PERFECT MATCH

33 - Faith

Mabel's POV

I was in a hospital room for my first ultrasound. My gynecologist, a nurse and a sonographer were present. The room was also manned by my mother, sister and mother-in-law.

Lying against the soft mattress of the hospital bed, I sighed bracing myself for what was to come. After flashing me a smile, Dr. Flora sat beside my bed and dipped her hands into plastic gloves. Following her instructions, I pulled my cream sweater all the way up to reveal my belly.

Drawing shaky breaths, I whimpered at the chill feeling of the lotion against my bare belly. Dr. Flora moved the transducer in a circular motion around my belly.

Feeling butterflies, I trained my eyes on the monitor. Hearing slow rhythmic sounds like that of a drum, chills raked down my spine, sending goosebumps to all parts of my body. The sonographer turned up the volume and my baby's heartbeat resounded, causing my heart to skip a beat. I was overwhelmed, I felt the presence of my baby.

Gasping, I breathed shakily as my heart picked up a notch. Her heartbeat sounded just like mine. Feeling undeserving or this blessing, I watched intently with glossy eyes.

"The baby's heartbeat is about a hundred and ten to a hundred and twenty beats per minute." The sonographer announced and I glanced at her, nodding my head stiffly.

"Your baby's healthy Mabel and growing well." Dr. Flora chipped in, flashing me her usual magical smile. "Here," She pointed at the monitor. "The organs are starting to develop."

Hot tears escaped my eyes, steaming down my face like a river. My mother rushed to my side, squeezing my fingers to remind me that I wasn't alone. Her smile warmed my heart. She patted my hair, running her fingers against my cheek to wipe my tears.

"You're going to be a mother Mabel, that's a blessing." She gazed at me, smiling proudly.

Seating up, I collected the wipe from the nurse, wiping the lotion off my belly and pulling down my sweater. Resting my hands on the bed, I gathered strength, my mother helping me up.

Engulfing me into a warm embrace, my mother kissed my cheek. "Don't worry Mabel, everything will be fine. I promise."

Nodding at my mother, her hands soothingly rubbed the back of my hair. Stepping aside, my mother gave Adaobi a chance to wrap her arms around me. Adaobi hugged me, her intoxicating perfume flooding my senses.

"We've got you Mabel. I got you, I'm always here." Wryly, I smiled at her. We moved towards the door, the same spot where Ada stood.

My mother-in-law was the first to leave the room, followed by my mother. Ada wrapped her arms around me, letting me rest my head against her chest, safe in her arms as we trailed out of the room.

My mother-in-law and mother were in front, making a small talk. We were a few steps behind them, turning into the hallway.

"You know, I wish Jason was here with me, he should be here." With bitterness, I swallowed.

Ada glanced at me, pulling me closer.
"He'll come around. I'm sure of it."

We came to a halt, standing in front of the doctor's office. My mothers already sat in the pew opposite the office, making themselves comfortable. Ada released me from her hold.

"We'll be right here Mabel."

With a sharp nod, I turned to face the door. Sighing deeply, I placed a knock on the door. Without waiting for an answer, I pulled the knob and ushered myself into the office.

Dr. Rollins was scribbling in a tiny paper on his desk. He raised his head to acknowledge my presence, motioning for me to sit, in front of him. Seating on the swivel chair opposite him, my body tensed and I stilled, wrapping my hands over my arms.