Fated Mistake

Chapter 6 – Calling for help

Throughout the drive to the hospital, my thoughts were stuck on Bella’s words. Dr. Teresa Moore is a name that can never be forgotten in my life. She was my savior when my family abandoned me. When I came to Texas for the first time, Dr. Teresa accompanied me. I was three months pregnant then. It would have been really hard to get a job for a fresh medical graduate to get job at a reputed hospital like Lakeshore hospital at that time. Dr. Teresa recommended my name and I got the job. From then on I have been working there.

On the day when I left my home, standing alone at that bus stop in the dark I had no idea who to call or where to go. I just had the money from the piggy banks. I searched my phone contacts to find any number which I could dial to ask for help. Dad’s words were roaming in my mind. He didn’t want his name to be disgraced. I can’t use his name and without that name I was nothing. I was starting to get devastated when my phone rang. To my surprise, it was Dr. Teresa Moore calling at that time when everyone would be sleeping. I answered her call and she invited me to her place and offered help. She came for help as if an angel from God.

When I joined the college for my graduation, I had no idea what I should be specializing in in the future. I have grown up seeing the best doctors of New York. I always liked their jobs of a cardiologist and a gynecologist but was always confused to choose between them. I was in my final year when I met Dr. Teresa Moore. By that time every one of my friends had already decided upon what they wanted to do after their graduation. I was the one left. After meeting Dr. Teresa I was determined to become her student and for that, I had to take gynecology as my core subject and so I did. Dr. Teresa was literally different from all other teachers I had. She was never behind any of the worldly luxuries. She spent all her income on feeding the poor. She never had a family for herself but she became a mother to many homeless children. She runs an orphanage for poor children and old people who have been abandoned by their families.

When I took gynecology, mom gave a party to all the family as she thought that I followed her path. Edwin alone knows the truth that I did it because of Dr. Teresa. Dr. Teresa took me in her guidance and became my mentor. I learned a lot from her. She actually made me a better person and changed my perspective on life. I started to love and care for people for what they are and not for their money. That’s when I wanted people to know and love me for what I am and not because I was a Raymond. I purposely took my mother’s maiden name Santoz for all my accounts. I even met Jack’s father as Eva Santoz and not as Evania Raymond.

After coming to Texas Dr. Teresa helped me to settle down before she went back to New York. She helped me financially at the initial stages. After receiving my first salary, I decided to donate a part of it to Dr. Teresa’s orphanage. From that day till the present I transfer an amount to the orphanage’s account every month. I have been always in touch with Dr. Teresa and she knows about Jack’s condition. 

The big board of ‘Lakeshore hospital’ pulled me out of my thoughts. I parked my car at the usual spot and went to my consulting room. I have lots of appointments today as I was on leave yesterday. I wanted to call Dr. Teresa as soon as possible but didn’t have any time as I became busy with the appointments. By the time my last patient was gone, it was already 1.30 and it’s my lunch break. I went to the canteen and ordered a soup and sandwich.

“Are you alright Dr. Santoz?” Gracy, the canteen staff who took my order asked.

“Yes, I am fine Gracy. Why did you ask so?” I asked.

“Well, you never order soup with a sandwich. This is the first time in five years.” She said with a smile.

She is right; I never had soup before in this canteen because I always made it at home for Jack. Might be the thought of Dr. Teresa made me order soup. I started liking soup when I lived with Dr. Teresa after being abandoned by my family. Dr. Teresa lived in the orphanage with the children and the old people. When I went to her after leaving my home, I expressed my interest to live in the orphanage itself. But she didn’t agree and arranged my stay at a cottage near the orphanage. She didn’t want anyone to know about me. I was actually hiding in that cottage for a month before coming to Texas. Dr. Teresa used to bring me food from the orphanage and there will always be soup for meals. I silently had my lunch and went back to my room. I took my phone and dialed Bella’s number. She answered the call after four rings.

“Hello, Eva. We are having our lunch right now. We will be there in half an hour.”

“Okay, I will be waiting for you. Drop Jack at the daycare before you come.” I said and hung up. I didn’t want Jack to hear our discussion. I didn’t have many appointments in the afternoon. By 4.00 I was free and called Bella to come over. Since she was on half-day leave, she had to take night duty.  After five minutes I heard a knock at the door and in came Bella with a smiling face.

“Good Evening Eva. How was your day?”

“Good Evening Bella. It was a busy day.” I replied.

“So, did you call Dr. Teresa?” She asked.

“No, actually I didn’t get time to call her,” I said.

“Then call her now. You don’t have much time to make a decision. You have to give Dr. Hershman a reply about when you will be able to go to New York.” She said.

“Yes, I will call her right now,” I said and took my phone and dialed her number.

“Hello, my dear child. How are you and how is Jack?” She answered the call happily.

“Hello Dr. Teresa, I am fine, thank you. Jack is doing well.” I said.

“Did Jack’s test result come?” She asked.

“Yes, Dr. Teresa, I am calling you for the same purpose,” I said.

“Is there any problem Eva?” She asked.

“Dr. Hershman gave me the good news that Jack can be cured but there is a problem. None of the doctors here in Texas could give a 90 percent recovery chance. Only one doctor gave that guarantee and that doctor is in New York and so I have to take Jack to New York for the surgery and that too to my father. I am afraid that when he learns that Jack is my son, he will not do his surgery. I am now in great uncertainty. I don’t know what to do. I have no one else other than you to ask for help. If you could help me in introducing Jack as your relative in front of dad, then dad would do his surgery.” I said.

“My dear girl, you know that I am now retired from my job and spend my time at the orphanage. Even if I wanted to help you, my health wouldn’t allow me to do that for you. It will be really hard for me to spent time at a hospital with Jack.” Dr. Moore’s words faded my last hope.

“It’s fine Dr. Moore, I understand your situation. I will find out another way. You were always there for me when I needed help. Please take care of yourself. I will call you later.” I said.

“Wait Eva, I have a suggestion for you.” I eagerly waited for her words.

“Why don’t you call your brother Edwin?”