Chapter 3: Surprising moment
1193 Words
Celine's POV
“I’m going to have an abortion,” I said, confused and uncertain.
“What are you saying? You must be joking!” Mary exclaimed, clearly upset.
“No, I mean it,” I replied firmly.
“Please don’t do it; it’s dangerous for your health. I can’t support this decision. You know how much I wanted this,” Mary pleaded, tears in her eyes.
“I choose what to do with my life,” I cried out, feeling the weight of my decision.
My eyes were swollen from crying after our fight. I barely noticed the street signs or traffic lights as I drove to the hospital. Fear and confusion flooded my mind. I asked nervously about the abortion procedure at the hospital's reception.
I was shown to Dr. Victor by the receptionist; he had a kind but serious face. I told him my concerns in the examination room. He conducted multiple tests and expressed concern as he examined the findings.
"Dr. Victor, why can't I get an abortion?" Panic rose in my chest, I asked. "I do not get it."
Dr. Victor took a moment to speak. "May I speak with your guardian or the father of the child?"
"It is just me," I mutely answered, sensing how lonely I was.
"You have something called antiphospholipid syndrome, or APS," Dr. Victor said, sighing.
"What is that?" I asked, confused.
"APS is a rare blood disorder. It makes blood clot more frequently than usual, which can be extremely dangerous, particularly during surgery." Dr Victor said.
As I looked at him, my heart was racing. Does this have an impact on my abortion?
Dr. Victor gently clarified, "With APS, there is a high risk of serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots in your lungs." “Having an abortion could put your life in danger.”
The words struck me deeply. My tears were so hard to control. “Are you saying I might not survive the procedure?”
"Yes, that is correct." Dr. Victor confirmed.
"Now what should I do?" Tears were streaming down my face as I asked.
, "I advise continuing the pregnancy. To help you manage your condition, I will prescribe some medication." Dr. Victor said.
“ I am grateful, Dr. I’ll take care of it.” I nodded as I tried to take in the shock.
With fear and confusion racing through my head, I left the hospital. The news was too much to take in, and I sobbed in my car because I felt powerless.
The house felt empty without Mary when I got home. I thought that taking a warm shower would help me think more clearly. However, the storm within me persisted despite the water's warmth.
I stood under the shower and closed my eyes, letting the water run over me. I think I was sleeping, but Mary's voice woke me up.
“Celine, how are you? How did it go?” Mary spoke with a mixture of worry and doubt.
"Celine, what happened? You can tell me.” Mary had a worried expression.
"I did not carry out the abortion." I wept.
“How come you seem to be so angry? Isn’t that a good thing?” Mary looked surprised.
"The doctor said that the procedure is too risky for me because of my medical condition. I must keep the child.” I said.
"Oh, Celine, I am so sorry that you are experiencing this." Mary's face became softer. Her warmth provided some comfort as she gave me a tight hug.
"This is not what I wanted. I feel as though I have no options left." I muttered.
Mary gave a sympathetic nod. “It is okay to feel in control. You are not alone in this situation. We will conquer it together.”
"Thank you for coming, I am not sure what I would do without you," I said.
Mary gave a gentle smile. “That is the purpose of friends. Together, we will tackle whatever comes up next. Let us go dress you now and have lunch.”
I changed into warmer clothes after taking a shower. As I came downstairs, the smell of Mary's cooking aroused me, offering a small comfort amid chaos.
Mary was preparing lunch, and her energy was a welcome distraction. She said, "Are you feeling a little better now?" as I joined her.
“Yes,” I said with a weak smile. "Having you around does help."
Mary set a pasta plate down in front of me.” Never thank me. Friends always encourage one another. You should feel slightly better after eating this pasta.”
I felt a little more normal when I smelt the delicious pasta, and I was able to relax when Mary laughed and told funny stories.
The sound of dishes clinking as we cleared the table after lunch had a strangely calming effect. We spent the entire afternoon laughing and conversing while curled up on the couch.
Mary suggested we watch her favorite TV show as the evening drew in. With relief from the habit, I nodded. Mary turned on the TV and the three of us sat down.
I instantly recognized a face on the screen. I pointed to the TV and said, "That is him." Mary looked confused.
"Who?" she asked.
Mary took it all in, her eyes growing wide.
“Phillip Palmer. "He is the father of my child," I said, feeling both shocked and doubtful.
“Phillip Palmer? Are you sure?”.
Mary looked at me, then back at the screen.
"Yes, I'm sure," I replied.
"But, how do you recall?" Mary took it all in, her eyes growing wide.
"I knew he laughed and had tattoos," I remarked. "He had a smaller tattoo on his waist and a larger one on his chest that were Chinese characters."
"Yes, I saw those tattoos at the hotel." Mary slowly nodded.
. "I must now decide what to do. He is not even aware that he will become a father.” I sighed deeply.
"We must get in touch with him," Mary firmly stated.
“But how?” I asked, feeling desperate. "We are not on the list of VIPs, and security is always around him."
Mary lit up with a thought. “We have a VIP pass. We can contact him that way.”
"We are unable to pay that. It’s too expensive.” I frowned.
"Okay, let us consider some other options." Mary paused to reflect.
"I am not sure. Just wait and see, please. Desperation washed over me
“Wait! Johnson!”Mary paused, and she smiled
“Johnson?” I asked. Confused
"Yes, Johnson—your ex-boyfriend," Mary said, seeming to understand. "He has a pass for VIPs."
“Does Johnson own a VIP pass?” I asked and felt hopeful.
“Yes, he does. It could be useful to us.” Mary gave an enthusiastic nod.
"What can we do? Let us see." I felt a tiny f
Licker of hope as I looked at Mary
Mary's support and Johnson's possible help might allow us to finally contact Phillip Palmer.
- Writer
