The next morning, Valerie woke up and stretched her body, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness for the day ahead. Glancing over at Ashley, who had slept beside her on the reception chair, she gently tapped her friend's arm.
"Wake up, Ashley. It's morning," Valerie whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.
Ashley groaned, her eyes still closed, and pleaded for a few more minutes of sleep. "Allow me to sleep a little longer, Valerie," she mumbled, seeking a few more moments of rest.
Valerie sighed, realizing they were still at the hospital. She needed to drop Ashley off at her place before heading to the registry. "We're still at the hospital, Ashley. Get up so I can drop you off at home before heading to the registry," Valerie insisted, her voice laced with determination.
At the mention of the registry, Ashley's eyes flew open, fully alert. Stretching herself, she greeted Valerie with a smile. "Good morning, my cute bear," Ashley said, using the nickname she had affectionately given her friend.
Valerie's face lit up in response. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Come on, I need to check up on Sandra and Aunt Betty first," she said, leading the way to Aunt Betty's ward.
After a few minutes, Valerie emerged from the ward with a mix of concern and hope in her eyes. She called out to Ashley, "Let's go, I'll drop you at home."
Ashley got up and lazily followed Valerie, still waking up fully. They reached the car and entered, setting off on their journey. Ashley, overcome by fatigue, fell asleep almost instantly, leaving Valerie to drive in silence.
Fifteen minutes later, Valerie's car came to a stop outside Ashley's apartment. Valerie gently shook her friend awake. "Come on, Ashley, we're at your place," she said softly, trying not to disturb the peaceful sleep that had overtaken her friend.
Ashley rubbed her eyes and stumbled out of the car, giving a tired wave to Valerie before slowly making her way into her apartment. Valerie watched her friend with a smile, appreciating the bond they shared.
Valerie reversed the car and drove off toward the marriage registry, her heart pounding with anticipation. Upon reaching her destination, she entered the registry building with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Minutes later, Valerie emerged from the registry, clutching her marriage certificate tightly in her hands. A surge of joy and relief washed over her, reflected in her beaming smile. She couldn't wait to share the news with Ashley.
She pulled out her phone from her bag and dialed Ashley's number, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. After a few rings, Ashley answered the call, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Ashley, our plan worked! I have the marriage certificate with me," Valerie exclaimed, unable to contain her delight.
Ashley let out a sigh of relief on the other end of the line. "Thank God! So where are you heading now?" she asked eagerly, wanting to know the next steps.
"To the bank," Valerie replied, her voice tinged with determination. "I need to submit my marriage certificate to be able to access the fund my mother left for me."
"Okay, see you soon sweetheart," Ashley said then ended the call. Valerie exhaled loudly and then got into her car and drove to the bank. As she got to the Bank, the weight of the moment settled upon her, and she realized that the next steps would determine the fate of Aunt Betty's health. Determined and hopeful, Valerie gathered her strength and stepped out of the car, making her way into the bank.
An hour later, Valerie emerged from the bank, her bag filled with the much-needed funds. The weight of the money in her hands was a testament to her determination and the lengths she was willing to go for her beloved Aunt Betty. With a renewed sense of purpose, she got into her car and drove back to the hospital.
Arriving at the hospital, Valerie's steps quickened as she made her way to the doctor's office. She knocked on the door, the sound echoing with urgency. "Come in," the doctor's voice called from within. Valerie opened the door, her eyes filled with determination.
"Doctor, I have the money. Now, please commence the surgery," Valerie said, her voice steady as she placed the stack of money on the doctor's table.
The doctor looked at Valerie, his gaze softening with compassion. "Miss Valerie, you're not paying to me. Go and pay to the receptionist, while I prepare for the surgery," he replied, understanding the importance of following the proper procedure.
Valerie nodded, a mix of relief and eagerness flooding her emotions. She quickly left the doctor's office and rushed to the reception, her steps filled with purpose. Making the payment with trembling hands, she felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. The journey had been arduous, but she was one step closer to giving Aunt Betty a fighting chance.
With the receipt in her hand, Valerie hurried back to the doctor's office, anticipation coursing through her veins. Moments later, she returned to find the doctor ready to lead Aunt Betty into the operating theater. The gravity of the situation sank in once again, but Valerie's determination only grew stronger. She wrapped her hands around Sandra as they both waited patiently for the surgery to end.
"Congratulations, Miss Valerie. The surgery was successful," the doctor announced, emerging from the theater, his face bearing a mix of relief and satisfaction.
Tears of joy welled up in Valerie's eyes as she embraced the doctor, gratitude pouring from her heart. "Thank you so much, Doctor. I appreciate it," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
The doctor nodded, his eyes reflecting the deep sense of fulfillment that came with a successful outcome. He excused himself, leaving Valerie alone to process the weight of the moment.
Turning her attention to Sandra, who had been waiting anxiously, Valerie smiled through her tears. "Aunt Betty will be okay. Her surgery was successful," she announced, her voice filled with relief and hope. She pulled Sandra into a tight embrace, their shared emotions intertwining as they held onto each other tightly.