#22 She is Getting Weaker

"Amanda?" As I expected, Mia jumped to me the moment I entered the classroom. "I thought you weren't coming!"

"Ah, haha, I changed my mind."

Her action was enough to show how happy she was to see me in school. She dragged me to my seat and the teacher came in just in time. Maybe Mia noticed the teacher earlier, that's why she hurried me to sit down.

"Please take your seats. We're doing roll-call."

Everyone returned to their designated seats as the teacher marked our attendance. I yawned and looked around the classroom to release my boredom. Seems like they did some cleaning already, even the windows were shining.

However, I noticed something unusual. Eric wasn't in front of me today and the first thing that came to mind was that he went to visit my mother in the hospital. He always does that for his own mother anyway, it wouldn't be surprising if that was the case.

"How rare. He seldom skips school so it's like giving more time to-"

"Give it up," I cut Carl off before he could finish his sentence, "I have a fiance."

Even though he did not say it out loud, I could tell his intentions by looking. He's like an open book.

Class went on as usual after homeroom was done. I was glad Carl did not disturb me since I indirectly turned him down. Well, he should get a clue right about now.

After a feeling of an eternity later, it was finally time for recess.

"Sigh." I accidentally let out a loud sigh without my own realization, which led to Mia's worrywart switch on.

"Why, Amanda? Did you have enough sleep last night? Did you take breakfast this morning? Are you still hungry now? I can get more food for you."

"I appreciate your kindness but please don't worry too much, Mia. You'll get wrinkles soon."

Mia never failed to amuse me with all the questions she filled me with whenever she's worried. Seriously, such a worrywart.

She got me another bun to eat although I never mentioned I was hungry, but I just accepted it anyway. We chatted a little before recess was over and returned to our classroom.

Let's see what class we have… History? Jeez, we just had that last week.

I forced myself to keep my eyelids open so I wouldn't doze off in class halfway through. I didn't want to make it too obvious or else Carl might disturb me again.

The school bell rang, indicating class has ended.

"Class is dismissed. Make sure you finish up your homework during the weekends."

Phew. I managed to stay up the whole time. It sure was a tiring thing to do.

Eric was at the gate when I arrived. He said he was going to the hospital so Alice gave him a ride.

"Reporting to your mother again?"

"Well, don't call it a report. Just informing."

I don't see any difference there.

"Young master wanted to give some time alone for the Miss and the lady so he came with me to pick up the Miss, Miss."

"Alice, you can stop with the confusing 'Miss' and address us by our names, you know?"

"Sure, Miss Amanda."

Anyway, why did Eric have to come all the way to school too? He could have just sat at the waiting area outside of mother's room even if he wanted to let Andrea talk alone with mother.

Well, whatever. That's how he always did things.

Alice dropped us off at the lobby and told me to contact her once we were done. I waved to her as she drove away.

I got the keycard to my mother's room and was surprised to see my sister sleeping on the chair. She must have fallen asleep while watching over mother.

"Amanda?"

Oops. Seems like we woke her when I was putting down my bag.

"Good morning. Unfortunately, breakfast isn't ready."

"You sure know how to joke with a straight face."

Andrea stood up and left the room. She told me to spend as much time as possible with our mother before it's too late.

I would be lying if I said I had no sad feelings when seeing my mother laying weak in the bed. She could barely even turn her head to see me, moreover to sit up and drink water like usual. I could tell it was difficult for her to even raise a finger anymore. Despite that, she still hung on the thread of her life.

My hands envelope my mother's and I was glad that there was still warmth in it, which meant her life wasn't over yet. However, that wouldn't last long.

Mother smiled to comfort me when she noticed I was on the verge of tears.

"Even after I leave this world, I will still be by your side, watching over you."

I slightly nodded my head in response. She looked over my shoulder and told me, "You will cherish your fiance, I'm sure. He cherishes you too."

Huh? What is that going to do with Eric?

I wasn't really interested in knowing my fiance anymore since mother wouldn't say it outright. I checked the time and thought I should head back soon.

"I'm heading back. You?"

"I'll contact my driver in a bit."

Eric walked me to the lobby and Alice was already there. She probably guessed how long I was going to stay again. She has always been good at this kind of stuff.

We went back home and Eric's car came soon after.

My sister was in her room when we arrived. There was still some time before dinner so I went to take a bath. It has been a while since I last took one. School really conquered my time until I could only take a shower.

I filled water into the bathtub and washed my hair and body before dipping myself into the warm water. It was really soothing and comfortable at the same time.

"Sigh. How I wish I can stay here forever."

What a joke. My skin will wrinkle by the time I get out of the tub if I were to soak myself in there for too long.

I wiped myself dry with a towel after cleaning myself. A text notification came in when I stepped out of the bathroom so I went to check who it was.

Eric?

"You left your water bottle."

My… water bottle?

I checked my bag and realized it really wasn't there. But why does he have it?

"Sorry. I took it when you left the room and forgot to give it to you when we were in the lobby."

Sigh. Such a forgetful me. That was my favorite bottle and I would never dare to ever lose it.

I thanked him for holding onto it for me and he said he would return it to me tomorrow. I felt bad for making him purposely going to the hospital just to return my bottle but who cares? I really need it!

Just when we were done talking, a maid knocked on my room door. She came to inform me that dinner was ready and I could eat anytime.

"Thank you, I'm coming."

I left my phone on my bed and went to my sister's room. The lights weren't on so I turned it on to wake her from her nap. Of course, she complained about me suddenly waking her up but then walked out of her room after I told her dinner was ready.

"Oh, yeah. I think a maid came to tell me just now."

Seriously, just how lazy are you to not even respond to a hardworking maid who comes to our rooms everyday, telling us that food was ready?

We went to the dining room and there were a variety of dishes served on the dining table.

"What did you order, Andrea?"

Her eyes were sparkling in satisfaction.

"Lobster, crab, prawn, seaweed, ham, beans, spinach, sausage and lastly… ice cream! The perfect combination!"

How is that perfect?! I think I'm going to get an upset stomach tonight.

I let out a deep sigh and sat beside my sister, who was munching down her food happily like a child. Just what happened that made her order such food? I wonder if the chef felt weird about her combination too.

Well, what choice do I have? It's not like I hate it anyway. I mean, there's ham, sausage, ice cream…

Let's ignore the fact that Andrea is currently eating a whole lobster by herself.

"What are you spacing out for? Just eat already," said my sister with a mouthful of food. "So nostalgic, remember how we ate seafood everyday at grandma's until we got bored of it"

"Is that why we're having seafood for dinner tonight?"

She ignored my question and kept adding food onto her plate. She even asked for thirds!

I ate until my stomach could no longer take it. I placed my empty plate into the sink and went to my room. There, I found my phone vibrating non-stop and notifications kept coming in.