Always Been You

~Martha~

“Emily, do you know why I summoned you here?”Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Not at all, ma’am.”

“You are a family doctor, correct? And I know that the information I am about to request is confidential. However, the future of this family is at stake. You’re going to tell me what happened to my daughter on her wedding day.” I breathed out, “Everything.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Monroe, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to share that with you.”

“Lola vanished, and she didn’t leave a note or anything indicating where she was going. Do you realize that if something happens to her, you will be held accountable? What if she is alone and sick? And you are refusing to disclose to me the information I have just requested?”

Emily and Dante are the only ones who know what happened that night. I have asked Dante, but I can see through his lies. He is my son, but I know very well that he is the reason my Lola left. Emily is my last hope at this moment. Emily may not know where Lola is, but I am certain she is aware of what is wrong with her and the reason for her sudden disappearance. I will make sure she tells me everything I need to know about that night; everything started with that night.

“Mrs. Monroe, on the night of her wedding, Lola became a woman. It seems like Dante wasn’t gentle enough; hence, she fainted. ”

I rejoiced in my heart, knowing that the two finally gave in to their feelings and that Dante was indeed Lola’s first love and her first in everything. I have always wanted Dante to tell her how he feels, and I have always wanted Lola to be my daughter-in-law. However, I am a mother who hates interfering in her son’s private life.

“I want to know what happened after that.”

Emily drank the entire contents of the glass she was carrying and gulped hard, probably for the information she wanted to share with me. I know I shouldn’t be asking for this as it is doctor-patient information, but my chances of finding Lola are right here, in front of me.

“Mrs. Monroe, Lola, left while pregnant. She is currently three months pregnant. She begged me to keep it a secret from the rest of the family. The only reason she stayed this long was to work her notice period and ensure that Dante wouldn’t suspect anything. I pleaded with her to tell Dante, but Lola was unreceptive. I swear I was unaware she was preparing to flee.”

“It turns out my assumptions were accurate. That boy is going to have to learn the hard way.”

Emily refills her glass of water while she continues to stare at me.

“There is more, Mrs. Monroe,” Emily said, gulping the drink down and locking her gaze on me.

“What exactly do you mean, there’s more?”

“Lola is not just expecting.” Sipping from her third glass of water, she spoke again: “She is expecting triplets.” She said that as she gulped down the remaining water and grinned as she stared at me.

“You are free to go.”

Following Emily’s departure, I immediately contacted my Chinese hacker, who is a longtime friend of mine and would do anything for me at any given time or place. I need her to help me track down Lola. With that, I started packing my belongings; there is no way she is going through that pregnancy alone. Over my dead body!

~LOLA~

It was the fall season in Ozark. The trees’ leaves, which were various shades of gold, auburn, and red, gradually fell to the ground and scattered the area below the trees. The sky was cloudy and had a melancholy air to it. Looking around on the streets of Ozark, I saw that everyone I came across was wearing a windbreaker, and they all moved quickly in spite of the severe weather. I inhaled deeply as the scent of my new home enveloped me. I continued to take in the comforting aroma of my home as I glanced skyward and pondered aloud whether or not this ominous-looking weather would be followed by a deluge of precipitation. People believe that rain will bring them good fortune. At this very moment, I am hoping that it will start raining soon so that I will have better luck in the future. My children will grow up here, and I will need to be strong for the small souls who reside within me. I’ve been on the road for three days, making my way to this town. It is a long way from New York. Because flying would be traceable, I took the train. I took out the key and went straight to the shower, then to the kitchen to prepare myself some noodles. I immediately grew emotional when I held the pack of noodles. I can’t deny it: I miss Dante. For real. But I have to do it in order to relieve myself of all the stress.

My life has been a succession of moves for as long as I can remember. From France to South Africa, from South Africa to China, and finally from China to New York Because of my parents’ line of work, I used to move around a lot. However, when we arrived in New York, I was unable to relocate with them, and they allowed me to stay behind. To be completely candid, it was all for the sake of seeing Dante. Now, do you see where my folly has landed me? I wanted him to be my first in everything. However, I ceased to have such feelings a long time ago. I was happy to be his friend. Everything changed after we got married. Even though it was the wrong thing to do, I couldn’t bring myself to say no, since I wanted him to be my first. Now I find myself in an unfamiliar land with three other souls inside me.

I took a glance at the packet of noodles I was ready to prepare. Refusing to believe that Dante’s presence would enhance the flavor, I grabbed a book while I waited for my noodles. I stole a few of Dante’s T-shirts and hoodies so that each time I became an emotional wreck, I would wear one of the T-shirts or the hoodies. Right now, I would settle for hoodies since it’s autumn in Ozark. Emily suggested that I start reading books for them. I believe it is a little too early. Doctor orders had to be followed. So I read for the three souls that are growing inside of me while I waited for the noodles. I stood and poured the noodles into a bowl, then began eating. After eating, I returned to the kitchen to clear the bowl and wipe my hands with a dishtowel. I ascended the stairs, entered my room, and was delighted when I saw the colossal bed. I snuggled into the plush sheets. Good night, kids. I’ll see you tomorrow.