Chapter 20: Chapter 20

I have never seen my Dad so enthralled with any woman before as he is right now. After the ambulance came, they took her and demanded for a relative come to the hospital with her. Being that my Dad was her supposed boyfriend he had followed.

When my Dad had told them he was her boyfriend I could see the surprised looks on their faces before they had draped it and had him sign before joining her.

When we reached the hospital and some tests were done, they confirmed she was typhoid plus carrier and made other diagnoses. My Dad had been furious when they had taken so much time and had called in his Doctor from Italy and told him he was coming in the next few hours with a patient. The resident Doctor was furious and had asked Dad to think before he took a rash decision that would cost the life of the patient but Dad wasn't listening.

It wasn't long, the driver came and we rolled her off the hospital, which Dad termed as being insufficient. The only time I had seen my Dad like this was a day before the day mum died and the first time Val was sick.

After everything, ranging from driving to the airport amidst the heavy rain that decided of all days to grace us with its presence, we had made it to the airport where Dad had boarded with her and asked me to stay behind with Mandy and made sure her parents are contacted so they won't be worried if they don't reach her. Three days later, I called Dad and he gave me the news that nearly broke my heart. She was still in a coma and they were still running so many tests on her to ascertain why she was still in a coma even after so many days.

According to him, they were making so many diagnoses at once that was driving him crazy because he was literally out of his mind. I knew what he was going through. I felt the same way too. Mandy had initially called Valeria’s sister and told her Valeria had lost her phone and would be coming online soon. When I asked why she lied she said they would be very worried and rush down to Ohio and that they won't leave until we bring them to Valeria. For a girl that wild, I never knew she had such caring and reserved parents, even a sister that could kill for her.

Today, here I am on my way to Italy to visit them and make sure my Dad doesn't hurt himself. From everything I'm seeing, I must admit, I think my Dad is in love and he doesn't even know it. My Dad is a hard man who believes he can never find any other woman he could love again after losing my mum. I have seen him use women and dump them which was voluntary though since they benefitted money in return. Most of them were willing to be his toy for them to be used, as far as he splashed his hard-earned money on them.

I was worried about him. I had hoped one day, he would find a woman and fall in love with so that he would be happy. I knew he wasn't, I saw it in his eyes. But on that day when he had called and told me about his new girl, I spotted the enthusiasm in his voice which made me rush down to see this girl that had my Dad riled up.

But I wasn't expecting to get caught in her mysterious eyes that held warmth and at the same time, held within the magic, that could suck you up until you are nothing but a shadow of your imagination. Yes, I say this because, if someone had told me that I would one day fall in love with my Dad’s concubine, I would probably bet my inheritance on it. But look at me today, each time I see the way she looks at my Dad, there is this ache I feel deep inside like something has been wrenched from me.

Getting close to Mandy just to get to her, was a mistake because now I'm caught in Mandy’s sly claws. I knew what she did. But I didn't want to confront her because I didn't even feel bad about it when I found out. I knew it was the reason why they were no longer on good terms and still, I won't ask her about it. I like her boldness and tenacity but I won't deal with a whore for a girlfriend. I will have to address it.

Two hours later, we arrived at the hospital. When I mean we, Mandy and I. She had insisted on coming with me to see her best friend. I couldn't stop her because they're friends and irrespective of what happened maybe they would find it in their hearts to forgive.

That was left for Valeria to decide. I rushed to my Dad who was sitting by the chair looking so gloomy. For someone of great carriage and personality, he don't look too well. I knew my Dad and how much he cares about his public image. Imagine how many people had seen him slumped in a dejected way before we came. “DAD YOU CAN'T BE LIKE THIS”

He looked at me once and removed his face, resuming his former posture. “I'm sorry for what happened, but you know we are all in this together. Don't you?” I sat and patted his slouched shoulders.

He didn't say anything. Mandy sat at his left and tried to take his hand but he snatched it off very fast “Don't touch me. You are her friend and you are supposed to know things were not okay with her. What if something happens to her? Five days. Five days and she is still in a coma. What am I suppose to do with that?” he was aggrieved, I know. Regardless, I don't like this version of my Dad. My Dad is always in control. Always.

“Dad, we have to take you somewhere so you can freshen up okay? You don't look too good and it's not good for your health. She would be alright, you know that” He looked up at me his eyes looking so sullen and sunken. I hated this version, I must concede. “I tried to forget about your mum because I believed maybe that was God's punishment for all my sins. What am I going to do about this?”

Okay, That's it. Something has possessed my dad.“Dad, we have to go, come on” I stood and pulled him out of the chair to follow. He didn't budge for some time before he finally managed to move his huge body.

We strolled out of the private quarters and made it out to the open where the driver was standing waiting for us. This hospital is the best in Italy as my Dad told me and I believe they had everything in control. We left sooner and the driver drove straight to my Dad’s hotel. I booked a room for Mandy and took my Dad to his room so he would freshen up. After that, I came downstairs and made sure they had his favorite so he would be able to eat. My Dad wasn't a food person. Only Antonio made him eat most time and unfortunately, he isn't here.

I had seen Antonio’s face when we told him about Valeria’s accident. He had been so devastated. I quickly informed them what to make and left back to his room to make sure he was refreshed. When I came in, he was seated on his bed with his phone in his hand looking at something. He didn't even notice me come in until cleared my throat at his back. He put out the phone and looked up at me but I already saw what he was looking at__her pictures. “Your food would soon be here Dad. After that, you would rest. I would go down to the hospital and make sure she is properly taken care of.” I could sense his precarious stance so I decided to have this talk with him once and for all. I sat down on the bed opposite him. “I know what you are thinking now Dad. You think I would probably be there when she wakes up and not you. I know you are angry at me for trying to seduce Valeria even when I knew she's your girl” I hesitated before I would say my next words. “The truth is that, I...I liked her Dad, and I still do but, I won't fight anymore. I know you love her and I would urge you to tell her. She is angry because of what happened between you and Mandy and I am too. You are sleeping with the woman I happen to be in love with and still you are flawed, by taking the one I decided to manage. I love you so much Dad and I care about your mental state. This is why I would stay away from Valeria after this. I just hope she recovers from this and hope also that you do the right thing.” He was quiet for a very long time making me think if I've made any sense in everything I said.

I know my Dad is not one for vain chatters. He chose what matters to him to indulge in and this kind of conversation, I must confess, are not his thing. He huffed. “It's fine I've heard everything that you said and I must say I'm sorry too. It just happened in my state of weakness. I.. I promise to be a better father to you henceforth. It's just that this feeling scares me. I don't know what to do.” I smiled and reached across the bed to pat his hand like he does to me when I was younger.

“You would do well Dad. You already are. I must confess, I've never seen you like this since after Mum.” I told him. He smiled and looked away. “I know. This is looking strange to me too, but what can I do?” he chuckled lightly.

The waiter knocked, and I went to pick up his food from the door. I rolled in the trencher into the room, seeing Dad’s face light up at the sight of so much food. “Is that for the entire hotel?”

“Yes, Dad just for you. You have lost so many pounds just in four days. You need sustenance if you would want to meet your lady love in your two legs.”

He nodded and started eating after I had served him a large portion. “Thanks” he looked up and said “For everything”

“Always my pleasure, Dad. What are son’s for?”After he finished eating, I went into his closet and made sure he had enough dresses, or know if I will order more. I wouldn't bear seeing my Dad driving around Italy looking like he is lacking in his wardrobe. Not even love can turn him to that.

When I finished, I called the waiter to come to pack up the trench. I was very happy that he did justice to the meals.

~~~

He slept for a long time. I went to Mandy’s room to check up on my website for any changes before heading to the hospital. My phone chimed showing a call from Dad. I picked up and rushed to his room. He was dressing up in a haste and didn't even look at me when I came in. “The Doctor just called and said there is a new development. We have to go now.” I didn't argue.

I left to inform the chauffeur to ready the car. A few minutes later, we were on our way to the hospital. We entered the busy parking lot, and pulled off. Dad jumped out of the car and literally sprinted with me behind him to the Doctors office.

The Doctor after giving us a hazy smile that was both scary and welcoming handed Dad an envelope.