Capítulo 26: 25
A FACE IN THE CROWD
25.
I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally. For two weeks, I've been working non-stop on a project with a new art gallery. Eleanor secured this huge contract, and I've delivered over ten pieces as agreed. But at what cost? I've been feeling dizzy for days, and Eleanor attributes it to work stress. She promised me a month's rest after this project.
Thankfully, it's almost over. The art gallery is opening this Friday, and they invited me. Eleanor insisted I attend to identify my pieces. I heard Meetsi will be there too. It's a big event for celebrities and socialites, but I'm not feeling up to it.
Eleanor picked out a stunning female tuxedo for me to wear. The makeup artist spent two hours perfecting my look. As we drove to the event, Eleanor chatted excitedly.
"I'm crossing fingers for tomorrow," she said.
"What's happening tomorrow?" I asked.
"The Paris exhibition, girl! It's been three weeks already. How time passes?" Eleanor replied.
My mind wandered to Katlego. I've been thinking about him lately, feeling lonely and sad. He blocked me on social media, and I'm frustrated with myself, not him. Then there's Tshepo, who disappeared offline, leaving me without his contact.
Eleanor continued, "If your piece makes debut in Paris, they'll give us a contract. I'm so excited yet scared..."
I pretended to sleep, closing my eyes, but soon drifted off into actual sleep. Eleanor woke me when we arrived at the gallery.
As I stepped out of the vehicle, I felt heavy and dizzy. My legs wobbled beneath me. Eleanor held me steady, guiding me into the gallery.
Thirty minutes later, Meetsi arrived at the VIP section. We exchanged greetings.
"Dumelang, Meetsi," I said.
"Dumelang, Precious. You don't sound good. What's happening?" Meetsi asked, concern etched on his face.
"Just work stress," I replied.
Meetsi's expression turned stern. "Then you need rest, not this appearance. Don't listen to Eleanor when it involves your health. Come with me, I'll take you home."
I forced myself to walk out with him to the car park, but each step felt like a struggle. Where's Eleanor? She's always promoting our work, handing out business cards, and praising me. Now, when I need her, she's nowhere to be found.
Everything went black.
.
.
.
I woke up to the relentless beeping of machines and the pungent smell of medicine filling the air. The bright lights above pierced my eyes, making me squint. As my vision adjusted, I realized I was in a hospital, alone in a private suite.
My throat was parched, and my body ached all over. A drip fed fluids into my vein, slowing replenishing my depleted strength.
A nurse entered, her smile warm. "Good morning, ma'am."
I managed a weak whisper. "Wa...ta."
She nodded sympathetically. "Give me a sec, please."
Before she returned, Eleanor, Meetsi, and the doctor arrived.
Eleanor's eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh, my dear, how are you? I'm so sorry I wasn't paying attention to you. You're my responsibility, and I left you unattended..." Her voice cracked.
Meetsi gently guided her out, allowing the doctor to examine me.
"Miss Precious, we ran some tests," the doctor began, his expression serious. "You're pregnant. Six weeks gone. Congratulations."
My mind reeled. "Pre...gnant?"
The doctor's words sunk in like a ton of bricks. Pregnant. Six weeks. Katlego.
"How?" I stammered.
The doctor explained, "Your stress level is extremely high, and your blood pressure is alarming for someone your age. I'll keep you here on bed rest until everything normalizes."
A tidal wave of emotions engulfed me. Fear. Panic. Uncertainty.
I'm eighteen, just a kid myself. Katlego's only a year older. We're both kids, and we're having a child?
Questions swirled in my mind. How will I cope? What about my future plans? My art? My dreams?
Tears streamed down my face as reality set in. Having a child would change everything.
My future, once full of promise, now seemed ruined.
---
My hospital bed rest became a reflective journey. I asked the nurse to take me on a tour of the children's ward, nursing mothers, and expecting mothers. The hospital's sprawling layout and serene views lifted my spirits.
As we walked, I witnessed an intense moment - a mother in labor. I waited with her husband and mother in the waiting room for three agonizing hours. When the baby finally arrived, the room erupted in smiles. The joy was palpable, and I realized that the labor pain was worth it.
Next, I visited the nursing mothers' section. Some were recovering from cesarean sections, while others were learning to breastfeed. I saw tiny babies in incubators, fighting for life. My heart went out to them.
The children's ward was alive with energy. Kids aged one to ten laughed and played with their guardians. Their innocence and resilience touched my heart. I instinctively touched my womb, feeling a connection to the life growing within me.
In that moment, I made a decision: I won't abort. I'll raise this child, with or without the father. The thought of being a mother, despite the challenges, filled me with determination.
As I returned to my hospital room, Eleanor and Meetsi waited anxiously.
"How are you, Precious?" Eleanor asked, concern etched on her face.
"I'm keeping the baby," I announced, my voice firm.
Meetsi's eyes widened in surprise, while Eleanor's face lit up with a warm smile.
"We'll support you, no matter what," Eleanor said, squeezing my hand.
Meetsi nodded. "You're strong, Precious. You'll be an amazing mother."
Their words reassured me, but I knew the journey ahead wouldn't be easy. Katlego's absence weighed heavily on my mind.
What would he say when he found out?
Would he be involved in our child's life?
Only time would tell.
For now, I focused on the life growing within me, and the love that was already blossoming.
---
As I lay in my hospital bed, my mind wandered to Katlego. He had a right to know about the baby. But how could I reach him?
I didn't have any of his family members' phone numbers, but I knew where they lived. Visiting them seemed like the best option. When I'm feeling stronger, I'll go to their house and ask for their help in contacting Katlego.
The thought of facing his family, especially after our breakup, made me nervous. But I knew it was essential. They would want to know about their grandchild, and Katlego needed to take responsibility.
Would they be shocked? Angry? Supportive?
I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the task ahead. I would visit them when I was ready, both physically and emotionally.
As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of determination. Katlego might have blocked me on social media, but he couldn't avoid this truth.
The next morning, Eleanor and Meetsi visited me again.
"Have you thought about how you'll tell the father?" Eleanor asked gently.
"I'll visit his family," I replied. "They'll help me get in touch with him."
Meetsi nodded. "That's brave of you, Precious. We'll support you through this."
Eleanor added, "And we'll be there for you, no matter what his reaction is."
Their words bolstered my courage. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face whatever came next.
The hospital discharge papers arrived, and I was finally going home. My journey as a mother-to-be had begun.
---
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