The baby
Mary Davies
Everyone in school already knows Justin Davies was O D Eleven. I guess news spreads faster in here. This was just only a proof that someone in class was actually Pregnant. I could hear the murmurings and I was actually scared of what might happen if Edward Jones finds out about my pregnancy. Would he stop wanting me.
He teased me for having a potbelly this morning and that made me scared because it only means my baby bump will start getting noticeable soon. I was just hoping we get to finish exams before It starts getting noticeable. I am glad I didn’t fall into the category of people who start showing at their fourth month.
My phone beeped and I picked it up to find a message notification from Edward Jones.
‘Hey! Would you like to join me in my daily work out? We can both work on your potbelly.’
‘I’m not trying to be insensitive here. But if you are actually not fine with it, we can work out together. Mind you, it doesn’t stop me from liking you.’
I inhaled a deep breath, the class suddenly became quiet.
“O D Eleven just released a new update,” Someone said breaking the silence.
Justin was still out there and now he is releasing updates. I wonder whose story he is going to post next. After making a discovery this morning on one of the stories he updated on his blog previously, I could only link it with Juliet. I was really shocked to find out Juliet was also pregnant but she did an abortion before she died.
Mikhail isn’t in school today and I wonder if he has something to do with the pregnancy and abortion.
I didn’t bother checking O D Eleven’s update, but I noticed everyone’s eyes were on me. I turned my head towards Aminat and she was there looking at me with shock written all over her face.
I looked away to find everyone else looking at me.
“What is it? Why is everyone looking at me?” I asked Aminat.
“Are you really pregnant Mary? Oh my goodness, this is unbelievable.”
“I never imagined this,” She added.
I immediately picked up my phone and went through O D Eleven’s update, what I saw made me realize I have been discovered. Now, everyone knows I am pregnant, even Edward Jones. Everyone’s eyes were literally burning through my skin. My misgivings were finally catching up with me. But my goals for this year were still intact, pass my exams and go to college and make sure I cope with my baby.
I could literally feel everyone’s gaze on me, but no one said a word to me. It was like they were all judging me with their eyes. A pregnant teenager was sitting amongst them. I kept my chin up and my shoulders stiff, trying my best to project confidence and determination outwardly even though I was scared inwardly. What if I get ostracized by everyone.
The truth was that I have a very low self-esteem, but I really don’t want to care about what people think of me. I can still remember one of the popular quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
I swallowed hard, and my shoulders tightened. I hate being the center of attention and the fact that all eyes were on me was making matters worst.
My darting gaze caught on to Alphonso who was sitting at the front roll. He gave me a reassuring smile as if he was trying to say, everything will be fine, just calm down. I sucked in a deep breath as I waited patiently for someone to just say something. The silence was killing me.
“I don’t think it’s something bad,” The familiar voice of Xander said, breaking the silence.
“I agree with Xander. Having a baby is actually cool.” Alphonso said, smiling widely.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that it is still a haram.” Aminat snapped.
“Well, I guess people can make mistakes. Our mistakes don’t define us.” Jemima said, smiling. I covered my mouth in shock. I wasn’t expecting this from anyone, most especially Jemima.
“Yes, you are right Jemima. Our mistakes don’t define us.” Aminat said staring at me.
“Can I be the godmother?” Jemima asked all of a sudden.
“No way, you can’t. Friends before bitches. You stand no chance at all. I alone have the qualifications for being the godmother. Back off.” Aminat said, snapping her fingers at Jemima.
“Ah! Calm down and take it easy, will you. I can’t believe I’m actually wishing I am the one having a baby.” Jemima said, kissing her teeth loudly.
Everyone in class seems to be excited, but only one person was not. Edward Jones. He got up from his seat and left the class.
I felt a churning in my stomach and my breathing accelerated. I started breathing from my mouth. I was feeling apprehensive, what if he was disgusted by me. What if he hates me already. I should have told him when he teased me about having a potbelly this morning.
I was getting tired of all these emotions washing over me, maybe it’s time to face my life and face my future. I have accepted the fact that I am pregnant. I was scared Edward won’t want me again. I know I need to talk to him. I just have to find a way to make him see reasons.
“What’s the gender?” Aminat asked in a low voice.
“Uh hmm. I don’t know yet, I think I want to wait till delivery.” I replied, and she giggled.
“How many months?” She whispered again.
“Almost four months, it will be exactly four months in a few days.” I replied, hoping she will stop intruding, the only thing on my mind was how I am going to appease Edward Jones.
With a half smile. Aminat raised an eyebrow up in confusion.
“Oh wow you are lucky one, that little bump can hardly pass as a pregnancy bump.”
“Mary, can I see you for a few minutes?” Alphonso called out.
“Sure,” I said getting up on my feet.
We both moved outside the classroom and began to walk down the hallway.
“Can you see it wasn’t that bad?” He asked.
“Yes,” I replied, nodding my head.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t find O D Eleven before he did all this.” He whispered.
“I think it’s better this way. Everything is all settled now. I have college and a baby to take care of.” I said, kissing my teeth loudly.
“Are you still not going to tell the father of the child?”
I inhaled a deep breath, I think it’s best for him to know the truth.
“I was sexually molested Alphonso,” I whispered, looking at my feet.
“What the fuck! And you haven’t reported it to anyone. This should not be overlooked.”
“You won’t understand Alphonso, he has power than everyone here. You have no idea how my life will be ruined. I will rather not, please let it remain that way.”
“That doesn’t mean. Just be careful, he might try to come back. Are you okay. I mean both mentally, emotionally and physically?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Alright, if you say so. But anyway which college are you going to study at?” He asked.
“I don’t know yet. I haven’t even thought of it.” I replied.
“I want us to go to the same college. Promise me you will let me know as soon as you make up your mind. Deal?”
“Deal.” I whispered, extending a handshake.
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