TEST OF FAITH (I I)
“What video?” I asked.
“The same video making rounds online I have not seen it yet, but I will look into it and keep you updated.” The voice said and hung up the call.
I sat in my car, my mind racing with possibilities. My hand gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove to the hospital. The image of Leila’s pale body haunted me. She has nearly died and I could not even be there for her. I pushed the accelerator, impatient to reach the hospital.
I parked in the hospital’s parking lot and ran into the building, ignoring the glances from passers by. I made my way to Leila’s room, my heart hammering in my chest.
“Mr Cross?” A nurse approached me, her expression solemn. “Dr Mark wanted to speak with you.”
I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “Yes of course. Is Leila okay?”
The nurse’s eyes softened. “She is stable now. Fr Mark will explain everything to you.”
I follow the nurse down the hall to Dr Mark’s office, my mind spinning with questions. What has happened to Leila? And what did the doctor need to tell me?
Dr Mark rose from his desk as I entered the room. “Mr Cross, please have a seat.”
I sank into a chair, my eyes fixed on the doctor’s face.
“What happened doctor?” I asked, my voice laced with concern.
“I am afraid I have some bad news,” Dr. mark said, his expression grave. “Leila suffered a miscarriage while we were treating for her the poisoning.”
I felt my world shift beneath my feet. “A miscarriage ? But we did not even know she was pregnant,” I managed to say, my voice shaky.
Dr. Mark nodded. “That is not uncommon in early pregnancies. But I am afraid this was a particularly traumatic miscarriage, and Leila lost a significant amount of blood. She is stable now, it will take some time for her to recover.”
My blood ran cold, and my body felt numb. I struggled to process the information to understand what it meant for me, for Leila and for our future. “Where can I see her?” I asked, my voice hollow.
Dr. Mark nodded. “She is awake now and I believe she would like to see you as well. But please, do not stay too long. She needs her rest.”
“Thank you doctor,” I said, my words not coming from my heart.
I made my way back to Leila’s room, my feet heavy as lead. What would I say to her? How could I possibly express the turmoil of emotions raging inside me?
I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my heart pounding in my ears. She looked small and fragile in the hospital bed, her eyes were red and puffy.
“Leila..” I whispered, my voice breaking.
She turned her head towards me, her expression wary and defeated. “Alexander,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
I felt as though my world has been shattered and everything was upside down. Everything I thought u had known about my marriage to Leila and Leila herself had been shaken to its core.
“I am sorry,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “I should have been there for you.”
She closed her eyes, a tear escaping from her eyes. “It is not your fault,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “There is nothing either of us could have done.”
I sat down beside her, reaching for her hand.
I opened my mouth to speak but the words got stuck in my throat.
We sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of our grief, loss and pain hanging in the room.
“I lost my baby,” Leila said, her voice a haunted whisper. “I never got to hold him, to see his face, to feel his heartbeat, I never even knew I was carrying him.” A drop of tear fell from her eyes.
I gently squeezed her hand, my heart breaking for her. “I know,” he murmured. “I know, I am so sorry baby.”
“I do not understand,” Leila continued, her voice rising slightly. “I do not understand how this could have happened? I was carrying a child in me all along and I did not know about it?”
I took a deep breath, searching for the right words.
“Sometimes life just does not make sense Leila,” I said softly. “It is not fair and that it not something we can control. All we can do is love each other and stick to each other through this tough time.”
Leila’s tears flowed , spilling down on her cheeks. “I do not know if I can heal,” she whispered. “I do not know how I can go one. The pain is too much, it is unbearable.”
I leaned in and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “You are the strongest woman I know,” I said, my voice shaking.
“I am not strong, I am not strong.” Leila mumbled admist her cries.
My heart ached as I saw her in such a state. I felt bad and somewhat guilty. She is suffering a lot all because of me, she even lost her baby...a baby she never knew she was carrying.
I wondered if this baby was mine or Ben’s . Even though I hated to admit it, a part of me strongly believed the baby belongs to Ben.
I knew of Her past with Ben, and I knew that I did not meet her as a Virgin. The thought of that alone haunted me, every single time I saw her naked body his name and face flashed in my mind. He had seen her like that and he knows about her body like I do.
I clenched my jaw, my body suddenly coursing with anger and hatred. I could not tell if it was for Leila or for Ben.
“Mr Cross, we have some things to show you.” The doctor’s shape voice brought me out of my thoughts .
I turned my head and faced the doctor.
“What is happening doctor?” I asked.
“Your wife is ...”