Unsteady Storm

Chapter Twenty-six

Two weeks later.

Ije came out of the bathroom in her robe. Anulika was sitting on the bed.

"I can't believe that today will determine my fate"

Anulika sighed. "Whatever the doctor says, I just want you to know that you are the best friend I've ever had and I really appreciate you"

"Let's hope he says I'm not dying" Ije chuckled. She picked her phone and dialled Nedu's number, it rang but he didn't pick.

"Nedu has been sounding distant" ije complained and she put on her underwear.

"Why don't you go and see him?" Anụlịka suggested.

"I will but he should have called... The baby is seven months today, two months to go"

"He's probably battling with some issues" Anụlịka mused.

Ije stood in front of the mirror staring at her belly. "I look so fat and ugly"

"I know... It's for a while" Anụlịka smiled.

"I hope so" Ije murmured. She stared a little longer before picking a sky blue maternity gown on the bed. She put it on and started combing her hair.

"Let me go and get ready" Anụlịka stated standing up.

***
The doctor collected the results from the lab handing it to Neche who was waiting for it.

"How do you explain that?" He stared at Neche and she stared back.

"I pity Ije. I really do, I thought we were making progress"

Tears filled Neche's eyes. "I can't break this news to her, Doc"

"Don't worry, I'll do that myself"

He carried the results to the waiting room where Ije and Anụlịka sat.

"Nwosu Ijeoma, can I see you in my office?"

Ije took a deep breath and followed him.

When they got to his office, he pulled out a chair for her to sit down.

"The results are out"

"I know, we've been waiting for this result for four months now" Ije said in a haste. "What does it say Doc?"

"You have a high blood pressure and low sugar..."

Ije gulped.

"I'm afraid the chances of coming out of the labor room alive are very slim"

Ije bowed her head then stood up immediately and left the office. Anụlịka was outside waiting. "What did he say?"

"I won't make it, Anuli, my death is near... I never bargained to die at 27 if only Nedu had listened to me" she sobbed.

Anulika was dumbfounded.

***

"Do you still wish to see Nedu?" Anụlịka asked as they drove out of the hospital slowly.

"He has to know I'll be gone forever in two months, doesn't he?"

"You have to stop saying that.... It's as hard for me as well" Anụlịka snapped angrily.

"It's the worst for me!" Ije snapped back.

"I'm sorry" Anụlịka murmured. "I'm sorry that I asked you to keep the baby"

Ije looked away without a word, a lot was on her mind.

Anụlịka was sobbing silently. Ije reached out and turned on the radio.