Chapter 36
Alice Ferraz
I left Oliver's office, sat down at my desk, and started getting ahead on some appointments. I made several calls and rescheduled most of them for today; the rest I pushed to tomorrow and the following week.I got up and went to Mr. Alberto's office—I needed to confirm the new schedule.
Everything worked out. By lunchtime, I'd already handled most of the appointments.
The next two days would be exhausting, but I managed to coordinate with Mr. Alberto so nothing would be left hanging when Oliver returned.I'd already made up my mind: today I would go to HR to request my transfer.
He'd only find out when he got back from his trip.
I wouldn't have time to go out for lunch, so Catarina brought me a takeout container from the restaurant we usually go to. She showed up all excited, saying today's menu featured my favorite: fish in sauce with vegetables.
“My God, Alice!” she exclaimed. “You need to stop and eat something, or you're going to collapse any minute! You're pale. I brought your favorite, so eat it while it's hot.”
“I'm starving,” I replied, sitting down and unwrapping the container.
But as soon as I opened it, a strange smell hit me, turning my stomach. I ran to the nearest bathroom. The nausea was overwhelming, but I had nothing in my stomach—only bile came up.
“Hey, girl, what was that?” Cata asked, startled.
“I don't know… the fish must be spoiled, it has to be.”
“Alice, it was the same thing the girls and I ate! I brought it because it was delicious,” she said, doubt creeping into her voice.
“Are you sure it was from the same batch?” I asked, trying to convince myself. “Maybe they separated my plate from another batch.”
“No, girl… it can't be,” she replied, looking at me seriously. She paused and then, in a whisper: “Did you guys have sex without a condom, Alice?”
I froze.
“Oh my God... yes, girl. But it was only once. He… he came inside, but it was just once. He even bought a pill for me to take, but I forgot!” At that moment, I looked at her, frightened. “It's not possible. Just once, Cata! This can't be… what am I going to do?” My voice shook, panic taking over.
“Calm down, Alice,” she said, holding my hands. “First things first—let's take a test. If it's positive, we'll figure out what to do then.”
“What? No! No way, girl. He's getting married in a few months and I'm leaving.
He won't want anything to do with this baby, if I really am pregnant.
Promise me you won't tell anyone about this? Not even Alberto?” I asked firmly, swallowing my tears.
“He broke up with me, Cata. I've already decided I'm leaving.
If it's positive, I'll handle it. But I'll never abandon it, girl, never.”
“Are you sure about this?” she asked, her eyes welling up. I nodded silently. “Okay then.” She smiled, trying to cheer me up. “I'll be the happiest godmother in the world!”
“I still don't know if I'm pregnant—hold your horses,” I joked when she put her hand on my belly.
“As soon as we leave, we'll stop by the pharmacy and find out.”
And that's what we did. I bought four tests from different brands, just to be sure. As soon as I got home, I ran to the bathroom with Catarina waiting anxiously outside. I took all four tests.When I looked at the results, the floor disappeared beneath my feet: all positive.
Pregnant.
I was in shock. I didn't know what to do.
The tears came, heavy and uncontrollable.
I'd always wanted to be a mother—but not like this.
Not alone.I'd dreamed so many times of a perfect family, like those in margarine commercials…
but fate had other plans. And to make it worse, I'm pregnant by a man who doesn't love me—and who's getting married soon.
The tears fell uncontrollably. Catarina hugged me tight.
“Hey, sweetie… you're not alone. I'm here, and I always will be. You're my other half, my sister. And you're going to be the best mother this baby could have,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
“Thank you, girl. I'm still lost and don't know what to do, but I know it's going to work out. It has to.” I took a deep breath. “Thank you for being with me, always.”
With that thought, I tried to calm myself. It's not just me anymore. I have a life inside me. And for this baby… I'm going to fight. Until the end!