chapter 5

Chapter 5

Maya 

I bit my lower lip as I pondered on Alex's question. I contemplated hanging up due to his harsh tone but I decided against it. I needed the money. 

“I called because I haven't been receiving any living expenses since I got here.” 

I was slightly ashamed as soon as the words left my mouth, but there's nothing else I can do. 

I heard Alex chuckle from the other end. 

“Of course, you called to ask for money,” he drawled

 " Can you not be a burden for Once? You should have gotten the memo by now. No more allowance for you because you don't deserve it."

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. I was about to reply him when he said, 

“And don't you ever call me for something like this ever again. I have important things to do, a company to run.” He ended to call before I could say anything else.

 

I stared at the phone confused, but not surprised. It seemed like life has a way of making me feel as though I was not meant to be in this world.

It was still a shock that his love changed into this much hate.

However, I had only one thing giving me hope. 

I stretched my hands towards my belly, rubbing it gently.

"Momma loves you, okay?" I uttered, smiling gently

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

The train stopped at the station and everyone was trying to get off. I waited for the crowd to cool down a bit before I alighted from the train. An impatient man can't come from behind me and shoved me aside harshly. 

I felt so lightheaded.as I staggered.

 That was until someone held me from behind, steadying my movement.

“Are you okay?” I heard a feminine voice say. 

I looked up to see a pair of blue eyes, staring at me with concern. It's been a while since someone stared at me like that. With care. 

“Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you. I just need to sit down.” I said. 

She helped me sit on the bench a few meters away. I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen and I winced slightly. 

“Ma’am, is something wrong? You don't look fine.” The young lady asked with concern. 

“No, nothing is wrong.” I paused slightly. I wasn't sure if I should continue to the real reason I was here in the first place. 

“I was actually trying to get to the hospital.” I added after a second. 

“Let me take you if you don't mind. It's only around the corner. It's not quite far.” 

Before I could answer her, another sharp pain gripped me and I let out a wince. The lady took it as a sign and decided to help me to the hospital. 

A sad smile tugged at the corner of my lips. We walked to the waiting room. 

“Are you here for a regular check-up? Is your husband with you?” She asked. 

I couldn't give her an actual response. I couldn't tell her that I had been abandoned by the only family I call my own. It was ironic how a stranger I met by the side of the road is helping me to the hospital, instead of the father of my child. 

The young lady stared at me expectantly. 

“My husband is out of town, and I don't have any close relatives nearby.” I replied vaguely. 

Thankfully, before she could say anything else, her phone started ringing. 

“Oh! I'm sorry, but I have to go now.” She said, looking apologetic. 

“It's okay. Thank you so much for helping me.” 

“It's a pleasure. It was also nice meeting you.” She said and flashed me a smile. 

The constant ringing of her phone cut off anything she wanted to say next. I could sense it was an emergency. 

Not long after she left, a nurse came and told me it was my turn to see the doctor. 

“Ma'am, you need to be hospitalized immediately. Your delivery date is due soon and we need to keep a close eye on you.” The doctor said after he performed some tests on me. 

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and forced a smile on my face. I wasn't going to come to the hospital for admission. I couldn't afford the hospital bills. I had a lot of bills piling up already. But I had to let the doctor down gently. 

“Okay doctor, I'll come soon.” I said. 

I stood up and walked out of the doctor's office, my head swirling with thoughts.

.

.

.

I got down at the station when I decided to walk the rest of the way home. The shelter home I was staying in was only a few blocks away.

 I wanted to use the time to clear my head and think. 

After I moved out of the apartment I shared with Jasmine, I moved into a shelter home for poor immigrants and the homeless. It wasn't very conducive, but it was all I needed. The rent was pretty affordable.

True to his words, Alexander hadn't reached out to me since our last phone call eight months ago, and neither had Grandma Loretta. 

I used most of my money to get ready for the baby.

 Now I don't have enough for the hospital and other important things. 

Being pregnant made it hard for me to work, so I don't have as much money coming in.

A thought ran across my mind. I could sell some of my leftover items in the house. It wasn't new or flashy, but it would at least fetch some money I would use to survive with my baby for a while. 

At least before a miracle happened.

 It wouldn't fetch much, but it will sustain me for a while. If I get enough, I might even consider being under medical care. 

I increased my pace as I walked towards the shelter home, excited with my new solution. 

The shelter home came into full view, I saw a small crowd gathered in front of it. I was shocked to see the building engulfed in flames. 

I broke into a run, approaching the shelter home as fast as I could with my heavy pregnancy bump. 

No! No! It can't be. 

Everything was inside that building. The money I saved up, the furniture I wanted to sell. I couldn't just watch my whole life go up in flames, I needed to try and save them. 

I ran into the burning building without giving it much thoughts. But I wasn't quick enough and was dragged back by some people .

“Let me go.” I yelled and tried to wiggle free but more people held me down.

"I crumpled, overcome by tears. The universe seemed determined to thwart me at every turn.

 

The air suddenly grew thick and it became hard to breathe. I tried to gather some air but I couldn't. 

“She is losing consciousness!”

“Somebody call 911!” 

Those were the last things I heard before everything went black.