After the doctor informed them about Dan's condition, Alex has been thinking of ways to make more money so his brother will keep getting medical attention till he gets better.
She went for different job interviews and was told they'd get back to her. She didn't receive any emails on getting any of the jobs she applied for.
Alex was left extremely weak and tired of the whole situation but she wasn't willing to give up on her brother, she was sure she could come up with something to get more money for Dan's medical bills.
"I think I have to work the morning and night shift," she muttered to herself.
"I need to talk to my boss"
Alex immediately picked up her phone and texted her boss. She told her boss she needed money and would have to work morning and night shifts. Her boss considered her knowing Alex has always been a strong and hardworking young lady,he admired her for that.
Alex sighed in relief. She knew it wasn't going to be easy working two shifts and the money won't be enough but she just kept trying, she won't give up on her brother.
"Alex?" Abigail called out knocking on her room door.
"Yes,come in," she replied.
"Are you okay?" She asked, concerned.
"Yes," she answered in a low tone.
Abigail knew her best friend was going through a lot and she was sure she wasn't okay but still asked the question mainly because she was concerned about her and just wanted them to talk. She misses her sarcastic and playful best friend.
Abigail sat on the bed with her,staring at her with a smile on her face.
"I miss you" she said to her.
Alex was silent for a while but smiled.
Alex also missed her best friend but life has been so unfair to her for the past 4 weeks,though she was grateful to have Abigail, her bestfriend who will always support her no matter what and be there for.
"I miss you too" she managed to mutter.
"I will be working morning and night shift"
"What?"
"Yes,I need enough money for Dan's medical bill"
"I know but working two shifts will be too stressful, are you sure?"
"Can't we just take a loan?"
"How will I pay back?"
"I will sell the car my dad gave me"
"No,I won't allow that. That's the only thing that reminds you of your father".
*********************
Alex resumed work and has been working tirelessly, one of her colleagues who noticed how hard and tirelessly she had been working throughout the week had to ask if anything was going on with her because not only has been she working hard,her behaviour also changed,they noticed she wasn't her playful and sarcastic self,she was dull and not full of life like her old self. Her skin was also pale.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked, concerned.
"Yes" Alex replied without looking up to who was asking her question as she was too busy arranging the food customers ordered.
"Hey,look at me,"Peter said,gently holding her shoulder.
Alex looked up to him and realised it was Peter asking her a question, the one colleague at work who will always disturb her but loves her wholeheartedly.
"Are you okay?" he asked again.
Alex didn't know when she began to tear up. She didn't realise how much she had been acting strong all day trying to get her mind off things and just work. She kept crying and Peter hugged her to comfort her.
"What happened baby girl"
"A lot has happened and I'm so tired"
"Tell me about it,I might be able to help"
"My brother's condition got worse and I need a lot of money for his medications,his bill has drastically increased, I don't know what to do anymore " Alex explained, sobbing.
"Omg" Peter said, using one of his hands to cover his mouth, surprised.
"I'm so sorry you have to go through all these,".
"You know what?, you should relax tonight, I'd work your shift. You look like you will pass out anytime soon"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes girl"
Peter helped her work her shift while Alex was fast asleep until it was time to go home.
"Alex?"
"Hmm" Alex replied as she was fast asleep.
"The restaurant is closing soon,customers are gone".
"Thank God, thank you Peter,can I sleep more?"
"Lol yes,but after we talk"
"Can't we talk tomorrow?"
"Hmm…I think it's better I tell you now,it's about Dan"
Alex anxiously sat upright.
"No,no,it's not that,relax Alex "
"So what about Dan?"
"I don't have enough money to help you Alex. But my uncle who is a lawyer told me about a billionaire who needs a fake family to help him secure an International contract,I don't know if you can do that?"
"A fake family? Like a contract marriage?"
"Yes"
Alex was silent for a while. She was sceptical about taking this chance.
"How much are we talking about here?"
"About $100k dollars,I think"
"$100k?!!"
"Yes"
Alex was silent again,thinking if taking this opportunity was the best thing but she was concerned about getting the money,the enough will be enough for her brother's medical bill and even help them with other little things after settling the hospital bills.
She was scared this might not go well but was ready to take the chances,she'd do anything for Dan.
"I will do it"
"Are you sure?" Peter asked her to confirm if she will be okay.
"Yes. So what am I supposed to do?"
"I'm not sure. I'd talk to my uncle and get back to you"
"Thank you Peter"
"I got you "
Alex dropped the restaurant apron and excused herself. She picked up her phone and contacted her best friend.
"What?!, a contract marriage?"
"Yes,this is the only way I can help Dan"
"Are you sure you can do this?"
"I'm not sure I can but I'm ready to handle anything that comes my way,Dan must stay alive"
"I know you're doing everything you can to save Dan but this is too risky Alex "
"I know, I know but what choice do I have?"
Abigail sighed deeply as she was left speechless, she knew there was nothing she could say to help Alex think otherwise, she already made her decision and was left with no choice than to support her best friend.
"So what's the plan?" Alex asked.