings. In the meanwhile, try to learn some manners. It's hard I know, but with enough hard work (you might have heard this word) you will be able to find them.

As for Agatha, I took her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and had undergone surgery. She is stable now. Resting. The nurse said it will take several weeks for her to recover fully. Thankfully, no lasting damage. There is some good news, right? She is currently being treated at the Atlanta-Care hospital. I will update you whenever I can. But it would be better if you can come home soon to see her.

P.s- if possible, say sorry to Melanie for behaving rudely.

P.p.s- I know you were scared for Agatha. Don't be. I promise I will take care of her until you return.

P.p.p.s- if you are looking for an ophthalmologist for your eyes, I know a good one who gives a great discount. Just...letting you know.

Bella.

[end of the mail]

There! Sent. Now he will know how superior he sounded. Was it too much? I contemplated for a second. Nah.

Once the mail was sent, I quickly did my morning routine, had some breakfast that I made, and laid down to sleep for a while.

I woke up groggily checking my clock as I yawned. Oh shit! It's 3 pm. Agatha must be awake and confused. I showered in record time and changed into a summer dress for a change. Once I tied my hair in my normal ponytail, I grabbed my usual things and hopped into my car.

I parked at a nearby flower shop and bought some pink chrysanthemums neatly decorated in a vase with a get well soon card.

I checked in with the nurse first whether I could take the flowers in the ward or not.

"Hi, I'm here for one of the patients, my aunt Agatha. How is she? Is she awake?", I asked the nurse on the guard duty.

"Yes. Miss Agatha woke up 30 minutes ago", the nurse replied.

"Great! I bought these flowers to cheer her up. Can I take it to her? Are they allowed?"

"Yes. She has been shifted to a separate room. It's not an issue"

"Thank you. About the payment-", I mulled not knowing how to ask for a few more days.

"No need mam. The payment is made in full. In fact, a top neurologist has been brought here just for her", she said with reverence.

Huh...who? James. The name clicked in mind. He must have received my mail then. I mentally grimaced imagining his face when he read my mail. Oops!

Well, that leaves a big burden off my shoulders. No more thoughts of lifetime slavery. Phew!

I thanked the nurse and went in search of Agatha's room. I knocked on the door and entered the room tentatively.

"Hi", I said shyly. Though I had no qualms about throwing my dragon fire (morning breath) at the nurse in the morning, I suddenly felt shy talking to Agatha.

She looked confused. Before she could ponder on it and panic, I rushed out, "how are you Agatha? I was the one who found you in your home., God, I'm such a klutz. My name is Bella-Rose James. Nice to meet you", I said as I placed the vase where she could see it.

"H... hi", she gave a tentative smile.

"No need to exert yourself. Let me do all the talking. I'm sorry you have to go through that alone. You must have been scared. I admire you, Agatha. You never gave up. I wish I'm as brave as you are", I said holding her hand as tears cloud up in my eyes.

"Sorry. It's just...I was petrified, Agatha. I never had someone's life depend on me. It's terrifying. This is what being a mom must feel like. I'm sorry. I'm making you emotional as well", I realised as I saw tears in her eyes.

"No more sad thoughts. You beat the pain and came out the winner. That's the important thing. You won, Agatha. The doctors say it will take several weeks but you will recover fully. Isn't that great?"

A nurse then came into the room and said, "The patient needs her rest Miss. You may visit again tomorrow during visiting hours", she said sternly.

I turned to Agatha and said, "take care. Don't run away while I'm away ok? I will come back tomorrow, I promise", I said as I kissed her cheek and left the room.