Chapter 3 3

Chapter 3

Mara's POV

Being pregnant and still going to school is one of the most difficult things I would never recommend to any woman in my life. It is very exhausting, and sometimes it feels like you're carrying two lives while trying to survive in one at the same time.

Pregnancy comes with lots of things, especially dealing with morning sickness without warning, nausea, which made my stomach twist until I couldn't breathe, and worst of all...vomiting and spitting.

I slept during class hours even without meaning to because my eyes were so heavy to open... But no matter how stressful it got, I endured it. I have to do that for the sake of my child.

I thought of aborting the baby because I don't even know the father too well, and it's just a one-night stand, but then on second thought... . This is something I swore not to do-ending a life I didn't create. I never wanted to soil my hand with the blood of an innocent child.

Waking up each morning and hearing the little heartbeat, I felt so fulfilled and happy.... . My child deserves to live even if the world calls the baby a bastard, even if the father will never claim him or her... I will train my baby alone. I will do anything to keep my baby safe.

There is no day that passes without his face flashing on my mind... I could vividly remember how he dismissed me, the hatred and anger on his face when he said it like it was nothing.

The way he told me to get out like I was just a random prostitute begging for money and that he settled with me already...everything still felt like yesterday. At least it was well explained to me; I was not needed.

To tell my parents? No, I wasn't ready to do that, at least not yet... even though I know it would be difficult to hide it when the baby bump gets bigger because we live in the same apartment, I just need time to figure out what to tell them exactly.

If Mom finds out about this especially, she will literally skin me alive! For the fact that she already doesn't like me, I can only imagine how she would transfer that hatred to my child, and that is the least thing I wanted for my baby...this child can't suffer the way I do.

***

Well, today is my first day at the hospital for an internship. It was only a few weeks ago when our principal announced that in the nursing department, it turned out to be part of the interns going to work in the biggest hospital in the city for real clinical practice.

This is more like a dream come true because I have always wanted to go to New Era Hospital and gain some experiences. My school is a big and prestigious school, and somehow, through the grace of a scholarship, I made it here.

I turned off the alarm and rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower...I'm even running late for the orientation because last night was hectic from lots of house chores.

My head felt so heavy, and I was dizzy, but I carried myself through it... I dressed up carefully in my neat nursing scrub, combed and packed my hair into a ponytail, and wrapped it round into a tight bun, yeah...nursing style!

I applied a little makeup on my face, just enough to hide the tiredness. I stared at my reflection in the mirror one more time and managed to fix a smile on my face.

"You're still beautiful, and you can do this." I reassured myself. To be honest, I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time, knowing fully well that the day was going to be stressful with long shifts, heavy ward rounds, and constant pressure to do everything perfectly.

My tummy isn't showing yet, but I can feel the secret growing every time I move. I place a gentle hand on my flat belly. "We'll get through this," I whisper.

Just as I was about to step out, my phone buzzed, and I picked it up immediately...it was Lila. "Hey girl, where are you? I'm already at the hospital, and the doctor will arrive soon." She said, and my heart dropped.

"I'm on my way!" I said quickly, and the line went dead.... I don't want problems on my first day. I opened the door and rushed downstairs. I was about to leave when I found my younger brother Philip standing and blocking the veranda. He's grinning at the camera of a shiny new iPhone 16, snapping pictures like he owns the world.

My eyes widened in shock because there's no way he could afford a phone like that.But I couldn't care less; I made it to pass, but he blocked my way.

"Where are you going to, sis? The plates are dirty in the kitchen. Who will wash them?" He sneered at me and continued snapping pictures. Yeah, the arrogance in his voice makes my blood boil.

Philip has always been like this-spoiled, reckless, and rude-but I didn't have time for all of that today. Mom always supports him, no matter how wrong he is.

"Philip," I bark, rushing toward him, anger burning up my spine. "Get out of my way! I'm running late, and besides, where did you get that phone? Is that a new phone? How can you even afford it? You can't afford that phone because we both know it's too expensive!"

He barely glances at me, his mouth twisting into a smirk. "Oh really? You're monitoring me now?" His voice drips with sarcasm.

"What do you mean by 'afford'? I'm an adult, just like you. You can't just come out here and start snooping around, asking questions like you own me. Before you came, I was doing something important. Why don't you just get out of my space by going to the kitchen to wash those plates?"

He said and then turned, "Also ... I'm hungry and need to eat this morning too."

My stomach twisted with his words... I wanted to give him a slap, but then I walked closer to him, refusing to back down. "If you're hungry and think you're an adult, then go and make yourself food!"

He didn't even flinch as he continued with his phone. I was so pissed off as my heart hammered against my ribs. "What are you trying to tell me? You don't even have a job. Don't tell me this came from my savings again! Philip, did you steal from my savings?" My voice rises with fury.

"That money was for Dad's medication. Do you even understand how many night shifts I worked to afford it? How many sleepless hours did I spend while you slept peacefully? How could you do this!?" I should, as tears were threatening to spill out... but held it.

Philip rolls his eyes, still snapping selfies. "Yeah, it's a new phone. So what? And yes, I used the money from your savings... I needed new tech...like, the newest and latest phone. How can I not get one when I'm going to be an engineer?" He laughs bitterly.

"Please, shift from the window. You're blocking the light." He added, and I almost lost it.

My breath catches in outrage. Without thinking twice, I rushed to him and snatched the phone from his hand. "Give it to me! I'm returning this right now!"

"Mom! Mom!" Philip screams dramatically. I expected that.

I heard the bedroom door slam open and mom stormed out, her face twisted with fury and rage. "What is going on here? Mara! You again?!" Her voice cracked like a whip against my skin.

Philip faked tears immediately and pointed an accusing finger at me... My eyes widened in disbelief. "Mom, tell your daughter to give me back my phone. She's trying to destroy my career again!"

Before I could even say anything to defend myself, Mom pushed me to the cushion and snatched the phone from my hand. She turned furiously and gave me a thunderous slap on my cheeks. My head jerked to the side from the force as tears blurred my vision.

"How dare you!?" she yells. "He's your younger brother! Why is it so difficult for you to support him? Can you, for once in your life, stop being so selfish?!" Her voice cracks like thunder.

But then she stopped and hesitated narrowing her eyes before she said. "You're not even my real..." She stops abruptly, her mouth snapping shut.

I freeze trying to figure out what she is trying to say in confusion "Not your real what?" I asked, My chest tightened painfully, filled with a thousand questions.

Mom quickly looks away, thrusting the phone back into Philip's waiting hands. "Philip, honey, here. Use it however you like. Don't let her touch it again. I'll deal with her."

Tears rolled down my eyes uncontrollably immediately after I heard her say that. She didn't even ask where he got the money.

"Mom, you didn't even ask what happened! That money..." My voice cracks. "That money was for Dad's medication!"

But Philip only laughed out cruelly at me like a mockery, and Mom joined him to laugh at me.

"Your father?" she sneers. "There will be enough money for him later. Your brother's future matters more right now. Even though your father is my husband, I care about him, but Philip is young. He has more future than your father ever will."

I stare at her, my chest rising and falling with fury. My heart feels like it's tearing in half.

Philip went to sit on the cushion smugly and pressed the phone as if nothing happened.

Just then, Dad stepped out of the bedroom, his face looking so pale as he walked slowly to us. "What is all this noise?" he asks sharply. His gaze settles on Philip.

"Why are you giving your sister such a hard time? Can't you see she's doing everything she can for this family? When will you become the son I always hoped for?"

Philip shrinks back for a moment but says nothing.

Dad turned to me and said as he placed his hand on my shoulder softly. "My dear," he says gently, "I'm so sorry for being a burden to you. You shouldn't have to suffer like this at your age."

I couldn't control myself from crying as I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "No, Father," I whisper through sobs.

"You are never a burden to me. I promise I will work as hard as I can to make sure you get better. I swear I'll take care of you."

Before Dad can respond, Mom's voice cuts through the air like a knife. "Enough of this nonsense!" she snaps.

"If they give you a small allowance, you start acting like you're the savior of the world. Mara, get into that kitchen and clean it. Make sure you cook breakfast before stepping out of this house...stupid girl."

I pull back, wiping my wet cheeks. "No, Mom," I say softly but firmly. "I have to leave for my internship; remember I told you guys. I have work to do at the hospital and an orientation. I'm already late."

When I said that, she scoffed and clapped both her hands in irritation. "Oh, please shut up! You're not going anywhere, you hear me? You irresponsible brat, until you finish what you have to do in this house ... no internship for you. Philip, lock the front door!"

Tears wouldn't even let me talk, and I knew that talking or refusing was useless. My dad acts like he was being controlled by her and won't even say anything.I swallowed the words and rushed into the kitchen in tears.

My hands trembled as I grabbed the dirty dishes... I checked the time over and over.

I paused as my hands pressed against my belly. "My child, Mom, is suffering already, and I don't want you to suffer like this with me. I promise I will find a way and work harder to protect you." I cried profusely.

"Mommy loves you so much." This is the main reason why I kept my pregnancy a secret from them.

The way they treat me like a slave and a stranger sometimes makes me wonder if they are actually my real family.....