Perfect Strangers (Part 2)
And so the sheer devilry of that one night at the Gallery Hotel mutilated into countless more charmed encounters. There was never a doubt that Mathilda is fond of the charismatic Marvin but her bruised ego kept her mum from making the right declarations. She was very much afraid that her confessions might lead to nothingness.
Marvin on the other hand remained as nonchalant like a circus performer. There was no denying that he is enjoying the ride. It is obvious. The male species never loses out in such sticky circumstances.
Marvin was lying down dead to the world one cold Sunday morning when the telephone rang. "I'm pregnant..", said a familiar voice. Marvin paused for a good 5 seconds before putting down the phone...without muttering a response.
The phone rang once again. "Hello?...Did you hear me? I'm pregnant", this time her voice almost seemed like it was begging on its knees. Again Marvin put off her pleas and placed the receiver in its birth. Marvin's cowardice surfaced as he realised the contorted predicament he was in. The telephone rang again but Marvin just squirmed and covered his ears with his pillow.
Mathilda on the other hand was getting desperate. She felt as if she was forced into such a situation. She felt as if she was guided into the dark depths of a room with warm hands...and the instant the lights came on...all the warmth disappears...only emptiness lingers.
Reluctantly, Mathilda spoke into Marvin's voice recorder..knowing full well that Marvin will somehow hear her. Mathilda dragged her words. She fumbled whilst speaking and sobbing simultaneously. Mathilda lamented that she was disappointed that Marvin reacted in such a manner without shouldering the tiniest speck of responsibility.
"By the way Marvin, I've decided to keep the baby", the message ended without a good bye.
Marvin laid frozen. As much as Marvin wanted to run away from the mishap, he can't seem to get the fact out of his head that he had to face this somehow. Not ready to marry, what more raising a child? Marvin on the other hand decided that the best way out was to visit the abortion clinic.
After much coaxing, Mathilda agreed with Marvin's decision...but only by a hair's breadth. Mathilda was so confused at the same time afraid to face her parents should they know about this.
Marvin picked Mathilda up from her place, without uttering a word till they reached the clinic. It was funny how the building looked like an abbatoir that Sunday morning. To cement this fact, it started to drizzle, as though the heavens just wanted to cry for the unborn child.
Marvin waited restlessly while Mathilda was taken beyond his sight. The cold stares received from the few nurses was cutting him up to pieces. The info-graphics on the walls showcasing topics on abortion and responsibility simply seems to open its jaws wide and try to swallow him alive.
And for that moment, Marvin wondered if he had made the right decision. Preventing an innocent life from learning to walk, cringing its face when tasting its first ice-cream, or uttering its first word whatever it may be.
It was too late for Marvin. Perhaps he should have given much thought before indulging in such a lifestyle. Marvin started to crack his knuckles and hit the back of his head against the wall. Marvin closed his eyes tightly and squeezed his fingers hard.
As the anaesthetic began to take effect, Mathilda tried to find the strength to call the abortion off. She did not want to commit the biggest sin in her life. She knew she could never forgive herself if she went ahead with it. But it was too little too late.
After a while, Mathilda came out, looking like a sad love song. Mathilda walked painfully toward Marvin...and then bypassed him without stealing a glance. "Mathilda?", Marvin called. Mathilda kept on pressing toward the exit despite the insatiable pain she felt. "Mathilda...What's wrong? How are you feeling?," Marvin asked once more. "Empty. I feel empty, Marvin. Empty", came the reply.
