Checking Up On Michelle

ELEANOR 

The car was parked in the lot of a hospital. 

A hospital I recognized.

Memories flooded in, and a sigh ran out of my mouth over and over again when I thought about it. 

A hand touched me, bringing me back from my world of thoughts. I looked at the owner of the hand, then at the baby strapped right into me. “I'm ready.” 

“Are you certain?” 

“Yes, Raymond.” 

“Let's get on with it, then.” 

The driver, who was asked to do something I didn't hear Raymond say because I was lost in thoughts, replied to my husband and I also did not hear clearly. 

The door opened for me to hop down. 

That was Raymond. 

A part of me wished suddenly that this sweetness I received from him was a real one and not scripted just as it's been from day one. But what could I do? 

I signed up for this, or did I not? 

Managing a smile, I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded. “Thank you.” 

Together, we walked to the door of the reception hall. 

The man standing there opened for us and we walked in. The very moment we reached the hall, I could feel everyone's eyes drilling in my skin. 

I couldn't blame them. 

Didn't they know my story? 

Or did they just look at me because it's been a long since I came? I stopped in my tracks and looked around, waving at each one of them while in search of the nurse who worked the magic of being married to the man I was married to. 

Where was she? 

No signs. 

I looked at Ian who pointed at a bench. “We should take a seat, at least, while we wait for our turn. I doubt that these people understand the reason why we are even here.” He walked me to the bench and I took a seat with aid from him—in a way that didn't bump the head of my child. 

“Thank you—” I let out and he nodded, heading to the reception stand so that he could speak with the woman who worked there. 

Whatever he said to her, I wasn't sure but a part of me would have loved to know. Why did she smile like that? I could not help but wonder while staring at the two, many thoughts running around in my head, especially if my secrets were safe with the woman who worked this magic. 

Where the hell was she? 

“Hey—” 

Ian walked back. 

He took a seat next to me and let out. “I understand that you're scared, especially where the source of the marriage came from. As a matter of fact, I would be scared if I were you but I'm not and why is that? The woman is a friend of mine—maybe not directly.”

Confused, I looked up to meet his gaze. “How do you mean? Did you give her a husband too?” 

He burst out laughing. 

I did the same and Michelle, who happened to not be used to noises, shook a little while I did my best to comfort her. 

“Talk to me, Ian. What do you mean?” 

He stopped laughing now. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the hall—resting on us. At some point, I looked away and looked at them before looking away in a hurry, and on the faces of those I could capture were smiles. 

If only they knew. 

I looked back at him. “What did you do for her?” 

“Money, Eleanor.” He relaxed his back. 

“We met when she was in dire need of money and I did what I could for her. When Grandfather was on my neck—” he leaned closer. “—she was there to save the day.” 

Nodding, it became clear to me. 

“I understand better. You are a good man and I mean it. Thank you for saving lives like you have done mine.” 

“Not here, my wife,” he leaned once again. “Apparently, it's that same nurse we are waiting for. She knows we're here as I sent a text message to her a while ago. I believe you'd relate more with her than the others, or is it not?” 

What could I say? 

He was right. Sort of. 

“Yeah. Right.” 

It was my turn to relax, and I did while I waited for the woman to show up. While I did that, I searched myself, wondering how exactly I was supposed to face her. There was nothing to be ashamed of, or was there? 

Someone showed up, suddenly. 

She looked familiar, with a little bit of difference. “Mrs. Jefferson?” She had caught up with the bench and bent low to look at my child. “Isn't she so beautiful?” 

“Same thing I thought,” holding back tears from falling off my face, I faced the woman. “Thank you for coming to my aid that day. And how have you been?” 

“Come on,” she got up. “I'll need to take you both with me to a ward. Your baby will be getting everything she needs today, but did you come with your card?” 

I pointed at the bag I came with. “Yes, I did.” 

“Good for us.” 

In a short while, I was seated in a ward meant for babies and their checkups. Finally, I got to know the name of the younger woman who introduced herself and Rachel. 

Automatically, we were friends already. 

At least, she knew a story of how I was stranded and how she caused Raymond Jefferson to walk into my life, while I on the other part knew hers but maybe not in detail. 

“I should take a walk around—” 

Raymond got off the chair where he was seated. 

“You let me know when you need something, is that okay?” He had reached the door when he turned around to look at me who gave a nod. 

“Sure. Thank you.” 

The door shut, leaving two women and a younger generation in the space. “So, how have you been?” 

I looked up to meet the gaze of the woman. 

“Very well, Rachel. I don't know but I'm hopeful, you know?” A smile had come alive on my countenance while the only thing I looked forward to, was having a piece of my cake from Andrew who would not expect what was coming for him. How sweet it would be. 

Once more, I looked up to see the face of the woman who was speaking, not knowing I wasn't there with her. “What did you say, Rachel? I'm sorry but I didn't hear you.” 

“I said your baby is in good health. What's her name?” 

“Michelle.”

“Michelle,” repeating, the younger woman wrote it down in a file. “Such a lucky child. Did her Father reach out at some point, or has it been that way ever since?” 

“Yes, Rachel. It's been that way ever since.” 

“I'm so sorry.” 

“No, you don't have to be. You have done nothing at all.” 

She nodded. “I'm glad we could do something, or else we would have lost the child. I can't imagine such a thing happening to you. And to think that she's your first.” 

“—maybe last.” I chipped in and got on my feet. 

“Nothing is wrong with her, is that what you're saying? I'm glad to hear that, but is there something I should know? Maybe she needs medications or something.” 

“No, Mrs. Jefferson. She doesn't. But—” she walked to the door. “Give me a moment and I'll be back.” 

Walking out, she shut the door and there was me who moped at my baby, taking her in my arm for a moment and then placing her back in the weighing cot the next moment. 

When Rachel walked back, she was with Raymond who laughed at something funny. 

“This would do, Mrs. Jefferson. It's good for children and their hormones. You would love to have it.” Dropping it on a table, she picked up the child and handed it over to me. “That should be all for today. I was supposed to ask you if you've got issues on your own.” 

“No. Not at all. I am very well, Rachel.” 

Raymond, who was by my side, took the child from me. 

“Thank you so much for attending to us,” he said to her. “You should also know that you'd be the one to attend to the child and her mother whenever she's here. Unless of course, there's a need to see the doctor—which I am doubting. Remind me to share her number with you.” He looked at me and asked. “Isn't that all for today?” 

“That should be all.” 

“Thank you, Rachel.” I was greeting and reaching my back for my beeping phone. “Yes, Matthew?” 

“Mrs. Jefferson, where are you?” 

“In the hospital, Matthew,” I looked at my husband before placing the phone in my ear again. “What is the matter?” 

“Where can we meet?” He now asked. 

“I might have a news or two for you and it has to do with Andrew. How busy are you for a meeting?” 

Who said I was busy?