Chosen

~4~

"Hey..hey...look at me..you have to tell me, exactly what happened " I say looking into those tear filled brown eyes

. " I.. I was watching tv when I heard noise coming from her room..when I got there she was holding her chest..I knew she was in pain, i was very confused, so I ran to call the neighbours..when I got back she was on the floor..." Johnny keeps pouring, his eyes very red

. "It's going to be okay, don't worry, grandma's going to be fine " I say trying to reassure him.

" what if she doesn't make it.Dee...I'm scared" he says sniffling

" no..don't say that she's gonna be fine..trust me" I say pulling Johnny into an affectionate hug.

I turn and see one of my neighbors talking to one of the male nurses. They finish and ambulance speeds off.

"Diane!" Jules beckons on me.

" Jules, how was she holding up?" I say hoping for some good news.

"Not too well but I'm sure she's gonna be okay..you and Johnny can stay over at my place till your grandma gets better...you obviously can't stay here all by yourselves " she says wearing a look of concern.

" "Yeah..thanks..we'll get our things " I reply.

"I'll be expecting you" she says before taking her leave.

I move towards Johnny who still looks disturbed.

" Hey buddy, guess what? We're staying over at Jule's..you can play with Mark and Sarah" I say trying to cheer him up.

"I guess so..okay, I'll go get my things!" He says now excited.

I go into the house, part of me expecting to see grandma another part wrestling with the thought that she's actually gone.

I walk into a room like a detective hoping to find something that could explain why she would just collapse. I notice a sheet of paper under my shoes. It's a letter. I open it up and read what it says:
Mrs. Baxter,
17, blueberry avenue#116
PMB 446
Hicksville.

Dear Ma,
NON-PAYMENT OF FEES
This is to inform you that due to the outstanding fees, your ward, Johnny Baxter will not be allowed into the school premises as from Monday, 28th August 2019.
We regret that we can't do anything to revoke this decision. Thank you for your understanding.
The Director,
G.W prep Mag.

They wrote to grandma? Why didn't she tell me!

"Dee..I'm done..are you ready?" Johnny says as he makes his way towards the front door.

"Umm..not yet..I'll be done in a minute" I say folding the paper into my pocket. I rush into my room and hurriedly pick up some clothes, tooth brush and paste, soap, sponge, towel, two pairs of sneakers and flats into a red duffel bag. I pick my phone and slip it into my back pocket, pick my school bag and put some books In it.

I lock the doors and make my way downstairs. I lock the front door then Johnny and I head to Jule's.

We get there and Jules opens the door right on cue. "Come in...I made spaghetti and meat balls, trust me you're gonna love it" she says smiling widely.

"Yay! I love spaghetti " Johnny says grinning.

" Thanks Jules" I say.

" no problem" she replies.

" Diane, Johnny, welcome.. its nice to meet you guys, Jules says you'll be staying here for some days" a man who looks like he's in early fifties, light blue eyes, blond hair with grey highlights and a stout phsique says as he ascends the stairs.