C5

It rained all night, and only stopped when it was almost bright. The sun had risen and shone through the window, and landed on Robyn's face. She opened her eyes, and winced from the brightness of the sun.

The chirping of birds could be heard outside. Robyn got out of bed, and went to freshen up. She had one day left before her new job. She went to see her grandma at the hospital. She wore a pair of light wash jeans, and T-shirt and a light jacket.

Then she styled her hair in a ponytail. She looked at herself in the mirror, and wondered if she should get a new haircut. She had naturally curly brown hair. Most times, she straightened it and styled it differently. She decided to forget about her hair, and left the house immediately.

She bought some fruits and went to see her grandmother. Her grandmother had a brain tumor, and had refused to undergo surgery. Robyn tried to talk her into it, but she wouldn't listen.

She said there was no use in the surgery, since the doctor said there was only fifty percent chance of survival and recovery. When she got into the ward, her grandmother was sitting on the bed, and reading a paperback novel. "Hey grandma". Robyn said with a smile.

Her grandmother looked up from her book, and smiled back at her. "Sweet child, you finally came to see me after so long. I thought you had forgotten about me like the others. I missed you, you know?". Her grandmother said in a weak voice.

Robyn took a seat next to her bed, and held her hand tightly. "Grandma, I would never forget you". She said softly. "You mean the most to me".

Her grandmother smiled once again. "Then why didn't you come see me in the last two weeks?". She asked.

"Oh grandma, I had a lot to do. Remember the job at that company I applied for? My application was approved, so I can start working tomorrow". Robyn said excitedly. "That's some good news then". Her grandmother said.

The old lady stretched out her hand to pat Robyn's head. "May you always be blessed dear". She said weakly. "I may not be around for much longer, so let me shower you with blessings". She said to her.

"Don't say such things grandma, you might have been better if you agreed to the surgery". Robyn said to her, as tears welled up in her eyes. "You're not dying anytime soon. The doctors are still treating you, and if you cooperate with them and have surgery, you'd be fine. Grandma you're the only one I have in this world - Don't leave me okay?".

The tears rolled down her cheeks. Her grandmother raised her hand to wipe her tears. "Don't cry child. Don't worry I won't leave you. Why don't you peel an apple for your grandma - I'm starving". Robyn took the apple and started peeling it for her.

"Oh grandma, Yansheng went back to China for business a few days ago. He'd be in Germany in a day or so. He said hi to you". Robyn said while peeling the apples. "He's such a sweet young man. I wonder why you wouldn't date him". Grandma said while rolling her eyes.

"I won't date him, because I don't have those sort of feelings towards him. You can't force relationships you know". Robyn said.

"Do you want him to bring you anything from Germany - that's where you met grandfather for the first time right?". Robyn asked her grandma."I'll like whatever he brings me. I hope he gets a great life partner". She said happily.

" You're still single at twenty-four. I wonder when you're going to give me a great grandchild. When I was your age, I already had at least 20 affairs". Her grandmother complained.

"Grandma I have a boyfriend remember? He's name is David. And I only just broke up with him a few days ago, so I wasn't single in the last two years". Robyn said in her defense.

"Yeah, but I never accepted him as your partner. It's great you guys broke up. In the last two years, did he touch you even once?". Her grandmother asked angrily.

Robyn sighed. She didn't want this sort of conversation. She took in a deep breath, and said "He said he was willing to wait till we get married, and that he didn't want to disrespect my body. And he touched me a few times when I was in the mood - you know, with his fingers". Robyn said loudly. It almost sounded like she was defending David.

"Wow! He touched you with his fingers. Is that gonna make you pregnant?! That just means he can't get an erection!". He grandmother said on the top of her voice. "Keep it down grandma, he's not sick. He can have an erection. I've seen it and touched him, but he seemed withdrawn. He didn't want to do it even when I was completely naked in front of him". Robyn said while looking at her feet.

"If that's the case, then the man is gay!. He's GAY!". Robyn's grandmother shouted. Robyn took a piece of apple, and shoved it in her mouth to keep her quiet. "Grandma this is a hospital. People would start talking". She said in a whisper. "I don't care. Just give me a great-grandchild before I die right here in front of you!". Her grandmother said.

Robyn got up and walked to the window. She ran her fingers through her hair. She hated this argument the most, but she knew grandma was right. Most people her age, already had a family. But she was afraid she'd never be a good mother or wife.

"Ashley is getting married in a few weeks. I'll be going to Paris to attend her wedding and help out since she's pregnant". Robyn said trying to change the topic.

"That's great news. Robyn she's two years younger than you, and she's pregnant and getting married. If you're not getting married, fuck someone and give birth for him!". Her grandmother said.

Robyn walked back to her grandmother's bed, and hugged her. "it's time for your medicine, I'll call the nurse over". She said to her grandma. She knew her grandmother wouldn't say angry at her after that hug.

"And don't worry you'll see your great-grandson before you join your ancestors. But I'm not having him with Yansheng". Robyn walked out of the ward, and called the nurse. The nurse gave the medication and left. Robyn got up to leave after chatting with her grandma for a while.

"I'm sorry for forcing you into this, but I can't tell you that I have less than a year left to live. I know you'd always fulfill my wishes. You'd forgive grandma right?". Her grandmother said to herself, as she watched Robyn leave her ward.

"Also because I want to brag about my great grand child to my stupid friends". Grandma said smiling.

Robyn went to the supermarket, to buy some things to refill her fridge. She knew she wouldn't get a lot of free time, once she becomes a personal assistant to Crispin. She hoped her boss was a sweet person. After shopping, she went home for a nice, long relaxing bath.

While in the bathroom, she thought about the things her grandmother said to her. As much as she didn't want a relationship at the moment, she didn't want her grandma to die while her wishes were left incomplete. She decided, she'd have a child, even if she doesn't marry the guy responsible for it. She just wants her grandmother to be happy. Who knows how much time she has left.

After her bath, she called Yansheng, and chatted with him for a long time. He told her he'd be heading to Germany tomorrow. "I went to see grandma today. She said you should bring her a souvenir from Germany". She said to him.

"Oh that's great then. I'll be back in a month's time. How's she doing". Yansheng said smiling. "She's doing great don't worry. She talks about you a lot - seems like she likes you". Robyn chuckled. "Tell her to hang in there. I'll be back soon. I just wish she'd agree to the surgery". Yansheng said feeling sad.

"My grandma is a stubborn woman. She has her mind made up". Robyn said.

Robyn said goodnight to Yansheng, and went to bed early, after setting her alarm. She didn't want to be late on her first day .