Love on Paper

Chapter 4

My mother?

"Yes I had searched for, after you explained to me what happened, she's been held at the station we have to go there now

"Alright" I answered shocked at the revelation.

The cold wind whipped through the air as Abel and I arrived at the station, the stark gray building looming before them. The gravity of the situation hung heavy as they approached the entrance, their footsteps echoing against the unforgiving concrete.

My face bore a mixture of anxiety and determination. I couldn't believe my mother had attempted such a reckless act, leaving her child unattended in pursuit of escape with ill-gotten gains. The thought of Ella dying if I hadn't gotten off work early nearly kills me. Abel, sensing my inner turmoil, tightened his grip on my hand, offering silent support.

Inside the station, the atmosphere was tense. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead as we approached the holding area. A uniformed officer led us to a small room where kate, my mother, sat with a defeated look, her eyes swollen from tears.

As the door closed behind us, Kate's eyes met mine, a mixture of guilt and desperation evident in her gaze. Abel, standing by my side, maintained a stern expression, ready to advocate for justice.

"Cara, I never meant for things to go this far," Kate pleaded, her voice shaky. "I was desperate, and I thought I could start anew. Please, you have to understand."

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Mom, leaving your child alone and trying to flee the country with stolen money is not something I can just understand. Do you even care about us, you don't even bother to ask about Ella."

"Do you know she's in the hospital right now because you left her unattended, she could have died, at first I thought you were just childish but you are really just selfish and only care about yourself." I yell at her but she just looks away refusing to meet my eyes.

Abel stepped forward, his tone firm. "What you did was not only illegal but also morally reprehensible. You put your child at risk for your own gain."

Tears welled up in Kate's eyes as she implored, "Cara, please, I beg you to withdraw the charges. I can't bear the thought of going to jail. I'll find a way to make things right, I promise."

I hesitated, torn between filial loyalty and the need for justice. Abel, however, spoke with unwavering conviction, "No, Kate. Your actions have consequences, and you need to face them. We won't stand by and let you escape accountability."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the situation palpable. Abel's stern stance didn't waver, emphasizing the gravity of Kate's actions.

"I love you, Cara, and I did what I thought was necessary for our future," Kate whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Cara, grappling with conflicting emotions, replied with a mix of sadness and anger, "Love shouldn't involve abandoning your child and breaking the law. You have to face the consequences, Mom and how was that thinking about our future, when you left us with nothing to survive with.

Abel, sensing the need for resolution, addressed the officer standing nearby. "We won't be withdrawing any charges. Kate needs to be held accountable for her actions."

The officer nodded, leading us out of the room to finalize the necessary paperwork. As we waited, Kate's pleas continued, echoing through the station's sterile corridors. Abel's resolve remained unshaken, but I struggled with the emotional turmoil beneath the surface.

Once the paperwork was completed, the officer escorted Kate away, leaving I and Abel standing in the station's cold, unforgiving lobby. The reality of the situation began to settle in, and I felt a mix of sadness and betrayal.

Abel turned to me, offering a comforting embrace. "I know this is difficult, but you did the right thing. Justice needs to be served, even if it's painful."

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "I just never thought it would come to this. I never imagined my own mother would jeopardize everything like this."

Abel held me tighter, reassuring me, "We'll get through this together. It's a tough situation, but you stood up for what's right."

As we left the station, the cold night air felt even harsher." We will be going to the doctor tomorrow to make sure everything is alright for you to get pregnant." He says bringing me back to reality of my life.

????

Abel and I stepped into the sterile, fluorescent-lit hospital. Nervous anticipation hung in the air as they approached the reception desk.

"Good afternoon. How can I help you today?" The receptionist asked

"We have an appointment for fertility testing.

"Sure, could I have your names?"

"Abel blackwell and Cara blackwell" he said leaving me shocked realizing that was my last name now, at least for the next two years."

She typed our names into the computer, confirming their appointment.

"Perfect. Please fill out these forms and have a seat. The doctor will call you shortly.

As we filled out the forms in the waiting area.

"I'm a little nervous." I whispered to him

"It's okay. We're in this together, remember?"

The nurse called out names, and we followed her down a series of sterile hallways to an examination room. Dr. Hernandez, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, entered shortly after.

"Hello, Abel and Cara. I'm Dr. Hernandez. Let's get started.

I nodded, and we went through a series of questions about my medical history and any previous attempts at conception. Dr. Hernandez then explained the procedures we would undergo to assess my fertility.

"We'll begin with some routine blood tests to check hormone levels and ovarian function. After that, we'll conduct a pelvic ultrasound to get a better understanding of your reproductive organs."

"Okay, let's do it." I nodded in response

Over the next hour, I underwent the various tests while Abel stood and watched. As we waited for the results, the tension in the air thickened.

Dr. Hernandez returned with a small smile, holding a folder containing the test results.

"Abel, Cara, please have a seat." We sat down, our eyes locked on Dr. Hernandez as she began to explain the findings.

"The blood tests show that your hormone levels are within the normal range, which is a positive sign. The pelvic ultrasound reveals that your reproductive organs appear healthy as well.

Abel and I exchanged glances, a mix of relief and hope in our eyes, mine more of nervousness.

"However, I must emphasize that fertility can be influenced by various factors. While these tests provide valuable information, they don't guarantee conception. It's important to consider both partners' health and lifestyle factors.

"We understand." Abel answers nodding

"I recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress. If you don't see results within a reasonable timeframe, we can explore other options, such as assisted reproductive technologies." She suggests

"If I may make a suggestion, you are healthy, why don't you have the child the nature way?" She says causing me to freeze with the thought of sleeping with Abel

"That's none of your business, just so what you're paid to do" Abel snaps her immediately

"I am sorry for intruding sir, I will set up appointment for the insemination and let you know"

"Thank you, Dr. Hernandez." I say giving her an apologetic look.

As we left the hospital, the weight on my shoulders lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of optimism knowing I am able to pay Abel and contribute to the deal. we headed towards the car when we met with a surprise. A brick was wedged in the front glass of the car with a piece of paper attached to it.

"Who would do such a thing" I ask in shock as Abel picks up the paper and opened it up.

"It wasn't an accident, they killed her and plan to do the same again. Watch your back, they are watching you, stay away from them."