Why are you up so early? the husband asked, bewildered.
Emily slipped her key into the lock, pushed the flat’s door open and flicked the hallway light on. The first thing that caught her eye were a pair of scarlet pumps standing by the entrance. She recognised them instantly they were Lucys shoes.
At work that morning Emily felt a sudden wave of nausea and vertigo. For the past few days shed been a little under the weather, but shed tried to ignore it. Now it hit her full force.
Whats wrong? her deskmate, Sophie, turned to her with concern.
I just feel sick, my heads spinning, Emily said, loosening the collar of her blouse and wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Could you possibly be pregnant? Sophie smiled slyly.
No, of course not! Emily waved it off. Probably something I ate that wasnt fresh.
And what could that be, coming from a dedicated health nut like you? Sophie giggled.
Emily stared into space. What if she really was pregnant? No, that couldnt be or could it?
Sophie, I need to get tested. Ill pop to the chemist, she said, rising from her chair and hurrying out of the office.
Ten minutes later she was in the staff restroom, eyes glued to the two pink lines on a sticktest. Positive. She was pregnant.
Confusion swirled. She and James werent ready for children. Was this fate playing a trick? The thought that she wouldnt be able to work properly that day settled over her, and she marched to see her manager, Mrs. Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson, hearing the news, gave a warm smile.
Of course, Emily, go home and rest. Get yourself together, and Ill see you tomorrow.
Emily didnt walk home; she floated. She could barely wait to tell James, who had the day off. Imagine his surprise when she would appear at the doorstep with this news!
She turned the key, entered the flat and switched the hallway light on again. The red pumps were still there, unmistakably Lucys.
What is Lucy doing in my flat at this hour? Emily wondered, stepping into the living room.
The room was empty, but voices drifted from the bedroom. She followed the sound, flung the door open and froze on the threshold.
James and Lucy were deep in conversation, eyes wide with surprise when they saw her.
Emily? James stammered. Why are you up so early?
Lucy clutched a blanket, her eyes wide and frightened.
What happened next was a blur. Emily screamed, hurled objects, tried to drive James and Lucy out, then collapsed onto the bed, sobbing until she was exhausted. She sat on the floor, staring into nothing.
When she finally gathered herself, night had fallen outside and the flat was silent.
Five days later Emily found herself in a private clinic, contemplating an abortion. In the meantime James had visited only once, just to collect his things and announce their divorce. It turned out he and Lucy had been seeing each other for six months. Emily kept her pregnancy hidden; she knew James was set on ending it and didnt want to bind a child to a man who no longer loved her.
She wrestled with the decision, ultimately concluding she didnt want any part of a child that would tie her to a betrayer, especially when she doubted she could raise a baby alone. Her parents lived too far away, and her salary wouldnt cover a nanny.
Remembering the weeks chaos, Emily waited in the clinics waiting room. A nurse stepped out and called:
Come in!
Emily entered. The doctor looked up from his paperwork.
Robert? she gasped. Is that you?
Robert was a former classmate and Emilys first love. In Year Eleven shed harboured a secret crush on him, never daring to speak it. Hed asked her for a dance at the prom and shyly kissed her cheek. Shed been so flustered she never let him walk her home, a regret that lingered for years.
After school, Robert had moved to another city to study medicine, and theyd lost touch. Now he sat opposite her, grown, still handsome.
Emily! What a reunion! Robert exclaimed, hugging her warmly. The unexpected meeting pulled her momentarily from her gloom.
For about ten minutes the old classmates chatted animatedly, until Robert snapped back to professionalism.
Right, youre here for a consultation. What brings you in?
Emily sighed heavily and recounted everything: Jamess infidelity, Lucys betrayal, the surprise pregnancy.
And youve decided to terminate? Robert asked, his eyes steady.
Yes, she replied firmly.
After the examination, Robert suggested:
How about we grab a coffee this evening? We can talk it through. An abortion is a serious step; its worth a proper conversation. Does that sound alright?
Sure, Emily agreed, hoping to learn more about his life.
That night they sat in a tiny tea shop, reminiscing about school, laughing at old jokes. For the first time in weeks, Emily felt a spark of contentment. She enjoyed Roberts company and didnt want the night to end.
Soon the topic turned to her pregnancy. Robert tried to persuade her to keep the baby, saying the child bore no blame for Jamess betrayal.
Do you have children yourself? Emily interjected. Are you married?
I was, he admitted quietly. But I cant have children. My wife left when she learned that.
A pause hung in the air. Roberts gaze softened, and tears welled on Emilys cheeks.
I do want this child deep down, but Im scared I wont manage, she whispered.
Youll manage, Im sure. And if it gets hard, Ill be there for you, Robert said, smiling and patting her hand.
He even offered to act as her personal doctor through the pregnancy.
For the first time in days, Emily slept soundly, as if a weight had lifted from her chest.
Later that week a knock sounded at her flat. She opened the door to find Robert holding a bag of fresh fruit.
I came to see my patient, he said, a hint of embarrassment in his smile. May I come in?
How did you get my address? Emily asked, startled.
Its on my records, of course, he chuckled.
Come in, then, she replied, smiling.
They settled at the kitchen table with tea. Robert confessed:
I was in love with you back at school but never dared to say it. At the prom, when we danced, I thought I had a chance, but you ran away.
If only Id known how much Id blame myself later! Emily retorted, heat rising in her voice. I loved you too, just too shy to speak. I kept thinking about you after you moved away.
After a thoughtful silence, Robert looked straight into Emilys eyes.
Emily, maybe it isnt all lost. Perhaps fate is giving us a second chance.
But Im pregnant with another mans child, she said, bewildered. Why would you want a child that isnt yours?
So what? Ill never have my own children, but Id love to be a father, even if it isnt biologically mine, he replied warmly.
I agree, Emily said shyly, feeling the old teenage flutter return.
Robert moved closer, embraced her, and kissed her. Emily clung to him, tears streaming down her facethis time, tears of joy.
