We had a small wedding, not the kind a billionaire would have. Just a few friends in a small church. Since we both have no family, we didn't make it big. When the wedding was over we had a little cocktail party for friends and colleagues. It was much fun. My best friend Delilah came from Lagos. Her wedding gift was a vacation ticket to Paris. My dad's closest friend, chief Abayomi gave us a big house,well furnished . It was all so overwhelming! We flew to Hawaii the next day for our honeymoon. Richard was ever so sweet and caring. The place was beautiful, so romantic. By the time we arrived at our lodge I was exhausted. We took a hot bath together, he wrapped me up in a towel and carried me to bed, then he went back to the bathroom. I was a bit shy looking at him cos it's the first time he has seen me naked. My heart was thumping. I was tired. I knew what was expected of me but I just wasn't ready for it (any thought of intimacy freaks me out). He came out wearing a bathrobe and sat next to me. "Hey Mrs Richard" he whispered in my ear. I was breathless. I smiled and he kissed me. It felt like heaven. I wrapped my arms around him and we cuddled. "You seem a bit tense. What's wrong baby?" "nothing, it's just that I'm tired" he smiled. "I know baby, I happen to know a quick way to ease your stress" he winked. I laughed "uhmm.. Richard" I started. "hush baby, say no more... I understand. I'd never do anything you're not comfortable with. We can wait till whenever you're ready" I smiled and looked into his eyes. he's so charming. He kissed me passionately like he has never kissed me before.
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That night was the best experience of my life. He showed me so much love. I discovered a part of me that I never knew existed. We couldn't get enough of each other. We spent one week in Hawaii and two weeks in Paris. He bought me a beautiful diamond ring. Our honeymoon was over and we went back to Nigeria.
Work was as demanding as ever but we still had Time for eachother. It wasn't easy but we still managed. Our marriage was peaceful. Richard was so loving, caring, gentle and loyal. He always made me happy. I also did my best to be a good wife.
Although I knew I wasn't a good cook cos I hardly cooked, he never complained about the food. Our life was never boring, we always had one activity or the other.
Five months later, I knew I was pregnant. I was excited to break the news to Richard. "Guess what?" I said to him "oh honey you know I'm not very good at guessing.. just tell me what is it?" I giggled "well... we'll soon have a Richard junior crawling around here. You're gonna be a daddy!" I could see the happiness on his face. He lifted me up and kissed me. He took me out and we celebrated the good news.
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4 months pregnant, he asked me to stop going to work. I tried to convince him that I could handle it but he was firm on his decision. He didn't want anything to happen to his baby. I obliged and stopped going to work. He handled everything. Since we were now married, I had changed the ownership of all my companies. The house we lived in was also in his name. I never had second thoughts about it. I was bored at home so I started baby shopping. I bought anything a baby Could want or need, and even things that weren't necessary. Clothes, toys and many other things. Richard was always happy to talk about the baby. Often he would sit close to me, place his hand on my tummy and close his eyes, like he was deep in thought. I could tell the baby was going to be a blessing to us and a glue to strengthen our bond. "You know darling, this is the best thing that'll ever happen to us" he once told me.
6 months pregnant, we were invited to a conference in Kaduna state. Our driver was on vacation so Richard had to drive. The conference went well, Richard was given an award. We were both so happy. On our way back we were discussing the name of the baby. "If it's a girl I want to name her jasmine and if it's a boy, Richard jnr definitely" I said. He smiled "the doctors said it's a boy. Stop hoping for a girl" he punched me playfully. "Ouch that hurt" I said and punched him back. We both laughed.
We didn't see it coming. A trailer derailed from the other lane and was coming straight at us. I screamed "Richard look!" it was too late. There was loud crash. I could feel the car flipping in the air. I couldn't see, I couldn't hear and I couldn't think. My mind was on Richard and my baby. The car did a final flip and landed with a thud on the ground. I couldn't feel my body, I couldn't see or hear anything. Everything went blank.
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I heard the door open. "Oh my God Ally... You're conscious! Finally!" it was Delilah,my best friend. "It's been weeks....oh thank goodness". She came forward and kissed my forehead. I tried to speak. The first thing I said was "Richard... my baby". She looked at me with sadness in her eyes. I knew something was wrong. "Relax Ally... let me just call the doctor... he needs to check you... you've been in a coma for weeks now... I guess the shock must have hit you pretty hard". "Deli... Richard.. my baby... I..I.. need.. to see.. them" my words came out in gasps. She squeezed my hand. "I'll be right back" and she went out of the room. my mind was in turmoil. "Why isn't she saying anything... why is she giving me that look". The door opened and the doctor came in. "Hello Mrs Richard. Good to see you've come around. I just need to do some routine check". "Doctor where is my husband? Where is my baby?" he sighed. "Your husband is fine. He was discharged 2 weeks ago. Infact he just left here few minutes before miss Delilah called me." "oh thank goodness. And my baby?" I asked a little bit relieved. Atleast Richard is okay. The Doctor moved a chair and sat down beside my bed. He looked sad. "Mrs Richard.. there's been a little complication. I wish you'll let it be till your health is stable". "Doctor.. cut the crap please... tell me.. where is my baby?" tears were forming in my eyes. It's like I knew what he was gonna say but i refused to believe it. Just then the door opened again. I turned.
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It was Richard. He had a sling around one arm, apart from that he looked unscathed. I wished I could stand up and hug him. "Hey pretty" he said smiling. He leaned down and kissed me softly. I smiled weakly. He placed his hand on my head and gently stroked my hair. "Hello doctor... how's she doing?" "well.. she's doing fine but we still need to keep her for a few days to make sure she's perfectly okay" he replied. "Fine by me. How's the wound? Hope it's healing?" Richard asked. I was looking at the two of them. Non of them mentioned my baby. "Richard.. what about the baby? Can I see him now?" the pained expression on Richard's face told me something was wrong. It was like a knife being driven straight through my heart. He sighed. Tears started flowing from my eyes. "I'm sorry Ally.. but the baby didn't make it. The doctors could barely save you also..." my head started spinning. This can't be happening. "Noooooooooo....!" I screamed. "Richard please tell me it's not true! Tell me the baby is fine!" he shook his head. "Doctor?" I asked with a plea in my voice. This can't be true. He sighed. "There was nothing we could do... I'm sorry" I was sobbing so hard.
My whole body was trembling. I felt a wave of rage. The room was suddenly so hot. My heart was thudding loudly. I yanked at the tube connected to my hands and grabbed the doctor's coat. "You didn't save my baby! You bloody murderer! You let my baby die!" the nurses rushed into the room followed by Delilah. I held on to his coat and kept dragging and screaming. Hands were holding me from all directions. "Calm down sweety... Ally please you're hurting yourself".Richard tried to hold me and I pushed him away. All I felt was pain and anger, and I wanted the doctor to pay for it. Although I knew it wasn't his fault. Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my arm. A needle was piercing through my skin. My vision became blurry. I saw the nurse drop the syringe in the waste bin,then I lost consciousness.
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I opened my eyes a few hours later. Richard and Delilah were standing by the window, talking in hushed tones, probably because they didn't want me to hear. I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep. I listened to their conversation.
"Richard I'm scared of how she'll react if we tell her. You saw what happened when she heard about the baby."
" I know I know... but she still has to know. She'll definitely find out sooner or later so I think it's better we tell her. It will be easier for all of us.." Richard replied.
"well atleast wait till she's over the whole baby thing. And you know things aren't going too well at the office also...She sighed.".. I just hope she'll be fine."
"just don't tell her about it yet. I'll be the one to tell her...just pretend everything is fine. Hush now before we wake her" He said and held her hand.
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I couldn't pretend to be asleep anymore. I opened my eyes. I was so curious. What could they be discussing so privately that they didn't want me to hear. And why is Richard holding her hand. "Whatever you have to tell me... why not say it now and save us the tension?" I said. he quickly released her hand and they both turned. "Oh Ally we didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep... you need it". "I'll sleep when I want to, Richard. Tell me, what's going on?" I looked at Delilah and she looked away. Richard sighed. "Baby just get some rest. We'll talk later". "Richard tell me what's going on now or else I swear to God I will....." he cut me off before I finished. "You will what?? I told you to get some rest dammit! Why can't you listen! We'll talk when you're calm. Come on Delilah. Let's give her some space". They both walked out of the room. I was taken aback. Richard had never shouted at me. What the hell is up with those two. Something is going on and they're hiding it from me. Well, sooner or later everything will come to light. I closed my eyes and tried to relax.
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Does Love at first sight really exist?
The hospital room was filled with people the next day so I didn't get a chance to be alone with either Richard or Delilah. Colleagues from work, employees, friends and well wishers all came to see me. I felt so loved. Three days later, I still had not gotten the chance to talk to Richard. It was eating me up inside. The doctor told me I would soon be discharged. I was sort of relieved.
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On the day that I was to go home, Richard came in with a bouquet of roses in the morning. He was full of smiles. I was glad to see him. He sat down beside the bed and leaned in to kiss my forehead. "Hey beautiful... I can't wait to finally take you home with me... I've missed you so much". I smiled. I was glad that he wasn't mad at me. He seemed to have forgotten all about our last conversation. I decided maybe it wasn't a good idea to bring it up. "I've missed you too baby". I sat up. "So what's up... how's the company faring?" he placed a finger to my lips. "Forget about work for now. Don't even think about it." I smiled.
The door opened and Delilah came in. She still had that pitiful expression on her face and she looked like something was disturbing her. "Hey Ally.. glad to hear you're finally going home." she hugged me and I hugged her back and smiled. "Hi Richard" she said quietly without looking at him. "Hello" he replied stiffly. The curiosity was getting too much for me. "What's going on here?' I wondered. "I brought some clothes for you to change into. The doctor said we can leave in about an hour". I nodded as she handed me a plastic bag. Inside was a blue cotton dress, navy blue jacket and underwear. I excused myself and went to the bathroom/changing room, leaving the door slightly open so I can hear the conversation from the main room. "Richard I'm worried. We have to tell her today. Keeping her in the dark is not helping matters. I feel sorry for her. I feel so guilty" Delilah whispered. "Relax I'll take care of it. Besides, what she doesn't know won't harm her. Letting her know is my problem not yours" he replied confidently. I heard a slight movement and I quickly locked the door. I rested my back on the door. My heart was racing. Tears welled in my eyes. "Could it be? Please God... let it not be what I'm thinking. Richard and Delilah? No... it can't be. Let it not be what I'm thinking." I thought. There was a knock on the door. It startled me. "Ally.. you okay in there? Need help? You've been in there for a while now" it was Delilah. "No I'm fine dear. I'll be right out" I replied. I dressed up quickly and looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was rough. I smoothed it down with my hands. I placed my hands on my belly, where my baby should have been. Remembering him still made me sad. I sighed and looked at myself one more time in the mirror. I looked weak and fragile and sad and depressed. Delilah was waiting for me at the door, with the doctor. "How are you feeling today Mrs Richard?" "I'm fine doctor, I just need to go home". I replied him. I still felt guilty about blaming him for the loss of my baby. "You will soon. Just sign this form". I didn't even read it, I just signed. Eager to get home. Eager to be alone with Richard. Eager to know what he's been hiding from me.
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We left a few hours later. Richard was fit enough to drive. His arm was okay. Delilah followed us home. The drive home was filled with awkward silence. I sat at the back while Delilah sat in the passenger's side.
Coming home felt different. I felt like it's been years. Everything was the same. The maid kept the house tidy. Richard was right behind me. I went upstairs to the baby's room. It was surprisingly empty. I left it full of toys and baby stuff. But none of it was there. I turned to Richard confused. "Richard what happened in here?" "I gave out everything because I didn't want it to remind you of what we lost" he replied, holding me. "But what about the next baby?" "Relax, we'll deal with that when it comes" he hugged me. I heard footsteps behind us. It was Delilah. "Oh I didn't mean to interrupt". She said, turning back. Richard released me. "No it's fine". I replied, blushing. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving"
"So soon? Oh Deli.. I appreciate your care and support. When will you be going back to lagos?"
"Actually, I've been transferred to abuja. I'll be here for a while. My apartment isn't far from here" I was surprised but I didn't show it.
"Oh perfect! I'm so happy we'll get to see each other more often. Do stay for dinner please"
She smiled. "I'd love to, but I have a few things I need to do this evening"
"It's alright. I'll tell the driver to drop you off then, I need to freshen up" I replied. "i'll drop her off" Richard said. "Fine then. Thanks for everything Deli,i really appreciate your efforts." she smiled. I left them alone and headed to my room. I sat down on the bed thinking. So Delilah is now living close to us and they didn't even care to mention it. Well, I know what to do. It won't be long before I find out what's really happening. I stood and headed to the bathroom.
To be continued 6th Jan 2018......
Also Read
Fading Star -Episode 1
Fading Star - Episode 3
ENEMY -let us fight stress together
By: Marsy
Aadammaryam95@gmail.com
What is really wrong with Ally? Let's hear your comments as you anticipate subsequent episodes.
Delilah may be having an affair with her husband or she may have lost her womb along with her baby
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