The Encounter

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Layla POV

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I was just about to leave the house when my stepsister Claire started talking loudly right outside my bedroom door. It was obvious she was on the phone with Josh and that they were having another romantic conversation.

I didn't bother listening in on the conversation, ignoring it just like I had been ignoring Claire's little game. I had bigger things to worry about than her attempts to hurt me and make me jealous. I had been through so much in my life already and wasn't going to waste another minute giving her the attention she wanted.

I took a deep breath and headed out the front door, putting my stepsister and her game out of my mind. I had other things to worry about, like the hospital visit I had been dreading. I didn't have the energy for Claire's games today, and I was looking forward to getting this visit over with.

As I headed out the door, Claire's voice faded further and further away in the distance. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of her and how our family had changed. But I had to keep moving forward even if some parts of the past still stung.

Thinking back to that night, I was disgusted by the realization that Josh had drugged me so that he could be with my step sister Claire. I felt such shame and anger towards both of them. How could he do such a horrible thing and claim to love me? What kind of man would violate me in such a way? The more I thought about it, the more disgusted I felt by Josh and Claire's betrayal. I couldn't stand thinking about Josh anymore. He had caused me so much pain and heartache, and I was just too exhausted to keep reliving the same emotions over and over again.

After calling an Uber, I got ready to go visit my mother in the hospital. She had been in a coma since her admission and I couldn't wait to see her again.

I had missed her terribly and couldn't wait to hear her words of wisdom and comfort. Maybe she could even help me get over the betrayal and disappointment of Josh.

I got in the Uber with a heavy heart but hopeful for what my mom might say. I couldn't imagine life without her, and she had always been my comfort and my strength. As we drove to the hospital, I found myself drifting into a peaceful slumber, hoping that maybe when I woke up, it would all be a bad dream. But when I woke, I was still in the reality where Josh had hurt me and my mother was in a coma.

I arrived at the hospital and made my way to her room, still feeling a mixture of hope and dread.

"Layla, come with me please. We need to talk."

I heard the familiar words of the doctor in charge of my mom's case.

We needed to talk because he needed money for my mom's treatment. I had already been working two jobs to raise the money, but I was still short of the amount they needed.

So, I followed him to his office to hear his speech.

"As you know, your mother's condition is still critical and she is in need of further treatment. Unfortunately, the treatment she requires is very expensive and we need to pay the bill today or we will have to transfer her to a different hospital."

The doctor looked at me with concern, waiting for my response.

"I'm sorry, doctor, but I have worked two jobs to raise the money for her care. I'm still short, but I'm going to get it. Please, just give me some time. I know I can raise the money, but I need more time."

The doctor nodded, his expression serious.

"I understand, I really do. We will hold off on transferring your mother as long as we can, but as you know, the hospital's resources are limited and we need to make room for other patients." My heart sank at his words. I knew my mother needed help, and if she was transferred, her care might not be as good.

"Please, doctor. I know I can get the money. I'll do whatever it takes, just give me a little more time. I'll get the money for her, I promise."

"I'll see what I can do, Layla. Your mother has been through so much already. I'm willing to wait a few more days, but you have to get that money."

I nodded gratefully at the doctor and rushed to my mom's room. I was shaking, my mind racing with thoughts on how I could get the money before they moved my mother.

I walked into the room and approached her hospital bed, taking her hand in mine. Her eyes were still closed and the monitors beeped quietly in the background, but I couldn't help but think that she would wake up soon and everything would be okay.

I stayed by my mother's side as the hours dragged on. I had called in sick to work and was ready to stay by her side until she woke up.

Her breathing was steady and her vitals were stable. I took this as a good sign, praying that she would get better soon.

I spent the day reading, keeping my mind occupied while I waited for my mother to wake.

I was sitting at my mom's bedside, when a call came through

I looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Julie,my best friend and coworker.

"Hey Layla, we've got a little bit of money, even though it's nowhere near enough. I've been thinking about your mom and I wanted to cheer you up a little. Come down to the ice cream stand, we can hang out and blow off some steam," Julie said, her voice gentle and kind.

"That's amazing, Julie! Every little bit helps and this is huge! I'm on my way now. Thanks so much," I said excitedly, ending the call and racing out of the hospital to meet her at the ice cream stand.

I packed my bag and said farewell to my mom, hoping and praying that she would recover and come home. I was on my way out of the hospital when I accidentally bumped into someone.

I looked up to find a handsome guy standing in front of me, looking slightly annoyed at my fumble.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I should be more caref--" I was cut off by the man, my breath caught in my throat.

He was the most handsome guy I had ever seen, his face sculpted with sharp features and piercing hazel eyes. I couldn't help but stare at him.

I was still standing frozen in place outside the hospital, staring at the handsome stranger . My phone suddenly rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was Julie, who sounded panicked on the other end.

"Layla! Layla! Are you there?!"

"Yes, Julie." I said, my thoughts still distracted by his piercing hazel eyes.

"Where are you?, We're waiting !"

" I'm on my way " I said making my way out of the hospital while still feeling his gaze on my back