Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Making up his mind

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Narrators pov

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Anthony rushed to the hospital immediately after he received the call. It was a miracle that he got there in one piece.

Before he walked into the hallway of the hospital, he stood still for a while to recollect his thoughts and take a deep breath; he was a bundle of nerves and needed to calm himself down before seeing his in-laws and wife.

As he walked into the hospital, it was impossible to miss the gloomy and sad faces that stared back at him as he passed by. When he came across two women who couldn't hide their grief, they were both weeping, and a middle-aged man squatted before the women, probably trying to console them. He said a silent prayer for them and also for his wife, he wasn't ready to lose her or their babies.

A few feet away from the women, he sighted his mother-in-law and his heart almost leaped into his mouth, she looked strained and her lips were drawn in a frown. Her husband stood beside her and also a woman Anthony had never seen before.

Prostrating before his father-in-law, as a sign of respect, Anthony said his greeting. He also extended the greeting to Elena's mum who stood still and grim-faced staring at nothing in particular.

As he watched her he couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for this woman who had treated him with contempt since they first met. He had not seen Elena and her parents since after the wedding and seeing them now especially under this circumstance made him feel guilty and he wondered if he had not been too harsh on them.

Turning to face his father-in-law, who suddenly looked old and vulnerable, he asked the question he dreaded to ask but hoped for a positive response.

"How are Elena and the twin's father."

Breathing hard Elena's father answered "No word yet from the doctors. We are still in the dark, concerning this information."

Anthony's heart sank, and he shut his eyes and prayed. "Dear God, save Elena and my girls. I promise to do whatever she asks of me." He had just opened his eyes when the door to the room Elena was in opened and closed.

"How are they." Mr. Badmus asked.

"The mother and the twins are both fine. They are in their best form as I speak."

"Thank God." Elena's mum said and walked into the room, even when the doctor tried to stop her she walked past him and entered the room.

"Sorry Doctor, you know Vera can be stubborn as hell. And she had been traumatized by all this." Mr. Badmus pleaded on behalf of his wife.

"I know, no offense taken." The doctor shook hands with his long-time friend since high school, "You can all go in, he made eye contact with Anthony too. But please don't stress her she needs all the rest she can get.

"We won't Kunle, and thank you" Elena's father replied the doctor and beckoned on Anthony and the woman to join him.

Elena's leg was elevated with a pillow to help with the swelling and she had a drip on her left hand. She looked strained and tired and Anthony's heart went out to her. He loved this woman and wondered how he ever thought that he could be apart from her for so long.

He smiled at her when their eyes met, with his right thumb he wiped off the beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

"Anthony, you came," Elena said her voice was barely a whisper.

"I wouldn't leave you alone, we are in this together," Anthony answered, sad that she would think he didn't care

"Will I be going home today, I don't want to stay at the hospital." She directed the question to her mum who was holding her free hand.

"I will ask the doctor." The father said and went out. A few minutes later he came with the doctor and two nurses.

"I heard you are asking to be discharged." The doctor asked Elena, his eyes lit up with laughter.

"I don't want to stay here."

"But you need bed rest, and medical attention for the time being."

"You could send some nurses to us." Her father intervened.

"Okay," the doctor agreed and asked the nurses to take out the IV and also prepare Elena for discharge.

Both of the nurses were young and probably in their early thirties. They looked professional and worked with such proficiency as they attended to Elena who had been discharged by the doctor.

3 hours later they were home at the Badmus mansion and Elena had been prepped in her bedroom upstairs.

Anthony stayed by her side for a few minutes before Elena's mum came over, she deliberately didn't want them to stay alone for long, she still hated Anthony and didn't hide it.

As Anthony made to leave the room Elena pleaded with him to stay and he could not say no. He leaned on the wall beside the door and waited.

He knew he had to decide for himself and Elena, his friend's advice flooded his mind.

Taking one last look at his wife he left without saying another word to her.

Elena saw him leave and a tear escaped her eyes and ran down her cheeks.

"I told you that boy was good for nothing, he couldn't even stay behind at least for the sake of his babies." Mrs. Badmus caused as she spoke, she somehow hoped that this would be the end of the marriage.

Complete