CHAPTER ONE
First Person's Perspective
_Marie_
Three weeks into the new phase of my life, I found out that I was pregnant. It was something that I couldn't fathom. Other girls have sex but don't usually get pregnant, why did mine have to be different? Especially on my first try. I wished the ground would crack open and swallow me.
What would my mom say when she eventually finds out? What will people say? The society we live in today is so judgmental, how would I survive? These and many more were the questions running through my mind
Taking another glance at the pregnancy test, which showed two blue lines, I couldn't help but let the tears that had being welling up in my eyes socket roll down freely on my cheeks
I was a girl whose mother had always taught the importance of keeping your legs closed, keeping your dignity till marriage, all her life. She would be very pissed and disappointed in me. The thought of just terminating the pregnancy and pretend like nothing ever happened crossed my mind, but I shoved it back immediately. I couldn't possibly kill my own child
I thought I could move on though. In a few weeks or months everything would be back to normal, but I was sorely mistaking as fate had other plans for me
A knock came on the door and I wiped off the tears on my face, then threw the pregnancy test into the trash can
"Hey Marie, guess what?" with a huge more than normal sigh, I turned over to Sam, my best friend, my only friend actually. She was the one who dragged me to that party last weekend, claiming that I needed to go out and live the best of my life.
That's how I ended up in bed with a total and complete stranger.
"Are you alright? You look pale and distressed" she said giving me an up to down assessment . I nodded and walked over to my bed. "I am alright" she wasn't convinced
"Talk to me Ree, what's happening?" A tear dropped and I told her, I told her everything. She drew me into an embrace, assuring me that everything was going to be just fine.
"I shouldn't have gone Sam, I really shouldn't have" I was crying profusely by now while she patted me on the shoulder
"I'm sorry I forced you to come, I really am, but we'll push through this together okay? I'll be by your side till the very end" I smiled and hugged her again
" Thanks" she nodded. There was silence in the room for a couple minutes, then Sam spoke. "So what are we going to do now? Are you going to tell your mom about it?" I shook my head. "No. Not now, I don't want to see the look of disappointment in her face" I responded. Sam nodded and patted me on the back. "It's alright, I understand"
Just as she said those words, the door burst open and Lilian walked in. She had her arms folded across her chest and a smirk plastered on her face. "So... I heard that someone in this room is pregnant" she said and I rolled my eyes
"Eavesdropping on people's conversations doesn't speak well of your behavior now, does it Lilian?" I asked harshly. She scoffed and waved . "Oh please! If anyone should be talking to me about good behavior then it certainly shouldn't be you" She responded and my cheeks burned red in embarrassment. "That's by the way though. I don't know about you, but this news is going to make a viral sensation in the school blog, considering the fact that many people know you as the "good girl"" I rolled my eyes at her and just lay back on the bed. As I thought about it, fresh wave of tears rolled down the side of my eyes, this wasn't what I signed up for. It was too much to handle. Sam walks up to her and threatens to post a video of her boyfriend being violent
And For some reason, she didn't want that and decided to leave, promising that she wouldn't post anything about me. "You're evil Sam" I said. We both laughed about it. " I should get going now, I have tutorials this afternoon, call me if you need anything okay? " She said and I nodded. I cried some more, till I eventually slept off
~~~~
The sound of vicious knocking on the door woke me up from my sleep. Who could be hitting on the door as though they wanted to bring it down. "What time is It?" I groaned looking at the walk clock, it was almost midnight. I turned around to see my roommate sleeping peacefully like nothing was happening. I sighed and walked to the door. Sam stood there staring at me with wide eyes. I raised a brow, she looked... Scared and instantly, my heart began to race
This was the first time in as long as I could remember, that I could see fear in Sam's eyes. "She posted it" Now it was my turn to open my eyes widely in shock. "Wha... What are you talking about?" I asked. She shook her head and drew me into an embrace, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I dragged you into this mess, I..." She was saying but got cut by the sound of my ringing cell phone
The caller ID read 'Mom' and I felt a huge lump in my throat. My stomach twisted into a knot and I felt watery substance in my eyes. "She knows, Sam. She must have heard. I am doomed, I am doomed" I yelled and fell to the ground. The cell phone kept ringing constantly. That was enough to wake my roommate up. "Are you going to pick up your call or what?" She groaned but I ignored.
After some time, I cleaned up my tears and snuffed. She was going to find out anyway. I raised the phone to my ear and withdrew it almost Immediately to keep my ear drums safe. She was screaming from the other end of the phone. "Come home first thing tomorrow Marie" Was all I heard before the line was cut
I turned to Sam and she nodded. "She would only get mad for the time being. There's nothing more she could do other than yell and feel disappointed" She was damn wrong. My mom had a LOT to do the next day
Chapter Two
First Person's Perspective
Marie
"Mom, mom please, mom don't throw me out of the house, I am your daughter, please" I had cried so much, there was no tears left to pour out. Reaching home, there was a whole turn in the plot twist of my predicament. She was throwing my belongings out of the house
When I got home that day, my mom didn't even give me the chance to explain myself
"Mom, I swear it was a mistake, I didn't mean to, I just..." I tried to explain myself but she passed me a death stare and I knew to keep shut immediately. She didn't even ask who the father of my baby was. I was somewhat relieved, but it was short lived. She took me to the hospital, and when it was confirmed that I was Indeed pregnant, we landed in this situation
"You've brought nothing but shame to me Marie, after everything I thought you, after all the warnings, after every goddamn thing I told you, this is what you choose to do?, get pregnant, be the talk of the town, be the headlines on the internet in a very bad way, you just ruined my reputation, I am DISAPPOINTED in you Marie – that word rang and echoed deeply in my head, all the years of my life, I had tried and had always succeeded In making her proud, just this once that I made a mistake, just this once that I failed, just this once that I was far from being a perfect daughter, she kicked me out of her house - get yourself out of my house, go meet the father of that bastard you're carrying, and don't ever think of stepping your feet into my house again" words could never express how broken I felt, I cried my eyes to a puff, pleading, begging and apologizing, Sam didn't fail to help me plead too, it all fell on deaf ears
"Mom, mom, mom please"
"And also don't ever call me your mother, I am no longer your mother, because as of this day, I disown you, get yourself out before I call the cops on you" what? She did not just disown me, I slapped and pinched myself really hard, I needed to wake up from this nightmare, too bad it was reality, in pain, anger and disbelief, I ran away, leaving all the things she threw out
Before I left, I said
"I am also disappointed in you mom, very disappointed. I am disappointed that you would throw your daughter out on the streets in this cruel world, knowing fully well how vulnerable she is. This is one mistake, just one mistake on my part. I am disappointed and I hate you. I hate you with all I've got" The tears I thought I didn't have rolled freely down my cheeks. I looked into her eyes and she didn't feel any remorse, she turned her back to me and walked away. That was the last I heard from that woman in almost a decade
Sam tried to stop me, but I was too hurt to look back, I kept running, like a headless chicken, I had no direction nor destination all I knew was that I wanted to be far from this place, far from that woman, far from all of these people who looking at me funny, whispering to each other as I passed
I ran as far as I could, leaving the city where I spent all my life behind, did I forget to mention that people mocked me on my way out, instead of helping me or at least saying some words of comfort
I wanted to disappear from this world, I wanted to be wiped off the surface of the earth, I gave up on life, on any hope, moreover, I was now a pregnant helpless and hopeless college dropout, what meaning was my life? Nothingness. I didn't want to bring a child to the world and not be able to cater for it. Not being able to give it a decent life. I didn't want to suffer.
Just when I was about jumping off the bridge, I heard the voice of a young lady
"I know you, you're the college girl trending on the internet" She said. I turned to her and shook my head. How fast does the Internet spread news? I made to jump off again but she held me by the shoulder
"Don't end your life, and that of the innocent baby or babies you're carrying, all because of the comments online. Don't lose hope. I was also a bastard baby, people said awful and horrible things to my mom when she got pregnant with me, but my old woman never gave up, she never let those words get to her, she stood her ground, fast forward to today, she would be the mother of a college graduate tomorrow, she said she could never be more prouder, please do not lose hope, go back home girl, give birth to your baby and nurture it till adulthood, I assure you, it would never be a thing of regret" those words sank to the depth of my heart, I listened to her and moved far away from the bridge rim. She was right. I couldn't let the words of people get to my head. It had been done and can't be undone
But there was a problem, I didn't have a home, I didn't have money, not even a penny to my name. How would I survive as a single mother? After explaining my ordeal to her, she offered to take me home to live with her and her mother, I could never be more grateful, and today, I haven't gotten to where I intended, but so long as there is life, there is hope, I'll keep pushing and striving to cater for my three bundles of joy
Kira, and my two boys
Everyone in the room was already teary as they listened to all that I had narrated
"I'm so sorry you had to pass through that Marie" Mama Gracie said and I nodded with a smile
You all might be wondering why I gave such a long speech, well, today was the day of awareness, where we enlighten people out there, that getting pregnant out of wedlock isn't a bad thing, though it is not advisable, so I had to share my story
The program was soon over, and I had to go back to my daily life, taking care of my five year old triplets, and working three jobs at a time. Trust me it isn't an easy thing to do, but as long as there's life, there's hope. Sometimes I want to give up, but I look at my kids and shake my head. I need to keep pushing for them. They were my inspiration and all
"Hey Marie, I have super good news for you" Carrie, the girl who saved me from ending my life years ago, who was now my sister, said and I raised a brow
"What's the good news?" I asked and she drew me to a corner.
Your application to work at L-Tech Enterprise was approved, so you don't have to work three jobs and stress yourself anymore" did I hear her right, oh my God!
"Wow, that's so good to hear, what position did I get to work at?" I had to ask, she saying I wouldn't need to work my ass off any longer was surprising, cause how much was the pay
"Why don't you open the appointment letter and find out yourself" she said handing the envelope over to me
I applied for the post of a janitor, because I had no college certificate, but what was I seeing in this write up?
"There must have been a misunderstanding somewhere Carrie, I applied for the post of a janitor, why can I see the post of the secretary to the CEO?" I was confused, all these organizations going by big names and stuff, why would they be silly to make such a mistake
"There is nothing there to be confused about, why did you think I said you didn't have to work your ass off any longer? Because you got that post, and guess how much is the pay? Hundred thousand dollars per month" okay, I just got more and more confused
"What are you talking about? I'm confused as fuck right now, who pays HUNDRED THOUSAND to just a secretary? Are you sure there isn't more to this job than you think?" any sane person would have to ask, it is just too good to be true
"Come on now, don't be silly, do you know the organization we're talking about here? Its L freaking tech enterprise" sigh!
"So what if it is? I just don't want to get myself into something I'll regret for the rest of my life, okay? I'm not that desperate you know?" I moved away from her and handed back the paper, then made my way to the door, all she did was stare at me in irritation but I couldn't care less, I knew just what I was talking about cause I have had lots of bad experiences during my job hunting era that I told no one about
"You really have to think about this Marie, I mean, there's no harm in knowing what the job is about" she said half my way to the door, I didn't look backwards, neither did I give any response. I am not putting myself at risk ever again
Chapter Three
First Person's Perspective
_Marie_
It was a fine Monday morning. I sat in the reception room for the past six hours now, waiting for my so-called boss. Yeah, Carrie had persuaded me last night and I had to succumb. I went down to the organization, and took the job, surprisingly there was nothing more to it other than being a secretary and personal assistant. I know, it's crazy right?
I raised my wrist to look at my watch for the umpteenth time in a few minutes. I let out a loud sigh and stood up from the seat. Walking a few steps forward and backwards, the receptionist passed me a look but I ignored him. Few seconds later my cell phone rang. It was my boss. I heaved a deep sigh and pressed the green button
"Hey there, Miss Marie, I want you to cancel all the meetings I have today, I need to go see my mom out of town.... she's sick" He said immediately. He was giving me instructions as though he didn't just ask me to come here and wait for more than six hours in this company, knowing fully well that he was going to cancel. I closed my eyes and inhaled very deeply
"Is everything Okay Miss?" He asked. No, it wasn't because he cared, it was a threat. Like a warning. Just another way to say. 'Complain if you dare'. I exhaled and shook my head. "No sir, everything is fine" Without any further responses, he hung up. I stomped my feet really hard on the ground and gritted my teeth. I felt very irritated by his arrogance, I mean, right from the very first day I resumed, he was being a total jackass towards me. He never ceased to treat me like trash, Like... Like I wasn't a human with feelings.
"Miss, please we need absolute quietness in this organization" The receptionist said. I turned to him and rolled my eyes. "Do not add to my problems you dumb.... Ahem! Do not add to my problems Mister" I responded harshly and picked up my little briefcase, ready to leave. The briefcase fell open and my files and papers poured out "Gosh! Seriously!" I exclaimed in exasperation. As I put them back in place, my eyes got a glimpse of my appointment letter and I hit it hard in anger. I know that caused a lot of questionable stares but it didn't matter, cause I didn't care. It only reminded me of my first day on the job.
I walked into the magnificent building, dressed in my black suit, pairing it with a crisp white blouse and matching trousers. I added a simple black belt, black pumps, and understated jewelry. My hair was styled in a sleek bun, and subtle makeup to complete the polish look for a secretary. A smile painted on all corners of my face as I walked confidently towards the elevator and headed for the last floor
As the elevator doors opened, I stepped out into a sleek, modern lobby with a stunning view of the city skyline. The sight was to behold. I made my way to the reception desk, where a friendly face greeted me.
"Good morning, welcome to L-Tech Enterprise. How can I help you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"I'm here to see Mr. Lazarus Grey" I replied, my voice confident and clear. "I'm his new personal assistant."
Her eyes widened slightly, and she nodded. "Ah, you must be Marie, He's expecting you. Please, take a seat, and I'll let him know you're here."
I smiled and took a seat in the plush waiting area, my eyes scanning the room with interest. This was it, my first day at L-Tech Enterprise, and I was ready to make a great impression. Since he was expecting me, I had a feeling that everything would go smoothly, but apparently, that's too much for a girl to ask. When the nice lady ushered me into the office, I didn't let the smile drain from my face, though I was very nervous, I didn't let it show
His eyes lingered on my face, then down my whole self for a few seconds then he gestured for me to sit which I did without hesitation
"Ahem! Good morning Sir, My name Is Marie.... " I was saying when he rudely interrupted me
"I know who you are. Why do you think you got this job without an interview?" My mouth could only form an "Oh!" and I swallowed the rest of my words. There was silence for a couple of minutes as he was busy on his computer. He then turned to me and explained what my job was and everything. He was extremely rude but I managed to smile all through. It was time for me to leave to my post and resume duties, but his next words made me stop in my tracks and turned to him
"Didn't your application letter state that you needed a job as a janitor? Why are you so happy that you got a job as my P.A and secretary?" he asked. I felt embarrassment at its peak. I felt a lump in my throat
"Yes sir, but...." I was tongue tied, I couldn't say anything in my defense, so I bent my head downwards in defeat
"So why are you here, dressed as though you're fit for the job? I know the pay is attractive, for at least hungry mongers like you, but don't you have some dignity?... - he paused to gauge my reaction. I swallowed hard but didn't dare to look up. My face was completely red by now, and I felt watery substance in the corner of my eyes - Anyway, I don't expect you to understand what it means to have dignity, you're an illiterate, so I understand" He completed
What was the need for all he said? They really did that to humiliate me? Did he even know me? Why did he come at me like that?
I couldn't totally blame him though, if only I had stood my ground and not let Carrie convince me into trying, these wouldn't have happened
I stormed out of the office angrily, shamefully and in disappointment, vowing to never step foot there again. This was all just to humiliate. For them stupid asses to have something to laugh about.
He did look nice, like a responsible rich man, turned out he was no different from all the other rich ass wipes
Outside the building, I tried to hail a taxi, but none was agreeing to stop. The weather was cloudy, and it was clearly about to rain
That day was a really bad one for me
I waited for an hour, to two hours, and then three hours, proceeding to four hours, when a car pulled up in front of me. At that time, it was raining already and I was drenched
The window of the right hand side of the passenger sit, was rolled downwards revealing the person
"Hop in" well, well, well, If it isn't Mr. Asshole willing to help a hungry monger with no dignity, how kind. I turned my face to the other direction
"I have places to be, do not waste my time" his voice echoed and I still didn't turn or act as though I heard. The next second, large hands grabbed mine. I didn't even get the chance to react, and then I found myself in the car. I stared at him wide eyed. But he didn't so much as spare me a glance. I muttered some obscenities. He sure as hell heard them, though he didn't look at me, I saw his jaw work from the corner of my eyes. There was silence all through, then he spoke
"Here! Put this one and stop shivering like a sick chicken, it's annoying" He said while handing me his suit jacket. I took it without uttering a word and we stayed that way till he dropped me off at my doorstep
"I wasn't in a good mood today, so do not take the things I said personal, you can resume work tomorrow" he said, on my way out of the car
Without giving any response, I ran into our building, to avoid getting more drenched by the rain. To hell with that stupid Job. I was never going back.... Or I was? Life is full of uncertainties. I needed money. I needed to take care of my kids, So I had to suc
k up the humiliation and do what I had to do. Sigh!