By the hint of this, everyone was swiftly turned on their toes. The blood was quickly set on her and they proceeded with undeterred determination and persistence to hold down her soul.
"All set?" The doctor queried and Fina nodded her approval. "Let's finish this then– heads up" He encouraged and they continued with renewed strength.
After what seemed like an endless , deadly battle, the operation was successfully pulled through. Ben fretted with anxiety and dejection as he kept pacing to and fro along the corridors of the emergency ward. Drake glanced at him from time to time with pure concern and worry.
"How long will he keep up like this?– He may even tear up before the operation is over" He mumbled but just sighed since nothing he'll say will bring him to settle down. Just then, he noticed the emergency room's door pushed open– He swiftly jerked to his feet. Ben instinctively tilted his head and raced to them upon seeing them with his mother's motionless but yet life full body emerge from the room.
"How did it go, doctor? " Drake queries while Ben stared with expectant gaze. He instinctively signalled a dismissive wave to the nurses to take Delia to her ward before speaking up.
"It went well, Mr Drake" This words suddenly lifted the emotional burden on the two men, especially Ben– he inaudibly let out a sigh of relieve. The thought of losing his mother after how he had treated her when she came to him ,alone was already like a nightmare which kept haunting him after the news of her attack– He wouldn't have forgiven himself if the operation had failed.
"But she's still in coma– I'm afraid we may lose her if it last for 4days minimum. " The doctor's voice cut into his thoughts, verbalising his confusion. His emotionally drained face became pale.
"What?" He mumbled, the pain in his chest exacerbated. "Why that, doctor?–I thought everything went well. "
"Sorry, Ben but she went into a state of shock during the operation – this is the best we could do" He explained and excused himself. "I'll be in my office, don't hesitate to come when you need anything, Huh?"
He wearily nodded. The doctor tapped his shoulder with a sigh, and trod off. Drake spontaneously held his shoulders in an encouraging manner.
"Don't worry, Ben , I know your mother is a strong person– She'll pull through, okay? " He consoled. Ben glanced at him without words.
"Come on, let's go and see her"
Drake held him by the elbow and lead him towards Delia's ward– Ben just walked on in apparent silence. Drake slowly pushed the door and sauntered in with Ben right behind as it inched open. They stood by Delia's bed in outmost silence; Drake drew the chair nearer and settled right by her, wrapping her hand in his. "You'll be fine, love– I know you're a fighter" He whispered. Ben stared down at her with tears in his eyes as he watched her bandaged torso and the IVF tube hanging at the top of the clamp. The words he lashed at her earlier on kept echoing in his thoughts.
"I hate you!" It rang and Ben instinctively felt numb. He bent over the bed and cried out loudly.
"I'm sorry.... Please wake up " He stuttered amidst tears. Drake stared at the two as silent tears trekked down his eyes.
"I think you should get going now, Ben" He said on an impulse as he secretly dried up his tears with the back of his hand. His words brought Ben's tears soaked face, gazing at him.
"Yes, dear– Your dad must be worried now. I'll stay with her for tonight, you can come back in the afternoon after school, okay?"
"No, can't leave mum like this– You should rather go home, I guess my half siblings might be waiting " He blunted with a cold, yet composed emotion.
" I called their Aunty to come for them so don't worry, they're okay. Just go home now, your mum won't be happy either if she wakes up and see you looking like this and acting stubborn." He pointed out. Ben had no choice than to harken to his advice. Just then, a ring from his phone intruded. Drake instinctively glanced up at him and jerked his head, signalling him to go ahead.
"Okay, but please let me know when anything happens " He eluded and Drake blinked in response as he bobbed his head. Ben spontaneously trod off as he reached for the phone from his pocket– He checked the caller ID and it was his father.
"Where are you?" His cold voice rushed out to his ears the moment he answered.
"No where in particular, just went out with some friends but I'm on my way now"
Drake heard his voice fade away as he exited the door. He glanced at his back and back at Delia with a faint smile.
"Such an adorable boy he had grown into, Delia" He stuttered, a light chuckle escaped the corners of his lips. " I know he's gonna be a lovely brother to his siblings which you must witness for yourself– So you must fight to the end, for our kids and me."
He gently caressed her hand as he held it down on the bed.
******************
It was almost 10 in the night; Rubin and Laura sauntered down the alley towards home. As they were chattering along their path, the file Laura had given to Ferdinand when she had possessed Mrs Pearl dawned on him. He gave a tactful cough which brought Laura's sceptical gaze on him– She threw her head, quizzically.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, I'm good" He answered in high–pitched tone which made her stare more critically with a furrowed brow.
"I know you're up to something with that tone– What is it?"
A sheepish smile maneuvered its way through his face.
"About that file " He whispered on an impulse as he glanced around to be sure no one was eavesdropping which made Laura glanced as well.
"Which file are you talking about?" She whispered as well, leaning a little closer to his face.