Fated Mistake

Chapter 8 – After 6 years

After Bella went out for her duty, I waited again for half an hour for Edwin to call back. By five I left the room to fetch Jack from the daycare. Daycare functions only till 6.00 and I always made sure that Jack is with me before that time. If I am busy I would send either Bella or my assistant Susi to pick Jack. Today I didn’t have any more appointments, so I myself decided to pick Jack and go home. He would be really tired after his visit to the museum.

After picking up Jack I took him straight to a supermarket. My groceries were running out and I have to buy them at least for a week until we are here. It took me about 20 minutes to take all the items and reach the billing counter. By that time Jack went and took some stuff for his drawing. He is really an inborn artist. He had been drawing and painting since he was 3. Even without any training, he makes amazing sketches. I sometimes think that he might have inherited this from his father because I am a zero at art.

“Jack, why do you need this now? We will be leaving in a week.” I asked.

“I know mummy but I want to do something for Aunt Bella before we leave. My old colors have all dried up.” Jack said.

“Okay fine you can have it but there is no need for this pack of chips, Jack. You know well that you can’t have it.” I said taking out packs of potato chips from the trolley.

“Mummy, that’s not for me. I have taken those chips and chocolates for Aunt Bella’s niece Amy and nephew Alex. Aunt Bella said that they are coming over to her place for some days. She will bring them to our place before we leave for New York. We never have chocolates and chips at our home mummy. I don’t want them to be sad at our place.” Jack said. My son has always been like this. He always cares about others. Even if he can’t have those things, he never complains.

I paid for all the items and picked everything with help of Jack. When we reached home it was already 7.00 and so I went straight to the kitchen to make dinner. I arranged all the groceries and then prepared dinner. Then I went and took a quick shower. By that time Jack had changed and started to make some painting in his room. He never likes to be disturbed while drawing or painting. I waited for him to finish and that’s when I remembered that I haven’t checked my phone all this time. I quickly went and took my phone from my bag and checked it. It is switched off and that’s why I didn’t receive any call. I connected the phone to the charger and waited for some time to switch on it. I patiently waited until my phone got charged up to 20%.

The message started popping once I switched on the phone. There is around 5 missed calls and 4 messages and all of them were from Edwin. He knew my number. He called me between 6 and 6.30. Then he had messaged me telling me that he knows that I am Eva. His final message said that I should call him only after 10.00 if I was not able to call him before 8.00. I looked at the clock and it’s 8.15. I will have to wait for some more time to talk to my brother.

By 8.30 Jack came out and we had our dinner. We watched TV for some time and by 9.30 Jack went to sleep. His medicines never allowed him to stay awake late at night. Bella called me at that time and I told her about Edwin’s messages. So she hung up the phone so that I could call Edwin on time. I waited until 10.05 and then took the phone and dialed Edwin’s number.

“Hello, my dear sister. How are you? I missed you so much, Eva.” Edwin answered the call making me cry on this side.

“Edwin, I am sorry. I never called you before. Dr. Moore told me everything. Thank you so much for being such a loving brother. I wish if I could hug you right now.” I said.

“I too wish, I could see you right now. I can’t call you on video call as mom and dad are still awake. I don’t want them to hear us.” He said.

“Edwin, how is mom and dad and how is Erica?” I asked.

“They are all fine. We all live as if everything is great. But the truth is that our happiness was lost on the day you left this house. Mom and dad smile and laugh just to show us that they are happy.” Edwin’s words tore my heart. I wish if I could make everything right.

“Edwin, I heard that Erica is getting married. I am so happy that finally, she is going to get her love, Paul. They will the happiest couple in this world.” I said.

“Eva, Erica is not marrying Paul. They broke up and now she is marrying someone else.” Edwin’s words felt as if a hard blow to my head. Erica and Paul can never break up. They were just like an ideal couple. They always respected each other and valued one another. They never quarreled over anything even when they were students. Then what happened now when they have grown up.

“What happened between them, Edwin? They were the most loving couple.” I asked.

“It’s over Eva and now Erica is getting married. She has moved on. Let’s just don’t discuss that matter.” I agreed with Edwin even though I wanted to know the real reason.

“Eva, I have seen Jack’s reports and he needs this surgery as soon as possible. Just bring him here as soon as possible. I am sure he will be safe at dad’s hands.” Edwin said.

“But Edwin, I am afraid that when dad learns that Jack is my son, will he perform the surgery?” I doubted.

“I do have that fear Eva and that’s why we have to find a way out,” Edwin said.

“What can I do Edwin? I asked Dr. Moore for help but she is not in good health to help me come to the hospital. Now I am in a dilemma. I can’t send Jack alone there. Dad will obviously ask about his mother.” I said.

“Eva, I have heard from Dr. Moore about your friend who is also a nurse at your hospital. Dr. Moore told me that she was always there to help you with Jack. As far as I remember her name is Isabella, right?” Edwin asked.

“Yes Edwin. Bella has been there for me from the time I came to Texas. But why are you asking about her?” I asked.

“Well as far as I have heard Jack is comfortable with Isabella and he doesn’t have any problem if you are not with him when he is with Isabella. We need a close relative in front of dad. Isabella could help us in front of dad. You can ask her to accompany you.” Edwin said.

“How can I do that Edwin? She will lose her job if she came with us. She has a family and I don’t think it will be right to ask for her help. She has done a lot for me and Jack and I am sure she will even agree to come with us to New York risking her job. But I can’t be that selfish Edwin.” I said.

“Eva, there is no other way. I will arrange your stay here and also at the hospital without being noticed by dad. You just have to be careful to be away from mom and Erica. Erica’s department is in another block, so there is less chance of seeing her but mom is in the same building. Other hospital staff doesn’t know you much as you had seldom visited our hospital when you were here. Just make sure to get a makeover so that no one recognizes you easily. Your friend could help you with Jack in front of dad. You could make some excuse of your job at that time for not seeing dad in person. Let your friend introduce herself as your sister. Eva, you have to ask your friend for help. There is no other way and about her job, she can get one easily here with her work experience. I will help her in that.” Edwin said leaving no other way for me.