The next morning, Elisa woke up in the hospital.
"What's going on?," She asked, trying to sit up.
"Easy there," a firm voice steadying her shoulders made her wince. The movement sent a sharp, rhythmic pounding through her skull that felt like a sledgehammer against glass.
A familiar face hovered above her. Ashley's sister, Jessy.
"Why did you drink? When Ethan called I was so surprised. Did you forget what happened last time when you drank?" She asked.
I guess the whole reporting thing runs in the extended family.
And what's with the drama? I'm not allowed to drink?
'No wonder he was so angry yesterday,' Elisa thought.
"So where is he now?" Elisa asked.
"Gone to work. Why did you drink? Wasn't it enough last time? You have a knack for making everyone worry, you know"
Elisa hissed in irritation. " I don't need this scolding Jessy. I have a headache," as if realising something, she added " and I'm your elder"
"You are lucky Ethan called me instead of mum. You know how dramatic she can be, especially after what happened last time"
"What happened last time?" Elisa couldn't help but ask.
"you don't remember? You were throwing up everywhere"
"That's normal after drinks"
"No. You almost died. They had to flush your system just like they did today" Jessy replied.
Then Elisa suddenly thought of something "You are more talkative than usual" Elisa commented.
Jessy cleared her throat and replied "You make it seem like I don't talk at all. I just talk when necessary"
"It's fine. Please call the doctor I want to go home"
"Are you good, though?" Jessy asked.
"I'm fine"
"alright" and Jessy left to fetch the doctor. A few minutes later, she was back with the doctor.
"Mrs. Walker", he adjusted his glasses. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm good just take those off please" She referred to the IV attached to her arm.
"I'm afraid I can't do that ma'am. You see, while flushing your stomach, it didn't just clear the drink. It also removed the food you had consumed, so you should be feeling quite hungry in a couple of hours. I will take the drip off once the pack is empty. Meanwhile," he turned to Jessy. "Please get her something healthy to eat," Jessy nodded, stood up and left.
Turning back to Elisa, the doctor said "If there is anything else, just press the button at the side of the bed and I or the nurses will be here right away. Now if you would excuse me" and with that he left.
Elisa sighed. "What the hell is with this weak body?" She muttered angrily.
A few minutes later, Jessy returned with the meal.
"I'm not hungry"
"I'm not having it sister, you will eat" Jessy interjected and Elisa scoffed.
"Get out!" Elisa said angrily. Her whole new life was really getting on her nerves now.
"You don't have to be so mean," Jessy replied, placing the food on the table next to the bed. "I'll leave," she replied.
Taking in a deep breath, Elisa said "I'm sorry. I'm just — out of it. Do you know why I decided to be a housewife? I... I can't really remember much. It's not like I have kids"
Seeing that she was actually calm and had apologised, Jessy took a seat. "I don't know why you did that, if I'm being honest.
"But one thing I know for sure is you've been in love with brother-in-law for a long time. Even though you won't admit it"
Elisa didn't say a word. She just sat there and listened.
"So I guess you wanted to dedicate your time to him after getting married"
"I... don't really know anymore," Elisa replied.
"I understand. You know, after getting married to him, you — lost your sparkle"
Who wouldn't? When she was told that she would never be loved? Wait a minute? They don't know?
"Why... did we get married?" Elisa asked.
"You wanted to get married to him"
"Yes, but did he want to marry me?"
"We couldn't tell for sure, but he agreed to it, so we naturally assumed that you guys must have discussed it, or didn't you?" Jessy asked, getting a little confused because of the questions.
"No, no, it's not that. I am just trying to get my memories back" Even though Jessy didn't really buy the reason, she nodded.
"Now, please eat. Brother in law specifically asked me to take care of you"
"He did?"
"Yes. When I came, he had eye bags. I guess he stayed up all night for you"
"You know what Jessy? I liked it better when you don't talk"
"And I like the new you," Jessy replied with a smile.
"Why's that?" Elisa asked..
"You're never one to initiate small talks with me. Sorry to say, but to me, this accident might have been the best thing that has happened to you."
"Uh…" Elisa stopped herself. She pinched between her brows. "Maybe come by the house later, mm?" Jessy nodded.
The room was filled with sentimentality, but Elisa broke it. "Get the doctor, please? The pack is empty"
Elisa was taken back home. She was so exhausted and her head was banging. Jessy went home from the hospital but she made sure that she ate before leaving.
"Ma'am?" The butler started when she wheeled into the living room.
"Not now, butler. My head hurts"
"Yes ma'am I understand but—"
"I said I'm not in the right state of mind to hear anything" Elisa cut him off abruptly.
"Get one of the men to take me upstairs," Elisa said, rubbing her forehead.
"Ma'am—"
Elisa looked up, ready to snap when a figure stood before her.
"Good day Mrs. Walker , I'm your temporary nurse"
"And you are?" Elisa asked, looking at her from head to toe, the disapproval evident in her face.
"I'm Lola, you're temporary nurse"
Elisa wasn't in the mood to deal with anything. She sighed and lowered her head. "Butler, get me what I asked"
"And what is that, ma'am?"
"Some to lift me, dammit"
"Yes ma'am" the butler replied and left. Elisa's eyes remained shut as she waited, but then she felt her weight shift from the chair.
She opened her eyes and it widened in shock. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Taking you to your room ma'am" the nurses replied casually as she made her way to the stairs with Elisa being carried like a baby.