chapter 2: Shattered
Chapter 2: Shattered
Abigail
Without Sonia, my child and I would probably be homeless on the street right now. My unborn baby girl probably wouldn't even have made it this far.
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for me, Sonia.” I looked at her with a sad smile on my face.
I felt like a burden, she paid for all of my bills and never asked for anything back. I told her I could get a job and help around the house to pay her back but she never let me.
'Babes, you don't have to worry about a thing, I make enough money to support both of us and your children. There is no need to worry.’ That was her response when I brought up the subject of getting a job. And when I asked where she worked, she would give me a wink and said, that is a secret she will never tell.
“You are welcome, Abigail.” She replied with a smile.
The doctor came a few minutes later and checked the monitor before asking how far apart my contractions were. When I replied, he said the baby was ready and that she should start pushing. With a lot of difficulties, I gave birth to my baby girl, my bundle of joy.
One year later*
“Babes, I am home.” I giggled at the sound of Sonia singing through the house.
“We were in the kitchen,” I replied, giving Fiona another bite of her snacks. Sonia walked in and picked her up, smothering her with kisses after hugging her.
“How is my cute little princess doing?” She gave her a cheeky little smile, making both of us laugh and then she turned to me.
“Do you want to go to the mall?” Sonia asked and I nodded, getting both myself and Fiona ready before we left.
Sonia locked the front door, holding my hand when we started walking down the hallway. She was very protective of me and Fiona, like a big sister. We reached the mall and started looking around for some clothes. I got a job a few months ago, insisting to Sonia that I should at least pay for my and Fiona's stuff and she finally agreed. I worked at the little coffee shop, afternoon shifts because her work requires her to do night shifts. I was always curious about what she does but wouldn't push her until she was comfortable telling me.
“Look, this is cute, Abigail.” She waved me over, I took Fiona's stroller and walked over to her.
“I would say that was a successful shopping trip, don't you think?” She muttered as she put the bag into the boot.
“Yes, I agree.” I turned around to take Fiona out of her stroller just as a car came speeding down the parking lot.
“No!” I screamed, as the car crushed my baby girl. My whole world shattered along with it.
“Are you ready, Abigail?” I heard Sonia's soft voice through the bathroom door.
“Yes, could I get a couple of minutes, please.” I replied with a weak voice.
“Of course, I will wait in the car.” She replied.
I waited for the front door to shut before I let out a loud sob as I brought my baby's onesie to my face and took a deep breath in, it still smells like her. I neatly folded it and then tucked it into my bag, after taking a few more deep breaths and washing my face, I walked out of the front door. It has been one month since my Fiona was taken away from me, one month she left this wicked world and we were visiting her grave today. This is so hard for me.
Thirty minutes later, we reached the graveyard, Sonia looked at me with tears in her eyes, I gave her a sad smile and tightened my hold on her hand.
“She is still with us, don't worry.” She sighed and wiped her own tears. We both got out of the car, grabbing the flowers and took our time to reach her headstone.
I let out a shaky breath as I read the words on her headstone. There is no way this is actually happening. Some day, I feel lucky that I was able to give birth to a baby that is amazing and convince myself that she is in a better place and everything will be okay. Other days, I feel like joining her, it is exhausting. Sonia began speaking first.
“Hey, cutie, how is my pretty little princess? I brought you your favorite doll.” She paused to take it out of her bag.
“Look, it is Barbie.” she bent down to place it in front of her grave and continued.
“I hope she keeps you a little warmer at night, we miss you, sweetheart.” She looked at me and let out a shaky breath before taking a step back. I sat in front of her grave and caressed her name with my hand.
“Hi, baby, mommy misses you so much, you know? But I am strong, don't worry about me I just hope you are okay. I..I don't want you to feel lonely wherever you are but when you get taken away from me, I gave you my happiness and heart to take as well so you never feel alone. All the love I had to give is with you.”
I didn't know what else to say, I always felt ashamed when we came to visit her and I had to make it so negative, I couldn't help it. Sonia wrapped her arms around me and I couldn't stop myself from leaning into her and letting it all out. I sobbed and screamed so much that my body shook, while she just sat there, holding me and never letting go. If I didn't have her with me, my life would have ended when my daughter died, she keeps me going. After I calmed down and we said goodbye to our little princess, we went back home.
“Do you have work tonight?” I asked.
She had finally told me she works at a strip club a few days ago. When I asked why she didn't tell me earlier, she said it was awkward and didn't want me to think less of her. Of course, it didn't change my view of her, it actually made me curious.
“Yes, but I can take the night off if you want.” She glanced at me before honking at the car in front of us for going too slow and I laughed.
“No, it is fine. I have actually been wondering, what if I worked with you at the club?”
