HER BABY’S DADDY

_JANIS’ POV_

Sunlight crept into my room through the flailing curtains that draped down my windows.

My eyes gradually fluttered open to the parallel rays of sunlight and I yawned, stretching my body before sitting upright. My vision was hazily blurry, and my throat felt very acidic.

It took a while for my vision to adjust and I quickly reached for the jug of water placed on my bed stand.

Gulping down a glass of water, a heavy sigh escaped my lips.

Today is the day I announce at my company’s board meeting this lingering decision that’s causing restlessness in my body.

I would be announcing my temporary leave for a year as a result of my pregnancy, and at the same time, handling the position of CEO to my younger sister, Stravis, temporarily.

Can Stravis handle such responsibility? I know her capabilities and I know she did quite a good job as the manager of my company, but being a CEO was a completely different and higher responsibility all together.

Can I entrust Stravis with such a huge and arduous position? Knowing very well how angry she can get sometimes, I don’t want her misusing her rights as a CEO during one of her several mood swings.

I know Stravis too well.

We vary very differently in character and I didn’t want her subjugating my employees. Probably I shouldn’t hand this position over to her, yet.

Suddenly I began to feel nauseous and in a flick, I felt a substance hauling up to my throat which got me on my toes.

I bolted up from my bed in a flash, racing against the clock for the bathroom, and opening up the door just in time, I emptied the mixed food particles inside the toilet, not able to contain it any longer.

The sight got me more nauseous and I kept on vomiting till I had completely emptied my insides.

With a heavy chest and rapid breath, I flushed the toilet and went over to the sink, washing my face clean.

Morning sickness, I guess.

My pregnancy is bound to come into the limelight with help from the media any moment from now, considering the frequent morning illness that I had been experiencing.

There is no hiding this and also, I didn’t get enough time to pick a substitute that I could trust to handle my company. The only available person was Stravis and even though I don’t want to give it to her, I just have to.

Having made up my mind, I walked into the bathtub to freshen up.

In no less than twenty minutes was done. I quickly ambled out and picked out my outfit for the day before slipping into it.

Before stepping outside, I squirted on myself my favourite vanilla-scented perfume and smeared red lipstick on my lips. At least, I need to look good even though my life wasn’t looking all rosy for now.

The doors bade me out and I trailed downstairs, towards the double huge doors of my house.

Igniting the engines of my car, I drove out of the huge iron gates and hit the highway.

Everything that has happened so far still feels like a dream. Getting into a very careless one-night stand with an unknown uber driver, and then weeks later, finding out that he left a child deep inside of me.

I have combed the entire city in search of him, but it seems like he just disappeared into thin air.

I have seen all uber drivers, accessed their database, but none of them matched the facial features of the handsome driver that had fucked me so roughly that fateful night.

He could not have just vanished into thin air, though. He is probably still around somewhere. Or perhaps could he have gotten a new job? Or relocated to a new city??

Worried lines appeared on my forehead as I pondered over my dishevelling thoughts. The possibilities of him getting a new job or leaving the city were endless.

There are thousands of jobs and cities out there, how on earth am I going to find him?

The realisation that my baby will probably grow up without a father struck me hard once more and my lips twitched, accompanied by a sad look.

My mind was in disarray as I drove on the highway. I just need to get the temporary transfer of power mantle to Stravis over and done with.

On arrival at my company, I was accosted by various employees who scurried at my feet.

I really don’t need all this now.

“Good morning Miss Janis”

“Good morning ma’am”

Was all that resonated in my ears the moment I stepped into the premises of my company.

I walked hastily towards the board room as a result of the meeting I had called for last night through mail. I had directed my PA to alert all members of my board about this meeting before retiring to bed and by the looks of it, I guess I’m the one late to the meeting.

“Welcome, ma’am. Would you like a cup of coffee?” My secretary asked as he quickly came to my side, trying to catch up with my strides.

“That won’t be necessary” I turned down his offer before pushing apart the double wooden doors of the board room, and all eyes turned to me as I walked in elegantly.

Stravis was already seated and the look on her face showed how ecstatic she was for me to announce the news of my temporary leave. Taking my spot in my chair, I cleared my throat to address everyone seated.

“Good morning everyone. Sorry for the delay” I greeted with a calm demeanour.

Silence swept the atmosphere for a while with my eyes raking the facial expressions of all who were seated. Of course, nobody would have the guts to query me for my lateness, but I guess I owe them an apology at least, to set a proper example for them.

“I called this meeting because of a very important decision I am about to make. It involves the future of this great establishment of ours.” I began.

My eyes darted to Stravis and a lopsided grin played on her face as she waited for me to spill the beans.

Taking in a deep breath, I dropped the bomb.

“I’ll no longer be working as the CEO of this company instead my sister Stravis will be the new acting CEO.” I announced, and gasps and murmurings filled the air.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I could hear tongues wagging at my sudden decision to transfer the power mantle to Stravis, knowing that we barely got along; Stravis and I were pretty much like Oil and water, basically.

“It will be just for a year, though.” I added.

“But why, Miss Janis?” A question was thrown at me by one of the board members.

“I mean you run the company so well, so why are you stepping down for a year?” Another asked.

I sighed and smiled at them.

“It’s due to personal reasons best known to me, and no, before you ask, I can’t disclose it either.”

“We are about to bag a million-dollar contract very soon. You can’t leave during this period, Miss Janis” another reminded me.

Whatever they said wasn’t going to change my mind about my decision. I had made up my mind already and it was the best for now.

“I understand you all and your concerns, but I’ve made this decision already before even stepping into this board room and nothing will change my mind so please, you all will need to accept that fact.” I said with a stern resolve.

Bolting from my seat, I clasped my hands together.

“Stravis Walter will be the acting CEO from on, and I trust that she will be able to take this company to greater heights”

Stravis stood with a beam on her face.

“I won’t let you down, Miss Janis, thank you for bestowing this huge responsibility on me. The growth of this company shall surpass your expectations”

I gave her a warm smile, “I trust you can take it over from here. I will leave you all now” I spoke, and with that, I exited the board room.

I felt like a part of my burden had been taken off me.

Now, all I just want to do is head to the hospital to inquire about my baby’s health and mine.

* * * * * * * *

“Welcome back, miss Janis” The male doctor greeted me heartily as I sat on one of the chairs opposite him.

“It’s good to be back doctor, but at the same time, not really.” I smiled gratefully at him.

“How are you doing? You look better than before” He remarked, taking off his glasses and settling them on the mahogany office table that separated me and him.

“I feel better. Well, I don’t want to beat around the bush, doctor. I just wanted you to know that I’ve decided to keep this baby” I confessed.

The doctor seemed very happy to hear my final resolve.

“Well, that’s great news. I knew time was what you needed to get yourself together”

“Of course” I nodded. “I just want to do some checkups on mine and my baby’s health.” I requested.

The doctor stood with a slow nod and motioned with his hands for me to follow him. “Right this way then”

I followed the doctor to be sure that I and my baby were perfectly fine overall, at least as it seemed.

My stay in the hospital wasn’t too long. Once done, I sauntered towards my car and geared the engine to life before hitting the road. On my way home, I pondered over the duties of an expectant mother to her unborn baby and a creeping fear overwhelmed me.

I honestly hope I am making the right decision because I would have to limit the rate of my activities like going to the club and getting drunk.

I’ve even had to give into my little sister all for my baby, so I hope I really won’t regret keeping this baby.

* * * * * * * *

I got out of the car and locked the door before walking towards the huge metallic doors of my parent’s mansion.

I had actually been driving back home from the hospital when I received a call from my parents requesting for me to join them for another dinner.

I didn’t want to go initially, but reluctantly, I had to go. I had an inkling that it had to do with my pregnancy.

My mum embraced me the moment she spotted me, her face bright.

“Janis, I’m glad you could make it.” she said. My dad and Stravis were already seated and a banquet of dinner had been served already.

“Hello, daddy.” I greeted my Dad upon seeing him. before turning to my sister.

“Stravis, how was your first day as CEO?” I teased her whilst I sat down.

“Very stressful, but trust me to handle it” she winked at me, causing me to chuckle before turning my attention to my dad.

“Janis, I know we didn’t ask before, but who’s the father of your child?” My Dad asked, and I almost choked upon hearing that question from him.

This is what I’ve been fearing so greatly… this damned question, because I don’t know the right answer to that either.