Chapter 130

I looked at the doctor and asked, “Can it be terminated?” The doctor furrowed his brow. “This is a recently formed fertilized egg. It’s best to let it be expelled naturally. However, don’t you think it’s a pity?” He added that abortion harms the body, and suggested young couples consider their readiness for parenthood. He also voiced concern that aborting the twins would leave lasting emotional scars.

Lavonne, with a puzzled smile, then pulled me from the clinic. I sat on a bench, my heart in turmoil.

Lavonne examined the ultrasound report, exclaiming, “Ralda, look! Two fertilized eggs in your belly! They’ll become embryos, then two little people. It’s amazing!”

I stroked my flat belly, tears welling up. I wondered if all pregnant women felt this special connection. Although I’d just asked about termination, a different feeling had taken hold.

Chapter 130

In reality, I couldn't bear to let go. But if I gave birth, how could I raise them? I could barely care for myself. And I'd decided to end things with Reynaldo; two more babies would only strengthen the ties I wanted to break. The more I thought, the more troubled I became. I covered my face, unsure what to do.

Lavonne patted my back. “Ralda, don’t be like this. The arrival of these babies was fate. What are you afraid of? I’ll be their godmother. We’ll raise them together.”

My emotions surged. “But what if Reynaldo found out and tried to take them away?”

“Let’s hide,” Lavonne said. “After giving birth, we’ll hide far away where he can’t find us.” She sighed. “It’s because we’re poor. With money, we could hide and nurture them peacefully.”

If I had money, I could leave this city and hide. But I have less than three thousand dollars. The thought of raising children without sufficient funds filled me with anxiety, the fear of causing them suffering. This plunged me into depression again.

Lavonne comforted me. “Ralda, don’t overthink it. A pregnant woman’s emotions are crucial; they affect the baby.” She suggested we work hard and save money.

I replied, “But I can’t let you jeopardize your future because of me. You’re doing well; you don’t need to hide with me.” Lavonne is my best friend, and I couldn't let her sacrifice her life for me and my children.

Lavonne patted my shoulder, laughing self-deprecatingly. “This city hasn’t been my home for long,” she explained, “and my stepmother’s actions ruined my future here. I wanted to leave long ago, but I’m afraid of being alone. So, Ralda, if you want to avoid Reynaldo, I’ll accompany you. We’ll raise them together.”

She spoke gently, touching my abdomen. I was moved to tears. Girlfriends are often more reliable than men.

Suddenly, Lavonne frowned worriedly. “Did you forget you drank heavily last night? Could that affect the babies?”

This made me nervous. I stood to ask the doctor, but Lavonne stopped me. “You rest; I’ll go ask.” She quickly ran to the clinic.

I stared at the ultrasound report. It was strange that only two small fertilized eggs were visible; nothing else was clear. Yet, looking at them, I found those two tiny fertilized eggs adorable and heartwarming. Soon, they would become two lovely babies, emerging from my belly.