FACING MY FEARS

As my pregnancy progressed, I felt an overwhelming sense of frustration at my inability to identify the father of my unborn child. The weight of this secret was too much to bear alone, so I sought refuge in Amelia's room.

 She had just returned from work, still glued to her laptop, 

"Do you ever rest?"

She sighed "It's my boss," she groaned. "He keeps piling up extra work for me to take home and make more money for the company but doesn't even bother to give me a raise in salary. It's like he revels in draining me."  

"I understand how you feel, baby girl. Don't worry, you'll be fine," I said, placing my hand on her shoulder to offer comfort. "You're incredibly talented and I'm sure that soon enough, you'll have your own company with all your brilliant ideas."

She looked at me skeptically, "Do you think it's that easy? Who even knows me?"

I smiled reassuringly and gave her a pat on the back. "It's not about who knows you now, it's about what you can do. If you put your ideas into action, people will not only know you but seek you out."

A small smile appeared on her face, "Thanks for believing in me, honey."

I nodded, "Of course, babe. And speaking of truth, I think it's high time I told my mum. I know it will break her badly, but I don't have a choice. She still deserves the truth."

"You're right, "I've been meaning to tell you this, but I didn't know if you were ready yet. Ava, you're a strong, smart, young girl. I know you got this." She assured me.

Her words made me feel more confident and I couldn't help but smile. I reached up to touch her hand, "Thank you, my love. Your support means everything to me."

 As I walked towards my mother's house, my heart was pounding in my chest. I knew it was time to come clean about my secret pregnancy. My dear friend Amelia accompanied me for support, but I still felt so alone.

My mother answered the door and her face lit up at the sight of us. "Ava! Amelia! What a surprise! Come in, come in!"

I took a deep breath and followed her inside. "Mum, there's something I need to tell you," I said softly, feeling my palms sweating.

"What is it, my dear? You can tell me anything," she said, her expression filled with love and warmth.

I hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "I'm pregnant."

Her face went from warm to cold in an instant. "What?" she yelled, her eyes wide with anger. "You're pregnant? How could you do this to me? To yourself?"

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I pleaded with her, "Mum, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. Please forgive me."

Amelia stepped in, trying to calm my mother down, "Mrs. Johnson, please, Ava needs our support right now."

But my mother wasn't having it. "Support? I can't believe this. You can barely support yourself financially and now you're going to be a mother?! Who is the father? Do you even know him?"

I shook my head, "No, it was just a one-night thing at a masked party. I don't even remember what he looked like."

My mother's face contorted in anger and she slapped me across the face. "How could you be so reckless?" she yelled.

I stumbled back, tears streaming down my face. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," I cried.

But then something shifted in my mother's expression. She took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Ava, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I'm just so disappointed. But I love you and I'll support you through this. We'll figure out a way to make it work."

I couldn't believe it. My mother forgave me. I threw myself into her arms, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Mum. Thank you so much."

Amelia hugged me from behind, "We'll all get through this together, Ava. You're not alone."

And again, I believed her. Amelia was my all-in-one.

Memories of being pregnant without a ring on my finger flooded me as I got ready for work. To defy the shame, I decided to buy myself an engagement ring, to shield me from side talks.

I walked into the jewelry store, feeling nervous but determined. As I was looking at the rings, the salesperson approached me.

"Good morning, madam. Can I be of any assistance?" The salesperson approached me with a warm smile as I entered the jewelry store.

"Yes, I'm actually in search of an engagement ring," I replied, feeling a bit nervous about my decision.

"Ah, congratulations! May I ask who the lucky partner is?" he inquired, trying to make small talk.

I met his gaze and took a deep breath. "Me, the lucky person is m," I said, feeling a sense of empowerment as I spoke the words.

The salesperson looked a bit surprised but quickly regained his composure. "I see. Well, you've come to the right place. Follow me over here," he said, leading me to a counter with an array of sparkling rings.

As I tried on different rings, I felt a bit self-conscious but I reminded myself that this was a symbol of my independence and self-love.

The salesman noticed my hesitation and offered his opinion. "This one looks stunning on you. Is it really for you?" he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.

I held his gaze and replied firmly, "Yes, it is. Is there a problem?"

To my relief, the salesperson smiled and reassured me. "No, not at all. It's wonderful to see someone taking charge of their happiness," he said, staring at my protruding stomach with a broad smile then took my credit card to process the purchase.

I walked into the baby store with my best friend Amelia by my side, feeling excited to finally buy some things for my baby. It was almost my due date, and I hadn't been able to buy anything yet due to my low financial status. But my mom had sent me some money, which Amelia had added to, along with the little I had saved up.

"Wow, this place is so cute!" Amelia exclaimed, looking around at the colorful baby items.

I nodded in agreement. "I know, right? I can't believe I'm going to be a mom soon."

The salesperson, a cheerful young woman, approached us with a smile. "Good afternoon, ladies. How can I assist you today?"

I looked at my list, trying to remember what I needed. "Um, we need some baby clothes, diapers, a stroller, and maybe a crib," I said, ticking off each item on my fingers.

Amelia chimed in, "And some cute little booties, and a pacifier. Oh, and a baby bottle!"

The salesperson laughed. "Sounds like you've got a lot of shopping to do. Well, let me show you around."

As we walked through the store, Amelia picked up a bright yellow onesie with a duckling on the front. "This is adorable! Ava, you have to get this one."

I smiled and took the onesie. "Okay, but only if we get this blue tutu short too," I said, holding up a fluffy tutu.

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "A tutu for a baby? Well, I guess it's never too early to start teaching him fashion sense."

We both laughed and continued our shopping spree. I picked out some soft blankets and a cute baby hat, while Amelia chose a cute little plush toy.

As we approached the stroller section, the salesperson showed us a sleek, modern stroller with all the bells and whistles.

My eyes widened. "Wow, that looks amazing. But is it too expensive?" I asked, feeling worried.

The salesperson smiled. "It's on sale today. And with our financing options, you can pay in installments."

Amelia and I exchanged a look of relief and excitement. "Sold!" we both exclaimed, high-fiving each other.

As we made our way to the checkout, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my best friend's support and the kindness of the salesperson. I knew that even with my limited finances, I could still provide for my baby with a little help from my loved ones. 

Thoughts of the stranger that got me pregnant came to engulf me but I waved it off. I blame him for everything, he took advantage of my vulnerability and left without even making sure I was fine. He left me on the washroom floor for Christ's sake! He didn't deserve to be in my thoughts.

With our bags of baby items in tow, we walked out of the store with huge smiles on our faces, ready to welcome my little one into the world with love and laughter.

 As the due date approached, I felt so tense but I knew I'd be alright. At least I have my mum and best friend around me, what more could I have asked for? I stared into my mirror and realized how much I had changed. My nose is twice its usual size, swollen feet, and a protruding stomach. 

"It isn't easy to bring a new soul into the world" I soliloquized.

 Labour Starts

A sharp pain shot through me, and I screamed out loud, startling my best friend who was in the kitchen. "Amelia, something's wrong," I gasped, clutching my swollen belly. "I think the baby's coming."

"What? Now?" she exclaimed, rushing to my side. "Okay, okay, stay calm. Let me get the car keys. We need to get you to the hospital."

Amelia's boyfriend had dropped his car because my date was near

"Can you hurry, Amelia?" I groaned, writhing in pain as we drove along the bumpy road. "I can't take this anymore."

"I'm trying, Ava, but there's so much traffic," she replied, her voice laced with worry. "Just hold on, we'll get there soon."

The traffic was bumper to bumper, and we were stuck for what felt like an eternity. I screamed and cried, clutching onto Amelia's hand for dear life. "Please, make it stop," I begged, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry, Ava, I'm so sorry," Amelia whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "We'll get there, I promise."

As soon as we arrived at the hospital, the nurses rushed me into the delivery room. 

"Push, Ava, push!" the doctor urged, his voice firm and commanding.

"I can't do this," I wailed, the pain almost unbearable.

"You can, Ava, you're doing great," Amelia encouraged, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

Eventually, a tiny cry filled the room, and the doctor held up a beautiful baby boy. "Congratulations, you have a healthy baby boy," he said, smiling.

Just then, the doctor looked back down and exclaimed, "Wait, there's another head!" My heart stopped as I realized what he meant. "Another one?" I whispered, my eyes wide in shock.

"Yes, Ava, you're having twins!" Amelia exclaimed, tears streaming down her face.

The rest of the delivery was a blur of pain and joy, and soon I was holding my two beautiful babies, a boy, and a girl. I looked up at Amelia, tears of gratitude in my eyes. "Thank you for being here, sis," I said, my voice trembling. "I couldn't have done it without you."

She smiled back at me, her eyes shining with tears. "Of course, Ava, I'll always be here for you. Congratulations, you're a mom now."

As we settled into our new life as a family of three, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Amelia's unwavering support. She had been there for me every step of the way, and I knew that I couldn't have done it without her.

8 months gone and it has been a hell of a ride. It wasn't really easy yet I tried so hard to take care of them with My mum and best friend always by my side.

In just 30 minutes of sleep.

"Waaah! Waaah! Waaah! Arielle cried out in pain.

I needed to sleep so badly but had to wake up. I carried him into my arms but almost dropped him in shock.

"Amelia! Amelia! Arielle is burning up!!!"