Mr. and Mrs. Hawking arrived at home, Mrs. Hawking was troubled. She had pulled along the face as she sat at the dining table. She sighed as she sat down and buried her head in the palms
"Are you okay?" Mr. Hawking asked.
She sniffed as she raised her head to look at her husband. "How can you ask me that question? Do you think I. Fine with my boy using the wheelchair the rest of his life?"
"There is nothing we can do about it. Besides, we are not the cause of it. I didn't force him to go for hiking," Mr. Hawking said as he called the maids to serve them food.
"Are you really saying that? What if we seek for the second opinion from the best experienced doctors? I don't trust the Hepburn hospital," Mr. Hawking said.
Mr. Hawking nodded in agreement then scoffed, "Look is talking, to begin with, the Hepburn hospital is the reason we have Frank. Don't tell me you have forgotten that, Carol. Don't get me wrong, I am not against the idea of getting the second opinion from other doctors, but you heard what the head doctor said to us. There is nothing we can do to change that, besides what if the second opinion you are suggesting turns everything from bad to worse?"
Mrs. Hawking stared in space, she then stood up and picked her purse.
"Where are you going?"
"To the office, I just lost my appetite. I will eat dinner," She Said to walked out.
She instructed one of their driver to drive her. She entered a Volkswagen Passat, and they left the mansion compound.
*
*
After leaving the hospital, the Hepburn went to check on the progress of their numerous business. Thereafter, they went to their home.
Tasha went straight to the shower, she walked out of the shower minutes after.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked as she wiped her body dry.
Tony sighed, "I am pitying Tom, I don't know how they are going to take it."
"Maybe it's their fate, talking about that, will Audrey agree to continue with their relationship?" Tasha asked.
Tom knotted his brows, "Why not? They were engaged a long time ago, and I don't see any problem there …wait a minute, are you asking based on what had happened to Frank?"
Tasha smirked, "Are you okay with your only daughter marrying a crippled man?"
Tony squinted his eyes as he stared at his wife. He was not believing what he just heard.
"If you are okay with having a crippled son-in-law, then I am not. I am not going to let our only daughter, have a burden in her life for a husband," Tasha said.
"Whoever Said Audrey is my only daughter…?"
Tasha busted out crazed of laughter, "Yeah, it escaped my mind that you have another illegitimate child, a bastard. I guess, your bastard can marry that crippled being. I know how badly you want a crippled son-in-law," Tasha lashed out.
Tony shook his head and stared at her, "I can't believe it, Tasha. You were the same person who have been praising Frank and how you wanted Audrey to get married to him. What happened?"
"Ooh, really, that was before Frank was crippled. Wait…don't try to change the topic here, we were talking about your bastard…"
"Mum…" Audrey's voice was heard for the living room.
"Mum, dad, I am home.....is anyone here?" Audrey asked as she plugged herself on the couch and powered on the television.
"That's my daughter," Tasha said as she put on her trench coat. She glared at Tony whose eyes were on his laptop,"If you dare acknowledge that bastard, I will make sure everyone knows and besides, Audrey and I will leave you."
"Don't even threatened me with that. Tasha, I warned you to always chew what you can swallow," Tony retorted back.
"Dare be this once," She said, then opened the door and walked out to the living room to meet her daughter.
"Oh sweetheart, you are already here," Tasha said as she walked to her.
Audrey sipped her juice, "You are already dressed up, where are you going?" she asked.
"I will be out with my friends until late, don't wait on me. Your father is in the bedroom," Tasha instructed.
"Hmm," Audrey hummed. "I wish I had remained in the hospital. You guys are always out or busy with nothing."
"Exactly, what are you doing here? You should be with Frank, or you lost interesting in him like I did?" Tasha asked.
"What do you mean, mum?" Audrey asked.
"No, forget it. I will be out," Tasha said as she kissed her daughter on the forehead then left.
*
*
Back in the hospital, Frank told Teddy about him being paralyzed.
Although it surprised Teddy, he maintained his reaction. He was not surprised or worried, but acted as it was a normal thing.
He looked at Frank, "That won't change our friendship, Frank. I am glad that you are not dead, you know, I was so worried when I heard that you are in theater."
"I am talking about using the wheelchair, Teddy," Frank repeated.
Teddy knotted his brows, "And what is wrong with that? Look, Frank, using a wheelchair won't change anything. It won't alter our friendship, neither your kindness, generosity, your sense of humor. I believe that everything will be fine, don't believe in the doctor's report, believe in your Creator. Mark my words. You will walk again."
"I am scared, Teddy, what if it changes how Audrey feels about me? You know very well that I love here very much. In fact, thinking about her only reminds me of a heated night the other day," Frank stated.
Teddy's heart raced so fast, he wished to tell Frank the truth. The truth about that night, the truth of what had happened, but he couldn't. He couldn't dare tell him at that time, yes the truth will set him free, but it's going to heartbreak his best friend.
"Stop worrying too much, she is yet to tell you that Frank..." Teddy said, but Frank cut him off.
"I want to prepare for the worst, Teddy, you know me," Frank insisted.
"Those are just assumptions, You know what, let's change the topic Frank, what about we play Chess?" Teddy asked as he stood to pick the chess box from the table.
Frank sighed, "You know me better, yeah, let's play Chess."
"What are best friend for?" Teddy asked as he arranged the items on the chess.
Back to doctor's office, Maya took her backpack ready to leave.
"You are leaving? Who will be in Mr. Frank's room on night shift?" Dr. Alik asked.
Maya sighed, "I am sorry, doctor. I don't know who is on the night shift today."
"Have you forgotten? You are assigned to be Frank's personal nurse. He needs good care, and you know how the Hawking are," Dr. Alik informed.
"Me?" She asked, pointing her index finger at her chest. She was a loss of words and didn't know what to do or say. "Doctor, I thought that it was just for today."
"Yes, that's what you thought. But the reality is what I have told you. You are an intern, and you know your area of specialist; therapists and caregiving. I will allow you today to go home, but tomorrow is when your duty begins," Dr. Alik explained.
He was the head doctor and one of those who played a key role in taking Maya as an intern. There was no way she was going to refuse that or least argue with him.
"Okay doctor, I will be on my way," Maya said then left.