Were you mine?

Chapter 33 Wrong turn-Right way

Lea's POV

I had taken a wrong turn, and now here I was, in the middle of nowhere. The rain had stopped for awhile but it started pouring down heavily again, soaking me to the bone as I desperately searched for shelter. My car finally came to a stop near a quaint little cottage. Shivering, I hurried towards it, hoping for a bit of warmth and respite from the storm.

Getting wet was fun but I had a little baby in my womb. I was shivering to the bones, Surely it was not good for the little one.

As I approached, I saw an elderly woman standing at the entrance, watching the rain with a serene expression. She noticed me and smiled warmly, beckoning me inside. She moved slowly, her steps uncertain, but her eyes were filled with a light that drew me in. Intrigued, I approached her.

"Good afternoon," I greeted softly, not wanting to startle her.

She turned to me with a gentle smile, "Good afternoon, dear. Lovely day, isn’t it?Come in, dear. You must be freezing," she said, her voice gentle and inviting.

"Thank you," I managed to say through chattering teeth. "I'm Lea."

"Nice to meet you, Lea. I'm Naty," she replied, helping me out of my soaked jacket. "Let’s get you warmed up."She led me to a cozy sitting area, handing me a thick, dry blanket. The cottage was small but welcoming, filled with the comforting scent of wood and old books. I wrapped the blanket around myself, feeling the warmth slowly seep into my bones.

"Would you like some tea?" Naty asked.

"Yes, please," I replied, grateful for her kindness.As she busied herself with the kettle, I took in my surroundings. The cottage felt like a time capsule, filled with memories and a life well-lived. Soon, she handed me a steaming cup of tea, and I sipped it gratefully, feeling the heat spread through me.

"Thank you so much for your hospitality," I said, my voice steadier now.

"It’s no trouble at all," she replied with a smile. "Are you lost?"I nodded. "I took a wrong turn and ended up here. The rain didn't help."

She chuckled softly. "Nature has a way of guiding us to where we need to be, even if it seems like an accident."

We sat in companionable silence for a while, the rain pattering against the windows. Eventually, I found myself opening up to her.

"Do you live here alone, Naty?"

She shook her head. "Not exactly. I’m at the hospital most of the time. My husband visits me every day. He's such a kind man."

There was a softness in her voice when she mentioned her husband. "He must love you a lot."

"Oh, he does," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Even when my mind betrays me, his love keeps me grounded."I felt a lump in my throat. Her words resonated deeply, making me think of Jake. "That sounds beautiful, Naty. True love is rare."

She sighed softly, looking out at the rain. "It is. Sometimes, I don't remember him. But he always reminds me with his kindness and patience. It's like he brings me back to life every day."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "It must be hard...tough...forgetting someone you love.

She nodded. "It is. But love is not always about remembering. It's about the moments we share, the feelings we nurture. Even if my mind forgets, my heart always remembers."

Her words struck a chord deep within me. "You seem so strong, Naty. It's inspiring."

She squeezed my hand gently. "You seem troubled, dear. Is there someone special in your life?"I nodded, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Yes, his name is Jake. We've had our ups and downs. I came here partly to clear my head, to understand what I truly want."

"Love is never easy, Lea. It's a journey with many bumps along the way. But if it’s true, it’s worth every struggle."

I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. "Thank you, Naty. Your words mean a lot."

"Remember, dear, hold on to the ones who make you feel alive. Time apart will show you what truly matters."

As the rain began to let up, I prepared to leave. I felt lighter, more at peace, thanks to this unexpected encounter. Naty had given me more than just warmth and shelter; she had given me wisdom that I knew would stay with me.I stepped outside, the sky beginning to clear.

As I stood by the door, ready to leave, Naty's keen eyes seemed to notice something I hadn't mentioned. She looked at me with a tender, knowing smile.

"Lea, dear, are you expecting?" she asked gently.

Caught off guard, I hesitated before nodding. "Yes, I am."

She took my hands in hers, her touch warm and comforting. "A new life is a beautiful blessing, but it also brings its own set of challenges. Especially when your heart is already heavy."

I felt tears well up again, but I tried to hold them back. "It's been difficult. I’m not sure how to handle everything."

Naty's eyes softened with understanding. "Motherhood is a journey of strength and vulnerability. You will face moments of doubt and fear, but remember, the love you have for your child will guide you through the darkest times."

I nodded, feeling a deep connection with her words. "I'm just scared of failing, of not being able to give my child what they need."

She squeezed my hands reassuringly. "Every mother feels that way at some point. But trust in yourself, Lea. You have more strength and love within you than you realize."

Her words echoed in my mind as I made my way back to my car. I pulled out my phone once again, staring at the blank screen. The urge to reach out to Jake was stronger than ever.

I pulled out my phone and started typing a message to Jake.

"Hey...."

That's all that I managed to type.

I stared at the screen for a long moment, the words blurring through my tears. My heart ached with everything I wanted to say, but couldn't find the courage to.

Finally, I deleted the message, unable to send it. The emotions overwhelmed me, and I broke down in tears, the weight of everything crashing down on me... I sank.

I sank to the ground, letting the tears flow freely, hoping that somehow, through all this pain, I would find my way back to Jake.