Breakdown of The System

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

 At the end of February, Teyna felt that it was time to give birth. Joseph called the cab and quickly took the bag containing Teyna and baby's stuff. The hospital quickly took Teyna to the maternity ward and Joseph waited outside the door. The delivery was long lasting so Joseph prayed that everything was fine with Teyna and with the baby. An hour later the doctor came out and told the news that they were both good, but that there was a big risk that the child was infected with HIV and that delivery was done under extreme precautions so that the staff wouldn't get infected through the blood. The doctor then told Joseph to come into the room if he wants. He went in and saw Teyna holding a baby in her arms.

 Joseph: "Princess or little boy?" Teyna (smiling ): ,, Princess. Let's arrange the name. " Joseph: "Bella." Teyna: "I like it! How did you come to that?" Joseph: "It doesn't matter. I'm glad you like it." Teyna: "They'll now examine whether Bella is infected ... I pray that she is not ... I want her to live long, not to end like us. " Joseph: "I completely agree with you. After all this, I think you deserved at least her to be fine."

 The next day they got a good news- Bella was not infected with HIV. They were happy because finally something nice happened after all that time. Teyna finished her high school in order to support the child if something happens to Joseph. Joseph worked as a physical worker in one company and earned enough for a life. However, when Bella was two years old the illness got worse and he couldn't work anymore. In order not to pay the hospital he was lying in his apartment, slowly counting his last days. Bella would often ask: "Mom, what is happening to Daddy?", to which Teyna would answer: "Daddy soon goes to a better place. "

 During his last moments she was next to him. Joseph: "Teyna ... The day we both were afraid of is here, but we were aware that it would come. The death will come for me, but you don't give yourself to it as long as you can. Bella needs you. I wouldn't leave neither, but I was already sick when I met you. We have some savings, I hope it will be enough to get started. Be strong. " Teyna:" I will. I will be strong for you and Bella. " Joseph: "Well, I want you to know that the time with you was the best thing that ever happened to me. Don't cry, I will find peace in another world. I will save the place for you, but I hope that you won't quickly join me . Bye... " At that moment, Joseph's life was gone ...

 Teyna remained alone. She found a job and neighbour took care of Bella during the day. During the weekend she would spend time with her daughter and then she would talk to her, sing with her ... Later, they also led conversations on more serious topics, so Teyna would slowly prepare for what was inevitable.

 Bella: "Why do you always wear gloves when I get hurt and you put bandage on my wound?" Teyna: "Mom has one virus and doesn't want you to get it." Bella: "Did Dad had this virus?" Teyna: "Yes, but Dad was ill before me." Bella: "And will you also go like he did?" Teyna: "I won't soon, honey. I hope so." Bella: "Do I have grandma and grandpa?" Teyna (surprised): "Where'd you get that question?" Bella: "A girl was with a grandma and grandpa next to us yesterday. What are grandma and grandpa?" Teyna: "It's mom and dad's parents. You... you don't have a grandma and grandpa."

 She recalled Joseph's story of his childhood: His father harassed his mother in front of his eyes, beat her and threw things at her... she didn't leave the house so that neighbors wouldn't see bruises on her body. When Joseph was ten, one rainy evening, he found her hanged on the attic. Soon he took drugs from older boys... he got HIV infected with syringes, and then it mutated into AIDS. And Teyna somehow started because of company... One friend gave her to try a joint after class, and afterwards she called her on parties, together ran away from classes, gave her to a try a ecstasy and meet other people who also consumed drugs. At that time problems began in family too, the relationship between Lucy and Harold became colder, Becky was bullied and friends were increasingly urging her to continue using drugs.