PAYBACK IS A BITCH

Chapter twenty two: Off to the looney bin

"Miss Bella, is Mum Kate going to be alright?"Josh asked from his seat at the table, his eyes full of worry. The other two though silent looked on to hear my answer.

"Of course, honey," I answered with as much confidence I could muster so as not to worry them. Kate will be alright, but I don't know about the baby in her womb.

The kids went back to their food and I concentrated on making their lunch.

After they have eaten I drove them to school, Dave actually went in his car while I drove the other two.

When I came back to the house I went about my business of cleaning and putting things back in their rightful place.

I turned on the radio as I did laundry in the laundry room, singing along to the sons of the classic old jams that came on. I have always been a fan of the oldies.

Due to the music it took a while for me to hear the sound of my phone ringing. When I did I stopped the music and picked it. It was Billy calling.

"Hi," I said softly into the phone. "How is she?"

"Sleeping right now," he sounded distracted and worried.

"And the baby?"

He was silent for few seconds before speaking.

"Gone."

He sounded almost in tears.

"I am so sorry," I said sympathetically.

He heaved a tired sigh. "It is not your fault."

I kept quiet on that.

"So why did you call?" I prompted when a brief awkward silence settled between us.

"Yeah," he started like he actually forgot the reason he called. "I need you to come and stay with Kate while I pop into the office. I have some very important clients come in today. I know it is asking a lot from you, but please."

"You don't have to beg. I will be right there."

"Thank you," he said softly.

"You are welcome." I went to end the call but he spoke my name in a low husky tone that made me pause

"Bella"

I waited in silence for him to say the reason he called my name, but all I got was his heavy breathing on the phone.

"See you," he finally said and ended the call. Something tells me that wasn't what he wanted to say.

I looked at the washing machine, there is still about twenty minutes left for the load I am washing to finish.

Probably have to wait till I come back from the hospital.

I went into the guest room to change into something more presentable and not the rag I was wearing for cleaning.

I brought my messy red hair to other before leaving the house.

When I got to the hospital Billy was pacing in front of Kate's room, an anxious look in his eyes.

"Hey," I called out when I got close.

"Thanks for coming. I have to go," he said hurriedly and rushed off. I shook my head at him for prioritising work instead of his family. Kate's door was closed. I took a deep breath before opening it and entered.

Like Billy said she was asleep. With some fluid hooked into her veins and some kind of machine that kept beeping. Her chest rose and fell slowly, and she had this troubled look on her face like even when she is asleep she was fighting with her demons.