Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jerlina realized an important thing. She might have to go through a tough ordeal to deliver this child. Her life might be on the line here and surely, she is the one who has to face unbearable pain.

But, he too has a tough responsibility.

If everything goes smoothly, she will have to recover physically and they get a baby out of it. But if not…

If something goes wrong and when the doctor asks him to sign on paper to save one or the other…

Her heart sank. That is a terrible situation that she would have no part of.

He loves his baby, and he loves her. Who will he choose? She, the mother, can easily decide to choose the baby. But what of him? If the situation is reversed and if she is asked whether she wants to save her baby or her husband, who will she choose?

What right answer is there? And can he be blamed if he wants to save me?

She realized that she is not the one afraid of what the future might bring. He too would be afraid. They shouldn't be fighting and become each other's strength.

"Charlie came from the clinic just now and…" Jeremy spoke and his voice shook. "Bobby… he…he's not talking to anybody and is staring down the whole time…he refused to look at his son…"

Jerlina heard him sniff and she tried to turn. She has to sit and then turn and lay that side. Being pregnant is tough. She couldn't even roll over just like that. But Jeremy hugged her close and buried his face in the nape of her neck pinning her.

"I love the both of you and would give anything to save the both of you…But if… God forbid… I know it would break you, Jeryl… But I'd rather have you broken in my arms than not have you around me…"

She could feel him shaking.  And she teared up too. She was not willing to say that she accepted his decision, but she understood where he is coming from.

She hoped it doesn't come to that ever. She hoped she has an easy delivery. She decided not to bring it up again.

Yeah, we'll be fine…

-----

That night Cia stayed with them. There was no definite answer about Scarlett's condition as they said that they have to wait to see if Scarlett's condition is improving. She had lost a lot of blood and even with blood transfusion, no one can be sure.

Jerlina couldn't sleep properly the entire night and Jeremy slept fine probably because he was tired. As she entered her third trimester, Jeremy started to handle more of her company. It is her company and she cannot get maternity leave.

But it is nice to have a husband who works on your behalf!

Jerlina observed Cia who was having a restless sleep too. Jeremy took her to visit her baby brother and her mother. He said that Bobby is sitting by Scarlett's side not moving an inch and he isn't even eating. It is a tough situation.

Morning came and Jerlina woke up groggily. She did manage to get a couple of hours of good sleep. She dialed Scarlett's mother.

"She is getting better. Dr. Kruger says that her survival rate has improved…"

Only after hearing those words did Jerlina relax. That evening Scarlett regained her consciousness and Jerlina went for a short visit. Jeremy told her that only after Scarlett woke up did Bobby look at their son.

"He looks alive now," Jeremy said looking at Bobby smiling at Scarlett. Jerlina said nothing.

She got mad at Bobby for forgetting everything around him, but that's how madly he is in love with Scarlett. She didn't know what to think of this crazy love.

Scarlett named the baby Robert Milroy Jr. The baby looked exactly like Bobby and Jerlina could only look at the baby since he was kept in the NICU. A week later Scarlett and the baby were discharged from the clinic and Scarlett was brought to her parent's home because it would be easy for them to take care of her if she stays with them.

Bobby was not very pleased with that decision since he wanted to be the one taking care of his wife. But Scarlett's parents refused. Jerlina understood her parents. They would be sure Bobby can take care of Scarlett. But how careful will he be with their kids?

Jerlina and Jeremy's first anniversary was nearing and Jerlina found herself getting more and more tired. She couldn't even move up and down the stairs and so their bedroom was shifted to the first floor. She couldn't sleep at night as her son loved to play at night keeping her awake. She needed to pee every half an hour.

By thirty-six weeks Jerlina was so fed up. Scarlett returned home and whenever she hears the cries of the baby, Jeremy would find her sighing.

"I wish I can get this over with!" Jerlina said that day leaning on Jeremy's shoulder after being unable to sleep two consecutive days.

Jeremy got scared for her. He thought she is getting depressed. But Jerlina was just suffering from sleep deprivation.

"It is good that Scarlett has her mother to look after her and her children…" she said to Jeremy that day.

Jeremy knew there is going to be a but and he waited for it while caressing her hair. He was sleepy but he couldn't sleep when she is awake. His son is not listening to him anymore and he could see him stretching himself inside her womb.

"I wish my mom was here…" she said.

"You have our mom!" he said immediately. "And there is me!"

"Yeah…" Jerlina said nothing more.

She would feel like it would be better if she delivered the baby at one moment and the next moment she would be scared.

"Jeryl, I know it is tough for you. But I will make sure you can feel more at ease, alright?" he kissed her head.

"I know…"

That day she slept in the sitting position as she leaned on Jeremy's chest. Jeremy didn't mind the shoulder pain he had the next morning. He meant everything he said to her. He will comfort her in any way he can.

Although she didn't feel like it, she took walks around the house. That somehow helped with her sleep. At thirty-eight weeks Jerlina was so fed up. She couldn't breathe properly and she wanted to have a seat in the bathroom as she felt like she is using it every five minutes. She went to Scarlett's home to play with the baby.

"I want to play with my baby soon!" Jerlina complained. "I can't even sleep!"

Scarlett laughed. "As if you can sleep after the baby is born… By the way, isn't your wedding anniversary near?" she asked.

"Yeah, in a week…" Jerlina let out a sigh. She was in no mood to think about their wedding anniversary.

By the way, what is her wedding anniversary? Is it the date on the wedding certificate? Or the day she signed it? Or the day of the ceremony?

They talked about it and decided it would be better to celebrate it on the day of their ceremony. With her anniversary nearing, she still didn't find herself very keen on it. For some reason, she didn't feel like it was some special day.

Isn't she thankful for Jeremy each day?

The day before the wedding anniversary, Jerlina was having lunch and she felt some tightness in her abdomen. And she knew it.

Her contractions have started!

She didn't call anyone immediately as she knew this would be a long process.  She was happy though. She is going to meet her baby soon.

She told them after dinner and Dr. Kruger checked her and said they can go to the hospital in the morning.

She was calm. The doctor was calm. But Jeremy was not.

"We are going to the clinic now!" he shouted and ran upstairs to bring the bag they kept ready for her stay in hospital.

She was not asked for an opinion and was driven to the clinic. Jeremy kept on asking if she is okay as she was too calm.

But after some hours, the calmness had gone and was replaced with panic.