Scars Of Marriage.

chapter 23 : Tanti's memory.

In the weeks that followed, Henry came by. I had now completely shaken off the act of caring about anything that concerned him.

I resumed learning crocheting from Grandma, as the sessions had stopped ever since the day of Henry's assault.

"I was surprised when Mr. Henry told me not to come for these classes for the time being. Turns out you were pregnant," Grandma happily exclaimed.

I had decided to let people assume what they wanted to; after all, telling anyone about my situation wouldn't change a thing but would burden those who knew.

"It's good to give birth when you are this young! Listen, I will give you some advice about childbirth..." Grandma then continued to give me a lecture about childbirth practices, etc.

I thanked her for the input as we continued to crochet and sew. "You really have a natural talent for this!" Grandma sighed as she said.

Eight months quickly passed by; my delivery time was a stone's throw away. I had stopped hearing from Tanti two months before my delivery. I asked my sister if she could reach her, but she told me not to worry about Tanti as she was safe. She added that Tanti had gone abroad and would be back soon.

My heart wasn't settled, but I chose to trust Sima's words; she had never lied to me.

My time came, and I was led to the hospital. Henry came, and Lilly was tagging behind him. I don't know why, but Lilly reminded me of those annoying ads on my phone. However, I still appreciated her. Henry hadn't spent too much time with me in these past months, hence less assault on my part.

Giving birth was hell on earth. I was dying of tremendous pain. When Henry had previously dislocated my jaw, it didn't come close to the pain I was feeling now.

Loud cries of a child were heard. I saw Henry running in with a hospital gown to see the child. I also somehow breathed in relief until I had another sharp pain in my belly.A nearby doctor immediately noticed and approached me.

"They are twins! Quickly push," the doctor shouted. I was startled—twins? Wasn't it just one child? I repeated the previous actions as I pushed hard; sweat was dripping down my face. I really thought I was going to die. It was so painful that I couldn't put it into words.

Another crying voice was heard. "Sir, this is a blessing; they are two..." I heard the doctor elaborate to Henry before I passed out.

When I woke up, I saw two small bundles in a nearby small bed. Henry, Lilly, Mr. and Mrs. Charpil were seated opposite that bed.

"Shiba, how are you feeling?" I heard a voice ask.

I turned towards the voice and found Ady, my brother, and Sima worriedly looking at me. My mother and father were also present.

"Okay," I hoarsely replied.

"That's good. Let's choose names for these two," Henry said as he approached the bed where the children were sleeping.

"Let's call the boy Harry Klain Charpil. Shiba, you name the girl," Henry suggested.

I suddenly thought about Tanti. Why was she still not here? She had promised to be present; she most likely would be excited to name the child.

"Let's wait for Tanti to name her; she is their godmother, after all," I softly said.

Suddenly, there was silence all over the place. I inquiringly looked at their faces. 
"Shiba, Tanti," Sima weakly said.

"What? You don't want her to be the godmother? I promise you will be the godmother of the next child," I said.

"Your friend passed away two months ago," Henry said.