I Was Fated to Love You

by Abigail Barnabas

  Back at home, there was a sumptuous dinner awaiting them. The domestic helpers were back and Grandma had instructed them to cook a hearty meal as their first dinner together as a family.

  “Eat more, Abby…eat more”

  After dinner, Darren and his grandmother had gone out to meet an old friend whereas Abby helped to sort out some magazines at the first level. She saw a packet of cat food on the floor and thought Little Prissy might be hungry. Just as when she was about to find Little Prissy, Abby realized that Little Prissy, Tiffany’s beloved cat, was nowhere to be found. She searched every nook and cranny for the cat but it had virtually disappeared.

  Fear gripped Abby. Darren would be furious if he found out that Little Prissy had ran out of the door but it wasn’t Abby’s fault that he had forgotten to shut the door. Still, Abby felt responsible for it, and she hurriedly rushed out of the house, locked it, and then roamed the streets for the missing cat, shouting “ Little Prissy! Little Prissy!”

  Matthew had just had supper with a bunch of ex-classmates when he saw Abby at the corner of the street. He waved excitedly to Abby, then he realized that she looked kind of worried. He ran towards her.

  “What is wrong, Abby?”

  “Little Prissy… our house cat.. it is missing…”

  “How did it go missing?”

  “It ran out I think.. because Darren had forgotten to shut the door…”

  “Okay let’s search for it. I will help you”

  “Thanks Matthew!”

  So Matthew and Abby began searching for the missing cat together. They made sure to check every street and ask random passer-bys whether anyone had seen their white Persian cat. After a dejecting find, Matthew drove Abby back home. Abby was almost close to tears. She thought, poor Little Prissy is out somewhere. That was when Matthew saw something moving in the bushes near that estate. He moved closer and there was Little Prissy! She was licking her fur and gave a soft purr when she saw Abby. Little Prissy ran towards Abby who lifted her into her arms.

  “ There you are.. Little Prissy! I missed you”

  Abby cuddled with the cat and a beam slowly lit up on her face. Matthew looked at Abby intently. Her kindness had moved him and he suddenly realized that she was so beautiful when she smiled.

  Darren had just returned home and when he stepped out of his BMW, he saw the look that Matthew had on his face, and a wave of annoyance hit him. Without any hesitation, Darren walked hurriedly towards the pair and placed his arm around Abby. Abby was so shocked that she nearly jumped.

  “Why are you two together here?”

  He asked, with a look of suspicion.

  “Oh I bumped into Abby on the streets and we looked for Little Prissy together because you had forgotten to shut the door when you left. Please take care of your wife and your cat. Bye Abby”

  Matthew smiled at Abby, before he walked away.

  Darren eyed at Abby, who stared at Darren.

  “Huh?”

  She was confused. Why did he have that look on his face?

  “Nothing. Just glad that Little Prissy is back. Off you go. Back to the house”

  Abby carried the cat into their estate.

  “ Where is Grandma?”

  “ She isn’t back yet. She will come back later”

  “Oh…”

  “Meanwhile, can I have a word with you in my room?”

  Abby shifted around and nodded. What was he going to tell her?

  Chapter 12

  Fatherhood

  In the room, Darren took off his tie and without any warning, he pinned Abby onto the wall with much force. Abby shut her eyes and she gave a loud ‘Ouch’!

  “ Remember that you are my wife in name. So you can’t be seen with other men. Do you understand me?”

  Then, he let her go and waited for her reply

  “ Yes..okay..okay…”

  Darren then went to the bathroom where he had his shower. Abby could hear him singing in the shower, to the song ‘More than Words’.

  The next day, Darren and Abby realized that Grandma had arranged for them to attend a baby care session. They would learn how to care for a newborn such as how to feed the baby, bathe the baby and change the baby.

  “Is it really necessary?”

  Darren frowned. He felt like a personal maid for Abby where he had to follow her everywhere she went.

  “Yes it is! It is a class for couples! So both of you have to attend it together”

  Abby looked at Darren with an expecting look and he looked away from her. Then, he took her by the wrist and led her out of the house.

  Abby felt butterflies because he had never held her that way before. Darren didn’t know why he had done that, but he let go off his grip on her. He felt a strange sensation.

  “ Class will commence! First, you will be learning how to feed the baby…”

  Darren proved to be a clumsy father, dropping the milk bottle and the model baby.

  “ The father in the blue shirt, please be careful!”

  The instructor said and Abby chuckled.

  “ What is so funny?”

  Darren gave a pout. He wanted to prove that he could be less clumsy!

  Abby’s heart melted as she saw how hard he had tried into bathing the model baby. He suddenly looked so mesmerizing and so manly when he was hard at work.

  Darren and Abby met up with Abby’s sister Linda after work, to send her to the nearby port where she would be meeting her husband there. The drive meant that there would be passing by the rural countryside, witnessing lots of greenery.

  The drive was pierced by a loud screech as the car came to a standstill.

  “Shit! I think the car has broken down!

  Darren got out of the car and went to examine it.

  Linda could not believe her luck. Her husband would be waiting for her for ages.

  Then, she let out a shriek as she saw a pool of water at her seat.

  “ I think my waterbag has burst! OH NO!”

  Darren rushed forward and he scratched his head in frustration.

  “ I HAVE NO FREAKING IDEA HOW TO DELIVER BABIES. I CANT DRIVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL WITH THIS CAR”

  “ Okay.. don’t worry.. I went for a course on natural birth before..I can help you deliver it, Linda.. don’t worry…”

  Abby grabbed onto Linda’s hand and positioned her properly to aid in the childbearing process. Beads of perspiration had formed on her forehead and she was now clenching onto Abby’s hand tightly.

  “ Abby.. I am scared….”

  “Don’t worry, Linda. Okay, now give a hard push!”

  Linda grimaced as she gave a hard push and she looked and her face had turned pale white.

  “PUSHHHH LINDA PUSHHHHHHHHH”

  Darren yelled as he knelt beside Abby and looked on helplessly. That boy was always so adorable when he was helpless.

  “Yes Linda! You can do it! 1..2..3.. PUSSSSSSSSH!”

  This went on for what seemed like eternity and finally, the baby’s head had emerged.

  “ The baby’s head is out! Now all you need is one final push! PUSSSSSSSH!”

  Linda took a deep breath and with all her might, she gave one final push.

  The baby slipped out effortlessly and glided into Abby’s hands.

  “I have a spare towel and a scissors in the car!”

  Darren exclaimed, excited about the birth of a newborn and also excited that he was finally of some help. Abby told him to cut the umbilical cord and he passed the towel to Abby who wiped the baby who was covered in blood.

  “ He’s a little boy”

  Darren exclaimed.

  Linda was so exhausted that she lay down and panted heavily. Darren cradled the baby and for once, he had felt that it was the closest experience to enjoying fatherfood. Something in Darren had changed. He was beginning to enjoy being a father.

  Chapter 13

  Meteor Shower

  A week later, Darren had received invitations to watch the yearly meteo
r shower and he decided to bring Abby along, since he had no one to go with. Abby was so excited for it, as it was the first time that Darren had initiated any outing with her. It had came across as a rather big surprise for Abby since he seemed rather nonchalant most of the time.

  It appeared that there were many other couples at the gathering. He lay a mat and they begun waiting for the first meteor. After what seemed like ages, the first meteor arrived and it shot across the sky.

  The moment seemed magical, almost inexplicable. It was the most romantic thing to do, to watch a meteor shower with someone you love. He had been so happy. He didn’t know why, since he thought he didn’t love Abby. Abby was so excited! She had never seen a meteor shower before.

  Abby put her hands together and made a silent wish.

  Darren chuckled when he saw that.

  “So what wish did you make?”

  “I can’t tell you, otherwise it won’t come through.”

  “Really?”

  He smirked as he gave her a light poke.

  She burst into a fit of laughter as she tried to move away from him.

  “ Okay..okay.. I will tell you.. I wish that the baby and you will be happy forever…”

  Darren froze. Then, he smiled.

  He looked at her, and he started stroking her hair.

  Abby froze. He had never been so affectionate before. She turned around to face him, staring at him with widened eyes.

  Their faces had been of such close proximity, and he gave a light peck on her lips...

  Abby flushed instantly. So did Darren who looked away.

  Abby was so shy that she jerked, and spilled her drink and it landed on Darren’s pants. She nearly died and quickly grabbed a serviette to rub it away when she accidentally touched his crotch.

  He blinked and then he realized he had gone hard. There was a pulsing and throbbing sensation.

  The night ended soon thereafter and the couple went back to the car, both not uttering a word, as they lay side by side on the bed, with a feeling of awkwardness.

  The next day, Darren joined Abby at the cafeteria in their workplace for lunch. He smiled and she flushed, as she was still caught up with what happened last night.

  “ You have sauce all over your face, Abby.”

  “ Huh really??”

  Darren grabbed a tissue and helped wipe it off her.

  Abby looked around nervously.

  “ Will you be free for a movie later?”

  He asked.

  She blinked and nearly spat out her food. It was so comical that it startled Darren.

  It was a thriller and Darren was fond of thrillers. He held a large popcorn in his hand whereas Abby was covering her eyes, looking like a frightened cat. He handed the popcorn over to her, asking if she wanted some. She took a bite, and proceeded back to covering her eyes.

  She was so cute, he thought.

  After the movie, Darren was hungry and he asked if Abby wanted to go for supper at a famous dessert place. Abby complied.

  He bought the house dessert for her- Tiramisu with strawberries, and she was so moved by his gesture. Today had felt like a date to her. Their first date. She was slightly overwhelmed.

  “ Don’t look so moved that you cry”

  He chuckled.

  “What do you want for your birthday?”

  She asked him.

  Darren was taken aback by the question.

  “Hmm.. I want someone to dress in a bear mascot and surprise me…just joking.. I don’t really know what I want…”

  Abby nodded.

  “Why?”

  He asked.

  “Ohhh nothing much!”

  Abby beamed and she continued eating her dessert.

  Darren looked at her, with a look of curiosity, wondering what she’s up to this time.

  Chapter 14

  Birthday

  2 weeks later, it had been Darren’s birthday. Tiffany had called him the night before to inform him that she would be flying back. He suddenly recalled that he still had Tiffany, and felt guilty that he had not missed her as much as before. He also wondered how he was going to cover up his marriage with Abby.

  Darren left for Old Berry’s Bar where he would celebrate his birthday with Tiffany there yearly. This year would be no exception.

  Abby was sad that he had gone to meet Tiffany but knew that she had agreed to the relationship. Just then, Abby realized that Darren had forgotten to bring his phone out with him and that there had been a message. Abby didn’t want to intrude, but the message had already been displayed. It was from Tiffany who apologized that she wouldn’t be able to accompany him for his birthday this year because of work commitments.

  Abby’s heart sank. She knew that Darren would be so disappointed that Tiffany wouldn’t be able to make it.

  Then, she had a brilliant idea..

  Darren waited anxiously for Tiffany. Where was she? He realized that he had left his phone at home and hoped that she had not stood him up again.

  Suddenly, the music started playing to the Happy Birthday tune and out emerged a Bear Mascot from the backstage. Darren burst into laughter as it was a carebear mascot. He had assumed that it was Tiffany since he had joked on the phone that if she really wanted to impress him, then she should dress up as his favourite carebear mascot- Sunshine Bear! The yellow Sunshine bear did a little dance, and stumbled a little.. Darren flushed with happiness. He hadn’t expected Tiffany to really dress up like that.. it was a joke.. but she had taken his words seriously..

  Darren went forward and gave the yellowbear a classic carebear hug.

  “ Aww Tiffany.. you are so cute! Thank you very much for this. It is the best present I have had in years…”

  The bear did a little bow and tried to wriggle away from Darren.

  “ Where are you going Tiff?”

  The bear scurried away backstage, but it was so clumsy that it dropped the head of the costume, and Darren rushed forward to pick it up.

  Then he realized that it..

  It wasn’t Tiffany.

  It was his wife.

  Back at home, Darren slumped onto his recliner with Abby sitting on his bed.

  “ You didn’t have to go to such lengths to cheer me up, Abby”

  “ Sorry.. I just wanted to make you happy…”

  “ Yeah I know…it is still the best present I had, okay?”

  Darren was stunned that he had said that it was the best present he had received. He was stunned that it was Abby who had done such a sweet gesture for him, and not Tiffany.

  To thank Abby, he decided to bring her out that night. She had always loved to eat chocolate muffins and he knew exactly where to find the best ones. The best ones were located at a hidden place where it was only accessible by a ferry.

  They boarded the ferry and enjoyed the night view of the city landscape and the seas. Abby felt so complete with him around. So did he, he just didn’t want to admit it. They got out of the ferry, walked around the tiny island, but realized that the shop was now closed. The next ferry would take approximately an hour to come, so Darren decided that they should kill time by taking a stroll around the island.

  It was a starry starry night. There was a beach nearby and they lay on the sandy beach, staring at the sky which seemed more beautiful that day.

  There was a bar nearby and soft music was playing. All my loving by Beatles.

  His fingers had accidentally touched hers, but he didn’t move away. He let his fingers stay there, at a close proximity with Abby. He wondered why he had done so.

  They were surprised to find the lights on when they were back home. Grandma had gone out with her friends and the domestic helpers had accompanied her. So there shouldn’t be anyone at home, right?

  Chapter 15

  Her Return

  Just as when Darren was about to go upstairs, he heard someone call his name from behind. It sounded so familiar, but it wasn’t Abby’s. He turned around and got the shock of his life.


  It was Tiffany!

  She slapped him.

  He would never be able to forget the look on her face when she had done so. It was filled with anger, hurt and confusion. He grabbed her by the wrist, pulled her close to him and tried to ease her. She pushed him away, with tears brimming in her eyes.

  Abby stood there, not knowing what to do. She felt a burning sensation. She hadn’t wanted to be the third party. At all.

  “ I have found out all that you did”

  “Tiffany- it is not what it looks like…”

  “So you married her just because she entered the wrong room and had your child?’

  “ I had to- I…”

  “ I am so disappointed with you..”

  “Tiffany, I am sorry.. I love you!”

  Darren burst out his affection for her, and repeatedly tried to hug her.

  “It’s either her or me. YOUR CHOICE”

  2 months later, Abby’s tummy had grown noticeably larger. She now had a bulging tummy and had put on some weight. Darren had not been home for a week, he had been staying over at Tiffany’s house. Tiffany had started to return to London more frequently, and has become increasingly clingy to him.

  Darren and Tiffany would go the beach together, go for movie outings together, and it appeared as if Abby and her baby had not existed. Abby would spend her time in the baby’s room, staring at the baby cot and all the baby toys filled in the room. A week earlier, she had learnt that she was expecting a baby girl, and Darren’s grandmother had gone on a shopping spree, purchasing a huge assortment of dolls and girlie baby toys. Abby placed a hand on her tummy and rubbed it lovingly. Her maternal instincts had grown stronger over time, especially when Darren was not around, because she knew that no matter what, she had to protect her baby.

  She sat on the parquet floor and unlocked her musical box where her father had given it to her as a child. She listened to the tune of the musical box, and watched the miniature ballerinas make a spin, thinking how nice it would be if she were was graceful and as talented as them. Maybe if she could dance, Darren would love her. She wished.

  It would be her birthday tomorrow. She wondered if anyone would wish her.