Broken

Chapter 45: Teamwork

Fatima sat in the soft, ambient light of the living room as the smell of fresh tea filled the air. The soft clinking of dishes echoed from the kitchen as Lana moved around, preparing everything with her usual care. On the table in front of Fatima, the bottle of prenatal vitamins sat, a daily reminder of her new reality. As soon as she sat down, Lana appeared from the kitchen and placed them in front of her with a look of gentle insistence.

"Here you go, madam," Lana said, handing her a glass of water. "You need to take these so that baby Taylor can grow big and strong."

Fatima's lips curved into a small smile as she picked up the bottle and popped out a pill. The way Lana fussed over her had become comforting. Despite the uncertainty surrounding everything else in her life, the quiet routine of being looked after by Lana gave her a sense of peace.

"Thank you, Lana," Fatima said softly before taking the vitamin, washing it down with a sip of water.

"You're welcome." Lana smiled back, watching to make sure she took the whole pill before bustling away to the kitchen again. "Would you like some tea, madam?"

Fatima, still holding her abdomen absentmindedly, nodded. "Yes, please, Lana."

As Lana moved about the kitchen, Fatima let out a long, quiet breath, her hand lingering on her stomach. It was strange, feeling the weight of something that had yet to fully reveal itself—an invisible future tied to the small life inside her. Leaning her head back against the couch, her eyes drifted upward, settling on the chandelier hanging above, its crystals catching the morning light.

"Don't worry," she whispered to herself. "I won't abandon you."

Her voice was soft, almost a vow between mother and child, the kind of promise that came from deep within her soul. She didn't know what kind of world she was bringing her baby into—her world was dangerous, uncertain. But she knew one thing: she wouldn't make the same mistakes her parents made. Not if she could help it.

Lana returned with a steaming cup of tea, snapping Fatima out of her thoughts. "Here you go, madam," she said, handing over the cup.

Fatima gratefully accepted it, cradling the warm mug in her hands. The comforting heat seeped into her skin, grounding her in the present.

"Do you want anything else, madam?" Lana asked. "Maybe a slice of cake? It's fresh."

Fatima shook her head, still feeling the persistent nausea from the pregnancy. "No, thank you, Lana. I'm more sick than anything else right now."

Lana gave a sympathetic nod, understanding the discomfort Fatima must be feeling. She was about to turn away and head back to the kitchen when Fatima suddenly called out to her again, her voice uncertain.

"Lana?"

Lana turned back, her brow lifting slightly in question. "Yes, madam?"

Fatima hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup before looking up at her loyal housekeeper. "Do you... Do you think I'll be a good mom?"

Lana's face softened instantly. She walked a few steps closer, her smile warm and reassuring. "Of course, you will, madam. You're strong, smart, and you care so much already." She paused for a moment, her voice becoming a bit more playful. "And he or she is going to be so spoiled. Especially since it's both you and Mr. Zac's first."

Fatima nearly choked on her tea when Lana mentioned Zac and the baby, the unexpected comment causing her to sputter slightly and spill some tea on her shirt and jeans. She quickly grabbed a napkin to pat herself dry, "Did I say something wrong?" Lana asked, her brow furrowed in concern.