Bella sighed. This is not a story that can be told casually. She feels a sense of extreme shame right now to have to tell a stranger that she wants to have an abortion. But the worst would be, of course, to tell her the reasons for her decision.
Rape.
Indeed, Bella knows that even if it is not her fault, that she is only an innocent victim of the barbarism and bestiality of this man, rape is still badly perceived in their society. And it's never the fault of the rapist which is engaged. She had to witness this in her neighborhood with the women who had suffered this despicable act.
People looked at them with judgment and others didn't even hesitate to blame them for their aggression.
In this sense, she knows full well that there is a chance that she will be judged by this woman, but there she has no choice.
There is no longer any question of honor or morals here. This is her future and she is ready to do anything to preserve it.
"Hmm, Tìa…I…" Bella started before stopping. She feels so pressured and uncomfortable. But still, she doesn't want to turn around. She's a woman like her, she'll understand her.
Bella felt the woman's hand on hers before she looked up and found a soft, motherly look on her. It reminded her of her mother's one that she left in Acalpuc* and Bella felt bad.
She does it for her mother, her family, she mustn't bring them shame.
She shook the woman's hand with both trembling hands before speaking.
"Tìa, I need your help. It's a matter of life and death," Bella spoke with closed-eyed milking.
Bella felt the woman's hand land on hers as she finally opened her eyes.
"Calm down my little one… breathe and tell me what's wrong".
The woman's voice was reassuring which gave Bella more peace of mind. This woman looks nice.
Bella sighed deeply before starting to tell her hardships to the woman. As she progressed through the story, she could see the woman's face changing expressions; ranging from anger to sadness through a revolted mood.
She didn't say a word or comment. She just listened along, shaking her head from time to time. She listened and Bella thought maybe it would be okay.
Bella finished her story as the woman, with a miserable face caressed her cheek before hugging her.
"Oh ninã, you must have suffered struggling alone like that…"
Bella started crying, releasing the weight she had been carrying for days. She had finally been able to confide in someone and this person was not judging her. It is something unexpected.
Bella cried for who knows how long before wiping her face and looking at the woman.
"I came to this town to have an abortion. But I need an adult, that's why I came to see you Tìa…I would like you to help me by playing the role of my mother"
Bella spoke looking the woman in the eye. Her gaze was beseeching and finally, the woman sighed.
Bella smiled thinking that the woman had taken her side in this dark story and then the woman put her hand on Bella's before speaking.
"I'm sorry kiddo but I really can't help you"
Bella's heart broke, she felt like it had fallen into her stomach. For what? She thought this woman sympathized with her situation though.
"I…I'm ready to pay you. Your price will be mine," Bella announced in a panicked voice.
If this woman refuses to help her, she will have to look for another person and she is not sure that she has the same courage to tell this person about her misfortunes.
"Please…" Bella pleaded as the woman cupped her chin.
"Calm down ninã, calm down" she tried to calm Bella but the latter seemed beside herself.
"I can't…I can't go home with this pregnancy…they're going to hate me…please," Bella panicked, putting her hands to her head. She looked hysterical and the woman sighed before grabbing Bella's hands and clapping their palms hard.
This had the merit of calming the teenager who recovered before looking up at the woman.
"Calm down now? So let me explain why I can't help you the way you want"
The woman moaned before grabbing Bella's shoulders.
"First, I'm sure to be asked for my papers, and they'll know I'm not your mother. It could get the attention of this clinic's staff and the cops can be called." The woman stopped short to point at the thumb clinic.
"This clinic is very high-end, you know. They are very strict on their policy and if they find out that you want to cheat on them, they will call the police and your parents will be notified… I don't think that they would be happy to learn that their daughter is pregnant this way."
The woman stood up taking Bella's hand before straightening her.
"Come with me, I want to show you something".