Staying Safe

"How was your appointment? Did you like the…doctor?" Veronica seemed to be getting ready for her class. And, I walked to my bed and took two long breaths before nodding my head in yes. "She seems good. And, she didn't even take the fee. So, yea…but I hope I could pay."

"Stop worrying about it for once. Christine is super awesome. She won't even mind having you on tea every evening. She…" Veronica trailed off getting her shoes. "…was a teenage mother. Helping out pregnant ladies is her passion. And, the most important thing right now is to keep you hidden until your husband stops looking for you." She didn't look at me and was busy tying her sneakers. She was a tall girl with red hair and madly in love with David. I couldn't help but wonder what these two weeks would be like for everyone at the mansion.

"David is coming to see me today. I hope he has some good news. I would still ask you to go to the police but if…you think you shouldn't it's fine…" And before she could say something else our door was knocked. Her classmate was here to take her. Everyone was told that I was her cousin and came to see her for a few days. Veronica's roommate was always at her boyfriend's and didn't use this room much. Veronica told her that I am her cousin and will be staying for a few days. She didn't have any issues.

Veronica and her friend left and I couldn't help but worry how I will raise my baby if I have to hide my identity all the time. For one, David, Veronica and I were sure that Matteo will never look into a university. We were lucky that Matteo bought David's lie. He believes that David left me at the airport and doesn't know about my whereabouts since then. Of course, he trusted the route of his car more than David. But still, David was doing everything he could. He and Veronica never talked about me on their call. They only met once in person and this is only when I get to know that Matteo had left for the US to look after some things regarding the companies still under his father's control.

I got up from my place and went to look at my clothes in the closet. I hope I could resell them for a good price. I had talked about this to Veronica but she thinks getting these limited editions online will let Matteo track me if he has hired some professional to look for me. So, she would try to talk with friends to spread the words and see if we can sell them.

I opened my bag and took the vitamins Dr Christine offered me. The doctor I went to see today was a professor in the university and had her residence on the premises of the university. She had asked me to see her in two days so she could run an ultrasound. The professor didn't ask me many questions and I was thankful for that.

Don't think about him, Julie. You have taken the right decision. If you were there you won't be having your baby with you here.

In the evening I got out to sit on the bench outside the hostel. I could spot some boys playing football on the field at my left. And, some other girls were standing near a small cafeteria. "Julie?" I heard Veronica calling me and looked at my back. She jumped over the bench and came to sit beside me.

"I…met David." Her serious face was enough to tell me that there was something wrong.

"What happened?" I asked while all I could recall was Matteo's pissed face.

"Well, the whole staff is told that you are found and were at your family. And, now you and Matteo are living in the US."

"What? What is he trying to do?" I wonder and Veronica shrugged her shoulders.

"From where I see…he knows that you don't intend to come out. He is manipulating everyone and he can do this because you are helping him. Come out…show everyone that he was abusive to you. I am sure you can manage to stand up against him. I don't know what's so hard about this…" Somewhere I lost what she was saying.

All I could only recall was his eyes. I knew what he was trying to do. He was looking for me. He was annoyed and enraged that he couldn't find me in the last two weeks. My step bruised his ego and he went to the extent where he is lying to most of his staff so they don't see him as helpless.

"…what are you thinking? Let's go to the police station." I gasped looking at her.

"I…I…I will do it, Veronica. I will do just as you are telling me but let me…let me bring this child into this world. You…I can't explain to you how important bringing this child into this world is. So, once it's here. I think…I think I will do something about my social status."

"What about your social status?" She asked with a confused look.

"I mean…I can't continue hiding or…stay his wife." I don't know why the last part came out as a whisper. I still couldn't believe that I took this step of running away.

"Woah…" She raised her brows before starting.

"…And, how you will survive. I mean…I don't mind helping you but…"

"No…I was thinking if you can find me a job on the premises. I swear I will just take on any job. Also, did you talk to anyone about the dresses?" She shook her head at my words.

"No, I don't think it will be profitable. You should sell those dresses when…you are going to come out. I am sure they are expensive and will help you better if we tried to find real buyers." And, that worried me.

I looked ahead wondering what to do to pass these months. I have thought about contacting my friends or Rachael but all these times I know they must be under observation. Even David was sure that he was still a suspect because he was the last person I interacted with. Taking a long breath I looked at the grey sky. At least, Matteo is not in Italy right now.

"Julie…I think I read this cafeteria was looking for someone. Should I talk to them?" I looked at her before looking at the cafeteria.

"I…don't have any ID. I mean I have my passport but…"

"You have a US passport. If not this we will figure out something else. Now, let's give it a try." I started walking beside her. I did want to get back to the US. I missed my place. But then keeping my baby safe was my priority. It doesn't matter at what patch of earth I build my life as long as I get to provide my baby everything it deserves.

It was after five months and I was cheerful despite the workload. Today, I might be told about the gender of my baby. "Julie…I did talk to Vicky. She knows you will be leaving earlier." I turned to smile at Rhea. But couldn't thank her as I was busy writing down the order. Rhea was our superior to manage things. And, Vicky was the person in authority.

I removed my apron and got to the backside before changing into my clothes. Dr Christine wasn't in town for the last month. But she often called to check on me. She was very sweet. I was seeing her after a month but today was the day. I walked out of the cafeteria and made my way to the hostel to change when I found David standing at the entrance.

I walked faster and didn't wait to start, "Why are you here? What if he is chasing you?"

"I don't know…I…wanted to see you. Matteo isn't back from the US. And, the way we get to hear about you two…I started doubting if the girl living here with Veronica is really you or not."

"What are you…I don't know why is Matteo doing what he is doing? But…what if…what if…he is still chasing you? David? Why you didn't think about it?"

"Calm down…ok? Calm down? Let's get inside." He said and I looked around to see if I could spot someone looking at us. I couldn't find anyone but it doesn't mean that he is not under observation. I was having palpitations at this stage. We walked to our room but I couldn't be at rest.

"You are big now…and, beautiful." His comment made me look at my belly before looking at him in disappointment. "I can't stop worrying that he is chasing you and now any minute he could be here. Everything was going just fine, David."

"Relax, ok? I…I can't tell if he is still looking for you or not but given his ego, I am sure he must not be at rest."

"How's Mr Lucca is doing? Any real news on him?" I asked but he shook his head. "I only know what Google can tell me. All of us know that he is paralyzed and got a hard time talking. Maybe this is why Matteo isn't coming back to Italy."

"Well, from where I know he must have not gone to see his father even for once. I think…I think he is only there to save his reputation. I…I kind of google about him too. It was all about his company or success and not much on his private life." This made David laugh.

"Let me see when Veronica will be free." He got busy on his phone and gets to sit on Veronica's bed.

"Why did you laugh?" I asked,

"Well, there is nothing much to talk about his private life. He doesn't know where his wife is. How other people would make any news when there is literally nothing with him." He said and I couldn't help but look at him strangely.

"David, that was rude…you think it's funny when I am actually trying to gauge what he must be up to?" He looked at me for a few before whispering.

"I am sorry. I just said what comes to my mind. I really didn't mean to hurt you." And, though he apologized I didn't know how to process his remarks. David and Veronica had done and risked a lot for me. If it wasn't for them I would have lost my baby or wouldn't be alive since Matteo now knew about my lies. But the way David made fun of him got me.

"It's fine. I have somewhere to go. It was nice seeing you, David." I said and walked out of the hostel. Walking to my doctor's place I couldn't help but wonder what Matteo was going through. Was he still angry and looking for me? Or he had moved on with women that he finds far more beautiful than me. But then I recalled how he had lied to everyone about my whereabouts and that was enough to point how he was looking for me like a madman.

When David made fun of him I wasn't annoyed because I cared about Matteo. He was like a death threat to me. And, nobody makes fun of death. But he was a threat to me not for them...maybe other people had the right to enjoy.

I went to the clinic and the doctor was busy with a patient already. I nodded to her assistant and told her that I was here for the ultrasound. I was excited about this day since the last week but now I couldn't help but worry about what if David had someone on his back. I followed the assistant and she prepared me for the examination.

"You seemed to be growing just fine." The assistant said and I smiled back but couldn't help and wonder what could happen if Matteo reached me before my delivery. Will he change his mind seeing me almost at the term or murder me to avenge the betrayal. I wonder if he was living alone or had someone over there. And, what if his new interest could make him forget me? Won't it be ideal? I will be the first woman in the world who wants her husband to forget her.

"Hey, Julie! How are you?" I smiled at Doctor Christine and replied,

"I am fine." At least, I could stop thinking about Matteo for a few minutes.

"Well, I thought you will be very excited. You know what when I get to know about the gender of my baby I started shopping for my boy like a madwoman." I smiled and recalled how little savings I have. I wonder what I can buy for my baby. But I guess at least I have to start now.

"Ready to know the gender?" She smiled spreading the gel. I got still looking at the screen. It was all too real. I was staring at my baby. My blood…I know everything that I risked to save my baby was worth it. It was innocent. I only realized I was crying when I blinked and couldn't help my gasp when the face moved. "It's moving…" I was about to say when my doctor replied, "It's a baby girl."

"Really?" My shoulders felt light. I forgot all about David coming to see me. I was going to have a daughter. We were going to match the dress and laugh. She was going to be my best friend. I was going to stitch the best clothes. In fact, I can turn all of my maternity dresses to see if I can make use of them.

"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much it means to me." I told the doctor and looked at my baby without blinking.

Walking back to my place I had my mood a lot lighter. I don't think if I had ever received better news. "We are going to be just fine," I told my baby girl but then stopped recalling how she had Matteo as her father. And, I wonder if she is going to look like her father.

I had mixed feelings when I returned to Veronica's room. "Hey, David told me what happened. He…was really sorry for not being careful." I nodded smiling and closed the door. "It's fine. I am fine."

"So, did you get to know about the gender of the baby?" She asked and I smiled replying. "I am having a girl." Her smile got smaller before she whispered. "I prayed for the son though." She said making me laugh. "Why?"

"I don't know. You already have no one. And, girls…could be difficult." Well, I wasn't seeing it like this. I know my daughter was going to like me and I can have a perfect bonding with her.

"I…I think it's fun. We can match and have similar interests." I replied laughing.

"Yea…you can say that. I hope it works for you." She came to give me a side hug and soon her friends came into our room. They always had endless chatter about what went wrong with their dates.

One of them bought a new car and wanted to go for a long drive. They asked me out but I declined politely. I was lying alone in the dorm room and couldn't help but recall the time when it all started. I closed my eyes and wanted to have some sleep when I found my baby moving.

I grazed my belly recalling everything as if it was yesterday. The morning of our wedding when I was smiling ear to ear, our wedding night, finding myself trapped in a hideous contract, giving in to his aggressive and unfair lifestyle, finding out his infidelity, being caged and getting to know he would kill for his profits, finding out about my pregnancy and lying to him so he could let me have my baby.

Even imagining myself again in that closet as he does anything as he please makes me cringe. I didn't want to go back there. I didn't ever want to come across those evil eyes. Sniffing I rubbed my tear away and tried not to think about him. This is how I have spent the past months and I knew I can stay strong for some more.

I stared at my reflection and smiled as I flexed my full-term belly. Well, not exactly full term as I still have almost four weeks until she comes into my arms but I look like I could be due for any moment. I was still very active and didn't stop going to the cafeteria. But now instead of taking the orders, I was staying behind the cash counter. Sometimes I can't believe that I was able to manage all of it. Living with Matteo and listening to his humiliation, I doubted if I could go to my previous life where I knew I would manage somehow. But now I was beaming with confidence. Though I still worry sometimes and didn't want to get caught, I wanted to believe that he has stopped looking for me as time passes.

It was almost the end of my shift and I stared at the clock for the third time. I was tired of standing for so long.

"Hey, Julie, this is for you." I looked at the package Rhea passed me.

"What's this?" I asked,

"Nothing big…just some products for our baby girl and some onesies. I hope you like it." I didn't let her finish and already have my hands on my mouth. "Oh my God, you didn't have to. I made something…" But finding my words inconsiderate I came ahead to hug her. "I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Thank you so much. I am sure my girl will love these."

I could tell that my baby girl was excited to see what was there in the package. I was still walking when I heard Rhea shouting my name at top of her lungs.

"Julie!"

"What happened?" I asked,

"Veronica was in an accident. She is taken to the hospital." She said in a laboured breath.

"How bad it was? Was she fine?" I asked,

"I don't know much. Her friend came to look for you. I am told that she was bleeding and needed stitches."

"Oh my god,…" I was about to walk away when I asked, "Which hospital?"

"I am sure it was Saint Anthony. It's not far from here." I wonder what she was doing that she got into an accident.

It was only when I was passing the gates of the university I realized how I didn't get out for months. It was the whole world inside this university.

I hailed for a cab. Given it was a very hot spot finding a taxi here wasn't hard? I was sure no one would recognize me. It's been more than seven months. Even my face looked heavy and different. The cab was pulled in front of the hospital. I didn't waste any time and was guided to the emergency ward. Veronica was sitting wincing as one of the doctors got some stitches on her leg.

She gasped looking at me. "Oh god, you should not have come Julie. You should take care of yourself."

"I had to know how severe it was. And, you don't have anyone here too. How could I not come?" I walked to stand beside her and she looked at me pouting. "Does David know?" I asked and she shook her head in no.

"I will go and make a call. He would want to know." She nodded her head and I left the emergency ward to walk to the reception.

"I need to make a call," I asked and the lady standing behind closed her register before letting me use the landline. David picked up after the second ring.

"Hey, David…We are at St. Anthony's. Veronica was in an accident."

"What! How!" He seemed to have a panic.

"She is fine. I mean she is conscious. She can talk. It's just she is having stitches on her leg and feet."

"I am coming," He said and I looked at my back to look at the wall clock. "Yea, don't worry. I am here." But the call was already cut. I looked at my feet. They were killing me and swollen. Keeping my right hand on my belly I was walking back to the emergency ward. I had my hair a little undone and was wearing a green floral maternity gown. I was about to push the door when I heard someone calling my name.

"Julie?"