Amelia's stunned mind reeled as she absorbed the full horror of her predicament. Her ultrasound showed that the baby has taken another turn in her womb because of the shock she felt as she fell. The baby still looks in shock and that is why it's getting harder for her to breathe. She felt annoyed for not caring for her baby and being strong instead crying over her past and worrying over the future. She reeled against the doctor wearing a panicked expression as the doctor told her,"This looks a bit tricky now, but it will be taken care of, there is nothing very serious, Amelia"

"But my baby, why it's not moving?," She asked emotionally.

"The baby suffered a blow. His heartbeat is low." Amelia didn't even let him complete his sentence and rushed asking, "Is my baby fine?"

"Your baby is fine, Amelia. He's resting now. Don't worry, All you have to do is take care and be safe and healthy. Everything else will be good on its own"

Amelia's mind was in a daze. "This changing turn can be complicated, though, isn't it?"

"The best position for your baby inside your uterus at the time of delivery is head down. This position makes it easier and safer for your baby to pass through the birth canal." The doctor went on to explain," Your baby is not in normal position, it's in a breech."

"A breech?"

Doctor nodded as he saw  her ultrasound and said,"A footling breech to be precise." Amelia looked confused and to clear her questions the doctor told her,"One of your baby's leg is over your cervix now."

"Oh" Amelia sounded distressed.

"This can be complicated at the time of your delivery, if he is still in any of such positions, but you are just 4 months pregnant, the baby will take many turns and might be back to normal position at the time of delivery."

"And, what if the baby is not in a normal position?"

"Depends upon the position. For now, you don't have to worry about that, Amelia." The doctor said in a mild warning tone, "You have to be extremely careful about yourself, whatever affects you, will affect your baby. Remember that."

The doctor ordered the nurse to take her back to her room. The Nurse tucked her clothes in their place and was preparing to take to her room as the doctor opened the door to walk out of the testing chamber. He turned slowly at Amelia and confided,"Mr Zach had been tensely worried about you. You are lucky he is proving to be such a good guardian, even Samantha." And, then he walked out of the room.

'Guardian?', Amelia's was in a puzzled state. Whoever told him that he is my guardian. She felt nice to know Zach and Samantha cared so much for her, but when thinking about Zach, a frown formed on her expression. Mentally, she was thankful to him for all his help but realistically speaking. She, however, doesn’t feel it's proper to take his help any further. How would she ever repay him back for that he has already done for her?

Her brown eyes tightly shut at the warnings the doctor has given her, yet again. This time, she knows, things could have gone really bad. She should have taken care but meeting with Zach had sort of scratched her wounds and then the argument and threat lead her to thinking about Jacob and she has no idea what happened. She just felt dizzy and fell. Thankfully, impulsively she had put her hands on her belly to protect as she was falling down, weakly.  Her breath caught in a sob as she screamed for Samantha. 

Amelia buried her face in sadness over how things are taking shape and wondering how she will face Zach and thank him for everything he has done. She had gone really hard judging him too fast, too soon. He is not as bad as she suspected. Samantha was right. He really did want to help. Simply, she cannot take his help anymore than this. She really shouldn't. How will she make him understand this?

                                                       *********

"Amelia?" A hand touched her shoulder through the thick material of the hospital gown she was wearing.

Amelia eyes flew open and she flinched away from that hand, turning slowly to look on the other side. She was not hateful towards Zach, but she does not know how to meet his gaze and thank him without feeling depressed. 

It was about after thirty minutes that Zach finally made an appearance in front of her. Samantha had met her directly on the way out of testing chamber and was with her throughout until now when the nurse asked her to meet Zach and Doctor at his cabin.

All that time, Samantha had been praising Zach for everything he has done. She informed Amelia how quickly he came to help her and how efficiently he took care of all the processes at the hospital, keeping in touch with the Doctor and taking advises and discussing things like a real guardian. It was then Amelia had questioned her about who said to the doctor that he was her guardian. Samantha hesitated and then instead of answering her, began making her understand why she should let him help her. How it is for her own good and the baby to be with Zach. She also told her that being with Zach would also give her protection from Jacob, if he ever finds out about her. Amelia's mind was a mess with all the reasons and explanations she gave on behalf of Zach. 

"He's a real good guy, Amelia. I really believe he is and I want your good and I know it's with staying with him." Sam's word kept ringing in her ears.

Amelia was alone now and her mind wandered to what must be going on with the three of them. She realized that Zach was with the Doctor until now, picking up information about her health. 

 Her eyes huge and full with emotions. Zach frowned. 

"You really do not have to over think all the time, not after what it caused you today," Zach's voice was soft but had an edge of warning in the tone.

Amelia winced a little and apologized,"I'm terribly sorry for having kept you here all this time"

"I didn't mean that, Amelia and you know it"

She nodded and said,"I know, but nonetheless I can't help feeling sorry for worrying both you and Sam. Especially you...." She paused and then said, "I have no idea how I'll repay you..."

Zach cut in saying,"If you really want to pay me back, then stop being stubborn anymore and take up my offer of help."

Amelia was opening her mouth to refuse, but Zach continued saying," For your baby's sake, let go of your doubts and pride and let me help you Amelia." His voice softened and revealed his concern. He came near and said,"Take it as a way of repaying me back. Trust me, you will be doing me a favor because I feel really guilty for it's because of me that you are in such a condition today."

She tried to deny it, but didn't. Both of them knew, he was right. Not completely, Amelia thought, but she does agree that half of her problems are because of him. And now, he only wants her to let him help her. Should she or should she not? She wondered if she even had a chance. He looked as determined as before. In fact, more. She looked at his face and saw his tired eyes. It was past midnight now and he is here for her, awake and worried. His intentions to help are clear. Can she trust him? Should she allow him? Her mind was confused 

She struggled to sit up. He tried to help but she looked at him directly in his eyes and said,"Could you get someone to help me, please.?" She was feeling weak.

Zach instantly moved away, his face like a mask. He went out to call for a nurse. A minute later, he appeared with a nurse who helped her sit straight and asked if she needs anything else. She nodded, stating "No". The nurse smiled indulgently and left.

"So,  I'm waiting for your approval," Zach demanded.

"Do you really need one?" She challenged. "You already seem to have taken the decision." She flung at him, but with a hint of acknowledgement for his help and concern.

He smiled at her. She was right. He had a chat with Doctor and Samantha and they decided to take her with him. He already had sent Samantha to their cottage to gather stuffs. "I'm glad you said that and yeah, I had decided to force you if you say no but. I wanted to go about it carefully this time," His face showed regret of threatening her the last time. She could read his expressions. She wanted to say something, but stayed quiet. She has no idea if she really and agreed to this and why she agreed. A while before, she was confused. But, it was her heart who made the decision, she knew. For her baby's sake. Everyone is right, she has to shed off all of the stress and just think of her baby. 

"I'm coming with you, but only if you promise you let me pay off every Penny that you will be spending on me," Amelia said insistingly.

Zach wanted to laugh at her modesty and innocence, but he didn't because he didn't want to make her misinterpret his laugh. He simply smiled as he gave an agreeing nod. "I will not just do that, but also will protect you and keep you away from Jacob, that is my promise," He pledged.

Amelia looked at him intently and smiled. She had no idea how and by when she will be able to repay him, but she knew, she will.  

Zach excused himself to go and make payments. Before going out, he  informed her that Samantha has gone back to cottage to collect stuffs together. The doctor had cleared her and she can go home. They will be picking Samantha from the cottage on the way from the hospital. Amelia was amazed at the quickness he had planned everything out. She waited for the soft click of the door as he left before she allowed her tears to flow. 

She was finally agreeing to do something she really and no intentions to do, but it seems like things are fated to be like this and no matter what she did to escape it, situations brought her back to it. How right Zach had been about everything he had said when they argued over taking his help! She laughed at herself for showing her pride and reasons. Now, each of those were mocking at her. 

Amelia knew she  has to go with Zach for his peace of mind and her's and she is sure he would honor his promise and keep her safe and away from Jacob. She was beginning to trust him, in this at least. About what the people will say, she really do not want to bother now. Her only priority is her baby and she knew by letting Zach help her and getting off his guilt, she is also helping her baby to grow into a better and safe environment until he or she is born. After its birth, she will be back to her cottage. And about the gossips, she knew she had to learn to live with them as her life has not given her any other option.

                                                     ❃ ❃ ❃