It takes two to love

Chapter four

Daniel's Point Of View

I sat up on my bed which could barely accommodate my body. My hair was all over my face; I looked over at my brothers. They were on their bunk beds; George and Fred. George occupied the lower bed. He had half his body sprawled out on the floor; Fred on the other hand had his arms over his face, mouth wide open. Their clothes hung everywhere on the beds. I shook my head and walked out of the room, the smell of pancakes hit my face. I shake my head to get my hair out of my face.

"Morning mum" I called out as I took out the trash. I stood outside checking the mail box; shirtless and in my grey joggers. I heard tire screeches and whistling. I looked up at Maggie; Mrs. Anthony's niece on her dark bike and Goth makeup.

"Looking hot Danny boy!" she said and drove off.

I looked at her, my mouth curled up in a weird smirk. I took the mail and walked back inside. My mum pulled me into a hug.

"Morning my charming prince" her wrinkled face gave me a tired smile.

"Morning my queen" I took her in between my arms kissing her hair. I was going to give her a better life; I told myself.

"Stealing my wife from me huh" My dad stood at the doorway leading to the rooms as he looked at us. Coffee and news paper in his hand.

"You know I'm always yours baby" she walked over to him and they kissed. I looked away; I wondered how they could be this happy living like this.

"Get a room you two" Fred and George chorused as they scurried in between mum and dad.

"Alright everyone, breakfast time"

We sat at the table and had our breakfast.

"Thank you lord for this beautiful family; bless us lord and bless this meal"

She said and gave us the nod that prompted us to get to our meals. I remembered her words; the brat. I've been thinking about her for days but I couldn't bring myself to go apologize to her. I've avoided going to that house for about three days now; I really hoped she was alright.

"Dan, are you going over to the sander house?"

"I already fixed it dad"

"You should check. He's one of few clients we have left. Make sure the house is in good condition"

"I'll get to it" I stood up abruptly.

"Finish your meal honey"

"I'm okay mum" I pecked her on the cheek and left to get dressed.

My father let me drive his truck, I parked in front of the house; and walked in the house. Her bag was still on the couch. I picked up the empty vodka bottle; there was an empty plastic next to it. I smelled it; it smelled like tablets.

"Catherine!" I called out multiple times. I hesitated but something in me was terrified, I walked into the room and she was there on the bed. Her long curly hair all around her; She looked peaceful and pale; she wasn't moving. I rushed over to her and threw the sheets off her.

"Shit!" I cursed loudly as I touched her; she was cold, extremely cold. She had a pulse but it was very weak. She wasn't breathing at all. I took my phone out and I dialed 911.

They were going to be here in a few minutes; I was confused, scared. I made her do this; I didn't think people were actually capable of killing themselves. I picked her up, she felt so frail in my arms, and I was scared I'd break her. I held her against myself and ran the warm water; she jerked involuntarily. Her eyes were still closed; tears formed at the brim of my eyes as I laid her on the bathroom floor and gave her mouth to mouth resuscitations. I carried her out of the shower, took her downstairs covering her with her blanket. I totally forgot I had a car, I could hear the siren from a distance. I still had her in my arms; I kissed her forehead.

"Stay with me Catherine, please"

Her lids fluttered for a second. I held her closer as the tears fell, now I held her tighter. Paramedics came rushing in through the door. One of them took her from me and laid her on the wooden floor exposing her pale skin.

"What happened?" one of the women asked me and I mumbled a set of words amidst tears.

"Sir, calm down and talk to me. You'd help us by telling us what happened"

I took deep breathes.

"I think she took this" I gave her the plastic I'd found on the floor

"With alcohol, I found her in bed and her pulse is very weak. Help her please" I held the woman frantically.

"We'll try our best"

She was taken to the hospital and I drove behind them; silently praying for the soul I didn't even know much about. I wiped my face frantically.

She was taken to the ICU {intensive care unit}; I sat down in the reception, my head in my palms. She's been in there for an hour or so now and I've heard nothing. I prayed so much like a kid asking Santa for a present the day before Christmas.

Mr. Sanders walked in and pulled me up into the hug.

"Thank you, Son. Is she okay?"

"They haven't said anything sir. I could have gotten there earlier, I'm so sorry sir"

"There's nothing you could have done. Thank you for saving her." He told me giving me a tired smile.

I looked at the door to her ward and hoped to God she was fine.

©️Aisha Adesuwa Akanbi