Broken Pieces

Chapter 4

One hour had passed. Jeremy was scared and nervous for the past sixty minutes. To say that they were the worst sixty minutes of his life won't be wrong. He had never felt more scared in his entire life. He was scared to lose his princess, his Sofia, his daughter, his little girl.

Back at home, Mrs. Clarke brought a glass of water for Bella who was sitting in the library. Their house had a small library which contained many precious books and novels. Everyone who belonged to the Taylor family had a diary. They wrote in it. It was more of a duty than a choice. Bella was sitting on Sofia's desk and writing in her diary. She was missing her little girl.

"Dear diary,
I know I'm not the best of the mothers but I'm not the worst either. I just want my princess to look like a princess, not a beggar. It hurts me so much when she dresses up like those common people. I'm not against her being friends with people but she should be friends with the people who belong to our social circle and class. She called my friends rich and snobbish. I don't know what to do with this girl.
Today her life is in danger because of me. Jeremy also thinks I'm responsible for her condition. She would probably hate me but I just wish the best of the best for my princess.
If my princess ever reads this diary, I want to say to her that I love you, my dear princess. Your mum would always look for the best for you even if it means that you hate me. A mother can never hurt her child. I love you so much."

The operation ended and the doctor came out.
"What happened, doctor? Is she going to be alright?" Jeremy asked the doctor.

"She will be fine, Mr. Taylor. She is a strong girl. We've patched her head up but she won't be able to walk for a while. Her right leg has a minor fracture which will take around three to four weeks to heal. We will keep her here for a couple of days because we need to keep her under our observation." The doctor said as he patted Jeremy on the shoulder.

"Thank you, doctor." He replied as he thanked the doctor.

Jeremy opened the door slightly and stepped inside the room as quietly as possible. It pained him to see his daughter lying helpless in a hospital bed looking so horrible with needles going in her fragile hands. He sat by her bed and held her hand as lightly as possible.

"My dear princess I'm so sorry. He couldn't stop all this from happening to you. I could've stopped your mum from yelling at you. She hurt you. I apologize to you for her. She loves you. But she wants you to be the perfect princess. But for me, you're perfect the way you are. Please wake up, princess. Please." He said as he rested his cheek on top of her hand. A lone tear escaped his eye and onto her hand. He wiped the tear from her hand and kissed it.

As the day progressed, Hazel called Mrs. Clarke to ask about Sofia. They were shocked to know about her being in the hospital. In the afternoon, Mrs. Clarke brought some lunch for Jeremy and Sofia.

"Thank you so much,Mrs Clarke. How's Belle?" Jeremy asked as he unwrapped his sandwich.

"Madam is not in a very good state, sir. She is definitely feeling guilty. She has holed herself in the library and she didn't even have lunch. Hazel called to ask about Sofia. I told her she was here. They said they wanted to come to visit if you allowed." She said.

"Of course. Sofia will feel better if she meets them. Let them know." He replied. Mrs. Clarke called Camilla to let her know.

Around 4 in the afternoon, Sofia woke up. She opened her eyes to find his father sitting beside her with his head beside her as he slept. He must have dozed off. Sofia tried to wake him up but her hand was too heavy for her to move. Her throat was too dry and parched to speak. She wanted water. Just then Mrs. Clarke came into the room and gave her water.

"Mr. Taylor... Sofia is awake." Mrs. Clarke said as she woke him.

"Oh, princess. I'm so sorry. I don't know when I fell asleep. How are you feeling now?" He asked as he sat straight.

"Mum.." Sofia tried to say but her throat didn't support her much. Jeremy turned his gaze to his lap.

"Yes, darling. She'll come. You don't worry. Okay?" Mrs. Clarke said as she sensed Jeremy's struggle. She held her other hand carefully not to touch the IV going in her hand. Sofia nodded.

"Sofia!!" Hazel came in as the door opened. Hazel was 16 just a couple of years younger than Sofia. Sofia smiled seeing her bubble of happiness.

"How are you feeling dearie?" Camilla asked as she gave Mrs. Clarke a small bouquet of daisies. Sofia loved daisies. Sofia didn't say anything.

"Hey girl, were you planning on skateboarding on the stairs?" Teased Samuel. Sofia shook her head for negative.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Taylor?" Camilla asked as she sat beside him on the couch.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Evans. Thank you so much for bringing the kids here. Sofia loves you people a lot." He said.

"No, it's okay. No problem. She's like a daughter to me. She's not any different than Hazel." She said.

"I think you should go home and rest. We'll stay here until then. Mrs. Clarke is also here. You go home." She said to him.

"No. I'm fine." He replied.

"Sofia, your father looks a wreck. Right dearie? Tell him to go home and freshen up." Camilla said to Sofia and she nodded in response.

"Don't worry. We're here. Mrs. Taylor needs you more." Camilla convinced him. Jeremy left after promising to return soon.

The kids cracked silly jokes, played cards and watched a movie with Sofia while Mrs. Clarke brought the dinner prepared at home. Mark told her that Jeremy sent dinner for them.
Camilla left with Hazel and Sam when Sofia fell asleep again after having dinner.