9 The visitation
“You’re not even married, yet you’re spending nights at his place. What will people say about our
family? Don’t forget what you and Presley did! How people know your fiance was once your sister’s fiance” His words thundered with frustration.
Albert saw Brandy coming home after possibly spending the night with Presley and he couldn’t hold back his anger.
Brandy, accustomed to her father’s anger on this topic, reached her limit but hid it fairly. “I’m sorry, Dad. I won’t do it again. I won’t stay out late or spend nights away from home.”
Albert’s stern expression softened slightly, but he remained adamant. “You better not. Our family’s reputation matters.
Brandy sighed, feeling suffocated by the family’s expectations. “I understand, Dad.”
As Albert simmered with frustration over his daughters‘ unpredictable behavior, he delivered a stern warning. “Fine, Brandy. Stay home for a while. The news about Flora’s early childbirth is already causing a new stir. We can’t afford more scandals. I hope you grasp the gravity of this situation!” Brandy, displaying a sense of contrition, nodded earnestly. “I understand, Dad. I’ll be more careful.”
Meanwhile, revelation about Flora’s twins stirred a brewing headache for Albert. Feeling overwhelmed, he decided to temporarily set it aside. “Flora brought this upon herself; she needs to handle it.” Yet, the weight of the family’s public image troubled him deeply.
“We have to be more cautious now. Our family’s reputation is fragile. We need to tread carefully from now on.” The room fell silent, each member reflecting on the consequences of their actions.
As the morning sun peeked through the curtain, Albert’s said to Brandy
“You’ll be joining me at the hospital after breakfast. Go to your mother’s room and wake her up, it’s late already but she’s still in bed”
Brandy silently acknowledged and made her way upstairs to wake her mother. Who wasn’t happy about it cause it’s been a long night.
Downstairs, Emily’s footsteps echoed her discontent as she joined Albert, her expression a mix of sleepiness and annoyance. A brief exchange of greetings between Albert and Emily followed, but the atmosphere remained heavy with silence as they ate.
Finally, Albert broke the quiet, turning to Emily, “You and Brandy will be coming with me to the hospital. Judy would have joined but she moved back to the states to continue her schooling“” His announcement sliced through the silence, setting the tone for the day ahead. “What do you people will say about us, if we don’t go?”
think
After breakfast, they all hurried to get ready and hopped into their car, heading to the hospital.
Emily kept on dwelling on Albert’s motives. She knew Melissa had been unwell for a while, and it
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seemed wrong for Albert to neglect visiting her. But then again, she also knew but couldn’t on Albert’s order. ‘Shouldn’t I have gone either way?
based
As they drove, Emily fidgeted with the car’s radio, trying to break the tension. “Do you think Melissa will be okay?” she asked, her voice cautious.
Albert glanced at Emily briefly before focusing back on the road. “She’ll be fine,” he replied curtly, with no weight of concern evident in his tone despite his attempt to sound casual.
“I hope so,” Emily murmured, more to herself than anyone else, her fingers tapping lightly on her lap as she gazed out of the window.
As they reached the hospital room, they discovered Flora, along with her two kids, spending time with Melissa. Laughter filled the room, especially around Kendra and Kayden.
Albert stood at the doorway, taken aback by the cheerful sounds emanating from within. Wasn’t grandmother supposed to be unwell? Why the rush to bring him here?
“I can hear Melissa laughing. She seems okay,” Emily whispered to Albert, and suddenly, it clicked in his mind why Melissa was hospitalized.
Voices of Kendra and Kayden playing echoed from inside, adding to the lively atmosphere within Melissa’s room.
The joyful moment was interrupted by Emily’s sudden interruption with her husband and step daughter. Pushing open the door to the ward, she called out, “Mom, I’m here to see you.” Her smile seemed forced, casting a hush over the room.
Melissa and Kendra shared a happy moment with a pink bow, but Melissa’s smile disappeared when she saw Emily, only giving a gruff response.
Eimly felt awkward, noticing the disapproving looks from Kendra and Kayden who were supposed to be her grandchildren. She tried to force a bigger smile to cover up her discomfort.
Even though Albert’s face changed quickly, Kayden understood. He stood up, bringing Kendra closer, while the twins positioned themselves behind Leslie.
“Morning, Mom,” greeted Flora lightly, followed by a strained greeting from Albert. Their smiles seemed forced, not quite reaching their eyes.
Flora stepped out to talk to the doctor about Melissa’s health, leaving Albert, Emily, and Brandy in the room. Before leaving, she signaled her kids with a glance, silently telling them to behave.
Albert tried to engage in conversation, but the atmosphere remained tense. Melissa’s disinterest was visible, making the situation uncomfortable.
Judy glanced at Brandy, exchanging a knowing look, both unsure of how to ease the tension. They attempted small talk, but it felt strained.
Leslie, a bit intimidated by Emily but also respecting him as an elder, felt uncertain, especially when Kendra and Kayden sought refuge behind her.
Over the years, Emily’s imposing presence had ensured Leslie’s safety, leaving her in a dilemma about how to navigate the situation.
“Uncle Albert,” Leslie addressed him respectfully.
Maintaining his reserved demeanor, he nodded in acknowledgment and shifted his attention to Melissa. He pretended to be concerned and took a seat beside her.
“Mom, why didn’t you tell me you were sick? I was really worried when I heard about it.” The feigned concern in Emily’s voice was evident as she addressed her mother.
Melissa saw through her daughter’s facade. “Are you worried about me, or are you more concerned about how to divide my inheritance if I die?” Her words cut through the room.
She knew Emily’s ways too well. She never woke up early without a strong motive. It couldn’t just be genuine care for her.
Albert had to remain composed, especially in front of young kids. He couldn’t afford to reveal his true self just as Emily did.
“Mom, you know I care about your health,” Shereplied, trying to sound sincere.
But Melissa didn’t buy it. She could read her intentions like an open book. She maintained her gaze, challenging her silently.
She shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. “I’m here for you, Mom. I want you to get better,” she insisted, her tone strained.
Melissa sighed, unimpressed by her words. She knew her visits were always about more than just concern. She leaned back, silently observing her, waiting for any slip in her façade.
After nearly an hour, when Flora stepped out to talk to the doctor, Albert noticed Kendra and Kayden playing in a corner, still within the room.
In a rush of fake frustration, he exclaimed, “Did Flora leave these two children for you to babysit? This is ridiculous!”
Albert, who already harbored dislike for the twins, felt his resentment deepen. The sight of them playing in the hospital room irked him, and his annoyance grew into a’stronger disdain towards Flora.
