Chapter 1 1

Alicia had just left her mother's room in the hospital. Her mother was sound asleep when she walked in. She placed her bags on the little counter and looked at her mum who was fast asleep. She saw a little note by the counter. The doctor wanted to see her.

"I am sorry, but if you can't get the drugs to calm her down, we might have to withdraw from treating her here, asides the hospital bills that have piled up; we believe as a hospital and as a corporation we have tried the best that we can." The doctor who called Alicia into her office spoke with anger but on a mild level, you can sense how she tried to understand and how she held herself back. She adjusted her glasses and read through the files in front of her.

"I know, you have been patient and kind enough for me and my mum; Dr. Lawson." Alicia spoke with a sad tone, while she rubbed her hands on her laps, she sat down being restless. But who wouldn't be? She was called while she was on her job hunt. Her mother had so much that can't be paid if her life and her mum's life were to be used? It wouldn't be enough time to clear the debt her mum owed; it was since her birth after all.

She started working everyday after she dropped out of high school, with each debt she settles, another one pops up. With the various types of job she had done. She had never paid off the debt. Her mother worked hard too but it wasn't never enough. What's worse? She fell terribly ill; failure of the heart and kidneys they said.

The shock Alicia had when she was informed about this some months back, she had been working all day and night. This month hasn't been any different.

"I am glad you know and realize that I have been kind enough to be understanding in regards to you and your sick mother. But these bills are piling up and they have to be paid immediately. You know that; without these drugs I am afraid she might need surgery and that is like." Dr. Lawson chuckled before she continued. She was expressionless for that moment, the stare she gave Alicia gave her chills. She felt hot, her body generated heat from the thought of how she had to run twice as hard and work more than she did before. If she was working at the pace of a snail; she needs to power it up.

"That is a heavy cross, a very heavy cross for you to carry. And I won't be here to help, so if you may? You can leave my office and I hope the next time is for you to pay your bills." Dr. Lawson stretched her hands and pointed the way out of her office. Alicia sighed as she stood up.

She bowed immediately "Thank you so much." She gestured with the wai sign.

The talk she had with the doctor was one she didn't like.

Her head hung heavy with the weight of everything happening around her, worse of all was she didn't have anybody to help her.

She picked up her phone and dialled the one number that gave her peace , that made her smile.

She called her boyfriend Josh.

But, Josh wasn't answering and it kept going straight to voicemail.

Alicia furrowed her brows.

"Today's terrible! Josh but I just know your warm hug would help me think straight. I'll see you in a bit, I love you"

She hung up on the answering machine . Alicia walked out of the main door and exited the hospital. She didn't want to think about how she would make the money. She shook her head momentarily and clutched her faded bag, it had a worn out zipper that could be managed.

She wore a long skirt and a short thrift wear top that she bought a few years ago, it's getting smaller but she wants to use it for its worth.

Her hair seemed dirty and unwashed. Her slipper had holes too. She had a little brown scarf over her head, she read in the weather updates, there might be a rain shower.

Alicia took a long walk to her boyfriend's house. Not a dime could be found on her.

Josh's house had an instant calming effect on her, one she couldn't quite explain. She had knocked three times and loudly but still she heard no response.

She was tempted to go through the back and peer through the windows, although the idea that Josh wasn't home frightened her.

She made to turn but the soft click of the door, made her pause.

Josh had an expression on his face.

"Licia!" He rushed.

Alicia smiled broadly and pushed past him into the house.

"What are you... What are you doing here?" Josh nervously asked.

"I had a rough day." She hugged him but he didn't return the hug fully. He wasn't paying total attention to her either.

"Are you good?" Alicia asked as she dropped her bag on top of a piece of small cloth, she didn't pay any attention to it but her boyfriend did. He sighed as she walked away. He closed his eyes for relief.

"You didn't call?" He began, Alicia frowned shortly.

"I did, why didn't you answer?" Alicia asked

"can sit in the living room and talk?" He itched his head and asked her. Uncomfortable and nervous.

Alicia walked into the kitchen. He rushed in after her. "What's wrong?" Alicia asked with a chuckle. She found all his actions funny and weird.

She opened the water bottle, his eyes followed her. She tilted her head and noticed something.

"Oh my God!" Her eyes dilated, noting for the first time, the enormous beads of sweat that decorated his bare chest and the thought she had... She didn't want to assume. The water fell from her hands. She saw his lips.