He obviously didn't know about 'The Harrison's feud '. He was a business man but I believe he still keeps in touch with my mum, even though she doesn't tell me.
"Roseline, please I need you to be honest with me. What sort of a sister doesn't know that she has a six year old niece? All those times Ells carried Betty and said she was bringing her to see her aunt and grandma, she didn't really come right? Even all those times she asked me to send money that you guys are visiting for two weeks, you didn't actually visit " he stated with obvious disappointment and annoyance.
" Can we just stop laying blames on mum and get to find out about her welfare? " Riley said, tapping her feet on the floor.
I smiled
"How are they doing right now? My wife and my daughter? "Henry asked.
"They're very well now, although your daughter initially lost a lot of blood and gave all the doctors a scare, but now she's fine. "
"Can we go see her now? "This was coming from Eric, their only son. Judging by his face and somewhat matured voice, I could tell that he was probably 14 or 15 years old.
"Yeah we can. " I said and stood up.
But Henry looked up at me with a sad look "I need to close up some things at work. I'll be back soon and I'll stay with them all night. They'll he discharged tomorrow, yes? "
I looked at his children and they all shrugged, meaning to say that they're used to it. I shook my head. What kind of a husband abandons his wife and daughter in the hospital and goes right back to work. Well, it wasn't in my place to judge, so I nodded and gave him the go-ahead.
He took turns hugging his children and left.
I took the kids to their sister's room first and I was glad to see her awake. The doctor,Gideon gave her his phone so they were both watching a comedy show and laughing. As the three children saw their sister, they screamed in delight and rushed to her side.
Betty dropped the phone on the bed and hugged her siblings back. I smiled gratefully at Gideon.
"Alright kiddos. Let's go see mummy " I carried Betty on my shoulders ,since she was still weak and took them to their mum's room. As soon as Ellie saw me, she sat up.
"Rosie "she called out softly.
"It's Doctor Harrison now. " I said with a professional voice. "How are you feeling now? " I asked in the most strictest voice I could muster.
"Your husband would be here soon. If you need anything, the doctors and nurses are around "
"What about you? "She asked. I turned and faced the door.
"I have a family waiting for me at home. I'm not even supposed to be here in the first place, but if you need me... " I threw a paper with my number in it and without thinking twice, I went out the door and shut it calmly.
****
"Where the hell did you go out so late and without telling anyone ,not even your poor mother. She's been very worried. I am worried " Jerry shouted as soon as the taxi dropped me at the front of my house. This was the first time since we started dating that he ever raised his voice at me. He does get angry but he has never raised his voice - not once .
I hugged him tightly "I'm really sorry. I went to the hospital. Something happened but it's resolved now "
"It's okay, I understand. But next time, please do call. At least we wouldn't have bothered this much if we knew you were safe. And next time please don't walk late at night. If something like this ever happens again, please spend the night in the hospital. It's not safe to be out on the road at night. "
I nodded and went to meet my mum. She wore her blue flowered night wear and wrapped a thick blanket round her shoulders. I put my hand on her shoulders.
"I'm sorry mum. Next time, I'll call. "
She nodded and I led her to her bedroom.
I came out to meet Jerry who was in the living room. I couldn't stop myself from telling him all that happened at work.
I noticed he didn't react the same normal way he normally does whenever I bring up any issue concerning my siblings. It was obvious that there was something bothering his mind because he didn't start preaching to me about the siblings. I sat and faced him.
"Hey. Is something bothering you? "
He looked at me with anger in his eyes. "I swear to God, Rosie, I'm gonna kill that guy who knocked up my sister and left. "
I laughed and told him that the guy in question was on deployment and doesn't even know he was about to become a father.
"But, " Jerry turned to me and shifted so close that our knees were touching "Even if Julia was in search of a husband, why would she steer to the military side. I can't even imagine having a soldier as a brother-in-law. "
We laughed together at the ridiculous situation and then Jerry stood up.
"It's very late now sweetie. Let me be on my way "
"What??!! No!! You said it yourself. It's too late. You can't be on the road by this time of the night. You can stay with me in my bedroom but on one condition. "
He turned to me smiling.
"No touching " I warned.
He hugged me and laughed "I can't promise that. "
We both went to my bedroom .
All through the night , my mind kept wondering towards my sister and her family. I kept wondering if they were good and hadn't gone bankrupt like Richard's family.
When I woke up the next morning, I checked the time and it was 8:00am. Surely my boss at the hospital should pardon me for today because I saved the day the previous day.
I looked beside me and Jerry was still sleeping. We were both already late for work, plus my head was throbbing. I searched round my trolley for panadol tablets and I swallowed three . Jerry woke up immediately. As soon as he checked the time on his phone, he exclaimed "Jesus Rosie. Why didn't you wake me up? "
"I'm just waking up as well. I'm gonna call in sick at work. "
I stood up and moves towards the door, but then stopped with my hand on the handle "Good morning by the way "
He smiled and got up quickly and kissed me" Morning sweetie . Let me get dressed, I'll come meet you "
He went to the bathroom and instead of going to the living room, I waited for him and then we left the room together when he came out.
"You slept in ? I thought you left " Jerry's mum , Claudia was in the living room with my mum. She was obviously surprised to find him here.
"And aren't you both going to work? " My mum asked.
"Yes I slept in "Jerry replied his mother.
"And no, we can't go to work because we both woke up late " I replied my own mother and all of us laughed.
"Ehm... Actually mum. I'm going over to see Julia. I'll be back soon "
I looked at him questioningly.
He dragged my hand and led me outside.
"I need to talk to Julia. I'm worried about her. She needs to let this soldier guy or whoever he is know that he's going to be a father. So see you later, honey " he kissed me and left.
I went back inside to my bedroom. I tried to imagine what Julia must be feeling now.
And then I thought about my sister...
Damn!! What the hell was wrong with me?