The Unwanted

She stands at the edge of the ledge, twenty stories high. She can see the street below, filled with cars and people bustling about. No one bats an eye towards her lonely figure. Fierce winds batter her ragged form as she scans the city horizon, looking as if to find that small sliver of hope.

Tears start to stream down her face, rivers of clear liquid. She cries for herself, for the life she is about to take. Cries for her unborn child, who will never see the light of day. She looks up to the heavens, watching, praying, for a sign. She wonders how exactly had it all come to pass, that she would end up perched upon this ledge. Wonders what she had done wrong, what she did not do, and thinks back, back to when she was still happy.

Her thoughts fly back to three months ago. She had just graduated from university and was eager to find a job. Looking through the classifieds, she found a suitable job. It required a graduate with a fresh outlook and an eagerness to learn. It said to walk in for an interview. Her thoughts forward to when she steps in to Cunningham & Young. Just as she stepped in, she gazed upon a man. It was like the heavens had opened up and released an angel. Her breathing quickened; her pulse racing. Before she could breathe a word, he greeted her with a warm smile and offered his hand. “Hi, I’m Donovan. Welcome to Cunningham & Young. You must be here for the interview”. All she could do was nod. The next few hours passed by her in a flurry. Not only did Donovan interview her, he was also a partner in the firm. Just before she left, he asked her a question she’ll regret answering her entire life; “Are you doing anything tonight? I’ve got tickets to watch the Bvlgarian Symphony.” Caught in the heat of the moment, she answered “yes” with no hesitation.

Jerking back into reality, she noticed that people were beginning to gather at the foot of the tower, gazing up and pointing at her. Her tears had turned into a floodgate unleashed. Uncontrollable sobs accompany her continuing melancholic insight into her last three months. That night she went out with Donovan, that unforgettable night, was the night she got pregnant. Right after the symphony, there and then. She could not resist the burning desire that was in Donovan’s eyes. Without a thought, she gave herself to him. Fiery passion consumed the both of them. Bodies intertwining, screams of passion filled the night. Of course both of them had no idea of the implications. A week after that, she started to feel nauseous almost every hour. Just as a precaution, she took a pregnancy test. The results shocked her and left her dazed and stunned. She was still young, her whole life ahead of her. There was no way she could be pregnant. And then yet another kit gave the same answer; blue, she was well and truly pregnant.

Breaking the news to Donovan was probably the most nerve wrecking thing she had done in a while. Of course by then they were something of an item. Donovan had been the perfect gentleman, looking after her and caring for her. That all changed when he got the news. Within a split second, he broke his own dire news to her. He was actually married. He then left her, never looking back even as she collapsed to the floor in a daze.

Once again reality springs her back from reminiscence. This time the wailing of sirens alert her that unwanted help is approaching. The only thing holding her back at this point was the single thought for the unborn child, never being able to see the world. She thinks to herself, “Why am I cursed so? Did I anger God in someway?” Feeling lost and alone, she steps off the ledge. People watch in horror as she plunges down, into the darkness. The feeling of weightlessness, carefree and floating, comforts her. And finally she is at peace.

Authors Note: This story is purely fiction. I’m sorry if its depressing. Pls R&R!

Copyright© Chan Zhungyi 19 May 2005