2

Without thinking of anything, Allen stood up and rushed out of the restaurant, totally ignoring Valerie. If his mother dies, it was over for him.

He ran as fast as his leg could carry him while his younger sister ran after him.

Getting to the hospital which was few blocks away from the restaurant, he ran to a nurse. "Where is my mother?"

He was familiar to the nurses as they were to him. That was the hospital were he always brings his mother to anytime she had a seizure.

The nurse pointed towards a ward and without waiting for her to say anything, he ran to the ward. There his mother was, lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

She was placed on oxygen.

"Mother," he called in a low voice, trying not to wake her up.

"Just this afternoon while leaving for the market, she fell to the ground unconscious. She had a heart attack." His little sister explained to him and sniffed, "I was confused. I didn't know what to do."

Allen fell on his knees beside her bed and took her hand in his as he bowed his head. 

"The doctor said we need to get her treated as soon as possible or she might not make it. The hospital bill is $250,000. I don't want mummy to die," her voice was low and her face was sullen as she told her brother what was going on.

Allen stood up and sniffed, wiping his tears. "I will go speak to the doctor."

"Big brother, what happened with the mayor's daughter? You were kneeling before her."

"Nothing happened, just work. I will talk to you later." He answered and walked out of the room.

Getting to the doctor's office, he took in a deep breath before he opened the door and went in. "Doctor Ray," he called the young doctor who was busy going through a report.

"Allen Scott." The doctor called, finally taking his eyes off the report and bringing it to focus on Allen. "Seat down let's talk."

He nodded and sat down. "How is my mother?"

"Well, she is in critical condition right now and would need immediate treatment. Right now, I can't really do anything about it cause you will need a lot of money for it. the hospital wouldn't attend to her if you don't pay for it."

Allen sighed deeply and looked down. "That is too expensive. I don't know what to do. Please help me doctor," he cried.

The doctor shook his head in pity. The man had really gone through a lot in life even though he was just twenty one. All responsibilities of his family, his mother's health, his sister's education, the bills and all, all rest on his shoulder. 

The once happy young boy was now a shadow of his own self.

"I really don't know what to say right now, but I do understand what you are going through." he finally said after a thought.

The hospital bills keeps adding up and they had more to pay. The hospital had a program. A program for free medication to those who are in need, but the corrupt leaders of the hospital always take the money and would never use it to help, instead, they increased the bills for them.

After trying to encourage him as much as he could, Allen finally left the doctor's office. Instead of going to his mother's ward, he walked out of the hospital with a lot going on in his head. 

Taking a walk back to the restaurant were he works, he took in a deep breath before he opened up the door and walked in.

"What are you doing here? I fired you already." The manager demanded, looking around in fright. 

Valerie had threatened to report the manager to her father if she ever sees Allen near the restaurant. She had said it was for the good of the city and people like him would always cause trouble.

Allen went on his knees immediately, bringing his hands together. "Please forgive me. Help me! I swear I didn't do anything. Miss Valerie purposely did all that just to see me out of here even though I never wronged her." he pleaded. "My mother is in the hospital and her condition is critical. She might die if I don't provide the money for her surgery," his eyes were glittering with tears threatening to pour down.

The manager turned back, not ready to have pity on him. He knew what Allen was passing through but his restaurant would suffer the consequences if he dares help him.

"Sorry Allen, I can't do anything to help you."

"I....I can.....I can be a ghost worker. She wouldn't have to know I work here."

"Do you think the mayor's daughter is stupid? She would find out that you work here without doing much work." He answered and sighed loudly, "Just leave already. You can find another job elsewhere. You are smart so I am sure another employer would want you."

The tears he held in finally dropped down his eyes. "Sir you know I wouldn't do any thing to anyone. You know how hard I work. Just give me a chance."

The manager was getting annoyed cause the young man was persistent. His restaurant was his only source of living and he wouldn't lose it cause of Allen.

"There is nothing I can do right now. You have to leave. Try to understand me too. My business would suffer loss if I bring you back. Just leave before I drag you out of here myself." The manager ordered, trying his best to restrain his anger.

Seeing he wouldn't bulge to his plea, Allen slowly stood up and bowed his head, "Thank you for all you have done for me and I am sorry for putting you at the edge," he swallowed the bile in his throat and slowly walked out of the restaurant.

Working at the restaurant was his only hope of survival. He had his mother, and his sister to take care of.

Walking down the quiet road, some men walked out of their hiding spot, stopping Allen from moving further.

Recognizing who they were, Allen moved back in fright. 

"We finally found you Allen Scott." The leader said, showing off his white teeth while walking to him. "It's times to pay the money we loaned you. Hmm, how much was it again?" He placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned forward. "About $500,000."