CHAPTER EIGHT

ABORTION

The doctor looked at her, puzzled. "It's good news. You should be rejoicing. You have the test results in your hands."

"This can't be true," Leah whispered, sinking to the floor as tears streamed down her face.

She opened the test results slowly and saw the confirmation. Yes, she was pregnant.

"Doctor, this can't be true," she repeated, her voice trembling.

"It is true, ma'am. You are three weeks pregnant. Congratulations. I'll be here to support you through your antenatal visits and after nine months," the doctor replied with a reassuring smile.

"This is not something to be happy about. Help me, doctor," Leah pleaded, now on her knees.

"I don't understand why you're not celebrating like most women. You're certainly old enough to handle this. Is there something I should know?" the doctor asked, his confusion growing.

"I can't have this baby. This is the result of a rape! I can't bring a child into this world from a man I don't even recognize. I can't endure this suffering for a person who means nothing to me," Leah said, her frustration boiling over.

"So what would you have me do?" the doctor asked cautiously.

"An abortion! Can I have an abortion?" Leah blurted out, desperation in her voice.

"An abortion?" the doctor repeated, concerned. "This is a hasty decision. Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Are you going to raise this child and take care of them when they're born?" Leah snapped.

"It hasn't come to that, ma'am. I'm just trying to help you," the doctor replied gently.

"Then put that help to use!" Leah shouted.

"Are you sure you won't regret it later?" the doctor asked again.

"Just do as I say!" she demanded.

"Okay, but you need to bring the man to sign the consent documents for the abortion. Without that, I'm sorry, but there's nothing more I can do except encourage you to reconsider," the doctor said firmly.

"I told you I don't know him," Leah replied, her voice breaking.

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you," he reiterated.

The doctor wanted to convince her not to go through with the abortion, knowing the potential risks and dangers. He always tried to persuade women to keep their babies, regardless of their circumstances.

"If I keep this pregnancy, I will become depressed and devastated. Why is life so cruel to me?" Leah pleaded.

The doctor felt a pang of pity for her. "You'll survive this. It's just a matter of time, and everything will sort itself out. Don't make a mistake you'll regret. Go home, think it over, sleep on it, and come back when you're ready."

He handed her his card to discuss and schedule another appointment.

Leah thanked him and left.

On her way out, she disposed of the pregnancy result. She didn't want her best friend or family to find out yet. She needed time to think and some space to process the overwhelming news.

She hailed a taxi back to her workplace instead of going home.

The little money she had saved might sustain her for a while, and she considered moving out of the city entirely. She felt the walls closing in, the memories suffocating her.

Leah knew she couldn't make any plans without talking to her best friend first. She decided to speak to every member of Mariam's family. Even if they suggested she stay with them, she had already made up her mind. She would not raise her child in this city if she decided to keep the pregnancy.

She needed to find her feet and move on.

"Every disappointment is a sign for more blessings.." She said.

In a cozy room, filled with scents of Lavender.

Leah sat on a couch, reminscening and nervously biting her fingernails.

Her bestfriend Mariam, her mother and grandmother were seated gusting.

Although sensing something was amiss with Leah as she has been quiet for so long.

Suddenly Leah heaved a sigh and quickly took a deep breath…

"I want to discuss an important issue here since everyone is home and available, let me use this opportunity properly".

Mariam looking so concerned voiced out….

"Are you alright Leah, you are scaring me… what is this? That you seriously want to discuss with us?".

Mrs. Adams reached out to hold her hands,

"What is the matter my daughter, we are always here for you".

"At all times, Leah".... Grandma chimed in.

Leah forcing a smile on her face….

" That is the only reason why this is so hard for me to discuss. I had wanted to just do it but you'll have been the best family I have ever had".

Everyone had a pitiful face for Leah.

"I have decided to move to another country"...

"What? What do you mean by another country and why exactly, ain't we taking good care of you enough".... Mrs Adams added.

"Yes, of course you all are doing a great job taking care of me. But I just need a fresh start. This city holds alot of bad experiences for me".. Leah explained.

"So this is about what happened Leah, you really want to leave because of it?".. Mrs Adams asked…

"Partly, yes. I can't stay here… Leah responded.

"I already thought you were doing better. You've been strong all this while"… Mrs Adam's added.

Tears welled up Leah's eyes…

"I tried, I really tried to forget and move on. But every street, turns, corners reminds me of my misery. I can't escape it"...

Sometimes a change of scenery can help heal traumas. But I feel you want to run away from healing here.. Will that solve anything for you?....

Or probably, she developed a sudden allergy to the air she breathes around here, I know bad attitudes has corrupted the air but then stay…. Please… Mariam muttered.

"If you leave, who will eat all the cookies I bake or wake up at midnight to take my strawberries and cakes…."... Mrs Adams asked…

Everyone laughed….

"You can always send them to me… Leah replied.. wiping her tears.

"How about we all come with you, you shouldn't go alone…I am scared something might happen to you…. Mariam said…

"No, Mariam. I will be fine. I just need to see a whole different world from this place.

"Okay, where do you want to go to…asked grandma.

"Paris!"... Leah declared.

"Wow, I've always wanted to have coffee in Paris and complain to them that it's not as sweet as mine. Now, you are going to enjoy it alone and especially the beautiful places"...

"I'm sorry grandma".

"You really do not need chauffeur to carry your luggage and brag about your beauty. I am qualified for the job Leah.. Mariam asked chuckling.

Everyone smiled….

"Promise us that you will be fine, and you will come back better and stronger…" Mariam added.

"Yes, I will. I promise"...

"Promise you will call everyday, I don't want to miss out on any Gist about you and Paris as well"...

"I promise… Leah responded.

"Then, Paris it is. Anything for my bestfriend.

"When do you plan on leaving?" Mrs Adam's asked.

"In two days time.." she replied.

"Okay, but that is too soon"...

"I know… but I need to move already"....

Two days later, Leah was standing near the check in counter with Mariam surrounded by her luggage.

Leah's eyes were already puffy from crying…

"Before I change my mind about this whole traveling. Let me get through the security first"....

They hugged and Mariam bid her farewell, while she headed towards the check in point to embark on her new journey having a renewed sense of hope that everything will definitely work out eventually.