The Royal Contract

She forced Alex last night to take her to the hospital to check on her friend as soon as they had received the awful news. She wanted to be there for Jacky, just like her friend had always been there when she needed to cry on her friend’s shoulder.

But Jacky was sedated after the miscarriage. Her doctor had advised her to go home and rest before returning in the morning. Now, she was back, but her friend was awake, but she would not see her.

“How is she doing?” Dani quickly stood from her seat in the waiting room. She wanted to see her bestfriend, but she declined to have any visitors. The only person she allowed in her room was her husband and no one else.

Jacky had barricaded herself in her room, refusing anyone who would like to see her. She could understand that her friend was depressed after what she had gone through.

She could sympathize with her friend, thinking that if that happened to her, she might feel the same way. However, she was not going to give up on her, especially when Jacky needed her the most.

Still, she would not claim that she had an idea of what Jacky was going through. Honestly, she might not know half of what she might be feeling after losing a child.

.....

She doubted it would be the same as losing a parent, who she had the chance to love and spend time with, a father that had lived a fulfilling life. Compared to a child that was not even born yet.

“She is not taking it well,” Marcus responded with a beaten look like he had just walked out of the fight of his life and lost.

He could not deny that he was hurting too. He had lost his child, just like she did. But he believed she needed him more now than ever to be strong for the two of them. He could not break down and cry.

His wife had always been strong, never been asking much from him or anybody. It was a rare occasion that she cried for help, and this was it. She might not say it in words, but he knew he would need to carry them through this.

“What about you? How are you?” Alex concernedly asked his friend. He could not imagine the pain the couple was going through.

Without a doubt, Jacky was devastated by this accident, but he believed Marcus must be distraught just as well. No parent could readily accept the loss of a child.

He could only offer his condolences, unable to put himself in their shoes. He would never understand how they felt until he had experienced the same situation. Something he hoped would never happen to him and his wife.

“I wish I came home early. I wish I had never called.” Marcus felt like it was also his fault. “I could have come to her rescue if only I declined the last meeting.”

He could not help but blame himself. It was not Jacky’s fault that she had an accident. But if he had arrived early, the accident might not have happened. Or he could have taken her to the hospital sooner.

But instead, because of his damn call, she had to rush to answer him and slip. Then, she had to struggle and crawl to get to her phone to dial and call for help.

His heart burst into pieces as she recounted her experience to him. It was like a nightmare not only for her but also for him. She was alone when the paramedics came, unconscious, losing blood and almost her life.

Unfortunately, the doctors could only save her life, but the baby was gone by the time she reached the hospital. He knew he had to be thankful that she survived, but how could he be happy when his child did not?

“Please, stop blaming yourself. Nobody wanted this to happen. Not you or Jacky.” Dani wished to assure their friend that it was not on him. He could not put this tragic accident on his shoulder. It was nobody’s fault.

She placed her arms around Marcus, providing him comfort. He was not just a friend but a family to her. And it hurt to see him crumbling to pieces because of something that nobody wanted to happen.

It was not fair that those who deserved to have kids had to lose a child. Then, those blessed with one would take them for granted, like Marcus and Jacky, who grew up lacking love from their parents.

But she knew they would have been great parents because they had so much to give despite being deprived of love when they were a child themselves.

“Thanks, guys, but I think you should go home and rest.” Marcus looked at her, then down on her tummy, thinking of the little kid growing inside his friend.

He had not been aware that he wanted a kid this much until he had already lost his first one. He always thought that he was not ready for such a responsibility. But now, he hoped it did not happen to their child.

He could only wish his child had been born so he could have held his baby in his arms. He could have seen him grow, taught him to ride a bike, and shot hoops with him.

Yeah! He wanted a boy, but a girl would also do great. But it was not happening, not anytime soon. He could only hope he and Jacky could recover from this painful incident.

“Let us know if you need anything.” Alex tapped him on the shoulder, knowing there was nothing else he could do for his friend at that moment. “And take some break off work. Take as much time as you need. Be there for Jacky.”

He doubted that what their friends would be going through would be easy. The pain, guilt, and loss would probably eat at them and test their faith, marriage, relationship, and everything they believe in, even their love.

They could only overcome this by helping and being there for each other.

As their friends, they just hoped Marcus and Jacky would surpass this horrific hurdle in their life and come out of it fully recovered and stronger than ever before.

But first, it would challenge their strength and take advantage of their weakness. It would be one heck of a struggle and an uphill battle.