Kamara’s POV
“Have you thought of what you would tell your family when the pregnancy test turns out positive?” Chantelle asked me.
I clasped my hands bending my head while I thought of the best way to respond. No one told me getting an IVF is tasking. I thought the first tests were all that was required, I had an embryo transfer two weeks ago.
Now I am back here to affirm whether I am pregnant or not. The past fourteen days have been the most anxious state I have been in. When Diego asked when I was due to visit the hospital again, I had lied that it would be tomorrow. I don’t want his presence adding to my misery, most importantly I don’t want to see his face.
Inhaling deeply I raised my head. “Well, I haven’t thought about it yet. Not until the result is out.” I replied.
Chantelle wrapped a comforting arm around me. “How are you feeling?”
I held her gaze. “You want the truth?”
“Hmmm.”
“I am scared. I am so uncertain of what the future holds for me and if I will ever be able to make it through. What will my parents think of me when they find out? I feel lost.”
She reached for my hands and kissed it. “They would be proud to know that they raised a strong woman who would go to any length to be there for her family. Never let anyone make you feel less of yourself. And don’t forget that I will be by your side through it all. It will be fine. I promise.”
“This has to work out Chantelle. If I don’t get pregnant or end up losing the child my family will be back on the street.”
“That won’t happen. We will make sure of that.”
“Miss Kamara Hermes?” A nurse called out to me.
I stood up wiping at the tears. “I am the one.”
She smiled at me, handing me the test result. “Congratulations. You can get your antenatal schedule from the reception. If you have any questions to ask you can reach me or the doctor.”
My leg weakened at the news and I am not sure if I should be relieved. One thing I do know I am feeling is sadness. This is really happening. My life is officially on hold. I stumbled to the back and almost but Chantelle was swift enough to hold me from behind.
“Come on, girl. Get a grip on yourself this isn’t the end of the world. I promise to always be here.” She said.
I nodded slowly letting her guide me back to the car. My head ached badly as I stared out the window looking lifeless.
Chantelle kickstarted the car. “Where would you like to go?”
“I need to see Diego and tell him the news. That way I can think of the right lie to give to my parents for the next year. But I have to call or text him first to affirm his location.”
“Okay, do your thing.” She said.
I texted him instead, calling him feels like a major torture for me. I want nothing to do with that man or breathe the same air as him. However, it turns out that the joke is on me. I have to get used to seeing and hearing him for a while. Thankfully he replied to the text saying he was at his casino. I read out the address to Chantelle and she drove me down to the place.
He was in the office with his lawyer friend whom I have come to know as Fernando. I mumbled an insincere greeting to them and tossed the envelope on the table.
“What is this?” Diego asked furrowing his brows.
I folded my arms. “That is proof of me being pregnant.”
“Wow!” Fernando exclaimed, sounding excited.
Diego looked unfazed. I would have had an attack if he acted touched. “You told me your appointment isn’t until tomorrow.”
“Well, I decided to go today.” I retorted.
“Listen young woman I don’t care you have been running your course before you met me, but I run this turf and you have to keep me in the loop and follow my instructions. Next time you will be doing anything that I gave a hundred and fifty away for you had better be sure to be open to me.” He gritted.
I swallowed hard, flaring my nose. If I could have my way I would live to strangle the shit out of him. He sucked his teeth and opened up the envelope. His face remained blank giving off no emotion. Cold bastard.
“Alright, now that we are clear on this. You will be moving in with me.” He stated.
I scoffed turning to Fernando. “Was it stated anywhere in the contract that I had to live with him?”
Fernando exchanged a look with Diego and shook his head. “Not at all.”
“I thought as much. I don’t care how powerful you are sir. This is business between us which means we are both benefitting from all of this. As much as you might have standing rules I have got one too and that is I won’t be under the same roof with you. If you want to know how your child is doing text me and I will reply.” I turned to leave but then something struck my mind. “I almost forgot. My antenatal starts in a few days I will need a driver from you to handle that part. Now if you will excuse me. I have a life of mine to live.”
I was expecting him to call me back and rant but nothing came from him. I must have either caught him off guard or he thinks I am bluffing. I clenched my fist tightly as I headed back to the car. I am so not going to live my life for this child or anyone else. Whatever emotion that might tie me to it would be buried. I swear it. I can’t wait for all of this to be over so I can get my life back.
“How did it go?” Chantelle asked.
I inhaled deeply feeling the tears tug at my chest. “I don’t know if I can do this, Chan. But then I obviously have no other choice.”
“So have you finally thought of what to tell your family?”
“Yes, I will lie about getting an internship in New York. I can only hope that I don’t bump into any of them or someone familiar.”
“Will you be staying back at the house?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s perfect, I can keep a close eye on you. Tell me what would you like to eat?”
“I am up for some sugar. I think it is the least I deserve.”
“Anything you want my love. Let’s get it.” She giggled igniting the car.
I really don’t know what I would do without Chantelle.