LOSS

CHAPTER 8

FIVE YEARS AGO

I stared at the bundle of joy in my arms. My mom was beside me holding my hand.

My daughter Mariana was a sight for sore eyes. She looked so much like me, like a mini me. My mother offered endless thanks to God for a successful surgery.

I wanted to give birth the natural way but Mariana came with some complications. She had a gestation period of 368 days.

My husband Barry wasn't home most of the time. His business was really keeping him busy, when I told him I was pregnant he wasn't as excited I thought he'd be. But he was happy nonetheless.

He travelled three weeks ago and he wasn't home yet. He didn't know I went into labour, it was unexpected.

Barry didn't even seem bothered I was pregnant longer than usual. Maybe he didn't want to bring it up seeing as I was distressed by it. He was so considerate, I thought smiling.

"We should call Barry dear" my mother said. I nodded and handed her my phone. She dailed a few times but there was no answer.

"He's not picking up. Shouldn't he be readily available to pick your call since he left a pregnant woman at home?" My mom said angrily

"Ma don't start okay, just call him again. It must be work holding him" I said. Barry is a very busy man and I understood that.

"Stop giving him excuses. Better don't tolerate this behaviour from him, or you'll have to deal with it for the rest of your life" mom advised and continued calling Barry. After five more tries she gave up.

I soon grew tired and fell asleep. When I awoke, Barry was beside me holding my hand. How did he get here so fast? He was two states away.

"I got on the first available flight and came. You did great honey" he said gently rubbing his thumb over my hand soothingly.

I nodded and smiled. " I named her Mariana" I informed him

"Her? I thought it was a boy" he said and scrunched up his nose.

"Hey don't say that, all that matters is that she's ours. You didn't see her yet? I asked sitting up.

"You're right darling. I did, she looked like a boy though" he informed.

I was confused. She looked like me. Like an exact copy of me as a baby and Barry was the one always saying I was a cute girly baby. Maybe he wanted a boy so much that he imagined male features.

He kissed my forehead. His perfume was funny.

"You got a new perfume?" I asked. It seemed feminine

"Umm yea, I got you one as a push present. It was a suprise now you've caught me" he laughed

"Next time don't spray it on your self to perceive the scent, your wrist will do" I said and laughed. We held each other just talking about random things before I fell asleep again.

He got me a new perfume as a gift. Even when he was rushing to be here. What a good man.