Chapter Two

Mia 

“Miaa, what are you thinking?” Sandra said slowly as she inched closer to me.

“I'm going to move away. I can’t stay here to train my child. Mom will find out and Scott will kill me.” I said in a rush.

Sandra just looked at me. Even though she didn’t say it, I know she pitied me. I don’t want pity, I hate it so much.

“Where on earth can you go? You literally have nobody else and you don’t have a job.” She asked.

“You have to help me, Sandra. Please” I pleaded as I clutched her hands.

“But..”

“Please babes, please,” I said desperately.

“Okay fine. As long as the baby is staying alive. I will help you. Just have to make some calls then I will get back to you.” She conceded. 

I know I am making the right decision. I had high hopes for the future— I thought by now I would be married to the love of my life and have my kids.

But look at me now. I have ended up just like my mother.

My mother was a single mother of two kids, Scott and I had different fathers. And they both abandoned us. I knew how hard it was for my mother to raise us. Scott and I couldn’t finish school. 

Pushing back my thoughts as I feel the tears burning in my eyes. 

“Thank you so much babes, i will never forget this.” I said as I hugged her. We chatted for a bit and  Sandra left. 

She helped make arrangements as promised and I booked an apartment online with my savings and saved the remaining money for feeding. I packed up and left the city. 

I know it is for the best but why do I keep getting this unsettling feeling?

—

“Hey babes, How is everything moving over there?” Sandra asked from the other end of the line. 

“Wellsbury is good. The lady you told me to contact was kind enough to give you a job.” I explained as I wiped down the tables in the diner where I worked.

Even though the lady was skeptical because of my condition,Sandra was able to put in good words for me.

“I knew you would love it there. Well, I will come visit soon.” She said 

“Yay! I can’t wait. I could appreciate a familiar face here.”

“Be good baby. I gotta go” and the line went off.

My morning sickness got worse, I couldn’t stomach any food without vomiting it all. Whenever I work for long, I feel dizzy and sweat profusely— I hate this so much.

“Mia, our boss asked for you to come to her office immediately.” My co-worker said as I took orders.

“Be right there.” I said and made my way to the back where her office is located.

“Ma’am, you ask to see  me.” I said quietly, fidgeting with my fingers.

“Yes, Miss Lester. Here is your paycheck.” She said as she slid an envelope to me. 

“Ma’am but it is not the end of the month yet.”

“No, it is not, I wanted to pay you early. I see that you could use the money.” She explained as she focused back on the papers on her desk.

“Erm, I don’t know what to say. Thank you ma.” I thanked her as I felt my lips stretch into a smile.

“And your friend is waiting for you.” She said as she smiled back.

“Ohh!! Thank you so much.” I left her office as I made a mental happy dance.

——

I entered the dining area again and went to look for Sandra. 

“Babes!!” I exclaimed immediately I spotted her and ran into her embrace.

“I am so glad you are here.” I muttered into her hair.

Her familiar scent filled my nostrils, reminding me of home—God I missed her so much.

“Okayyy. Let’s not cry now.” She said as we sat down.

“How are you. You don’t look too good.” She said as worry etched her beautiful face. 

“I am fine. Just that the morning sickness has been bad. And I keep vomiting everything I eat.” I explained.

“Have you gone to see the doctor? What did they say?” 

“Sandra, I'm fine.” I reassured her,  “ You came sooner than I thought.”

She just smiled and clutched my hand from across the table. 

“Can’t I worry for my girl, hmm.” She teased and we chuckled.

“Your mom has been blowing up my phone and I hear Scott has visited your former apartment twice.” She said quietly as she rubbed the back of my hand. 

“God!” I exclaimed exasperated.

“Sandra, she can not find out about this, not now. Not ever.” 

“But you can’t hide forever.”

“I know. I just..” I sighed weakly. "At least until the baby is born. Let me hide.” 

“I hear you but I have run out of lies to tell. She believes I know your whereabouts.” 

“Thank you for covering for me.” I said as I smiled weakly.

I know I have demanded so much from Sandra. She has always been there for me since we met. She has my back no matter what and I know she won’t rat me out to my mother or brother— I trust her with my whole life.

“Let me get us something to drink. Tea or coffee?” I offered as I got up from my seat.

“Coffee is fine.” She replied as she busied herself with her phone.

I went to the counter and made us drink— coffee for Sandra, tea for me.

I balanced the cups with both my hands and turned in a rush to get back to our table. I didn’t look where I was going and I bumped into a hard chest.

“Ow” I cried as the cups fell from my hands. I reared back due to force and I braced myself to fall but a strong arm reached out immediately and wrapped around my waist. 

I opened my eyes and sprang out of the Man’s arms immediately feeling my cheeks heat up.

“Am sorry, I didn't look where I was going….” 

“Miss Mia Lester?”