Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 43

Kathleen entered a restaurant and ordered herself a plate of vegan pasta.After her meal, she soonleft to visit Benjamin who was admitted to the nearby hospital.Kathleen couldn't help her risingconcern as she observed the unconscious form of Benjamin through the window of his hospitalroom.”My brother's condition has been stable since early this morning,” Gemma uttered frombehind Kathleen. Kathleen turned to face Gemma, who was dressed in her nurse's uniform andbalancing a tray between her hands."When will your brother be regaining consciousness?” queriedKathleen cautiously.Gemma’s expression darkened as she replied, “The doctor says that it's still tooearly to tell.”“Why not try consulting the opinions of other specialists?*“It's all right, Kathleen.There's still time,” Gemma comforted. “By the way, how was your experience volunteering?”It wassuch an eye-opener! I learned so much from it,” Kathleen enthused.Gemma smirked. “I watchedyour speech just now during my break. You were pretty amazing out there.”“By the way, why thesudden interest in individuals with autism?"“Well, my foster brother is autistic,” said Gemmagrimly.Now that is new.”My foster parents come from pretty wealthy backgrounds. They adoptedme as I had seemed pliant and obedient. Their hopes were that I would comply with their wishes tolook after their son once they were gone. Their plan was for both of us to marry by offering me theirinheritance as an incentive. They then threatened to disown me if I were to refuse,” said Gemmadrily.Kathleen was stunned speechless.” overheard all this when I was in high school. If I were to goagainst them, they swore never to pay for my tuition fees and daily expenses. Gaining admissioninto a university would have been a lost cause.” That's preposterous!”“Consider yourself lucky,Kathleen. Truly. I've gone through the worst of it all, and things barely faze me these days,” advisedKathleen with a wry smile.Kathleen gripped Gemma's hands anxiously. “What happened after? Howdid you make it out?"“Thankfully, my brother was already a policeman back then. He located meand sponsored me all the way till graduation.” Gemma smiled fondly.Feelings of sympathy welledup within Kathleen, her eyes prickling with unshed tears over Gemma's predicament."Don“t worry,Kathleen. My brother will be fine,” Gemma reassured.Kathleen pursed her lips.Gemma was right.Shewas indeed very fortunate.The Macari family had always treated her with respect andkindness.Gemma excused herself after noticing the time. “Duty calls. I will catch you later,Kathleen.”"See you around!” Kathleen added with a nod.With a final parting glance at Benjamin'sroom, Kathleen departed from the hospital.One day after the hospital visitation, Kathleen met upwith Federick to finalize the terms of their contract.”I'm so sorry, Frederick! A-About yesterday...”stammered Kathleen.”Don't fret about it. I completely understand.” Frederick offered a gracioussmile while handing over the contract.Kathleen’s eyes widened as she perused the terms. “You'rewilling to pay this much for my script?”“Of course! You still haven't seen how much maestros earnfrom their work. Yours is good enough for a greenhorn starting out, though.”“One hundred and fiftythousand has already far exceeded my expectations.” Kathleen beamed with satisfaction."Would yoube able to complete your work within three months?“Kathleen nodded enthusiastically while signingthe contract. “I promise.” Our rules stipulate that one-third of the sum will be first transferred toyou. It should be reflected in your bank account shortly,” explained Federick.”Allow me to treat youto lunch as a celebration of my achievement.” Kathleen twinkled.”l am afraid we'd have to raincheck. I still need to get some work done.” Federick chuckled apologetically.“It's all right, Federick.Whenever you're free. I will be taking my leave then.”“Sure. Take care.”“You too. Goodbye!” Kathleendeparted with a faint smile plastered on her lips.Frederick noted that Kathleen's smile was indeed aswarm and therapeutic as basking in the spring sunlight after a harsh winter.Upon leaving thepublishing firm, Kathleen was consumed by the thought of the advance money.She was getting paidfor the first time in her life.lt wasn’t much, but it was a significant milestone in her life worthcommemorating.She could barely suppress her glee from the mere thought.That's right, I canchoose a present for Old Mrs. Macari! But Old Mrs. Macari has everything she needs. Even so, apresent won't hurt. It's merely a means of expressing care and appreciation.Kathleen soon receivedslightly less than fifty thousand in her bank account after tax reductions.Despite that, she waselated.She was veritably glowing with joy as she entered the department store.After selectingseveral items, Kathleen decided to call Maria.The saccharine innocence of Kathleen's voice instantlydispelled any lingering negativity. “Maria..."Maria almost let slip a “Darling!” before righting herselfswiftly.”Mrs. Macari,” she answered warmly.”Could you inform Grandma that I'd be dropping by fordinner later tonight?”“Of course, dear. Old Mrs. Macari would be pleased to hear of it. I'll be sure tohave your favorite dishes prepared.” It was no secret that Kathleen was a favorite of Maria.lt wasprobably only Samuel who could resist Kathleen's infectious charm.”l absolutely can't wait!” chirpedKathleen before hanging up.Kathleen deemed it unnecessary to dampen the mood of others withthe argument brewing between her and Samuel.Suddenly recalling that she had almost forgotten topurchase gifts for Calvin and Wynnie, Kathleen turned on her heels and backtracked toward thedepartment store once more Regardless of the fact that there was only twenty thousand left of heradvance, Kathleen had not an ounce of regret as she hailed a taxi and headed toward the Macariresidence with her hands full. All members of the Macari family were present as Kathleen entered thehouse.Embarrassingly enough, even Samuel.Kathleen conjured up her winning smile as sheaddressed the elders seated before her. “Grandma, Dad, Mom."Diana was delighted to seeher.Kathleen's honeyed smile caught the hearts of Diana as well as Wynnie and Calvin.Samuel wasthe only one who went by unacknowledged, much to his displeasure.Nonetheless, Samuel did feelthat the entire room seemed to brighten up with her brilliant smile.”You seem to be in high spirits,dear girl. Do share with us why,” crooned Diana affectionately.Kathleen brought forth her gifts. “Oh,it's nothing major. I've just brought all of you presents with the money I earned from my advance. Igot you a pair of reading glasses since yours seemed a bit dated, Grandma."Diana was pleasantlysurprised and asked, “You bought this with your money?"“That is right,” Kathleen preened. “Here is aMontblanc pen for you, Dad. I remembered yours recently broke. I hope this arrived just intime.”"Thank you.” Calvin was moved by Kathleen's dedication. It felt as if he had a daughter thathad finally grown up.“Last but not least, here is your silk scarf, Mom. I hope you like it."Wynnie wasa huge fan and fervent collector of scarfs belonging to this particular brand.This design thatKathleen managed to snag was a new release of the season.Wynnie was overjoyed. “I'd surely love itas long as it is from you.”