Chapter 30
1032words
My mother pushed her head in the room, "Is that the new addition to the family?" she laughed proudly. She was so happy that I was able to finish high school without getting pregnant as she did. I even got a degree in Environment Science, where I met Valdo, who was an environmental activist. We hit it off pretty quickly, and in five months we were married.
Our parents thought we were rushing into things, but we knew better. We belonged together.
I shook my head after remembering my crazy dream. If only things were as wonderful as they were in my imagination. If only I'd finish high school and get my diploma then go to university as I'd planned, maybe I would have met a man. Perhaps he would have fallen in love and had beautiful babies. But that's all it is; a dream is a dream.
Valdo words brought me back to reality, "So what do you want for breakfast?"
"Scrambled eggs," I said excitedly.
Valdo laughed, "You seem to love that."
I nod and smile.
That's because in my dreams when you brought me breakfast in bed; it was scrambled eggs.
"A couple that prays together stays together."
..............
I hummed the lyrics to 'Chained To The Rhythm' as I place my dirty clothes in the washer. I couldn't have been happier when Valdo told me he owned a washer and dryer, that meant I got to stay in and avoid a lot of moving and lifting.
I bent to take up my dresses off the floor. I heap them up in my hand then slowly start to stand up straight again, but that didn't happen because I felt an intense pain in my abdomen. The dresses fell from my hands, and my hands went to my belly, and suddenly pain intensified, causing me to scream out. I left on tight on the washer for support, afraid that if I let go, I might fall.
The laundry door was pushed open, and a very concerned Valdo stared at me, "I heard you scream, what's wrong?"
The pain was still piercing through my body, but I found the strength to speak, "I don't know, but it hurts, it hurts so bad." I moved my eyes from his blue ones and looked down at my tummy.
"Oh my god," Valdo whispered shock.
I look at him worried, but his eyes were on the ground "What's wrong?"
He swallowed then looked up at me slowly. "You're bleeding. We have to get you to the hospital now."
I look down, but I couldn't see anything because my belly was so big. I lift my head and look at Valdo, " I don't understand, why am I bleeding? What's happening to my baby?"
Valdo rushed over to my side, "Shh...there is nothing wrong with your baby. It would help if you stayed calm. You're going to the hospital right now." Although his words were soothing and soft, they didn't help all sorts of those to stop coming through my mind.
Something is wrong; why am I bleeding? Is my baby okay?
"Give me your hands" He gently placed his hands over mine. "I won't let you fall; just trust me." Putting all my trust in him, I slowly lift my hands off the washer and into his. He smiled, "Great. Now stay calm. Breath in and out slowly. One." I followed his instructions and breath in slowly the exhale. "Two," I repeated and waited for him to say three, but he never did. Instead, I was in his arms in a blink of an eye. Shocked, I held onto his shoulder and looked into his deep blue eyes, terrified. "Three."
One of his hands held my hand, and the other my legs.
Bridal Style.
Like most girls, I've always imagined what it would be like to have a man carry me like this but never in any of my imaginations would this be the scenario.
I'm not a bride, I'm a damsel in distress, or should I say a pregnant teen in distress?
"Are you okay?" he asked, looking down at me.
Unable to find words, I just nod.
"We're going to the hospital now. Everything is going to be fine."
I looked at him, and a tear fell from my eyes, "Promised."
He paused, "Pinky Promise. I'd hold up my pinky, but it's kinda occupied."
I laughed and rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, praying to God that my baby is okay.
.....
I slowly opened my eyes and looked around my surroundings, but the pain in my body caused me to groan.
Someone jumped up from beside me, "Doctor, the anaesthetic is wearing off." It was Valdo.
A female figure came over me, "Ms Taylor, how are you feeling?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
"Nurse give her some water." A petit African American woman came over to me and placed the plastic cup to my lips. I lifted my hands to the cup and took it from her. I took a few sips of the water then pass the cup back to her.
"How are you feeling Miss Taylor?" the doctor ask again but my mind was all over the place as I try to recall the last couple of hours, but I couldn't remember anything after Valdo, and I arrived at the hospital. I look down, and my tummy and panicked.
"What happened?" I asked in uneven breaths. "What happened?" I could feel the tears coming down. I had a big belly when I passed out, but now I didn't see any. "Where's my baby? What happened to my baby?" I start sitting up fully but end up groaning in pain. "Where's my baby?" I asked again through the tears. I look at the doctor, the nurse then my eyes landed on Valdo. He looked tired and worn out; something's not right. So I repeated, "Where's my baby?"
