Bound By Her Bump novel Chapter 29

After they cried and there were no more tears left, Annie pulled away from his embrace and looked into his eyes to apologize again. "I'm so sorry."

He caressed her cheeks. "It's not your fault."

She bit her lip to stop herself from crying. "If only I had paid more attention, maybe we wouldn't have lost him."

He raised her chin to make her look at him. "You're the sweetest person I've ever met. You would never do any harm to others even when they hurt you. You didn't take our baby's life; It just happened. Life happens. This is a trial of faith and we will go through this together." He assured, but she wasn't convinced.

"You should be mad at me, blame me for what happened to our child and not care about me."

Eric sighed as he remembered what Nora told him. 'She will do all she can to push you away but don't let that happen. Be there for her.'

"You trust me right? Don't you?" He asked her. She nodded.

"Then trust me when I say you're not guilty of what happened. If you are thinking I'm going to leave you now that our child is no more, you're wrong. Like I've always said, you're stuck with me and I will never let you go."

Annie didn't say anything further. She buried her face in his chest and cried more. That was all she did till tiredness consumed her and she fell asleep.

.........................

He knew she wasn't feeling okay but he still wanted to ask. He was worried about her falling into depression or doing something crazy. This was what happens when one loses a child and most importantly feels guilty for it. She had not even said anything since he walked into her ward and began examining her.

"How are you feeling, Annie?" Doctor Myers asked. He was pained when he heard the news. His favourite patients who were like children to him were going through a very hard time and he was determined to be there for them.

"I feel incomplete; like a part of me is missing. I feel horrible, I feel guilty." She whispered as a tear rolled down her cheeks. Eric sighed as he wiped them off.

"Annie, it isn't your fault." Eric chipped in.

A sad smile crept to Dr Myers lips. Knowing Eric was there for her gave him hope that everything was going to be fine.

Doctor Myers took Annie's hands in his. "Miscarriage happens to a lot of women out there. I know it's very hard for you to accept that you have nothing to do with it because of the bond you've created with your baby."

"Before I came here, I was going through your reports which showed everything was okay. That means you did all you needed to do."

"But it's still my fault because I had felt pain in my abdomen throughout lunch. I should have known then. I should have brought myself to the hospital. If I had done that, maybe my baby would still be with me."

"Maybe not my child, most of the cases I've dealt with, only a few babies survived. I'm sure your baby will not be happy wherever he is to see his mama being distressed. I'm not saying you should forget about him and move on as if nothing happened. Just look at it from the perspective that he or she is with your Dad in heaven."

"Our focus now is for you to get better. A nurse will be here anytime from now to clean you up or can you manage yourself?

"I think I can." She whispered.

"Don't worry, Doctor Myers. I'll take care of her." Eric assured.

"Take care, dear. I'll be back to check on you before my shift is over."

"Thank you." Annie and Eric said to him. He gave them a nod before walking out of Annie's ward.

As soon as Doctor Myers left, they had another visitor. It was Nora. She came in with a basket of food and change of clothes for them.

Eric was grateful she thought of bringing things for them without him giving her any instructions. He walked towards her and collected the items she was carrying.

"Thank you, Nora," He said.

Nora took a seat beside Annie and took her hand in hers.

"Thank you for everything," Annie said with a sad smile which Nora returned. She could tell Annie was trying to be strong.

"You have nothing to thank me for, my child. Make sure you get better. Everything will be fine." She assured. Annie nodded.

"I made your favourite breakfast. Please make sure you eat them." She pleaded.

"I'll try," Annie whispered.

"Sorry I can't stay long for now. I have to go to the grocery shop then back home to prepare lunch and dinner and then back here to feed you guys."

"Thanks again, Nora," Eric said.

"No Problem, my child. I'll be back later in the day." She said then left for grocery shopping.

Eric helped Annie stand up from the bed and he carried her into the adjoined bathroom. He made her seat on the bathtub after which he went back to the room to take the bag Nora brought for them.

Eric searched the bag for Annie's toothbrush. He applied some paste on it and handed it to her. She said a small thank you as she accepted it and began brushing her teeth.

When she was done, Eric handed her a pair of clean dress, underwear and a towel then she stepped into the shower while Eric brushed his teeth.