Chapter 5 - Shattered

Marietta's POV

I bit my lips, hesitating to speak at first.

“Before I left, Granny promised to send me some money. But it’s been over one month now, and I’ve not received any money, Michael,” I replied.

Even though I’m ashamed of asking Michael for money, this is the only way I could raise my baby.

“Seriously? You are just a parasite who only used to ask for money,”  Michael mocked. 

“Anyways, the money must have been postponed, you will get it,” he replied.

“And one last thing, do not ever call me for such an unimportant thing. I have a company to run,” Michael added.

But before I could reply, he ended the call.

I feel so sad right now.

I blinked back my tears. Laughing through my tears, looking at my baby bump.

I placed my hand on my baby bump and cried silently.

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

I had managed to get off a crowded subway train, almost falling over as I almost got hit by a guy passing through.

“Jesus! He almost ran her over!” I heard one of the crowds shout. 

The young guy did not care to wait but had only ignited his car, and ran off.

“Motherfucker! Call the police!” I heard another comment.

“This is not the time to be doing all of that. Someone needs to help her to the hospital, I think she’s about to pass out.” one of the ladies standing across the road shouted.

I felt my knees go weak as I saw a young lady dash out of her car.

“Help her into the car. I’ll drive her to my hospital. I’m a nurse,” she replied before I lost consciousness.

By the time I opened my eyes, I saw the young lady who had helped me the other time.

I couldn’t help myself as I smiled ironically.

I can’t believe a stranger had helped me to the hospital. 

Even people I used to be close to, my husband and his family, had never escorted me to the hospital.  

“Hi, how are you feeling?” 

“I’m better now. Thank you for helping me.” I smiled, adjusting myself on the bed.

“But then, can I ask a question?” The young lady started.

“Yes, go on.” I heaved a sigh. 

“Do you come to do regular checkups? But why didn’t your husband come with you?” She raised a brow.

“He went missing. I don’t know, it’s complicated.” I answered.

I forced a smile since I didn’t really want to talk about anything concerning my relationship.

I don’t want to hurt myself again. 

“He’s a very bad man.” She cussed, making me feel a bit better.

Just as we were still talking, a knock landed on the door, as I watched the doctor walk in. 

“Hi, doctor,”

“Hi, ma’am. How are you feeling now?” He asked, checking out the drip.

“Better,” I nodded.

“Are you aware that you will put to bed soon, and you need to be hospitalized as soon as possible,” the doctor advised.

“No, I’m fine doctor.” I shook my head with a smile.

It’s obvious I can’t afford the bills that come with being hospitalized.

On my way back home, I started thinking about how to relieve my urgent financial crisis.

“I can sell one of my baby’s wardrobes and raise some money for us,” I heaved a sigh.

“But on second thought, Etta. Will anyone buy it at a good price since it’s a used one?” 

I thought to myself, managing to go back to my shabby ghetto. The one I shared with some poor immigrants.

I don’t have a choice. 

I was almost home when I saw my house from afar–it was on fire.

“No, no, no!” I screamed as I raced towards the burning house, but I was quickly held back by the immigrants. 

Yes, they might be poor people, but at least, they were kind.

“You can’t go in there. Your life is far more important than anything it is inside there, ma’am.” one of the ladies holding me back commented.

With tears rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t help but stare at the burning house, terrified.

All the money I had saved for my baby, including the furniture I planned on selling. 

I watched everything burn down to the ground.

“My money, it’s gone!” I screamed.

But suddenly I felt my stomach churn. 

“I think my water just broke! The baby, I think it’s coming” I yelled.

Everywhere was already chaotic enough, with people trying to quench the burning fire. 

I felt my consciousness fading away as I felt more severe pain.

“Hurry up! She’s about to give birth!” I heard some yelling from amongst the crowd.

And before I knew what was happening, I could hear the sound of an ambulance from afar.