I Never Left You

23. You have a daughter

"Beep beep beep," these are the sounds that my ears register in my surroundings, I slowly open my heavy eyelids and realize am lying on a hospital bed. I try to raise my hand  but my fingers are entangled in someone else's hands. The other hand is painful and I see it's connected to a cannula. I hate being admitted in a hospital. The stench of blood and seeing people hurt is really not my cup of tea, my mum was a nurse and she would brag it's fun but I didn't see any fun there.
I stare at Ray uncomfortably sleeping next to me, not letting go of my fingers. I try to slowly free my hand from his without waking him up but instead what I tried to avoid happens, he instantly wakes up stroking my hand he's holding gently.
"Your finally awake", he says.
I nod my head. My throat is still dry and have a little headache. I point to the water jar on the table and he pours me a glass. I gallop all of it instantly. Leah who's also lying on the couch wakes up on hearing noises in the room.
"Wow you two are really light sleepers" I smile at both of them.
"Am so glad you are, OK how would I survive without you." Leah complains pulling me into a hug careful not to hurt me. When she let's go the past events come flooding back in my head and I tighten my grip on Ray. He equally senses my uneasiness and assures me that it's all over.
"You are safe now dear, we managed to rescue you and the other girls from the jaws of that monster. He's in good hands and won't ever lay his dirty hands on you." he says cupping my hand in between his two.
"shhh, it's all over now Azra, you have nothing to be scared of" Leah chips in too.
"How long have I been in the hospital? "
"Three days!! " They say in unison, Leah dramatically raises three fingers. Wow I really passed out longer than I thought.
"Have you guys informed my parents?" I look from Ray to Leah
"Yaaaa"  Leah answers, "in fact your mum stepped out, your parents have been taking turns to come here since one has to stay home and babysit 'C' " emphasizing the C such that I know who she's meaning. "And Ray here Won't Leave you to go eat something or at least have a bath" Leah complains giving Ray the knitted eye brows look.  I can't help but stifle a laugh.
"Is it true I have a daughter Azra?" Ray only calls me Ra. The questioning hopeful look on his face and emphasizing my full name means seriousness. I knew this day would come. Only that I didn't expect it so sooner. I gaze at Leah wondering how he got to know.
" He's been pestering me about the subject all this time so I told him to be patient till you wake up and tell him yourself". She raises her hands in defense to show that she didn't let the cat out of the bag.
"Ummm" am at loss for words, where do I begin from.
"You see the day we rescued you, you woke up briefly and asked for water, then you said 'Christa ,You have a daughter Ray'.After that you lost consciousness and hadn't woken up since then " He stares at me, his voice sounding like he's about to cry. I inhale briefly and finally answer him.
"Yes"
"You have a daughter and she's called Christa". The anxious look on his face is quickly erased and an excited one is written all over him.
"Are... Are you sure?" He stammers with excitement
"Hold on a sec" he let's go of my hand ,jumps and twirls around doing his victory dance.
"Careful Ray, you could break things. This is a hospital" Leah stops him.
"Am sorry but the excitement is too much, buuuut but how, when "
"On my 18th birthday, " I remind him. Leah stifles a laugh this time.
"Ooooh, sorry I didn't mean to be forgetful." Ray clears the air
"I think I should step out and let you two talk properly "  Leah stands up ready to leave.
"No no no Leah please don't " I beg her, am already uncomfortable.
"Ummm, can I see her, do you have a pic of her, looks sorry, you don't have your phone right now. Sorry Ra" Ray has a tendency to stammer with words when he's excited. I guess it's cause he wants to say alot at the same time.
"The godmother is in front of you, why don't you convince her to show you her pics. But as you do that, could you call the Doc cause I want to be out of this place as fast as I can." Leah looks at Ray with raised eyebrows waiting to be convinced. Ray doesn't get the sign so Leah directly "Am waiting to be convinced you old age moron"
"Oooooh, sorry " Ray slaps his forehead
"How about I buy you your favorite ice cream for a full week?"
"Convinced " that's my bestie. They settle on the couch to avoid making noise already forgetting that I needed a doctor.
"Doctor please? " I remind them.
"Sorry"
Ray goes out and Leah gives me that look. "Am glad you finally let that out, am proud of you." Ray is back in short while with the doctor and my mum.
"Mum", I shriek with excitement.
"My baby" she embraces me tightly, "I was so worried about you. How are you feeling now pumpkin"
"Am now fine mum and safe", I assure her. She looks at my friends engrossed in Leah's phone and asks what that is about.
"I finally told him about Christa and he's happier than you can imagine",
"Well your good to go Ms Falls. We shall discharge you ASAP but you still need enough rest" The doctor interrupts.
"Thanks doc, can't wait to be out of here" I smile at her glad am good to go.
"Thanks you Dr. Kelly " mum adds. "Am so double proud of you baby " she taps on top of my legs and goes to finalize the discharge forms.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be in class today?" I tease my two friends so they can remember am still in the room. They look at me,  shake their heads and continue back to their scrolling. It feels good to be alive and free,  I inhale deeply and close my eyes thinking of a big chocolate cake. My stomach groans in agreement.