Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“I understand. I’ve already arranged for someone to purchase and book our flights for tomorrow. We’ll be there to visit her,” Mia assured Timothy.
As Timothy stood in the hospital corridor, a smile graced his lips upon hearing Mia’s response. “Thanks, Mia. I truly appreciate it.”
He understood well that the Lane family might not readily consent to Mia bringing Sage and Ginger back to Bern City.
“Throughout the years, Grandma Laura has been incredibly kind to me, and she always wished for me to have children.
“Given my past deception toward her, it’s only right that I bring Sage and Ginger to visit her. Perhaps their presence could uplift Grandma Laura’s spirits. After all, such matters can be unpredictable.” As Timothy absorbed Mia’s words over the phone, a part of his heart softened instantly.
His voice faltered as he said, “Alright, I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up at the airport tomorrow.”
Once the call ended, Mia found herself sitting alone by the window, deep in thought for what seemed like an eternity.
She hadn’t anticipated her return to Bern City would be spurred by Laura’s awakening.
Despite everything, the possibility of Laura regaining consciousness this time felt like a brief ray of hope, perhaps even a final surge of vitality.
Mia found it unfathomable to imagine that the person who had provided her with nurturing care during her vulnerable orphaned years would suddenly leave this world. The thought of it was simply too agonizing for her to grasp.
The next day, Mia wasted no time and headed straight to the airport with Sage and Ginger.
With the doctors’ warnings about Laura’s unstable condition ringing in her ears, she believed it was prudent to return with Sage and Ginger sooner rather than later. Before she departed, Eva couldn’t help but inquire, “Why are you leaving so hastily?”
In a hushed tone, Mia confided, “Timothy mentioned yesterday that Grandma Laura’s recovery might only be a fleeting moment of awareness.
“Uncertain of what lies ahead, I think it’s wise to bring Sage and Ginger back early, just in case. After all, meeting them might be Grandma Laura’s dearest wish.” Eva nodded solemnly, reaching out to comfort Mia with a gentle pat on the shoulder. “I have faith in Mrs. Barrett Senior’s resilience. Sometimes, fate has its own agenda. “However, having Sage and Ginger there can only positively contribute to Mrs. Barrett Senior’s gradual recovery.”
“I share your optimism. If Grandma
Laura’s condition truly isn’t favorable, I might consider extending our stay in Bern City for a while. Eva, I may need your help in persuading Dominic about that.”
“Don’t worry, I have a heart-to-heart with Dominic, Even though he seems tough, he really does care about you. Besides, he hasn’t forgotten all the kindness Mrs.
Barrett Senior has shown you in the past.”
Accompanied by Sage and Ginger, Mia boarded the plane bound for Bern City.
Arriving in this familiar place stirred up a whirlwind of emotions for Mia.
The last time she was here, Sage was still on the path to recovery. But now, having both Sage and Ginger by her side felt like an unparalleled blessing.
As Mia stepped out of the airport with her children, Timothy’s assistant, Heath, greeted her respectfully. “Ms. Lane, all the transportation arrangements have been handled.”
Mia nodded in acknowledgment, accepting Timothy’s thoughtful preparations without objection.
Meanwhile, Ginger looked up at Heath and asked, “Where is he?”
She was clearly referring to Timothy.
“Mr. Barrett had planned to personally pick you up.
Unfortunately, just before he couldt depart, Mrs. Barrett Senior’s condition took a turn for the worse, and she’s now receiving urgent medical attention. That’s why he couldn’t make it,” Hector explained.
A tinge of concern shadowed Mia’s expression. Swiftly regaining her composure, she declared, “Let’s make our way to the hospital right away.”
Without hesitation, Mia led Sage and Ginger into the car, racing off toward the hospital.
Given Heath’s recent update on Laura’s deteriorating health and the ongoing efforts to revive her, Mia couldn’t shake her profound concern about what might unfold.
It was crucial for her to quickly bring the children to Laura’s side.
The car journey passed in silence, with Sage and Ginger both sensing Mia’s worry.
Ginger reached out to hold Mia’s hand, her voice soft and comforting as she said, “Mommy, I really believe Great-Grandma Laura will be okay. I’ve prepared a bouquet of flowers for her. She’s going to make it through.”
Meanwhile, Sage spoke up with determination, “Why don’t we invite Uncle Nicholas to visit Great-Grandma Laura? I’m sure he’ll know what to do.”
Upon hearing her children’s heartfelt words, Mia gently enveloped them in her arms, her voice thick with emotion as she responded, “Great-Grandma Laura would be deeply touched to hear your kindness.” Soon, the car arrived at the entrance of the Barrett family’s private hospital. With Mia leading the way, Sage and Ginger followed her into the exclusive elevator.
Upon exiting the elevator, Mia spotted Timothy standing alone outside the operating room, his solitary figure adding a somber aura to the scene.
Having been married to Timothy for five years, she understood all too well the profound importance of Laura in his life.
If Laura hadn’t insisted on Timothy marrying Mia years ago, Mia knew her social status wouldn’t have been sufficient to secure a place among the elite of society. This underscored the immense significance of Laura’s place in Timothy’s heart.
Thus, Mia couldn’t fathom the depth of Timothy’s grief if he were to lose Laura.
Approaching him silently from behind, Mia found herself momentarily at a loss for words.
The steady pulsing of the red light outside the operating room served as a stark reminder of the life-and-death battle unfolding within.
At that moment, Ginger stepped forward, reaching out to grasp Timothy’s hand. Gazing up at him, she reassured him. “Great-Grandma Laura will be okay.”
Timothy’s stern demeanor softened considerably as he locked eyes with Ginger.
Turning to face Mia, he couldn’t help but notice Sage standing quietly behind her.
At the sight of the trio, Timothy felt a wave of relief wash over him, reassured by Mia’s presence once again.
With a strained tone, he recounted, “I informed Grandma this morning about your visit. She was ecstatic, perhaps overly so. The excitement led to a sudden drop in her blood pressure, causing her to faint.”
Mia couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and bewilderment at the unexpected turn of events. She hadn’t anticipated that Laura’s excitement would result in such a reaction.
As the doors to the operating room swung open at last, Mia and Timothy anxiously held their breath, their hearts racing with uncertainty.
They dreaded the news the doctor might deliver, yet clung desperately to hope for a favorable outcome.
As the doctor removed his mask, he declared, Mrs. Barrett Senior has been successfully stabilized. Her blood pressure has steadied, but we must be cautious of her emotional state going forward.”
Upon hearing this, Mia felt a burden lift from her shoulders, reassured that Laura was now out of danger.
Despite this, Laura’s condition remained unstable, necessitating ongoing care in the intensive care unit.
Accompanied by Sage and Ginger, Mia approached the ICU waiting area. Their eyes settled on Laura in her hospital bed, her hair a striking white hue.
With a weight in her chest, Mia murmured, “Grandma Laura, I’ve brought Sage and Ginger to see you. I’m sorry for not being entirely truthful with you before.”
In the past, Mia had misled Laura into believing her children were gone. When in truth, they had always been by her side.
At that moment, Ginger reached into her bag and pulled out the flower bouquet. “Mommy, can I give these to Great-Grandma Laura?” she requested.
Adhering to standard procedure, the nurse sanitized the flowers before delicately placing them beside Laura’s pillow.
After spending some time by Laura’s bedside, Timothy approached Mia and said, “You’ve just come off a long flight and must be exhausted. I’ll arrange for someone to take you all back to rest. “When Grandma wakes up, I’ll be sure to notify you immediately.”
With innocence in her eyes, Ginger spoke up, “Where are we going to stay?”
Mia vaguely grasped Timothy’s suggestion-returning to their former marital residence.
Looking down at Ginger, she replied, “Tonight, we’re going to visit Grand-Aunt Patricia and stay over at her place.”
It was clear to Mia that revisiting their old marital home was not an option.
Timothy nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a good plan. It’s been quite some time since you’ve been back, and Aunt Patricia must be excited to see Sage and Ginger. I’ll have the driver take you there.” After a brief pause, Mia turned to Timothy and asked, “Any updates on Luna?”
“She’s been keeping a low profile, but once she starts hanging around the hospital, she’ll inevitably leave traces,” Timothy remarked.
Mia hesitated before posing her question. “Did you ever ask Grandma Laura who pushed her down the stairs all those years ago?”
“I did inquire once, but Grandma claimed she couldn’t remember. The doctors suggested that prolonged bed rest might have affected her memory, so I didn’t press the matter further,” Timothy explained. “Fair enough. Luna doesn’t know about this information, so we’ll have the advantage. She won’t be able to argue against it,” Mia concluded.
With that, she departed from the hospital with Sage and Ginger.
As Mia looked out the window at the familiar yet foreign landscape, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease in the place she once knew as home.
Before long, they pulled up outside Patricia’s neighborhood.
Turning to Sage and Ginger, Mia advised, only told Aunt Patricia that I’d be visiting. I didn’t mention anything about bringing you both along. So, when we get there, let’s give her a delightful surprise.
Sage nodded understandingly. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to be on my best behavior.”
He was well aware that Patricia had played the role of raising Mia when she was an orphan.
With Sage and Ginger by her side,
Mia approached the door and gave it a soft knock. Soon, Patricia’s cheerful voice rang out from inside. “She’s here, she’s here!”
Donning an apron, Patricia swung the door open, her face lighting up at the sight of Mia. “Mia, you’re finally here I’ve made your favorite dish!” she exclaimed with delight
Standing in the doorway, Mia handed her gift to Patricia. “It sounds like you only made something for me. I’m afraid it might not be enough.” Glancing past Mia, Patricia asked, “Did your brothers and sister-in-law accompany you? Why didn’t you give me a heads-up? I’ll run to the store later.”
At that moment, Sage and Ginger burst out, each clutching one of Patricia’s hands. “Grand-Aunt Patricia, we’re not big eaters,” they chimed in unison. Patricia was taken aback upon seeing Sage and Ginger, particularly noticing the striking resemblance between Ginger and Mia.
Rubbing her eyes in disbelief, she asked, “Are these your children?”