OUT OF LOVE

ABOVE LABOUR

Zendeya POV

Chapter three

I feel a rush of emotions as I'm under observation on my last day in the hospital. The healthcare team is conducting the final assessment of my vital signs, and my lab results are being reviewed and confirmed for a stable enough condition for discharge.

I feel a mix of relief and anxiety as I prepare to leave with Aunty Christna. My brain hurts, and the memories of Vandam can't escape my head. The moments we share together and the promises he made can't go off my mind.

"In a low tone, I speak to myself, "Why have you decided to hurt me, Vandam?" My eyes well up in tears as they run down my cheeks.

Aunty Christna holds my hand. "Zendeya, wipe your tears. I'm here for you." Feeling relieved, I continue to reflect on everything as we take our journey home.

Tears continue to well up in my eyes. The car glides smoothly down the highway, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling me into a state of relaxation. The gentle vibration of the vehicle creates a comforting cocoon, and I sink deeper into the plush seat. My eyelids grow heavy, and I adjust my position, propping my back against the seat.

Through the glass, the sun casts a warm glow across my face, and I close my eyes for a moment. Every now and then, I feel a gentle kick from my baby, bringing a smile to my lips, which quickly wipes away as I reflect on Vandam.

The car's motion is calming, passing trees and fields, making me imagine myself walking through the serene landscape with my little one in tow and my baby's father. Tears continue to run down from my face.

It's getting late as we arrive home. A night is passing, and morning is coming. I rest in my room.

The morning light filters through the curtains as Aunty Christna gently knocks on my bedroom door. "Good morning, sweetheart! Time to rise and shine!" she calls.

Groggily, I sit up on my bed and try to smile at the thought of my aunt's confronting presence. "Sweetheart, breakfast is ready," she says. I get up and follow her.

It's been over two weeks, and I haven't received a call from Vandam. In the sitting room, as I begin to think again, tears well up in my eyes, but I immediately wipe them away.

"It's been two weeks. I will visit Vandam today. My unborn baby is missing him," I speak to myself in a low tone and take my way immediately.

Standing in the doorway, my heart sinks. The laughter that echoes from the living room feels like daggers piercing through my chest. I immediately knock and enter.

They are wrapped in each other's laughter, sharing a moment that feels like a betrayal. My mind racing, a whirlwind of confusion and hurt, I think, "How can this be happening again?"

Taking a deep breath, I step into the room. The laughter halts abruptly as both turn to face me, their expressions shifting from surprise to guilt in an instant.

Trying to calm my emotions down, I quickly speak to Vandam, the father of my unborn baby. "What is this girl doing with you again, Vandam? Answer me now!" Tears begin to well up in my eyes.

"This so-called Flora girl has been my best friend. You know that. You allowed her in this house again without my knowledge?" I shout loudly, my voice trembling. Tears run down my face as I shout at the top of my voice again.

"What is Flora doing with you, Vandam?"

"Zendeya," he starts, his voice faltering as he stands up. The warmth of their earlier moment dissipates into an icy tension.

I force myself to speak again, but my voice trembles as I cry out, "Why, Vandam?"The weight of the question hangs heavy in the air, demanding an answer. Flora shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. "I don't mean for this to happen," she says. "Vandam here is my boyfriend. We are dating. It's not my fault that he has abandoned you for me. Stop barking around like a dog."

I shout out in tears, my heart hurting so much. "You witch! You can never separate us! Stay away from my man!" I struggle to push her away from the house.

Looking up, I see a picture of them together hanging on the wall. Adrenaline runs through my entire body. I remain speechless, my mouth wide open, as I turn to Vandam. It's as if there's no blood flowing in my veins again; my heart beats so fast.

Vandam immediately comes closer, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Zendeya, I can explain," he says.I feel a rush of emotions - anger, betrayal, sadness - overwhelming me. "I don't want to hear it," I say. Tears brim in my eyes. "You are supposed to be that person who supports me through this journey of pregnancy. We are supposed to be starting a family together."

He steps back, speaking in a loud voice. "Yes, Zendeya, I have moved on. Flora is my lover now."

I fall immediately to the floor, crying loudly. "I'm finished! Flora, you witch, have succeeded in destroying my relationship. God of vengeance, where are you? I can't do this on my own again." I cry at the top of my voice, rolling on the floor.

A sharp pain shoots through my abdomen - an unmistakable contraction. Gripping the doorframe for support, the reality of my situation collides with the emotional turmoil inside me.

"Zendeya!" Vandam rushes to my side. "Are you okay?"

"Don't touch me!" I gasp, fighting against the wave of pain that surges through my body.

"I need to get you to the hospital," he says in a panic voice.

"No!" I manage through gritted teeth. "I don't want you around me, Vandam. Go away!" I cry.

I immediately take my cell phone and call Auntie Christna, explaining my condition. She starts driving to my destination immediately.

Leaning against the wall, I breathe deeply through another contraction as the stars begin to twinkle above me. I struggle to find my way to the road, creeping like a baby.

In front of me is Auntie Christna. In a hurry, she carries me to the hospital. The pains become unbearable as water starts coming out from my temple.

The contractions become irregular and intense, coming in a way that leaves me breathless. "Is that a white building to my right?" Auntie Christna asks. "We're there."

She starts shouting for help. "Nurse, nurse! Please, my daughter is dying!" Rushing me to the labor room, everything becomes difficult for me. Dark clouds surround me. I cry in a low tone. "I can't do this anymore, Auntie Christna. My stomach is about to explode."

I continue to cry. Auntie Christna comes closer, touches my belly, and prays for me with tears in her eyes.

Reflecting on Vandam abandoning me and moving on with my best friend, I cry in pain, and the labor intensifies.

At the door is a doctor holding a clipboard to check my vital signs. Immediately, he checks, his eyes widen, and he rushes outside with my aunt.

All my energy is exhausted. Auntie Christna comes back, holds my hand, and whispers, "Zendeya, love, you can do this." Tears run down my cheeks, feeling difficult to answer.

She continues, "Your blood pressure is too high, and you are exhausted. The baby is in danger. You will have to do this through an operation. Stay calm, my love."

This is the most unbelievable moment of my life. I have no strength. I shake my head front and back to show a positive response. Tears fall from my face.

I put my hand on my belly, praying for my baby. "God, you know all. Protect my child for me," I whisper with tears in my eyes.

Opening my eyes, I see the nurses preparing to carry me to the operation room. Lifting my head up, I see Auntie Christna at the door.

I force myself to talk. "I'm scared, Auntie," my voice barely above a whisper.

She kneels beside me, looking directly into my eyes. "You are in good hands, Zendeya. There's nothing to be scared of."

The medical team enters, and a pain relief drug is administered to me. I immediately fall into slumber.