Rebecca’s Broken Vows

“Rebecca, you have to abort this child.” Derrick pinched the bridge of his nose, saying.

“Abort?” I opened my eyes wide open as the test result slipped from my hand.

“How could you do this to me!” He suddenly flared.

“I provided your pills and every contraceptive you required, yet you show up with a “thing” in your belly?.” he pointed.

“Derrick, we have been married for three years now!” I said, now fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill. “ And now you want me to terminate my baby?”

“Married…” Derrick chuckled. “Do i need to remind you that this union was an ‘arranged’ marriage?” He used his fingers to draw quotes.

“But we agreed to make it work…” I trailed off,

Derrick nodded his head in approval.

“Yes we did. "But like you always do, you ruin everything,” he said, storming out of the door.

There was a strange dark look in his eyes i had never seen before. It looked like resentment and undiluted anger.

I picked myself up from bed and hurriedly searched for my phone.

“Where could it be?” I muttered as i lifted the covers.

Impatiently, i reached for the telephone tossed by the corner and dialed my sister's number.

My hands shook lightly as i held on to the phone…patiently waiting for her soothing voice.

“Becca baby..” her voice floated in. I felt my heart melt.

“He didn't take the news well Fiona…” I swallowed.

There was a short moment of silence before she opened her mouth to say something.

“You have always wanted a child Rebecca, …” said Fiona, her voice falling flat in my ears.

I felt a pang in my chest.

“What do I do?” I asked, shutting my eyes.

Fiona has always been the braver one from when we were kids. I knew what she was going to say, but I could not bring myself to accept it.

“Becca, you know what i would want you to do…is to choose yourself.”

“But he does not want the child, and I've grown to love Derrick,” i persuaded.

“I want to protect my marriage, Fiona…”

“Becca…” Fiona's voice trailed off. But I hung up the phone before she said anymore.

“I have to fight to protect my marriage and if it means aborting the child, then so be it.” I said to myself in front of the mirror, gently massaging my belly.

I carefully dismissed the cold ball of guilt that creeped under my skin, knowing the consequences of my actions.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Come on in.” I answered.

It was one of the maids.

“You have a letter,” she said. Handing over a finely designed envelope with a ribbon around it.

I rolled my eyes as I tore open the package.

“Well, mom and dad are inviting us over to celebrate Thanksgiving.” I read out loud, amused.

“Over a written letter.”

“How traditional,” I said, sinking into the couch.

“Oh. ...” I smiled weakly.

Derrick must have swapped our phones carelessly, I thought as I picked up his phone which was tossed on the couch.

My twisted lips pouted at his wallpaper. It was a picture of our hands, exchanging rings.

Taking a deep breath, i proceeded to dial mom's number, but then a side thought invaded my mind.

I tried to shift the thoughts away, but it kept hammering on my mind.

I had never gone through Derrick's phone all through our years of marriage.

“Derrick loves me and I must respect his privacy,” I reaffirmed as I placed the phone on my chest.

Just then, the door swung open, leaving Derrick panting furiously where he stood.

“So you did this?” He pointed his finger at me.

“I don't know what you are talking about,” I answered defensively. But he kept walking closer with his eyes focused on me. He lifted my phone up.

“You switched our phones so you could spy on me, didn't you?” he growled.

I instinctively jolted back. He had this terrifying aura all around him. Causing me to tremble at his every sound.

“Derrick, you know i wouldn't, ... not do that!” I lifted my voice fearfully.

“…and I have also agreed to carry out the abortion…” i mouthed. Lowering my eyelids.

He uttered no words. But he only yanked his phone out of my hands.

I gasped horrifically. With tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. “Derrick?”

“You can tell your family I won't be present at Thanksgiving. I know how oddly memorable it can be,” he said croakily.

I batted my eyelashes in surprise with my mouth agape as I watched him bang the door as he exited.

As the sound of the door echoed in my head, i released a breath I had no idea I was holding.

I needed to leave this environment. I needed fresh air. I panicked.

My eyes scanned across the room carelessly and my gaze fell on the invitation letter.

“Thanksgiving…exactly.”

Immediately, I picked up my keys and headed down the stairs hurriedly.

As i walked midway down the stairs, I paused. Pressing my fingers on my skull. A sudden wave of dizziness flashed in my eyes.

I held on to the railings firmly as I tried to stabilize myself. “Must be this godforsaken baby.” I muttered underneath my breath.

“Do you need help ma'am?” the maid asked worriedly.

“No, ... no ill be fine. "I just need Drew to get the car started." “Obviously, I can not drive myself anymore.” I rolled my eyes, in an attempt to make my situation appear lighter.

So the maid dashed immediately to inform my new personal driver while I struggled to barely make it past the railings.

Drew stood by my sleek black Lincoln limousine, smartly dressed in his tuxedo, which rightly hugged every form of his masculine features.

His ever-moist jet-black hair fell back smoothly on his broad shoulders and for a minute right there, i forgot i was married.

“Ma'am..” he gestured. Holding the door wide open for me.

I could feel my cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson red, but i pursed my lips, only to give him a curt nod.

“Ma'am”…he called again as i proceeded to enter the car. His tone was rigid.

I couldn't understand the mixed feeling of nausea and excitement i felt, but Drew's voice only intensified it.

“Ma'am, I think you need to use the restroom,” he said urgently. Turning his back.

“Excuse me?” I glared at him.

“I suppose it's that time of the month for you…but it's nothing to be embarrassed about,” he trailed off.

“What time of the month are you talking about?” I chuckled hesitantly. “Pregnant women don't see periods.”

There was a brief moment of silence, and gradually, a shiver ran through my spine as Drew and I exchanged knowing looks.

“No…” i shook my head slowly. Horror creeping into my eyes.

“No it can't be…not yet” i shook my head. Flipping the dress i put on to cure my doubts, and there it was, the big red stain.

“My baby…” my breath hitched.