AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Darling, I get it’s not what you wanted.”
Understatement of the century.
“But a child is always a blessing. It will give you focus and determination to see you through this difficult time.”
Instinctively, my hand goes to my stomach, stroking and patting the still flat area.
“Have you already forgotten what I told you the other day? You have a lot of help. Your parents are looking out for you, and I see many friends surrounding you. You are not alone in this. You might feel like you are, but it’s not true.”
She takes my face in her hands and wipes away the few stray tears that have escaped with the pad of her thumbs. “And I’m here for you too, even beyond this trip. You can call me anytime, and I will answer.”
I nod, forcing a smile.
“I sense compassion and generosity with the place you’re going to. Trust me, everything is going to work out for you, okay?”
I nod again, incapable of anything more.
“Now rest up some more. I tell your boss you’re still sick.” She pushes on my shoulder, and I lie down. Covering me up with my blanket, she kisses the top of my head.
“I’ll check in on you later. And remember, this is a blessing.” With that, she leaves quietly, and I close my eyes, but I’m not tired. I’ve really only just woken up.
I stay in bed anyway, pondering Claudette’s words. They have somehow calmed my tormented mind.
I was just overreacting, wasn’t I? Maybe things aren’t as bleak as I’ve made them?
My hands find my belly again, and I let them rest there for some time.
Wow, there is a life growing inside of me. This might be a nightmare, but I can’t help but be a little in awe.
I stroke my abdomen.
Hello there, little peanut. You might not be what I want, but I’ll take very good care of you.
Rhia’s and my motto comes to mind.If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
This is big, though. It changes the rest of my life.
Can I really make lemonade out of this lemon?
God, I wish I could pick up the phone and talk to Rhia. Does this classify as an emergency?
Come on, Ella. Chin up.I tell myself, trying to be my own cheerleader.
It will all work out. Claudette says it will, and I’m beginning to trust that it can.
Miraculously, I feel much better the next day. Perhaps two days of bedrest was exactly what I needed.
Is it my imagination or are my nipples hurting? It has to be my mind making this up. I find out I’m pregnant and suddenly I have all the symptoms?
Yeah, no. It’s got to be a mind trick.
My mind drifts to the man responsible for my current condition, and I close my eyes, trying to stop my yearning for him.
If only he knew… he’d be so thrilled. This is exactly what he wanted.
My mind fabricates images of Tiero doting on me and my ever-growing belly, holding his newborn child, and later playfully twirling him through the air. A smile spreads over my face as I imagine the scenes playing out.
What have I done? Have I deprived my child of his father? Of a loving family? Of stability?
