I squinted my eyes open. Pearl was right beside my bed as she talked on the phone with someone.
"Okay," Pearl said as the call disconnected.
"You are up? How are you feeling?" Pearl asked.
"Okay," I said. That was a big mistake on my part, as my throat immediately felt the repercussions of speaking.
"Don't speak, just nod yes for okay. It's good that you are fine. You don't need to worry about your condition; it's all good," Pearl said.
I inquiringly looked at Pearl, who smiled. "You are pregnant. I just told Henry; he was very excited and told me to take good care of you until he returns," she said.
I don't know why, but this piece of news didn't bring any excitement to me. I didn't have any good memories regarding the coming into existence of this pregnancy. However, I vowed to protect my child at all costs. I gently touched my belly. I guess this was my birthday gift this time around.
Henry came home the following day. He first talked to Pearl, then entered the room. He had previously told Demilia to shift all my clothes into the main bedroom again.
"You really bring me joy every time, Shiba," Henry said as he sat beside me, placing my hand in his.
"Dad and Mum already know about our baby. We shall soon tell Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. I bet they will be thrilled," Henry said.
"Alright, let's talk. I saw the news that was spread all over. Don't worry; the reporter will face the consequences of his actions. You, on the other hand, tsk, tsk, who do you think you are to look at Lilly in such a way, hm?" Henry said as he held my hand tightly, causing pain to penetrate my skin.
I tried to release my hands from his to no avail.
"This child saved you today. Lilly is indeed my true love; I don't intend to hide that matter from you, as it's not important to do so. Everyone in my family knows how I feel about her. However, she isn't aware. She has always been in poor health. If you do anything to cause her stress... no one will save you," Henry then stood up and left.
It was then that I discovered I had labored breath; my hands were held so tightly that they left a visible mark.
So what if Lilly was his first love? I didn't care. I wasn't one to be jealous, as I was raised contrary to that. What hurt me was that my child was not even worthy when it came to Lilly.
I called my brother and told him the news. He was so happy that he was going to become an uncle and promised to shower my child with whatever they needed. My sister was no different; she noted that her child would have playmates now, as she had already given birth to a baby boy.
Tanti said that she would become the child's godmother by default, and no one would ever bully them if she was around.
Her words brought back the shine that had dulled due to Henry's comments. Even though Henry didn't value this child's well-being, I had a family that would treasure it!
In my culture, a woman would return home one week after discovering her pregnancy. This was so that the mother could nurture her and provide advice regarding child-rearing and birth.
Henry didn't mind me going this time around; however, he warned me to think about what was good for my family. I knew he meant to keep every action of his hidden from my parents.
With Henry's character, I knew what he was capable of; however, he didn't have to worry about a thing. I would never put my family in danger.
I therefore traveled back to my parents' home. My mother was excited; she didn't stop asking me about Henry and how I was treated. I could now talk, but I was advised by Pearl not to strain my voice, as it might have permanent repercussions.
I just told her that I was fine and that she didn't need to worry. My father also came in with a smile as he praised my good luck, etc.
News had also spread online; some people on my page wished me good luck, but others still showered me with insults.
A day after my arrival, my sister came with her husband and child, and they wished me good luck. I asked her to let me carry my nephew. The baby was cute and lovely with a chubby body. I gently squeezed his cheek, causing him to smile lightly.
"He likes his aunt," Sima's husband commented as he hugged her. I could feel and see the genuine love between them; I was suddenly envious of their relationship.
My brother also arrived. He bought children's toys, clothes, etc., both for boys and girls, telling me that whatever the outcome of the pregnancy was, he would be the good uncle. Sima immediately argued with him, saying that she would be the cool aunt.
I silently smiled at their actions in helplessness; at least this child would be loved, and that's all that mattered.
Three days later, Tanti came to my house to also celebrate and wish me the best. She refused to go home; she said that she would stay with me for at least two days before going back to her husband's house.
My mother simply let her be, not before asking if Zire was okay with her stay. Tanti said that Zire didn't mind, so my mother therefore calmed down.
Tanti slept in my room, and we all silently looked up at the ceiling while we were lying on the bed. "You followed the love of your life; I envy you, Tanti," I said.
I heard Tanti chuckle. "So what if I married the love of my life? I now understand why my parents were set on finding me a husband. Once you follow your heart, there is no turning back," she said.
I slowly turned towards her. "Are you okay?" I asked.
"I should be asking you that. How can a pregnant woman be your weight? It's not healthy," Tanti said.
"Didn't you tell me that high-class circles like thin women? I went on a diet too," I laughed as I said.
I saw Tanti silently watch me, which caused me to turn my gaze towards the ceiling again.
"Zire isn't whom I expected him to be," Tanti suddenly said. I was silently startled and immediately faced back towards her, only to see her looking at the sky.
"I don't want to admit that my choice was wrong, though," Tanti added.
"Does he hurt you?" I asked.
I heard Tanti laugh. "I wish he did instead, he doesn't harm me," Tanti said.
I suddenly sighed in relief; at least Tanti had other issues, not physical assault. I didn't want to ask her what the problem was, as I didn't want to sound nosy.
"I married first, but you gave birth first. It's really amusing," Tanti said.
"So what? There are many more years to come; you will surely give birth," I affirmed.
I heard Tanti laugh, which appeared to be amusement at my words. "Isn't this the first year we didn't celebrate your birthday together? Don't worry; I bought a cake. Let's cut it tomorrow. Let's rest; pregnant women shouldn't stay up late," Tanti said.
I nodded in understanding as we covered ourselves with a bed cover to sleep.
Tanti did indeed bring cake. We cut it together, and she wished me a happy birthday and a lovely delivery. Swanti, my younger sister, had come some time ago and sat beside me at the table. I cut a piece of cake and served it to her.
She smiled brightly before thanking me and eating it with great joy. I chuckled in helplessness; Swanti could be kidnapped by food one day.
Two days passed. Tanti had to leave. She hugged me tightly, told me she loved me, and to always take care of her godchild until she officially became a godmother. "Alright, I will keep this child safe by all means; put your heart to rest," I said.
"Great," Tanti said as she headed towards the car that had come to pick her up. Before boarding the car, she turned and smiled brightly at me. I have seen Tanti smile, but this smile was brighter than all the smiles she had ever had.
"Shiba, you are the best friend in the world! That baby will also be amazing! I will always call you until it arrives," she said as she laughed and waved at me before entering the car. I hurriedly waved back as I watched the car disappear into the distance.