You Can Do This

CHAPTER 4

MIRA’S POV

YOU CAN DO THIS

My baby girl fell asleep after I ended the story for her, she held her half eaten cupcake in her hand. I looked at her and smiled my heart was full, I tucked her in properly with a huge smile on my face and I kissed her forehead gently.

“Good night princess,” I said in a low voice to her.

I turned off the light and shut the door behind me, my heart was filled with warmth and content watching her everyday. I found mom looking at me with a smile on her face, we both walked to the sitting room as I picked up Abby’s toys from there.

“Darling, I'm proud of you.” mom said to me.

I smiled at mom warmly, “You always say that, but thanks anyways.” I replied to her kind words.

“She's growing up so fast. One day they depend on you, the next they're leaving for college.” I said , tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Yeah she is,” mom said and stopped. “And so are you, in a way. There is a change about you, and it's not about my granddaughter. Is it him?” mom asked with a smile.

“Mom it's not like that,” I said with my cheeks flushed red. “We're just friends, nothing serious.”

“Friends don't complicate things, life's not easy. Make the best out of it sweetheart.” mom said in a firm but gentle voice.

I carried Abby’s toys to her bedroom quietly, and came back to see mom watching the television. “We're just taking it easy and not rushing anything. I'm grateful to him for his help, and for being there for me in ways that I can't even imagine.” I said and sat down.

Mom looked at me, “He treats you right? What's stopping you from being more than friends?” mom asked me.

I hesitated before answering mom, “He's a good man mom. But I don't want to rush into something, and then regret it or ruin our friendship.” I said to mom.

Mom's brows arched slightly, ”Darling he treats you nice that's all that matters. You deserve all the love and affection the world could offer. You deserve someone who loves you, after what you've been through." Mom encouraged me. “Give him a chance, give yourself a chance to happiness.” mom said.

“I'll think about that mom,” I said and touched my phone. “Have you heard from dad?” I asked mom.

“Yes, he'll be coming back tomorrow. He was tidying up something, and I can't wait to see his granddaughter again.” mom declared.

“Abby's lucky to have you all in her life.” I added with a smile.

We both talked about other things, until it got late and I walked into my bedroom exhausted. I put my hair up in a bun, and I removed my outfit and got into the shower. The water was warm and it cascaded down my body, it was needed because I spent my entire day baking at my shop. I thought about what mom said to me, she's right I need to give myself a chance at happiness. He's been nothing but nice to me, I thought while having my shower.

I could still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was seven months pregnant and I just opened a bakery a few months back only with a mere knowledge of art. Everyday was a battle between my energy level and the demands of my business.

I just sat down in the backroom , as my mom and sister took care of the customers. I rubbed my back to try to fade away the ache in my back. The aroma of freshly baked croissants couldn't, wasn't soothing the way I was feeling.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear the footsteps of the person behind me. I only felt the hand of someone on my back and it startled me. I'm sure the person must be standing there for a while now.

“You look like you need a break,” He said, his deep voice filling the room.

I just blinked rapidly trying to get my bearings right, “I'm fine,” I said trying to stand up. “Just a little bit tired.”

His eyes were fixed on me and I couldn't tell him to stop because it was as if he could look into my soul. He helped me stand up and watched me closely as I rubbed my big belly. “Busy overworking yourself, don't do that.” he said in his deep voice. He walked with me to my tiny office. “This should help get more hands here, don't refuse, it is a loan you can pay me back later.”

I was surprised and I just looked at the envelope, “I can be taking your money. it makes me feel like a user,” I said in a low voice. “I don't want to abuse your kindness.”

“Because I believe in you, Mira,” he said in a comforting tone. “I know how you must be feeling, fighting when the odds aren't in your favor.”

I took the envelope and cleaned a lone tear from my eyes, “I just don't know how to repay your kind gestures to me.” I said in a cracked voice.

He smiled and came closer to me, offering me his handkerchief from his breast pocket. “By succeeding, that's all I ask for. Make something out of this bakery, create a future for your baby where you don't depend on anyone, and no one can reject you anymore.”

I cried the more I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones. “It's really hard for me. Some days are tough, and I just can't take it.”

He hugged me tightly, “I know what you're feeling. But don't let it stop you. overcome your challenges, that's where your true strength lies, Mira. You're so much more than what you've been through. Don't give up, you've come this far already.”

I wiped my eyes and sniffled lightly. “You're right, I won't let it pull me down. I'll make something out of my life, for myself and my baby.” I said touching my belly.

“That's my girl. You're stronger than you look, never ever forget that.” he said to me in a deep and firm voice. He encouraged me more, and left after spending some time with me. For the first time in weeks I felt very powerful, and ready to take on any challenges.

I got out of the shower and into my walk-in closet, and I wore my night dress. I just sat down on the chair. My life won't be stagnant because Ethan rejected me. I must continue with my life. I'm sure he's done that now. The only good thing I got from him was my baby girl Abigail.

I walked to my bed and sat with my laptop, replying to the emails of work there. I've come a long way with my bakery store, and I'm happy that I listened and took the advice that he gave me. I'm one of the best in Louisiana and I bake for prominent people and celebrities.

My door creaked open and it was my princess rubbing her eyes, while walking to my bedroom I closed my laptop immediately.

“Darling, why are you up?” I asked her as she climbed up my bed.

“Mommy, I had a nightmare. There's a monster in my bedroom.” she said in her cute innocent voice.

I snuggled close to her, hugged her tightly, and comforted her with my gesture. “You stay with mommy tonight, I won't let anything harm you okay. Mommy loves you so very much.” I assured her while kissing her head gently.

“Okay mommy, I love you too.” she said sleepily and lay on my thigh as I gently touched her hair.

“You're safe with mommy, no monster can come in here.” I said to her in a comforting voice.

My baby slept off almost immediately, and I laid her beside me and covered her with my duvet and smiled at her. I'll do anything for you I thought, why looking at my beautiful daughter. it's amazing how big she's grown now, I could still remember how I gave birth to her.

The store was filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cakes and bread. I. Just placed a tray of freshly baked cupcakes on the counter, mom was taking a customer's order, while my sister, Jordan was refilling a customer's coffee with her killer smile playing on her face.

I wiped my face from sweat, and I held onto the counter as I was feeling a cramp in my lower back since last night, dismissing it as feeling fatigue and big, but it was building now in pain. Jordan noticed my discomfort and walked towards me.

“You okay, Mira?” She asked me to place a hand on my shoulders. “You look faint.” she said with concern.

“I'm fine Jo, just a little tired,” I assured her with a smile. “You know we need to package Mr Russell's order.” I told while balling my fist in pain.

Jordan looked at and hesitated before replying, “You don't look fine sis. You've been overworking yourself, the baby will come out anytime soon.” she told me.

Before I could respond to Jordan, mom joined in too. “Dear just rest a bit. Your sister is right, relax we've got this.” she assured me.

I shook my head and smiled weakly at both of them, “I'm fine guys for real. I just need to…..

I felt a sudden gush of water flow down my slippers and soaked my panties. Everyone was looking at me and the store fell into a deep silence.

Jordan's face turned serious, “Your water just broke sis,” she said.

“The baby is coming,” I said in pain as a contraction hit me and I held my sister tightly.

Mom sprang into action, “Jordan, darling get the car ready. Honey take deep breaths, baby is about to come out.” mom said, holding my hand.

“Mom I'm scared and it's so fucking painful. Call him, call him now……” I moaned out in pain.

Jordan came back shortly, “Mom let's go, her hospital bag is in the car already.” she announced.

“Let's go baby. Thanks Jordan, call him now she's requesting for him. call Justin now.”, mom instructed Jordan.

The drive was very tough as I was IN between contractions, and a little bit of traffic. And mom distracted me by telling me about her labor stories, of me and my sister. I couldn't help but moan out in pain.

“You were very stubborn dear,” mom said looking at my face. “You had me in labor for 20 hours, but it was worth it.” mom said as Jordan looked at me from the rear view.

“People have to work up to 20 hours?” I asked in fear. “, I think the baby is out of me.” I announced it to my mom.

They both looked at me surprised, mom took off my pants and she saw that my baby was crowning and almost out of me.

“Baby, can you hold it we're close to the hospital.” mom said in real concern.

“Sis just hold it in, you're doing great.” Jordan said to me while driving.

“I don't think so guys, it's coming out Ahhhhhhhh. Take it out mom, it's so painful.” I said in the most pain I've ever felt in my life.

“Deep breath sweetie,” mom said and helped me deliver my baby and it was a beautiful baby girl. I was so in love with her immediately, I saw her when we got to the hospital. And the nurses got into action, took me to the delivery room and I birthed the placenta, and they took care of me and my baby.

After cleaning both of us up, they took us to the normal ward and I saw my mom and my sister with Justin there.

“Congratulations, Mira you did.” Justin said while looking at me as I held my baby.

“Congratulations sis, welcome to motherhood.” Jordan said while looking at me and my baby.

“Super proud of you, Mira. Your father is on his way.” mom said and took my baby as she watched her with my sister.

“Have you thought of a name, Mira?” Justin asked me.

“Abigail,” I said and closed my eyes.