His Virgin Stripper

20

 I kept my hands in my lap and stared out the window as the car moved quietly. I didn't want to think too much, but I couldn't stop thinking about the baby. He was only two days old and  premature.

Elijah didn't say anything. He was just driving, his eyes was on the road, jaw tight. I swallowed hard and whispered, " I don't know if he's okay."

His hands tightened on the wheel. He looked at me quickly, sharp. "You didn't see him?"

"No. My parents... they didn't let me. They said I couldn't handle it. I was scared... I didn't know what to do." My voice shook.

Elijah stayed quiet. He didn't say anything for a few minutes. Then he finally said, quietly, "Okay. We're going to get him. H'wag kang mag alala, I'll protect him"

I looked at him, panic rising. "But... how? They'll—"

"They won't touch him if I'm there. They know better than to try me," he said.

I swallowed. I tried to calm down a little. 

We drove for a few more minutes in silence. Then he asked, "How are you?"

I froze. I didn't know how to answer. I was scared, nervous, and guilty. I swallowed hard and whispered, "I'm okay. It's just... I'm scared. I don't know how to face you now that we have a child. And now that I'm here... close to you... I don't know how to act. I know I made a big mistake."

He didn't say anything for a few moments.

  "I don't know why you stayed away from me for eight months. I just want you to know... I didn't stop coming here every day, thinking you were safe, thinking you were okay. I thought maybe you didn't want me. I was about to give up... until you called me today. I rushed here, hoping you wanted me back, hoping I didn't do anything to hurt you. Celestine... after this, I'll make sure our family is complete. Your parents won't hurt you ever again. You haven't told me your secrets yet. After this, I want you to tell me everything. I won't leave you. I won't judge you. I'll stay with you forever." he said.

I looked at him, my chest tight, tears forming in my eyes. I believed him.

The car stopped in front of the hospital. I felt my stomach drop. The fluorescent lights inside were bright, and the smell of antiseptic was sharp.

 My hands were shaking.

Elijah stepped out first, opened my door, and I followed him. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it might burst.

We walked toward the NICU, and a nurse immediately stepped in front of us. "I'm sorry," she said, panicked, "but no one can go in. The higher ups have strict orders. You're not allowed to see the baby."

I froze. "What? He's my son! I have to see him!"

The nurse shook her head. "I... I can't. Your parents told me not to let you in. I have to follow orders."

My chest felt like it was being squeezed. Tears rolled down my face. 

Elijah didn't move. He just stood behind me, quiet. But the tension coming from him made everyone else in the hallway notice. 

The nurse grabbed the phone and started calling upstairs. I heard her voice, frantic. "Miss Celestine is here, should I let them in?"

"No," came a voice from the other end. "Do not let her in."

Before she could finish, Elijah stepped forward, voice low and dangerous. "I don't care about your higher ups. Let her in. Tell her where the baby is, and I'll spare you."

The nurse froze. "I... I can't—"

Elijah noticed me trembling. His hand on my waist tightened slightly.

Then the elevator dinged. My adoptive parents came out. Mom froze first. She couldn't believe I was there, standing next to Elijah. Her eyes widened, and she seemed lost for a second.

My father stood next to her quietly pero alam kong galit siya.

"What do you think you're doing here, young lady?" my mother demanded. "You're supposed to be at home, studying. Finishing your studiesl!"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I'm not going to be your pet anymore. My baby's life is more important than mine. Please... give me back my baby."

Elijah stayed behind me, silent, just watching. He didn't say anything, but I knew he was ready.

My father sneered. "Your baby... is dead. You have no reason to come here. Go study. Learn your place."

My heart shattered.  I knew he wasn't. My baby was fine when I gave birth—premature, yes, but he was certainly alive.

 I looked at them. "Dead? Do you think I'll believe that? I'm not stupid. Give me my baby... or I'll tell everyone the truth."

My mother laughed hysterically "NDA contract, young lady. That's why you're nothing but a tool!"

I turned to Elijah. "Can I talk to them privately for now? Please? "  He understood. 

My eyes told him to find our baby while I talk to them.

I straightened my back and squared my shoulders. 

"Mom, there's something you must know"