CHAPTER 22: THE SURPRISE BLESSING

Tears flowed as she faced the computer. She typed her resignation letter. Clayton did not return to the office that day so she just left the letter on his desk. It was her last day at the office.

She also talked to an acquaintance in Olongapo and was informed that she saw a place already for them where they could live and build a store. Next week they will go home to Olongapo.

She did not come to the office the next day so she just lay in bed even at nine in the morning. Earlier, her mother called her to eat but she did not want to get up because she was feeling a little unwell.

She was even surprised when the phone rang. She stared at the screen when it became clear that Clayton was the caller. He had read her resignation letter for sure. She was forced to answer the call as it continued to ring.

"Hello?" She answered in a low voice.

"Where are you? What is this letter on my desk?" Clayton immediately opened up.

She was frightened by the tone of his voice as if he didn't like what he just read. She swallowed hard before answering.

"I-I'm going to resign," Her voice weakened even more.

"Why?" His voice was more frightening when he got her confirmation.

"B-because my mother wants us to go back to Olongapo," She thought to give that as an alibi.

He hasn't spoken on the other line for a long time. She could even hear his deep breathing.

"Then what are you going to do there? Will you find another man to dance with?" His voice has a trace of disgust and anger.

Her ears tingled at what she heard, especially since she was hurt already.

She realized that no matter how good he treated her, he still looked down on her since she was just his "own prostitute". She was still a woman who knew nothing but to dance almost naked in front of a client, a woman who could sell her body for money. She's still that low for him.

She couldn't stop crying.

"Why do you still think so dirty of me? You always say that I should fight for myself against someone who would look down on me. Why should I fight for myself with you now? You know that you were the only man in my life even though I was almost naked dancing in front of you when you first met me. Why do you make me feel like I'm a filthy woman? " she was already in tears after saying that.

Long silence before he could answer.

"Sam... I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way," his tone suddenly became apologetic.

She didn't say a word and just kept crying.

"I'll go there," he said immediately.

"Don't! Mom will be curious and might ask me things. I didn't tell her anything," she quickly denied.

"I'm really sorry, Sam. If that's your decision then I can't do anything about it. I just hope you will still change your mind. I wish we could meet first before you leave," He pleaded.

That's what she wanted too but she knew it wouldn't do them any good, especially for her.

"All right, Clayton. My mom is calling me. Thank you for all the help you have given us," She said and immediately hung up the phone.

It was so painful that they had to part ways and that he still looked down on her even unconsciously.

She did not leave the room because she could not hold back the tears in her eyes.

Red called and invited her to eat outside. She accepted the offer right away because she didn't want to sulk anymore and also wanted to be with him for the last time.

They ate at a fast-food chain. She told Red that she already left their company. She said that they will go back to their hometown in Olongapo.

"I would like you to stay with our company but I will still support you in that decision. I will still keep in touch even after I return to the States. By the way, it's my birthday the next day. I hope you can come to celebrate my birthday with me and my brother," he said holding her hand.

She was shocked because she would definitely see Clayton there but she also couldn't miss Red's birthday because that would be the last time she would see him.

"Sure," she replied smiling though she was hesitant.

"Thank you," he said cheerfully.

He noticed the swelling in her eyes but she just said that she had a migraine so she cried earlier in pain. He was worried about what he heard. She assured him that she was okay already.

They were about to get into his car when she suddenly felt dizzy and her vision went dark. She even grabbed his arm before she completely lost consciousness.

She blinked before she opened her eyes. She noticed Red's worried face. He immediately smiled sharply as she regained consciousness.

"Where are we?" she asked in astonishment as she tried to stand up. She saw the surroundings were pure white.

"We're in a hospital because you suddenly fainted. How are you feeling?" Red asked assisting her as she attempted to get up.

"I'm okay," she sat down on the small bed.

A doctor approached them.

"How have you been feeling lately?" the smiling doctor asked her.

"I get tired all the time and then become picky about food," she replied.

The doctor nodded as Red just listened.

"When was your last menstruation?" the doctor's next question.

"It was almost two months-" she was suddenly stunned when the realization hit her.

The doctor smiled even more.

"I see. Have you taken a pregnancy test yet?"

The doctor even looked at Red. She might have mistaken Red as her husband. Red looked at her and when he saw her shake her head he replied to the doctor.

"Not yet, Doc," Red said.

"Well, I would suggest that one. If you want, there is a pregnancy kit available at the pharmacy here. I can also check the result to be sure," the doctor suggested.

Her heart beats so fast. She was excited even though she wasn't sure yet. She heard nothing from Red but it was he who bought the kit for her.

The man bought two. She entered the hospital's comfort room. She followed the instructions and waited a little. She almost jumped for joy at the result. To be sure they also showed the two results to the doctor.

"Congratulations! You're going to have a baby," the doctor greeted happily as confirmation that she was pregnant.

She no longer corrected the doctor's misconception that they are a couple. Crying she hugged Red. She was happy to find out and suddenly she forgot the anguish of her heart.

Red happily hugged her tightly when he saw that she was happy with the result.

She refused when the doctor would have given her a schedule for her check-up. She said that she will be moving to another place so it would be better if she will just have her check up there.

Red only asked her the inevitable question when they were already inside his car.

"Congrats! So, who's the father?" even though he was happy for her, he was serious when he asked about the father of the child she was carrying.