Blemished Love – Episode 40

BLEMISHED LOVE EPISODE 40 (A)

©Loudest Thoughts (Christabel Hilda)

All Rights Reserved

 

Apparently Dane was found on the outskirts of town alone in his own pool of blood. His car was parked next to his body. The guys that brought him in alerted the police on their arrival. Since there was no eye witness they had no idea how he got shot three times in the same knee and his whole body severely torn apart.

‘How long has he been like that?’ Melisa asked Michelle who was standing with her at the ICU.

‘He was brought here around twelve in the afternoon, we tried our best but I’m not so sure if he would wake up.’

‘But you said he needs the amputation so the blood flow could release the pressure on the other leg.’

‘That’s the idea but it’s still a gamble. You know how these things work Lisa.’

Melisa sighed heavily. ‘But I don’t understand why he came to hand over the Medical Power of Attorney form last night.’

‘You would have to ask him that when he wakes up.’

‘When he wakes up Michelle.’ Melisa said sadly reminding Michelle Dane might never wake up.

‘Mr. Reed here probably knew what he got himself into because the nurses said he was in a hurry to leave so he could attend to his sleepy daughter in the car after getting himself checked.’

It dawned on Melisa, if Dane was there all afternoon he might have left Shirley at school. She gasped and remembered everyone would have called her if Shirley was not home yet.

‘Yeah Shirley.’ He came for her to spend the weekend with him.’ Melisa remembered the events from last night.

‘I think whoever he fought with really messed him up.’

‘Help me understand what tests he had done.’ Melisa asked curiously.

‘He checked his blood pressure and handed the Medical Power of Attorney form over claiming he might be back.’

‘Did you see him when he came here?’ Melisa was so lost at that moment.

‘No, I didn’t even know you two knew each other until I saw the file when I needed to contact his family.’

‘You shouldn’t have called me. I can’t do this to him Michelle.’

‘Okay, I see Grissel’s name on the form as well. Isn’t that your brother’s wife?’

‘Yes, and she’s going to be a tough one to crack.’ Melisa hissed.

‘Then make that choice for him. Forget the rules and I could just tell the board you were off duty in case it came up.’

‘Why would he put me in this tough situation?’ Melisa asked glancing at him sleeping comfortably.

‘Lisa, he knew you are the only one capable of making the right decision for him.’

‘You think I’m capable of signing off on a surgery that would render him disabled.’

‘I don’t know about that but I can see whatever history you have with this guy makes him trust you.’

‘I love him Michelle.’ She said without any denials.

‘I figured that out earlier when you saw his file.’

‘But he hurt me hence whatever decision I might make now may not be justified.’

‘You still love him and to me that alone makes whatever decision you make justified.’

Melisa stared at her and knew she was making a lot of sense. ‘How he got my signature and that of Grissel is what I don’t understand.’

‘That doesn’t matter right now. You can sort that out with him when he’s out of the theatre.’

‘I know that, but I’m still not qualified to do that because I work in this hospital.’

Lisa stared at Dane in the ICU and then back to Michelle.

‘We are running out of time.’ Michelle muttered to her.

‘Michelle don’t push it. This document isn’t legal.’

‘What about his parents?’

‘How long do we have before surgery?’ Melisa asked ignoring her question about the Reed family.

‘Thirty minutes but before that we need to run some tests first.’ Michelle said checking her wrist watch.

‘Alright.’ Melisa replied calmly walking away from her. Michelle followed just to make sure she was okay.

***

Tom could hardly sleep. He was awake all night watching his pregnant wife snore into the lonely night. Because of Grissel he had to change their bed to a bigger one when she started occupying the whole bed.

He was still wondering how to sleep on the small space available when their bedroom door opened.

‘Are you guys decent?’ Shirley asked faintly rubbing her eyes in the dark.

‘Shirley?’ Tom called out turning on the bed side light.

‘Uncle Tom, I had a bad dream again.’

‘Really, come here.’ He signaled her to come closer while gently adjusting Grissel so Shirley could have a space in between them on the bed.

‘Mommy.’ Shirley called and kept rubbing her eyes.

‘Your mom won’t here you now.’ Tom reached out to her and placed his laps.

In no time she fell asleep on his laps so he positioned her on the bed next to her mom hoping Grissel wouldn’t kick her in the face.

Tom watched mother and daughter sleep soundly. His phone vibrated at that moment and he checked to be sure it wasn’t anyone so important.

When he saw Melisa’s name on his phone, he panicked checking the time which was half past eleven.

He didn’t want to waste time as it was unusual for her sister to call her that late at night.

Tom answered the call quickly. ‘Are you okay? I’ve been trying to call you all-night about Shirley.’

‘Is Shirley okay?’ She instantly asked.

‘Yes, I brought her home but Da…..’

Melisa started to sob. ‘D is dying.’ She told her brother in between her sobs.

‘What are you talking about?’ Tom asked jumping out of bed.

‘He w..as shot and n..eeds su..rgery.’ She sobbed through her words.

‘Shot. How. When. Why?’ Tom asked all the necessary questions while moving away from mother and daughter.

‘I don’t have answers but I need Grissel’s consent for the surgery.’

‘Grissel.’ He raised his voice without knowing. And for some reason Grissel heard him and woke up.

‘Tom?’

He withdrew the phone from his ear and turned around.

‘Yes, go back to bed.’

‘Okay, but what are you doing in that corner.’ She asked raising herself up and switching on the main light.

‘Emmm, nothing. Just talking to Lisa.’

‘Lisa.’ She mentioned then Shirley turned beside her. She didn’t see her earlier.

‘Yes, Shirley had a bad dream.’ Tom realized she didn’t notice her in the room and it was a perfect moment to distract her from asking further questions.

‘Okay that explains why she’s here.’

‘Yeah, can you go back to sleep.’ Tom said walking out of the room.

‘Wait, you’ve explained why Shirley is here but not why Lisa called.’

Tom heard Melisa’s voice faintly over the phone asking him to hand over the phone to Grissel on top of her voice.

‘Just one of our usual talks.’

‘Tom, don’t lie to me. Is it Reed?’ She probably figured it out.

Tom knew his wife is smart and if he keeps lying at that moment she might flare up.

‘I think so.’ He replied walking back to her by the bed.

‘Is Lisa still on the line?’

He nodded and handed the phone to her when he got to her end. Tom watched her closely while she was just quiet on the phone with Melisa.

‘Grissel did you hear all that I said?’ Melisa wasn’t sure if she was still listening to her because Grissel hasn’t said a word.

She sighed furiously which scared Tom. ‘So the amputation would let him live?’

‘Yes, it’s still a gamble but I know the doctors would do their best.’

‘How did he get my signature again?’ She asked instead of giving her consent.

‘I have no idea Grissel, but we need you to give us the go ahead.’

‘No, you don’t need me Lisa.’

‘What are you implying?’

‘Leave him to die, I guess.’ She said angrily.

Tom snatched the phone angrily from her and gave her a scornful look. He knew she was going to say something like that after what happened last night with Shirley.

‘Listen to me Lisa, do whatever you think is necessary. I would be there soon.’ He said quickly and hanged up. Tom glanced at his wife who just relaxed against the bed post unconcerned.

He dialed Stella’s number which was not reachable. Tom hit his leg so hard on the floor.

‘What do you even care if Reed lives or dies?’ Grissel asked him.

‘You are right, I don’t care but his daughter lives with me and I won’t spend the rest of my life trying to explain to Shirley her mom didn’t care if her dad lived or died.’ He angrily said and scrolled through his contacts.

Grissel hissed and turned to Shirley who was comfortably sleeping.

Tom settled on Austin. ‘Dude, let me talk to Stella.’ He said immediately with a serious tone.

‘What makes you think she’s with me?’ Austin had no idea Tom knew about them.

‘Not now Austin. Just tell her to call Lisa.’

‘Lisa? But it’s late Tom.’

‘Yes, her brother is with Lisa at the Seattle Hospital.’

Tom said and heard Stella’s voice from the background. He quickly hanged up so Austin could handle the rest.

He rushed to his wardrobe and slipped on a shirt and trouser. Tom checked his foot and realized he was in his flip flops. He shrugged and headed towards the door.

‘Where are you going?’ She asked faintly.

‘I think you know where.’ He replied.

‘Nobody needs you there Tom.’

‘In case you forgot, Lisa is my sister.’

‘And what does that have to do with looking after your pregnant wife.’

‘I would pretend I didn’t hear that Grissel.’ He said and turned around to leave.

‘If you walk out of that door, don’t come back.’ She weakly said.

‘You are so insensitive.’ He slowly said in order not to wake up Shirley.

‘Why can’t you all allow Reed to pay for his sins?’ Grissel murmured.

Tom didn’t want to raise his voice because of Shirley.  He turned the door knob and then paused,

‘You know, I now get why Dane treated you the way he did.’ He said angrily while Grissel suddenly went mute.

Tom walked out on her. Grissel took another sad look at her daughter and wiped her face when there was no tears.

***

Stella and Austin got to the hospital to keep Melisa Company. Dane had been taken to the theatre over an hour ago.

‘You made the right decision Lisa.’ Stella was encouraging her when the police came in. They had been waiting all morning just to talk to Dane and when they heard Melisa knew him they decided to question her.

‘What if he gets mad?’ She asked rubbing her jaw.

‘You saved his life and he must be thankful.’ Austin chipped in.

They heard footsteps behind them and turned.

‘You must be Melisa Addison.’

‘Yes I am.’ She turned around facing the police.

‘What’s this about?’ Stella asked when Melisa seemed scared.

‘We just needed to ask her some questions.’ One of the short officers said.

He grabbed her hands roughly while she struggled.

‘Get your hands off my sister.’ Tom said rushing to them. Luckily for them they were at a quiet place in the hospital where much people are not allowed so there wasn’t a scene.

Instead of the police officers standing up to him they were rather scared.

They quickly let go of her hands when Tom came over.

‘Do you mind?’ Stella faced one of them to give them space. He walked back quickly.

‘Are you hurt?’ Tom asked pulling Melisa into her arms.

‘I’m alright except that I’m scared.’ Melisa pointed at the officers. They seemed like rookies who hadn’t been on the job for long.

‘What do you guys want with my sister?’ Tom asked after making sure Melisa was okay.

‘Her number was the last one dialed by both the deceased and the injured.’

‘So?’ Tom asked.

‘We just wanted to be sure it wasn’t a coincidence.’

‘You would have to wait for Dane to give you those answers but for now my sister is going nowhere with you two.’ Tom announced.

‘I was home all day with Bryan Sculley, in case you two want to confirm that.’ Melisa managed to tell them.

‘House address?’ The tall police officer asked constantly glaring at Tom.

‘1101 Wallingford Ave N around th…..’

‘The family home child care.’ The quiet officer concluded for her.

Melisa stared at him, so did everyone? Tom figured something wasn’t adding up.

‘How do you know that?’ Tom walked closer to them.

‘Mr. Reed was found at the outskirt of that area.’

‘Wait, that’s not possible.’ Melisa complained.

‘And Henry? Where was he found?’ Tom asked.

‘His apartment.’ The policeman replied Tom.

‘That’s weird but I think whatever answers you two need right now have to wait.’

‘Okay, we would excuse you guys now.’ They said and walked away from them.

Everyone earlier assumed Dane and Henry got in to a fight but the officers just confirmed they were found at two different places.

Austin was the first to give a sigh. Tom walked Melisa to her office and went out to call Julia and Morris.

He figured Melisa would be in trouble if Dane doesn’t wake up to tell them what happened and in case that happens he might need his father’s help.

They were still in the office talking about what Dane was doing in her area when Michelle came to inform them, the surgery was successful but he hasn’t woken up yet.

Melisa heaved a sigh of relief and for the first time that night she smiled. And suddenly remembered she had to call Bryan.

Stella had to do all the calling to Dane’s parents who were on a trip far away from home. Melisa hated the idea of them calling everyone when he isn’t dead yet.

Tom wasn’t himself after Michelle had left. His mind was filled up with thoughts of what might have happened. He trusts her sister wasn’t the culprit but another part of him wants to question her about Bryan. Tom shrugged the idea off and proceeded in calling his wife who had been declining his calls. Dani’s phone was also out of reach due to her curfew times.

At the same time he had admitted to everyone Grissel made the right choice asking for a security. At least they would be safe. Then it dawned on him, Henry wasn’t a threat anymore so he didn’t have to worry that much.

He grabbed a sit closer to Melisa trying to cheer her up. It looked like they were going to sleep over in her office.

***

Grissel had been acting weird all morning. She called Gina to come over which was unusual.

Dani was giving her faces in the kitchen while she went about throwing everything off angrily. Her phone rang and she asked Grissel to answer it but she ignored him

‘Hello Uncle Tom. Where are you?’

‘I had some work. Are you guys okay?’ He asked.

‘I’m fine but mom is acting weird. She even called Grandma to come over.’

‘That’s good news.’ Tom was relieved.

‘Yes, when are you coming back?’

‘I’m not sure yet but can you look after mommy until Grandma gets there.’

‘I would try.’ She said sadly.

‘Okay, tell your mom I love her.’ He said and Dani laughed.

Tom didn’t want to answer further questions so he said goodbye and hanged up quickly.

***

Tom had confronted Bryan in a harsh way even when the poor guy insisted he had nothing to do with the sh00t-out. He was creating a scene that evening whereby the police nearly took him on.

Melisa knew Tom’s instincts were always right even when he was a child. She dragged Bryan to her office so they could talk because the police were beginning to think Tom was right.

Stella looked on embarrassed while Austin was trying to stop the fight between the boys. It was when Bryan yelled and on getting there Melisa had collapsed. It was almost one in the morning and Tom just had to punch Bryan in the face.

***

Julia was impatient but Joe had succeeded in convincing her they should leave during the day. But when Tom called back that Melisa had collapsed that dawn they took a late flight back to Seattle.

‘I’m taking the lead. Drive with Morris.’ Julia said heading towards the door.

‘Juju, relax we just got here.’

‘Didn’t you hear Tom on the phone earlier?’ She asked.

‘I did and he mentioned she’s fine.’

‘You and I weren’t there when she collapsed.’ Julia retorted.

‘I know but Tom is there and besides you could speak to her on phone.’

‘Are you driving me there or not?’ Julia asked with angrily.

Joe didn’t respond so she walked out hoping to grab a cab when Morris arrived.

They got to the hospital and met the police still waiting around outside and decided to talk to them.

***

Grissel stared at their portrait on the wall and hissed. Gina was aware about Stella’s call early that morning about Tom making a scene at the hospital.

‘If he’s in trouble you need to help.’ Gina who had arrived that morning told her daughter.

‘Mom, I asked him not to go because I knew he was just going to complicate things but he felt like I was being insensitive.’

‘It’s the way you said it Grissel.’ Her mom cautioned.

‘I admit was insensitive but that’s the only language my husband understand.’

She sighed and called Dani to bring her phone.

‘Also, you need to tell your daughter what’s going on soon.’

‘Can’t you help me do that?’ Grissel asked barely keeping up with her breathe.

‘I knew that was why you called me here but no you have to reach out to Shirley yourself.’

‘I would wait for Tom.’

Gina smiled. ‘You know I finally figured out why you couldn’t open up to me.’ Her mom said.

‘Because of Dad.’ Grissel responded honestly.

‘Yes, instead of correcting you when you go wrong I always waited for your dad.’ Gina admitted.

‘And you think I’m doing the same with my daughter.’ Grissel smiled weakly.

Gina nodded when Dani came back with the phone.

***

‘Where do you think you going?’ Tom asked Bryan who was going to see Melisa who just woke up. She probably collapsed because she had been standing all night while the rest slept off in her office but Tom blamed Bryan because Melisa was alone with him when she dropped to the floor.

Tom figured whatever they were arguing about had something to do with Danes condition because his sister was very furious.

‘To see Lisa.’

‘You are not allowed here.’

‘Lisa would want me here.’ He said while Tom walked closer with a fist.

His dad held him back from behind while Julia shouted at him. Bryan didn’t know when they appeared behind them so he walked away upon sighting Michelle coming out of Melisa’s room.

 

Tom was furious watching him talk to Michelle when his phone rang. He glared at the caller ID and picked up.

‘Grissel? How are you?’

‘Can you stop fighting and come home.’ Grissel said over the phone ignoring his question.

‘Where did you here that?’

‘It doesn’t matter where, just come home and stop poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.’

‘You are my business so does anyone you had encounter with.’ Tom replied her.

Grissel was quiet for a while and sighed. ‘How’s Reed.’

‘Finally, she cares.’ Tom teased.

‘Forget I asked Tom. Just stop causing trouble for your sister and get back here.’ She said sternly.

‘Lisa, isn’t well.’ He tried to find a way to stay back.

‘I’m not well too and last I checked you were my husband not a doctor.’

‘You don’t understand Grissel. That guy is hiding something.’

‘Allow the police to do their job.’

‘Not when they are already suspecting my sister.’

‘Tom? Come back home in the next hour or I relocate your stuff to the guest room.’

‘I can’t leave Bryan here with my sister.’ He said with a controlling tone.

Grissel was tired of being nice on the phone. ‘I don’t have a problem being alone when you are behind bars but don’t make your children fatherless.’

‘Nothing would happen, besides I only hit him in the face.’ He said proudly.

‘That wasn’t right, you need to respect your sister’s boyfriend.’

‘I know but hitting him won’t send me to jail.’

‘You falsely accusing him can get you behind bars too.’

‘Okay Love, I’m hungry anyway.’ Tom said sighting Melisa who was out of her bed fully dressed. He rushed to her forgetting he was still on phone with his wife.

‘Love you.’ Grissel said and was waiting for a repeat of that from him.

‘Where are you going?’ He asked with his phone now in his hands.

‘Home, to see Bryan. Stella told me what happened.’

‘You can’t go back there yet until he’s cleared of my suspicion.’

‘Tom stop it.’ Melisa said weakly while the rest of the family who went looking for her in the room rushed over.

‘Why don’t you want my help?’

‘Dad, tell your son to let me go.’ Melisa turned to her dad.

Morris didn’t know which of his children to support.

Meanwhile Tom had forgotten he hadn’t hanged up.

‘Okay, Lisa you need to eat and get some rest at home since you don’t want to stay at the hospital.’

‘But Aunty, I need to make sure Bryan is okay.’

‘I would drive you there after you have eaten. Is that okay?’

‘I think your aunty is right Lisa.’ Paige who had arrived when she was still asleep said.

‘Alright, I didn’t notice you were here too.’ Melisa feigned a smile.

‘Let me help you out.’ Tom informed, giving the phone out to Austin so he could be in control.

‘I’m not an invalid Tom.’ Melisa knew Tom just want to be in control of her life. He always does that with Grissel and she never complained.

He just stood there watching everyone hoping someone would defend his decision soon.

But Melisa’s eyes met with that of Stella who nodded and she let him walk with her to the car. Julia drove in Melisa’s car behind him.

Grissel shook her head while hanging up.

‘Shirley, is there a problem?’ Gina asked looking at both mother and daughter. Grissel’s attention was drawn to her daughter.

‘Mom, I know dad is sick. When can I go and see him?’

‘Huh!’ Grissel exclaimed.

Gina knew she wasn’t ready to talk about it judging by the look on her face.

‘Sweet heart, have a seat.’ Gina interrupted Grissel’s thoughts.

Shirley overheard her earlier talking to Gina about her dad. Luckily for Grissel her daughter was very understanding and only demanded to see her dad soon.

Bryan who came with a cab knocked on his friend’s door. When the guy came out he gave him a hot slap.

‘What did you do Cephas?’ He asked him while his friend kept rubbing his face. Cephas was one of the many guys Bryan had to watch sleep with Melisa.

‘You slapped me? Timid Bryan Slapped me.’ The guy repeated walking out of the house to check if he came alone.

‘Yes, I did. Now answer my question.’

‘I heard Henry is gone. If that’s the reason you are here then you should go because I know nothing about that.’ His friend Cephas told him.

‘You know nothing about that?’

‘Yes, I only heard from Jake a while ago.’

‘So Jake was involved.’ Bryan asked instantly.

‘I never said that besides if you want to know what happened you should ask the lady you snatched from Henry.’

‘What’s that?’ Bryan was attentive all of a sudden.

‘I mean you thought you were in the clear when you snatched Lisa from the man who made you who you are today.’

‘This isn’t about loyalty.’ What did Lisa do?’

‘Nothing, just get out of my house.’ His friend yelled and pushed him out of the gate.

Bryan didn’t understand a thing he said. He tried calling Lisa but her phone has been off. He knew it was time to drag his father in to his mess as his guilt was already killing him.

***TBC —

One more episode to go, please leave your comments

 

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