Chapter Three
1172 Words
She munched the crackers passionately, savoring every bite of them. Her back pressed against two pillows as that was the only position she felt comfortable in, with her hands resting on the humongous bulge beneath her breasts where the crackers laid.
She wondered why she was always hungry, but the answer flashed quickly as it came. The doctor had informed her during her last visit that they were expecting a XY chromosome, so she outrageously ate for two.
The sun's rays from the window shone brightly into the room, the sound of the barking dog was the only entertainment she could afford as she didn't have a television.
Her apartment wasn't glorious, but it was comfortable. It was a one-bedroom flat, with a small kitchen and a bathroom. There was nothing much in the sitting room, just a sofa, a single couch, and air-conditioning which she had gotten from declutter. She couldn't afford to buy unnecessary items.
Sunday was the only day Melissa rested every day as she worked two jobs every day. On the days she doesn't work late, she'd go to church.
Other days, she sleeps like a log of wood.
Melissa worked as a sales rep in a logistics firm in the morning, and later in the evening, headed to a mini bar where she worked as a bartender, skillfully mixing with Chapman. Her mother used to make them every Sunday for their guests and made sure Melissa and her sister learned how to make them.
She needed all the money she could get.
Keys rattled from the door, someone was trying to get access into the room
“Christ! Melissa, you look like a bag of rice”, Sandra exclaimed, closing the door behind her.
“Ughhh Sandra, I've told you to stop bringing me this food!”
“Ehen! So that you'll starve my princess in your womb to death” she replied, almost immediately dropping the bags of groceries and home-made food on the table.
Sandra was the only friend Melissa had in London. She works in the same bar with Melissa as a waiter. Most times she covers up for her whenever she needs to take a quick nap.
5 months felt like 5 years with them as they bonded so quickly.
“Fine! I'm starving myself” Melissa jumped from the bed hungrily and pushed to devour the food.
“Mel, you know you'll have to stop working soon so you can fully rest before delivery.”
Sandra was concerned
“I still have one month before delivery. I need to gather every amount I can get Sandra”
“No, I disagree!” She protested.
“You've worked enough already, rest please! I wonder what sort of man would put you through this stress and trauma!”
The food in Melissa's mouth turned sour as she went cold immediately, the thought of Liam sent shivers down her body.
Ever since she got to London, she has tried never to think of him. She had changed her number and destroyed the old SIM, and deleted her social media pages. Only her sister had access to her new number.
“Don't ever mention that again, Sandra” Melissa said sternly.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to trigger you.”
Sandra was who we can describe as an angel sent from God. She met Melissa at her lowest. Melissa wasn't looking for a friend. She just wanted to focus on work and live a quiet life, but they bonded quickly when they met.
Sandra understood Melissa's situation and never judged her. She'd often come by her place, sometimes sleep over.
During Melissa's third trimester, she consistently stayed with her, to help out with her cramps and cravings.
Melissa had a painful and long labor. Eventually, her son came at 1am on a Sunday morning.
Her bundle of joy, she named him Jason Jones, after her father.
****
As she sat on the bus heading for work, she stared down at the petite form that was in her arms.
Was she really a mother now?
It's been 11 months since she gave birth to her little prince. He laid peacefully like a little angel in her arms.
Even though you came unplanned and your bastard father isn't worth you, I'll make sure to give you the best life” she said, rubbing his head.
Her friend, Sandra, had been ringing the bell of a birthday party for weeks. Thinking about it now, it wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Melissa has worked harder than ever since she gave birth. She needed more money to cover Jason's day care fees, food and clothing weren't cheap either. But she wouldn't settle for less for her son.
Her sister had come visiting when she gave birth and was a great help, but it didn't last long as June traveled a week later.
The bus halted, releasing a loud horn. Melissa was still lost in thought, her eyes were fixed on a pregnant lady across the street. She looked young, probably in her 20s, alongside her husband.
“Madam! This is our last stop”. The driver interrupted her thoughts.
Melissa shot a stare around the bus, realizing she was the only one left.
“Oh sorry sorry! I must have drifted in thoughts. She apologized and reached for her bag which was by the seat and hurried off of the bus, holding her son closely to her bosom.
As the bus drove away, she stood still, closed her eyes and inhaled the warm breeze.
Her eyes fell on her wristwatch, “8:30!!! Oh god, I'm late already!” She doubles her steps through the alley.
She had just dropped her son off and was on her way to work.
“You're late again! Her boss thundered as she sighted her running into the building.
“I can explain, Madam. My son…
Her face was red with annoyance.
“Your son this! Your son that!
“Ever since you gave birth, it has been from one excuse to the other, Melissa!
Melissa knew deep down that her boss had been patient with her enough. She struggled with keeping up with time ever since Jason was born and, so, was constantly late for work.
“I think it's time I relieved you of this job so you can have enough time to focus on your son.
“What do you mean, ma?
“What I mean is you're fired!!
Melissa froze! Her heartbeat increased instantly, she couldn't believe her ears.
Instantly, tears welled up in her eyes.
“Please don't do this, ma. She fell on her knees.
“I don't have a second option, I need to provide for my son pleasee
Melissa's life took a shameful turn. Less than a year ago, she worked in the most prestigious company, now she helplessly laid on the floor begging for a meager job just to survive.
“I'll pay you this month's salary upfront. Get your stuff and leave!
- Writer
