Chapter 5 "Flesh and Blood"
1233 Words
Arwena sat in the clinic's waiting area, her heart sinking with every passing moment. The air felt thick with uncertainty, and she couldn’t quiet the whirlwind of thoughts clouding her mind. Just yesterday, she had been resolute, so sure about the decision she was about to make. She had convinced herself that ending the pregnancy was the only choice.
But now, watching the women leave the room with tear-streaked faces, the decision no longer seemed so clear. Each sob, each fragile step, planted doubt in her heart.
Fear for her future and her baby began to overwhelm her, and before she even realized it, a tear slipped down her cheek. Instinctively, she placed a hand on her belly, feeling the life within her. But she was too afraid to truly consider the consequences of what she was about to do.
“Ms. Arwena Dela Torre?”
The nurse's voice cut through her thoughts, but Arwena remained motionless, as though her name was a final summons she wasn’t prepared to answer.
“Ms. Dela Torre...”
A second call pierced the air, but still, she didn’t respond. There was something deep within her, some primal force that held her back, something that told her she wasn’t ready to make this decision yet.
She closed her eyes tightly, trying to will the fear and anxiety away.
“I can’t do this,” she muttered under her breath. “I can’t…”
Suddenly, she stood up, the impulse overwhelming her. She shook her head in disbelief, clutching at her heart as though she might suffocate under the weight of her turmoil. Without another glance toward the room, she ran out of the clinic, tears streaming down her face. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she fled, not caring who witnessed her emotional breakdown. She collapsed onto the steps outside, unable to control the waves of guilt and regret crashing over her.
Her mind screamed at her.
How could she even consider it?
How could she think, even for a second, that ending this pregnancy was the right thing to do?
She had brought this baby into the world—it was hers. Her child. Her responsibility.
And yet, at that moment, the doubt and fear had nearly consumed her.
“What kind of person am I?” Arwena whispered bitterly, as if the words might somehow exorcise the turmoil within her. “I was raised to fear God, to do what’s right… and yet here I am, almost making a choice I would regret for the rest of my life.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, baby,” she whispered, rubbing her belly gently as her tears continued to fall. “I’m sorry. I’m such a bad mommy.”
Meanwhile… Archie was racing toward her. His heart was a mess of panic, each beat echoing the fear that had been gnawing at him ever since he learned what Arwena was considering.
What if it was too late?
What if she had already gone through with it, made a choice she couldn’t undo?
When he finally found the piece of paper with the clinic’s address scribbled on it, dread flooded him. He couldn’t lose her—not like this.
And then, he saw her sitting on the steps, face streaked with tears, and his heart dropped to his stomach.
His emotions flared in a swirl of anger, pity, and helplessness.
“Did you do it?” he asked softly, his voice cracking with the weight of his fears.
Arwena didn’t even look at him. Her sobs were all-consuming, her body shaking with grief.
“How could you—” Archie’s anger flared, his words growing louder. “How could you do this to yourself? To your child?”
But as he took in her broken form, he couldn’t find it in himself to be angry anymore. His hands clenched into fists, and he turned away, fighting the urge to scream.
“Stop this drama, Arwena!” he snapped, his voice firm, as if trying to shake her out of her pain. “Isn’t this what you wanted? It’s done—it’s over! Your problem is gone. So get up. Start fixing your life!”
Arwena lifted her head slowly, as if the weight of his words had finally registered. Her tears fell faster, her body trembling under the force of her sobs.
“Archie…” she whispered, her voice breaking as she looked up at him, devastation flooding her eyes.
His heart softened. The anger he felt just moments before melted away, leaving only the aching need to comfort her. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to protect her from her own self-doubt and pain, but he couldn’t move. He couldn’t find the right words.
“I’m sorry,” Arwena whispered again, bowing her head as her shoulders shook with sobs.
Archie closed his eyes, fighting back the tears. He had to be strong for her. He couldn’t break down. Not now, not when she needed him most.
“Sorry for what?” he asked, his voice gentle, barely steady. “You don’t owe me an apology, Arwena. But to your child… You owe him everything.”
He ran a hand through his hair, each word cutting like a blade, but it was the truth. And maybe, just maybe, it would cut through the chaos in her heart.
For a moment, it felt as if all hope was lost. He had tried so many times to make her see reason to show her there was a better way. But nothing had worked. Nothing had gotten through.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been so stubborn. I’m sorry I ignored your advice. I’m sorry I fought with you every time you tried to help,” she said, her voice barely audible as she looked down at her hands.
A small, painful laugh escaped Archie’s lips. He exhaled slowly, shaking his head in disbelief.
“You’re just realizing that now? After everything, Arwena?”
He sat down beside her, his presence steady, silently offering support.
“I didn’t do it, Archie,” Arwena said, her voice barely a whisper. “I couldn’t do it. I just... couldn’t.”
Archie’s eyes widened. For a moment, he could hardly believe it. His heart began to race as her words sank in. Slowly, a grin spread across his face.
“The baby’s still here?” he asked, voice laced with excitement, his hand instinctively reaching for her belly. “You didn’t lose him?”
She nodded slowly, eyes filled with relief and fear. “I couldn’t. I couldn’t be the one to take his life.”
Archie’s grin grew. He pulled her into a tight hug, not just to comfort her, but to bring hope for new beginnings.
“I’ll be here for you, Arwena. I’ll be this baby’s dad. I may not be Daddy Material…” he paused with a shaky smile, “...but I’m definitely Mommy Material.”
Arwena chuckled faintly, her tears beginning to slow. She leaned into his embrace, silently thankful for his unwavering support. Despite everything she had put him through, Archie hadn’t given up on her. He was still here, willing to step up as both a father figure and a friend.
“We’ll do this together,” he whispered, wiping away her last tear. “You’re not alone, Arwena. Not now. Not ever.”
- Writer
