89

CHAPTER 89

ANNA'S POV

The couple of days that followed were a slow adjustment. I began my journey to the happiness of my parents. I was hesitant at first but it became quite helpful. I wore down my dreams, my fragmented memories, and my small daily victories as I regained my strength.

One afternoon, Latoye and Tina came over to check on me. They sat around the kitchen island, laughter and easy conversations filling the room.

“So, is the journal going?” Tina asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It's strange but weirdly helpful. I feel like I'm starting to piece things together.”

Toye leaned forward. “That's a great girl, And the therapy?”

“I have my first session tomorrow,” I said with a hint of nervousness.”

Tina reached forward, squeezing my hands, “You're doing great. Just take it one step at a time.”

I smiled, grateful for their unwavering support. “Thanks guys.” I said , looking at them. “So Toye, I saw the look Jimmy gave to you.” I said to her,

She looked at me, and back to Tina. “What look? I see no look.” she says defensively.

“I think he likes her, my baby likes her.” Tina said in a sad voice.

“Tina, I'm sorry about that. I know that you really liked him alot, and I haven't said anything to him, because I value our friendship.” Toye said to Tina.

“Nonsense, I had a huge crush on him, after seeing him I knew he won't like me, so I'm cool with it, besides I'm seeing this incredible guy.” Tina said to us.

“That's great, I'm happy for you, Tina.” I said to her,

“I'm really happy for you Tina, but I don't think Jimmy will like you after he learns that I Was a stripper at a club.” Toye said in a deflated tone.

“Nonsense, it means he's immature, besides it's 21st century things like that don't even matter any more.” Tina said while looking at Toye.

“Look, girl, you're beautiful, your past doesn't define you, and besides you left it behind.” I told her.

“Thanks my girls, what did I do to deserve you girls, and someone's getting ready for her first date tonight.” Toye said in a singsong voice.

“Yes, hope you've prepared everything?” Tina asked me.

“Yes I have, and I'll tell you about how it went.” I said to them with happiness and a pang of sadness.

“Girl, don't do that, your sister will be happy for you and am sure she won't want you to be sad, don't worry you'll find her soon okay.” Toye said to me.

I took a deep breath and I exhaled, “Fine, I'm just going to enjoy the date and the company tonight.” I told them.

“That's it girl, live a little.” Toye said to me.

The evening was quite fast, because I was in a seat as mom helped me to get ready for my date tonight. Noah came and took me to our date for the night. It was a fun date and I enjoyed every bit of it. Noah's restaurant was very beautiful and luxurious too. We ended the night with a long kiss, it was beautiful and I was shy to look at Noah, after it. But he called to ask if I got home safe anyways, and I said yes, he told me we'll do this again.

By the time my followup appointment arrived, I felt more hopeful. The doctor conducted the final scan and reviewed the result with a satisfied nod of his head.

“Everything looks good, Anna. keep up the journal and therapy. you're on the right track.

I felt a surge of relief, “Thank you doctor for everything.”

As I left the hospital, for what I hoped would be the last time, I was filled with determination as I made an appointment for my therapy which will start by the following week, but I was still writing in my journal.

As we were having dinner that night, I told my parents about my visit to the doctor today.

“Mom, dad I went to see the doctor today.” I told them looking at their faces.

Dad dropped his fork and looked at me , “And what did he say dear?” he asked me.

“Tell us what we want to know.” mom said to me.

I looked at both of them, and I smiled. “He said everything looks fine, I had to keep writing in the journal and seeing my therapist.”

“That's great news, darling, have you set up an appointment with the therapist dear?” mom asked me.

“Yes, it was hard but I did it anyway, I'll be begging by next week when I fit in their schedule.” I told mom.

“Sweetheart, has the journal writing been good to you?” dad asked me.

“Yes it has, it was difficult and I was hesitant but doing it now, it helps and makes me feel better.” I said to dad.

“Good, we're so proud of you, Anna, you're doing great.” Dad said to me.

“Amore, you said you'll be visiting your doctor tomorrow, I'm so sad I can't go with you.” Dad told mom.

“Amore, not a problem you're working, I can go alone.” mom said.

“Alone, I'll be going with you mom, I really want to go.” I said to mom.

“Fine then, Mija you can come with me.” mom declared to me.

“Yes,” I said to mom.

The rest of the dinner, we talked about other things and we finished. I helped mom wash the dishes. I slept in my room and I had the same dream again, the same thing happening again and again, I wrote down in my journal.

This morning I was already dressed, and waiting for mom to finish up so we can go to the hospital. I want to see my little brother from the monitor and not the picture today.

When we got to the hospital's parking lot, my heart rate was beating faster. I looked at mom who placed her hands on her rounded belly.

“Are you ready, mom?” I asked with a reassuring smile.

Mom nodded at me, with a blend of calm and anxiety.” as ready as I'll ever be.”

We walked into the clinic, and we waited until it got to our turn at the obstetrics ward.

The doctor enters with a warm smile on her face, “Good morning, Mrs Lima, How're you feeling today?”

“Morning, doctor,” mom replied with a firm voice. “I'm feeling pretty good, but the usual backache and fatigue.”

The doctor nodded, looking at the charts in her hands, “That's to be expected, let's start today with a few questions, before we do the ultrasound. How's your sleep and diet been?” she asked mom.

Mom shifted on the examination table, “I've been eating health just like you've said, lots of vegetables and lean proteins, but still I have this weird ice cream cravings, but I've not had one yet. And sleep I've been sleeping well.” mom said.

The doctor chuckled softly, “Craving is completely normal in pregnancy, just try to keep them balanced. And you dear, how do you feel about all these things?” the doctor asked me.

I smiled, while looking at mom before meeting the doctor's gaze, “Really, I've been excited but also worried at the same time. Given mom's age she's not too young anymore, and I want to make sure that everything goes well." I said to the doctor.

Doctor nodded understandingly at what I said, “I understand your concerns dear, with the age of your mom there are alot of risks, but so far everything looks good, your mom is safe. We'll keep a close eye on her blood pressure, glucose level and any sign of complications.”

I nodded at what the doctor said to me. the doctor turned to mom, “Alright, let's check the baby's heartbeat and do an ultrasound to see how things are progressing.”

I got really excited to see my baby sibling, “I can't wait, I said.” I said softly to myself.

Doctor applied the cold gel on mom's belly. I held mom's hand, both of us watching the monitor intently. The rhythmic sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room, a strong and steady beat, it brought a smile and a tear to my face.

“I can't believe this, I'm just so thrilled to see this.” I said with a smile on my face and I cleaned a tear that came out too.

Mom released a breath that she was holding, “That's such a relief, my little one is okay.” mom said out loud.

Doctor wiped the gel off mom's belly and helped her sit up. “You're doing great, ma'am. Just keep following my instructions, stay active but don't over do it. and please keep your stress level down.”

Mom nodded at what the doctor said, “Thank you, doctor I'll do everything you've just said.”

I squeezed mom's hand. “I'll make sure, she follows everything you've said.”

We left the hospital, and we both went home. We showed dad the pictures from the ultrasound and he was happy to see it, and mom sent the pictures to Tia Marcia too.