Chapter 8

Mum, Joseph and I have decided to take a trip to New York.' Joseph had contemplated some weeks ago to take Mary on a trip.

'You need this Mary, you have been so overwhelmed lately. You looking sick.' Joseph had said as he looked into her eyes. Yes, she was getting sick, she hadn't been in her body for a while. Her morning sickness had increased and were worse than before. This baby was taking all the space in her body. If only he could come any sooner.

$$$$

'Why are you going that far? What about the baby? What about me?' Her mother had inquired.

'We'd be fine, you'd be fine. I just need to take a break from this world, from this town. Every morning I feel as if someone is staring at me, as I go to the market the creeps their stares give me go a long way. I just need to rest.' Mary sat down and consoled her mother. This would be the first time she ever embarked on a trip without her parents. Her father would be hurt to hear she was gone. Mr Abraham had been called to Africa to minister two days ago and had left his wife to watch over Mary.

'What would your father say? What would he do?'

'Father will be fine. I'd call him to tell him of my plans.'

Accepting defeat her mother sighed. 'I hope Joseph would be able to take care of you and that baby.'

'Not that baby, mum. God's baby. My son.'

'For God's sake Mary, you haven't even had a scan how are you sure it's a boy?'

''Cuz God told me alright? And He doesn't lie now does He?'

Her mother stood and went to the window. 'When do you plan on leaving?'

'We plan on leaving early next week. Probably on Monday.'

'Your date of delivery is close by. It's three weeks from now. Why did you plan on going now? Why not after the birth of this child.' Deliberately putting emphasis on 'this child' Mrs Abraham took her purse from the glass stand. 'I am going out for a stroll. Take care of your brothers while I'm gone.'

Mary knew her relationship with her mother was deteriorating day by day. The way they never spoke. The weeks of tears and shouts. When would it all end?

You caused this yourself. You could have aborted that child, that bastard when you had your chance. You are the one causing pain in your family. You are the crack in the wall. They'd never be serenity again because of your selfishness.

$$$$

The week went faster than usual. Joseph had rented a car for their drive to New York and they were on their four hours drive to New York. A cool breeze touched the warmth of her cheeks as she rolled down the window.The winter breeze carried fine drops, each one a promise of the snow to come. As newly chilled air moves the clouds, streaks of brilliance break through from a patient sun. She let her eyes rest for a moment, feeling the ambiance of street, hearing the sounds, taking in the aroma, letting her brain be still. She placed her hands out and let the breeze flow through her fingers. This was what she needed. A time out. A sanctuary, a moment to herself. A moment to let go of the past few months and focus on that moment alone.

The hours passed and it was the magic hour, when the sun dyed everything in gold and the clouds partially disappeared after the snow. It was mid December, and she could feel the winter breeze running through her veins, caressing her lungs and lay deep inside her heart, filling her with a nostalgic, calm happiness she had no memories to have felt it before.

Mary looked over to Joseph. This man before her was calm and had his eyes on the road. He was going to be a good father no doubt but could she be a good wife to him. She held his hand which was on the coffee stand. He looked up at her and smiled. 'How are you doing?'

'I am doing fine. Holding up well.'

'How's the baby? Is He kicking well?'

'He kicks like every other baby, Joseph. He gives me so much pain. I wish I could just deliver right now and forget about having him in me.'

Joseph laughed so hard and it rang through Mary's ears. His face lights up like a neon sign, and he abandons his body to the merriment. Mary looks at him and wonders how a man could get lost in his own laughter. It was still one of the things that had drawn her to him.

The drive had lasted three hours and they had reached Steve Flanders Square which indicated they had reached New York. They reached the City Hall Park within fifteen minutes. Navigating and finding the hotel he had booked a room in Moxy NYC Downtown which was just a minute away from the Park.

Mary got down from the car as they found a parking spot in the hotel. Joseph carried all their items. As Mary walked for a while, she began to have cramps then her water broke almost immediately. Her baby was on the way.

'Joseph, I can him coming. He's coming'

Joseph quickly went in to drop the loads he carried and took Mary into the lobby. He sat her down and went to talk with the receptionist.

'Good evening sir. How may I be of help?'

'You can be of many help to me tonight. I just wanted to check in with my wife. She's having contractions.'

The receptionist who was named Grace looked up at him and saw Mary sitting down obviously in pain.

'Sir, I suggest you take her to the hospital. This place isn't for giving birth.' She looked at Mary again and had a surprised look on her face. 'How old is your wife, sir?'

'Techincally, she's not yet my wife. She's my fiancee.' She looked up again and this time had a shocked look. 'And she's sixteen.'

Well that did it as her whole countenance changed.

'Well, I suggest you visit the hospital. There's one just five minutes away. It's the New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.'

'Thank you very much for your time.' Joseph picked Mary up and carried her to the car. As they left he heard the receptionist say 'I would love to report a case.'