Married At First Glance: I Am Not Ugly

Marissa walked down to the directions given to her by the receptionist dragging her feet lazily on the floor making some annoying sounds coupled with the fact that the scandal is worned out already which makes the metal pallet use to hold the shoe sole completely out making it scratch on the floor.

Her stomach made yet another rumbling sound but that’s the least of her problems. Now she has gone three days on empty stomach and she is not dead up till now.

Marissa got to the office she was directed to and knocked gently on it before turning the doorknob in, she scratched her nose together when the awful smell of aspirin and blood hit her nostril her breathings seized for some seconds that she had to hold the person next to her for support as her vision became blurry.

“Are you alright?” She could hear the person whom she held as a support asking her while guiding her to the nearest available seat in the room.

Her vision became clear gradually as her breathing went back to the normal rate. She looked around the office trying to register every face and thing she saw in her brain. That’s just how she does it. She’s an adventurous person and she likes taking observations of her surroundings and the people around her.

The person seated across her cleared his throat which made her divert her full attention to him to hear whatever he has to say to her before he finally speaks up.

“Are you okay now?” he asked with a voice full of concern.

“Yes I am, it’s just that I’m allergic to the smell of aspirin and blood,” Marissa explained calmly while trying to act cool.

“So how may I be of help to you Ms…” he said gesticulating that he needs help on her name.

“Ms Preah.” She said with a smile finding its way to her lips. She doesn’t know why but she feels comfortable around the man even when she doesn’t know him.

“Hmmm, I was directed here by the receptionist to give you this,” she said, handing over the folder she clutched tightly to her chest.

He looked at the folder closely while adjusting his glass.

“Is it just my observation or why does almost everyone in here use glass?” She thought inwardly.

“Ummm are you aware of the illness that has befall your younger brother Ms?” he asked with a stern face, his face hard as a rock.

She nodded her head in disapproval while urging him to go on with his explanations.

“Your brother is going through an ailment which we refer to as brain tumor, this usually happens or occurs to someone who faced tragic situations constantly and if been treated well the person might be cure from it but it’s seems you’ve not be observing the little boy cause according to the reports in my hand it’s shows that it’s already in the last stage which means he needs to undergo surgery within 48 hrs or we say bye bye to the boy.” he concluded his explanation.

Marissa looked on like a dummy for like a sec as her brain was unable to process what the doctor in front of her just said, her brain wasn’t just getting it right, samuel has 48 hrs to do the surgery or his dead, she blinked her eyelid repeatedly as hot tears flowed down her cheeks it feels as if her whole world got broken and shattered and she felt totally useless at the moment cause only two thoughts going in her head.

Where does she find the money for surgery? When it’s already hard for them to feed three square meals a day and if she doesn’t find the money all hopes are gone.

She was lost completely in hee whole world and didn’t hear a nurse that ran into the office panting heavily.

“Sir the boy in the IUC room just gave up the ghost.” she said breathing very hard.

The doctor glanced towards her before settling his gaze back on the nurse who came to report.

Marissa swallowed a big lump down her throat before speaking out, her voice barely audible.

“W… h…. I… c.. h.. b.. o.. y” she managed to ask through a cracked voice.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“The one who was rushed in about an hour ago.” The nurse replied feeling confused on why the lady was asking.

Marissa broke down into loud tears wailing, she saw the image of her brother just like an illusion waving to her.

“Samuel!” She screamed, holding out her hands to draw him.

“Ms, Ms, Ms, Ms.” the doctor called repeatedly, shaking her vigorously.

“Uh” was the only thing she could mutter. Was she daydreaming before? She asked herself.

“It has to be, I can’t just lose my brother that way, it’s not possible.” She thought inwardly. She would rather die than lose him to the land of graves.

“Why did you scream so loud, I never said your brother is dead, you still have 48 hrs to gather up his surgery money.” the doctor said rather pissed off by her reactions.

“I’m sorry I will love to take my leave now.” Marissa stood up from the chair tiredly walking her way out of the office while tears rolled down her eyes continuously, she strolled over to the IUC room and opened the door quietly while walking in.

“I’m so sorry kid, I haven’t been a good sister to you but I promise to do all I can to make you stand on your feets again even if it will cost me my last breath.” She said to his lifeless body which different pipes were attached to.

She cleaned her face with the back of her hand more determined than ever. She walked out of the IUC room with one last glance. Then she walked her way out of the hospital with a deadly and determined look on her face.

Marissa crossed over the road heading towards the main market. She could probably see any job vacancy poster outside.

She combed both the nook and cranny of the main market but couldn’t find a job that can pay her for like 6 months immediately so that she can pay for Samuel hospital bill immediately but found none. And resort to begging passersby.

It’s almost getting late in the afternoon and she hasn’t even gotten up a dime for the surgery. She looked up to the sky praying for any miracle to happen but it seems none is coming.

She dusts her already haggard looking flower gown even a maid gown is far better than hers.