10 New Love

“Just a moment. Let us do it this way. I am aware that you are all right, but let us share this third plate. You take half portion and I will have the rest. Is that Ok?"

"It's Ok."

"Then, let's go.”

Notwithstanding the situation, Denise presented it as though it was a game, and Olivia began to play with the zeal to be the winner. Nevertheless, she forgot the rules of the game and finished the food before she realized that she had goofed up. She looked at Denise, who had been watching her, and volunteered to report herself, “Sorry, I ate your portion.”

Then, Daniel teased, “That was the idea. Keep it up. By the way, may I have your contact? I am on PM Shift today. I may leave before you wake up.”

Subsequently, Olivia looked at him and showed worries. He wanted to avoid stressing her, so he dismissed the idea. He had forgotten that he picked up her shattered phone and threw the pieces into the car trunk when he picked her the previous day.

“Do not bother. I will always contact you through my staff.”

She nodded in affirmation. Soon, Denise got through with his meal, and they left the dining table.

At the Sevenoaks Branch Clinic

Louis, who had accepted the inevitable, went back to his house after he was discharged. The only ray of hope was that Olivia must have traveled to see her parents, and probably apologize to them. The conviction helped him to keep his head above water. By Monday morning, he had partly recovered, and was only battling with loneliness and the hope that she would be back someday with his baby, and they would live happily ever after.

Olivia's perspective, on the bed in Denise's bedroom.

She had waited for Mr. Louis's call or message all the night after she returned home, but none came. While she was booking for cabs after she got to Dover, she was making mistakes because she was hysterical. She had not used her phone since she regained consciousness and did not wish to because the thought that Louis would not call her would drive her crazy. Besides, the phone was a gift from him at her twentieth birthday and seeing the phone would make her weep the more; so, she never bothered to search for it. Concerning her family, she had made up her mind to stay away from everyone until she had her baby. The stress she would go through when her parents discovered may make her lose the baby, and that would make Louis happy. She rubbed her stomach and said, “Baby, I will not abort you. You are precious to me.”

On Monday Morning. At Denise's Apartment

Denise and Olivia sat on a cane chair and a center table in the courtyard with their cups of tea on the center table. The gentle breeze was blowing Olivia's long hair. Now, she was out of pains and stress because her miscarriage cramping and bleeding had ceased. She was beautifully dressed with a pair of black jeggins and a long floral top covered with a winter jacket. She brushed her long gold hair, which had been in a ponytail, into tight waves, and it looked gorgeous. Furthermore, she had a mild makeup on her face, which made her look different from the woman who had been under the same roof with him for two days. Denise, who had set out to avoid any form of intimacy, could not help to commend while touching her hair, "You look so beautiful today, Angel.” Now, Olivia was bashful and replied, “Thank you, Denise.”

Denise gave her a romantic look, and requested, “Now that you are all right, I think we can talk. So tell me about yourself.”

“Oh wow! Where do I start from?” She asked, and took a deep breath before Denise teased, “Start from when you were born.”

Olivia teased back, “No, I will start from when I was in the womb.”

Presently, Denise, was beginning to enjoy her company, and he laughed heartily. Then, he pointed out, “Better, at least I will be privileged to know what goes on there.”

They laughed softly while Olivia joked and requested, “Tell me, what do you think goes on there?”

"I’m about to hear that from you.”

Subsequently, Olivia began to talk, “There is no point telling you my name, since you have given me one, and I love it.”

“I am glad that you love the name.”

“Yes. I’m from Thanet - Northeastern Kent. My parents are Missionaries, currently, serving in Egypt. I am the second daughter and the third child of a family of four.”

Now, she paused, and looked at Denise, who seemed absent-minded, but he was listening attentively. Then, he asked, “What was a girl from Thanet - Northeastern Kent, be doing here in Dover three days ago in the cold?”

Olivia smiled sadly, and continued, “I was on my way to see my school mother, but I can't tell how I found myself here. The only thing I can remember was that I endeavored to book for a cab, but could not because I was stressed up.” She paused, and they looked at each other for a while, before Denise inquired, “Is there anything you still want me to know about you?”

Afterward, he sipped his tea. Now, Olivia was withdrawn, and her countenance changed, but Denise encouraged her to speak.

“I thought we are already friends, you are my Angel, let me share your burden with you; you know that a problem shared is a problem half solved.”

Howbeit, Olivia, who got some encouragement from his comment, continued after she took a deep breath.

“I had a ...," she stuttered because she did not know whether Louis was a past tense or not. Denise watched her carry on.

“I had a boyfriend whom I loved so much, and he had proposed to marry me. When I discovered that I was pregnant, he urged me to abort it, but I refused, and he called off the relationship. I was so scared of my parents' reaction, so I decided to come to Dover to look for my school mother.”

At this point, Denise asked with a harsh voice, “And abort the pregnancy?”

Now, Olivia, who was scared, and corrected immediately, “No. Rather to put up with her and have the baby. I cannot abort my precious baby.”

Nevertheless, Denise was bitter, and was insensitive. Then, he broke the news she feared most.

“But you had a miscarriage.”

“Oh gosh!” she exclaimed, and began to sob dejectedly, while holding her stomach. Meanwhile, Denise wished that he would lay hand on the incautious man, who put her through such stress and deal ruthlessly with him, was lost in thought and not mindful of her. She felt rejected, and got up, walked back to the house, and picked her luggage. Now, she was about to leave when Denise came back to his senses as the door opened. So, he ran to her, and stopped her by holding her luggage. Then, he explained apologetically,

“Angel dear, it is not what you are thinking. I apologize if I hurt you. I was only feeling for you. Likewise, I can’t imagine that a man in his right senses could do this to such a beautiful Angel.”

He never minded the fact that his staff members could be watching as he drew her closer to his chest and held her tight for some seconds before he assured her, “At least you have me now. I will make it up to you if you permit me. I love you, Angel.”

When he wanted to release her, she held him tighter and would not let go of him, and she continued sobbing. Denise, allowed her to feel the warmth of his embrace, rubbed her back and comforted.