Make the wrong decision

LEILANI

I spent the entire day roaming aimlessly at the park. I was hungry, barefooted and tired. But I wasn't going to go home yet, knowing that my mum was still there, probably waiting for me to come back. I found an empty seat, I lowered myself into it. My mum had a church programme to attend in the evening, so all I had to do was wait till it was past five before going back. Although I have made up my mind to go find my baby daddy, I didn't want to go to him looking like a beggar, I need to get back home, tidy up and look good before going to find him. Getting pregnant outside of marriage doesn't make me less human. I still had my dignity to uphold.

Finally, the time I have been waiting for came, I rose from the seat and found my way out. Getting home, I find Sienna pacing around the living room worriedly. I slowly entered the house and shut the door.

Sienna turned around at the sound of the door shutting. Her eyes widened on seeing me, she hastily ran up to me and pulled me into her embrace.

"Lani, where the heck have you been? I have been searching for you the entire day. I was worried to death," she cried.

Pulling me out of her hold, she held me at arm's length and turned me around as if inspecting me.

"You are okay, right?" she asked, staring worriedly at me.

I bobbed my head and she sighed in relief.

"Come," She said and led me to the couch. Hastily she ran into the kitchen and soon, she returned with a glass of water.

"Drink this."

I gulped down the entire content of the glass, exhaled and returned the glass to her.

"Did you meet my mum?" I ask.

"Yes, she left a few minutes before you got back," Sienna replies, and stared tenderly at me.

"You staring at me that way means she said something. Tell me, what did she say? And Sienna I want to hear her exact words, don't filter any."

"She didn't say much. She just instructed me to escort you to go get an abortion. But Lani, I will only do as she says, if it is what you want. I will stand by every decision you make." She placed her hands on mine.

"I'm not getting rid of the child, Enna. I'll give birth to it. And Enna, I found my one night stand."

Her eyes widen on hearing me.

"Seriously Lani. What did he say? Did he accept it?" she asked, staring at me for answers.

"I haven't met him yet, just saw him on the billboard. I'll be going to him tomorrow," I said, more to myself than to Sienna.

"Lani, I think you should meet your dad first, tell him about the pregnancy, and hear what he has to say before deciding on whether to contact your baby daddy or not," Sienna advised.

"I don't know, Enna." I sighed.

"Let's just sleep over it tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will know what to do."

That night, I couldn't fall asleep. Thinking of what tomorrow had in stock for me made me anxious and restless. I kept tossing from side to side, my hands were on my stomach the entire night. I couldn't let go. Knowing the type of mum I have. Once her mind is made up, she never changes it and she goes to any length to get what she wants. I couldn't sleep comfortably, knowing that she might suddenly find her way to my house and barge into my room and harm me or my baby just to protect her reputation.

"I have been blind all these years," I muttered. So blind to see my mother's wrongdoings. But now that I happen to experience it, I couldn't help but shudder at the thought of all the vile things she has done, in the pretense of being a church leader.

Perhaps, Sienna was right. I had to speak to my dad first and hear his thoughts. Maybe, he could even help me stand up against my mum. With this thought in mind, I dozed off into a dreamless sleep that didn't last long, as my alarm blared, announcing the start of a new day.

Getting up from bed, I did my morning business and dressed up. I called my company to take a week leave, as I needed time for myself. Being one of the most hardworking employees, the leave was granted immediately.

Sienna and I stepped out of the house, while she headed for her workplace, I on the other hand took a cab to the church to see my dad. Being a church leader, he had his own office in the church, where he counsels people.

Getting to the church, I paid the cab driver and found my way into the church. Like always, my dad had a long queue of people waiting to speak with him. Not wanting to bring any attention to myself, I entered the church. Kneeling in front of the altar, I mumbled words of prayer, asking the lord to protect me and my unborn. After spending some hours inside the church, reading the rosary and praying. It was finally time to go speak to my dad.

"Make him understand, oh lord." I clasped my hand together. Rising from my seat, I left the altar and headed to my dad's office.

I tapped the door gently.

"Come in," his soothing voice sounded.

I pushed the door open and walked in.

"Dad," I called, making him look up. His lips curved into a beautiful smile.

"My daughter finally remembers me."

"It seems like Mum hasn't told him of my pregnancy yet," I thought.

He gestured for me to sit. I obliged and lowered myself into the seat. I stared at him nervously. Like my mum, he was also keen on having a spotless reputation. I didn't know how he was going to react, but one thing was sure, his reaction would be better than that of my mum. My dad always understands.

"You've been gulping since you got here. You have something to tell me right?" My dad asked.

I laughed nervously.

"You know me too well Dad."

"So?" he mutters, looking at me.

"I don't know how you will take this, I know you will be disappointed. But Dad, it wasn't entirely my fault. It was a mistake. No… the act was a mistake, but the outcome is no longer a mistake to me," I rambled.

"Go straight to the point young lady. Don't leave me hanging." He pulled off his glasses and folded his hands gazing at me.

"I'm pregnant, Dad," I dropped the bombshell and waited for the worst.

My dad broke into a fit of laughter.

"You almost got me," he says.

I stared blankly at him, making him pause and look at me.

"You are serious?" he asks.

I nod slowly.

The loving smile on his face wipes off instantly. He stared at me with anger, resentment and disappointment.

"Dad, I…" I tried to explain but he cut me off.

"Contact your mum and get rid of that thing. Otherwise, I will never consider you my daughter again."

His angry face made me aware of the fact that he was dead serious.

Tears rolled down my face. I stood up and turned my back on him.

"I mean every word I said, Leilani. Make the wrong decision and quit being a Miller. "

I didn't reply, nor turn back, I walked out of the office, shutting the door behind. I wiped my tears and leaned on the door. My hands subconsciously found its way to my tummy.

"I'll find a way to keep you. Even if I don't get any support, I will find a way. Let's go meet your daddy and hear what he has to say."