Reaping Me Softly

Chapter 8 - Please, Save Me

When morning came, I was bombarded with text messages from the cousins. I wasn't able to call them as I know, they wanted silence for the death of their friend, Audrey. I was informed that she died because of a vampire's bite last night. 

And now, they were planning to fly to New York for the same reason and would come back on the day I give birth. 

"Why don't you just stay with us, Lia? We'll take care of you and our grandson..." 

Today, I had an uninvited visitor. My parents... I stared at them blankly.

"If you're here for that, please leave my house."

The familiar feeling came rushing back. the anger, the pain, the shared I felt for them just doubled by seeing them here. It has been years but the incident still lingered in my mind. The agony they have brought to me will stay, and will forever be not forgotten. 

"Lia..." My mother called. 

Honestly, I'm kind of tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. I did give them the chance before but they ended up blowing it, repeatedly. I was sad and devastated. 

Part of me died when they chose to be a selfish parent that day. The day when they decided to lose a child.

They only thought of themselves. Even if they ask for my forgiveness a million times, the fact would still remain the same. Nothing can change it, even I, and the whole universe. 

My heart is now too numb to listen to their explanation saying that they only did it for me, for the reputation of our family. 

From the start, I didn't even want the name they had given to me. The damage has been done. No matter how sorry they were, the pain they have caused will stay in the depths of my heart. 

"Please leave," I sighed deeply, trying not to burst out in anger. "If you don't want to be a murderer for the second time around, just please, leave."

"Lia!" My father's voice thundered in fit. "Watch your words! We didn't raise you to disrespect us!"

Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms above my chest. Their faces were red in rage, jaws were tightly clenched and I know, if they would still insist to stay, they would explode in fury. That's something I don't want to happen on my premises! 

I know what kind of monster they become if they're angry. 

"Please, leave..." I calmly said. I stood from the single sofa and led the way to the big double door that was widely opened. "The door is waiting for your exit, and don't come back again."

"What do we need to do for you to forgive us? Do we need to beg more? To kneel down, Lia? Do you want to see your parents beg?"

I shook my head in disapproval. "No, mom... You don't have to do anything, and everything you could think of because whatever you do, I won't forgive you two. I begged before but what did you do?! You still choose to be a selfish parent! Not just for me but to yourself, too!”

Without warning, tears fell down my cheeks. Remembering the past still haunts me.

A part of me died because of their selfishness. They blamed someone for something he didn’t do for the reason that they didn't like Simeon for me! They wanted to break us apart and get rid of things that remind me of him. Then, the most terrifying moment of my life happened. 

He died...

I was young and naive. But my feelings for Simeon were genuine that I didn't let them break us apart yet, they succeeded. The irony... The same thing happened when the universe decided to give us the time, the chance to be together without them trying to hinder us.

However, this time, it was Simeon who died. I always... Always took the right from him to be a good father. It was not their fault, I know. But somehow, I wanted to blame them for all the pain... The sufferings I’ve been through because they partly contribute to my sorrow.

They took the people who completed me. They took everything away from me and those things will not be gone even if they beg me on their knees.

I've had enough of pain and sorrow. The last thing I wanted is to suffer again because of them. 

"Lia..." Mom cried. "I'm sorry... I know it isn't enough, and it won't certainly bring back the life of Simeon, but we're trying, right? Please, give us another chance..." She clasped her hands together as she stared at me, begging.

"A chance?" I chuckled sarcastically. "And what? Blow it again by marrying me off with another man? I've had enough, mom... I've had enough of your bull s hits! I'm done following your orders! I'm done with you two!"

They have been controlling my life! Arranging me with some guys I didn’t even know! Despite their fault, they still had the face to insist on their wants. For what? Money and connections.  

"Ma! You ruined my life, Ma. You two ruined my life!" I shouted in distress, catching my breath. I held on my belly tight for support. "And now you still had the audacity to show yourselves after everything that you've caused to me? What do you want this time, huh?! Money? To use me again and marry me off to take a higher position in the healthcare industry? Is that what you want?"

If Simeon's family didn't quit their work, they won't be recognized in the business industry. Simeon was taking his residence doctor to our hospital. That was the reason why they let go of me and let me marry the man of my life. They didn't even remember that he was the person they have loathed before.

However, he was taken away from me on the day of our wedding. 

"I'm tired..." I ran my palms to my forehead. "Can you please leave? You're bringing me nothing but stress. My son is not liking it," I told them. "I can give you the money you want, Ma. If that's what you're here for, I'll deposit it on your bank accounts within this day."

"Lia..."

"Leave!" I pointed to the door. "Don't come back, Ma. Don't..."

They slowly walked towards the door. My mom tried to reach for me but I just tapped her hands away and stared at her coldly. Meanwhile, my father was silent as they passed by me. I was glad when they vanished into my sight. 

Once they're gone, my legs give up. I subsided into the ground, holding my chest tight as I cried, silently. 

In this world full of their evilness, I only have myself to lean on to whenever I feel down. I should trust no one but me as at the end of the day, I only have myself. 

It took me an hour to compose myself. I was too weak to even move my body but I did manage myself anyway.

In the afternoon, I went to the hospital. I know I'm on leave, but to stay at a place where you're part of brought peace to me. I visited the pediatric ward to meet some patients. I was overwhelmed with their determination to fight for their lives and to be honest, that gives me hope. 

"I want to be like you in the future, doctor! To help children like me!" 

They are happy, brave, and strong. I hope Sloan will have those traits, too. I want him to be strong, though not all the time. He can be weak in front of me like every one of us has our own weakness. 

After a visit, I went back to my office and slept there for an hour. When I woke up, it was already past lunch. I groaned inwardly. I wanted to sleep more but it would be unfair to Sloan to not have something for lunch.

 I fixed myself before going out of the room, with my handbag. Holding my tummy, I walked into the hallway, meeting different faces. Everyone seems busy today from what happened yesterday in the airport. 

I could faint cries from one room to another. 

Sighing, I made my way out. I don't like hospital food, so better yet eat in a restaurant. I took the key out of my bag and opened my car then, started driving. I blew a deep breath as I drove. 

Until now, I could still feel the tension inside me for what happened between me and my parents. There's no way that I could forgive them for everything they did. 

Minutes later, I arrived at the nearest restaurant. I think I spent half an hour in the eatery before deciding to go home. But, something unexpected happened. 

I slowed down and clenched my teeth. I think something just broke inside me!

I quickly got my phone and called Seiji for help. Good thing he answered in one ring! 

"Seiji, help..." I bit my lip. "I think my water just broke, Seiji. Please..." 

My tears fell down. 

"Where are you?" he panicked. 

I told him the address. 

"Just wait, okay? I'll call the hospital on the way there, Lia. You can still manage yourself, right?"  

"Yes, be quick, please..." 

I ended the call and held tightly on the steering wheel. I felt a little bit uncomfortable. Realizing my situation now, fear creeps through my whole system. My body shook in terror at the thought of it... 

Anytime now, I'll give birth. My life would be at risk and I'm scared! I don't want to die yet. I need to survive for my son, for our lives! But how? I don't have high hopes... Even I was not confident enough to withstand this battle. 

I don't know how I survived the first time I gave birth, but I'm hoping... Please, for the second time around, save me from death...

It wasn't that long when Seiji arrived with the medics. They helped me and with silent prayers, I just passed everything on to God. 

Please help me... 

"Please, save me... Seiji, please do everything..."

"Lia..." his voice broke. "I... I don't know what to do, Lia..."