UNVEILING SHADOWS

Chapter 2

I sat still in my room, waiting for Charlotte to arrive with a crossed heart. It had been a while since we saw each other, and I knew that her support and advice were crucial during this challenging time. Thoughts swirled in my mind, a tumultuous mix of fear, uncertainty, and a picture of the kind of life the baby will have to face if I go on with the pregnancy.

Her knock came in some minutes later and she went ahead to open up without waiting for a reply, just like the Charlotte I've known since childhood days. Her familiar face appeared, her eyes filled with concern. She rushed towards me, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

"Prisca, I've missed you so much," Charlotte said, her voice laced with concern. "You scared me over the phone. What's up?"

She sat in shock, her mouth wide open the whole time as I narrated the r**e incident to her.

After listening to my sad tale, she stammered and I understood why. She was confused about what to say. I sighed. It wasn't her fault. I could just imagine.

The tears I'd been holding back finally flowed down. She drew her chair closer to mine and hugged me, gently caressing my back till I quietened down.

"How have you been holding up?"

My eyes grew misty again as I attempted to find the right words. "It's been tough, Charlotte. The past few weeks have been really hard on me. I never thought I could get myself into this mess."

"And what about Aaron? What did he say?" She asked.

"Hmmm. What do you expect?" I sighed. "He refused to take responsibility for it of course. I mean, has he even finished taking care of himself let alone a baby?" I remembered what Aaron insinuated about my father and shook my head. Maybe he was just trying to piss me off. The sweet father I knew had to be my actual father, right?

"Prisca, I'm here for you, no matter what." She held my palm in hers, bringing my mind back to the room. "We'll find a way to navigate through this together, okay?"

I nodded. Charlotte had this motherly way of comforting me in my troubled times and I was so glad I had her as a friend.

"Have you considered your options? Maybe abortion?" She asked lowly.

Her words hit me like a heavy blow. The idea of terminating the pregnancy sent shivers down my spine. It was not a decision I could take lightly, as the thought filled me with so much guilt. I couldn't even bear to think of it. Besides, If my calculations were correct, it means, I was r***d since 9 weeks ago. Abortion was too risky.

"Dear, I appreciate your concern, but abortion scares me a lot," I confessed, my voice trembling. "Deep down, I feel a connection to this unborn child. I know it was unplanned, I can't help but wonder if there's a reason this child was given to me."

Charlotte listened intently, her expression as thoughtful as always. "Prisca dear," she pulled me in a hug. "I understand your hesitation. It's your choice to make, and I'll support you no matter what, okay?"

As Charlotte spoke, a thought began to form in my mind. It was a risky one, but what choice did I have here?

"Charlotte, I've been thinking," I began, my voice lower as though my plan must not be heard by even the walls. "Instead of aborting the child, what if we find another way around this?"

"Okay. What other way?"

I drew close and whispered the 'plan' to her and I could feel her body grow numb with fear.

"But, that's… that's too risky. What if…"

"Don't worry." I cut her short. "It is better than nothing anyway. Plus, he was totally drunk that day. He probably doesn't even remember if he used a condom or not."

Charlotte sighed, her expression conflicted. "Prisca, I want what's best for you, and I'll support you in whatever decision you make. But please promise me that you'll think this through first."

Tears glistened in my eyes as I looked at Charlotte, grateful for her unwavering support. "I will, Charlotte. I promise."

She hugged me one more time as though the plan alone was too much for her to handle.

"I would have preferred we abort the baby, but I understand your fears." She gave me a small smile and wiped a tear from her face. "Anyway, how will you reach this guy? Do you have his address?"

I smiled as I remembered the business card I had taken with me. As though I knew what lay ahead for me.

"Leave that to me." I muttered as I gazed into space.

***

'You have a child!'

I began typing in my mailbox as soon as Charlotte left. It didn't matter if this was the right thing to do or not, but it was an option I had to consider at the very least. Plus, it was the only option I had left since Aaron will have nothing to do with it.

''You had unprotected s*x with me at the brothel three weeks ago and my test results say that my pregnancy is three weeks gone. Attached to this mail is a copy of the pregnancy test result as well as your logging details at our brothel three weeks ago.

Plus, I know you need an heir or you'll lose your company. Reply to this mail ASAP or risk losing it all.''

It sounded funny and urgent too, but that was the only way I could get to him. Being the next in line for a large company such as The Johnsons, meeting him in person on my own accord will be even more impossible.

I read the message the third time as my fingers caressed my stomach.

"I hope you stay, baby." And with that, I shut my eyes and hit the send button.