Chapter 204 Oscar's Surgery was Postponed
Just when they were totally in the zone, a phone call busted in.
Lillian nudged him away. "You better get that."
With a sigh, Alexander answered. "Hey, Dr. Evans."
Hearing it was Oscar's doc, Lillian leaned in, all ears.
"Mr. Sinclair, I'm really sorry. My sister got into a car wreck today, and I can't make it. We gotta push the surgery back," Steven said.
Lillian's eyes went wide. She mouthed, "Now what?"
Alexander ran a hand through her hair, trying to keep her chill. "Is your sister alright? Family's gotta come first."
"Mostly just some bumps and bruises, but she's pretty shaken," Steven replied. "We'll need to reschedule."
"No worries. Does Oscar need to stay in the hospital?" Alexander asked.
"If he's stable, he can head home. Just keep him away from stress and heavy stuff," Steven said.
"Got it, Dr. Evans. Take care of your family. We'll figure out a new date," Alexander said, hanging up.
Lillian looked bummed. "So, no surgery tomorrow?"
"You heard him. Dr. Evans' sister had an accident," Alexander said, feeling just as frustrated. This was a big deal for both Lillian and Oscar, and the sudden change sucked.
"Seriously? Why now?" Lillian sighed. "We've been waiting forever for this."
"Don't stress. No one wanted this," Alexander said, pulling her into a hug and stroking her hair.
"Oscar's gonna be bummed, but Dr. Evans will come back. Let's get Oscar out of the hospital in the next couple of days. He can chill at home and go back to school when he's better. Sounds good?"
"Yeah, if he stays with us, he'll be happy. I'll talk to him tonight and sort out the discharge. Melvin and Kelly will take good care of him."
Lillian hugged his neck. "Thanks, babe."
Alexander smiled. "No need to thank me."
At dinner, the whole fam was there. It was rare to have everyone together outside of Christmas.
Lillian felt a bit shy about picking dishes, so Alexander took care of it, putting her faves in front of her and moving the ones she didn't like.
"Alexander really loves his wife and knows how to take care of her," Beatrice said. "Unlike Blake, who could use some pointers."
She turned to Blake. "You should take notes from Alexander and take care of Rena."
Feeling called out, Blake reluctantly put some roast chicken in front of Rena, who snapped, "I'm allergic to chicken, remember?"
Justin slammed his plate down, took a swig of tea, and stormed off.
"Mom, did I say something wrong? Did I upset Dad?" Beatrice asked Linda, feeling hurt.
Linda stayed quiet. Ethan jumped in, "Nah, Beatrice. Don't sweat it."
Samantha kept a poker face but was secretly loving it. Seeing Beatrice all riled up totally made her day.
'If I can't handle you, someone else will,' Samantha thought.
Leah chimed in, "But I think Grandpa's really ticked off. Beatrice, don't you know? Grandpa hates talking during meals, but you always do."
"Really?" Beatrice faked being scared but thought, 'He's so picky!'
Ethan snapped at Leah, "Why are you butting in with the grown-ups?"
Leah just pouted.
Lillian thought, 'So much drama over dinner, it's exhausting.'
Since Luke was back at Sinclair Villa, he was bunking with them again. He was stoked and said, "I wanna stay here longer."
Lillian found Luke's innocence adorable. "Do your homework," she told him.
Alexander changed clothes and was about to head to the hospital. "Don't worry about Oscar. He's calmer than you," he said before leaving.
"He's just putting on a brave face. Maybe he's acting tough in front of you but crying when you're not looking," Lillian shot back.
"Are you underestimating Oscar?" Alexander asked. "What do you want to eat? I'll bring it back. Dessert?"
"I want some, Uncle Alexander," Luke said, looking up from his homework.
"Then get some for Luke. I don't really want anything," Lillian said lazily from the bed. "Isn't it time for a prenatal checkup next week?"
"I remember," Alexander said. "You two stay home and behave. I'll be back soon."
As the car drove away, Beatrice stood by the window. "Alexander's heading out again tonight? He works so hard," she said, sounding indifferent.
Ethan, glued to his phone, said, "Maybe he's got a social thing."
Beatrice snatched his phone and asked playfully, "Ethan, Rena's baby is due soon. When are you gonna give me the shares?"
"What's the rush? Once the baby's here, the shares are yours," Ethan said, pinching her cheek. "If Dad gives you a hard time, just bear with it. I'm on your side. Isn't that enough? The shares are my call. Just stick with me, and in a few years, when my folks pass away, I'll add you to the family registry."
Beatrice, feeling flattered, said, "Ethan, no matter how Dad treats me, I can handle it. I've been with you for so many years because I love you. At this age, I just want to enjoy my later years In the end, you're my rock."
Ethan hugged her shoulders, feeling comforted. "Just wait a bit longer. With my parents around, it's not a good time to bring up a divorce with Samantha."