The calm before the storm
Julia's heart was pounding vigorously, "what have I done? Can I really face the world on my own? Where will I start from?" She asked herself with a calm voice filled with confusion. She sat down for a while, remembering all she had been through in the hands of James and cried bitterly. She started to question her decision, little did she know that it was the best decision she ever made.
In the midst of all this pain, she began to remember how she met James. How sweet and kind he was towards her. The version of James she loved, the one that left without saying goodbye.
The bank was flooded with both old and new customers. Everyone wanted some form of attention and this kept the staff on their toes. Anxiety, stress and pressure were the best words to describe Julia at that moment.
On a good day, Julia was nothing short of an outgoing, determined and hardworking lady. She made her own money working as a manager in a bank. She lived a fairly financially stable and organized life.
As the bank manager, she was tasked with the responsibility of making sure everything was moving smoothly. She was a hardworking woman who loved her job not regarding the pressure it came with.
The chaos of several people talking to each other at the same time and the cold air from the air conditioners hit her like a punch and a hug all at once. All she wanted was every customer to go home satisfied with their services.
"What a day," she said, burying her head in a pile of documents on her table.
A concerned staff asked, "are you alright?"
"Am okay, am just under a lot of pressure, that's all," Julia replied, slightly raising her head to look at the staff.
Turns out the pressure Julia was talking about, wasn't just from work. Her little sister Bella, was terribly ill. Bella was diagnosed of kidney failure and was scheduled to go to India soon, for a transplant.
The thought of her sister suffering in sickness was one of the worse pain Julia had ever felt. A brief family meeting was held where George, Julia's brother, offered to be Bella's kidney donor.
Julia herself, offered to be the caregiver for both George and Bella, during and after the surgery and there and then, a recovery plan for Bella , filled with love and sacrifice was hatched.
"Its a shame to see you go, you're one of the best managers we ever had," Julia's boss said to her as he lifted his head after reading her resignation letter.
With a sad but certain tone, Julia replied, "desperate times call for desperate measures. I wouldn't leave if I didn't have to."
And just like that, Julia quit her stressful yet fulfilling job to focus on making sure her sister stayed alive. George on the other hand, bid his frightened yet understanding girlfriend Ana, good bye.
With tears rolling down her cheeks, she hugged him, not knowing what to expect during and after the surgery. Bella was too sick for second thoughts, all she wanted was to get well.
With her loving family beside her, Bella had all the support she needed. India was the destination for the surgery so all parties flew in together. George refused to eat during the flight so he was very hungry upon arrival.
"Gosh I am thirsty and hungry," George said, as soon as they landed, rubbing his stomach gently as he spoke.
"You wouldn't be this hungry if you had an open mind, and explored those new meals like I suggested," Julia replied without hesitation.
George jumped in to defend himself, "You know I have a delicate stomach, do you know how embarrassing it would be to be running to the bathroom every minute midair?"
"Oh come on George, am sure worse things have happened to you in the past", Bella said, as they all laughed while walking towards a restaurant they spotted close-by. There they had a juicy meal before heading out.
They found an apartment that was close enough to the hospital for easy access. They paid for the place for 4 months and started unpacking. According to Bella's doctor, 4 months was enough time or Bella to undergo the surgery and heal just enough to travel back.
While Julia was unpacking, George rushed to the hospital to do some paper work in preparation for the big day. As soon as he was done, he started heading towards the house. This was when he discovered that he couldn't find his way back, he was lost.
Every house looked the same to him since he wasn't familiar with the area. Most of the people around didn't really speak English. There was no way to make phone calls since they were yet to get new numbers. He was somehow helpless.
As he stood there in utter confusion, planning his next move, a gentle but reassuring voice from behind said, "you seem lost, can I help you?"
"Yes please," George hurridly responded, grateful that someone would help him out.
"I know its embarrassing, but I am lost. We moved in here few hours ago ….
"We?" the stranger inquired.
"Yes, my two sisters and I," George said briefly, not wanting to go into too much detail with the stranger.
"I see," the stranger said, getting clearer picture.
"By the way, am George, and I hope you can help me" George said with a bright and hopeful smile.
"Am James and you're in luck because I know this place like the palm of my hands.
James went on to tell George, that he was a final year student studying medicine, and that he had lived in India for several years which was why he knew the area so well.
"That's great, I left the house in such a hurry, I didn't realize I'd be lost". George said.
"It's alright George, things like this happens all the time." James replied.
Because he was new and couldn't remember much, George gave a short but not so detailed description of the house. Luckily for him, James was able to locate it after some time. Out of courtesy, George invited James in.
"Julia !!! Am home," George called out, closing the door behind him without turning back.
"Where have you been George? What happened? And who's the stranger? Julia asked all at once, in a curious tone.
"After leaving the hospital, I lost my way and this kind man helped me out," George told her, while still smiling.
At this point, Julia was filled with gratitude.
"James, these are my sisters Julia and Bella, and guys, this is James, the man who helped me," as he introduced them to each other.
"Thank you for your kindness," Julia said to James as she stretched out her hand for a handshake.
"It was my pleasure," James responded. Very nice to meet you, he quickly added.
Bella waved from a distance, acknowledging James and James waved back.
They all went out that evening for a meal. After which James dropped his card with Julia, saying they could call him if they needed him.
Just before walking away, Jame said to Julia, "I think you're very beautiful."
For him, it was love at first sight.