The Hospital’s fight .
“Hello! Alexander? I heard Leila's voice and hesitated to tell her about Tammy. But I didn't care. Tammy and my baby's life was at stake and if I couldn't save Tammy, I would save the unborn child inside of her.
“Alexander?? Are you there? Leila's voice broke my thoughts and I called myself back to reality. “Is anything the matter? She asked.
“I need your help, Leila, " I said, my voice low and sad. It's Tammy. She doesn't have much time left.
“Tammy? Leila repeated and went silent for some second. Where are you? She spoke up after a while.
“At the hospital, I said and heard the call end. Is she coming here? I thought and prayed she would. She wouldn't have a choice but to heed my request if she saw me broken.
An hour later, Tammy rushed into the hospital and saw me seated with my hands on my head.
“Alexander, she called out and walked towards me. What happened to Tammy? What are you doing in the hospital?
“Tammy has Leukemia, The doctor says she has about three months left. I said and staggered on my feet. Leila held me for support and we both sat down.
“Oh my God, I'm so sorry about this Alexander, she said with genuine eyes.
“Errm- I need your help and that is the reason why I called you over. Tammy is with my child and we need to save our baby. I couldn't think of anyone else other than you. Would you like to be my unborn child's surrogate mother? I proffered to Leila and silence went through the hospital hall.
“You can take your time to think about it, you don't have to decide —No, Leila cut me off before I stopped talking.
“Leila? I softly called her —“No!! She said again without looking at me.
Leila’s refusal echoed through the clean halls of the hospital. My face, which was calm and composed, became clouded with frustration. “How can you be so selfish?” I spat, my voice rising with each word.
Leila stepped back, her anger flaring. “Selfish? You come to me, out of the blue, asking me to carry your child with Tammy? Your ex, Alexander!” Her voice cracked into a mix of hurt and disbelief. “And she’s pregnant again? How could you keep this from me?”
The argument escalated and our voices were raised at each other. Accusations flew like daggers, slicing the last threads of our relationship.
“You don’t understand, Leila! It’s not like that,” I tried to explain, but my words fell on deaf ears.
“I thought we were past Tammy. I thought we were building something together,” Leila said, her voice trembling. “But you’re still tied to her, and now you want me to be a part of this twisted triangle?”
My face reddened, my eyes blazing with a fury that Leila had never seen before. “You’re just like everyone else, Leila. You say you care, but when it’s time to do something, you back out.”
Leila’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing. She had always known about Tammy, but to learn that I was still involved with her and that she was carrying another child was too much to bear.
“I can’t do this, Alexander. I won’t,” Leila said firmly, her decision final.
Leila stood frozen, the coldness of my words cutting deeper than the chill of the hospital’s air conditioning. “You’re nothing but a coward,” I hissed, my eyes narrowed into slits of disgust. “I thought you were stronger than this, that you had the heart to help someone in need. But I was wrong. You’re just weak.”
The words stung Leila’s resolve but she held her ground, her voice steady despite how I hurled at her. “Call me what you will, Alexander. I am not a vessel for your redemption or Tammy’s salvation. My body is not a bandage for your guilt.”
My face twisted into a snarl. “You think you’re taking the high road? You’re abandoning Tammy, a dying woman who once meant everything to me. And for what? Your pride?”
Leila’s heart raced, but her decision was unwavering. “It’s not about pride. It’s about respect—something you’ve forgotten. Respect for myself, and for the life Tammy carries. I won’t be part of this charade.”
I stepped closer, my presence oppressive. “You’ll regret this, Leila. When Tammy’s gone, and you’re left with nothing but your so-called respect, remember this moment. Remember how you turned your back on us.”
Leila’s eyes blazed with a fire that matched mine. “I will remember, Alexander. I’ll remember how you tried to manipulate me into cleaning up the mess you made. How you tried to use me as a pawn in your game of regrets.”
My voice dropped to a venomous whisper. “You think you’re so virtuous, Leila. But you’re just selfish. You can’t see past your nose.”
Leila’s response was a quiet storm. “And you can’t see past your past, Alexander. You’re stuck in a loop of what-ifs and should-haves. But I won’t let you drag me down with you.”
My continuous response was a barrage of insults, each one more hurtful than the last. “You’re heartless, Leila. You’ll regret this.”
Leila turned to leave. She pressed the elevator button, tears blurring her vision. She wondered if she'd ever see me differently again.
As Leila stepped into the night outside the hospital, an unexpected voice called out: 'Wait.’
But as she turned her back, a sudden commotion erupted from the hospital and it came from Tammy’s room. Nurses rushed in, their faces etched with urgency.
She paused her hand on the door handle. The hospital corridor was blurry, and there were sounds muffled by the pounding in her ears. She went back to see me and my anger was replaced by fear as I sprinted toward Tammy’s room.
Leila’s breath caught in her throat. What was happening? Is Tammy alright? Is the baby alright?
The hospital intercom crackled to life: 'Code Blue in Room 307.’