C15 GOOD OR BAD NEWS

Beatrice's eyes fixated on the pregnancy test stick, capturing the gravity of the moment with its two red lines. "OMG, Hazel, you're going to be a Mom. And am going to be an Aunt" she exclaimed, her excitement dancing in the air, as her eyes sparkled with joy.

Hazel's initial reaction was disbelief. "You said what? How is that possible Bea? Carl and I... only...but... She found herself in a moment of sober contemplation. This cannot be happening, I'm just considering the consequences of sharing this news with Carl. I don't know how he'll take it". The weight of his potential reaction pressed on her, and she sank onto the bed, lost in thought.

Taking a long deep breath, Beatrice sat beside Hazel. "Well, darling, sometimes life has its own plans. And don't be surprised, this thing happens when two people have sex, and you and Carl indulge yourself in that." She gave her a knowing wink, and grabbed her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. All you need to do now is to think about the best way to tell Carl."

Hazel sighed, her thoughts racing. "I don't know, Bea. Carl can be so unpredictable. What if he reacts badly?"

Beatrice offered a comforting smile. "Well, you've lived with him for long. You know him best, Hazel. Choose the right moment, when he's in a good mood. Trust me, it makes a world of difference."

Hazel placed a palm on her still flat tummy "you think? "

"Hmm. She gave her a knowing nod.Trust me, and know whatever should happen, I'll be here for you" she concluded

Hazel raised her head and studied Beatrice's expression for few seconds. There was a lot differences between the two siblings, Or maybe it is because they were raised separately. With what Carl had told her, Beatrice was raised by his Uncle in the city, while Carl was with his parents up till his adult age. Maybe that could explain why their heart was different.

She shut her eyes and bit her lips"That's nice, thanks a lot for your help. Am so glad you're here"

"Aww, that's nothing, come here" she spread her arms and wrapped her in a warm embrace...

————————— In Carl's bedroom ————

As Hazel anxiously awaited Carl's return in the afternoon. She paced anxiously, as torrents of thousands raced through her mind.

Remembering what Beatrice said to her, she practiced the calming technique. "Hazel, deep breaths. Everything will be fine." She assured herself.

Suddenly, she heard the door lightly close behind her, and she froze in her steps. Turning her back slowly, she watched Carl enter their room, ignoring Hazel at first. He calmly sat on the bed, then finally acknowledged her. "Hazel, come here. Come and sit down." The calmness in his voice was unsettling.

Hazel joined him, her heart pounding. "Carl, there's something I need to tell you." She began quickly

Carl, seemingly uninterested, he cut her off. "Hazel?... Hazel?, we have more pressing matters. Did you know anything about the attack last night?"

Hazel, caught off guard, stammered. "Attack? No, Carl, I..."

His tone escalated. "Speak, woman! There was an attack by the community members, the so-called freedom movement. I think they were here to abduct me" He chuckled, the weight of his anger pressed on Hazel.

Fear gripped her as her heart pounded inside her chest. She didn't know what to answer him. She didn't know they were coming to abduct him. Yes, she didn't know they were planning an attack. "Well, Carl you see. I didn't know anything about an attack."

"Why did you lie to me? You put everyone of us in danger. How could you think about such?" Carl demanded furiously

Seeing the fury he was about to unleash, she tried to calm him. "You see my love, I didn't mean to harm anyone. Matter of fact, I didn't know it would escalate to the extent of harming someone. I was thinking they just wanted to have a chat with you...or...or they wanted to persuade you to step down"

Hearing those last words, Carl unleashed a harsh slap on her cheek. He then caught her wrist and pinned them against the mattress. "What is wrong with you. Huh? You stick your nose where you're not supposed to. He then used a hand to explore her body. The hand glided down her legs, then went underneath the lace skirt she wore. She let out a light moan as he began stroking her through her panties. There, that's the way to get the cheapest ones." He grinned

Hazel was deeply provoked by those words. She managed to get one hand free and slapped him across the face. He paused for few seconds in shock, his eyes changed. Grabbing a pillow he covered her face. Terrified he might suffocate her, she bucked and fought back. Just before she blacked out, Carl tossed the pillow aside and grabbed her by the hair. "You ever slap me again, and I'll kill you. I could you know. The funny fact is no one would ever miss you" he chuckled

Gasping air, fresh tears rolled down her eyes. Did he just tried to kill her?. Terrified, she sat back on her hips. Her muscles froze when his hands ran over her body, she didn't try to fight him. "Am sure you must have heard that I don't stay with a lady this long. Well, that's true. But there's something about you, something in you that I can't seem to let go of." You're special you know. He tipped her face with his fore finger, and traced them through the curve of her face.

Hazel shuddered and shifted uncomfortably, away from him. "You see. He grinned. You pretend indifference, love, but your heart still pounds for me. I can still have you whenever I wish. You're still burning and aching for me"

His weight lifted from her. He sat on the edge of the bed and released his breath, stroking her hair in a gentle caress, the cruel glint disappearing from his eyes. "You know? Sometimes am not sure how I feel about you. I feel something more than anyone has ever made me feel. Maybe that's why am not ready to let you go. He sighed as though the admission angered him. But that is not the issue on ground. His expression changed suddenly. Why did you sell me out? Did you for a second think about my parents? And my henchmen? And Beatrice? Did you?"

Hazel sat up trembling, as she touched her cheek. Her eyes welled with tears as she tried to explain. "Carl, please, let me explain!"

"Shut the fuck up woman!. Each day, you keep making more and more problems for me. You should take a break" he concluded pointing to the door

"What?" Hazel asked in a muffled voice

Frowning, he looked at her face "I said I want some time alone. Out!" He commanded her

Hazel got up and headed towards the door. Gosh, she has never felt so much hurt and hatred in her entire life. Twisting the door knob, she almost collided into someone.

"B..." She was startled

"Shhhh. Come here" Beatrice pulled the girl to her room.

----------------

Closing the door behind her, Beatrice studied the girl's expression solemnly.

"Oh my gosh Hazel, you look horrible. Come on, she led her to the bed. Tell me everything, did that monster hurt you?"

Hazel immediately began to pour her heart out. "Bea, he slapped me. I thought he'd be angry about the pregnancy, but he's furious about something else. Hell I didn't even get the chance to tell him am pregnant."

Beatrice was shocked, she hugged her friend. "That monster. Hazel, we need to find a solution. Look at me, she brought up her face, you're preety and innocent. I can't bear to see you suffer like this anymore."

"Bea, there's only one thing we could do, But I need your help. She paused as she studied Beatrice.I need to leave Bea, you need to take me with you to the city. I can't stay here," Hazel pleaded.

Beatrice was hesitant as she responded, "I can't take you away, Hazel. It's complicated. No, no, she shook her head, it's not even possible"

"You don't seem to understand me, you being around was one of the best time of my life, as I've smiled more, spoken more. Laughed more often. Even gone to a party. Please take me with you"

Beatrice could read the hurt expression on the girl's face. She was in pain, pain she's held for long. "I can't decide yet. But I'll talk to Carl. Maybe I can make him see reason."

Hazel stared at her, there was no need to bother her again, she believed what would be, would be. "Can I sleep here tonight?" She asked

"Sure my love."

--------------

Beatrice stormed into Carl's room, anger etched on her face. "What was that, Carl? You hurt her! How dare you, you bloody fool!"

Carl was defiant. He retorted, "look, I know you are mad, but there's a more pressing issue I need to handle right now." He turned his back at her, and began studying a paper

"What?!" She moved over to him and twisted his ear. Carl squealed and fell off his chair

Beatrice, raising her voice, warned, "what us wrong with you. A slap? That's too much, Hazel doesn't deserve to be treated like that."

"You're right, but she hit me also. He complained. Seeing her serious expression, he behaved himself. I didn't mean to okay? I won't do it again, he promised her."

The tension hung thick in the air. Beatrice was determined to let him know that he had something more important at stake. She wanted letting him know, as Hazel had made it clear that she doesn't want him to know she is carrying a child.

"Don't let your pride destroy everything, Carl. You might lose something far more precious to you." She warned him

"Damn! Why you making it sound like I killed someone Bea? I wish I could tell you what's going on. But you should know our lives were at risk. I promise to do better okay?"

Beatrice studied him for a bit, trying to understand his words, but couldn't. "Well, it's all up to you." She left his room.

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