Chapter 2 The Selection

Sabrina’s POV

“Your grandmother needs an immediate operation. Her coronary arteries are blocked; the blood flow and supply of oxygen are interrupted because of the blockage; and if we delay more time, she might not be able to wake up again.”

I was stunned and gazed at the doctor. I didn’t know about grandma’s illness, because when I always ask her about her condition, she would always say that she was fine and I should not be worried. As far as I know, her illness is serious and life-threatening.?

“Will she be saved if she gets an operation immediately?” I asked hopefully.?

“We will try our best to save her,” the doctor said.

“Is there anything I can do, Doctor? What are the things I need to do?” I asked worriedly, tears welling up in my eyes. “How much money should I have?”?

He looked at me worriedly. "If I will be honest with you, the operation will cost a lot. The medications, the equipment --- the hospital bills are going to be staggering during and after the operation of your grandmother,” he elucidated and sighed heavily. “I am very sorry for the unfortunate news.”

I looked at grandma who was asleep on the hospital bed currently. I wiped away the tears from my eyes. I still don’t have enough money for her operation. Based on the doctor’s explanation and how the costs of everything in this world are changing now, it would be more than I expected.

I approached my grandma on the hospital bed, holding her hand and watching her sleep.?

“Grandma, everything will be fine. I will do everything to make you get your operation. I will pay for the kindness you have given to me since I was a kid, for taking care of me and for loving me as if I am your true granddaughter,” I said, my voice trembling.

I informed the nurses to watch out for my grandmother. I need to talk to my 'family' so that they can help me. Grandma’s treatment is too expensive so we have to work together. They can’t refuse to help me!

“Can we talk?” I asked when I entered the house and saw them all.

All my family members stopped clamoring and looked at me. They were all laughing as if they are not worried about their mother who was battling her disease. I am even pissed more than I was pissed before then.

“Grandma was seriously ill. She needs ---”?

“Why don’t you pay for it? You are the one who has a nice job, right?”?

I was cut off by Ana, Grandmother’s first daughter. I took a deep breath. I have to win this argument.

“I can’t pay it alone. The cost of the operation is more than my salary expense.”?

“Then what do you suggest? Steal from banks to get that amount of money?”?

Von, the eldest son of the family, inserted and sported a smug face. He looked at me while speaking.

“Let me tell you something, Sabrina. You don’t tell us what to do. Grandma has been sick, anyway. Let her go to the afterlife. We can’t stop death!” he said deadpan.

I glared at him. “But Grandma can recover from the operation. If we work together Grandma might get better.” I tried to be calm amidst my raging anger inside me. “Just this once, you have to help Grandma. Please…. take your responsibility as her son!”?

They all laughed, the reason why I got more pissed and clenched my fists. Clara, the youngest daughter of the family, approached me with her sardonic smile. I inhaled sharply as I stared back at her. She played with the strands of my hair with my fingers.?

“You know what? Ever since you came into this house, you have always been her favorite. She gives you money during school days more than us! She almost forgot that we are her children more than you!” Clara said to me in a loud voice.

“Why would she give you money if you have lazy asses?! What have you ever done well for Grandma? While she does everything for you! And now, you are refusing to pay for her bills because of your greed and selfishness? You all are disgraceful!” I answered.

I received a strong slap from Von. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I smirked afterward. They looked at me angrily, and before they could hurt me, I showed them my cell phone, threatening to call the police if they hurt me again.?

“Do you all want to hurt me? Huh?” I asked angrily while showing my cellphone. “What? You’re going to hurt me because you feel like I’m a burden, but the truth is you all are the ones who don’t know anything good to do!”

“Oh, you shut up, or much better, you die now!” Clara said.

I laughed in anger while approaching the appliances in the living room. I smashed all of the things inside, making them back away and shout. I looked at their shocked faces and pointed my finger at them.

“I’ll wait for the karma to come back at you. When I see you the next time, I’ll just laugh at you, because no matter what happens, you will never be successful like me.”?

I grabbed my bag and left them hanging in their mouths. I went outside of the house, discarded my tears, and did not bother thinking of asking for their help anymore. I am more inclined in thinking about how I could pay for the hospital bills.?

?

I walked on the sidewalk while I thought of many problems of my own. I should work forever if I want to pay for my grandmother’s hospital bills. I can’t let her die. She’s the only family I have right now. If she leaves me, I’ll be alone. I sighed and went down to drink a coffee at the nearby shop.

While ordering a cup of coffee at the counter, I heard a conversation from others.

“Do you hear that news?”

“What?”

“Damian Chase, the prominent businessman in this city, is looking for her fifth wife!”

“Isn't he just married?”

“Divorced.”

“What?? He is definitely famous for his divorces,”

“Yes, then his family is planning to arrange The Section on Saturday to help Damian find a potential mate. The woman who is chosen to be his wife will be offered five million dollars!”?

“Oh my goodness!”

I was shocked by what I heard. I focused more on the amount of money instead of the name.?

“Five million dollars…” I whispered and swallowed, thinking of an idea.