Chapter 2

Emma POV

It felt as though time itself had halted as I surveyed the situation before me. The intensity of my emotions overwhelmed me, causing me to collapse to the ground as a wave of feelings crashed over me.

Happiness and unease battled within my heart, creating a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts that swirled like a tempestuous storm. I felt both elated and anxious, uncertain of what steps to take.

Considering my dire financial situation, I knew I couldn't keep this baby. Living paycheck to paycheck and barely scraping by, I had a lot going on in my life, and I didn't want the little soul growing inside me to become a part of it. Mixed emotions flooded me, and I grappled with the idea of having an abortion, feeling both compelled and burdened by guilt.

As I sensed the presence of a soul within me, I was filled with awe and wonder. The concept of motherhood was simultaneously overwhelming and exhilarating, bringing me joy in the knowledge that I had the opportunity to nurture and protect this precious life. The bond between a mother and child is unique and special, an invaluable gift I would cherish forever.

The devastating dilemma I faced presented two starkly different paths to consider. While the idea of getting an abortion seemed to be the most practical choice given my circumstances, a small voice inside me reminded me of the potential joy that could come from having a baby and embracing my maternal instincts.

But was I too young to be faced with this decision? I had dreams of a stable career, owning my own home, and achieving financial security. A child appeared to jeopardize those aspirations, pushing me further into the abyss of poverty.

After a tumultuous flood of emotions, I made my way to the bathroom. I had decided to proceed with the abortion. As a young woman with countless dreams and aspirations, still striving to pursue my studies, I saw the pregnancy as a product of my mistake that needed to be erased. I questioned why I had ever considered keeping it in the first place.

Emerging from the shower, I realized that I had no knowledge of the process of abortion or where to seek assistance. The only person I could think of was Maria. The thought of her instantly changed my mood.

I never anticipated needing her help again, but she was the one who had caused this entire situation, so it seemed only fitting that she should assist me. I picked up my phone and dialled her number, and she answered almost immediately. She began apologizing, expressing her deep regret. Once she finished, I asked her where we could meet. She suggested the hotel, but I objected, insisting on finding another location.

Later that evening, I made my way to a nearby park, where we had agreed to meet. I was surprised to see her there, as she was always late for everything. I arrived and was about to sit down when she began apologizing for her past actions.

"I felt you needed the money quickly; I guess I never really understood the depth of your despair," she said.

"Did he pay you for your actions?" I asked almost immediately.

"Yes, he did... he did pay," she replied.

I felt like leaving the scene, but I remembered what had brought me here.

"I have a problem," I said.

She looked up at me apprehensively, waiting to hear what I was about to say.

"I am pregnant," I said.

"Oh my God, such a relief," she replied.

I gave her a fierce look.

"I mean, you could just abort the child. There is no big deal in that," she was saying when I cut her short.

"You are in no position to tell me what to do with it. You caused all of this, you and that jerk of a guy. Why didn't he use protection before touching me?" I said with a sudden feeling of irritation towards her.

"I am sorry, but you see after you left, I tried several times to get in touch with you, but you never gave me an audience, so..." she was saying as I stopped her in her tracks once again.

"So, why were you bothered about calling me?" I asked.

"To warn you against something like this. I wanted to tell you to wash it off," she replied.

Most men who have sex at the club never use protection. What if I contracted an infection or something? I never thought of that...

"Emma... Emma," Maria called, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"What if he infected me?" I asked, with a look of fear that even Maria could notice.

"Look dear, he might be a man who has slept with a lot of women, but he's surely clean as a whistle. I can guarantee you that."

I heaved a sigh of relief at those words.

"So, can you help with some information on how to proceed with the process?" I asked.

"I do have a reliable friend who works as a doctor at one of the finest hospitals in the city. I could take you there if you're ready."

"Reliable," I scoffed.

"If you want to get rid of this, you have to trust me, alright? Please," she replied.

We remained silent afterwards, and she held her gaze at me for a few seconds with an in-depth look, as if she had sensed something.

"Do you think you want to get rid of the baby?" She broke the silence.

"Now you called it a baby," I said as she laughed.

"I don't think I want to be doing this, but I feel it's necessary for the sake of both of us," I said, suddenly rethinking my choices and actions.

"You know, sometimes the necessary decisions we make might not be the best decisions to take," she replied.

"Wow, you never told me you had this in you," I said as we laughed.

Later that night, I thought about Maria's words. It made sense to abort the child. The idea of being a parent was dear to me, yet the circumstances made it unfeasible. My life was a mess. Knowing I needed time to establish myself in life, having a baby at this point would be a detriment instead of an asset. With the prospect of plans and ambitions, forgoing carrying this pregnancy out was my best possible choice. I had to do this.

I sat nervously in the waiting room, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. Maria was busy at work, so I had to be there alone. I was here to discuss terminating my pregnancy, and the thought of it made my stomach churn with anxiety.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and a kind-looking middle-aged man appeared. "Hello, Emma. I'm Dr. Alex. It's nice to meet you."

I stood up and shook his hand, feeling a little more at ease knowing that he seemed friendly enough. As we walked back to his office, he asked me a few questions about my medical history and how far along I was in my pregnancy.

"Emma, I understand that you're considering terminating your pregnancy," he said in a gentle tone as we sat down in his office.

I nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I just don't know what to do. I'm not ready to be a mom, and I can't afford to take care of a child right now."

Dr Alex listened patiently as I spoke, nodding in understanding. He explained the different types of abortion procedures and their associated risks, as well as the emotional and psychological effects that terminating a pregnancy, could have on a woman.

"Emma, have you considered other options, such as adoption?" he asked gently.

I shook my head. "I don't think I could give up my baby. I just don't think I could handle it emotionally."

Dr Alex nodded. "I understand. Adoption is not the right choice for everyone, but I just want to make sure you've considered all your options."

I sat in silence for a few moments, deep in thought. Finally, I looked up at Dr Alex and spoke softly. "I've made up my mind. I want to have an abortion."

Dr Alex nodded, his expression remaining neutral. "If that's what you feel is best for you, then I will make the necessary arrangements. I do want you to know that I am here for you, and if you ever need to talk about your decision, I am always available."

I thanked him, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I knew that this decision was not an easy one to make, but I also knew that it was the right one for me. As I left his office, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, and I knew that I was taking control of my life and my future.

I had planned to visit the hospital by next week for the operation. When something unexpected happened.