Chapter 3

• MARCUS'S POV
• I lost my mom when I was seven years old. Her departure had broken me to the core. I had missed her terribly and father never really understood my feelings.
• The only person that truly loved and understood me was no more. Sometimes I wished that I had taken her place instead wherever she was.
• I still can't believe that she died in front me and my mind always drifted to her last words.
• "Find your sister…"
• Her death had traumatized me mostly because I found my father holding a kitchen knife covered in blood.
• His hands were also covered in blood; he had killed her; he killed my mother.
• FLASHBACK
• FAITH'S POV
• I had managed to deceive James with my pregnancy. My due date was only in a few weeks,but I had to be prepared in case the baby was coming earlier than expected.
• He never really paid attention to me and his visits home became life frequent; it was my only chance to sneak out and go deliver the baby.
• Luckily, no one suspected anything. I know the town would be curious if I came back without a baby but I would make up an excuse that I delivered a still born.
• It was a good lie.
• Days later I started having contractions. I knew that the baby was coming.
• I called for room service immediately a few minutes later they called an ambulance and I was rushed to the hospital.
• Another wave of pain shot through me and I gritted my teeth in the process. I was aware of the nurses wheeling me to the labor ward I kept breathing in and out to relax myself.
• "Madam you're going to have to push" the nurse urged and I gave a weak nod.
• I pushed with all my might and after hours of pain I finally heard my baby's cry.
• "Congratulations madam it's a girl" the midwife said softly and I felt tears burning my eyes.
• The nurse handed me my little girl. She was pinkish, covered in blood and a cheese looking whitish substance.
• I placed her on my chest.
• She had blonde hair and blue eyes just like her father. She was perfect and so beautiful.
• I stroked her gently admiring her. I didn't want to give her up but even if I had given birth to her she was never mine. It hurt knowing that she would grow up to call another mother.
• A tear rolled down my cheeks.
• A few minutes later the nurses had cleaned her up and she was peacefully sleeping in her cradle.
• Her father and new mother would come to pick her up as soon as the doctor cleared the both of us.
• It was generous of them to give me a little time to bond with her but letting her go would hurt the most.
• I placed a soft kiss on her forehead cradling her in my arms as I sang her the lullaby I always sang to her big brother Marcus.
• Three days later the doctor told me I was clear to go and I could go back home anytime,but leaving only meant that I would never see my daughter again.
• The next day I felt much better but emotionally I was still a big mess because this was the last time I was going to see my baby girl.
• That went on eventually slow it was very painfully each second, minutes and hour went very painfully slow.
• They would be here soon.
• Three hours later.
• The nurse informed me that I had two visitors precisely a woman and man.
• Once they entered the room it felt like time had come to a stand still. They were dressed in fancy expensive clothes so maybe they would provide her with a better life.
• Something that I have always wanted to give Marcus.
• We only briefly introduced ourselves.
• "You can hold her if you like," I whispered softly and the woman nodded eagerly. It felt strange when she took my baby away from me.
• She cradled my little baby in her arms gently and tears were rolling down my cheeks.
• I guess she has always wanted to be a mother and finally her dream has come true. Her husband wrapped an arm around her as they watched the baby make tiny movements.
• "Thank you Faith I won't ever forget this favor and I haven't forgotten my promise either" he said quietly and wrote a check.
• "Thank you for giving us happiness. The happiness that we've always wanted for forty years it really means a lot to both of us."
• I gave them a small smile.
• "You don't have to thank me sir. I am a woman as well. I know what it means to be barren and it's not easy" I said softly.
• It's a real struggle and no woman should ever go through such pain.
• I packed the cheque in my purse and sat on the bed giving them some privacy.
• I couldn't cry in front of them. I had promised them a child and even if it hurts I won't go back on my word.
• A few minutes later they picked everything for the baby and they were about to leave.
• "Can I hold her one last time" I whispered.
• The good sir nodded but his wife hesitated.
• "Please…" she nodded quietly and handed me the baby.
• I would certainly miss seeing her cute face and big blue eyes.
• Saying goodbye forever was hard; it felt like a sword piercing my chest so painfully.
• I kissed her forehead softly.
• "I love you very much my darling and I will always miss you everyday."
• Her father cleared her throat nervously indicating that it was time they went back home plus they had a flight to catch.
• I kissed her one last time and gave her back to her new mother. Once they left and the door was shut I couldn't hold back the tears any more.
• I slumped to the floor weakly, bitter tears rolled down my cheeks.
• The light of my eyes was gone. I just hope that one day Marcus will meet his sister and share that brother and sister relationship.
• It's my only wish.
• Later that evening I went back home on foot. I needed time to think about where Marcus and I would go.
• Mabel, my close friend froze when she saw me empty handed.
• She grasped my arm.
• "Faith where is your baby?" She asked in a worried tone and I broke down crying. She was never mine to keep it felt like I had sold her for money and that's what hurt me the most.
• I sold my own daughter. I'm a really bad mother. I couldn't tell Mabel the truth she was my close friend ever since we were kids,but I would take this secret to the grave with me.
• "She was born a still born Mabel my little girl didn't make it…" I whispered softly.
• Mabel pulled me into a hug and I sobbed miserably.
• "I know that you and Marcus have always wanted a girl for years. I'm really sorry Faith, '' she said quietly.
• Mabel released me slowly. She encouraged me to be strong for Marcus and that everything happens for a reason.
• I went home and took a long cold shower pondering what lie I had told Mabel.
• "She was born a still born."
• Considered dead hurt a lot but it was the only way to accept that she was going and she'll never come back.
• Marcus and I would leave this town on his birthday next year; it was only three months away. I had enough time to plan our trip and he would celebrate his birthday in style for the first time.
• We would be happy.