110- Leigh

(21 years ago) Third Person pov: "Leigh! Come here." The owner of the furniture shop was a lady in her thirties, called Leigh.

"Hey, Sandy." Leigh took off the scarf from the lower half of her face and wiped the sweat from her smooth forehead with the back of her hand.

"Are you visiting the doctor?" she asked Leigh, pointing towards her belly," Are you taking your prenatal vitamins?"

Leigh rubbed her belly fondly. She was four months along and now her belly had started protruding a little bit.

"Yeah, Sandy. Thanks to you." She thanked her employer who had been helping her with finances during this hard time.

"Oh, it’s nothing. I haven't called you here for your thankyous. There is something serious we need to discuss."

Leigh frowned and took the other seat, wiping her hands with a cloth.

"You need to go," Sandy announced without beating about the bush.

"What?" Leigh's head snapped up.

"It's not permanent, silly," Sandy scolded her, "the paint fumes. They are harmful to the baby. I can't take risks." "B...But Sandy. H...How I will..." "I understand, Leigh. Don't worry. I will still take care of the medical bills and your prenatal. But the hospital admission for the baby's delivery must be paid by you. I am trying to do whatever is possible for me.” "I know, Sandy. And I am thankful. B...But there are other things to take care of." Oh my God! What would she do now? She could not afford to lose this job.

"Listen, Leigh." Sandy leaned forward propping her elbows on the desk," Where is the father? Ask him to take some responsibility.” 'This pregnancy. It just happened... by accident. He can't afford it with his current job." Now Leigh was rubbing her palms on her lap in nervousness.

"I understand. But he can't step back from this responsibility. As a soon-to- be mom, you are also trying. Right? Why can't he, as a soon-to-be dad?" after that Sandy went quiet as if hesitating a bit.

"Leigh. Is the father still there in your life? I mean... I hope he hasn't left you

"Oh... No," Leigh shook her head giggling, "he hasn't left me. He is there.

But stays out of the city due to his job nature."

By now, Leigh had started fidgeting her fingers on her lap.

'Talk to him, girl. Once this baby will be delivered, I will take you back with open arms. But we can't risk the baby’s health."

Leigh tucked her upper lip between her teeth and stood up. She knew this moment would come up, once the pregnancy would be known. But that was too soon. Sandy was a caring employer, but she was not wrong when she said that the baby needed to stay safe.

***

Eighteen years old Leigh Walters came back from her furniture painting job and unlocked her dinky apartment. She was missing Ashton like anything.

Last time, she was so scared when she told him about her pregnancy. He was so particular about precautions because he didn't want a baby. He was struggling in his life. He had no one except Leigh.

But the moment, Leigh told him that she was pregnant, his face broke into a big smile.

"Really. You have made me a happy man.” He hugged her and made slow love to her that day. She was a beautiful woman and the first time Ashton saw her, he could not keep it inside his pants. He was tall, smart, and funny. He knew how to spoil a girl without spending money.

By making love to Leigh, cleaning her apartment, sharing simple meals with her, and staring at her face like she was the most beautiful woman in his life.

He used to work outside the city as a car mechanic and didn't have any proper place to keep Leigh with him. He could not stay with her either as his bread and butter depended on his mechanic job. He needed to concentrate on his work. He could not find enough opportunities in her city, related to his field, so it was sensible to stay out of the city and come to see his beloved, once a week or month.

she had already eaten at work. Her owner was quite a caring lady, but Leigh had something

long leave due to her pregnancy, she was worried about

know when Ashton would visit her next. Sandy thought that the baby’s father should also chip

thought that she was the one who made a mistake and fell pregnant, but Sandy

the room, there was a knock on the door. Leigh's

the one who used to visit

Ashton lifted her up and kicked the door close. As always, they got busy until

I missed you more." She said against his naked body,

'I never let him take my responsibility or the baby's responsibility. He never spent a dime on gynecologist visits. Maybe Sandy

are you thinking love?" he nudged her

nothing to support, "I

been staying hardly for one day making her

turned her sheet-cladded body towards him and kissed her lips

she held his wrist near her face and turned her head to kiss it, "I...” she didn't want to tell him what Sandy said about him being

me about the gender." "Well!" he straightened beside her and took her in his arms, making her topple over

planning to give her the name Ashley. Ash from Ashton’s name and ley from her own name.

him about some contribution? She was living in a rented place, and she needed money

say anything, he leaned aside and stretched his hand to pick up something from the floor. It

asked him

yourself." He said with a smile. Frowning at him she took the bag and

raised her eyes to him and

lot of money!" she remarked and

manage it, Ashton?" "It’s from my savings," he moved her hair away

realized he was no more wearing his gold

Ashton. It was something your late father gave you. You used to cherish it a lot." "Yeah. I know." He hugged her tightly to him, "But nothing is as precious as you, love." "B...But you didn't need to do this."

mean I am not ready to take responsibility for you or my child. I love

is my responsibility too, Leigh." "Oh, Ashton." Leigh circled her arms around his neck and started crying. She wanted

in Leigh's mind so it was better if Leigh would not join

made love. He whispered in her ear how much he loved her. How she

got up, she was disappointed to see him getting

"I am away from you so that I can earn more for my family. I have started to hunt for a cheaper house so that we can live together.”

to make more money to pay hospital bills too." She wanted to tell him that the money, he gave her last night was more than enough.

child. Don't make this harder, love. I wish I could tell you how much I miss

up and give

and kissed

Ashton." "I love you too,

stepped back and left. She took out the money he gave her last night

was

Like A LOT!

taking care of all the hospital bills from now on. Sandy

herself busy, Leigh started giving furniture fixing services to people living around. It used to keep her mind off so

Ashton didn't come to visit her again nor he tried to contact her. She tried calling him

the evening.

that instant, all she wanted to do was to

All I want is you. The eighth month is about to end, Ashton. Why are you leaving me alone?

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