TABLES TURNED

Denise Pov

“Here is a cell phone, call your husband and tell him you weren't in your right sense’s when you signed the divorce paper, take the phone” she yelled and I didn't flinch.

Greg has been in this hospital with me for a long time now. Ensuring I'm okay. When my mother's pressure became too much, he had to hang around me often. So I don't do things that I'd regret.

“I'm not going to do that mother. I'm going to start a new life and give my sisters the best of life..even if I have to break my back. I've been a strong lady and anything I put my mind to do I'll do…” I replied.

“Life is not that easy. I'd have gotten to La la land after I became a widow. No man took me. They wanted me to be a sex worker. So I know what I'm talking about”. She suggested.

“We ain't the same momma”. This isn't going to be the first time I made her know this. Either way I will still stand my ground. And strategize my dreams.

“And if you think this buffoon standing right here will marry you, please ask the doctor to help your brain. Because maybe you need a brain injury. He will never marry you.” Her words became more hurtful as she spoke.

“Enough mother!” I fumed.

Greg stepped in for emotional support. He went down on his knees..drawing a ring from his pocket. And said, “I will marry”.

Greg looked into my eyes. My mother shot him a cold stare. Her face was hard as a rock. I didn’t fathom what was going on at this minute. I thought how crazy it was for him to pull this proposal out at this moment. My jaw dropped.

When I'm not even fully recovered, this must be a charade I thought.

“Will you be my wedded wife Denise? Let's prove them wrong that you made the best decision” he stared straight into my eyes. I didn’t utter a word.

“Oh boy! My daughter has a choice. Even if she rejected her Billionaire husband you wouldn't be a choice”. My mother continued yapping on top of her voice.

This made Greg so angry and asked my mother out immediately while he was still on his knees.

“You need to leave now before I lose my cool. You are not helping her at all.

How can you be so cruel to not let your child make her own life decisions. Let her live her life. And if you love Colin so much, do well to marry him.” The hospital security came and ushered my mother out.

Quite astonished.

My mother left with them. This shocked me. Although I needed someone to back my decision and stand for me even for a while.

“I'm so sorry Greg, you can't be my option. My mother is right.” I said.

Still on his knees “This would be a contract marriage. It will be your decision to make. Because I still have genuine feelings for you”.. He was inclined but still I refused.

“I wouldn't force you. But I'd give you time to think it through.” He rose to his feet. “I'll cherish you Denise every day of my life”... I didn’t bother to look at him so as not to be bribed with the emotions on his face. I quickly turned my face away.

******

The nurses came in three rolling trolleys. “Miss Denise”, Greg woke up from his slumber. Mildly bulging eyes like he needed much sleep.

He bought a white petal rose flower with green sepal. And other fruits on my desk.

“We have to give you a bed bath, are you ready for us?”. She asked with her tiny voice. Slurred.

“Don't worry nurses, I can do that for her”. Greg obliged.

They all smiled and rolled their eyes. “I can't wait to find my ‘Prince Charming’ who is not only going to take care of me but protect me from harm”. I smiled.

They all motioned to leave the ward at once without asking if it was okay with me.

“I can make decisions for myself as a patient right?” I asked. “Indeed you can”. The nurse in the middle replied. “Also when ‘Mr Do Good’ is here, it's okay if we check out”. She signalled both nurses and that was it.

“I know you are protective about your body, here is my handkerchief, tie it around my eyes in such a way that I won't see your ‘Eve’ before she got wise (story from the bible when eve ate the forbidden fruit).” I chuckled and took the handkerchief. Blindfolded him.

He caressed my cheeks, goosebumps scattered all over my skin. I couldn't completely understand the effect his touch had on me. Once he grabbed my hand tightly, I grew scared a bit because I felt unusual.

He said “I'll forever uphold every dignity you have in you. Those you don't even know you have…I'll never crush your emotions or make you feel lonely”. He swore.

He picked the flannels soaked in water with my aid. His hands began to run across my upper body in a long stroke. He saw me through his emotions. He cleaned me up like he cleaned all the curses off my body.

As soon as he was done. He unblindfolded himself. Anger had left me. I was now like a newborn with so much freshness and clean spirit until the Surgeon came.

Trying not to scatter our moments, but he must do his job.

“Sorry to tell you this, you lost your baby”, my eyes widened. Doctor had just renewed a nonsense trait in me. Anger. “We couldn't help but to save your life that was already in danger.” He said.

Greg nodded. “Denise, your pregnancy was a very complicated one. It was ectopic and you weren't supplying enough oxygen to your baby. The twins died.

The flood gate of my eyes knew nothing else than to pour out water. "My babies....", I screamed. Rubbing and squeezing my hospital gown over my belly in sorrow. Saliva becomes visible on the either side of my lips.

“Oh!, Colin and Angelina, your dark days will come and you will regret this soon”. I swore in pain.

I became helpless. No matter how the Doctor tried to console me, I refused to stop wailing. Greg kept rubbing my back and patting my shoulder before I found solace.

“Everything will be alright okay. You are due for a discharge any moment from now and I will be happy to help monitor your next pregnancy Miss Denise. Take care. He left, leaving his peace.

This left a void in my heart. I had needed a baby so bad to call my home, world, peace and best friend. Life hasn't been fair at all. Who will be my world?.. I questioned.

Sorry for this. I held this news longer than I should have. I was waiting for the best time to share with you. Never knew how you were going to receive it”. I stood up from my bed, without uttering a word to Greg.

I stalked toward the window to peek at the city, maybe distracting what my mind had been burdened with..

“Greg, promise to help me destroy Colin Dela Rosa and everything he has in his name. Help me make him cry.” I pleaded with tears already tasting like salt in my mouth.

“Consider it done my woman. I have been looking forward to this moment” He promised.

“First thing first, I need to go visit my enemy tomorrow to know how much terror I'm going to cost them”. I was no longer interested in being the bigger person or forgiving. I like to pay them with the same coin.

“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” I spat.