Chapter three : arrival of the twins
1446 Words
The afternoon sun was bright and hot over the narrow street of Veloria. The air smelled like dust, sweet fruits, and plastic from the stalls that lined both sides of the road. Vendors shouted everywhere “Cold water! Ten pesos only!” “Load na kayo!” “Newspaper! Fresh headline today!” Tricycles honked as they passed, and the noise mixed with laughter, talk, and the hum of small radios playing pop songs.
It was that kind of street always alive, full of hustle. Some sold fruits, others cigarettes, used clothes, or fried snacks in plastic bags. Young men pushed carts of water bottles; girls carried trays of boiled peanuts or quail eggs, calling out to passing workers.
Under an old mango tree, Elena Velmont sat in the small corner that belonged to her husband, David. That was his usual spot where he sold newspapers every day. The shade from the mango leaves helped a little, but the heat was still heavy. She fanned herself with an old newspaper, slow and steady, the paper flapping with a tired sound. Her feet were swollen, resting on a short wooden stool, and her big belly moved gently when the babies inside kicked.
Across the road, David was already shouting, his voice cutting through the noise.
“Today’s headline! Big news, fresh paper!” he called.
He ran after a tricycle that was slowing down, waving a rolled-up newspaper. The driver stopped for a second, bought one, and drove off again.
Elena smiled and shook her head. Watching her husband chase after customers always made her laugh. He looked funny in that old brown shirt faded by the sun, with a crooked hat and sandals almost breaking apart. But he never got tired.
She placed a hand on her belly and whispered softly, “You hear that? That’s your father again. He’s shouting like always. He wants you girls to be strong like him.”
David noticed her smiling. He waved and crossed the street, dodging a motorbike that honked as it passed. His face was shiny with sweat but full of joy.
“You’re laughing at me again,” he said, pretending to frown but failing to hide his grin.
Elena chuckled. “How can I not? You run around like one small boy chasing dreams.”
He laughed, leaning his elbows on her stool. “And I am chasing them. My dream is sitting right here.”
Her smile softened. Life wasn’t easy for them. They had been married for seven years, and for seven years they prayed for a child. Each hospital visit brought the same sad news. Each month passed with tears and quiet disappointment. People whispered, some even said maybe God had forgotten them. But they didn’t give up. They prayed harder, worked harder, and held each other through the nights.
Now, with her belly full and round, Elena felt like every day was a gift.
“You should go inside,” David said gently. “The sun’s too hot for you.”
She shook her head. “Let me stay small time. The babies like it when I sit here. They move when they hear the noise.”
He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Okay, but I’m watching you, ha?”
He went back to his stall, arranging his newspapers neatly, wiping the dust off with his palm. Elena watched him, her heart full. Their life was simple no car, no big house, but there was love, and that was enough.
A small wind passed through the street, making the plastic covers of nearby stalls flap loudly. The smell of fried bananas mixed with the salty air from the coast not far away. A small radio from a nearby shop played an old love song. Elena closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the life around her.
The babies kicked again, and she smiled. “Aria, Alina,” she whispered, “your father and I can’t wait to meet you.”
But then, out of nowhere, a sharp pain shot through her lower belly. She gasped and held herself. The fan fell from her hand.
“Ah…” she groaned, trying to breathe. Another wave of pain came quickly, stronger. Her chest rose and fell fast.
Across the street, David saw her body stiffen. He dropped his newspapers and ran. “Elena! What’s wrong?”
She grabbed the stool tightly. “I don’t know… it just started.”
He reached her side, already panicking. “Maybe it’s time…”
Before he could finish, warm water flowed down her legs. Her eyes widened in shock. “David …the water… it’s happening!”
He froze for one heartbeat, then shouted, “Oh my God! It’s time!”
He quickly gathered his papers and threw them into his bag. “Hold my hand,” he said, helping her stand.
She tried to walk, but another pain hit her so hard she screamed and held onto him. “It hurts!”
“I know,” he said, trembling, trying to stay calm. “Just hold on, love. We’re going to the hospital.”
He waved frantically at a passing tricycle. “Hospital! Please, quick!”
The driver jumped off and helped them. Together they lifted Elena carefully into the tricycle. David held her hand tight as they sped off through the crowded road. Vendors turned to watch, some shouting, “Safe delivery, ma’am!”
Elena screamed through the ride, her face pale and wet with sweat. “It hurts, David! It hurts!”
“I’m here,” he said, voice cracking. “Just breathe, okay? We’re almost there.”
When they reached the hospital, nurses came running. “Labor room, hurry!” one shouted.
They placed Elena on a stretcher and rolled her inside. A nurse blocked David at the door. “Sir, please wait outside.”
Elena grabbed his hand. “Don’t leave me!”
“I’m here,” he whispered, bending close. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re strong, okay? Be strong for me and our babies.” He kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand before they pushed her inside.
David turned to the nurse and pleaded that she allows him stay with is wife and she agreed.
The doctor checked her quickly and said, “She’s ready. Let’s start.”
Elena cried out in pain, gripping the sheet. David stayed beside her, whispering, “You can do this, love. God is with us.”
“Push, madam! One more push!” the doctor said loudly.
Elena pushed with all her strength. The room filled with a sharp, beautiful cry.
“It’s a girl!” the doctor said, smiling. A nurse took the baby to clean her up.
David broke down, crying into his hands. “Thank you, Lord…”
But the doctor spoke again, “There’s another one coming! One more push!”
Elena was exhausted. “I can’t,” she whispered.
“Yes, you can,” David said, his voice shaking. “Just one more.”
She closed her eyes, gathered all her strength, and pushed again. Another small cry filled the air.
“It’s another girl!” the doctor said.
David laughed through his tears. “Two girls… Aria and Alina…”
The nurse cleaned them and placed the babies gently in Elena’s arms. One opened her eyes; the other yawned, her mouth tiny and soft. Elena wept, her tears mixing with sweat.
“They’re beautiful,” she whispered.
“Just like their mother,” David said, touching their cheeks carefully. “We waited so long.”
Elena nodded weakly. “God finally remembered us.”
“He did,” David said. “I’ll never forget this day.”
That night, the noise of Veloria faded outside. The street was quiet now, only the soft buzz of a single light bulb in the hospital room. The twins slept in a small cot beside the bed. Badmus sat close to Elena, still holding her hand.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said softly. “Two girls.”
Elena smiled faintly. “Now you’ll have more people to chase you around.”
He laughed quietly. “I’ll chase them with love.”
“You already do,” she whispered.
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll work harder. I’ll give them the best life I can.”
“That’s all I ever wanted,” she said.
They looked at their daughters sleeping peacefully small hands, calm faces.
Outside, Veloria Street was resting after a long, hot day. Inside that small hospital room, love filled every space. After all the waiting, all the prayers, the Velmonts finally had their miracle.
- Writer
