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.

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

her pregnancy, she was worried about finances. The paint fumes could

Sandy thought that the baby’s

fell pregnant, but Sandy explained to

there was a

was the one who used to visit her. She opened the door

up and kicked the door close. As always, they got busy until they were

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

love." He held her face in his hands and kissed her lips, "but money also matters." 'I never let him take my responsibility or the baby's responsibility. He never spent a dime

love?" he nudged her

almost jobless now, with nothing to support, "I was just thinking about how long you will stay this

had been staying hardly for one day making her crave

and kissed her lips with

my love. What is it? Or you don't trust me?" "No!" she held his wrist near her face

about the gender." "Well!" he straightened beside her and

him that it was a girl. And she was planning to give

him about some contribution? She was living in a rented place, and she needed money to take care of the bills. Sandy

she could say anything, he leaned aside and stretched his hand to pick up something from the floor. It was a black-colored, square-shaped bag made of

asked him when he gave it to

said with a smile. Frowning at him she took the bag and started opening the zip.

to him and

This seems a lot of money!" she remarked and took out the heavy stacks of bills placed

savings," he moved her hair away from her forehead, "Plus I sold my

aback, she realized he was no more wearing his gold chain around

your late father gave you. You used to cherish it a lot." "Yeah. I know." He hugged her tightly to

you think? If I am living away from you that doesn't mean I am not ready to take responsibility for you or my child. I

circled her arms around his neck and started crying. She wanted to meet Sandy and tell her that Ashton was

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

again made love. He whispered in her ear how much he loved her. How she and the baby had become the bane of his

when she got up, she was disappointed

earn more for my family. I have started to hunt for a cheaper house so that we can live together.” "Really?" This visit of

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

us. For our child. Don't make this harder, love. I wish I could tell you how much I miss you. Just can't wait enough for the baby to join us

he started wearing his shoes, "Now cheer up and give me a morning kiss

smiled and kissed

you, Ashton." "I

out the

was

Like A LOT!

day, she made a call to Sandy and told her that Ashton is taking care of all the hospital bills from now on. Sandy initially went quiet and then, at

It used to keep her mind off so many things like Ashton and his love

to contact her. She tried calling him from

in the evening.

Where are you? Why are you taking so long to visit me?" At that instant, all she wanted to do was to

is you. The eighth month is about to end, Ashton. Why are you

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255