Chapter fifteen

 Catherine walks back to the hospital. She sees there is no point in disputing her mother's solution. if chemotherapy is the solution, then she has to agree with it, whether she likes it or not. 

 She walks straight to her mum's ward but stops at the door. She peeps and sees her resting on the bed, backing the door.

She is asleep, she thinks and walks inside. She sits and strolls her head.

'I'm sorry mum', she whispers,' I just couldn't take the idea. Though it's our last option but I just don't like the side effect it has on people. I hope you understand me'. She stands and walk back outside to see the doctor.

 Her mum turns as she senses Catherine is out. She pretended she was sleeping. She heard all what Catherine said and sobs silently.

 Catherine knocks at the door and enter.

She sees the doctor attending to some files but brushes them aside as he looks up to her.

'Oh you're here' he says and points to the seat.

Catherine sits down.

'I need to tell you that...' the doctor tries to explain but Catherine cuts him off.

'My mum has told me everything. Is it really our last option?', she probes

'I see you are not okay with it" he comments

'Actually', Catherine continues 'You know how chemo can be on some patient. I don't want that for my mum'. 

'I get what you're trying to say,' the doctor replies 'but all this is for her survival'.

Catherine sighs 'Okay so when is she taking it', 

'Next week. She is getting discharged tomorrow. So make sure she feeds well and good before coming. All the necessary test will be done done'.

'What happens after the treatment?' Catherine asks

'She will need to come every month for further checkup'. 

'Okay', she agrees

'Theere are some papers you will need to sign so you will get them from the nurse' the doctor adds.

 Catherine walks out of the room. She takes a look of her mum from the door the last time and walks home.

 She sinks into the bed and breathes deeply. She jerks up after remembering she has a lot to cover in her classes. She is taking an exam in two weeks time.

 She goes to her reading table and opens he laptop.

She smiles as she sees her mother's picture on the wallpaper. She set to read. Few hours later, she rests he head on the table feeling so stressed and sleeps.

 On getting to work the next day, she sees Bianca in the living room expecting her, a small traveling bag beside her.

Catherine sees she is not aware of her present then greets.

 Bianca looks up a bit surprise 'oh!', she exclaim, her voice a little bit down 'you're here'

Catherine nods.

Bianca stands up 'Actually I'm going for a trip and will be back a week or so...' she stops as she sees Michael rushing down the stairs.

 He walks straight to his mum ignoring Catherine greetings.

Catherine wonders why everyone acts so different today.

Michael look at the bag , 'Don't tell me you're leaving because of what he said?' he asks Bianca

'Michael dear, I'm not leaving' she replies

'Then where are you going with the bag?' he questions her

'I just feel like I need a break. Your dad is not around, I have no one to talk to'

'You have me mum' Michael replies 

Bianca smiles, 'Not when you're always with your friend. Michael look, I just want to take a trip with my friends', she faces Catherine 'I want you to take care of the house and the boys okay? Call me when you need anything', she instructs her.

'Okay ma', she replies. Catherine tries to carry the bag outside 

Bianca stops her 'it's fine Catherine. You should go and make breakfast'. She holds the handle and drags it outside along as she leaves 

'Mum!' Michael calls as she gets to the door.

'I'll be fine Michael. Take care of yourself ', she replies from outside .

Michael fumes as he watches the car leaves the compound.

'Something is obviously wrong' Catherine thinks . Bianca seems pissed off. That look is always what she gets anytime Sebastien annoys her. 'Wait a minute, has Sebastien done something worst this time around? she asks herself.

She throws a look at the stairs as she hears footsteps approaching and sees it is Sebastien. He looks away has their eyes meet and continues to the kitchen. 

He doesn't looks as if something had happened. Though his attitude changed a bit the past days but now, its seems back in its reset mode — back to the normal cold, expressionless face.

 Michael clenches his fist and follows him to the kitchen. He grabs his shirt and punches him. Sebastien falls to the floor.

Catherine runs to the kitchen.

Michael looks down at him angrily.

'Who do you think you are? I think my mother and I have tried enough to tolerate your attitude' he shouts at him

Catherine tries to stop him from hitting him further. 'Stop it Michael'

He pushes her aside 'Stay out it!'. He turns down to him 'Who the hell do you think you are?:

Sebastien spits the blood in his mouth and stands up. 'And who the hell do you think you are too?' He asks and punches Michael back.

Michael staggers and bounces back. He clenches his fist and retaliates.

Catherine watches in surprise as they both fight.

She rushes to separate them. In the process, one of them hits her in the face and she falls back.

They stop fighting and sees her groaning in pains

'You okay?' Michael ask

Catherine hold her head

'I'm sorry', Michael apologize.

Sebastien says nothing 

'Hmmm', she moans 'You guys should stop fighting for real!' she shouts at them.

Sebastien storms out of the kitchen and Michael follows. They both leave for their rooms in anger leaving Catherine with a throbbing head.

 Michael slams the door and picks his phone. He dials a number. The phone rings and a voice picks it some seconds later.

'Hey Michael wassup' the voice greets. 

Michael cools down to reply 'Hi Richard. You care for a party?' 

'Now? at your house?' Richard asks in suprise

'Sure' he replies. 

'It's not weekend and you know your mum will be in the house' 

'I know it's not weekend but my mum is not around. Care to call others?' he asks

'Sure do' Richard replies gladly 'Hope you maid is...'

Michael hangs the call.

 In less than an hour, the house is filled with Michael friends, drinking and dancing.

Michael sits alone drinking. He looks so down and uninterested in the party.

'Yo! you called for a party but you're here drinking ', Richard addresses him shaking his head to the music. 'You're alright?'

'Yeah' he replies and pour another himself another shot.

Richard looks around 'Where is your maid'

Michael points to the kitchen. He rolls his eyes to him 'What do you want from her?' 

'Nothing', he replies and dances back smiling at him.

'Hey' he greets as he gets to the kitchen

Catherine turns back from the meal she is preparing.

'What do you want?' she asks coldly

'Wo! wo! that's not how to reply a young man like me. Anyways, you care for a dance?'

Catherine flashes him an irritating look 'Cause the last time you came I was your dancing partner right?' 

Richard smiles and walks close to her ' I know you'll decline'

Catherine steps back

'This is an order from your boss's best friend okay?' he threatens and grabs her hand dragging her to the door

Catherine tries to free herself 'let me go' she resists.

Richard suddenly frees her as Sebastien enters the kitchen and looks at them.

'Later' he says to her and leaves.

Sebastien walks to the fridge and brings out a bottle of water. 'Looks like you got a new friend' he says to her and drinks from the bottle.

Catherine staggers and holds the cabinet

'You okay?' He ask dropping the water as Catherine holds her head.

Sebastien walk to her and she faints in his hands.

'Catherine!' he calls her.