08 Unexpected news

Isabel’s POV

I wake up feeling pain in my stomach.

I hope my baby’s safe? I say to myself, my eyes wide open.

I need to visit the hospital immediately! I jumped out of the bed, as I got ready to leave for the hospital. 

Hi, Mom, Dad, I say, greeting my parents who look worried sick seeing the way I hastened my steps. 

“Bel,” Dad called out. “Is anything the problem?”

“I will be back,” I say, letting my voice out loud from the door, without giving a direct answer to his question. 

************************

I sit in the waiting room of LAC+USC Medical Center. 

My hand pressed firmly against my abdomen as the pain surged through me.

The room is buzzed with quiet conversations and the distance hum of medical equipment.

Just opposite me, I see a couple who also came in for a check up. 

The lady in her early twenties like me, but with blonde hair.

Her husband held her hands, giving her a wide smile.

She’s so lucky to have a loving and caring husband…

How I wish…. ‘Stop being silly Isabel, Stop it. Stop wishing for the impossible’. I say, with a slight chuckle.

I shrugged into the seat.

“Ms. Brown, you may see the doctor now.” The nurse says, looking at my direction.

“Thank you.” I reply with a cheeky smile.

I lay on a cold, sterile table, trying to steady my breath as I waited. 

The door opens, and a woman in a white coat walked in, her demeanor calm yet focused. 

“I’m Dr. Ramirez,” she says, her voice warm but professional. “Let’s see what’s going on.” She says, reaching out to me for examination, asking me a few questions.

The ultrasound machine beeps softly as she moves the wand across my belly, her eyes focused on the screen.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Ramirez smiles slightly.

“Isabel, your babies are perfectly fine,” she says. 

“Babies?” I say, my eyes widened with shock.

“Yes, you’re with twins. And there’s really nothing to be concerned about. The pain you’re experiencing seems to be related to stress, not anything directly related to the pregnancy.”

My jaw drops. 

Relief washed over me, but before I could exhale, Dr. Ramirez continued. 

“Stress can manifest physically in many ways, especially during pregnancy. I’m going to prescribe some medication to help relieve the pain you’re feeling.”

Reaching for her notepad, she made a little writing and handed it over to me. 

“These should help with the discomfort, but you must also address the root cause—stress. It’s crucial that you rest and avoid anything that might add to your mental or emotional strain.” She says, her eyes etched with concern.

I nod, the reality of her words sinking in. 

As I left the hospital, prescription in hand, I knew I had been given more than just medication.

I sigh deeply.

For the sake of my baby, I’ve got to listen to Dr. Ramirez, and let go of my worries. I’m glad I am finally away from those two; Alexander and Cynthia. 

Now I can focus more on caring for my baby and my mental health.

As I leave the hospital vicinity, I can’t help but smile.

My baby— no, babies are healthy! I say with a grin, as I gently place my hand on my stomach.

Even though Alexander broke his promise to me, I’m still happy for this little gift he gave to me.

But I can’t let him come near me and my kids ever! 

We don’t need him anymore, and can live without him.

I’m going to raise and love them with everything I’ve got.

My child won’t ever feel the need to have a father, especially not one like Alexander who chose his lover over us.

****************

So how long will you be staying for? Mom asks, as she stairs and turns the pancakes, getting dinner ready. 

Actually, till I can figure out how to start life afresh again.

The room tension feels palpable. 

Mom came closer to me, “Is there something we need to know about?” She asks, her voice etched with concern.

I hesitate for a moment. Knowing that they have been waiting patiently to actually know the reason for my unexpected visit, but didn’t want to add more to my mood yesterday.

“Mom,” I say, letting a tear down my cheek. “Actually, Alexander and I are no longer together. We’re divorced now.”

Mom and Dad freeze. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Mom says, bringing me to a cuddle.

I smile.

“It’s okay Mom, I think it’s for the best.” 

It’s better having no husband than being with one who has an affair with my best friend. 

“An affair? You mean Cynthia? The one you both attended the same school?” Mom asks, her voice heavy with surprise. 

Dad drops the newspaper he’s reading onto the table, his heart beating from his chest.

“That son of a bitch!” “Who do he think he is?”

Facing my head downwards, I let the tears welling up my eyes flow down my cheeks.

I quickly wiped it off. I wouldn't want my parents worrying much seeing me like this, also I would need to be strong for my baby. 

“Don’t know why I get easily emotional," I say grinning.

Letting the pain in my heart melt for a while. 

I take a deep sigh.

“We’ll be fine, without him.” I added, caressing my stomach. 

Mom and Dad shares a knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them. 

Dad sighs deeply. 

“Isabel, are you pregnant?” He asks, his voice laced with worry.