A Second Chance At Love

Jessica's POV

As I rushed out of the room, my eyes met terror.

My mother's body was tumbling down the stairs, helpless and unable to stop moving until she got to the last floor.

“Mother? Mother! Please wake up!”

I still recall how many times I yelled and shook my mother after I managed to reach her.

My mother was always so careful when walking down the stairs but today, she slipped off the stairs, tumbling all the way down. By the time I got to her, she was already unconscious. If the ambulance hadn't arrived on time, I'm not sure if my dear mother would have survived this.

Tears clouded my vision as I watched my mother being rolled into an operation theater.

My trembling body propelled forward so I could see my mother through the observation window. My heart sank as I stared at my mother in the light blue gown patients wore, she was looking so pale and lifeless compared to her usual vibrant demeanor.

The smell of antiseptic mixed with the air coming from the air conditioner, it complimented the chills running down my spine.

The doctor attending to her stepped out of the theater and I unconsciously tugged at the hem of his white coat. The smell of pills invaded my nostrils following that action.

“How-how’s my mother? Please tell me she's fine,” My voice broke into a whine as tears streamed down my cheeks with every word I spoke.

The doctor's warm smile offered me a sense of relief, “Yes, she's out of danger.”

My reddish eyes crinkled at the corner, I took a deep breath so the turmoil inside me can be replaced with calmness.

“But-”

My heart started racing, anxiety twisted my insides, “But- but what?”

“She has internal injuries. We'd need to perform an operation and that'll cost a hundred thousand dollars.”

The doctor's words settled deep inside me, stirring panic and the sense of urgency.

I currently had no job, my mother's business was put to a halt since she got admitted. Where the hell was I going to get the money for her treatment?

I held my face in my head as my wobbly knees slowly led me out of the hospital. My mother was my only family. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her.

Somewhere in between my severe thinking, I recalled the job offer Anna had given me.

It seemed I'd need the job after all.

But I didn't even know where the company was located and I hadn't found my phone.

“Argh! Fuck this!” I cursed in frustration while pulling my hair.

My eyes caught a glimpse of a phone stand with neon pink lights across the street, that was my saving grace!

The chilly night breeze made the hair on my skin stand erect, I cuddled myself as I crossed the street.

As I stood inside the phone booth, the weight of my mother's illness burdened my heart. Fuck my feud with Aaron, getting this job was no longer an option, it was a necessity.

My heart beat in sync with the landline ringing, “Hello? Aunty,”

My nostrils caught the scent of cigarettes in the phone booth and it made my nose wrinkle in disgust.

I had expected the soprano pitched tone so it shocked me when what I heard was the opposite.

“Hello, who's this?” An unfamiliar deep voice inquired.

My profile twisted in confusion, I didn't know who was with Anna's phone but I really needed her address so I just carried on with the conversation.

Despite the warmth of the phone booth, the cricket sounds made my pupils dilate upon the thought that someone might be watching me.

“I-I I'm Jessica. I'm calling to ask for the address to Anna's home,” I stated with my eyes wandering around my surroundings despite being inside the phone booth.

“Mom! There's some Jessica on your phone and she's asking for the house address. Do I give it to her?” The voice said on the other end and it dawned on me who I was on the phone with.

Aaron.

“Aaron?” I inquired with a tone of surprise.

“Yes, how can I help you?” He replied, his voice dripping with curiosity.

I slid a palm down my face, “Don't- don't you remember me? This is Jessica Wilson. Childhood friend? The one who always got better grades?”

This was definitely the wrong time to stir drama but I couldn't help but chip it in, knowing the type of person Aaron was.

“Oh you? It's been years. Point of correction, you didn't get better grades, the teacher just favored you. Why are you asking for my home’s address anyway?”

Aaron's question reminded me of my present problem and I found my heart pounding heavily.

“I-” I bit my lips nervously before continuing, “I- I need the job, my mother's ill.”

“Oh dear. Is it really serious? If you want, we can handle the bills. You don't have to take the job,” Aaron stated affectionately.

Anna and Aaron never hesitated to help me and my mother whenever we needed it but I didn't want to rely on them. This was my problem and I wanted to solve it on my own.

My fingers curled around the black landline even tighter, “No no, you don't have to worry. I would handle it on my own, I just need the job and an advance payment if possible.”

“I'm sorry but I don't think I'd be able to help.”

Those words shattered whatever was left of my hope. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes as I lowered my head.

What was going to happen to my mother?