A Mother's Love

     Louise Anne Martin reached down and stroked her tummy. The answering nudge spread a joy throughout her body that warmed even the places she'd rather not acknowledge. She closed her eyes and allowed her head to rest on the back of the rough couch behind her. Louise basked in the feeling her little miracle gave her. It seemed like pure love radiated from the child within her, and it itensified with each and every little bump.

     My baby girl, Louise thought and grinned. She continued to stroke her swollen belly as she indulged in the connection she had with her little Marie. Soon her baby girl would introduced into the world.

    Louise would finaaly get to witness the beautiful smile she knew her baby wore, and she would answer with a smile like she never had before. At her side would be her husband, Jared. A whimper escaped at the thought of him. Another bump had her patting her stomach lovingly but distractedly. The mention of her husband had her looking at the plain wedding ring on her finger, and at the newest bruise on her arm. Admittedly, it was close to healing. That is only due to the fact that Jared didn't want the doctor's noticing.

     Her baby usually gave reassuring bumps when Louise was in distress, which was a lot. The sweet child was the only one to sympathize with her. Everyone else saw the fake smiles and listened to Jared's lies. They didn't dare question the happy couple due to all the money and power Jared had. No one saw her pleading eyes except him. When they were out of the public eye, he would lecture her on how to be a good wife then accompany it with physical abuse. He would then throw her into her room and head out like every other night. He doesn't tell her where he goes. She suspects that he goes to other women. Oh the irony.

     It was then that her little miracle would soothe the harm done to her heart. Louise knew with every fiber of her being that bringing a child into this environment was wrong. She didn't want it at all, but what was she to do? She couldn't ran. Jared would surely find her with all the connections he has. That alone was enough to keep her rooted to her spot and mouth shut. If he was able to do that, then what else is he capable of?

     Louise wished she could take her baby from him and his abuse. She wanted nothing more than to give her baby the life she deserved. There was only one way to for this to be possible, but that wouldn't solve anything would it? No, Louise lacked the guts to it, and it would be unfair to the child. Besides, it goes against every single moral she has as a soon-to-be mother.

     Then, what if she allows Jared to have her baby? Would he treat her the same he treats Louise? A tear ran down her cheek. Just the thought had Louise close to hysterics. She shook her head firmly. There was no way she would allow that to happen. She couldn't even let her child be exposed to that. That left only one choice, but she couldn't. More tears poured from her eyes. Marie bumped lightly as if she was afraid she would break her mother. Louise smiled a bit.

     "I can't do either to you. If Jared-" she cut off and held back a sob. "The other option is much better." At that, the baby girl bumped a bit more firmly.

    Louise cried some more. This time, Marie bumped Louise's hand. With a final nod, Louise stood. Jared owned two cars- he only took one around with him and left the other home- he trusted in her fear. She stomped to the kitchen and snatched the keys off hook before she could change her mind. The car was a small red Honda. It was very differnet from the sleek El Camino he drove around, but it would do.

      A surge of -what can only be explained as- love spread through Louise again. She smiled softly. Louise increased the speed of the car and of her tears. The destination was getting close. The speed continued to increase until her foot had the peddle down as far as it could go.

     Louise looked down, but before she could stop her actions, darkness spread around her.