A LIFE FOR A LIFE
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NARRATORS POV
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Selena went downhill after Chris’s supposed betrayal of their love. She went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat, her health deteriorated. She lost the will to live and stared into space most of the day.
Her aunt got scared and tried to talk to her to no avail. She put a call through to her father.
“Her condition has worsened and I don’t see her pulling out of this so soon. You have to speak to her and now.”
“Okay I will be there, she is a strong girl and would pull herself together soon.”
“I hope you are right because I’ve never seen her like this before.”
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“What’s all this Selena, are you going to stop living because of that boy.”
“I love him, dad, he was the only boy I ever loved.”
“You will find someone else, someone who would love you for you, someone from a good family.”
“All I want is Chris, no one else,” Selena cried.
“Pull yourself together. Once you deliver the baby we would take a trip to Paris, just the two of us.” he knew how much she loved going on a trip abroad with him, but this didn't bring a smile to her face. She didn't react to the news.
Her father began to worry, had he taken things too far. He watched her rub her thin hands over her bump, she looked horrible.
“I have to go now darling, I will be back tomorrow.”
“Can I come with you father, this place feels like death itself?’
“You know you can’t, you are currently pregnant and you are not married, also the fool that put you in this condition has betrayed you. People will mock you when they see you okay.” he tried to sound convincing, he couldn’t wait for her to deliver so he could get rid of it and they could get back to their lives.
“Trust me, dear, everything will be alright.”
She just nodded and flinched
“What’s the problem.” he panicked
“The baby.”
“What happened to the baby.”
“It just kicked me, do you want to feel it.” she smiled at her father, it was the first time she smiled after news about Chris reached her.
“Maybe next time. Take care of yourself okay.”
As he reached the door, he turned to wave goodbye to Selena but she wasn’t looking at him, something has taken her attention. He watched as she whispered things to her bump, rubbing her hands all over it and smiling. He loved his daughter so much and it hurt him that he would have to get rid of the things that gave her joy. He wished she had chosen someone else besides Chris, then maybe he wouldn't have resorted to all this.
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Selena made up her mind to live for her baby, she had lost a lot but at least she still had her child, so she concentrated on her wellbeing and that of the unborn child. Her morning routine included an hour of yoga, she read more to exercise her brains and mind, she read to her baby. Sometimes she thought about Chris and how happy they would have been if he didnt betray her, and this made her cry often.
Her father’s visits reduced, he didn't come as often as he promised he would but Selena didn't mind, she used her free time to learn about delivery, breastfeeding, and how to raise her child. She was no more restricted from going out but she refused to contact anyone, she felt they all betrayed her. Her only purpose now was just her and her child, she didnt needs any other person.
When she was to give birth, her father insisted on home delivery, he had already engaged the service of his personal doctor. On Tuesday afternoon at exactly 2:45 pm on the 13th February 1995, Selena pushed out a son into the world.
“Can I hold my baby now?” Selena asked after the midwife had cleaned her up.
Her father and aunt looked at her sadly, none of them said anything to her.
“I have bad news, Selena. Unfortunately, your baby did not make it.”
“How did my baby die” she sounded doubtful
Selena’s father couldn’t get past the look in his daughter’s eyes, she blamed him, she didnt believe him.
“Ermmm” he stammered
“The cords were tied his neck and he died some minutes after delivery.”
“Where is my baby, daddy.”
“I’m sorry honey, he is no more.”
“Can I see his body then.” she sounded calm and this worried her father, he had wanted her to grief, scream, pull her hair that way she could heal faster.
“Your aunt has disposed of the body.”
“The baby was mine, dad; you didnt give me the chance to behold my son.”
“I did what is best for you..”
“You and aunt have killed my child, I know you hated Chris and you tried to make me abort the baby. You are a murderer.” her voice was so cold, bereft of any feelings. “You are happy now aren’t you.’
“Why do you say that Selena.” her father asked baffled
“Chris is gone and so is my son, you won.” the tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and fell on her pillows.
‘Don't say that honey, you know I love you.”
“You have a horrible person father, you caused me more pain than anyone else, you claim that Chris abandoned me, but you are the culprit here. You didnt give me the chance to love whom I loved, you hated my child so much that you disposed of him without letting me see him. I will never forgive you.”
“Don't talk to your father like that.” her aunt reprimanded her.
“I want to be alone.”
“Selena….” her father tried to speak
“Please go.” her voice shook.
Once the door closed behind them Selena wept for her child. A child she didn't get to know.
A fortnight after her delivery, Selena was found hanging in her room.