Fated Mistake

Chapter 5 – Finding a solution

I touched my face and it’s wet with my tears. I was crying lost in my memories. Bella pulled me out from my thoughts. It’s been six years now but it feels as if it happened yesterday. I haven’t seen my family in these six years. Standing at that bus stop I didn’t have anywhere to go. The only face that came into my mind was of my mentor and teacher Dr. Teresa Moore. She was the only exception for my family who did know that I was pregnant. She gave me shelter and helped me to get a job here in Texas. It was just like an escape from my past. No one here knows my real identity except for Bella. I took my mother’s maiden name Santoz as my father abandoned me from using his name Raymond.

“Eva, you are again lost in your past.” Bella tapped on my back. I wiped my tears and smiled at her.

“Today’s appointment pushed me back to those memories. I never dreamed of returning back to New York and that too to see my dad. I have no idea, Bella. I am sure, when dad knows that Jack is my son, he will definitely refuse to do the surgery.” I said all broken.

“Be positive Eva. There is no wound that time can’t heal. I am sure they would have forgiven you by now.” Bella tried to console me.

“No Bella what I got to know from Dr. Hershman says that they have never forgiven me.” A weep escaped my mouth.

“Hey, what did Dr. Hershman said that has broken you so much.” She asked.

“He told that Dr. Edward Raymond has only two children. His eldest daughter died in an accident years ago. Bella, they declared me as dead for the world. They have not only abandoned me from their house but also from their lives. They have closed all the possibilities of my return. Who will accept a dead person in their lives?” I said in a broken voice.

“I am sorry Eva. I know it’s really hard to know that your family has abandoned you. But you should try to see the positive side. There is hope that Jack can be cured. We will find a way out to take Jack to Dr. Raymond without making him know that he is your son.” Bella said.

“But how is that possible Bella?” I asked.

 “Just have faith in God Eva. He will show us a way. Just take some rest for a while. Relax your mind and for that, you need a good sleep. Don’t worry about Jack. I will look after him.” She assured me.

“Bella, you remind me always about Erica. She was not just a little sister. We always shared our secrets with each other. The only thing I kept secret from her was about Jack’s father. But she never had anything to hide from me. Do you know Bella, Erica is now a pediatrician and the great news is that she is getting married in two months. I am so happy for her. At least she got her love life. She and Paul love each other so much. They have been together from their high school. Paul took over his father’s business. I am happy that they are getting married. I wish if I could attend her wedding.” I said with a sigh.

“Did Dr. Hershman say anything about your brother?” Bella asked anxiously. She admires my brother through my words. She says that there are only a few men like my brother who loves his family so much. I sometimes think that Bella and Edwin would make a great couple.

“Yes, Edwin is a famous cardiologist now and he assists dad. I miss him so much. When we were small we used to fight on small things. He was my biggest support in that house. He always stood for me even at the last time. Do you know Bella, Edwin was the one who supported me to study by staying in the dorm. Dad and mom strictly opposed it. If I didn’t choose to live and study in a dorm, my life would have been different. I would have never met Jack’s father.” I said. Bella fell silent for some time hearing my words.

“Eva, why don’t you call Edwin? He told you to call him when you need him.” Bella’s words gave me some hope but again I didn’t want to create any turmoil in his life.

“No Bella, I don’t want him to go against dad. We all have learned to live without each other. We will find a way. You are right; I should give my mind some rest. Thank you for the coffee.” I said.

“It’s my pleasure. You take rest and I will sleep with Jack.” Bella went by taking the cups. She is always like that. She never likes anything dirty. She finishes all the dishes before sleep even if she is tired. I went inside the room and got ready to sleep but even after an hour, I couldn’t sleep. So I took a pill and soon I fall asleep.

The next morning I woke with the aroma of tasty pancakes and bacon. I pulled myself up and did all the morning essentials and took a quick shower. Within half an hour I got ready for the hospital and went to the kitchen where Jack and Bella were already seated with their breakfast. Bella is really a great cook and Jack loves her pancakes. I always buy pancake mixes but Bella does it traditionally and Jack loves that. Whenever Bella stays here she makes pancakes and pastries for Jack. Sometimes her mother sends her special cookies for Jack. Even though Bella cooks delicious pancakes, she doesn’t like to eat it. So she makes bacon and eggs for her.

“Good morning Bella. Good morning sweetheart.” I said and kissed Jack on his cheek.

“Good morning Mummy.” Jack kissed me back.

“Good morning Eva. What would you like to have, pancakes or Bacon and egg?” Bella asked.

“Actually both, I love all your dishes. I will first have some bacon and egg and then will have a pancake. Did you make your special caramel syrup?” I asked taking some bacon and egg in a plate.

“I did make syrup but not caramel. Jack wanted chocolate syrup, so I made it.” She said.

“Mummy, when will we leave for New York?” Jack asked looking at me with his innocent eyes. I can’t break his heart and so I said.

“Probably by next week, honey. Mummy has some business to finish before we leave Texas.”

“Bella, are you going straight to the hospital, or do you want to go to your home first?” I asked Bella.

“Well, I think I will take a half-day leave. I promised Jack to take him to the museum. I will first go to my home with Jack and then change and go to the museum. We will meet you at the hospital in the afternoon.” Bella said. I always take Jack with me to the hospital. There is a daycare center for the kids of the hospital staff attached to the hospital. Even though Jack is bigger for the daycare, hospital authorities gave special consideration to Jack’s health and allowed him to stay there. We had our rest of the breakfast in silence enjoying the delicious treat.

“Mummy, Aunt Bella promised me to buy me my favorite comics and cake. We are going to enjoy the day.” Jack said happily.

“Yes my dear, enjoy your day. Mummy will wait for you at the hospital.” I said. After breakfast, Bella stood up to clean the kitchen but I stopped her and said.

“Bella and Jack go and get ready by the time I clean the kitchen. I will drop you both at Bella’s place.”

By the time I cleaned the kitchen and put the plates in the dishwasher, they both came down. We left together to Bella’s house. Bella lives with her parents. She has two elder sisters and they both live with their families separately. Bella’s mother treats me just like her daughter.  Bella’s father is an ex-military man. Bella’s father maintains his military discipline till now and Bella got his discipline in all her moves. Bella’s house is a simple two-story cottage with a well-maintained garden in the front.

“Eva, are you going to apply for the leave?” Bella asked.

“I have not decided yet, Bella. I don’t have any idea. You just have fun with Jack. We will talk about this later.” I said. I pulled over in front of Bella’s house. Jack and Bella got down and said goodbye. I started the engine and that’s when Bella came back and said.

“Eva, why don’t you ask your mentor Dr. Teresa Moore for help? You said she helped you when you had no one to support you.” Bella’s words gave new hope to my problem.