Chapter 26: The Bond!

Laura's POV:

The smell of antiseptic and latex permeated the air, bringing back memories of that night when I had Ria.

Ria was inside there.

I shot a nervous glance at the closed door. While resuming my pacing, back and forth in front of the hospital ward, and occasionally drawing in sharp breathe.

I shot another nervous glance at the closed ward door.

My mind was thundering off like a freight train. Beads of sweat poured out profusely all over my face.

I know it was just an allergic reaction, and it'd be sorted out soon.

Ria was going to be fine.

Yes, she was going to be fine.

God! My heart was thumping so loudly, too much. I halted in my tracks and turned abruptly to the door immediately I heard a click behind me. A female nurse slipped out of the ward, carrying a tray.

I pounced on her immediately.

“How's my daughter?” I asked amidst bated breath.

She smiled, her heart shaped-face breaking into a placating smile. “She's recovering.”

Thank Goodness.

The heaving in my chest calmed as I drew in a sharp tensed breath, nodding at her every word.

“You brought her in just in time, we've managed to bring her condition under control.” She reassured.

“Good.” I breathed, loosening the knot in my stomach. Relieve washed over me quickly replacing the weariness.

“Can I see her now?” I asked, eyeing her heart shaped face.

She shook her head firmly. “Not yet. The Doctor is still attending to her. You can see her in about an hour.”

“Okay.”

That was fair.

I attempted a weak smile as I said. “Thank you.”

She nodded slightly, then added. “Please excuse me.”

“Yeah.” I sank back into the waiting chair.

Ten. Twenty minutes later. Heavy footsteps came thundering towards me. I jerked my head up, my eyes caught sight of Gwen. I smiled.

“Gwen!” I muttered, relieve flooding my dry throat.

“Oh, dear.” She pulled me into a tight hug, her breast brushing against my face. Making the fragrance of her perfume waver into my nostrils.

She pressed her body into me. Holding me still for a full minute. Then she let go and slumped into the chair beside me.

“How's she?” Her green eyes sought for my hazel ones.

“She's recovering.” I replied. She was sweating profusely, and a huge blanker of sweat covered her forehead. She had probably hurried over immediately I called her.

“That's a relief!” She sighed softly, dropping a foodpack into my laps.

“Uhm.” I swallowed a thick layer of saliva that had formed a knot in my throat as I stared at the package.

A smile was quickly spreading over my face driving out the worry that had once scorched every inch of it.

I extended my smile to Gwen, as I lifted my face to meet hers.

“Thank you, babe.”

She chuckled softly. “Of course that's what you ought to say.”

I rolled my eyes, grinning despite myself. Gwen always gave me a warmth I'd never felt before. She nudged my shoulder with hers.

“Go ahead and eat it, already.” She hissed.

“I owe you one.” I said reaching for the lid.

“Scram!” She scoffed under her breath, reverting her gaze to the closed door.

A pleasant smell waffled into my nostrils as I tore the lid apart. My breath hitched at the sight. I swallowed another knot down my watery throat.

Chicken potpie!

Oh, Gwen!

The sweet aroma from the dish invaded my nostrils that had long since been accustomed to the smell of antiseptic and latex. This was a whole new feeling.

“Breathe, Laur. Breathe.” Gwen said, stiffling a chuckle from the side.

I shot her a dotting gaze.

“I could kiss you right now.” I announced reaching for my spoon and taking a mouthful.

“Ugh..You didn't tell me you were into girls now.”

“Spuff..,” I choked on the food.

What the heck!

I hurriedly swallowed the food in my mouth before glaring at her.

She laughed loudly and continue undeterred. “Why didn't you tell me you were into girls? I could have hooked you with a few decent ones you know.”

“Suit yourself!” I declared, stuffing my mouth with the delicious food she made. I ate in silence only nodding occasionally at her when she asked a question. I focus totally on finishing my meal before getting back at her for the taunting earlier.

“If I knew you were this hungry, I would have brought the whole pot.” She teased as I stood up to dispose the now empty pack.

I chugged down a bottle of water before answering her. “Good thinking. s'too bad you are just realizing.”

She chuckled, returning her gaze to the ward as the door swung ajar.

My stomach churned in response, the anxiety returning.

A young Doctor stepped out of the room in brisk strides, He reached us in no time. His moon-rimed glasses were perched on his pointed nose, which made him look down as he stare at us.

“How's my daughter?” I asked immediately.

“She's fine. You can go into see her now.” He said with a reassuring smile, beaming at us.

I smiled gratefully at him and darted into the ward. Gwen following closely behind me.

“Hey baby.” I bent over the hospital bed, tears welling up in my eyes.

“Mom.” She smiled back, weakly. She looked strangely pale while lying down on the hospital bed.

I sat beside her and scooped her into my arms.

“You're fine now.” I breathed. Stroking her hair and brushed back a strand of hair from her face, I tucked the loosed lock beneath her ear.

“You're safe now. Momma is here.” I patted her gently, rocking her.

“Hey, little Ria.” Gwen called.

She jerked her head up and smiled at her. “Anty Gwen.” She called in excitement.

Gwen sat on the other end of the bed and reached for her hand, squeezing it softly in hers.

“You're going to be up in no time, baby.” She whispered softly, while I other hand pushed a pack into her arms.

“Here, I brought a little something for you.” She announced. Ria smiled weakly as she reached for the pack and tore of the nylon wrapper.

Her smile broke into a wide grin devouring the earlier sadness. “Cookies?”

Gwen nodded. “Yes baby. Cookies and ice cream.”

She waved another bag in her face. Ria’s smile broke out like a flower opening up for bloom.

I ran a hand through her hair, ruffling it in the process.

“Thank you so much, Aunty Gwen.”

“That's nothing. Just get well soon. You got your momma really worried.” I smiled.

Ria nestled back into my arms.

Thank God I had Gwen!

She always stood by me. Even when I gave birth to Ria and now, she was here.

Here, under this same buzzing flourescent light and sterile hums of medical equipments in the ward. She was here.

Our bond was so strong, and I knew it was never going to be any weaker with time.

I stroked Ria's hair, smoothening the ruffling I had made again. While she laid still in my arms. We were like that for ages, it could have been ten decades or even more but I didn't care.

I just sat there, rocking my baby in my arms. Enjoying this moment when I didn't have to be Vixen. When I didn't have to stab myself to please a million unknown faces.

I kept stroking her hair, relinquishing in that rare moment when I was just Laura, Ria's mother and not a renowned artist who had to sing herself out.

Right now, I didn't care about the charts or negative PRs or whatever.

I wanted to live in this moment, with Ria.

And Gwen!