Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Maya was sleeping peacefully when we got to the VIP ward. She was no longer stiff or cold. Even in her sleep, she looked so beautiful, even though her skin was still pale. She had on an oxygen mask and the beeping sound from the monitor was encouraging. The nurse came to change her IV. The one they had on her was almost empty when we got here.

It's unfortunate I couldn't see her deep blue eyes which always made her look like an angel. But the doctor said she might wake up any moment from now so even though I wanted so much to change into something more comfortable, I decided to stay till she wakes up.

Even Jude and Tom were still here. None of us have eaten or drank anything since we got here. We were anxiously waiting for her to regain conciousness. The doctor finally told us to wait at the waiting area but when I turned around, I felt a movement on my hand. My heart was warmed to a weak smiling Maya. She couldn't keep her eyes steady but she wanted to tell me something.

Maya, I cried, which made Jude and Tom turned around almost at the same time at the sound of my voice.

"Where am I", she asked in a voice which was almost a whisper.

In the hospital. The doctor said you need to rest so we will come back later I said with joy. Glad to see her beautiful deep blue eyes though they looked tired.

"Please stay", she whispered.

I looked at the doctor pleadingly and he understood and nodded in approval.

"You can stay with her but the men can wait at the waiting area". The doctor said firmly.

Few minutes later. Maya fell into a deep sleep so I managed to sneak out. I told Tom to keep an eye on her whiles Jude drove me home. I quickly washed down and got into something comfortable. I packed a few clothes for her and myself. I know she usually likes long loose clothes when she's at home especially when the weather is cold.

I quickly made some oatmeal with toast for Maya, just the way she likes it. Then I prepared some noodles with eggs and salad for four. I always like to cook with a little extra just in case of an unexpected visitor or somebody wants extra and in this case, the extra might do someone some good since no one has eaten or drank anything. I wanted to make some coffee too but remembered the hospital has a coffee maker so I decided to leave that out.

I quickly packaged the food and headed out of the house. Jude was fast asleep on the steering wheel when I got to the car. He refused to wait inside when we got here because of his wife's insecurities. I understood quite well. He slept so soundly that I didn't want to wake him but I didn't have a choice either.

He opened his eyes and  lifted his head from the steering wheel immediately I opened the door to the passenger seat.

Tired? I asked with a smile.

"Yes", he replied in a hoarse voice whiles starting the car. We had a little chat on the way which made me realize that Maya took her work ethics from Jude when she used to help in his office. But I was surprised his wife didn't like Maya. What the heck. Maya is like the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She wouldn't hurt a fly. Jude pulled over at the entrance of the hospital and I alighted from the car whiles he drove to the car park to park the car.

Jude's wife was sitting by Tom when I got there. Thank God I carried extra food, I exclaimed under my breath. I know no one heard me and yes I didn't want them to.

Good morning, I greeted her as I walked to Tom and asked. How is she?

"Still sleeping", he said in a tired voice.

Good. I made all of us breakfast so I will just get some coffee from the coffee maker.

"I'll get the coffee, he said heading to the coffee maker", just then, Jude entered the hospital with a surprised look when he saw his wife.

Jude's wife was surprisingly calm and did not behave as she did last night. She was being more mature and caring. I liked her so much for that. She quickly walked to Jude and wrapped him in a warm hug. It's wonderful to see that they have settled their differences.

I brought out breakfast and we all ate in silence.

"Thanks for the breakfast, Tracy," Sarah complimented when I started cleaning up.

It's a pleasure and am glad you enjoyed it. I replied happily. I always liked it when I got compliment for my cooking. I don't know why but it always makes me happy.

"Let me clean up. You go check on Maya". Tom said before I could finish cleaning.

I took her food and went to the VIP room. I was so happy Tom chose the VIP ward. There was a single sofa next to her bed and I sat there after setting her breakfast on the side table. She was still in deep sleep but the nurse came to check her pulse and blood pressure and nodded positively.

"Tracy", I heard Maya's call after the nurse left.

Yes Maya, I'm here

"Where were you, I woke up and no one was here".

Sorry Maya, I went home to get you some clothes and breakfast but Tom was in the waiting area when Jude drove me home.

"Thanks. Can I eat"? She asked with a clear voice.

I was surprised to hear that before I remembered she hadn't eaten throughout yesterday. She was busy trying to get in touch with Mark.

'Ofcourse, I responded', helping her to a sitting position.

She started eating her oatmeal with such speed I have never seen her eat. I know what this is. Impulse eating. She is eating out her depression and it doesn't look good. Half way through her meal, she drops a question which confirmed my suspicion.

"Tracy, can I ask you a question".

Sure, anything I responded nodding my head.

"How were you able to get through the times of heartbreak"? She asked innocently. My mind raced to my past breakups which almost made me cry but I wanted to stay strong for her.

It wasn't easy. But mum thought me to pray and it worked.

"You believe in Prayer"? she asked with narrowed eyebrow.

Well I never did until it worked for me on two occassions.

"Which are"? She asked expectantly.

Getting through my heartbreak and finding you. I replied hastily. Then I began to explain. We searched and searched but couldn't find you. I got a miracle when I prayed. I knew that you were nowhere near when I sat at the foot of that fountain so opening my eyes to see you there was purely a miracle.

"So can you teach me"? She asked like a little child begging her mother to read her a bedtime story.

"Sure". It's as easy as talking to me. You just have to convert all that you are feeling to God. Just speak to him like you speak to me. You don't have to pretend or anything.

"Just like that"? She asked with a confused look on her face.

Yes, what did you think prayer was? I asked trying to read her mind.

"Well, I thought you have to go down on your knees and follow a specific pattern". She said calmly.

Some people do that but since I don't go down on my knees when I am talking to my mom or dad, I usually don't do that but it all depends on how you see God. He can be a father to you or a God up in heaven where you want to show all reverence. But it all depends on you and how you see him at the time of prayer. I ended trying to make sense out of my answer.

"Thanks Tracy" She said hugging me. I was about to say something when Jude, Tom and Sarah walked in.

Not just me. I said looking at them. They all care so much about you Maya.

"I thought we heard voices", Tom said with a smile which masked the tiredness on his face. He was looking more handsome than ever. I can't believe his whole face could change with just a smile. I couldn't take my eyes off him even if the only woman his has eyes for is Maya.

"Yes you are right". I responded. Whiles Maya smiled. We were having a little girls talk.

"How are you"? He asked looking at Maya.

"I am fine, only sleepy" she said yawning.

"That should be as a result of the medications we gave you to help you relax." It will wear off by the time you wake up. Here, the doctor checked her eyes and then the pulse. Her IV was also almost empty so he signalled the nurse to take it off. You should be discharged tommorrow if your test results are good. He said smiling. It was the first time I saw him smile since we got here.

"Thank you Doctor. How do I get my bills". Maya said making me annoyed. How can she be thinking of paying her bills when she has all of us around. I know she is used to paying her own bills but during a time like this, who does that? I was about to respond when Tom spoke.

"Don't worry about the bills. It's taken care of." Tom sighed.

"You didn't have to Tom". Maya said.

"It's the least I could do". Tom said with those charming smiles again. God, does he know what it does to me when he smiles like that?

"I should have been by your side" he said regretfully.

"No. It wasn't your fault in anyway, even I wanted to be alone especially when you won't tell me what I wanted to hear." Maya said Pouting but thanks anyway, she said with a childish smile.

"Maya, I'm so sorry for pulling Jude away when you wanted to speak with him. Maybe he would have given you extra attention if he had known what happened and you wouldn't have been in this situation, Sarah said with genuine regret visible in her voice.

"It's alright Sarah, I understand you are only trying to protect your husband. Maybe I would have done worse if I were in your shoes. She said faking a frown. Her words made everyone laugh. Okay, Jude, Tom, you guys look terrible with all those circles underneath your eyes. You should go and get some sleep. Thank you all for being there for me". Maya said gratefully.

No, we'll stay Jude argued..

"Don't worry, Tracy will take care of me and trust me, I am fine". She said stressing on her last three words.

It's alright guys, I will update you if there are any changes, I added.

"Okay". Tom said reluctantly with another look at Maya before they left.

"I always thought your family were the ones who helped you overcome your breakups". Maya began talking immediately the door closed.

"Yes. I had the family support, care and all but trust me it doesn't take away the pain. Right now, is your pain less because I am here?" I asked.

"Not really". She said

That's exactly how it is. I replied.

"I don't know what I will do if I see Mark right now but the first thing I am going to do when I get out of here is send my resignation letter. I can't work in a company where he will be my boss". She said with a scoff.

Well, he came here yesterday and you should have seen how Tom redecorated his face with one heavy punch. I said jokingly.