26.

For the next two weeks nothing much changed. I was working normally and save for the fact that Lexie wouldn't speak to me at all, everything was normal.

It reminded me of the time I had newly joined and how he used to avoid me. It's literally like that now. But this time,I am prepared. At that time ,I wanted him to like me, this time, I wanted him to hear me out.

Slowly ,I started receiving more work. I found myself preparing certain documents late into the night. Lisa would tell me that Mr. Blackwell specifically requested for me to handle it so that I can get a hang of it.

But I knew , this wasn't for me to get a hang out of. I would make sure he was well fed and caffeinated throughout the day along with other work. Most of my work would be assigned closer to the logoff time. I did not like Lisa to wait back so I tried to manage by myself.

I started to work overtime and frankly it would have been bad for my personal life if I had one. I wonder how Lisa managed until now.

"I wouldn't do much. It's only when we have something major go on that I would stay back.Mr.Blackwell is very understanding when it comes to such things. He always made sure I didn't over exert myself." Lisa explained to me about her work.

How do I tell her that right now Mr.Blackwell is making sure I would overexert myself.

Lexie would leave most of the days but somedays I caught him in his office with his tie loosened,wearing those glasses with a serious look on his face. On the days he stayed back, I would get him his coffee.

"Would you like anything else,sir?" I smiled my professional smile, almost like teasing him.

"No." A cold reply.

I left the room. It's been two weeks since our conversation. I thought he would be a bit more assertive. But right now ,it seems like he doesn't care. Does he really not like me? Does he really don't mind anymore?My heart stung.

I returned to my desk. Through the window, I could see he was still in his chair going through a file. I had almost completed my work and was about to logoff.

That's when I received the call. It was from the hospital. I answered the call.

"Hi sir, this is from the first General hospital. This is about your mother."

The phone almost slipped out of my hand and I stood up in shock. All kinds of thoughts thoughts started crossing my mind.

"Her condition worsened again. There is internal bleeding . She has been rushed to surgery. Please come as soon as possible to sign the papers."

A voice buzzed in my ear. She was okay for so long,for her to suddenly be like this again. I felt my tears welling up .

"All ok?" Lexie was near the office door. He must have seen me through the window.

"Yes,yes. It's just-I need to go right now." I quickly picked my bag and was about to head out.

"Let me drop you." He sounded worried.

"No ,it is fine. "I did not wait for a reply and rushed downstairs. I did not want him to see my this side.

I grabbed the first cab that passed my way and headed straight to the hospital.

**************************************************

"We don't know what caused this. But there is a slight rupture in her spleen. Her body is weak so we have just completed emergency aid. But we need to do a proper surgery ." The doctor explained about my mother's condition.

"Will she be okay? Will the surgery be risky?"

"There will be risk either way. But if she doesn't have the surgery,then the chances of her condition getting complicated is high."

"Please let her get the surgery."

"There are complications to that as well so you will need to sign our disclaimer. Also ,the money has to be readied before surgery."

"I will get everything ready Doctor. Please schedule the surgery."

Was what I said. But I am not sure how to find the money. I called up all my friends ,no luck.

I was not going to get any loans from bank I tried that as soon as I joined this firm. They had rejected me twice.

I have to arrange the money in three days.I have no idea which door to knock now.