Carrie
No, no, no. No.
That can’t be right.
“Carrie?” I looked up at my Dad, my mind in jeopardy. “When did you and Frank get intimate? Why don’t you want to get married then?”
Uh? Intimate? Frank?
Wh-What is my old man talking about?
My father must have sensed that I was not ready to give him a response, so he faced Frank who had been busy pressing his phone with rigour until the news bomb was dropped.
“Frank...” As my Father called the man, my eyes that were squinted out of fear darted in the his direction. “You never told me you and Carrie finally hit it off.”
“Hit what off?”
Oh my. My dad is going to lose it soon. Oh, I am eternally doomed.
Excitedly, my father replied to Frank, saying, “Didn’t you hear? Carrie is pregnant.” His dark eyes shined brighter than they ever have and the happiness my father was displaying made him look pitiful. “Frank, this calls for celebration. This is-”
“Sir…” An air of darkness overpowered Frank’s stance. Before he continued, his eyes met mine, he jerked his brows in question and while I held his gaze, I could feel my inner soul crumbling so much that I ground my teeth to keep myself sane. “Your daughter and I have never gotten intimate. In fact, until this moment, I never knew what she looked like in person.”
Oh, my sweet Lord. I am done for.
“Wh-What?” I could sense my father’s anger building up. But when he turned to face me and I saw that the fury had overpowered his face, I almost let out a cry. That urge to cry intensified when he called me, a strain in his voice to show his pain. “C-Carrie… What is the meaning of this?”
“Dad...”
“Carrie, how?”
“Dad I...”
“That night...” His fingers ticked as he reluctantly gathered his words. “Th-That night you ran away, what happened?”
“Dad I...”
“Carrie... Tell me, what happened?” His demand was strong, my soul felt more tremor.
“I uh...” I gulped while my legs cautiously began to take small steps backwards. “I met this man and we uh... I uh...”
“You had sex with a stranger.” My father had a sarcastic smile on his thin lips. “Carrie!” I jolted. “You were going to get married, but what? You went to have sex with a stranger.” He laughed hard and my heart squeezed.
“Dad...”
He stopped me with his hand. “Now you are pregnant. Pregnant, Carrie!” I jolted again. “Pregnant. My daughter is fucking pregnant.” Despite the strength in his voice, I could read my father’s sorrow. I could see how the sides of his eyes wrinkled occasionally to pinch his tears away. My actions have finally broken my father’s heart and now… I have finally broken my soul.
“Dad...” Everyone in the room planted their eyes on me. They were waiting for my excuse, for me to clear the issue on ground. But that’s the issue. There’s nothing to clear.
If by a tiny chance, the hospital result isn’t fabricated, then I am indeed pregnant.
But what kind of stupid girl am I? If I was going to forget to use contraceptives, I should have let that gorgeous stranger do things his way.
Argh! Fuck, fuck, fuck!
I am so stupid.
Straightening his depressed back, my father exhaled loudly and dragged me out of my chaotic thoughts as he said, “This is the last straw, Carrie, Now you have to do things my way.”
“Dad?” I knew within me that his upcoming words wouldn’t be something I would like in any way. But I have brought this terrible moment upon myself.
“I am going to give you two options to choose from, Carrie. You either find the man responsible for this pregnancy and when you do, have him take care of you.” My mouth fell open. “Or get married to Frank now, with or without the pregnancy.”
“But Dad...”
“I am giving you a week to find this man. Once that window is over and you have nothing, I am marrying you off. You are not a daughter I want to see around.”
“But how do you expect me to find him? I don’t even know-”
“Steve, take Carrie to the hospital and do another pregnancy test to be sure.” My father had already reached the stage where he never listens to whatever anyone says. Never.
So I knew. I knew that my father’s back had turned on me. He just needed to nail the coffin he has set up and soon, I will become nothing in his eyes.
The mere thought of becoming a stranger in my father’s eyes made my heart tug in a way it had never done before. Biting into my lower lip, while trying to fight my tears, I was considering getting down on my knees to beg him when his voice filled the room again.
“Carrie.” My head came up. “If you are truly pregnant, you know what to do. You have two choices.”
“Dad please...”
A few steps forward, and my Dad was standing very close to me, his eyes peering deeply into mine. “I am very disappointed in you, Carrie. Very disappointed.”
The cry I had been trying to stifle dropped from my lips and my heart felt a million weights dragging it to the depth of a dark hole inside me. My heart broke so much that my knees refused to function well.
So, slowly, I dropped onto the cold floor and as I did, my eyes fell on Frank, who didn’t spare me a lengthy glance.
As my father walked out, he followed. And soon, the room was empty and all I could hear in my head was my father telling me that he was disappointed.
My father has never said that to me. Not once. Not even when I exhibited the most mischievous acts. Not even when he had to save me from the deepest of troubles.
Well, it seems this moment is the deepest of my troubles. Staring at the tiled floor, I placed a hand on my stomach which was supposedly housing another soul. Then, I wondered how things were going to be like from then on.
I sighed deeply at that question. Because things are definitely not going to be good.
~~~
Another test revealed that I was truly pregnant.
Ha ha.
The universe is trying hard to play a fast one on me. Because, with my father’s laid down options, I am already in a tight spot and there is no possible way I can find Alessandro.
But that doesn’t mean I am not willing to search for Alessandro. I will even hunt him down if necessary. I will stalk him until I find him because I desperately don’t want to get married to Frank.
But one week is barely enough to find the man whose baby is growing inside me.
But, as I said, I am willing to search for him. And that’s why I am presently staring at the tallness of the hotel he took me to. So, now, I have to hope that he is there.
“Do you think you will find him there?” Gary broke into my thoughts. He was wearing the look of pity everyone but my father has been throwing my way since they heard of my situation.
“I hope I do. How is it going with the search?” Gary was carrying out his own search. It is a long process, but it is likely to be fruitful at the end of the year.
“Trust me, Carrie. There are thousands of Alessandro and we are yet to go through a quarter of the list.”
My lips formed a smear, my hand went to my belly and the thought that I was pregnant befell me.
Alongside the pity everyone carried, I could decipher their question of whether or not I would keep the baby.
Truthfully, I will keep the baby.
I am aware that it is nearly impossible to find Alessandro within a week, especially if he no longer stays in the hotel. So, if I am to get married to Frank, I will need a companion and that will be the baby inside me.
At least, a kind of genuine love will exist between my baby and me and maybe I will learn how to become a better person.
Seconds later, I pulled out of my thoughts. After taking a deep sigh, I faced my bodyguard and appreciated him for helping me. Soon, I got down from the vehicle and approached the huge building which looked a bit different in my eyes. Well, maybe that’s because it was nighttime the first time I got a view of the building.
With further haste, I went to the reception and approached the front desk.
“Hi.”
The tall lady with her hair in an adorable bob raised her head from the computer system in front of her. “Good day, ma’am. How may I help you?”
“Uh... I am looking for someone. About four weeks ago, I came with him to this hotel and I need to check if he is still around.”
“Can I know his name?”
“Alessandro Something. I don’t know his full name.”
For a second, she gave me a questioning look. “Do you remember the room he lodged in?”
“I believe it was 305.” I should credit my brain for being active at a time like this.
“Okay...” The keyboard at the base of her fingers sang as she rapidly inputted something. “Uh... That should be Mr. Alessandro Valante you are asking of.”
A little shrug came from me as I said, “I guess. Is he still around?”
“Unfortunately, he signed out last week.” Oh no. “But he left a couple of complimentary cards with us in case someone came looking for him.”
“Yes, please. I would like that.” Maybe I have some hope after all.
She reached for one of the small glass boxes laid on the polished wooden bar and handed me one of the cards inside it. “That is his office location. Maybe you will find him there.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“You are welcome.” As I turned to help myself out, I felt a little ache in my legs which caused me to quickly grip the edge of the table before I could reach the floor. “Are you okay?” she asked with concern.
“Yeah...” Repeated and loud exhales escaped me as I waited for the pain to subside. When it did, I faced the woman with a smile and said, “I guess I am a little tired.”
“Do take care of yourself, please.” In this trying time I have found myself, her words made me feel warm, even if for a moment. So I appreciated her.
And, when I was sure that I wasn’t going to crash onto the floor, I walked out, my eyes intently studying the card in my hand.
Looking at the card made a flicker of hope grow inside me because it looked as though I would get a chance to avoid the greatest punishment of all time.
CarrieThe next day, I found myself at the location indicated on the card the hotel’s receptionist gave me. The huge building that was supposedly Alessandro’s company was an architectural firm built in solitude, far away from most business buildings in that area.This time, Gary was not available, so I had to take a taxi and walk some distance before I got to the building.Soon, I walked past the gates and towards the building that was constructed uniquely and technically. Well, it is expected of such a firm to be unique about the construction of their building.But is it strange that I think their building looks like a jug that has been sliced in half?Oh well…I entered a room that was empty save for some chairs that lay beside a staircase that ran all the way up.Well, I am definitely not climbing it.So, I turned to my left and walked to the elevator and a few seconds later, I was led into a chilly room.“Good afternoon,” I called the attention of the man behind the desk who had c
Alessandro“Spit it out,” I ordered while I tried hard to stay calm in the midst of chaos.“Mm…Mmm Mmm…” The bastard kneeling in front of me uttered incoherent words and I lost it. He has been hoarding something important inside his mouth and since it was something he would be unable to swallow, he made sure to keep his mouth.But I don’t have time for such games.So, I faced the butler beside me and reached for the gun he deliciously presented on his gold tray.With charisma in my action, I toyed with the weapon for some minutes. My eyes tinged with joy as I ran my fingers through the blackness of the gun and I began to feel the rush I hadn’t felt in weeks.My impatient self faced the bastard and the fear in his eyes told me that I was already torturing him.Of course, in the face of a deadly weapon, fear is only normal.But you know what? I consider fear an annoying reaction.People tremble in the worst ways when they are caught doing things they shouldn’t be doing and I find that h
CarrieI know I have never been too keen on getting married but there were times I imagined living a great deal of my life with someone else. I sometimes went as far as picturing how magical the wedding ceremony would be.So if the twenty-one-year-old-college-me sees what I am doing right now, she will drop dead for several minutes like the dramatic girl she is.The more I walked down the corridor that was supposed to lead to the open space where my wedding was located, the more my feet dragged.With each passing second, the reluctance to get through that moment grew and that reluctance reached my legs so much that it began to feel as though stones were set in their soles.But do I have a choice?Even if it takes a whole day to arrive at my destination, I will still get married.My father made sure to send several messages to drill that particular truth into my mind. He also said that even though I was not deserving of it, he was going to allow me to use the outdoor venue he booked fo
CarrieWithout stopping to look back, I stormed into my room. But beyond my anger were the tears I have been trying to hold back since I realised Alessandro Valante would never reply to my messages.So, by the time I was standing in front of my dresser, my hands had become shaky and my eyes were very red.“Carrie! What exactly is wrong with you?” My father barged in after, and my mom followed quietly.“I don’t know, Dad.” Before I faced him, I managed to tuck my feebleness to the side. “Everything?”“Carrie, I will not have you act this way.”“What way? What?” I tendered my palms in question. “Is it so wrong to throw up? Is it wrong that I was sorry for throwing up? I shouldn’t be sorry for throwing up, I am pregnant!”“Don’t you raise your-”“You know what Dad, since you want to support Frank so much, since he wasn’t wrong to shout at me because of some cheap shoe, why don’t you get married to him? I am sure Mom won’t mind having a man as a rival just like she did not years ago.”“Ca
Alessandro“Pass. Too much lipstick, is she trying to cook with that much oil?”“Are you trying to murder me? I haven’t eaten all day?” As he tossed the pictures I gave him to the side, Eduardo pouted and gave his stomach a rub to show that he was hungry.One would think that I kept him captive for days and refused to feed him. Well, I did keep him by my side for a couple of days.After a sigh, I reached for my phone, tossed it at him, and said, “Order something for yourself.”“Nice. What about you?” His excitement quickly turned to worry and I appreciated how much he cared about the state of my stomach. “You haven’t eaten anything reasonable in days.”“When do I ever eat anything reasonable?” came my solemn question. “I have dipped myself in too much shit that I can’t enjoy any meal anymore.”Eduardo began to tap away on my phone. “You need to eat something regardless. We can’t spend all day trying to find you a potential wife without eating.”Yes. I am going to follow the wishes of
Carrie“I am surprised you are not trying to get rid of this baby,” my doctor friend, Rachel, said. Rachel is a friend I have had since I was five. Our families lived beside each other and even though the bond both families formed has now tarnished, Rachel and I take it upon ourselves to continue what could not be finished.“I can’t.” I sank into the chair. “I need the company.” The ginger-haired lady in front of me smiled. “What?” I frowned.“You know this baby changes everything right?”“It already has.”“And the father?”“A handsome stranger who isn’t replying to the messages I left him.”“He might still reply.”I scoffed. “Yeah right. And he will save me from getting married,” I said sarcastically.She got up and grabbed a file. “Look at the bright side though.”“Which side?”“Your baby will come out beautiful.”I nodded in agreement as I replayed Alessandro’s face in my head. Not realising that I was already wearing a smile, I replied almost quietly, “I am glad I have this baby.”
CarrieMy head swirled and my heart thudded. As though I just saw a ghost, I looked ahead in shock while my back stayed glued to the surface of the door behind me.But... wait. Why should I be this way? Why should I cower as though I am owing the man on the other side a huge sum of money?I mean…My knees adjusted their crookedness and I stood upright while a pondering look etched itself on my face.… even though it was almost a month late, the father of my child is finally at my door.“Carrie Edwards. I am sure you remember me. Open the door,” his voice ordered from the other side and I almost found myself rushing to do as he said.But no, I need to gather my thoughts first.For starters, I will let him know his presence is not needed. When it was desperately needed, he did not reply to his messages because he was on Mars or wherever he was.After that, I will get rid of him. Having him linger around the house will be a bad thing for me and the baby.Okay, I know that makes no sense.
Carrie“Miss Edwards…?”“D-Do you think this is a joke?” I managed to ask.“Is it?”“How can you move in with me? That’s… absurd.”“Then come with me. Leave this place and come with me.”“No.”He gave a small nod. “Then it is settled. I will be living with you from now on.”Suddenly, a piece of luggage I failed to notice earlier came into view and Alessandro Valante prepared to drag it into the house. But I blocked his way. Well, I was able to successfully do that because he let me block him.“Mr. Valante.” My smile became wider. ” I told you that I am fine. I don’t need you.”“You are the mother of my unborn child, Miss Edwards. I am not comfortable with leaving you here alone.” He let go of the luggage’s extensive handle to quickly draw up the sleeves of his slightly loose tee shirt. Now that I see it, he kind of looks sexy in casual wear.I guess he is a man that looks good no matter what he wears.Oh my goodness… Why is my mind derailing again?While urging myself to stay focused,