Page 35 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

We go about our various duties. An hour later, we’re all gathered at the dining table to cups of steaming coffee for us and milk for Eric. Plates of warm pancakes, maple syrup and sausage abound. We all eat, enjoying the food and making jokes. Eric, in particular, eats fast, licking the syrup from his fingers.

It comes as a surprise when a pancake falls out of his hand, and he sits frozen in his chair. “What’s the matter, son?” I rise from my seat and so does Chasmin.

He tries speaking but only a gurgling sound comes out. His face begins to grow red. Chasmin is by his side, her face tight with worry. “Oh, no. Lance, he’s having an allergic reaction. Do you have an EpiPen?” She looks up in panic.

“No, go get our coats; we have to get to the hospital.” I lift Eric and Chasmin retrieves our coats. She meets me in the car. I have no time to put on my coat.

I speed into the snowy street; luckily, the snow has been shoveled off the road. I drive quickly to the nearest hospital, while keeping an eye on Eric. His face is growing redder and his breathing is shallow. Chasmin is crying softly, holding him to her chest. “Faster, please,” she pleads.

I park in front of the hospital and Chasmin exits the car with him, running straight into the emergency room. I follow her. The nurses take him, and she explains what happened. They hold us back; a doctor joins them to examine him. The curtain shielding them from our sight feels like a wall.

I hold Chasmin tight as she cries into my chest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was allergic to anything. Was it the milk? Or something else?” She looks up at me with red eyes.

“We don’t know, Chasmin. He’s in good hands right now and will get better. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Neither of us knew he was allergic to something in the food, else we wouldn’t have allowed him to eat it in the first place. If we’re to blame someone, it’s Claudette for not telling us.” Although I try to comfort her and ease her guilt, she doesn’t look convinced.

We sit in the waiting area for up to an hour before a doctor comes out to report to us. The doctor wipes a sheen of sweat from her face, smiling, and we relax a bit. “How’s he, doctor?” Chasmin asks, holding my hand tight with hope in her eyes.

“He’s fine. He’s in a room, resting. You can go check on him.” I shake her hand to express my gratitude.

“Thanks, doctor, show us to his room.” I request and she nods while leading us to another floor of the hospital.

“What is he allergic to?” Chasmin asks in a calm voice.

“You don’t know?” The doctor looks at us in confusion. We shake our heads in the negative. She sighs. “He’s allergic to maple syrup. It’s better to find an alternative. I also recommend that you get an EpiPen. It’ll come in handy.”

Chasmin looks contrite like she’s just been admonished. I see that she’s blaming herself for this. I’ll talk to her; she can’t beat herself up for it. Eric is fine. When we see Eric, his face is back to its usual color and he’s asleep. We sit by his side till he wakes up. He tries speaking, but his voice is hoarse. “Calm down, baby. You’re fine.” Chasmin holds his hand, kissing Eric’s forehead.

He relaxes and tries to speak slowly. He’s hungry but what he wants is chocolate…a specific type. I inquire with the doctor if he can have it, and she approves. I check with various stores; unfortunately, no one has it in stock. Ordering it will take days. Chasmin in particular doesn’t want to disappoint Eric.

“I know one last place that might have it. I used to get sweets there when I was younger. I can check it out.” She puts on her coat, ready to leave.

“Don’t stay long.” I kiss her forehead and she departs. I stare into the face of my son; my heart breaks seeing him so pale. I can’t just leave him right now. My heart is stuck in my throat.

I sit by his side, holding his hand. I have so much to say to him, but all that comes out is, “I’m glad you’re still here with me, buddy.” He smiles, and joy fills my heart.

Chapter 17

CHASMIN

Igettoanobscure street with few shops, but they are closed due to the snow. Only one shop is open with Christmas lights around the door and windows. It looks like a children’s sweet shop with mini Santa Clauses decorating the shelves and counters. Opening the door, a melodic jingle bell tune plays, and the lights flash in a multicolored frenzy – a sight that all children would enjoy.

I find the chocolate and buy the last pack in the store. I smile in relief. This isn’t an apology to Eric, but I hope I’m able to show my sincerity. I can’t stop blaming myself for what had happened.

I pull up my hoodie as I leave the store and go out into the snow. “Chasmin?” A familiar voice I’m beginning to hate stops me in my tracks. It’s Paul swathed in layers of sweaters and a beanie on his head. His nose is red, looking bigger than usual. Anger wells up in my chest. What the hell!

“Paul, I’m sorry I can’t stay.” I walk past him, and he grabs my arm. “Let go of me!” I scowl, revulsion twisting my insides. I feel like throwing up.

Paul glowers at me for a moment before getting a grip and finally letting go of me. I put as much distance between us as possible.

“Be on your way, Paul. I don’t want to talk to you.” I look at the car close by. I don’t want to spend another minute with him.

Paul laughs into the cold, clapping his gloved hands. “This is funny, really. Chasmin, why are you hiding from me? I’m your stepfather, so why alienate me. We ought to be close this season. After all, it’s Christmas. Let’s forgive and forget.”

Never!“You and I have nothing to do with each other. I’ve never acknowledged you as my stepfather, and I never will, not after what you did to me. I’ve had enough of this,” I stammer and head to the car.

“You’ll be back, Chasmin. I’m your father.” I bang the door shut to shield me from his voice.

I can’t take it any longer and scream. I rest my head on the wheel. After calming myself, I drive away from the street and the memory of Paul.

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