Dealing With The Billionaire

Chapter Two

Elaine.

How did things turn out like this? This question spun around my mind as my grip on my sister’s hand tightened. Audrey was a bright and free spirited girl who loved skateboarding. She’d always tell me how her days at school went and clung to me so much that I wondered if she had made any friends. My sister was my world. Everything I did, I always made sure that she’d benefit too.

Seeing her lay here with machines connected to her broke my heart. It’s been almost a month since she was admitted and because I struggled to complete the bills, she gradually got worse and things got more expensive. We didn’t have insurance and the flower shop was the only place I currently worked at.

I reached out and brushed some loose, brown strands off her face. The more I saw her like this, the more helpless I felt. Pathetic even. If I had just gone to university and focused on my studies, I might’ve had a better job and would have provided for her easily. Or maybe I should’ve been more creative than joining a crew of con artists.

“You’re thinking about unnecessary stuff again,” Audrey said as she flicked my forehead with her finger.

I flinched and rubbed the spot. “My thoughts are quite necessary, mind you.”

She sighed. “I’m okay. I’ve been feeling better lately and I know that you’re also working pretty hard.”

Despite Audrey’s positivity being sometimes naïve, it helped to keep me positive too. “I’m glad that you’re feeling better. The due date of your surgery is approaching and I-“

“It’s okay if you can’t afford it,” she said, cutting me off. “You’re already working so hard whilst paying the hospital bills and buying me presents. I’ve had a great life-“ her words were cut off by me flicking her forehead.

“Who’s having unnecessary thoughts again?” I asked with a chuckle. “You’re just nineteen, Audrey. You’ve got a long life ahead. Just focus on getting better and leave the finances to me.”

She smiled. “How’s the flower shop?”

 “It’s alright. I added a new collection of flowers yesterday and put up advertisements online.” I hesitated. “I’ve got a good job on Friday. A big company hired me to decorate the venue for their party and it’s going to pay a lot.”

“Really!?” she exclaimed with a bright smile. “That’s amazing but… You don’t seem that excited about it.”

I smiled. “I am. I just can’t believe that it’s real.”

“You should do your best, Elaine. Shock them with your skills.”

I laughed. “I sure will.”

She then began to tell me about the new doctor who was assigned to her and I tried to keep my mind from wandering off. I still felt a little guilty about what the “job” really was but just like last time, I reminded myself that it was for a good cause. One where my sister’s life was literally on the line.

Friday came and David picked me up with an old truck. We decided to start off early because it would take a thirty minutes drive to arrive at the venue. Putting the boxes of flowers in the trunk, I got into the passenger seat and looked at David, who was getting in too.

“Are we the only ones?”

“What? You’re nervous?” He asked as he started the car and began to drive off.

“No. I just expected you to come with other people.”

“It’s better if we’re less and I have some trust in you. You won’t mess up and I won’t too. Easy.”