Chapter 47
Alice Mendes
Today was full of surprises. Mr. Edgar and Mrs. Olívia know about the babies now, and honestly, I felt relieved.
I was so afraid they wouldn't accept the news.
Our family moment warmed my heart too. Oliver has been different lately, and it really gets to me.
I could blame the hormones and being so close to my due date, but I know it's not just that: I still love him.
I want to give us a second chance, but the fear of being abandoned again wins out.
It hasn't been easy staying strong when all I want is to be by his side. He always finds a way to show his love, and it breaks me. He's been so wonderful that I'm falling even deeper. How I wish our story had been different.
Ever since I was little, when I realized the orphanage was the only family I had, I forced myself to be strong.
I tried to focus on the good things and treat the bad moments as learning experiences.
But when Oliver came into my life, my world revolved around him.
The connection I felt was inexplicable, as if we were destined to be together.
I just wasn't prepared to be abandoned, once again. The pain of rejection is immeasurable.
The feeling of rejection overwhelmed me, and I shut myself off, focusing only on my health and my babies'.
I didn't expect to see him again. I hoped he would leave, like Mr. Edgar told me, but fate brought us face to face again.
Now here I am, completely in love with him.
I never stopped loving him, but now it feels deeper, stronger.
I don't want to push this feeling away, even though fear still haunts me.
When I felt his touch on my belly, it was like being recharged.
A warm energy, a perfect peace. I tried to make that moment last as long as possible.
I smile remembering it, until Cata showed up and interrupted us, and I smile again.
It's late, so I lie down to sleep, because tomorrow I need to give my children's grandparents a proper welcome. With that thought, I drift off.
I wake up to my phone ringing. I look at the screen and see it's Oliver.
“Hello?” I say, still sleepy.
“Alice, you're finally awake!”
“Is the world on fire or something?”
“I was just worried. I haven't seen you in the living room yet.”
“I'll remember to close the curtains every day now,” I say, making a face.
“Don't be so mean. I know there's an empty room over there—if you keep this up, I'll move in. You know I just want to take care of you.”
“Yeah, I know,” I say, rolling my eyes. “You should be happy just living nearby and watching me through the window. So, what's so urgent?”
“You're not rolling your eyes at me, are you, young lady?! I'm just looking out for you. My parents arrive in an hour and want to have lunch with us. I decided to cook something here at my apartment since it's more comfortable for you. What do you think?”
“Okay, Mr. Overprotective!” I say, smiling. “I'll get ready and wait for you.”
I hang up the phone and grab a pitcher of juice—during our conversation I'd wandered into the kitchen.
I fill my glass and drink the sweet yellow liquid, then freshen up.
I put on a loose, light dress because it's hot.
As I try to slip on my sandals, I feel someone watching me.
I look toward the bedroom door and see Oliver coming in to help me.
“Need help, miss?” He kneels down, looks up, and smiles, driving me crazy.
“Thank you. Have your parents arrived already?”
“Yes. And don't be surprised when you get there. Shall we?” He extends his hand.
“Of course. I'm starving.”
We arrive at Oliver's apartment and Mrs. Olívia comes running:
“Oh, Alice! You look so beautiful! Edgar, come see your grandchildren!”
“Hello, Mrs. Olívia, it's so good to see you again,” I say, giving her a hug.
“Let's drop the ‘Mrs.’ and ‘Mr.’—we're family now. Sit here, tell me everything.”
That's how our day went. I told them everything about why I left. They apologized on Oliver's behalf, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
The days pass quickly. Olívia and Edgar will stay until the grandchildren are born. I'm more swollen, tired, and dependent by the day. Oliver has been wonderful, always respecting me and making sure I'm comfortable.
One day, I decide to go for a walk. I miss going to the park.
I left in the morning and sent a message to the WhatsApp group I'd had to create, letting them know I was fine and taking the day for myself.
I admit it was a little white lie, but I quickly asked God for forgiveness.
I walked three blocks to the park and sat down, watching the children play.
Suddenly, I feel someone watching me. I glance to the side and see Andrea in the distance.
My heart races. When she starts walking toward me, a mother sits down next to me and we start talking.
When I look again, Andrea has disappeared.
A strange feeling washes over me, but I try to calm down.
I tell myself she won't do any harm… I was wrong.
I decide to head back home, walking slowly because my belly is huge. That's when I hear her:
“You gold digger! Did you think you'd get rid of me? I warned you to stay away from Oliver!” I spin around, startled, and see Andrea—then she pushes me.
I feel the heat of the ground burning my skin.
I bring my hand to my belly, feeling pain, and liquid runs down my legs.
It all happened so fast. I scramble to grab my phone, but before I can, I hear someone scream.
“Alice!” Oliver appears, frantic. He scoops me up in his arms and takes off running. The pain intensifies. We get in the car—always at the ready for me—and minutes later, we're at the hospital entrance.
On the way, Oliver calls Karla, who's waiting for us:
“It's time! We're delivering these babies. They're fine, but you've already lost a lot of fluid. The fall sped up the process—there's no reason to wait.”
“Are you sure it's not too early? I'm afraid they'll be premature…” I start crying, panicked.
“Calm down, my friend. Trust me, they're fine and they'll arrive right on time.”
Oliver takes my hand:
“Stay calm, little one. I'm here for all of you.” He kisses my forehead.
“Well, we have two options: natural birth or C-section. What do you prefer?” Karla asks.
“Just do whatever's best for my babies. I want them in my arms, beautiful and healthy.”
“They're ready for natural birth, but it's up to you. Do you think you can do it?”
“Yes. I'm here for them, and I'll do this for them.”
“Then I'll get everything ready.”
Once we're in the delivery room, the contractions are intense and all I want to do is push. Oliver by my side, holding my hand—it's exactly what I need.
“Just push when the contraction comes, Alice,” Karla says, but I barely hear her through the pain. “You're at ten centimeters, so now it's up to you, my friend.”
“Bring our babies into the world, little one. Push, come on… I'm right here with you.”
“AHHHHHHHHHGGGGGG!” A scream tears from my throat, echoing through the small room. If pushing is what I need to do, then I'll give everything I have to bring my babies into this world.
The pain consumes me, sweat streaming down my face, Oliver encouraging me and Karla supporting me. It's everything I need—and one more push, and one more. After an hour, my babies come into the world. The most beautiful, long-awaited moment of my life.