June returned home from a long day of work at the site.
The building project was on course after her designs were approved. Joel Patel and some men were assigned to ensure the building was a physical representation of the design while she handled the job of ensuring everything was under control.
“There you are!” June jolted at the sound of her mother-in-law who approached her with a smile. “How are you doing?”
“Mother!” She greeted me with a smile. “I’ve missed you!”
“Oh dear, I missed you too. You and my sweet boys.” She cooed. “Have you eaten? I brought some food from home. Let’s have an early dinner. Just the two of us.”
Mrs Beatrice had left the house a week ago to attend to pressing needs in the Ambrose family home. She didn’t specify how long she would stay but June was happy to have her.
“Sure!” June took to her room, freshened up and joined her mother-in-law for an early dinner.
The atmosphere was light as they spoke on light topics until Mrs Beatrice said, “I know my son can be a closed fort, have you been able to keep him in bed all these while? Do I have to set it up?”
June blushed at the words of her mother-in-law. If only she knew, her son needed no help in that department. These days, she wakes up sore between her legs every single day.
“Oh Mother, we are doing alright.”
Mrs Beatrice smiled. “Don’t be shy. You can tell me if he isn’t performing his duties. I will give him a good reprimand once he arrives. I need more grandchildren.”
June froze at her words.
“Since you are already married, it wouldn’t be immoral to have more children. I’ve always wanted a granddaughter. Besides, Luis is old enough to have a young sister. Don’t you think?”
June spoke with a strained smile. “Of course. My little prince is old enough to be a doting elder brother.” Her nerves wracked as she spoke. “I just think we should-”
“We are on the same page then!” Mrs Beatrice clasped her hands. “I look forward to hearing the good news! I’d love to have the children while I can hold them. I am not growing any younger.”
June suddenly lost her appetite. She hadn’t thought of her mother-in-law’s interest in her marriage. Of course, she would need more grandchildren. What was she thinking?
Just then, Rafael walked into the dining room. “Mother.”
Mrs Beatrice turned around. Her smile widened when she saw her son standing behind her. “My sweet son!” She left her seat and hugged her son. “Did you miss me?”
Rafael was taken aback by his mother’s overt display of affection. He hummed in response and planted himself on the seat beside June after placing a kiss on her forehead.
“I was just talking to June about having more children.” Mrs Beatrice was quick to speak. “We share the same position and I hope to hear the good news very soon!”
Rafael felt the unease on his wife’s shoulder and he frowned. “I already told you we will do things-”
June stopped him from reprimanding his mother. “Oh yes! Mother and I were just talking about how Luis will be a good big brother to a younger sibling.” She said in an overly loud tone, hoping her eyes communicated he should drop the case.
“Exactly! Since you are both married, I don’t think anything is hindering you from having more children. Besides, I am not growing old.”
June wore a fake smile and pinched her husband when he wore a terrible frown on his face. Thankfully, Mrs Beatrice didn’t care about her son’s rude demeanour. She moved to other pressing topics.
“I heard JL is in charge of the new office building.” She said to June. “Congratulations!”
June’s smile was genuine. “Thank you, mother.”
“You don’t need to. I hear you are doing a beautiful job with the construction. I should visit the site someday.”
June was happy to have her. “You can. The foundations have been laid and the project is quickly progressing.”
“Oh really?” Mrs Beatrice wore a curious look on her face. “Maybe I should visit the site sooner. What do you think of tomorrow?”
June felt caught off guard but she managed it well. “I would be honoured to have you visit the site.”
“That settles it then. I will see you tomorrow.” Mrs Beatrice stood up with a smile. “Don’t let me bore you love birds. I’ll retire early. Don’t let me distract you.” She whispered to June. “Don’t forget. I need more grandbabies.”
Rafael watched his mother disappear into the hallways before he turned to his wife. June could tell he had a lot of things to say but she beat him to it.
“Don’t be so upset. Like it or not, we owe your mother more children. The fact I am unable to produce children does not excuse me. She is in her rights to want grandchildren.”
Rafael disagreed. “We owe no one an explanation. Including my mother. I have Luis and that is enough for me. She shouldn’t put any pressure on you. I will have a word with her.”
June shook her head. “Please don’t. Mother never meant any harm with her demands. You would want more children if you were in her position. Don’t make a big deal of this.”
She pouted, “Please? For me?”
Rafael pursed his lips but it was clear he wasn’t satisfied. However, he was willing to do anything for his wife. Including shelving his anger and thoughts on the situation until further notice.
But first, he needed to gratify his wife. “There’s nothing I cannot do for you. I want you to be happy, every second for the rest of your life.” June’s heart warmed at his words. “I need you to know that there are other ways to have children if you so desire. Technology has made a lot of things possible.”
“As much as I don’t care for more children, I do if it concerns you. We have our options and I am open to anything so long as it makes you happy. You are all that matters.”
June was moved to tears by the sincerity in her husband’s voice. How did she land such a wonderful man? Unable to communicate her thoughts with words, June settled for a hug.
That night, the couple slept in each other’s arms, happy and satisfied with one another. The next day, June reported to the site with her mother-in-law who was introduced as their employer’s mother.
Everyone greeted her with respect as she supervised the area and showered praises on her daughter-in-law. “This is such a wonderful project! You are such a talented woman!”
June blushed as they went through the models, explaining everything while the workers continued the job of raising the building. “This is not my work alone. Every one of us has done their part in making this work a success.”
“Such a humble woman!” Mrs Beatrice thought. The more she stayed with this daughter-in-law of hers, the more she was conflicted.
Despite the many things she heard about June, it seemed like her observations were the exact opposite. June even assured her of a child. Which meant she was capable of bearing children. Contrary to her family’s statements. Right?
Why did she still feel the need to verify it? How could she find out if this woman was capable of bearing children? he could not find Sout by merely hanging around to see if something slipped. She needed a clear plan.
Just then, A caterpillar moved into the site. Mrs Beatrice could notice some struggle with the driver who seemed to have lost control of the vehicle. Her first instinct was to drag her out of the place, but she stiffened in restraint.
If this accident were to happen, it would allow her to take June to the hospital and while getting treatment, she could find out the state of her womb. It would be a win-win situation.
Never did it occur to Mrs Beatrice that it could lead to the death of June who stood there, explaining the concept while the caterpillar moved to crush her. Mrs Beatrice stepped out of the way, watching anxiously.
Just then, June turned around and her heart plummeted at the sight of the caterpillar, dangerously close to crushing her. A shrill scream escaped her lips and the caterpillar revved to a stop, milliseconds away from her.
Thankfully, the driver was able to stop the car from crushing her but June who had been shocked fell to the ground, trying to catch her breath. Mrs Beatrice’s eyes widened and she immediately sprung to action.
“Quickly! Get some water! Call Nine One One! There’s been an accident!”
Despite all of June’s protests, she was forced into the ambulance by her mother-in-law who said she needed to be looked over by the doctors. Soon enough, June was carted to a hospital where Mrs Beatrice arranged for a scan to be done on her.
With hopes of finding the real state of her womb.