Under Our Care

Chapter 15

"Don't tell me you are actually considering it," I asked Chris in disbelief, harshly pushing the dishes out of my way. 

"I am, nothing is more important than your health Liyah, not my self-respect, not his vile ways," Chris said sharply, his nose flaring. He looked like he was expecting my opposition and was prepared with his voice's anger and harshness, but if I tried looking deeper into his eyes, I found them tired. He did not want me to fight on this, the only feeling dripping from those deep brown eyes was of desperation.

"But you know how he is, I don't want to be in contact with him or his family." I tried with a strained voice. This was a sore topic for all of us, our relatives weren't the kind to be considered family, they never were, not even when our parents were alive.

"There's a fair chance we won't have to contact them. The hospital maintains a strict privacy policy." Chris tried convincing me to which I scoffed. Even he knew that was a sham, it was a pitiful attempt on his part.

"Not if you own the hospital and the people working in it. Do you think he would care about a trivial privacy policy?" I countered angrily. Mom used to call her father Richie rich, but as we grew up we understood that she never meant it the way we took it, and it was not before our parents died that we got to know that his riches are less in money more in filth.

"You don't have to worry about anything, I'll handle him if he gets to know anything." Chris tried a little more calmly than before. 

"Yeah right, like last time you said the same words," I said bitterly. It was as if all reason had left me because I knew this was an unpleasant topic for him, and I was being unwarranted by opening old wounds.

"This time it's going to be different Aliyah, I want you to trust me. I want you to get the best health facility you can get, and I am ready to face the world for it. Our Grandfather is the least of my worries right now but if it worries you I'll make sure he stays away." Chris said, his voice soft barely above a whisper, but it wasn't weak, he wanted me to believe in him.

"I want to trust you, Chris. I know you mean well, but that man is conniving, he looks for opportunities like these. I don't give him a chance to ruin whatever peace that's left." I said a little more sedately than before. Furthermore, I lowered my eyes to the ground, I knew this was a lost battle, Chris had already made his decision.

"I know what you are worried about, but I am also concerned about your health. He can't stop me from getting you the best facilities. Even if we cross paths with him, I won't let him do anything as close to whatever he has done before." Chris reassured me.

I gave in because I knew I couldn't change his mind once he is set to do something. All I needed to do was not let that man get to me and mess with my head like before. 

I sighed making my way towards the couch and sat down switching the television on, what I did not expect was Chris to slump beside me. It was usually him reprimanding me for going past my bedtime while being so engrossed in television.

"Don't worry your pretty little head so much, that man isn't worth your vexation. Besides, I have a positive feeling about this appointment, I am sure something good will come out of this visit and I want you to be optimistic." He said a little cheerfully.

"Yeah, I'll try," I said quietly, though my thoughts didn't particularly resonate his, and I think it showed on my face as I tried hiding the grimace forming. I had always been a pessimist, thinking the worst, preparing more for adversity than happiness. Likewise, I had often been rebuked for it, but it was ingrained inside me.