chapter 4

Chapter 4

Maya POV

"Why aren't you packed yet?" He snapped as he stormed into the room. "The flight leaves in five hours. You should have been done"

"I'm not feeling too good" I managed to say, keeping my gaze low. That wasn't a lie.

 I wasn't feeling good but I couldn't bring myself to tell him the full truth.

Alex let out a scoff, his arms crossed. "Sick huh? Is that another excuse to drag your feet so you can stay?" He shook his head. 

Alex let out a scoff and crossed his arms. 

"Sick huh? You're always lazing around, barely lifting a finger and you want me to believe you're sick?" He seethed with rage. 

"You're leaving this afternoon whether you want to or not.

 I'll drive you to the airport myself and see to your departure." 

He stormed off

I summoned the last bit of energy I had, dragging myself around the room to pack up what I could. 

The nap didn't help me like I expected and I felt worse. I checked my temperature. It was 38.1°, which worried me.I reached for my drug but stopped midway.

Could I even take medicine now? Would it be safe for the baby?

.Just as I reached for my phone to research safe remedies, a fresh wave of nausea crashed over me. 

“Not done yet?”

Alex's voice rang out from the bedroom, and I wiped off my tears and pulled myself to my feet, struggling to keep my balance as I walked out of the bathroom .

“Are you even listening to me?” he snapped. 

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed a handful of clothes and shoved them into the suitcase. “We don’t have time for this.”

With one hand gripping my suitcase and the other pulling me by the arm, Alex steered me down the stairs. 

As we reached the car, I stole a glance back at the house, the place I’d called home for so long.

He didn't even skimp a glance at me before starting the engine.

The drive to the airport was a blur. My mind reeled with thoughts of the baby, and how I'd manage alone. 

Telling Alex now seemed impossible; he'd likely reject the idea of being a father or, worse, suggest an abortion. 

No, I decided, it's better to keep this secret to myself. 

When we finally arrived at the airport, Alex parked the car but didn’t bother to get out. 

Mr. Jenkins, his assistant, helped me out of the car and took my suitcase.

 "Grandma Loretta asked me to inform you that she'll transfer some funds to your account," he said gently. “She hopes you'll call her once you arrive safely."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I nodded, grateful for Grandma Loretta's kindness.

As Mr. Jenkins escorted me to the security check, I glanced back at Alex's car. 

He was still seated, his eyes fixed on his phone.

No goodbye, no acknowledgment. It was as if I was already gone.

Once through, I found a quiet corner and sat down, staring at the departure board. My flight number was listed, ready to take me away from everything I knew.

 

I wrapped my arms around my stomach, cradling the tiny life growing within me. 

I was alone now, I was leaving everything behind—my life, my dignity, and now, my secret

    

              *********

ONE MONTH LATER

I sat patiently on my unmade bed, waiting for my roommate, Jasmine, to finish her phone call but the minutes dragged in forever.

 “Either treat me like the star I am, or good luck finding someone else who can handle you.”

 Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she hung up and tossed her phone onto the bed with a huff.

“Uh, hey, do you have a minute?” I asked, my heart racing.She shrugged, flipping through her phone. “Make it quick. I’ve got stuff to do.”

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself. “I was wondering if you could help me with my rent this month. I’m struggling.”

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed,“Seriously? I already helped you out last month. 

Do you think I’m just a bank for you? Maybe you need to rethink that dance class of yours. 

I mean,? If you have no money you shouldn’t study art.”

Her words put me like a slap in the face. 

 Dancing is one thing that makes me feel alive 

With that, she grabbed her phone and stalked off, leaving me alone with her words still ringing in my ears. 

My account was frozen, and I had no idea why.

For the past month, I’d been juggling part-time jobs, trying to make ends meet while studying. 

I’d even sold some of my cherished belongings, but it was barely enough.

 If things didn’t improve soon, I would have to quit school altogether.

Frustrated, I tried to call Grandma Loretta once more, but as expected, it went straight to voicemail. 

I touched my pregnancy bump gently, remembering my upcoming check-up. 

I needed to prioritize my health and that of my baby, but my financial situation was dire.

I took a deep breath.

I guess I had to call Alex now.

My heart raced. 

 I wasn't expecting him to pick up so quickly. 

“Hello?” His deep, familiar voice called out, and a shiver ran down my spine. 

 This was him, the man I'd spent my entire life loving.

“Hello?” He said again, breaking through my thoughts.

“Hi, Alex,” I managed to say, “I was wondering if you could tell me if Grandma changed her phone number. I... I need to talk to her.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Alex sneered, “I told Grandma to change her number to avoid you bothering her.”

My heart sank. “Why would you do that?” I asked, incredulity lacing my tone.

“Because you’re a burden, Maya. I don't want you stressing her out.”

"And why did you call?" His tone was cold and detached.