Angel in disguise

Maisie arrived at their residence, and as usual, it was empty. The creaking of the wooden floor beneath her feet was the only sound she could hear while walking across the parlor. She dashed into the kitchen to hunt down food when she realized there was nothing in the kitchen. 

What were they going to eat for dinner?

The house was empty and devoid of any food because her mother wasn't aware. Maisie would need to go back to her mom's shop and get whatever she could for dinner, she grumbled.

Maisie left the kitchen for her room. She tossed her bag to the bed and began to remove her uniform. She slipped into a comfortable knee-length green gown before heading out of the house. 

She walked down to the shop and when she reached there, she halted by the window side as she gazed at her mother. Maisie was left speechless by what was occurring, and she could only watch as her brain was not able to process anything.

In the corner of the shop facing the window, Calisa stood on a stool holding a lightbulb and facing the location where she had taken out the bad one. When the light illuminated the bulb, she was startled and then held her chest tightly, Feeling pain resonating through her body.

She was unable to maintain her balance and slipped off the stool, causing a hard fall to the ground. Her eyes closed and she was immersed in darkness when she heard Maisie shouting her name.

"Help! Someone help me please!" Maisie shouted and ran to where her mother lay, taking her in her arms.

Maisie continued to shout, "Help me please!" She shook her mother vigorously, wanting the woman to wake up and at least say something to her but her mother's arm had flailed to the side and Maisie feared what had happened to her. She would have never imagined.

911 was called immediately and an ambulance pulled over at the shop. The woman was gathered onto the stretcher and was lifted into the van. 

Maisie snatched the purse she had taken with her and hurried along with the van to the hospital. She was devastated and wasn't even thinking about calling her father and breaking the news to him.

She knew of her mother's heart problem, and they had been battling it together for some years now.

They were told by the doctors they had contacted that if she didn't undergo surgery quickly, she wouldn't have many years to spend on earth. Maisie could never pay for the surgery even if her kidney was sold. That was how expensive her mother's ailment was. 

And she couldn't leave her to die. She loved the woman with everything she had. 

Calisa was taken into the ward, while Maisie remained outside as the nurses had asked her to. Her heart was racing as she walked up and down the front door with her sweaty hands clasped in front of her. She hoped that her mother would be saved, she prayed so. She shut her eyes and continued to mutter the prayer that she knew. 

The doctor emerged from the emergency ward and approached her to have a conversation with her. 

"How is my mother doing, doctor?" Maisie hurriedly inquired in a tight voice as he neared her.

He sincerely told her, "She is safe. ONLY FOR NOW" He emphasized with a stern look on his face.

He was familiar with these people because they would always bring the woman here when she had seizures like that. He had repeatedly informed them that Calisa was in danger, and the surgery was the only option left for them, otherwise, she would pass away and they would never see her.

"If you want your mother to live, and free of danger. You'll do what you know is right Maisie. I cannot guarantee her safety next time" He said to her, and then walked away from her presence, followed by a set of people in uniforms.

Maisie let out a sigh as she slid into the chair. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall.

"What am I going to do? Mother can't die" She told herself, as she sobbed. Tears began to slip down her face, and she quickly wiped it away.

It wasn't that Maisie didn't want to save her mother from the predicament she was in. She just couldn't afford it, and neither could her father. They had been struggling to meet up with their needs but it was just not enough... If only there was someone...

Wait! There is, she thought to herself inwardly. 

Maisie fumbled with her purse, as she hurriedly pulled the zip to the side and rummaged through the things in it. She had no intention of taking the black card, but something unexpected had compelled her to do so.

After ringing the card number, she paused when she heard the line going through. 

Hold up? Wouldn't this look desperate of her?

Would it be a good idea to use the card today since she only received it today?

Wouldn't it seem like she was a gold digger when she wasn't?

She contemplated inwardly, as she continued hearing the phone ringing.

To prevent her from seeming unmannerly, should she wait a week before calling the woman? 

She ended the call before the woman could pick it up. 

Maisie was frustrated. She recalled the doctor's words. Her mother could have a seizure at any time and her safety wasn't guaranteed. 

Her father, she should call him and let him know of what had happened. She only hoped that he was strong enough to hear the news, otherwise, she couldn't handle both of her parents being hospitalized. 

Before Maisie could ring her father, Heidi's call appeared on the screen. Her blue eyes widened as she stared at the phone which was vibrating in her hands.

"What do I do?" she asked herself, should she pick it up or just let it disconnect?

It definitely would be rude of her to disconnect the woman's call. She ended up swiping the answer button and she raised the phone to her ear to listen to the woman's sweet voice sounding through the phone.

"Hello? Who am I speaking to?" The old woman asked in a polite tone.

Maisie cleared her throat before responding, "Maisie. I'm the girl from earlier, who assisted you in crossing the road"

"I do remember, my sweetheart. Thanks for the help once again" Heidi smiled over the phone, "You must have called for a reason" She added, wanting the young woman to go straight to the point.

"Y--yes" Maisie stammered, "The thing is that..." she trailed off, biting her lower lips. This didn't sound good in any way, even to herself.

"I'm listening, my dear" The woman urged her to continue.

Maisie swallowed, she just had to let it out. "The thing is that my mother is currently hospitalized and she's safe now. But the doctor said she needs to perform the surgery soon enough, otherwise, I might lose her" She explained calmly and in a pleading tone, hoping to convince the woman.

"Oh" Heidi gasped, "I'm sorry about that. How much does the surgery cost?"

"T-two million dollars" 

"Alright," Maisie's face lit up at the woman's positive response. "I'll have my secretary wire it to your account"

"Thank you so much" Maisie's smile widened. What was she going to do if she hadn't met this woman? She was an angel in disguise.

"Huh-huh. Nothing comes for free darling, the money comes with a request"