Chapter 7

• Maya had made up her mind: she was leaving. She couldn’t stay here, surrounded by memories of betrayal and heartbreak, or endure the gossip that would inevitably come once people realized she was pregnant, especially without Luke. Staying would mean constant questions, whispers, and pitying looks. She didn’t need any of that. She needed a fresh start for herself and her babies.
• After she told Jane about her decision, her friend had been nothing but supportive. In fact, Jane offered her a solution Maya hadn’t thought of.
• “My family lives in Country H,” Jane had said, her face filled with encouragement. “You can stay with them. They have a big house and lots of room. I know my parents would welcome you, no questions asked.”
• Maya felt tears prick her eyes at Jane’s kindness. “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude…”
• Jane shook her head, smiling softly. “You’re not intruding, Maya. You’re family to me. And I know you want a fresh start, somewhere you can focus on yourself and the babies without any distractions.”
• Maya reached over and hugged Jane tightly, her voice thick with gratitude. “Thank you, Jane. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
• “You don’t have to repay me, Maya. Just be happy. That’s all I want.”
• With her heart feeling a little lighter, Maya threw herself into her final exams, using her studies as a distraction from the constant nausea and exhaustion that came with her pregnancy. She counted down the days, preparing herself mentally for the move. Leaving was bittersweet—she was leaving behind memories, friends, and the life she’d always known. But at the same time, she was ready for something new, something that wasn’t tangled up in the pain of her past.
• Finally, the day of her departure arrived. Jane helped her pack, her presence a comforting anchor in the sea of emotions Maya was feeling.
• “You’re going to be okay, Maya,” Jane reassured her as they hugged goodbye at the airport. “You’re stronger than you know. And if you ever need anything, I’m just a call away.”
• Maya nodded, fighting back tears. “Thank you, Jane. For everything.”
• As the plane took off, Maya stared out the window, watching as her old life faded into the distance. She knew this was the right decision. She would make a new life for herself, one where she and her babies could thrive.
• When she arrived in Country H, Jane’s family welcomed her with open arms. They were kind and generous, treating her as one of their own from the moment she stepped through the door. Their warmth and acceptance brought a comfort Maya hadn’t realized she needed, and she felt her spirit begin to heal in their care.
• A few weeks after settling in, Maya went to the hospital for a routine check-up. Her stomach had begun to show, and the reality of her pregnancy felt more solid with each passing day. She was both nervous and excited as the doctor prepared to do the ultrasound, hoping everything was progressing smoothly.
• The doctor smiled as he moved the wand across her belly, and Maya watched the screen with anticipation, her heart swelling as she saw the tiny forms again.
• “Well, Maya, I have some surprising news for you,” the doctor said, his tone gentle yet intrigued.
• Maya’s stomach flipped, and she looked up, her brow furrowing. “What is it, doctor?”
• The doctor’s eyes met hers, his expression warm. “It appears you’re not having twins after all.”
• Maya’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”
• “You’re having quadruplets, Maya,” he said, his voice calm and steady.
• The words washed over her like a wave, leaving her speechless. Quadruplets. Four babies. She stared at the screen, seeing each tiny form, each heartbeat flickering with life. Her mind reeled as she tried to comprehend what this meant. She had been preparing herself for twins, for the challenge of raising two children on her own. But four? It felt overwhelming, terrifying, and miraculous all at once.
• “Four…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. She felt tears prick her eyes, a mixture of awe and fear filling her heart. “How… how am I going to do this?”
• The doctor offered her a reassuring smile. “I know this is a lot to take in, Maya. But I’ve seen many mothers who face challenges like this and come through stronger than they ever thought possible. You have a support system here, people who care about you.”
• Maya nodded, trying to steady herself. She was grateful for the kindness of Jane’s family and the warmth of the people around her, but the weight of responsibility pressed on her. She was bringing four lives into the world, and she didn’t even know where to begin.
• As she left the hospital, her thoughts were a chaotic swirl of emotions. She couldn’t deny the fear, the worry about whether she was capable of raising four children on her own. But beneath the fear, there was a fierce, protective love growing within her, a determination to give these babies the best life she could, no matter what it took.
• When she returned to the house, Jane’s mother noticed the stunned expression on her face and immediately wrapped her in a gentle hug. “Maya, dear, is everything all right?”
• Maya nodded, though her eyes were still wide with shock. “I just… I just found out I’m having quadruplets.”
• Jane’s mother’s eyes widened, and then her face softened, a warm smile spreading across her lips. “Oh, Maya, what a blessing! Four little ones! It’ll be a handful, but you won’t be alone. We’re here for you, every step of the way.”
• Maya felt her heart swell, the support and kindness of this family touching her deeply. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I don’t know how I would have managed this without you.”
• Over the next few weeks, Maya began preparing herself for the incredible journey ahead. Jane’s family rallied around her, helping her get organized, making plans, and offering their love and support. They transformed a spare room into a cozy nursery, filling it with soft blankets, tiny clothes, and everything she would need for her babies.
• The community in Country H embraced her as one of their own, many of them bringing gifts and offering their support. Maya felt a sense of belonging, a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. She realized that, though her path was different from what she had imagined, it was filled with love and new possibilities.
• One evening, as she sat in the nursery, folding tiny clothes and imagining her babies growing up surrounded by this love, Maya felt a sense of peace settle over her. She was still scared, still uncertain about the future, but she was no longer alone. She had people who cared for her, who believed in her strength.
• As she placed a soft, knitted blanket in one of the cribs, she whispered softly to herself, “I can do this. I’m going to give you all the love I have.”