A Choice Between Two Lives
Chapter 1
Clarissa’s POV
“You will die if you carry this baby to term.” She spelled out the words.
Her face twisted in anger that she was failing to suppress.
Despite her jarring words, I shook my head, my hand trembling as I clutched my chest.
I’d been told several times. Usually, they were sugarcoated, but after the last panic attack I had, my doctor was fed up.
She wanted me to see reason and follow the logical choice; terminate my baby and begin treatment for my ventricular tachycardia.
But to me that wasn't the logical choice.
This baby was my ticket to saving my relationship with George.
He had grown distant over the years. We barely saw each other, and when we did, he rushed our time together.
Leaving abruptly or the moment he reached his c****x unbothered if I was pleased.
We used to be the dream couple everyone spoke about. Our first year together felt like a fever dream.
“Are you listening to me Clarissa?” Doctor Gwen called out when I remained quiet.
What was I to say to her?
Tell her the truth that the reason I had VT in the first place was when I saved George's life.
An accident a year ago almost got him killed, he was taken to a small hospital that was close, where we went through an illegal surgical procedure.
He needed a bone marrow transplant and I was the only one they could find in such short notice.
Without hesitation I agreed to it but then I had a severe reaction to the antiseptic.
And that was when everything fell apart. I spent months in and out of the hospital and the distance created a rip in my relationship.
The fact I was able to conceive through it all only pointed out that this baby was my hope for a better future.
For me and its Dad.
I knew for a fact I'd get back the man I fell in love with if this baby were to survive.
“No.” I croaked out.
“Clarissa.”
“I won't kill my baby,” I cut in, my pulse thudding in my ears. “If it comes down to me or the baby, choose the baby.”
A long silence stretched between us.
Then she expelled a long breath, removing her spectacles as if this conversation exhausted her. “You’re emotional right now. I suggest you think about it.”
“I have thought about it.” My throat burned, but I kept my voice steady. “My survival without the baby was already slim, if I'm already dying let me die knowing I brought a new life into this world.”
She could see the desperation written all over my face, despite the stitch that formed at her temples she decided to let it slide.
“I’ll prescribe some drugs for you.”
The visit ended shortly after that.
I stepped into the corridor heading for the exit, my chest heavy, replaying everything.
The automatic doors slid open, cool air brushing against my face as I stepped outside.
I reached my car, unlocked it, and sat behind the wheel.
For a moment, I simply breathed.
Then I started the engine.
The engine hummed rhythmically beneath me, but my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
I grabbed my phone. He was the first person who came to mind. I still hadn’t told him about the baby because of the circumstances surrounding its survival.
I didn’t want to get his hopes up and in the end it would be futile. If my baby survived to the second trimester, then I’d be comfortable telling him.
My fingers hovered around his contact with little hope of getting a response but I still called anyway.
It rang for a while then voicemail.
I sighed, used to the outcome. “Hey, it's me. Hoping we head to the event together. Call me when you can.”
I ended the message and stared at the screen for a second longer than necessary. He was probably busy. Tonight was important.
The annual Bikers Rally. Bikers from across the state would be in attendance.
And he was nominated for the biggest title of the night: Biker of the Year.
He had to win.
We’d work harder than everyone else. Despite my condition one thing I refused to stop was working to make him the best rider there was.
This was his moment, he had to win. I believed in him and it would crush me if he didn't.
I exhaled sharply, feeling my heart spike once more. Quickly, I opened the glove compartment. My bottle rolled slightly when I picked it up. Just something to keep me awake. I’d barely slept since the appointment, and I couldn’t afford to look exhausted tonight.
Doctor Gwen didn't know I was taking these. I didn't know if it was making my condition worse but it helped me stay focused and that's what I needed so I popped two pills down my throat.
The pills scratched down my throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste on my tongue. My heart skipped once hard before resuming its uneven rhythm.
“For him,” I endured. “For us.”
I let my head fall back against the seat and closed my eyes for a moment.
The silence inside the car wrapped around me, broken only by the faint ticking of the engine. My heartbeat still felt uneven, like it couldn’t decide on a steady rhythm. Each thud echoed loudly in my chest, reminding me of the warning I had just walked away from.
You will die if you carry this baby to term.
The words refused to leave my mind.
My hand slowly moved to my stomach, resting there as if I could already feel the tiny life growing inside me.
“Don’t worry,” I whispered softly. “I’ll protect you.”
Maybe I was foolish. Maybe Doctor Gwen was right and emotions were clouding my judgment. But love had always made people do impossible things.
And George was worth it.
He just didn’t realize it yet.
Once he knew about the baby, everything would change. He would remember the woman he used to look at like she was the only one in the world. The man I fell in love with was still there somewhere. I just needed to bring him back.
Tonight would be the start.
If he won Biker of the Year, his mood would be good. Maybe we could celebrate together. Maybe he would stay the night instead of rushing away like he always did.
Maybe he would hold me again.
The thought alone warmed something fragile inside my chest.
I straightened in my seat and wiped the corner of my eyes quickly. There was no point crying now.
Tonight was supposed to be a happy night.
I started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, unaware that the choice I had made today would change everything.