Chapter 5 - She Returned

Marietta’s POV

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

It's been nine month of pain, severe discomfort, and hard work. 

“The baby is here. One last push.” The nurse encouraged me.

With sweats dripping off my body, I made the last push in screams.

Tears rolloed out of my eyes, as I felt at ease.  

The baby had came early, I thought I was going to die, since this was my first time. 

Also luckily for me, the baby seemed healthy in the nurse’s arms.

Staring at my baby weakly, I couldn’t help but mutter to myself “Finally I have a family in this world now,” 

Having said that, I passed out. 

The knock on the door had woken me up from my sleep–it was a nurse.

“Hi. How are you feeling?” The nurse smiled at me.

“I’m fine. What about my baby?” I quickly asked.

“Trust me your baby is fine. A nurse will bring your baby soon,” she replied, checking my drip.

“I don’t know if I should do this, but I don’t have a choice.” She replied.

“What is it?” I stuttered in fear.

“The hospital bills need…” the nurse hesitated.

The hospital bills needs to be sorted out in one way or the other. I had fell into labour when I got to my residence and saw my house on fire.

My neigbours had brought me here, and God knows they are all poor, and were barely surviving.

I've lost all I gathered in months in the fire, everthing.  

Just as I remembered how empty I was I broke down in tears. 

“Hey, that’s not good for your health.” the nurse rushed towards me, wiping off my tears.

“Can you do me a favor?” I pleaded.

“Yes, sure. Anything.” the nurse nodded.

“Can I have your Cell phone?” I requested.

“Sure, you can have it,” She quickly dipped her hand in her pocket and handed her phone to me.

Right now, I knew I could only borrow money from whoever cared to help.

But the only number I could remember is Michael’s. And that’s a relief.

After calling for a while without a response, a lady finally picked up.

“Hello,” a feminine voice spoke.

Just as I heard her speak–I could tell who it was. 

I felt my heart race a bit. But I tried to remain calm.

It’s katty. But her voice was soft, sweet. Not bitchy at all.

I went silent after realizing it was Katty who picked up the call and not Michael.

“You know, I could tell Michael whatever it is you want to say to him,” Katty broke the silence.

Thinking about my baby and our survival, I hesitated a bit before deciding to speak up.

“Please, can you help me tell Michael if he could please lend me some money?” I wiped off the tears rolling down my cheeks.

“Is that all?” Katty asked, without asking any questions.

“Yes, that’s all,” I answered.

“Okay, fine. I’ll let him know,” she replied and ended the call.

At least she sounded nice, so my hopes are high.

“He’s going to send the money, Etta. Let’s be positive,” I comforted myself.

I quickly handed over the phone to the nurse.

“Thanks,” 

“You are welcome. I’ll just leave you to rest.” the nurse replied, and left.

Just as she left, a nurse came in with my baby in the cot, before smiling.

Just after she left too, I moved over to my baby, assuring myself that Michael would lend us the money.

“He’s so wealthy and gorgeous after all,” I replied, checking out my baby. 

A few days later, I still had not received any money from Michael.

And as expected, I was kicked out of the hospital with my baby.

“We are sorry, we cannot allow you to stay here any longer,” the doctor announced.

“We are really sorry,” the nurse kept repeating the word “Sorry,” since she couldn’t do much.

My eyes darted from my baby to the nurse and back to the doctor.

I felt some tears prick my eyes. I quickly looked up. Trying hard not to cry.

I knew I needed to be strong now. For myself, and my baby. I’m a mother now.

********

Three years had passed, and it felt just like yesterday. Now, I’m back in America, where it all began.

But I was no longer the naive Etta again. I was back bigger, and better.  

I stepped out of airport security, carrying my luggage. Dressed in a tailored grey blazer, black trousers, and a simple ivory blouse, I wore nude heels and small silver stud earrings.

My makeup was minimal, but I looked calm, graceful, and thoughtful—young yet with a sense of quiet experience.

A scarf around my head, and a black goggle on my face, as I don't want to get seen by anyone, or draw too much attention to myself. 

I adjusted my blazer and slid on my sunglasses. I was here for business, and that’s all I planned to focus on.

As I walked into the crowded airport terminal, a child’s voice suddenly broke through the noise.

“Mommy! Look! It’s Marietta! The movie star!”

In an instant, heads turned. People pulled out their phones, and the sound of cameras clicking filled the air.

Before I could even take another step, reporters swarmed me. Microphones were shoved in my face, cameras flashed nonstop, and questions came flying from every direction.

“Marietta, is it true you’re here to sign a big deal?”

“What do you have to say about the rumors about your personal life?”