A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE SIXTEEN

Theme: Resentment

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

‘What the hell, Raven! I have been calling you all day long! And only God knows how many pills I have had to pop into my mouth to relieve my anxiety!’ Tiana’s voice boomed over the phone.

Raven didn’t know who else to call. She has zero friends and family members that she could run to in times of need. Her only option was Tiana and she had no choice but to call her.

As soon as she stepped out of the hospital and motioned towards her car, a glance at her phone, she saw about thirty missed calls from Tiana.

‘Oh my goodness!’ Tiana continued. ‘For a moment, I thought you had gotten into an accident but then I knew the police would have called me since I practically dialed your line like crazy and then again I felt something really worse had happened to my poor baby Rowan. It only took the half part of me to not rave all the hospitals in Connecticut!’ Tiana said those words in a rush and without missing a beat.

There was a long pause. Raven already knew that the pills her friend had taken were kicking in and she couldn’t blame here for raving so hard. It was all love, care and concern.

Tiana must have been really worried. Raven had been too engrossed in her own thoughts to remember Tiana’s anxiety attack and could get triggered when she was worried.

Raven rubbed her temples, trying to suppress the ache that was bobbing in it. As much as she seemed selfish at the moment and cared less about her friend’s anxiety issues, she couldn’t help but still worry about her. Even though one of her hope of survival has just about a day to live.

‘Are… you… even listening to me, Raven?’ Tiana stuttered. She was trying so hard to calm herself down but it seemed like the pills aren’t even working at all.

‘I need to see you urgently.’ Raven replied.

There was a split seconds of silence and some moving around went on at the other line.

Tiana heaved a sigh. ‘Okay. I will try to wrap things up here a bit. Do you want to meet up at the coffee shop next street?’ She asked, not bothering to check Raven for being so straight forward.

‘Yes please. I don’t want the manager to see both the head and assistant chef sitting around and doing nothing.’ Raven agreed. And she was thankful that Tiana didn’t sound offended even after ignoring her words.

‘Alright. See you at Jane Coffeehouse.’

Tiana’s empathy was one of the things that drew Raven to her. She would always go extra mile for those she loves even at her own inconvenience.

‘Okay.’ Raven replied.

The line went off. Raven started the car and it roared back to life and she drove off to the destination.

****************************

SOME MINUTES LATER

JANE COFFEEHOUSE

“This can’t be happening!” Tiana exclaimed out of shock and frustration. “Rowan doesn’t deserve this, neither do you.”

Raven shook her head from side to side as she held on to the coffee cup she had been serve. Tiana had insisted she took some brewed coffee, since she was aware Raven hasn’t eaten anything all day.

“I am confused as it is. I have got only five thousand dollars in my account.” Raven said, sipping on the coffee with less enthusiasm.

“I have just about ten thousand dollars in my savings too. I can check into the bank and get the money for you.” Tiana offered.

Raven raised her hand in objection. “Hell no, Tiana. I didn’t come here for you to give me all your hard earned money. I just need to find another way out.”

A tear slipped down Tiana’s right cheek. “Raven.” She cupped both Raven’s hands in hers. “I will do anything to see Rowan alive and happy. Please take it.”

Raven pulled her hands away. “Even if I accept the money, it is still not enough.”

They both stayed silent for a while. Tiana was the first to speak up. “I have an idea.” And it caused Raven to sit up eagerly.

“What is it?” She played with her coffee cup.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Why don’t you reach out to Jacob Mil-”

Raven cut her off with a glare. “Don’t even dare to complete that idea, Tiana. Trash it!” She huffed in annoyance.

“Quit being stubborn, Raven. This man has more than enough to cover up for the little boy’s medical bills. He needs this and you can’t let your ego get in the way. Raven, think about Rowan and the pain he is in right now.” Tiana’s voice pleaded.

“I won’t do it, Tiana. I don’t want that idiot in my son’s life, not even now that his life is hanging in between two different worlds. He can’t come and play super dad all of a sudden after denying him. He never for once acknowledged him as his child so there is absolutely no way I am letting him into Rowan’s life now.” Raven argued, standing on her point. She would never let Jacob Miller near her son.

Both women played with their coffee cups with their minds lost in thoughts. Raven’s mind went back and forth as she wished that life wouldn’t be so unfair to her; by putting her family in this sort of situation.

They were doing just fine, even though they didn’t have enough and she was also planning to own a restaurant of hers some day. And with faith and hard work Raven kept holding up.

Every time she saw Jacob’s face on the Tv while remembering how much he had made her go through, it made her resentful and she promised herself never to have anything to do with him.

Her hatred towards Jacob Miller has reached a point that she would rather beg for alms on the streets of Connecticut rather than ask him for help.

Seeing how pale Raven looked, Tiana sighed in exhaustion. She tapped the table softly. “Raven, how about a loan from the bank?” She suggested after brooding for a few minutes.

Tiana hated that she couldn’t come up with any other solution and the bank seemed like the last resort.

“Do you remember that you have always mentioned that you might take a loan from the bank when your restaurant plans unfolds properly? Maybe you can take it now and use it for Rowan’s medical bills. We would sort out the payment later.”

Realization dawned on Raven, the thought didn’t even occur to her. “Wow! That’s so thoughtful of you, Tiana!”

Even though a part of her nagged on how risky such step was but Raven ignored what she considered the selfish and cowardice noise.

Raven shifted in her chair and she stood up hurriedly almost knocking the coffee cups off the table.

“Oh… sorry. I will rush home now to get some necessary documents and go to the bank. They should be able to help me out. And I will also appreciate the ten box being held on to till I can get some more to add to it. Thank you so much, Tiana. You are such a darling.” Raven headed towards the door without turning back to look at her friend.

Tiana followed her immediately. “Wait… wait up… Raven… say what now?” She quipped.

Raven resisted the urge to throw her head back in laughter at her friend’s confusion. “I am going to get the business plan for my restaurant, show it to the bank before the day runs out.” Raven said as they exited the door.

Tiana stared mouth agape at her. “Relax, Raven. I am finding it hard to even comprehend your words. And will you at least give me the hospital address so I can visit my baby? Shit! How did I forget the name so quickly?!” She lamented.

“Hartford Memorial Hospital. I will text the address to you right this minutes!” Raven replied as she rushed towards her car.

“Please be careful, Raven. Drive safely.” Tiana called back as she stood at the entrance and waved at her friend.

She prayed that everything would go well as planned.