CHAPTER 6

“And if I leave today?” I considered leaving the hospital despite feeling sore all over my body.

“No additional cost, but it’s not advisable for you to be discharged from the hospital right now. You have to stay here for a couple of days to recuperate,” the nurse insisted.

“I want to. Who wouldn’t? However I have no money right now, and whatever I have left is for my daughter’s milk,” I explained, and the nurse tightened her lips.

“I’m sorry, Miss Bethany. I wish there is something I can do right now but I’m also tight on cash,” she said.

“It’s alright. Can you help me get discharged right away? I will just pack up my things,” I told her, and the nurse nodded.

As soon as the nurse was gone, the other women in the ward looked at me with compassion. They felt bad for me, but they were not in a position to help. We were all struggling with our finances, and that’s the reason why we chose Saint Anthony.

I smiled at them while trying to move comfortably, and a few minutes later, I was ready to leave. I just waited for the nurse to come back. Another sigh escaped from my mouth as I glanced at my sleeping daughter. I felt so bad for her, but as of the moment, there was nothing I could do. I was broke, and I had nobody who could help.

When the nurse returned, I composed myself and smiled at her. She was kind enough and carried some of my things to my dilapidated truck. “Thank you,” I said as soon as we were in front of my truck. She also loaded my things into the front seat. Since I knew I would be constantly in my truck, I saved some to buy a car seat for my child. The nurse assisted me in climbing up, and she even asked if I could drive under my condition.

I told her I could, and then she gave me a tiny piece of paper with writings on it. “What is this?” I asked kindly.

“It’s a place for single mothers like you, Ma’am. You can go there and check if they have a vacant slot for you. I’m sorry that’s all I can do to help,” she apologized.

I bit my bottom lip while reading the address and memorized it in case the paper would be misplaced. “Thank you so much for being kind. I gotta go right now,” I said, and she waved goodbye.

Since the address was not that far from the hospital, I opted to go straight to them. Actually, it was only a few blocks away from the hospital, and while driving, I prayed they would take me in, and allow me to stay there temporarily until I could find an affordable rental home. The property was gated, but I could see the people inside the property from my truck. One of the women inside noticed my truck and decided to come out.

“Are you waiting for someone?” She asked but I knew she was checking on me. I smiled at her but the woman probably has an idea about what was going on because her expression suddenly softened.

“I heard that this place will take single mothers,” I told her, and she nodded. Excitement rushed through me that finally, I found a place for myself and my daughter.

“Are you already a mommy?”

“Yes. I just gave birth yesterday but I couldn’t stay longer in the hospital due to my financial situation.”

“So, where’s your baby?”

“Beside me,” I answered.

“What? Oh my God,” she exclaimed, and then called some of the women inside and helped me to come down from the truck. I endured the soreness and tried to walk normally. They invited me to have snacks with them, and they even helped me carry my baby. I appreciated their help a lot.

One of the women mentioned that maybe she could persuade their governess to let an additional person, and she was kind to offer her bed for the time being. Once again, I was hoping that I could get a place to stay.

“I am Bethany Middleton,” I introduced myself to the woman because I thought she was kind.

“A Middleton? How are you related with Roger Middleton?”

“My father,” I replied without any hesitation and she just nodded her head. Even if she wouldn’t ask me for the details, I knew she already had an idea about what happened to me.

“You become a rogue.”

“He kicked me out, and stripped me of my birthright.”

“Well, some men are just harsh, darling. We don’t plan to be a rogue but we ended up as one. My mate rejected me because I am an omega, and kicked me out of the pack. Fortunately, Claybourne has a place for us. Oh, she’s coming back!”

My eyes immediately lightened up with new hope when the woman went to discuss with the governess about me returning. Her expressions were unreadable. Still, I was hoping for the best. I smiled at her but then she looked at me with sadness in her eyes. At that moment, I understood and nodded my head.

“I’m sorry, but the place is full,” she said.

It was disappointing to hear and I felt like I have lost any hope to find a good place where I would be safe, along with my daughter. “Don’t feel bad about it. It is never your fault. I will just look for another place, then.”

“Hmmm Bethany, can you wait for me before leaving? I have something to give you,” the woman who claimed to be an omega said, and when I nodded my head, they all returned to the house.

Patiently, I waited for them. Then, my baby stirred in her sleep, and I hummed one of my favourite songs so that she would sleep again. When I saw them coming one by one, I was confused why each of them carried a pack.

“Thank you for the snacks earlier,” I said.

“We would love to have you here with us. I’m sorry. I hope you will come back soon to see us,” she said, and then instructed the rest of the women to bring their food packs into the truck. “It’s hard to be alone, especially when you are a mother. We packed some food for you, and some goodies too. Please be safe.”

I was touched by their actions. An hour ago, I didn’t know them but they ended up being kind to me. Tears of joy suddenly welled up in the corner of my eyes, but I stopped myself from getting too emotional. “Can I have your number? I may be able to buy a phone soon then I will call you. I’m so grateful right now,” I said and they smiled.

“Of course,” she replied.

I was very grateful for their kindness and smiled at them before going back to my truck. Once again, I waved my hands at them before turning on the engine of my old truck, and a loud sigh escaped from my lips before driving away.