Chapter 5

A month had gone and Mary's parents had returned in time for her graduation. A few weeks back she fell ill but had gotten a quick recovery. Her parents wanted to treat her at home first and if it got severe they'd take her to the hospital.

The next day which was a Saturday was meant to be her graduation. Tonight was her promenade night; Prom. The school had rented a part of the Oriental Hotel at the outskirts of the city. Her parents had shown their genuine appreciation and excitement. Their first child was finally out of high school, would be on her way to university and gets married after securing herself with a well paid job. Her life was totally planned out. They felt they had done a great job nurturing her. They couldn't be more proud of her.

Joseph had come that night as her prom date. Her parents had extended her curfew by an hour-they were to be back by 11 pm.

'Wow, I am in awe. You look amazing.' Joseph stared at Mary in awe. Her parents had gifted her with a silver chiffon mid-calf gown. She looked like a goddess in the gown. Her parents had a unique fashion sense even as missionaries.

'Your makeup brings out the beauty in you. You are going to shine tonight.' Joseph extended his hands to her as he helped her into the car. Joseph had rented a car for her special night. The whole drive to the hotel was full of an appraisal. Mary couldn't help but notice that Joseph couldn't get his eyes off her. She smiled deeply knowing she had all the attention she needed from the man she loved.

Her friends were already outside and were waiting for her. She called out to them as she stepped out of the car. 'Jane, June, Elis and Thomas. I am over here.'

'Oh my God! You look fantastic.' Thomas complimented Mary as she walked over to where they were standing.

'I never knew you could look so breath-taking.' Janet looked over at Mary and scanned her from top to bottom.

'You always sound sarcastic but I take that as a compliment.' She looked over at Elizabeth, 'Elizabeth I love your gown. You look hot. You all look amazing and Thomas you sure know how to pull a tuxedo. Thomas twirled as Mary complimented him.

Joseph had found a space to park and came over to the five. 'Good evening gent and ladies. How are you doing?'

'We all are fine lover boy.' June finally looked up from her phone. 'Are we entering? Are we not entering?'

'Let's go have some fun.' The six of them all went in and found their dates. For Mary tonight was just to focus on her date and the dance floor.

$$$$

'Joseph, I don't feel so good.' Mary walked over to Joseph looking sick and pale. They had spent two hours in the prom. Her complexion had started to look lighter than before.

'You look really sick Mary. Let's get you out of here.' Joseph went ahead to inform their friends that they'd be going to the hospital.

'We'd meet you there.' Elizabeth said on behalf of the team.

Joseph rode Mary to the hospital where she was taken for tests. He had taken her to her family hospital. Their family doctor, Dr Sonja Limns had taken over her case. Mary had gotten worse over the minutes ; she had started vomiting and her eyes were dilated. Joseph had called her parents and her friends had arrived. The doctor had done various tests and the results had come out when her parents came.

'The doctor would like to see Mary's parents.' A dark slim nurse came up to the whole group.

'Can I go with them?' Joseph interjected as they were about to go.

'And who are you?' The nurse with a pen in her mouth questioned Joseph.

'I am her fiancée.' The nurse who hadn't expected that word looked up at Mary's parents to confirm.

'Yes, he is. He can come along with us.' Mr Judah Abraham answered and the nurse-led the three of them to the doctor's office. Dr Sonja Limns knew everything there was to know about Abraham's family. The nurse knocked his office door and prompted them in.

'Mr Judah, Mrs Linda, have a seat.' She looked at Joseph and offered him a seat. 'You must be the young lad engaged to Mary. Nice to meet you.' He offered his hands and they shook hands.

'Sonja, tell me what's going on with my daughter. Is she doing alright?'

'It's quite heartbreaking and shocking.' Those words hit the trio like a bomb. Mary's parents held each other. 'Hm, we conducted several tests and one came out positive.'

'Positive to w-hh-a-tt?' Mary's mother's voice shook as she looked at the doctor in fear.

'Your daughter,' She sighed before blurting out 'Your daughter is pregnant.'

'That can't be true.' Mary's father looked as if he had been shot. 'No that can't be true.' He stood up and looked at Joseph. 'What did you do with our daughter when we were away?' He held Joseph's clothes as he angrily ranted.

'I am shocked as you are sir.' Joseph softly said while trembling. 'She never allowed me to touch her anyway.'

'So you had planned on touching her?!'

'No sir, I promise you that I have never touched her.'

Judah Abraham sat down in defeat. 'How many weeks gone is she?'

'She's four weeks pregnant.'

'Can we at least see her?'

'Not now.' Dr Sonja put her hand on his shoulder. 'I think it's for the best.'

Judah was ashamed and angry, leaning forward he rested his face on his wife's leg. His precious flower had been deflowered but by whom?