Doctor's Fee Incident 39

LAURA'S POV

A MONTH has passed, and Gwen still hasn't told Tejie that she's pregnant and that the baby is his. That fool insists on going through it alone, and of course, I can't do anything about it, so I just went along with her decision. Even though Clyde sometimes tries to get information from me, asking who the father is and where he is. Gwen, to this day, keeps going to work at the club. She’s starting to get chubby because she's become quite a big eater, but good that she controls her alcohol intake since I always scold her whenever she comes home drunk.

Tejie hasn’t come by the house anymore. I think he chose to stay away when he found out Gwen was pregnant. Sometimes I ask Clyde about him, and he says Tejie is busy with work, avoiding some old rich lady who's been chasing after him. Tejie was heartbroken when Gwen distanced herself from him and then suddenly found out she was pregnant. He even jokes with Clyde sometimes, saying he has a feeling the baby might be his.

It hurts to keep this secret, but that's what Gwen and I agreed upon. I don’t want to break my promise, even though I know someone is hurting. If they’re meant for each other, things will work out. Gwen loves Tejie, but she’s being tough because of his womanizing ways. She thinks it’s better to go through this alone than risk everything with him.


GWEN IS BUSY. It's Friday night, and the club is packed. Nobody at work knows Gwen is pregnant because it’s not allowed. If they found out, she'd lose her job. She’s careful about hiding it, needing to save money before her belly starts to show and forces her to stay home. She’s getting by with the little she makes because the job isn’t too demanding. She still gets tips, and some people offer additional services for higher pay, but she doesn’t take those anymore. Ever since she started dating Tejie, even after they broke up, she’s completely changed. She’s a different Gwen now because she chooses to change for the better.

While sitting quietly having her first coffee break at the counter, her manager approached her. "Gwen, are you okay?" the manager asked.

"Okay? With what?" Gwen replied, looking up with a smile.

"Do you have an extra gig tonight?" the manager asked again, leaning closer. "We have a client. He’s been a regular at the club for a while, but tonight he made a request," she whispered.

"Ma'am, you know I've graduated from that. I’m content with what I’m making now," Gwen responded, laughing softly. “I'm okay.”

"Gwen, you won’t regret this! He’s incredibly handsome, like, drool-worthy!" the manager insisted. “And deym girl! The pocket is fully loaded!”

Gwen chuckled. "Can I see him?"

"He’s already in the room upstairs. The offer is huge—10k, girl! That’s all yours. The club doesn’t take a cut!" The manager’s eyes gleamed as she tried to convince her.

"Really? What would he even see in me? I’m chubby with rolls! He might even ask for his money back," Gwen laughed, trying to brush it off. “Damn that guy! No taste! Aha!”

"Gwen, you used to do this. The money’s too good to pass up, and this guy is worth it!" The manager was persistent.

Gwen hesitated, tempted because she needed the money. After a long pause, she sighed.

“Come on Gwen! It’s a very quick one! Easy money, you just need to spread your legs and show him that fuckin’ pussy!” the manager said, tempting her with convincing words.

Gwen paused, thinking, then, "Fine. Call it."

"Nice one, girl! Get ready, I’ll make the call," the manager left quickly, not wanting to give Gwen a chance to reconsider.

Gwen rubbed her belly softly and whispered, "I’m sorry, baby. Mommy needs to do this… You’re already formed, so, certainly, your dad’s genes won’t mix in anymore." She chuckled bitterly. "And if the guy’s hot, well… okay then, let's just enjoy it for the last time.”


MEANWHILE...

After talking to Gwen, the manager went straight to the parking lot outside the club. "It’s all set," she informed the client's companion.

"Okay, I’ll call the boss."

"Tell him she’s on her way up."

The man made a call. "Everything’s good. She’s on her way," he said.

"Cash or check?"

"Cash, sir," the manager quickly replied.

The man smiled.

IT DIDN’T take long for Gwen to head upstairs. When she entered the room, it was dark, with only the bedside lamp on. The scent of vape smoke lingered in the air, and there were beer bottles scattered around.

"Where’s the guy? This feels like the setup for a horror movie," she muttered under her breath as she closed the door.

Suddenly, she heard a voice.

"How are you?"

"Huh?" Gwen turned around and froze. "You? Tej?" Her heart sank. "Oh no!" She immediately tried to make a run for the door, but he caught her by the arm.

"Gwen," Tejie said, moving closer to her.

"Tej, you paid all that just for this? What kind of game are you playing?" Gwen asked, annoyed.

"Gwen, wait, listen—"

"What? Okay, I took the bait. What now? Are you here to look down on me?" Gwen spat.

Tejie gently held her arm, trying to calm her down. "Gwen, you won’t even talk to me anymore!"

"There’s nothing to talk about!" Gwen snapped.

"There is! You know it in your heart," Tejie insisted.

Before Gwen could respond, Tejie suddenly lifted her off her feet and carried her to the bed.

"You jerk! You’re drunk!" Gwen yelled, struggling against him.

Tejie pinned her down softly. "I’ve missed you so much, Gwen. You have no idea," he whispered, kissing her neck.

"Tej, stop. You're squishing my belly," she complained.

Tejie eased his weight off her but didn’t stop. Gwen continued struggling, cursing him but slowly gave in, realizing she missed him just as much.

"Even if I’m not the father of that baby, I won’t let you go through this alone," he said, his gaze intense. “I love you so much, Gwen, and I know that you know that; I have never been this crazy before… Please, don't shut me, don't chase me away! I will do anything for you and your baby, just— just let me stay, please.” His words pleading, showing his eyes brooding.

Gwen sighed, conflicted. She couldn’t push him away anymore. “Tej, what are you doing? Stop, please… Stop—”

Gwen couldn't hold back anymore. She had missed Tejie more than she wanted to admit, and despite everything, she couldn't deny the pull between them. As Tejie's hands roamed her body, every touch and every kiss ignited a fire within her that she had tried to suppress for too long. She gave in, her body responding to him instinctively. The warmth of his skin, the familiarity of his embrace-it all made her heart race, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. She melted into him, letting herself feel every ounce of passion she had held back.

"I love you, Gwen," Tejie whispered softly, his voice full of sincerity as he looked deeply into her eyes. "Let's make this work again, please." His hand gently cupped her face, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "I can't lose you, not again... not like this, come back to me, please…"

Gwen felt her heart tighten at his words, her emotions swirling as she stared back at him. She wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that things could be different this time. But the hurt, the uncertainty—it all weighed heavy on her.

Still, at this moment, with his warmth surrounding her, it was hard to resist. "Tejie..." she whispered, her voice trembling, unsure of what to say next.

June_Thirteen