Liam

Ana

The text I'd received earlier from Beth was vague, but I didn't care. My baby was running a serious fever and was crying incessantly. Not even food could pacify him. I had to rush home and take care of him myself.

I left the lounge and sprinted home, the only thought in my mind was my baby, Liam. I would've flown if I could.

But then I remembered I had some money from the man, and immediately stopped a taxi.

20 minutes later, I burst into my house and headed straight for Liam's crib.

“Oh, my poor baby,” my throat tightened as I touched his hair. He cooed and turned on his side. He was sleeping peacefully, but his body was still warm.

Beth was lying down close to the crib, sleeping. She looked exhausted.

I tapped her, “Beth, wake up.”

She opened her eyes, and on seeing me, she instantly sat up, rubbing her eyes.

“Ana. Liam is sleeping now.”

“Yes but I still need to take him to the doctor, he's still running temperature.” I said, searching round the room for his pacifier.

Something must have caused him to develop a fever in the first place, and I didn't want to take chances. Now that I have enough money, I can properly take care of my baby.

I quickly gathered some of Liam's clothes, feeding bottle and baby blankets. Next, I gently carried him out from the crib, careful not to wake him.

I put him in his stroller and rolled him out of the room in a hurry.

“Thank you Beth love, you can go for your practice now.” I said over my shoulder as I left the room.

“Call me when you get to the hospital,” she called out from the room.

~~~~~

After examining Liam, the doctor had assured me that he would be fine. But he needed to give him a shot, to reduce the possibility of the fever coming back.

I nodded, eager to get my son back to his bubbly healthy self.

He cried out in pain as the doctor delivered the shot. Hearing his painful cry, my heart broke in pain and I teared up.

The doctor looked up to see me flicking away tears, and he smiled knowingly. I was sure he'd witnessed hundreds of mothers in the same position.

Liam was the one thing that gave my life purpose. I hated to see him in pain and would do anything to avoid it.

“He's good to go,” the doctor said and handed him to me.

“Thank you,” I took Liam from him and we headed back home.

Back home, Beth had already set dinner, waiting for us. Thankfully by the time I stepped in the door, Liam was fast asleep.

I gently put him in his crib and covered him with his favourite baby blanket. He looked so peaceful and beautiful as he slept, and my heart felt like it would burst with love.

I softly caressed his soft luscious hair before kissing him goodnight. I switched off the light in his room, quietly closed the door, and tiptoed out till I was in the living room, far from his door.

Beth was dishing the food for both of us. I went up and hugged her from behind. “Thanks for today Beth, I don't know what I’d do without you.”

She smiled warmly as she gave me a side look, “Anytime. You know I'd do anything for you and Little One.”

I rolled my eyes, but I didn't complain that she called him Little One. I was too tired.

I took my seat and descended on the food. I hadn't had anything for hours and the food tasted great.

“So, how was your day?” I asked her, as I stuffed cabbage in my mouth.

“Not bad.” She said and dropped her fork so she can gesticulate freely. “We have a show next week Sunday at the theater. I'll be playing.” She announced, her eyes shining with pride.

“Wow, that's great,” I smiled and touched her arm. “I'm proud of you.”

“Will you come?” She pleaded with her eyes.

“I wouldn't miss it for the world. Me and Liam will be there to cheer for you.” I replied, smiling at her.

I was happy that she was happy. It has been just me and my sister since our parents passed away 5 years ago. Unfortunately, my mother went before my father, the alcoholic whom we all feared.

After dinner, I climbed into bed, tired and exhausted. It was the same bed I’d shared with the love of my life, but which I’ve slept on alone for 3 years since I had Liam.

I touched the side of the bed where the man I loved used to lay and the memories came rushing back.

The tears began to gather again but I wiped it immediately. I wasn't going to let him ruin my sleep, and I would never let any man hurt me the way he did.

Speaking of men, I remembered the stranger that gave me his card. I wanted to call to at least thank him for letting me off our deal so graciously.

He wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine and he was arrogant, but because of him, I was able to pay Liam's hospital bill. I decided that I would thank him one last time and then we'll go our separate ways. Forget we ever met each other.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I brought out his card from my bag, and dialed his number.

He answered almost immediately.

“Is this Ben?” I asked, holding my breath. For some reason, I became nervous, and images of his blue eyes filled my head.

“Who's this?” his voice was deep but calm, like still waters. He sounded so much like my past lover and I flinched inwardly.

“Your wife.” I said and bit my lip. I didn't know how else to describe who I was.

I heard him breath in deeply on the other end.

“I wanted to thank you for everything.” I said and waited for him to reply.

But he remained silent so I tried another route, one I knew he wouldn't be able to resist.

“How was your meeting with the investors?” I asked, hoping it had gone well. At least I was there to greet them, and they seemed happy with us.

Now we can both say our goodbyes and move on with our lives. I wasn't expecting him to disagree, but he did.

“What do you think?” He snapped. “You weren't there so the deal didn't go through. I warned you this meeting was crucial.”

“What?” I was surprised. “Well, what happens now?” I asked. I didn't want to sound selfish, or leave him stranded.

“They've given us a 30 days grace period to redeem ourselves.” He said, his tone curt.

“Us?” I asked, confused. I definitely wasn't interested in spending one more minute with this arrogant man.

“Yes, us. You’ll have to continue as my wife for 30 days.”