Our secret story is now 15 years old. I’m sharing it because my husband knows now, so it’s all right.
Before giving birth, I spent 26 days in the hospital as a sort of extended holiday before the sleepless nights began. I shared a room with Emily, a sweet 21-year-old from an average background. She lived with her parents, and her pregnancy was unplanned. Her boyfriend wasn’t thrilled and hadn’t proposed, which seemed a normal scenario for her, and she didn’t see it as a disaster. We never really discussed it much. She mentioned once that her mum wanted a granddaughter, and her dad didn’t mind who he’d teach to ride a bike. We talked a lot and became friends, eating treats together.
One morning, during a check-up, the doctor asked her:
– Have you changed your mind?
– No, she replied firmly.
– A nurse will bring you a form. By law, you have six months to change your mind.
I had my thoughts, but I was afraid to ask. Before lunch, a nurse brought in the documents, and Emily filled them out. My head was buzzing with thoughts, and I couldn’t keep quiet any longer:
– What’s this?
– A waiver.
– Why!? You can raise the child, your parents will help, you’re young and strong. Why?!
– I can have more kids later! It’s just not the right time for me now.
Her response was cold, with no hint of sadness or pity for the child, nor tears. She never looked away from me, and I kept watching, waiting for her to cry so I could convince her otherwise. But she didn’t cry. After that, we stopped going for walks together and barely talked.
I began to dream about adopting her baby. After a night of contemplation, unsure of where her application would go, I went to my doctor in the morning. I explained everything, and we went to the head of the maternity ward. I told them the whole story and then went to the chief doctor. Only then did I voice my thoughts:
– Is it possible for it to appear as if I gave birth to the baby, and she didn’t? I don’t know how, but could it be completely mine? So I wouldn’t have to explain anything to my husband or family, I’d just say I had twins! – I had severe polyhydramnios, and this seemed like a great plan to me.
The doctors were astounded. The chief doctor rolled his eyes.
– What are you suggesting! That’s illegal! You want me to go to court over this?…
– Why should you care? Come up with something! Please! Even if we give birth on different days, just add the baby with mine! Or will you sell the baby to someone else? – I knew that was too far, and the offended medical staff showed me out.
Emily gave birth that night. I was upset but hoped that a good fate awaited her baby. I didn’t allow myself to dwell on it too much to avoid tears, gently rubbing my enormous belly to comfort myself.
The following evening, my labor started. It was tough, but by 6:55, I became the mother of sweet Rosa.
Right after delivery, while I was still recovering, the chief doctor approached me:
– Have you changed your mind?
I didn’t immediately grasp what he meant. When I did, I shook my head vigorously:
– No! No! No! I haven’t!
And so, I became the mother of twins – Noah and Rosa. Noah was a voracious feeder, while Rosa was quite lazy but still managed to gain weight.
I went to the chief doctor to ask how I could help the ward. He handed me a list and said:
– The more, the better, as we’re always in short supply of these things.
I didn’t tell my husband over the phone about the twins. I asked him to come visit. When he saw them, rather than being shocked, he sat down, asked for a glass of water, drank it, and then asked:
– So, what about the ultrasound? Did you name them yet?
– Do you have suggestions?
– Well, we’d planned on Rosie, but now… – he stood up suddenly, smiling as if remembering something – Let’s name him after my grandfather – Noah?
Sure, let’s do that. I was crying, and he thought it was from joy. It was partly joy, and partly fear about lying to him and everyone else in two days’ time.
I have no idea how they managed to sort everything out, but everything was issued correctly from the start – from ID bracelets to the discharge summary.
On April 21st, my children turned 15. We went fishing to celebrate. Noah got a fishing rod and reel, Rosa a mountain bike. That’s when I decided I’d tell my husband, but I couldn’t do it sober – I was afraid of how he’d react, but a drink would make it easier. On the way back, I bought two bottles of wine, much to my husband’s surprise. “It’s a celebration,” I said. The kids went to bed late, and I set up a small feast in the kitchen. With only a bit left in the second bottle, I finally confessed. Andy listened and then said:
– I don’t believe it.
– Cross my heart! – a clumsy drunken cross, embarrassing!
The next evening, he asked again:
– Is it true?
– Yes, – now much less courageous, my head hung low.
We talked for a long time, and I cried, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. My husband understood.
– You… you’re incredible! Noah, Rosa, come here! – the kids came over, and I froze. – Your mother is a strong and wise woman! Be gentle with her, and he smiled warmly.
