Chapter 6

Clarissa,

TWO MONTHS LATER 

It's been over two months now since I got my degree. I spent most of my time searching for a decent job. I was tired of working for Paddy Bio, given that it didn't fit what I studied in school. Also, I found it nasty.

Two months of submitting my CV in different structures. But each time I walked into any of them, I was asked the same question. "Who sent you here?" Like, if you had no one important in society, you could not work for one of the big companies in the area. Is that what life was all about? I guess a poor, low-key lady like me had no place in society.

Unable to find a job for the moment, I was home managing the little cents Virginia left me every morning before going to work. 

Her attitude towards me changed since the day I spent the night with that good-for-nothing soul. She felt responsible for what happened that night, but I didn't blame her at all. Maybe it was written in my destiny that the person who was going to take my virginity away from me was going to disappear into thin air.

Scotched to the TV all day, I felt a burning sensation at my lower abdomen. It wasn't the first time I was feeling this pain, though it was dull. It was associated with vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and anorexia. The last time I felt this, Virginia asked me to meet a doctor. I was stubborn and decided to play deaf ears. I didn't even like visiting hospitals.

I brushed over the topic and left for the kitchen to get a bottle of soda. It was soon 2 pm and my favorite series was about to commence. After getting my soda and potato chips, I was about to get out when I felt my legs weakening. This is more serious than I thought. Not only did I miss my series, but I ended up sleeping on the floor because I was too weak to walk. I didn't want to bother Virginia cause she had so much to do.

Four hours later, Virginia walked in. She was wearing a white over-white suit. If not that I had registered the smell of her cologne, I would have thought I passed away and my angel was standing next to me.

"Holy Jesus, Clarissa are you okay?" Virginia jerked me from the floor and made me lie on the couch.

"I-I'm feeling weak," I said in her embrace.

*** 

Virginia succeeded in getting a cab that drove us to the hospital. We arrived and the nurse in command asked us to take a seat and wait when it was our turn to be served. I quickly understood it was because we didn't have enough money that we were asked to wait. Even those who arrived after us were granted permission to see the doctor before us. What could we do apart from waiting until she tell us is our turn?

"Your turn!" The lady shoved her hand in our direction. Her expression was cold and irritating.

We got in and the doctor conducted a series of tests. Before then, she asked how long I had been feeling the signs and symptoms. I told her the truth, which was three weeks ago. She did three tests; a malaria test, a CRP test, and lastly, a pregnancy test.

"Okay, young lady. Kindly seat in the waiting room. When your results are out, I'll call for you." The doctor said, her voice low and intimidating. 

I grabbed my purse and rushed out of her office. Seated with Virginia, we began checking what could be the real issue. I'm pretty sure I was suffering from malaria. It was evident that was what was disturbing me. Thank God Virginia came with some money, it will help get some anti-malaria drugs.

Thirty minutes later, the doctor called me back to her office. Yes, finally the results were out. It didn't take that long. 

She cleared her throat and began; "Miss Clarissa, we have the final results." She opened the sealed document, reading the content in it, "You tested positive for two tests; malaria and pregnancy test. You are eight weeks pregnant and suffering from malaria. It's a great risk in early pregnancy." The doctor said plainly.

"What?!" This can't be happening, did she just say pregnant? How come? I only did it once, how can I be pregnant?

Holy shit… I'm carrying a child in my stomach and the one responsible for this is nowhere to be found. A child I won't be able to take good care of because I am broke and don't have a penny to my name. Why did God decide to curse me this way? 

I don't even know when a tear erupted down my cheek, which got the doctor worried. She grabbed a tissue from her back and handed it over to me, "This is not the time to cry. You have to be strong for the task which is ahead of you." she whispered.

I took the results and clutched my purse to my tiny body, walking out of her office with tears damped on my face. 

"What's wrong Clarissa." Virginia pleaded while taking me in her arms.

"I'm finished." I let out a loud cry while I face-palmed.

"Talk to me, I'm here with you. What did the doctor-" Before Virginia could complete her statement, I suspended her words into thin air.

"I'm pregnant, do you understand? I'm f***ing carrying a stranger's child." 

"Calm down, don't cry. Breathe in, please." Virginia said, her voice growing softer.

If she was in my shoes was she going to calm down? How dare she asked that of me? How was I supposed to raise a child I had no idea where the father was?

"You can as well get rid of the baby if you don't need it. It's a hospital here and not a crying show." One of the nurses objected.

I placed my hands on my belly in a protective way, the tears stopped dripping and I confronted her; "I won't get rid of it. I'm keeping the baby!"