Chapter 4 Fired

IVANKA'S POV

"You were drinking on the job, are you kidding me?" Josh, my boss, scoffed rubbing his face tiredly. His lean body towered over mine as he shook his head. At 32, he was balding already, and he constantly wore a resting bitch face. His pot belly protruded over the tight belt on his waist, as he leaned forward.

"What the hell were you thinking, Ivanka?" He fumed, as a molecule of his spit flew on my face. Ew.

"Look, Josh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought my flask. "

"You're right." He wiggled the metallic flask around in my face, before tossing it into the trash. "You shouldn't have. Things could've gone wrong if someone hadn't tipped me off! You were operating heavy machinery, Ivanka. Are you crazy?" He clenched his fists, his anger rising more and more.

"I swear Josh, I won't do it again." I pleaded, looking up at him with desperate eyes. I couldn't lose this job, I'd be idle at home doing nothing. Even though we were filthy rich, I deemed it ridiculous just to sit home and do nothing while my mom cooked for me.

"How can I even trust that you won't?" He grumbled, his voice now low and laced with uncertainty.

"You search me every morning; my body and my bags. Make sure I don't bring anything in." I suggested, my voice wavering. I wasn't about to appear weak and helpless in front of this man, but he was making that hard.

"That's the thing, you're an employee. I shouldn't have to." He banged his fists on the table, pacing around the room. He scratched his bald head anxiously.

"Sir...I-"

"No," He sharply cut me off, his tone icy cold, "I do not want to hear a single word from you." He glared, warning me.

I kept my head down and remained silent, waiting for a conclusion. I hoped my 30 minutes of pleading did the trick.

Josh took a sharp breath in, "You'll have to be dismissed, Ivanka."

"But Josh..." My eyes welled up with tears as my words got caught in my throat.

"No. I can't put others in danger, all because of you."

-

I drove home in silence, feeling empty inside. I didn't feel too good and the alcohol was starting to take a toll on me. I sped past a 'Don't drink and drive.' signboard.

I let out a dry laugh, how ironic. That was exactly what I was doing, and if I wasn't careful enough, it would cost my baby and my life.

I pulled up to the driveway of the home I shared with my parents and hopped out of my car, staggering inside.

My mom peeped her head out, glancing at me. "Honey, you're home early." She wrinkled her brows, walking towards me. "Are you okay?" She asked, observing my face.

No, I'm not.

"I'm fine, Mom..." I muttered, smiling weakly. I felt very lightheaded as if I was going to pass out at any moment.

Mom stepped back, "Your breath reeks of alcohol, what happened to you?"

"Mom, I'm sorry, they fired me." I whimpered, as she scoffed, walking away from me.

"I knew it! What's the matter with you?" She yelled, almost tugging her hair out. "You are pregnant, are you trying to kill the baby?"

"No. I would never!" I yelled out, breaking down into sobs. "I don't think I'm okay, Mom. I need to go back."

-

"I understand, Mrs. Lewandowski and your daughter is safe here." The man nodded, offering a warm smile.

"Welcome to Rehab, Ivanka." He grinned, glancing down at my tummy.

"Oh, she's-"

"Yes. She is." My mother affirmed sternly, "Which is why I have brought her here. One of the best facilities in Philadelphia, if I'm not mistaken?" She challenged, crossing her legs.

"No, not at all ma'am. Your daughter is in good hands." He reassured, clasping his hands together on the table.

I chuckled nervously, my mom rubbing her thumbs in circles on my lap soothingly. As they continued their discussion, my eyes wandered around the room as I became lost in thought. This was where I'd be for the next two years...

The man and my mother concluded their talk, and when we got home, I started packing my things up.

-

'What is an ectopic pregnancy?'

I typed into my browser, biting my nails nervously.

'A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus.'

That didn't sound good. If I remember correctly from Biology classes, fertilized eggs should implant themselves in the uterus. I breathed deeply, smacking my lips.

If I was reacting this way, how would my mother and father be reacting?

I was due in two days and I was extremely nervous. The doctor informed me that there may be major complications during childbirth that might result in surgery. I wasn't ready to die though. So, I made sure I prayed. The baby grew healthy and hearty, kicking very frequently, which hurt more than usual.

Rehab was going well enough and I had stayed clean for a surprisingly long amount of time. Each month was a beautiful landmark for me, and my little circle usually celebrated it with me with a small cupcake.

It had been eight months now. Everyone cheered around me as I blew out the candle. "Thank you everyone." I smiled as I clapped my hands together, delighted with the progress I'd made.

All of a sudden, I felt a jabbing sensation in my abdomen, and fluid trickled down my leg. At first, I thought it was blood, but I realized the fluid was clear white. Did my water just break?

I was rushed to the hospital quickly and my doctor, Gupta, attended to me. "You're in labour, Ivanka." He stated calmly, wheeling me into the delivery room.

He bent and observed my vagina, "I can see the head. You have to push, dear" He sweated immensely as a nurse held my hand, comforting me the best she could.

"Push!" The doctor yelled, holding his arms out ready to catch the baby. Tears broke out of my eyes as I pushed as hard as I could. I could feel my vagina tearing and the sting as the baby's head pushed out.

"Keep going, Ivanka!" He urged, but I shook my head, tear-stricken. The pain was immense and it hurt so bad. I felt like I needed to poo and urinate, everything overwhelmed me all at the same time. The heart monitors went crazy, beeping wildly. I could barely breathe well and my head was spinning. "We're losing her, we have to act fast!"

"Push!" He yelled out, nodding his head. I gave one last push my all, as the baby slipped out fully. It hurt to even move and my crying baby was placed on my bare skin.

"Oh, my son." I cried, petting him gently. "You're finally here."

And then? Darkness.