Chapter 5 "Flesh and Blood"

Arwena sat quietly in the clinic's waiting area, her heart weighed down by indecision.

Just yesterday, she had been resolute. She was ready to end the pregnancy. But now, sitting there and watching women emerge from the room in tears, doubt began to creep in. Fear for herself and her baby grew stronger with each passing moment. She instinctively placed a hand on her belly, not noticing that tears had begun to fall.

“Ms. Arwena Dela Torre.” Her name was called, but she didn’t move. Something inside her resisted the urge to respond or to step inside. “Ms. Dela Torre...”

She squeezed her eyes shut as her name was called again. This time, she stood—but not to enter the room.

She shook her head and muttered, “I'm sorry, I can’t do this!” Then she ran out of the clinic.

Tears streamed down her face, and her breathing became labored as she fled. Once outside, she collapsed on the steps, clutching her chest as though it might burst from the pain. She didn’t care who saw her or who stared at her breakdown.

She was furious with herself. How could she even consider such a thing? She didn’t want this baby, but it was still a part of her—her flesh and blood.

“What kind of person am I?” she whispered bitterly. “I was raised to fear God, but I almost made a mistake I’d regret for the rest of my life. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, baby,” she kept repeating, gently rubbing her belly. “I’m sorry. I’m such a bad mommy.”

Meanwhile, Archie sped toward the clinic, his heart pounding with anxiety.

He was terrified.

What if he was too late? What if Arwena had already done something that would ruin her life forever?

Thankfully, he found the paper with the clinic’s address scribbled on it near their phone.

When Archie finally saw Arwena on the steps sobbing uncontrollably, he froze. His emotions swirled—anger, sympathy, helplessness.

“Did you do it?” he asked softly, though his voice carried a sharp edge as he stood before her.

But Arwena didn’t seem to hear him. She continued to cry, not even glancing up at him.

“How could you—” He wanted to shout, to berate her. But as he looked at her, already broken, he couldn’t. He clenched his fists and turned away briefly, struggling to control his own emotions.

“Stop this drama, Arwena!” he said, his voice louder this time. “Isn’t this what you wanted? It’s done—your problem is gone. So get up and start fixing your life!”

Finally, Arwena lifted her head. Of all the things Archie said, it seemed only those last words registered.

"Archie...” Her sobs intensified, tears falling faster as she gazed up at him.

Archie’s heart softened as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. All the anger and frustration melted away. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and offer the comfort he knew she desperately needed.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, bowing her head again, her shoulders trembling with sobs.

Archie closed his eyes, fighting back his own tears. He refused to cry—not now. He had to be strong for her.

“Sorry for what?” he asked gently, his voice barely steady.

“You don’t owe me an apology, Arwena. But to your child—you owe them everything.”

He ran a hand through his hair after saying those harsh words, knowing how much they must have hurt her. But he couldn’t stop himself.

At that moment, it felt like he had lost all hope that Arwena would ever come to her senses.

No matter how much he advised her, no matter how hard he tried, it seemed pointless—she just wouldn’t listen.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been so stubborn. I’m sorry I ignored your advice, and I’m sorry I fought with you every time you tried to help,” she said, her voice breaking.

Archie exhaled, a small, painful laugh escaping his lips. “You’re just realizing that now? After everything, Arwena!” He sat down beside her.

“I didn’t do it, Archie,” she whispered. “I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t.”

Archie’s eyes widened in surprise, and a grin slowly spread across his face. He placed a hand on her belly, gently stroking it. “The baby’s still here? You didn’t lose them?” he asked, excitement lacing his voice as he hugged her tightly, almost like he was a father.

“Archie, I’m scared. What if I can’t do this? What if I can’t be a good mother?”

“Don’t be afraid, Arwena,” Archie said, his voice full of warmth and reassurance. “You’re not alone in this. I’ll be here for you. I’ll be this baby’s dad. I may not be Daddy Material, but I can step up. You know I’m more mommy material, right?” he joked, making her smile faintly. “Now stop crying, okay?” He wiped her tears and gave her a sweet smile. “I’m ready to be whatever you both need. We’ll do this together.”

Arwena responded with a tight hug, silently thanking her friend. He never gave up on her, despite everything she’d put him through. He was even willing to be a father to her child.