Rebecca's broken vows

"Rebecca you have to abort this child." Derrick pinched the bridge of his nose saying. "Abort?" I opened my eyes wide open as the test result slipped from my hand. "How could you do this to me!" He suddenly flared. "I provided your pills and every contraceptive you required, yet you show up with a "thing" in your belly?."he pointed. I gasped. "Derrick, we have been married for three years now!" I said, now fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill. " and now you want me to terminate my baby?" "Married..." Derrick chuckled.

"Do i need to remind you that this, union was an 'arranged' marriage", he used his fingers to draw quotes. "But we agreed to make it work..." i trailed off, Derrick nodded his head in approval. "Yes we did. But like you always do, you ruin everything." He said storming out of the door. There was a strange dark look in his eyes i had never seen before. It looked like resentment and undiluted anger. I picked myself up from the bed hurriedly searched for my phone. "Where could it be?" I muttered as i lifted the covers. Impatiently, i reached for the telephone tossed by the corner and dialed my sisters number. my hands shook lightly as i held on to the phone...patiently waiting for her soothing voice. "Becca baby.." her voice floated in. I felt my heart melt. "He didn't take the news well Fiona..." i swallowed. There was a short moment of silence before she opened her mouth to say something. "You have always wanted a child Rebecca,..." said Fiona, her voice falling flat in my ears. I felt a pang in my chest. "What do i do fiona,?" I asked Shutting my eyes. Fiona had always been the braver one from when we were kids. I knew what she was going to say but i could not bring myself to accept it. "Becca you know what i would want you to do...is to choose yourself." "But he does not want the child and I've grown to love Derrick," i persuaded. "At the cost of your child?" Fiona asked lightly. "i want to protect my marriage Fiona..." "Becca..." Fiona's voice trailed off. But i hung up the phone before she said any more. "I have to fight to protect my marriage and if it means aborting the child then so be it." I said to myself in-front of the mirror gently massaging my belly. I carefully dismissed the cold ball of guilt that creeped under my skin knowing the consequences of my actions. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come on in.." i answered. It was one of the maids. "You have a letter." She said. Handing over a finely designed envelop with a ribbon around it. I rolled my eyes as i tore open the package. "Well, mom and dad are inviting us over to celebrate thanksgiving." I read out loud amused. "Over a written letter." "How traditional." I said,sinking into the couch. "Oh.." i smiled weakly. Derrick must have swapped our phones carelessly i thought as i picked up his phone tossed in the couch. My twisted lips pouted at his wallpaper. It was a picture of our hands, exchanging rings. Taking in a deep breath, i Proceeded to dial moms number but then a side thought invaded my mind. I tried to shift the thoughts away but it kept hammering on my mind. I had never gone through Derricks phone all through our years of marriage. "Derrick loves me and i must respect his privacy." i reaffirmed as i placed the phone on my chest. Just then the door swung open, leaving derrick panting furiously where he stood. "So you did this?" He pointed his finger at me. "I dont know what you are talking about." I answered defensively. But he kept walking closer with his eyes focused on me. He lifted my phone up. "You switched our phones so you could spy on me didn't you?"he growled. I instinctively jolted back. He had this terrifying aura all around him. Causing me to tremble at his every sound. "Derrick you know i would n..not do that!" I lifted my voice fearfully. "...and i have also agreed to carry out the abortion..." i mouthed. Lowering my eyelids. he uttered no words. But only yanked his phone out of my hands. I gasped horrifically. With tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. "Derrick?" "You can tell your family i wont be present at the thanksgiving. I know how oddly memorable it can be." He said croakily. I batted my eyelashes in surprise with my mouth agape as i watched him bang the door as he exited. As the sound of the door echoed in my head, i released a breath i had no idea i was holding. I needed to leave this environment, i needed fresh air. I panicked. My eyes scanned across the room carelessly and my gaze fell on the invitation letter. "Thanksgiving...exactly." Immediately, i picked up my keys and headed down the stairs hurriedly. As i walked down midway the stairs, i paused. Pressing my fingers on my skull. A sudden wave of dizziness flashed in my eyes. I held on to the railings firmly as i tried to stabilize myself, "must be this godforsaken baby." I muttered underneath my breath. "Do you need help ma'am?" The maid asked worriedly. "No..no ill be fine. I just need drew to get the car started, obviously i cant drive myself anymore." I rolled my eyes, in attempt to make my situation appear lighter. So the maid dashed immediately to inform my personal driver while i struggled to make it barely past the railings. Drew stood by my sleek black Lincoln limousine smartly dressed in his tuxedo which hugged rightly every form of his masculine features. His ever moist jet black hair fell back smoothly on his broad shoulders and for a minute right there, i forgot i was married. "Ma'am.." he gestured. Holding the door wide open for me. I could feel my cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson red, but i pursed my lips, only giving him a curt nod. "Ma'am"...he called again as i proceeded to enter the car. His tone rigid. I couldn't understand the mixed feeling of nausea and excitement i felt, but Drew's voice only intensified it. "Ma'am i think you need to use the restroom," he said urgently. Turning his back. "Excuse me?"i glared at him. "I suppose its that time of the month for you...but its nothing to be embarrassed about. " he trailed off. "What time of the month are you talking about?" I chuckled hesitantly. "Pregnant women don't see periods." There was a brief moment of silence, and gradually, a shiver ran through my spine as drew and i exchanged knowing looks .., "No..." i shook my head slowly. Horror creeping into my eyes. "No it cant be..." i shook my head. Flipping the dress i put on to cure my doubt. and there it was, the big red stain. "My baby..."my breath hitched.

Drew swept me off my feet without a second thought into the car, placing my head softly on the head rest. "My baby.." i kept repeating, my fingers scratching the corners of Drew's seat. Drew then dipped his hand into his pocket and reached for his phone. He took in a deep breath and contemplated on dialing the number on the phone. "Mr Derrick...., he paused." "Mrs Rebecca right now is in a critical condition and I'm taking her to the family hospital. Your presence will be of huge importance." He said rigidly. But his eyes had sooner dimmed and his jaws clenched tightly.

He then returned the phone to his pocket. "You just finished speaking with my husband Drew, is everything alright?" I asked worriedly. His eyes locked with mine as he stole a quick glance at me through the rear mirror. "He is in a meeting." He said rigidly once again. "Its thanksgiving, and its a holiday. So there are no meetings." I furrowed my eyebrows saying. "Tell me drew, is my husband in trouble?, is he fine? Because i know Derrick, he does not take matters like this lightly." Drew scoffed. Taking a sharp bend into the hospital, he swiftly led us to the parking slot. He stepped right down and opened the door. "Mrs Rebecca," he said softly for the first time, his baritone ringing in my ears. "Your husband is safe and fine, but you, you are the one who is not."he paused, taking my hand. I took in a sharp breath as his skin touched mine. Taken aback by his gesture, our eyes locked in once again and those green pearls penetrated my soul. "I need you to be strong for your baby and for yourself, no matter what the condition is."he said. I shook my head momentarily, fighting back the wave of emotions that bottled in me and nodded my head. He took me by my arm and led me out of the car. I held unto his hands tightly when the nurses sighted me from afar with the blood stain embedded in my bright pink dress. I gave his hand a tighter squeeze. " Drew, I'm scared..." "i need Derrick.."i muttered. my heart sank as the nurses approached even further, but i felt his hand wrap around mine softly as he stared into my eyes innocently. "There is no way, the strongest and most stunning woman I've ever met can ever be scared., not while i'm there to protect her." He said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Ma'am please you need to get on the bed." The nurse urged. I swallowed, extending a weak questioning smile to him. His words were truly heartfelt. I thought. A bit too heartfelt in fact. "Please check up on Derrick." I tugged on to his fingers. "Thank you."i whispered. Immediately, they placed me on a mobile bed and as they rolled me away, our hands untangled. "Don't worry ma'am, you will be fine and you will get to be with your husband again." The nurse said. I smiled uneasily. and then she pierced a syringe into my flesh. I took in a deep breath as i felt the sedative which was injected into my blood kick in. till it all went blank. - I sat up fully clothed in the hospital wears on the bed, I quickly assessed my body and the blood stain was gone. "Shes awake.." a nurse said, "Hows my baby?"The words flew out of my mouth non-hesitantly. She smiled briefly without uttering a word. As she opened the door, Drew let himself in. "Your baby is in good condition, and you are free to go." He said softly, handing me the freshest tulip flowers i had ever received. He then leaned in to plant a kiss on my forehead but i turned my face, causing his lips to brush past my cheeks. My toes curled as his lips made slight contact with my skin. "Im sorry ma'am." He said. His tone once rigid again. What was he thinking? "Prepare the vehicle, i have thanksgiving to meet up." I said coldly. As i watched him exit the hospital room, suddenly, i felt the need to reach out to him, tell him i didn't mean it and ask him to lay over my head. This is not good. i immediately reached for my phone and dialed derricks number. Maybe it was the guilt from sharing a moment with drew hanging on my neck but i silently prayed the call had fallen into voicemail. "Rebecca.." i heard him say over the phone. His voice tight. "Der ..um...Derrick.." i mumbled. "you naughty boy.." A female voice giggled over the phone. I felt my throat run dry. I swallowed. Cancelling every side thought as i clung unto the phone tightly. "Derrick... you were meant to come see me at the hospital." My voice cracked. "you were smart to have successfully terminated the pregnancy." He said brashly. "Its...its not terminated yet.." i said, barely in whispers. "Its thanksgiving Derrick...and I'm thankful for this gift," i paused saying. "Don't make me terminate this baby. I'm begging you." "Well you can kiss this marriage a goodbye then."He said, ending the call abruptly. The phone slipped from my hand as his final words fell on my ears.

I wiped off the rolls of tears that formed on my cheeks and immediately changed into my outfit. Patting my cheeks so they don't appear puffy. Outside of the hospital, drew stood smartly by the car, ushering me in. "Thank you." I mouthed. Through the ride, there was no denying of the tension which hung in the air as i kept tossing from one side to another. But Drews eyes were focused on the road and he uttered no word until we arrived at mom and dads. "Ill be waiting outside." He said, putting on his shades. as we stepped out. "Aren't you coming in?" "I don't think so.." he answered.

"And what if i insist?" I asked. " have a wonderful thanksgiving ma'am." He said firmly. Extending a forced smile. His words cut deep but with a pursed lip, i shrugged my shoulders and gave a curt nod. I couldn't understand the pang i felt within me. As i walked into the house, i felt a familiar ache across my chest. There were pictures on the wall which held a decades worth story, each of its own. Mom and dads successful marriage reminded me of how close to failure my marriage to Derrick was heading. but the delicious aroma welcomed me in still. "Rebecca darling.." mom gushed heavily as she pulled me in for a bear hug. "My goodness, you have gained a lot of weight baby!" She remarked, engulfing me deeper in the hug. I had nearly choked on my own saliva hearing her say that. "Forgive this old apron of mine," she pulled out, "i was beginning to think you wouldn't make it" "... and your husband?" She asked as her eyes scanned behind me. "Good thing he is not here because we have an important matter to discuss." Dad chirped in. "Ethan its too early for that." Mom cut in sharply. "Too early for what?" I darted my eyes between the both of them but neither had anything to say. "Honey please have a seat." Mom pleaded with her eyes as she led me to the dining table. There was a brief moment of silence within the dining room and mom spoke up. "So what are you thankful for honey." Mom asked me. "Monica stop this nonsense and go straight to the point!" Dad banged the table, yelling at mom. "Rebecca here needs an heir or would you like to educate her on the consequences of not having one?." His eyes turned red as he slammed the fork into the chicken. My breath seized at dads outburst. "Dad?" My eyes shone with horror. "You have to take it easy on her Ethan,.." mom shunned him assertively, but he continued to glare at me, expecting an answer to his question. Just then the door came open and Drew walked in pristinely. "I heard noises, so i came in to check if everyone is okay. Im Drew, Mrs Rebeccas driver." He Introduced. "Rebecca, answer me! Its been three whole years. Why don't you have a child yet!" Dad fumed again. "If something should happen to you.. where would your inheritance go?" Drews eyes locked with mine once again, but this time there was confusion in them. He must be wondering why i was hiding the baby. I thought. "Excuse me sir, Mrs Rebecca here..." drew interrupted. I shut my eyes and clenched the fork i held tightly, hearing drew about to spill my secret. "Mrs Rebecca here has a medical condition, so she cannot bear a child... for now." He said. My eyes flung open as i released my impatient breath. There was a brief silence in the room as everyone paused to absorb the information. Including me. "Honey why didn't you say something..." mom asked worriedly. "I um...i guess i didn't want to bother you.." i trailed off. Not taking my eyes off drew. "We'll...With that said, i hope we can continue thanksgiving without lifting a finger on our daughter Ethan?" Mom said giving him a tug. "If you may excuse me." Drew curtsied. I watched him go through the door and non hesitantly i followed him. "Drew.." i called after him. "Ma'am." He answered. I rolled my eyes at the formalities. "Thanks for what you did back there...you were truly.." i heaved in a sigh. "A life saver." I continued. "I meant every word i said at the hospital, he said." Not flicking. "Im here to protect you." "Drew I'm married... you and i, well...." I shook my head saying. "I don't need you trying to protect me. I said lowly. "i love Derrick so much and you know that." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Im not asking for your hand in marriage Mrs Rebecca, i only want to protect you, and not just on the road. In any way i can." I smiled warmly. "Thank you." "So um why did you conceal the baby from your parents?" He asked. My shoulders slumped. "Its Derrick, he doesn't want the baby, he insists on an abortion...and i have to save my marriage. I have to do what he wants." "Rebecca, you were so scared of losing your baby back at the hospital, you cant do this." He flashed. But i avoided those green and penetrating eyes of his, focusing on everywhere else but at him. " look at me." He said looking at me intently, holding me by my both arms. He shook his head lightly. "Im not going to let you do that." His hands moved slowly to my neck and then to my cheek. "Im afraid theres nothing you can do, my mind is already made up." "Rebecca..." his tone faltered.searching my eyes. Instinctively, i shut my eyes and leaned into his soft palms, reveling in the soothing feeling. I then moved closer into his embrace and placed my head on his chest. I felt his arms wrap around me softly, pulling me in. "Im not going to let you do this." He said placing his cheek on my head. I lifted my head bemused my the gesture and once again, his lips were staring in front of me. Just then there was a slow clap from a short distance. I quickly pulled myself out of Drew's embrace but i kept my eyes focused on the ground hoping it would open up to swallow me up. Dad must think I'm out here making out with my driver. How irresponsible. I thought to myself. And then the clap came to a halt. "Never have i ever witnessed a scene so intense, not even from the best romantic movie." Derricks voice resounded.