Yet to Know [MORE CHAPTERS LOADING...]

- 31 -

DANIEL'S POV

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I never imagined Sam would stay in my home for this long. It's been two weeks. She's blended into my home to the point where having her around feels normal. I thought my holiday would be filled with my family, games, and school books. Now, I have to add Sam to the mix. Her dad refused to bring her home. Instead, he sent money for her upkeep. My parents are still searching for her biological parents while trying to find her previous mom, who is hiding from the cops. The police investigation also revealed that she is working with a money launderer. Sam hasn't cried since that day. She's been playing games, football, and reading. She's doing her best to appear unfazed, but I can tell her mask hides deep feelings of vulnerability.

There’s a soft knock on my door, and Sam's voice calls, "Can I come in?"

"Sure," I respond. She opens the door, strolls in, and plops down on my bed. My bedroom is simple, a queen-sized bed, clutter-free desk and gaming console are the essentials. Soft gray walls display my sci-fi posters and family photos. I still haven’t gotten used to her presence. Just a glimpse of her leaves my heart racing and my breath catching.

"How's the reading going?" she asks, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I've given up. My brain isn't cooperating."

"Um..." I glance at the wall clock. I’ve spent ten minutes thinking about her instead of reading. "It's not going well."

"Should we take a break? We can play the new racing game your dad bought," she suggests, getting up. "What do you think?"

"Well... WAEC is around the corner. Should we really be playing games?"

She chuckles and rolls her eyes. "There’s no strict rule for studying. Just do what works best for you. Right now, a short break is what I need."

My lips curl into a grin. "I need it too." I stand up, arranging my books and pushing my chair closer to my desk. "Let's go."

She staggers for a moment but quickly regains her footing. I narrow my eyes, watching her steps. She must be dizzy. Before I can reach her, she collapses. "Sam!" I rush over and lift her off the floor. Her eyes are closed, and her breathing is slow. "Mom! Dad! Help. Sam fainted."

My sister, Kate, rushes into the room. "What happened?"

"Go tell Mom and Dad that Sam fainted. I'll take her to the living room. Go now!"

She runs off, and I dash downstairs with Sam in my arms.

An hour later, we’re at the hospital. As we burst through the hospital doors, the scent of disinfectant washes over us. Soft beeps and steady hums of life-support machines create a constant din. Nurses in crisp scrubs move swiftly, their footsteps quiet on the polished floor. Panic and concern etched on every face, the hospital's sterile corridors swallowed us whole. After examining Sam, the doctor's diagnosis revealed the severe dehydration, prolonged sleep deprivation and an alarming rapid heart rate. "Has she experienced any trauma?" the doctor inquiries as my dad escorts him to his office. It turns out Sam has been pretending to be okay, but I knew she wasn't.

I hold her hand as she sleeps on the hospital bed, an IV drip attached to her other arm.

"It's heartbreaking that she’s going through this," my mom murmurs with a sigh. "Have you informed her father?"

"He's on his way," my dad replies.

My eyes widen. "He’s coming? I thought he abandoned her."

"No. He still loves his daughter. He’s just hurt and needs some space."

I chuckle and ask, "So, Dad... if you found out I’m not your son, what would you do?"

My parents laugh. "That’s not possible."

"I know. But what if?"

"I would still accept you as my son. I love you too much to abandon you. But yes, I’d be hurt and might go silent for a while."

My mom playfully slaps my back. "Stop asking silly questions."

We all laugh.

Later, Sam’s dad arrives, pays the hospital bill, and sits by her side for an hour. Once he feels reassured, he leaves. Sam sleeps for hours. My mom has to wake her up to eat. The sleeping pills, along with her other medication, put her into a deep sleep. My dad pulls me aside and asks, "You and Sam are close friends, right?"

I freeze as he searches my eyes for answers. "Aren’t you friends?"

My parents don’t know the truth. We were just classmates. I haven’t let any other label be attached to us.

"Um... We're cool," I say.

"How well do you know her?"

I furrow my brows and scratch my neck. "What’s going on? Why are you asking all these questions?"

"I’ve found her biological parents, and I’m not sure how best to break the news to her."

My parents have the resources to pursue justice and make sure it’s served. I guess their team has uncovered solid information.

"Hmm..." I stroke my jaw. "I really don’t know. Sam has been unpredictable lately. I think this whole situation has destabilized her. Who are her parents?"

"A young couple. They had her when they were young and still dating. Their families disapproved, and after she had Sam, her aunt secretly sold the child to Mrs. [name]. She lied and said it was a stillbirth and never revealed the truth. The aunt has since passed away. We’ve informed Sam’s biological parents, and they’re eager to see her."

I let out a deep breath. "I don’t know the best way to tell her, but I do know Sam values honesty. We just need to be straightforward."

"Alright."

"But that should wait until after her medication... when she’s feeling better." I nod.

He pats my back. "Got it. I see you care a lot for your friend. Are you sure you two are just friends, or is there something more?"

I cough, shaking my head vigorously.

"I’m suspicious. The way you look at her is different," he teases, winking at me.

I try to hold back, but I end up sporting a sheepish grin.

×××

I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Things are getting serious here. What do you think?

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Thanks for reading. Have a great day.

Yours truly,
Mabel 🎉😉😊