?Chapter 11:
Hadley’s eyes began to brim with tears.
Family? Friends? She had no one…
Yet now she was a mother and could not ignore her obligations, as if she were irresponsible.
Rummaging through her bag, she retrieved her phone.
She called Eric.
The phone echoed unanswered rings.
Atst, the call was picked up.
“Eric…”
“Hello?”
It was Linda’s voice that responded, smooth and slightly mocking.
“Is this Hadley? Do you need Eric? He’s unavable at the moment. But feel free to talk to me,” Linda continued, her voice carrying a hint of provocation.
Could Linda truly offer assistance?
Didn’t Linda harbor resentment toward her?
At this point, however, Hadley had no room for such concerns.
Options were non-existent for her.
With swallowed pride, Hadley hesitated, then said,
“I was wondering if he might… possibly help with some financial support?”
She framed her request carefully, not as charity but as a loan.
“Please, I promise to repay it as soon as possible!”
“Understood,” Linda responded, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. “I’ll pass on the message. Bye.”
“Thank…”
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Hadley’s words of gratitude were cut short as the line went dead.
Clutching her phone, she felt a knot of anxiety tighten within her. Could Eric possibly extend the financial help? Perhaps for N’s sake, or given their unresolved divorce… He would help, right?
Yet, as days passed by, no help arrived for Hadley.
Two dayster, there she was, standing outside the hospital, cradling her baby and a bag.
Eviction hade due to unpaid bills.
She looked up, squinting against the harsh winter sun, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, Hadley.”
Her lip quivered as she bit down hard.
“Why should you cry? You’re a mother now. You’ve got a child to care for! No time for tears!”
Nevertheless, she found herself poor, her previous home lost to the fire, with no ce left to go.
Two weeks had passed.
Hurrying down the sidewalk, Hadley held her baby close.
.
.
.