Chapter 7: SHATTERING NEWS
Chapter 7:SHATTERING NEWS
I crossed the street with my sanity breaking apart. I felt nothing at all, only numbness and pain inside me. If it weren't for the ear-shattering sound of screeching tires pulling to a sudden halt I wouldn't even raise my head and see a ten-wheeler truck towering over me, with only a ruler distance from where I stood.
I was nearly flattened by a ten-wheeler truck! I nearly died! The thought was enough to scare the hell out of me and I sobered up. I couldn't afford to die and leave mom alone. I just can't. I realize I need to live. Not only for myself but for my mother. I couldn't die on her birthday!
Before returning to the hospital I bought a cake for her forty-sixth birthday. It was a single-layer chocolate cake I could afford. It was decorated with flowers on the corners and 'Happy Birthday Mom, ' was written on the center with red icing.
I hailed a cab, clambered inside, and settled the cake on my lap.
I impatiently waited for the congested road to continue and move freely but I waited for a long five minutes but the highway was still choked with traffic due to a car collision ahead.
My back ached and I leaned to the backseat to calm the temper that had been building up inside me. It's mom's birthday, I don't want to return to the hospital late.
Mom was sound asleep when I left her. For sure she would be up at his hour and inquiring everyone where I go.
A sigh filled with relief escaped my lips when the congested road slowly flowed. I lifted my gaze to the window as the car sped up in time to see Ace with his arms protectively around Angela's waist. They dissolved into the door of a jewelry shop that sells golden bands. I turned away from the stinging sight.
Forget the pain. That scumbag isn't worth it Phoenix!
A gentle smile emerged from my lips as I ran to mom's room with a cake in my hand then a heavy bag on the other. The overflowing excitement to greet her happy birthday made me reach her room in a short span of a minute.
For the very first time, I wasn't scared to enter her room. I secured the back higher to my shoulder so I could open the door with ease. My left hand-carried the cake scrupulously and did my best not to ruin it one bit.
I flung the door open and I was greeted by the vacant bed. "Mom?" I called out but it was the silence that answered back.
"Mom?" I rushed to the sofa to check if she was there and whirled the items I held to the floor ignoring the rising panic on my throat. It was empty.
"Where are you Mom?" I screamed this time. Fierce fear clutched through me making me unable to breath.
The door opened violently, my panicky eyes landed on Ace who emerged from the door unceremoniously. His stony face landed on my paper-white face.
What was the bastard doing here?
"I'm sorry Phoenix, Mom's dead." His words shattered my whole world.