Chapter 54 CHAPTER 54: A Familiar Face
William
I was startled awake when Hazel’s panicked voice got to me. As I went to her, she fell into my arms. I tried to shake her awake and called out her name but she was not responding. I called 911 as I also dialed my doctor’s number. He picked up on the third ring with a voice laced with sleep.
“I'm so sorry to interrupt your sleep but I need help. My wife is pregnant and she just slipped into unconsciousness. Please can you come over?
“I’ll be there in five” he replied then hang up
While waiting, I remembered basic first-aid protocol. Checking for a pulse revealed a faint but steady rhythm. I then positioned her on her left side as she began breathing slowly but steadily. Then her eyes fluttered open. As her eyes opened, there was a knock on the door. I rushed to the door and Maria was there, her face contorted when she peeked in and saw Hazel sprawled on the bed. With a worried whisper, she informed me the paramedics had arrived. Relief washed over me as I instructed her to send them upstairs.
“Tell them to come up” I said and she nodded and exited the room. Within minutes, three uniformed figures entered the room but she was already awake. She looked around trying to make sense of her environment.
“William”? she whispered. I went close, held her hand and leaned in.
“I’m here baby” I said
“What happened and why are these people here? '' she asked. I smoothed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.
"You scared me, love," I admitted, forcing a smile.
The lead paramedic, Douglas, stepped forward and addressed her patiently. "Good morning, Mrs. Williams. We received a call from your husband earlier reporting a fainting episode, so we rushed over to check on you."
Hazel frowned. "Fainting?"
"Yes," Douglas confirmed kindly. "Since you are already awake, we recommend contacting your OB-GYN for further evaluation." As he finished explaining the situation, I watched him pack his medical bag. Following them downstairs to see them off, I encountered our family doctor arriving just then. He greeted me with a concerned nod and proceeded towards Hazel, who was now huddled on the corner of the bed. After a thorough examination, he addressed her directly.
"Mrs. William, have you been experiencing any significant emotional stress lately?"
"Perhaps a little," she offered hesitantly.
"It's crucial that you prioritize self-care," he advised firmly. "While hospitalization isn't necessary, you do require complete bed rest for at least three days to minimize any potential complications."
He then turned to me “I would love to have a word with you”. I followed him downstairs
We retreated to my office on the other wing of the house where he lowered his voice. "I didn't want to alarm your wife," he began, "but she needs heightened vigilance. This pregnancy is high-risk, and neglecting proper care could lead to preeclampsia. Of course, this isn't a reason to panic. We're hopeful it won't progress that far."
“Preeclampsia”? I repeated while he nodded.
Fear threatened to consume me, but I managed to maintain composure as I thanked him and saw him out. Returning to the bedroom, I found Hazel staring at me with a mixture of fear and confusion in her eyes.
"Hey, love," I murmured, approaching her while she looked at me with a worried expression in her eyes.
"Everything's going to be alright." I cupped her face in my hands, tracing her soft cheekbones with my thumb.
"What did he say about the baby?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"He said we just need to be extra cautious for now," I explained, attempting to mask my own worry. "Lots of rest, and no stressing about anything until the baby arrives."
"I'll call your mom to let her know you'll be recuperating here for a few days," I added, hoping to distract her. She offered a weak nod in agreement. I went close to her and hugged her to myself. She wrapped her arms around me. My heart was beating fast and a lot was going through my mind. It was time to take care of her and I would do anything to make her better.
Hazel
It's been three days since the incident in William's house when I fainted. I went back to my parent’s three days later. William, facing his own work pressures and often absent, understood the necessity of me being around someone full-time. We finally came to an agreement that I return home due to the fact that I needed to be with someone all the time. He explained everything to my father and he agreed and stopped scowling each time he saw me. William promised to visit me twice daily and he had kept to his word ever since.
Lost in thought about the recent events, my phone rang. It was Funke, who had called a few days prior with a dinner invitation. Unable to commit then, I was now ready to reschedule.
"Hey Girl," Funke's voice greeted me.
"Hi Funke," I replied, a smile gracing my lips.
"How are you feeling?" she inquired.
"Much better, thanks for asking."
"Ready to hang out with me and the gang?" she pressed, a hopeful lilt in her voice.
"Absolutely," I confirmed, the excitement in her voice mirroring my own.
"I'll see you by 2:00 pm," she chirped excitedly.
“That's perfect” I replied, i could not help but smile too as the door opened and my mother walked in.
“See you later boo” she said then hung up.
“Someone is in a good mood today” she observed brightly.
“Good morning mom” I greeted while she came close and kissed my head.
“Slept well”? She asked
“Yes, I did. I have a friend from college that is in town and she wants us to meet, "I said.
She frowned, “You sure you are up for that” she asked.
“Mum, I'm pregnant, not a cripple” I moaned.
“I'm just worried about the baby Hazel,” she replied. I stood from the bed and got closer and padded her shoulders.
“Mama, I am fine, I feel one hundred percent better now” I replied.
"Alright, dear," she conceded with a smile. "Just letting you know breakfast is ready."
"I'll be down shortly, thanks, Mom," I replied, heading to the bathroom to refresh.
The restaurant Funke chose for the outing was called Luca, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. The restaurant had an intimate private dining room that was both inviting and really welcoming. I got there a bit late because I couldn't decide on what to wear but I finally settled on a floral flowing blue gown that gave me a flattering look and hid my stomach. As I entered, I spotted Funke with her unique braided hair sitting in the company of two other women. When she saw me, she stood up smiling and hugged me.
“Welcome Hazel” she smiled and turned to the other two women. Hailey and Debby, this is my friend from college, Hazel” she said.
Funke wore a bodycon black leather dress that hugged every part of her very curvy body and her braided hair was tied up in a high pony that made it cascade down her shoulders. Hailey had a red curly unruly shoulder length hair and she wore a green crop top and a black short while Debby had long straight black hair and wore a pink flare floral dress that brought out her ocean blue eyes. I waved at them while they smiled and waved back.
As we all settled down, the waiter came around to take our order.
As we kept talking, I realized that they were both content creators and Instagram celebrities.
“So Hazel, what do you do?” Hailey asked.
I smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed at the question. “I am not working at the moment due to my condition, not that I wouldn't want to but my husband did not see it as a good idea but as soon as I give birth and the doctor gives me a go ahead, I will go for my masters. I replied.
“That's awesome” Funke exclaimed
“Yes, it's been on my mind lately” I smiled.
“You will stay with me,” Funke said.
‘Well, I don't know about that Funke”
“Pretty please please please” Funke pleaded with her hands together making everyone on the table laugh.
“Ok Funky baby, I'll think about it” I teased.
The delectable courses arrived shortly after – a symphony of textures and flavors. Beef tartare offered a delicate balance, while pasta twirled around creamy cheese. Hearty pork sausage contrasted with the delicate Scottish halibut, and perfectly cooked fish offered a surprising meaty quality. The famed Parmesan fries, a golden tower of crispy indulgence, rounded out the feast.
As the conversation flowed, a comfortable silence fell as each savored the culinary artistry on their plates. After the sumptuous meal, Funke and her friends moved on to brainstorming for their next YouTube content. As they kept discussing, I just dug for my phone, brought it out and went to tiktok and started watching some funny videos. Few minutes later, Funke decided to round up the outing and called for the bill. As the waiter brought the bill, I reached for it and surprised everyone by offering to settle the tab. A collective gasp of astonishment filled the air.
"Is your husband some kind of a billionaire?" Hailey inquired with a lighthearted chuckle.
"Actually," Hazel replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "he wouldn't be too far off."
A wave of laughter washed over the table. All of a sudden, Funke, ever the drama queen, dramatically lowered her glasses and gasped.
"Goodness, who is this mystery man?" she exclaimed.
"Hazel, look!" Funke nudged my shoulder as I was about to enter my credit card details. As l turned, a jolt of recognition shot through me.
There, at the entrance of the restaurant, stood Adam, with a very attractive woman, their arms casually intertwined. There was a sudden tightness in my chest, my heart rate increased and I felt a flush creeping up my cheeks and a bit of anger too watching as he smiled at the strange woman in his arms. I swallowed hard as his name escaped my lips in a barely audible whisper.
"Huh?" Funke's gaze darted between me and the approaching couple.
“That’s Adam, my best friend," I whispered, my voice barely a breath.
Hailey's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh my God," she whispered, "I think they're coming our way!"