Capítulo 13: Chapter 13
After AmericanMate took their forty percent commission, Ari still ended up with three million dollars. She cashed the check and made an appointment for a private meeting with the hospital administrator, Dr. Alice Sanders. Waiting in the hallway, she just hoped that the administrator came out before her mother saw her there. She had no idea what she would say to her if she caught her there. But she had made the deal and there was no backing out now. But then again, Ari always honored her promises.
Prince Grayson of Estrea had given her exactly three days to get her affairs in order and to meet him in Estrea for their wedding. Ari truly felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball, knowing that she would be married in just a few short days, although to a man she didn’t know.
“Miss Douglas.” Dr. Sanders hand out her hand as a warm smile flashed over her perfect face. “I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting. Won’t you come in?”
Ari rose to her feet and headed inside.
Dr. Sanders closed her office door behind them. “Would you care for a seat?”
Ari shook her head. “No, thank you. I won’t be here long.”
Dr. Sanders folded her arms across her chest, wearing a sympathetic smile, raising her eyebrows. “What can I do for you today?”
Ari looked her straight in the eye. “I’m here to pay my sisters bill, in full.”
Dr. Sander’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head. “In full?”
Ari nodded, enjoying the woman’s reaction. “However, I have some stipulations.”
“Yes, of course.” Dr. Sanders headed around her desk and turned to face her. “I’ll try to be as accommodating as possible.”
“I appreciate that.” Ari let out a deep breath. “First and foremost, I want to remain anonymous. My mother is not to know who paid my sister’s bill.”
“Agreed.”
“Secondly, the money I give you today will go strictly toward the care of my sister.” Ari looked down and then back into her eyes. “And should there be more expenses incurred on my sister’s behalf, then you are to come to me only and I will pay the bill. You are not to bother my mother with money again. Is that understood?”
Dr. Sanders nodded. “Yes, of course.” A slight smile spread across her lips. “There will no longer be a need to.”
“Good.” Ari pulled out a new cell phone that she had just purchased. “Here is my cell phone number. Please call me directly with expense accounts.”
Dr. Sanders slid a sheet of paper toward her and Ari quickly jotted it down.
“Also, I would appreciate it if you would keep me informed as to my sister’s progress... for better or for worse. In addition, there will be more doctors inquiring about Henley. Please see to it that they have what they need.”
A crease formed between the hospital administrator’s eyes. “You have my word.” She looked down at her notes and then raised her eyebrows. “Anything else?”
“Just one more thing.” Ari tilted her head to the side. “I will be out of town indefinitely. I’m afraid it’s unavoidable. So, If I am needed here at the hospital, please give me at least a day’s travel time.” Ari bit her lip and then released it, considering her words carefully. “Should Henley take a turn for the worse, I want to be here with her.”
Dr. Sanders nodded, her eyes sympathetic. “Yes, of course. But I’m sure your sister will be fine. She is receiving the best medical care available.”
“Thank you,” Ari replied. “And another thing. Before I leave, I’d like to be tested to see if I am a compatible donor for Henley in the event that she is well enough to receive a Stem Cell Transplant.”
“Yes, but she won’t be a candidate for a while,” Dr. Sanders replied.
“I understand.” Ari was well aware that before Henley could receive a stem Cell Transplant, she would have to undergo intensive doses of chemotherapy and possibly a radiation treatment. “I just want it on record that I’m a donor should the need arise. I will fly anywhere on a moment’s notice.”
A smile spread across Dr. Sander’s lips. “Is there anything else?”
“Yes. I’d like a complete expense account report sent to me every few days on Henley’s behalf.” Ari looked the hospital administrator straight in the eye. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I want to know where the money is going... every penny.”
Dr. Sanders smiled. “That’s completely understandable.”
Ari held out her hand. “Thank you, Doctor, for taking such good care of my sister. I know I may not sound it, but I am truly grateful.”
“The pleasure is ours.” Dr. Sanders shook her hand. “I’m sorry about the other day... the meeting... with your mother. It’s a part of my job that I don’t like, but that is necessary if the hospital is to remain in business.”
Ari released her hand. “I completely understand. As long as you realize that my priority will always be the wellbeing of my sister.”
Dr. Sanders nodded as a smile spread across her face. “Your sister is lucky to have you, you know.”
Ari returned the smile, shaking her head. “No. I’m the lucky one. She’s the best sister in the world.”
Dr. Sanders placed a hand on her back, guiding her gently toward the door. “Well, thank you for coming to see me today. Rest assured, I’ll be in touch.” She stopped at the door and turned to face her. “We’ll take good care of your sister.”
“Thank you... for everything.” As Ari headed toward her sister’s room for what she knew would be her last visit for a while, she just hoped that her efforts were enough.
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