Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jeremy got back in the car and the ride to the hospital was very silent. He couldn't stop thinking about the face Jerlina made when he was leaving. 

I am sorry, Jeryl… You'll have to understand…

He couldn't hold back his rage. Who was he angry at?

He was angry at Emma. But he was angrier at himself. He couldn't even look at Jerlina's face out of guilt back at the clinic.

Jerlina was right. He was right! He caused her miscarriage and all her misfortunes. He caused it by trusting a snake. The snake that ruins people's life out of...

Out of what exactly?

Jeremy wanted to ask Emma about that. He is curious as to what makes Emma hate Jerlina so much. Jerlina would like to know as well.

Ah… Jerlina… How am I going to face her?

Like a coward, he is running away without even looking at her face. 

Will she leave? She said she will leave.  She will, right? She has too much pride and she'd be broken by now. 

It's my fault…

To where will she leave?

The slightly obsessive smile of Jonathan Erling came to his mind. If she asks for Jonathan's help, he'd make sure she'd stay with him for the rest of his life however long it may be. It is doubtful if he'd be allowed to meet her.

Jonathan could make Jerlina disappear from him. He could. Even Volkonaky wouldn't be able to help him then. 

I shouldn't have run away without saying anything…

Jeremy's heart started to hurt. His fingers caressed the ax pendant hanging on his neck. He's been wearing this all this time. He loved her gift. But now that necklace felt heavy on his chest. 

Ah… she told me she'd fight for me… She wouldn't leave me just like that even if I acted like a stupid… She won't…

He composed his heart. She wouldn't have left. Prideful as she is, she is filled to the brim with her love for him. She wouldn't have abandoned him like that.

My house, she says… But Jeryl, you know that is our home. Not my house but our home. Remember that.

He could see from his peripheral vision that Emma is about to faint. Her head is bleeding a lot and she might develop complications. Part of him wished that she'd end up brain dead so that she won't die in Jonathan's hand immediately. The baby can survive and maybe he can find a proper home for the baby to grow up loved.

After that, they can pull the plug or something.

Ugh! Why is everything this messy?

-----

Jerlina stared blankly at the glass table lamp beside the bed. The traditional urn design was captivating and it caught the light very elegantly. The brass accents gave the lamp a regal look. She saw a bright streak of light on the table and she rocked side to side to see how the light moved depending on the angle she looks at it.

She was tired of thinking about everything else and she resorted to staring at the little ray of light on the table. After a while, her eyes started to sting.

She rubbed her eyes that were swollen with all her crying. Her hand cupped her abdomen. The last time she found out about her pregnancy didn't go well and this time…

Gerard told her to trust him and then he turned his back to her and went to Emma. Joel… he too… 

*Drip* *Drip*

Her hand started to get wet again and she lied on the pillow, curling to a ball, hugging herself. But she realized this position probably is not the best for the baby. She turned and lied on her back. As she tried to find something interesting on the ceiling for her to get distracted, she heard her phone ring.

Could it be him?

Her hands reached for her phone and she let out a wry scoff seeing the caller-ID.

"Scar," she answered the call in a somber tone. 

So what if it isn't him calling? I wouldn't have answered anyway! Hmpf!

But I should comfort Scar. She must have gotten the details about Daisy's death. She'd be heartbroken! 

And Bobby… I hope he keeps it together…

But Jerlina was surprised that Scar was speaking in a joyous mood and it made her wonder.

She is not informed yet..? 

"Guess what, Jerlina…" Scarlett giggled in an uncharacteristic way. Jerlina figured out that Scarlett is extremely happy.

"What?" Jerlina asked partially wondering if the sadness got to Scarlett and affected her differently. 

"I got a positive test, Jerlina," Scarlett squealed.

Jerlina heard some thudding noises in the background and the giggling of Cia with her mother. She figured that Scarlett is jumping in joy. 

"Positive..?" Jerlina wanted to guess pregnancy test since that is what popped in her mind first but she didn't want to jump the gun. She remembered Scarlett saying that she wouldn't be able to carry a baby again.

"I'm pregnant, Jer!" she said softly and Jerlina's eyes widened and her lips curved.

"Really? You too?" Jerlina shouted but then she closed her mouth with her hand and hoped that Scarlett didn't hear it but she knew Scarlett did.

But we are pregnant together? Isn't that amazing?

"Me too..? Jerlina...?" Scarlett seemed to be thinking about what she said and Jerlina let out a sigh.

I haven't even confirmed it yet and…

At that time, she could hear some shouts from the other end. 

"You're pregnant..?" She shouted on the phone. "Wait, one moment… I'm coming!" She screamed probably at the door. 

  "Bobby what-" Scarlett's voice was filled with concern. 

And it was followed by some loud shouts and curses. Jerlina could discern four or five men's voices along with Bobby's and Charlie's. 

"I'll kill her!" she heard Bobby growl.

Oh, so Bobby's been informed… Oh, dear!

Jerlina let out a deep breath. Emma has hurt a lot of people. She should end up in prison for murder, attempted murder, and simply for existing alongside other living beings polluting the earth by emitting her vile aura.

But Joel… he… he still wants to protect her...

"Scar!" Jerlina called Scarlett who was trying to calm everyone. But in the ruckus, there was no way Scarlett could hear her.

"I'll talk to you later, Jerlina." 

Scarlett ended the call. 

Jerlina threw the phone to her side and closed her eyes. 

Should I go to Bobby's house? 

Ah… but it is a long ride there…

Placing her hand on her abdomen, she stared at the ceiling.

Emma, I hope you get the worst Karma could offer.

But her baby...

She closed her eyes clutching her heart that hurt. She shouldn't be worrying about Emma's baby.

'You don't mean what you say...'

Jeremy's voice floated in her ear. It kept lingering in her memory.

And his eyes as he said it...

He was sad.