Chapter 5

Mandy's POV

I bit my lips, hesitant to reveal my struggles to Lucas.

Finally, I decided to do it for the sake of the baby.

This was the only way.

“I've not received any living expenses like Grandma promised,” I said, feeling ashamed.

He scoffed.

“You called me after such a long time and that’s all you want to say? You’re such a parasite, always asking for money,” he said.

His voice was cold.

“But I need help, Lucas. Please,”

I pleaded out of desperation.

“I’ll send you some money but not right now,” he cut me off.

“But I…….”

“Also, don't bother me with trivial matters like this again. I have a company to run,” he said.

Before I could reply, he ended the call.

His words stung.

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes.

I laughed bitterly, ruminating over my actions.

Maybe I shouldn't have called him, I thought.

Hugging my pregnant bump, silent sobs shook my body.

Indeed, I was all alone in this world.

**********************

Eight months Later

**********************

I was coming out of the train at a crowded subway station when a young man bumped into me.

I almost fell over but he didn't stop to apologize.

“Rude human,” I yelled at him.

I bent down to pick up my stuffs that was lying around.

Just then a young woman, who seemed to be a few years older than me, ran to my aid.

“Are you okay?” She asked me and I nodded.

“Yes, thank you,” I replied.

“People around here are so rude. Sorry about that,” she said.

“Thank you,” I said again with a smile.

Then her eyes went to my protruded belly.

“Are you going to the hospital? I can take you if you don't mind,” she said.

I smiled bitterly, realizing how ironic my situation was.

The people I have relied on all my life, including Lucas and Grandma Claire, who shoulɗ be here, aren't.

Yet, a stranger is offering to help me to the hospital.

Life's irony, I thought.

“I do not want to bother you . Don't worry about that. I can find my way,” I answered.

“Oh no, you ain’t bothering me. I can escort you to the hospital,” the young lady said.

Eventually, I agreed and we walked out of the train station together.

As we walked to the hospital, we introduced ourselves and she said her name was Wendy.

“Are you going to the hospital for a regular checkup?” She asked me.

“Yes I am,” I answered.

“I'm sorry if this seems like I'm meddling but where is your husband in all of this?”

“Isn't he supposed to escort you to the hospital himself?” She asked, looking at me.

I simply forced a smile on my face. I didn't want to talk about it because I didn't want to remember the pain it has caused me.

“Ahhh, I understand. The father isn't in the picture,” she figured out.

There was a brief moment of unspoken words.

“But what kind of man would leave a woman in this kind of situation? A dude who wants to ditch diaper duty?” she said hilariously.

I couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a bit better.

Finally, we arrived at the hospital and parted ways.

I went into the hospital and had the checkup done.

When I was waiting for the result, the doctor asked me to see him in his office.

“Mandy, you're dangerously close to your delivery date. I think it's better if you're hospitalized.”

But I shook my head.

“No doctor, I think it's better I go home,” I said with a smile.

The doctor tried to speak again but I stopped him.

Staying at the hospital was for my own good but I just couldn't afford it.

I thanked the doctor and left the hospital.

On the train on my way back home, I couldn't stop thinking about how to gather enough money in preparation for the arrival of my baby.

I remembered an old piece of furniture I had bought a few months back for the baby.

Sadly I might have to sell it now.

It was a used item and it might not sell at a good price but I had to try.

Right now, I need all the money I can get.

When the train got to my destination, I got off and began to make my way back home.

I lived in a shabby ghetto home with some poor but kind immigrants.

When I was homeless after being thrown out of my former apartment, they welcomed me into their shabby home.

They took care of me and my unborn child with the little they had.

But as I drew closer to home, I noticed people were running towards the same direction I was heading to.

I looked up and saw dark smoke, filling the clouds.

I panicked as I ran in the same direction.

Getting to the house, I realized it was on fire.

My heart raced and I stood in shock.

The cash I had saved for the baby and the old piece of furniture I was thinking of selling on my way here were all in the house.

I rushed into the burning house without hesitation.

I had to save at least part of the savings.

But as I rushed towards the building, I was stopped by my roommates.

“Let me go, please! I have to go inside,” I cried.

“No Mandy! It's too dangerous,” they said.

“But all my things are in there. Please let me go,” I begged but still they held tightly onto me.

“Your life is more important,” they said.

If only they knew what I meant, I thought sadly.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched our things burn.

Just then, a severe stomachache gripped me, causing my consciousness to fade away.

I collapsed to the floor, although still a little bit conscious.

“Hurry up! She's about to give birth,” I heard someone yell.

Followed by the distant wail of an ambulance.

Suddenly, my world faded to black.