Martina POV
“Are you hearing yourself? You are going to give away your children? What kind of mother are you?” Marie hissed.
She was shaking her head and looking at me like she did not know me anymore.
Tears brimmed my eyes. “You think I am that cruel?”
Marie remained silent.
I felt like I had to fill the air to explain.
“I think I was doing the best for all the people I love. I don’t deserve them.”
Marie’s face contorted.
&n
Martina POV“Your baby’s first molars are coming out. It usually happens between 13 and 19 months.” The doctor concluded after checking up on Marky.“What about his twin?” I asked and looked at Macy.She and Marky were playing, but she looked gloomy and not her usual sunny self.“Oh, she does not have a fever. But let’s go see her, too.”The doctor checked her up as well. Apart from that, the doctor advised for blood and urine tests for both kids.“Just to be on the safe side.” He assured me.&nb
Martina POV“It’s good you have decided to stay with the kids,” Marie approvingly commented when she knocked on my door a while later. I pulled a face and gestured to my twins hanging on to me like Koala bears. Their arms clung to my neck and legs. “How can I go like this? I could not even leave them to p*e.” I complained, laughing a little at my predicament. “The kids missed you. Since they were born, you were by their side. Taking a job with your ex took a toll on them, too.”Her remark made me feel guiltier. But I have no choice. I have to work so the three of us will survive. The money I saved before went to finance my pregnancy, and I had to move around a lot to evade my family. I heard they were looking for me.“Don’t take it to heart, Martina. I am just stating a fact. I do not doubt if given a choice, you would stay by their side.” Marie added.She tapped my shoulder in assurance.Marie must have sensed the guilty look on my face and was quick to retract her words.I am
Martina POVEmpty beer cans and whiskey bottles that littered the floor were what greeted me the moment I got inside Marcus’ apartment unit.My nose twitched. Not because the room stinks but because of something else. Seeing Marcus looking like this, I felt deep regret washed over me. Why have we come to this, Marcus?I lifted my head toward the ceiling, taking in a moment of clarity, but couldn’t because Marcus’ state glared at me. I felt deep sadness for what I have done. I wanted to blame fate, but who am I kidding? It was all my fault. I was a horrible person for doing this to the man I love. I hurt him. So bad. I thought it was the best choice to leave him. I thought leaving him would spare him from my family's evilness. I did not believe that he would suffer in this magnitude. My babies did not know their father. I was alone caring for Marky and Macy. I deprived my son and daughter of their father because I thought I was saving him from my family’s evil intention, bu
Martina POV“Stop!” My mother cried, but I refused to relent and give her an inch. I was deluded once into thinking that I matter to them. Now, I realized more than ever that I never had any place in their family except as an accessory to their evil deeds. I had enough. I am done with it!In my hurry, I was not aware of where I was going. I just let my feet carry me.My vision blurred with tears.Thankfully, even if my mind was not fully functioning, I arrived at Marcus's apartment building unscathed. “Martina!” Confused and disoriented, I screamed in fright when someone latched at my arm. Then, when strong arms wrapped around my trembling body, I started to thrash around like a mad person. “Let me go! You b*stard!” I cried, arms flailing to the side and kicking whoever had the gall to touch me. Then I felt his arms grab the balls of my shoulders, and he started shaking me. When I got my focus, I was shocked to see Marcus’ face.He looked clean-shaven and freshly showered,
Martina POVThe kind expression on his face was like a magnet that drew me out.For the first time in years, I now have the chance to tell Marcus what was in my heart and mind.“You knew that I grew up in an orphanage, right?”When he nodded, I swallowed the lump in my throat.Reliving those past years leaves an ache in my chest. I feel suffocated by the memories.“Every time children line up before potential families for adoption, and I won’t be selected, I feel rejected. I wanted to have a family. I craved it so much.”
Martina POV“Marcus!” Briana walked in on us while Marcus was trying to console me.I failed to notice that the door to his unit opened because I was too focused on Marcus.I latched on to him, taking solace in the warmth of his body, wanting more.But Briana’s unannounced appearance was like a dousing of cold water, especially when I saw the expression on her face.She was so livid when she saw me.If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now.Marcus and I pulled apart. We were b
Martina POVThe silence that enveloped us after Briana left was deafening.Marcus and I looked at each other.“I am sorry,” I said, full of remorse.The siblings should not be arguing because of me. Now, their relationship was strained.Briana and Marcus used to be thick as thieves. I saw their bond grow for years.“Go and talk to your sister. Don’t let this misunderstanding create a gap in your relationship.” I told him, feeling a constriction in my chest.While I was happy that Marcus defended me and took my side, I did not want to complicate his relationship with his sister or any of his other siblings. Their bond was admirable, especially when they found Briana. Her presence completed them.Moreover, Briana loves him and is only looking out for him.What he said must have hurt her, too.“You love Briana. She is your clo
Martina POVWhat he said had me worried.I was in a hospital, and judging from my surroundings, I was in an expensive suite.Alarm gripped me in worry.I can’t afford to pay the exorbitant fees here. If truth be told, I cannot be hospitalized.Hospital expenses would mean I will be buried deep in debt, and I can’t have that. I would rather save the money I will spend here for the children’s needs and expenses.“What are you doing?” Marcus asked, askance when I started pulling on the IV drip attached to my wrists.