Chapter 4 - Rejected

Marietta’s POV

“I can’t believe you are still in bed!” He exclaimed angrily.

“And why haven’t you packed up earlier?”  he questioned, with a furrowed brow.

“Michael, I’m sick,” I responded weakly.

“Are you aware that your flight is scheduled to take off five hours from now?!” 

“I think I might have caught a fever last night.” 

“Stop lying, Etta. You are a lazy pig who is just pretending to be sick,” Michael retorted.

“I’m not, I snapped.

You are leaving this afternoon. I’ll drive you to the airport and you must leave even if you don’t want to!” Michael flared up and left in anger.

I couldn’t help but smile bitterly. I cannot believe Michael would volunteer to drive me to the airport in person.

“C’mon Marietta, don’t be stupid. He just wants to make sure you get to the airport,” I scoffed in disbelief before closing the door. 

I dragged myself towards the bed since I felt so tired, maybe a nap would do.

“A hundred degrees?” I exclaimed upon seeing the result on my thermometer.

“My fever is getting out of hand,” I whispered.

Dropping my traveling bag, I reached out for my locker to get some medicine to make me feel better. 

“Jesus! I almost forgot. I can’t use this,” I quickly spit out the medicine.

It struck me that I might hurt my baby. I can’t take chances for my baby’s health.

I was about to g****e if it was safe to use medicine while pregnant but I suddenly felt like throwing up.

I raced towards the bathroom without thinking. I wasn’t looking when I slipped on the wet tiles and slumped.

“Jeez! Fuck!” I winced in pain. Taking a moment to catch my breath.

“My ankle! Damn it!” I cried out in pain.

Trying to get up on my feet, I heard Michael’s angry voice from the bathroom.

“What the hell is keeping her late? Marietta, aren’t you supposed to be done with the packing by now?!” Michael shouted.

Just as I heard the door open, I managed to walk out of the bathroom, looking exhausted.

“I can’t even believe you are not dressed yet?” Michael shrieked.

Right now, I’m too weak to respond. 

“You know what, get dressed! You are leaving now!” He commanded.

I watched him throw some clothes and a few random items into my suitcase while I got dressed to leave.

He grabbed my hand in no time and dragged me downstairs.

Just as we got downstairs, I was still feeling dizzy which caused me not to remember to ask Michael if he had picked the baby’s things.

But on second thought, with me being half awake, I knew better that Michael didn’t even want the baby.

I don’t think letting Michael know about the baby’s existence is the right thing.

He might suggest an abortion, and I don’t think I’m down for that.

Upon getting to the airport, Michael didn’t even step one foot out of the car.

“Alex,  walk her down,” he ordered his personal assistant, who did exactly as he was told.

Just as I was about to leave, Alex bowed to me before adding. “According to my boss, he asked me to tell you that Granny Lorette will put some money in your bank account,” 

“Oh, okay.” I blinked in disbelief. But at the same time,  I was happy and relieved.

At least I’ll be able to keep some money for raising my baby. And also to survive abroad.

“And she hopes you could place a call to her when you arrive over there,” Alex replied and left.

A MONTH LATER

Just as I waited for my bitchy roommate to finish her phone call, I heaved a sigh.

“Valerie, please could you help me with my house rent? Just this time alone. I promise I’m going to pay back.”

I watched Valerie roll her eyes in frustration. “Seriously? I’ve helped you with one month's rent, Etta. If you are this poor, then you are disqualified from dancing already! Jeez!” Valerie lashed. 

I’ve always loved to dance, right from when I was young–I have a passion for it. 

And as I watched Valerie leave the room I could hear her mutter some embarrassing words. 

“I just hope she didn’t steal the money she used to pay her tuition f*e,”

I heaved a sigh, picked up my phone, and checked my bank app countless times but still, I couldn’t find any transferred money.

“I have no clue as to why my bank account got frozen either,” I whispered. 

I’ve been doing part-time jobs for a whole month now, and I’ve managed to sell some cherished things but I could barely even survive now.

“I guess this is not even working. Maybe I should quit my studies. I’m so confused.” I teared up instantly. 

I wiped off my tears and reached out for my phone’s contact list again, and again.

“She’s not picking,” I covered my mouth, so I wouldn’t have to cry out loud.

I’ve been calling Granny Lorette for some time now, but no reply.

“I’ve got the regular pregnancy check-up next week. And I’ve got no money,” I felt tears rolling down my cheeks as I hugged my pregnancy bump.

At this point, I think I need to reach out to Michael.

As I anxiously waited for Michael to answer the call, I was shocked when he picks the call on the fourth ring.

“Michael?” I called.

“Yes, what do you want?” Michael answered.

Upon hearing the voice of the man I’ve been in love with for years, I almost cried.

But I knew I had to control myself. 

“Did Grandmother change her number? I have something to tell her, please,” I asked calmly.

“Well, just so you know, I asked her to change her number because of you! ” He sneered, making me feel more bad.

“I did that so you can stop disturbing my Grandmother! Thanks to Katty who gave me this wise advice” he raged.

“Why did you call?”