Chapter five
Samantha gritted her teeth and clenched her fists in frustration. How could Thomas suddenly abandon her at the hospital? Was he going back to that stupid wife of his? Delia. She was seething with anger at the thought. After everything she had done for Thomas and he had just left her like that and not even bothered to check she was ok. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Samantha pulled out her phone, hesitating a moment before texting her friend.
"Fiona, I need you. Can you come to the hospital and get me? Thomas just left, and I feel like I can’t stay here alone.”
After hitting send, Samantha slammed her phone down onto the chair next to her feeling a rush of emotion. How could he leave her, especially now? At three months pregnant, she felt vulnerable and scared, and knowing he had walked out twisted the knife deeper. Images of Delia flooded her mind—perfectly coiffed, always smiling in photos. Samantha’s stomach churned at the idea of Thomas returning to that life, abandoning her right when she needed him the most.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before Fiona replied.
"I’m on my way! Hang in there! What happened?"
Samantha quickly typed back, "He just left! Said he needed time to figure things out, but I know where his heart is. I can’t deal with this right now."
When she set her phone down again, she felt the heaviness in her chest surge. All the plans they had made felt like a broken promise, a cruel joke. She was supposed to be excited about their future—a future that now felt uncertain and dark.
“Fiona is on her way,” she murmured to herself, trying to wrap her mind around the enormity of the moment.
A few minutes later, Fiona burst through the door, concern etched on her face. “Samantha! Are you okay? You look pale. Have you seen the doctor?”
“Yes, it’s just a sprain but I want to take it easy. I’m just so frustrated,” Samantha replied, her voice trembling. “I don’t know why he would just leave me here, especially now that…" She paused, glancing down at her belly as nausea washed over her. "I just need him to be here for me. But, I bet he went back to Delia.”
Fiona rushed to her side, taking Samantha’s hands in hers. “You don’t need him. You need to focus on yourself and the baby. Let’s get you home and settled. You can’t be stressing out like this.”
“I know,” Samantha sighed, her resolve cracking as she leaned into her friend for support. “It’s just so hard to let go.”
“I’m here for you,” Fiona reassured her. “We can figure this out together. You’re not alone, I promise. Let’s get you out of this place.”
With a nod, Samantha took a deep breath, knowing she had to lean on Fiona now.
Together, they made their way out of the sterile hospital room. The fluorescent lights felt harsh as they stepped into the bustling corridor. Samantha's heart raced, a mix of anxiety and relief flooding her as she left the place that had once felt so hopeful just days ago. The weight of uncertainty hung in the air like a storm cloud.
“Do you have your things?” Fiona asked, glancing around as they moved towards the exit.
Samantha nodded, reaching for her bag resting on the chair. “Just this. I didn’t think I’d be here long, but…” Her voice trailed off, the frustration boiling just beneath the surface.
As they reached the entrance, Fiona turned to her. “You should call your doctor tomorrow, just to keep them updated on how you’re feeling. And don’t overexert yourself, okay? You need to take it easy, especially with the baby.”
“I will. I promise,” Samantha replied, but inside, doubt crept in. What if her stress was affecting the baby? The thought turned her stomach again, and she took a deep, steadying breath. "I just… I thought he would choose me this time."
Fiona wrapped an arm around her, guiding her toward the parking lot. “You deserve someone who would never leave you in a moment of need. Remember that. You are strong, Samantha, and you can do this.”
Samantha leaned into Fiona’s warmth, grateful for her unwavering support. As they reached her car, Fiona helped her into the passenger seat carefully, mindful of Samantha’s injury and her growing belly.
Once Fiona settled into the driver’s seat, she looked over at Samantha. “Before we go, can I say something?”
“Sure.” Samantha regarded her expectantly.
“I think you need to seriously consider what you want moving forward. This situation with Thomas isn’t just about him—it’s about you and your baby. You can’t put your life on hold waiting for someone who isn’t ready to step up.”
Samantha felt a lump in her throat. “You’re right, of course. It just hurts so much. I thought he was different.”
“He might have been at one point, but people like him end up being losers. He cheated on his wife, who says he won’t do the same to you? Your priority now has to be you and that little one.” Fiona started the engine, and as they drove away from the hospital, the world outside began to blur into a mix of greens and browns.
For the first time since Thomas had left, a flicker of determination sparked within her. “You’re right. I can’t keep living in the shadow of his choices. Whether he comes back or not, I need to focus on what’s best for me and my baby.”
“That’s the spirit!” Fiona encouraged, glancing over with a smile. “We’ll figure it out together. You aren’t in this alone.”
Samantha smiled gratefully for her best friend's support. She knew Fiona was right. What if Thomas abandoned her like he had Delia? He wasn’t worth it. She placed a hand on her belly and silently promised her unborn baby that she would do everything in her power to make sure they had a good life.