Chapter 19

"A couple that prays together stays together."

..............

I hummed the lyrics to 'Chained To The Rhythm' as I place my dirty clothes in the washer. I couldn't have been happier when Valdo told me he owned a washer and dryer, that meant I got to stay in and avoid a lot of moving and lifting.

I bent to take up my dresses off the floor. I heap them up in my hand then slowly start to stand up straight again, but that didn't happen because I felt an intense pain in my abdomen. The dresses fell from my hands, and my hands went to my belly, and suddenly pain intensified, causing me to scream out. I left on tight on the washer for support, afraid that if I let go, I might fall.

The laundry door was pushed open, and a very concerned Valdo stared at me, "I heard you scream, what's wrong?"

The pain was still piercing through my body, but I found the strength to speak, "I don't know, but it hurts, it hurts so bad." I moved my eyes from his blue ones and looked down at my tummy.

"Oh my god," Valdo whispered shock.

I look at him worried, but his eyes were on the ground "What's wrong?"

He swallowed then looked up at me slowly. "You're bleeding. We have to get you to the hospital now."

I look down, but I couldn't see anything because my belly was so big. I lift my head and look at Valdo, " I don't understand, why am I bleeding? What's happening to my baby?"

Valdo rushed over to my side, "Shh...there is nothing wrong with your baby. It would help if you stayed calm. You're going to the hospital right now." Although his words were soothing and soft, they didn't help all sorts of those to stop coming through my mind.

Something is wrong; why am I bleeding? Is my baby okay?

"Give me your hands" He gently placed his hands over mine. "I won't let you fall; just trust me." Putting all my trust in him, I slowly lift my hands off the washer and into his. He smiled, "Great. Now stay calm. Breath in and out slowly. One." I followed his instructions and breath in slowly the exhale. "Two," I repeated and waited for him to say three, but he never did. Instead, I was in his arms in a blink of an eye. Shocked, I held onto his shoulder and looked into his deep blue eyes, terrified. "Three."

One of his hands held my hand, and the other my legs.

Bridal Style.

Like most girls, I've always imagined what it would be like to have a man carry me like this but never in any of my imaginations would this be the scenario.

I'm not a bride, I'm a damsel in distress, or should I say a pregnant teen in distress?

"Are you okay?" he asked, looking down at me.

Unable to find words, I just nod.

"We're going to the hospital now. Everything is going to be fine."

I looked at him, and a tear fell from my eyes, "Promised."

He paused, "Pinky Promise. I'd hold up my pinky, but it's kinda occupied."

I laughed and rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, praying to God that my baby is okay.

.....

I slowly opened my eyes and looked around my surroundings, but the pain in my body caused me to groan.

Someone jumped up from beside me, "Doctor, the anaesthetic is wearing off." It was Valdo.

A female figure came over me, "Ms Taylor, how are you feeling?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"Nurse give her some water." A petit African American woman came over to me and placed the plastic cup to my lips. I lifted my hands to the cup and took it from her. I took a few sips of the water then pass the cup back to her.

"How are you feeling Miss Taylor?" the doctor ask again but my mind was all over the place as I try to recall the last couple of hours, but I couldn't remember anything after Valdo, and I arrived at the hospital. I look down, and my tummy and panicked.

"What happened?" I asked in uneven breaths. "What happened?" I could feel the tears coming down. I had a big belly when I passed out, but now I didn't see any. "Where's my baby? What happened to my baby?" I start sitting up fully but end up groaning in pain. "Where's my baby?" I asked again through the tears. I look at the doctor, the nurse then my eyes landed on Valdo. He looked tired and worn out; something's not right. So I repeated, "Where's my baby?"

The doctor rested her hands on mine, "Calm down, Miss Taylor. You were rushed into labour, and we had to perform an emergency C-section. Your baby is currently in surgery."

"Surgery?" I asked with a frown. Why would she need surgery?

"Since she arrived a little earlier than expected her lungs weren't developed properly and so she's having some problems breathing on her own. We have our best pediatric and cardiac surgeons working on her." her face showed as much sympathy as she could, but I didn't help me. I started crying. The doctor and nurse gave us a look then excused themselves from the room.

"Hey, hey." Valdo took over me and rest his hands on my shoulder, "The doctors are doing the best they can. You need to stay strong. For her and yourself. She'll be fine."

I opened my tear-filled eyes and looked at him. "Did you see her?"

He nods, "Just a glimpse and she's as beautiful as her mommy, strong too. She'll pull through. My parents are praying for her down the hall, right now."

"They're here?"

He smiled, "Of course. You're the daughter they never had, and they love you and the baby very much."

I nodded and wiped the tears from my eyes but more came. If you told me I'd be here a few weeks ago, I'd laugh but looking at Valdo. I knew this is 100% real. I have persons in my life that cares about my welfare and that of my child.

"Zuria Giovanni is also here."

I've only met her once, and it was my visit to DFSM. She was very friendly to me, told me to ask her if I ever wanted anything. We didn't talk for long either because she had to leave, but our brief conversation was enough for me to know she is a good woman. Her actions of coming here at this time showed exactly how great of a woman she is.

"That's so sweet of her."

Valdo nod, "Yes, it is. She's been through a lot, just like you. Different circumstances but she can relate. The other girl's circumstances didn't allow them to come, but they sent well wishes."

I nod. After what happened to me six months ago, I stopped believing in humanity, stop believing that people care, but after meeting Valdo, his mom, stepdad and the ladies at the centre, my view changed. There are persons in the world who still care, who still have a heart, even if it's a little piece.

These six months have also taught me to hope. Hope for the future. Hope for the best.

That is why I'll stop crying and start praying that little girl makes it out of that Operation room alive and that she continues living for at least a hundred more years.

Valdo looked at me and said, "My mother came from a very religious household. She had to pray at least five times a day, and she was used to it. She loves God very much, and when I was growing up, she tried to instil her love for God in me. I love God, as well. I don't pray every day, and I'm not a saint, but I pray sometimes. Especially times like these." he paused and looked in my eyes, "I don't know what your religious beliefs are or if you have any, but it's good to pray. It helps." he took a seat in the chair beside my bed, "I'd like us to pray together. Pray that she pulls through. Pray that you'll have her in your arms to kiss and to hold. What do you say?"

I looked in his blue eyes and smile, "Let's pray."