Girlfriend

Linda stood by the door of Albert’s ward, patiently waiting for Dixon to come. She squeezed her hands together, Bruce wasn’t here either, she couldn’t wait for them to come, a birthday was tomorrow, but they have to do the dinner now instead of tomorrow, because he might not survive the night. It's all her fault.
She couldn't watch her husband, Albert is gonna die because of her. She won't sit and do nothing.
Peru must pay for ruining her family, he dare not show up in her face ever again.
She wrapped her hands over her body, the night was cold. She remember the one time they had went out as a family on a night as this.
That was years ago.

She chuckle at the thought, how is she gonna life without Albert, who is she gonna laugh and argue with.
It was getting late, and they weren't here, she told them not to be late. Just the little time they had, she wants them to spend it well.
Look!

Non of her crazy sons were there.
She palmed her forehead, Albert was no at least a good father but he was still their father.
She sighed, moving away from the door and taking a small walk around the front door.
“Mom, I’m here.”
She hadn’t seen him coming.
“Bruce, where is your brother.”
“He’s coming probably.”
“Let’s go in.” He held her hands.
“I should wait...”
“C’mon mom, Dixon knows his way, he isn’t an kid.”
“I know but.”

“Just come on in.” He pulled her in along with her, opening the door of the ward. They enters. Albert eyes were closed. But he wasn’t sleeping.
They sat quietly beside him. Linda reached out to him and took his cold hands in here.
Slowly she caressed it. He flicked his eyes opened.
“Did he bring the cake? I asked him to.”
“It’s okay Albert, we can do without it.”
He sighed.
A deep one.
“Is he here?”
“He’s on his way. He’ll come.”
“I’m sorry Linda. I’ve been a bad husband to you and made our children suffer.”
“Ssh..” she wipe her tears away.
“Not everyone could accept their mistake. You did. And I’m proud of my husband. You did wrong and you accepted it.” She sniffed.
“I promise I wasn’t gonna spill a tear tonight. So don’t made me.”
“I really hurt you.”
She sobs quietly.

“It’s fine. We’re family, now save that strength for later.”
She kissed his hands. And dropped them besides him.
He stare at Bruce. Bruce looks away, avoiding his gaze. He wasn’t ready yet. Maybe he would be when Dixon gets here. He wasn’t gonna hold back, since he had gotten to know that he was mostly hypnotized.
“I brought the cake.” Santus said, entering the room. He dropped it on the table. And with the bottles of wine as well.
“You shouldn’t have bothered.”
“It was an order ma’am. I had to do it.”
She threw her gaze back to Albert. He force a smile.
Santus walked out of the room. He was about shutting the door but stopped. As
Dixon came in, everyone thought he was just him until he steps in fully with her hands intertwined with his. Maeve cowered behind him. Burying her head on the back of his shirt.
“Dixon, you came and you didn’t come alone.”
“I didn’t. Because I couldn’t leave her. C’mon Maeve, I’ll introduce you.”
He pulled her to his side.

“She, isn’t she the one at your house the other time. The one I sent out. It’s her isn’t?”
“Yes, and she’s my girlfriend..”
Linda jaw dropped. Bruce smiled with his piercing gaze on her body. Going up down on her.
Albert stare at her intensely. Like he was trying to remember something.
“Everyone this is Maeve, if you won’t accept her, I’m gonna be straight. You can just sent us out now. Cause if she’s leaving I’m leaving as well.”
“Don’t be silly, who is sending her out.”
“Shut up Bruce.”

“Come have a seat.” Albert said weakly.
Maeve plucked her hands away from his and strode towards Albert on the bed. She took the empty seat at his left side. And sat down.
She sniff the air around him. And twitched uncomfortable in her seat.
“I smell death. Around you.”
“I won't be living long anyway. You remember me. In Lucas basement. It's you isn't?”
She nods.

“You ain't gonna kill me now are you. You're my son’s girlfriend.”
She chuckled.
“You’ve found an excuse.”
“You can't obviously kill your father in law.”
“That could save you from dying in my hands, but couldn't save your soul, it's already gone.”
“What are you talking about?” Linda asked.
“Its not something you would understand.”

Linda had concluded, she didn't like her. She came here looking like a scared cat and now she looking so bold and daring, She was being rude and talk nonsense to Albert, allowing him to waste the strength he had.
She wanted him to stay till it's 12. On the dot.
Then he could wish her a proper happy birthday.
It was nine, the night was still quite long.

“You should know the reason we're having this family dinner. This is a family thing and you ain't part of the family.”
“Mom!” Dixon half yelled.
“Dixon is part of me, and I'm part of him. You can't separate us. Until death.”
“You’re not even married yet.”
“We are.”
“How are you married?”

“We live together, eat together and sleeps together. Isn't that what married people do?”
“You’ve no shame.”
Dixon brought her here to ruin the night for her. This was his plan, his revenge.
Bruce chuckled.
“An amusing character, ain't you?”
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
She returned her gaze back to Albert.

“Dixon where did you see a girl like her, l like her already, hope you don't mind if I steal her from you, I'm richer, more handsome. I've got the goodies.”
“You’re crazy. If you think you can keep up with her for just a day, without losing your life. Did I say a day, half an hour, just try I'm not gonna stop you.”
“Really.” he steal a glance at her talking in whispers to Albert.
“But she's mine, my girlfriend forever.”
He winked.