LEONA
***
I didn't waste any more time when I got to my office. Once my head was buried in my work, I didn't look up till it was time to go home.
I left the office hastily because I didn't want to encounter Dave.
Fortunately, my sweet brother was already waiting for me outside with the car as usual.
I got into the car and we had our normal chat.
The next day was Tuesday and I wore a sleeveless dress that was just above my knees with a long blazer.
I didn't have to do anything with my wig. I'm actually bored wearing it every day though.
It's almost a month since I escaped from Yolando and in my second week of working.
After dressing up, I went out to meet the two important people in my life and we drove off.
I didn't see Dave when I got to the company until 10 am when my door creaked open and his tall frame stepped in.
"Have you been avoiding me?"
I raised my head.
" Nevermind, get me a coffee and some for yourself if you want to. " He said and left.
I got up, straightened my dress, and walked out of my office, down the corridor to the canteen.
" Two cups of Piccolo latte," I stated and it was made.
I remembered the taste of the one I took so I decided to taste mine.
I tasted it, placed it down but took it again. Before I knew it, I'd taken it all again.
"Another cup," I demanded.
When it was made, I placed it on the tray and walked to Dave's office.
"Come in." He said before I could even knock.
"Your coffee is here." I placed it down and took mine.
"Thanks" he muttered.
I nodded and left with my cup.
After an hour, I felt a strong urge to visit the bathroom.
I got up from my chair and looked around my office for a washroom but saw none.
I walked to the door I spotted a week ago and turned the knob.
Without looking, I strode in hurriedly.
Relief washed over me when I saw the washroom.
I went in and did my business. Why is the washroom separated from my office anyway?
Once I stepped out of the washroom, my body collided with someone's.
"You?" I said when I saw Dave in front of me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"No. What are you doing here? This is my office." He asked back.
" Your office?" I walked from the corner we stood and appeared before his large office.
I didn't notice. I looked around and saw the door I came in through.
Oh, now I get it! It's an adjoined room. The two offices are somehow one. That's why they shared a bathroom I guess.
Does that mean he can make an appearance in my office anytime? Well, I guess I have to get a key so I can lock it.
"Alright! You won!. I didn't know it was your office."
"Does that mean since you've been working you haven't used the washroom?"
" No.. I don't usually do my things anywhere."
" Then what changed?"
" I don't know.."
" It's the coffee, you took two cups didn't you?"
My eyes narrowed at him.
"How did you know I took more than a cup?"
He took a step closer, pointed two fingers in front of his eyes before pointing it towards me. It indicates that his eyes are on me, watching me.
He pocketed and went to sit behind his desk.
I stood, confused at what he just did before leaving for my office through the new door I discovered.
**
The next day at work, I didn't see Dave throughout and I wondered why he has been absenting frequently from work.
After coming back from lunch, I checked my phone and realized that I missed ten calls from Raymond.
I quickly called him back and after the third ring, he answered.
"Hey sis, something came up and I have to travel urgently to Dubai for three days. I am already at the airport. I left the car at Leonard's school so you should close early and go pick him.. " he said hurriedly.
Raymond is leaving the country?
" Are you there?"
"Yes, Ray. Safe journey then. I'll miss you. " it's sad but I wouldn't like to hold him back.
" I'll miss you too. Hope you'll be fine? "
" Yes. I'll be fine, you shouldn't worry. "
" Look, I can postpone it for later if you're not okay. "
" No-no, you should go. I'll be fine. "
" Alright, I'll call you once I arrive. Take care. I love you. "
" I love you too and.. " I looked up to see Dave standing in front me.
" Alright, I have to leave now."
"We'll talk.." I couldn't finish before he hanged up.
" Is this the right place to be professing your undying love miss Grande? "
What the heck!
" Excuse me Mr. Anosova, do you have a problem with me?"
" Oh yes, I have one. Which is, quit bringing your bedroom affairs to my company "
He just pressed the wrong buttons.
" I'd have remembered not to do that if your bitch hadn't come here first to discuss bedroom affairs with you. "
I know I shouldn't have said that but I couldn't help it. I was only making a call with my brother and he just jumped to unreasonable conclusions.
" You didn't say that. " His furious eyes narrowed.
" Oh yes, I did. " My angry eyes mirrored his.
" I own this entire place and that gives me the right to do what I deem fit and you have no right to question it."
" Well, I own my life as well. The fact that I work for you doesn't give you the basic right to dictate what I should and not do Mr." I jabbed.
" Sure." He stormed out.
What was that for? I think I should start looking for another job. I can't stand this crazy man anymore.
I couldn't concentrate on my work the entire day until it was time to leave.
I took a taxi to Leonard's school, picked him up, and drove Raymond's car to our house.
Raymond is going for three days and I don't know how I am gonna manage without him here.
I went to the kitchen once wef got home and started preparing food for Leonard.
After feeding and bathing him, I put him to bed before I also ate and bathed.
After coming back from the washroom, I saw Leonard moving about in the room.
"Baby," I called.
"Mama." He replied and took unsteady steps towards me.
I took him to the bed and tried to make him sleep but he just wasn't ready to sleep.
After two hours, I couldn't take it anymore as my eyes succumbed to sleep.
I didn't notice how long I slept but when I woke, Leonard was crying loudly.
I am sure it was his cry that woke me. It was too loud.
I picked him and tried to comfort him but he wouldn't budge.
I made a bottle for him but he refused.
I went to the kitchen to prepare baby food for him and he took it but ended up throwing all of it.
I didn't know what to do. It was 1 am and I had no clue what I could do to calm him...
I thought of bathing him so I did.
He stayed silent for a while but it wasn't long before he started screaming again.
I decided to call Ray but his line was unreachable.
I don't know any hospital around here if not I would've taken him there.
He kept crying and by the time it was 4 am, he began to run a high temperature.
I couldn't take it anymore, I grabbed the car keys, went to where Raymond keeps his money, and took some.
I'll remember to put it back.
I didn't bother changing from my pajamas as I took his food and a few clothes then my phone.
He was still crying when I took him into the car and drove out of the house.
I searched for a nearby hospital and when I got it, I put my navigation on and typed the address.
After driving for almost 20 minutes, I pulled over at the hospital.
I took him into my arms and practically ran into the hospital. "Doctor please my baby." I cried when I saw a doctor just when I got in.
"No, I'll carry him." I declined when a nurse wanted to take him. I followed her instead to the emergency ward.
Within a minute, a doctor came and started examining him.
"He's having a fever but don't worry he'll be fine. " The doctor assured me.
After giving him an injection, he slept for a while but the moment he woke, he started crying again.
I didn't know what to do. I got restless. "What's wrong with him, doctor? Why's he crying so much? I thought the injection would help cure his high fever. "
" We're doing our best madam." He said and they fixed a drip on him.
" What's wrong doctor? Why the drip?"
"You should go get water and a towel. Your son is running a dangerous temperature" the doctor replied instead.
I nervously did as I was told.
***
We spent the entire day at the hospital but there was still no improvement.
On the second day at the hospital, my baby has grown lean. He wouldn't eat and neither will he stop crying.
I wonder if the doctors are really working because I can't see any improvement.
I buried my head in my palm and wept bitterly. I can't lose my baby, Lord please help.
"How's he doctor? Is he going to be fine?"
"I can't guarantee that, madam. We've done everything we could but his condition keeps deteriorating."
" What?" My jaw dropped.
Why's the doctor giving up on my baby?
"Do something doctor, it's your duty. Please treat my baby."
" There's nothing left to be done but I'll be glad if you call his father. By the way, where's he? I haven't seen him." The doctor asked and looked around.
I slumped back into my chair. This is the hardest part of my life.
I have no idea who the father of my baby is.
"Why are you asking of his father, doctor? What has he got to do with this?" I asked ruefully.
" Some children tend to miss their parents especially if one parent has been absent for long and during situations like this, they won't recover until one of the missing parents comes. It's a natural thing..."
He didn't finish when my phone began to ring.
I took it and stared at the screen. It was an unknown number. Raymond. It's Raymond.
"Hello Ray, thanks for calling. Are you back? Please come help us. Leonard is unwell and it doesn't look like he'll be fine anytime soon. Please come quickly, we're alone here and I don't know what to do anymore..."
" Where are you?" I was cut off.
" Gem hospital, street.."
I stopped speaking when I recognized that deep English accent.
This is definitely not Raymond.
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