Chapter3
1354 Words
Tara’s POV
My heart sinks to the bottom each time I think about the wild night that led to this.I feel nauseated thinking about how my life could be over before I realize it. My father would literally end my life if I dared disgrace him. This baby isn't even for Alex. If it was his, we would have had a quick wedding.
But how can I explain a stranger's baby to my family when I can't even explain it to myself?
“You look ashen”, Mara said with a sneer, breaking into my thoughts.I had forgotten to close the door.
“I'm fine”, I replied, trying to sound okay.
“You can just resign, you know, if work is too stressful”, she said, entering my room.
“That's what you want, isn't it?”, I replied. She had always wanted the post I was given, but a high schooler would do a better job than Mara. She couldn't even handle the retail store she was asked to oversee.
“Oh, I actually don't enjoy stress, I'll just stick to the princess treatment”, she said, inspecting her nails.
“Yeah, right”, I said, rolling my eyes.
“So, you and Alex, I mean…
“Do you mind, Mara? I'm busy”, I said with frustration, cutting her short. The mention of his name makes me feel sick and guilty. I've been trying to avoid him as much as I could, but it's only a matter of time before he comes visiting.
“Jeez, whatever”, she retorted and left, slamming my door in the process.
I held my head in exhaustion, it was five days since I found out. I'm definitely getting rid of it. My engagement is in ten days. I couldn't go to the family's hospital without my family knowing about it. Going to another hospital isn't safe either. The disadvantage of being famous. I sighed in frustration.
I lay on my bed tiredly, thinking of what to do next, when the door opened again.
“Can you just leave me alone?”, I said angrily without looking back, thinking it was Mara.
“Yeah, but I think we should talk first”, the person said.
“Alex?” I said, getting up. My heart palpitates. My body became weak and feeble. My mouth dried and I broke out into sweat.
“Yes, it's me, what's wrong?”, he said gently, cupping my face. He has always been kind to me, ever since we were kids. He has shown me love at all times. I feel so bad for doing this to him, he doesn't deserve it.
“I'm fine, I've just been busy lately, and I was feeling feverish, so I couldn't really go anywhere aside from work” I lied.
“That's not a problem, babe, come on, let's get you to the hospital” he said, standing up, and I quickly pulled him back.
“No, it's not that bad, I've actually gone there myself and I just finished my medication”, I said, forcing a smile.
“Why don't you just spend the day with me? I missed you? I cajoled him, and he laid down in bed with me.
I laid my head on his chest and almost felt at peace, but the feeling in my stomach didn't let me enjoy the moment.
I would definitely get rid of it, come what may, I said to myself. I can't afford to lose Alex, he's the best thing going on in my life right now.
I resumed work feeling sluggish and tired. I laid my head on the table to get some rest when Jasmine came in.
“Hey girl, what's up? You've been sluggish lately,” she said, taking a seat. “Feeling nervous?”
She asked about the engagement party coming up in five days.
“It's not about that, but I guess that's why” I said quickly, hiding under the excuse she gave me.
“Alex is a great guy, you’ve been each other's soulmate since you were kids, I'm sure you guys are going to make a great couple” she said, encouraging me, and just then my secretary came in with flowers and a note which Jasmine received excitedly. “I can't wait to start a new life with you, love you T” she read out the content of the note, giggling.
“See?awnn, I'm so happy for you girl, I can't wait to see your ring”.
“He hasn't shown me either, but he said I'll love it, I'm just gonna wait till then” I replied, trying to match her excitement. Although, I can't help but feel this negative energy around me, like something terrible is about to happen.
I got home and found Mara in my room two days before my engagement. I had gone to pick up my dress and shoes, so I got in late. She sat on my bed with her arms crossed.
“What are you doing in my room?” I asked, laying down the things I was holding.
“I just want to have a chit-chat with my sister, or is that bad?” she replied with an unsettling smile.
“Well, I'm tired, if you don't mind,” I replied, not feeling comfortable with her presence.
She stood up after staring at me thoroughly, she walked closer to me and whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I slumped on my bed after she left. I rushed to the bathroom to throw up, my body still shaking.
“Learn how to clean up,” she whispered in my ear. Why did she say that? My mind quickly went to the test strip I had dropped in the trash can in my bathroom. I rummaged through it but it wasn't there. Claire must have disposed of it when she cleaned up.
I really hoped Mara wouldn't see it, but my mind kept telling me the worst was about to happen.
My appointment with the doctor today wasn't successful. The baby can't be aborted.
I thought about what to do next, but the only thing that came to my mind made me shiver.
Mara kept staring at me at the table the next day. It looked like she knew something.I just really hope it's not what I think it is. I asked Claire if she had seen Mara in my room. She said no. But somehow, my mind just wasn't at rest.
“Are you feeling nervous about tomorrow?” Caroline asked, and I shook my head, forcing a smile.
“Are you sure? Because you've been picking on your food,” Mara added.
“There's nothing to be nervous about, this engagement will strengthen our business relationship, and besides, Alex is no stranger to you," Dad said firmly.
“Dad, what if this engagement didn't happen?” Mara asked suddenly, making me choke on my juice.
“It has to happen, there's no way out of it” Dad replied, ignoring my incessant coughs.
Mara stared at me intensely, it seemed she was trying to tell me that she knew about my secret. I pleaded with my eyes for her not to say anything, but for someone like her who has always been jealous of everything I have, she didn't hesitate to spill.
“Well, I guess I'll be the one wearing that dress tomorrow” she said, and I almost screamed. I started breathing heavily while my dad kept looking at us both with a questioning look.
“We don't understand,” Caroline said.
“I meant Tara won't be able to get engaged tomorrow” she said, looking at my dad.
“And why is that?” Dad asked, looking at me furiously.
“I'll tell you why,” Mara said with a wicked smirk.
“Why?” Dad asked.
“Your darling daughter is pregnant” she said, and before I knew it, I was engulfed by darkness.
- Writer
