Chapter 5 Family Reunion

Two hours later, Daniella gently blinked her big eyes and slowly open them.

ouch, my head hurts she groans!

hello Daniella, how are you feeling Patricia asked?

silence..........

do you remember what happened she pressed on?

yes, I passed out, we were having a conversation and I fainted. she weakly replied.

do you know why you fainted Patricia asked?

probably because I was in shock or maybe I had a panic attack.

Patricia looked at her husband who in return nodded at her.

their small act now, was not oblivious to the patient in the room, as she coughed and asked.

wait.........

could there be another reason behind my fainting, is there something else I should know.

she looked at the couple, though calm but confused!

you are about to be a mother the second time, you are six months pregnant Daniella. Patricia said as she held her hand.

no this can't be true.

how is it possible that I wasn't even aware that a child is growing inside me till the sixth month she asked?

it is indeed possible, Patricia replied.

most women, will not find out till they are in labor. it's called cryptic pregnancy, stealth pregnancy, or pregnancy denial.

it can be attributed to a lot of factors ranging from anterior placenta placement, birth control use, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which can cause hormonal imbalances. and a whole number of factors.

conventional medical testing method may not be able to detect it!!

but I was having my monthly cycle she asked confused?

yes, it's called pseudo-menstrual Patricia explained.

okay, she nodded. she gently rubbed her belly and said Fred, Fred Ramsey, my love, we are pregnant.

speaking of Her late partner she became very emotional.

Fred, you don't know what I would give for you to be here with me to celebrate this great news. Vivian Ramsey, your baby sister....... she choked on her words before she could even finish her statement and burst into tears.

Patricia embraced her to comfort her and she rubbed her head against her chest and wailed uncontrollably!

Patricia held unto her and gently patted her back as she let her vent out all her sorrows.

all of all sudden, she stopped crying and coughed gently.

Gerald handed a cup of water to her and she nods in gratitude.

after taking a sip of the water, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

if this is true, she said calmly, then I have a reason to change, a reason to live.

of course, Gerald said indeed you have a reason to start afresh.

Fred my love, thank you for this gift. Daniella smiled weakly, even though you are not here anymore, I will take care of our child.

and that is where we come in, Gerald said. you have to accept our help so that you can raise your child in a normal place and not this hell hole.

I am a bad person, why do you want to help me she asked?

You asked why I want to help you, Patricia begins, you are my child, the first baby that came out of me, the first life I brought into this world. I have always loved you, even though we thought you were dead, my love for you never ceased!

but now that I have met you, I need you, we need you, your twin Sister has cried a river since she found out about you. you are my offspring. so tell me, why can't I help my daughter.

What is her name, my twin sister's name, she asked?

Gloria peace Lincoln and you are Gracia Joy Lincoln. Patricia replied!

Gloria peace Lincoln, she recited as if she's

trying to commit the name to her memory.

yes, Gerald nodded because, our children, our princesses, brought us Peace and Joy. Gerald chipped in, but it pains me so hard that I wasn't able to protect my family, the grief-stricken Gerald said.

Mr. Gerald, Daniella called out softly as she took his hands. even though I haven't been a good person, I still know a perfect man when I see one, you are a good person, an angel, don't ever blame or punish yourself for another person's crime.

can I hug you she asked? of course, I will accept a hug from my princess. Gerald laughed.

she hugged him tightly for a while, a few minutes later, she let him go.

you are my child, though we are not biologically related, I have loved you unconditionally ever since I found out about you. I still remember the first day I signed the adoption paper, though you girls were still in your mother's womb, I felt as if my whole world was complete. and as your father, I must protect you. I have failed once but I will never fail again. and I promise you that I will never blame myself ever.

he kissed her forehead and sat down beside her.

there was an awkward silence in the room.

Gerald breaks the silence as he clears his throat and said.

Gloria, your identical twin sister is just as pretty as you are. Gerald said

so we are identical Daniela asked as she smiled broadly.

yes, she came out thirty minutes after you came, Patricia said and she's so stunning like you.

she wants to meet you my dear Gerald said. but of course, that's if you want, he added.

of course, I want to, please, she added.

as if it was a signal, the door opened gently from outside, and a young lady of about 24 years walked in.

Daniella stared at the visitor with her mouth open, looking at the woman who is her spitting image, she stared at her without blinking her eyes.

she trembled, all sorts of emotions overpowered her. happiness, confusion, satisfaction, and what have you!

the visitor walked gently and elegantly and stopped in front of Daniella.

she smiled at her as she stretched out her hand to exchange pleasantries with her.

Hello Gracia Joy Lincoln. I am Gloria Peace Lincoln your sister, I mean your twin. the visitor said.

better half you mean Daniella Joked, I like you, so I can't shake hands with you, I will only accept a hug she said.

okay, Gloria peace said as she hugged her tightly. almost choking her.

nice meeting you Daniella said.

you don't know how long I have longed for this reunion, I practically talked to you every day of my life sister. she said amid tears.

she didn't leave her until Daniella was nearly out of breath.

oh my God, mom, she called out, I can't believe this is happening she said as she drew her mom into a big hug.

Nah my queen and princesses are trying to cheat me but I can't be left out, we are in this together Gerald said as he joins the three ladies in a hug.

he took out his phone and takes a quick shot. this family reunion will not be complete without a nice picture to seal the whole thing. he said as he playfully winked at the ladies.

we still have more surprises for you Gracia he said.