Chapter 3

Martha's POV

"Sorry if this room's a bit messy. I haven't tidied it up yet. Your call came out of the blue." I dropped my bag and suitcase.

I only stayed one night at Ate Angie's apartment, and in the morning, I headed straight here.

"Thanks, Gracie. I really didn't know who to ask for help. After what happened, I just don't know what to do anymore."

She looked at me with a mix of pity and sympathy. I forced a smile to show her I was okay.

"I looked so good in my outfit yesterday and even got my hair done, only to find out you weren't coming to the church. But are you really okay? I know this is really tough for you." I won't deny that I'm really struggling with this situation.

My dreams have vanished like smoke.

"I'll manage. I should face reality. Besides, it's my fault I'm in this position. I chose this, and I just have to bear the consequences." Gracie shook her head and placed her hands on my shoulders.

“You shouldn’t have listened to Angeli. I’ve told you so many times that she’s not a good influence. You haven’t learned; she was like this with you back in college. I know she’s just after Hubert. I’m sure she’s the one who told Hubert about the one-night stand. Your siblings were wrong to trust you with Angeli. Look what happened.”

She was right. She always told me not to trust Angeli. Angeli was Hubert's best friend, and I had to get along with her for Hubert’s sake.

“I can’t do anything about it now. It’s already happened,” I whispered.

“Your family really did you wrong. Imagine, they kicked you out without considering that it’s not all your fault.”

“It’s still my fault. I could have said no, walked away, not gone through with the one-night stand, but what did I do?” I really regret not fighting the temptation. I’m not drugged or drunk. I’m sober, yet I made a massive mistake.

“Why though? Was the escort that good-looking that you couldn’t say no?” I sighed. That’s not the case.

“I thought it was okay to do that. Many people do it, but just because others do it doesn’t mean I should too. I thought it was normal, that some women do it. I didn’t realize Hubert saw this differently. He was a church boy. He was so proper, and he chose to marry me because he thought I was decent, that I was better than other girls. I disappointed him. I can’t blame him if he hates me. If I were him, I’d do the same.”

I don’t want to justify my mistake.

“So what now? You don’t have a family, you don’t have anyone to marry, and you don’t have a job. All you have left is me and this tiny room.” I smiled.

The important thing is that Gracie is here for me. “I can work in your laundry shop, right? I don’t know if I can go back to my old job. I’m too well-known in our area, and I’m sure I’m the talk of the town in our company.”

“Don’t worry. I can hire you, and you’ll also have free accommodation and food. I’ll take you in for now.” I laughed at what she said.

“Thank you, Gracie. I really, really appreciate it.”

(After three weeks)

I wiped the sweat from the side of my forehead. I had just finished putting in a load of laundry for the day.

I slumped onto the bench and was about to reach for my phone when I suddenly felt dizzy. I must have been really tired, and my vision was spinning.

I tried to steady myself, gripping the edge of the table. My condition was getting worse. I couldn’t explain how I felt. I’ve never experienced this mix of feelings before. I grabbed my mouth as I felt like I was going to throw up.

I wanted to run to the bathroom, but I didn’t have the strength to walk. I held my stomach; it was hurting. I gagged again.

“Martha? Are you okay?” I felt Gracie’s hand on my shoulder.

“I feel nauseous. I think I’m not feeling well.” She helped me stand and guided me to the bedroom.

“I told you not to overdo it.” She got some water from the kitchen and made me drink it.

“It’s fine. I only did a little laundry today compared to yesterday.”

“I’ll leave you for a bit and just grab some medicine. Stay here. I’ll be back soon.” I couldn’t stop Gracie as she quickly walked out of the room. I closed my eyes and let my body rest. I feel so sick. After a few minutes, Gracie came back with a paper bag in one hand.

I thought she was pulling out medicine from the bag, but it wasn’t.

This is a— “Pregnancy kit?” I sat up on the bed, shocked as I looked at Gracie.

“I want to buy you some medicine, but I’m scared you might be pregnant and taking any medication could harm you. Just try this first... To be sure. This is what my sister experienced when she was pregnant. Recently, I’ve noticed you’ve been gaining weight, eating a lot, and getting tired easily. I’m scared to mention what I’ve noticed about you, but we need to be certain, because having a baby in your belly is sensitive.”

I was left speechless by what she said. Pregnant. Me. I shook my head and handed the kit back to her. “I just feel unwell. What you’re saying is impossible.”

“But Martha, you were the one who said something happened between you and that escort. What if he got you pregnant?” Tears rolled down my cheeks. Just the thought of it made me lose my mind. I snatched the pregnancy kit from Gracie’s hand.

“Let’s see.” I stood up from the bed and headed straight to the bathroom. I can’t be pregnant. There’s no way I could be pregnant. I tried the pregnancy kit, and with my eyes closed, I waited for a few minutes to pass. I couldn’t even look at the result.

I held onto the edge of the bathroom sink, still sitting on the toilet lid. Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked at the line on the monitor. Positive. I held back my tears.

My hands were still shaking. This can’t be. I can’t be pregnant. I tossed the pregnancy kit aside and left the bathroom. Gracie was waiting for me at the edge of the bed, anxious about what I would say. I just looked at her with sadness and fear.

“How can I raise it?”

Grace embraces me immediately.

“Oh, Martha. I'm here. I'll help you raise it.”

“I don't have anything to offer this child. I'm not ready for this.”

I tapped her arms and wipe her tears.

“You are a mom now. You have to be brave.”