The Grand Entrance of Jack

Chapter 3

A cab stopped right in front of the general hospital. Jack got down from the cab after he paid the driver, got his balance from him, and headed to the hospital’s entrance. He hastily walked in as he exhaled audibly.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Jack said to the receptionist. “I am looking for Joan Ford. I was informed that she was admitted here.” The receptionist glanced at her computer screen, confirming the information.

“Yes, Joan is in the intensive care unit, and it's a private ward. So you need to reach the doctor before you can see her,” she said softly, pointing at the elevator. “Once you get to the second floor, take the first roll to the left. Check for Room BD2. That is the nephrologist’s office.”

“Thank you,” he said and rushed quickly for the elevator. He got to the ‘said’ room, still blowing steam through his nose. He knocked and entered.

Jack introduced himself to the doctor. The doctor took out a paper that was documented for his sister and gave it to him to look through as he held on to explain to Jack.

Jack kept peering at the paper the doctor gave him.

“What! Diagnosed with kidney failure?” He blurted with confusion. “Doctor, what are her chances?” he asked, his confusion mounting. Jack can't afford to lose his only sibling.

“Well, she was stabilized, but I am still monitoring her. And again, she is on dialysis at the moment. Truth be told, her state is extremely critical, and you will stand the risk of losing her if surgery is not conducted as soon as possible.”

“Like, how soon? Is it that bad already?” he asked, anxiously searching for the answers on the doctor’s face.

“Let's say a day or a maximum of two days, and yes, it is that bad. The thing is that…” The doctor paused, trying to fix his words, so Jack wouldn't get more anxious than he was already. “She took some abortion concoction that triggered her kidney failure. From the examination I carried out on her, it's a chronic kidney disease, and she had had it for a year, but it was latent.”

Jack was already panicking. “How much are we looking at for the surgery?”

“Two million dollars.”

“What! ” Jack exclaimed as his brows contradicted each other, and for a second, he was puzzled.

The amount he just heard from the doctor had him summed up in shock because he didn't think he could afford it at the moment. Even if he gets his 2-year pay in advance at his workplace, it will be nothing close to 2 million dollars.

He cleared his throat, just to shake off the bombshell. He composed himself before speaking. “Can I see my sister now?”

“Sure, why not?” The doctor touched the bell on his table, and one of the nurses came. “Take him to room 4 in the ICU ward at once.” The doctor instructed the nurse.

Just at the sight of his sister, Jack’s face flushed. Feelings of guilt took a better hold of him. He felt it wouldn't have gotten this bad if he had looked out for his sister. But he was either at work or at his father’s calling. He knew that he hadn't been the best brother. He didn't have enough time for his sister aside from sending her some pocket money every time he got his pay at work.

Thoughts of how he had struggled with his sister after they had lost their dad flooded his mind. He recalled how hard times had forced him to do menial jobs to fend for himself and his sister until he graduated. Life hadn't been an easy one for Jack and his sister.

Joan was a part-time housekeeper for Richard, a rich spoiled brat who has used it as an advantage on her. Joan had told his brother that she was pregnant with Richard. But Jack hadn't had time to confront Richard, even after she sent him Richard’s address. Richard had asked her to abort the baby, but she had refused, so he secretly put some abortion concoction in her drink, unknown to her.

Aside from the fact that she lay helpless, her breathing was weak, as if she was close to death. The machines on either side of her bed were quietly and slowly beeping.

It was quite a chilly room, but Jack could feel hot sweat all over his face. He moved very close and sat on a chair close to Joan. He gently placed her right palm in between his palms. “I must get the money for your surgery, even if it is the last thing I have to do for you to live.” He muttered under his breath in determination.

He couldn't say many words at that moment, but he felt much was said. Jack took a deep breath to suppress the emotions within him, but he couldn't help it. He stared with tears in his eyes as the doctor walked in, towards him.

“You have seen her present condition. The money should be made available as soon as possible, so the transplant surgeon can commence surgery immediately.” The doctor spoke with conviction as he emphasized the critical nature of Joan’s situation.

Jack nodded without hesitation, even though he had countless doubts about getting the money ready in less than 48 hours. “Please ensure that nothing happens to my sister while I go to get the money.”

“Yeah, we are doing our best to ensure that she is fine, and that is one reason you met her alive. Just see that you come up with the money for her surgery.”

At that moment, Jack felt a sensation of fear and desperation, and he didn't know where exactly to go for assistance. As the doctor had said, he’d have to do something really quick.

“Okay, I will get back to you as soon as I can.”

Jack checked his time, and it was thirty minutes into the time he set for the reminder. He stood up and dashed out of the hospital premises as the pressure of the situation pressed on him.