It has been 3 days without news.Not even a phone call or SMS. Joshua has never failed to give her a call all these while. The thought of him made Marie’s lips curved into a blissful smile yet the loneliness framed her forehead with tormented frown. Until when will I have to wait? She pondered while gentle caressing her bulging stomach. The image of Joshua at the staircase, hugging her tightly, whispering into her ears with promises which she has yearns for months. The image still freshly tinted her mind, like it has just happened minutes back.
Maybe he is busy, or maybe he’s trying very hard to convince her…or maybe she doesn’t want to let go…Maybe…Marie kept finding excuses for him not to call…thousands of maybe… still she couldn’t satisfy with her self-created excuses.
It has been three nerve-racking days she waited…waiting for a news which will bring joyous tears running down her cheeks, a news which has been anticipated for months… a news which end her miserable lonely nights and a news which will change her baby’s destiny- a recognition, a proud birthright of a legalized father.
Wait another day, just one more day. I’m sure he will call and give me an answer “Yes”, she convinced herself. I’ve been waiting for months, why not another day.
She picked up the phone and made some calls to her close friends, planning for an early celebration for her long awaited success. She took a long steamed bath, scrubbing off all her worries and doll herself sweetly in front of a long length mirror. Obviously, baby glow is hardly to be missed on her sweet 18-year-old face.
Though reluctantly she leaves the house, hoping to get a last minute surprise call, she reassured herself that everything will just turn out fine. From the front porch, she looked back at her tiny but comfy little house. Soon, the house will be merry with her husband and their precious little one. The thought of that brings gleam to her big brown eyes.
The moment Marie entered the Savannah restaurant, she spotted her group at one of the corners. They were all there waiting for her while devouring their favourite pick-me-up. Deborah, a newly-established artist in her sexy deep-V chiffon dress and exaggerated make-up looks ready to kill. Though she is not one of the best person you would like to hang up with, still Marie has been looking forward for this day to show off how blissfully happy she will be in future, rather than becoming a cheap artist living on someone’s else money by becoming a sex slave.
Laughing happily away next to Deborah is Steph, a down-to-earth litigator who has just begun her pathway to a promising career. She has always been a confidante to Marie when things turned out soar. Thick and thin, laughter and sorrow, she will always be there for her.
I could never make it to this day if not of her, Marie thought gratefully.
Betty’s waving interrupted her thoughts. Betty, an athletic-looking girl who is currently under a management trainee programme for a MNC. Having fun and no worries are her daily mantras. How I wish I can be like her…Marie admired silently as she waltzed through the walkway to her gang.
Deborah, as usual, exclaimed placidly on how great she looks and how the early motherhood glows on her face. Betty fussed around Marie and showed her eagerness towards her growing belly. Steph, who is always sweet and attentive to Marie’s inner needs, studied her expression all the way before making any assumption.
When they finally settled down, Steph is the one who brought up the issue, “So, how’s it going? What’s his decision?” Everyone waited for Marie’s answer which seemed like eternity. “Well, he’s going to file for divorce and move in with us,” she said with a note of proud. “Congratulations, Marie dear. Though he might not be the eligible bachelor I will ever look forward to, still I’m happy for both of you. At least the breed of yours here (pointing at her belly) will be a lawful one, “Deborah sneered. “Well, thank you, Debbie. That’s very nice of you. Yeah, it’s always make me feel secure with a man who can promise me a stable family…rather than hopping from men to men, bed to bed,” Marie snarled back. Deborah’s face was painted with red rage.
Seeing the tension building up like ripen volcano, Betty stepped in and changed the topic, “Well, Marie-bunny. Come on, you are going to be a mum, aren’t you excited?” Like a magic wand, the instant Marie think of her precious little one sleeping soundly inside her womb, all her rage and fire died. “Of course I am excited, Betty. I’ve always wanted my own children, you know that. I was filled with happiness and fear when I found out that I’m expecting his child. I’m scared that he will leave me but at the same time, I hope that this child can bring us to another stage, another level where we can start all over again as one family. When I broke the news to him, he was overwhelmed and hugged me tightly. You can almost feel his excitement by looking at his eyes.”
“So, did he tell you when is he going to file for the divorce?” Steph enquired.
“Yes, he told me that he’s going back home to break the news to his wife. So, he asked me to give him a few days off to settle the matters. Before he left, he hugged me again and asked me to wait for him.”
“Good, so when are you guys are planning for a big ceremony?” Deborah asked bitterly, still unsatisfied with Marie’s remark just now.
“Well, don’t worry. We’ll have a delicate plan on that and I won’t forget to send you an invitation card. How could I ever miss my favourite name on the list, my dear?” Marie replied sarcastically.
Deborah sank into her couch, silently admitted her defeat. Marie won triumphantly.
As they continue chatting and busying over the preparation of her wedding reception and the arrival of the newborn, Marie’s phone rang. She looked at the name of the caller and still for a second. Finally! She thought. She calmed herself down and slowly pushed the green button.
“Yes, darling. I’ve been waiting for nights,” she pouted.
The caller took a deep breath and huskily replied with a heavy sigh, “Hon, there is something I need to tell you.
This is it. The words that I’ve long for finally arrived. “I’m listening, dear,” Marie answered sweetly.
There was a long pause before the word, “I’m sorry, Marie baby.”
Marie, who is on the other side of the line, still haven’t get the clue, fishing for more words from her beloved man while winking at her friends who sat there, anxiously waiting to see the victory expression from her heart-shaped face. “What is it you are sorry for dear? I know I sounded angry but I’m not. I’m just anxious to hear from you. How’s it, baby?”
“I was about to break the news to her. I really was. But…I couldn’t. She has been through thick and thin with me all these while…and…she’s pregnant. I couldn’t leave her just because of my selfishness.”
Marie couldn’t believe what she’s hearing. Gathering up her courage, she faked a smile to her friends and said shakily, “I can’t hear you, baby. I think the line is congested here. … Why don’t you come over to my place tonight to tell me in person…for the good news?”
“I’m sorry, baby. I don’t think we should continue seeing each other. I need to be fair to her. I just wish to tell you how much I’m sorry. Will you please understand and forgive me?”
Marie could no longer control her tears. Drops of despair started to roll down her beautiful face. Yet, she managed to force a smile on her face, hiding her anguish from her friends. Steph and Betty smiling to each other, nodding in agreement by assuming the positive answer from Marie’s demeanor.
“Of course I will, honey bee. I always will. Just don’t forget that I have an appointment for ultrasound tomorrow, okay? I’ll be waiting for you” she whimpered over tears.
“What?...Marie, Do you get what I mean?..I mean we should not…”
“Josh darling,” she cut him off. “The line is really bad. I don’t think I can hear you. I’m having a great time with my buddies here. We’ll talk tonight, okay? Love you lots! Bye”
Marie switched off the phone and the cheers from her friends flooded in. Steph gave her a big warm hug. Marie’s tears started to flow uncontrollably by now.
Deep inside, she couldn’t help by asking herself… What should I do now? What should I do now? ...
