Chapter Forty Nine - The only family that I have.

(Hello, I apologise profoudly for the lack of updates these last few weeks. I had to finish my book for Amazon that is due out in a couple of weeks, and I was having slight writers block with this book, also)

Asher

I was in the middle of class when my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen, but I didn’t recognise the number, so I just put it away, but then it rang for a second time, and then a third.

I asked to go to the bathroom because I wanted to check it. It must be important if they keep calling. I rushed out of the classroom, and the moment I did, I checked my phone, and I had a voicemail. I quickly listened, and it turned out to be a nurse.

“Asher, can you please call us back. You, Grandma, has had a bad fall and is currently in our care, and you are her emergency contact,”

The voice spoke. Panic took over me, and I called them back, asking for the nurse who had left the message. It took a minute to get her, and I was freaking out the entire time. I was worried sick. Bad fall? What sort of bad fall? God, I hoped that she was OK. I was trying not to cry. My grandma was the only family I had left, and if I lost her, it would kill me.

“Hello, is that you, Asher?” the nurse voice rang through the phone.

“Yes. What happened? Is she OK? Is she hurt?”

“She had a bad fall in the back yard, and one of the neighbours called for help. She is doing OK as she can be, but she has a large gash on her head, and she has broken her leg. We are going to keep her in for a couple of days because of the head injury, but she is asking for you,”

I was relieved because I knew she was OK, even with her injuries.

“I will be there within the next twenty minutes,”

“OK. I will let her know,” the nurse said.

The call ended there. I didn’t even bother to go back to class. Instead, I walked straight out of school and headed to my car. I don’t care if I get into trouble. My grandma is more important. I send Farrah a quick text because she will worry if I don’t show up at lunchtime.

Hey, I won’t be at lunch. Hospital called. My grandma has a bad fall and is getting kept in for a couple of days. I am heading to the hospital. Give me a call when you can, my love X

I know she wouldn’t see the text until she was done with class. I started the car and drove to the hospital as quickly as I could, but trying not to go over the speed limit. The last thing I need is to get pulled over or crash. It was only a fifteen-minute drive from the school.

Thankfully when I arrived, I managed to find a parking space quickly and ran inside. I told the front desk my name and my grandma’s name, and she directed me to the station she was in and which room.

“Thank you,”

I darted my way through the people until I reached her room. She was in the bed with her leg in a large cast, stitches in her head, her face bruised. It broke my heart seeing her like this.

“Oh grandma,” I sighed and went to stand by her bed.

“There is my boy,”

She smiled, but I could tell she was feeling weak just by looking at her. I am sure they have her on painkillers.
“What happened?” I asked and rested my hand over hers.

“I was going out back and tripped on the stairs, luckily a neighbour found me, but don’t look as worried, son, I am OK,”

She attempted to squeeze my hand with the bit of energy she had.

“You need to start slowing down,”

I placed a soft kiss on her forehead. I brought one of the chairs to the side of her bed and sat down.

“Shouldn’t you be in school?” she asked softly.

“You are more important right now. Were you informed you are staying on for a couple of days because you hurt your head?” I questioned.

“Yes. I think I will need to hire someone to come in help with things for the next couple of months,”

She sounded sad when she said. My grandma was not one for asking for help. She was too proud for that.

“No, you don’t, I will be there, and I will ask a neighbour to check in while I am at school. I will prep your meals, keep the house clean, and make sure you have everything you and that you are comfortable,”

I have a lot of respect for the people who care for others, but I don’t want some stranger coming into her house when I am not there. I will manage, and the neighbours are good.

“That is too much for you, Asher. You shouldn’t have to do all of those things,”
“Don’t you worry about it,” I smiled.

I know it would take some convincing for her to agree, but I will get there. I changed the subject to take her mind off everything. She informed me of what had been done and said since she got here. They seemed to be looking after her well. I know she is in good hands while she is here, and that is important. I will be here as long as they will allow me.

***
I got woken to the sound of my phone ringing. I must have dozed off on the chair after my grandma fell asleep. Farrah’s name was flashing on my screen. She must have only got my text.

“Hey, beautiful,” I answered.

“Please tell me that she is OK?” she whimpered.

“Yes, she is. Stitches and cast, but the nurse said she would be OK,”

“Thank God, are you at the hospital still?” she asked.

“Yes, and I will be here until they throw me out,” I laughed.

“OK, I will be there soon. Do you want me to stop by the house and pick some things up for grandma?”

“That would be great, my love. You know where the key is, and I will text you what she needs,”

“OK. I will see you soon, baby boy. I love you,”

“See you soon. I love you too,”

We hung up, and I sent her a quick text with what was needed.
“I love the way she always makes you smile,”

I looked up. My grandma was watching me, with a smile on her lips.

“Me too. Farrah is going to pick some things up and bring them here,”

“She is such a good girl. I hope you two get married one day,” she laughed.

“Slow down,” I chuckled and shook my head.

It isn’t the first time she has suggested it. I think she sometimes forgets things aren’t the same as they were when she was our age. My grandma was married at sixteen, like many couples back in the day, but that isn’t something that happens, well, not as often these days.

“I am only saying, my boy. You have a good woman, don’t let her go,”

I nodded. I know what I had with Farrah, but marriage is not something we have even mentioned. I would like us to get through high school first and survive that before anything else.