Of Love and Deception

by Melisa Hamling

  Daniella’s stomach twisted in remembrance of the smell, the thought, and the pure evil behind the perpetrators. Hearing it from Meg almost had her heaving. She took several deep, cleansing breaths and tried to force the images out of her head.

  Meg admired the ring and shot a look at Daniella, and then gave a wicked little laugh as she covered her lips momentarily. “Did… did you like that video clip? I must say, it came together nicely. It was really too simple. All I had to do was make sure it was dark enough in the room, and then keep most of my body and face hidden under Blake.”

  Stretching out a finger, Meg traced it over Daniella’s belly. She pulled the gown to one side, exposing the rounded flesh and leaned over. Lightly pressing her lips above the navel, she said, “If she hadn’t gone and stopped the adoption, then it wouldn’t have to end like this for her. She was smart to bypass the amniocentesis, which really pissed your daddy off, your real daddy, not Blake. He was quick to believe you weren’t his… well, technically you are; she was stupid for the ultrasound, but pushed her fate, presumably learning the truth. We couldn’t have your daddy find out. No. That would keep us apart. Yes, little seed of Cruz, she could have went through with it, handed you over to the stage parents and then you’d fall into my arms and the world would believe you were mine.

  “Cruz will take me back because the DNA will prove you’re his. Oh, and mine. Yes, I covered my tracks. If, for some reason, they require me to provide a sample, I’ve got one. I’ll just use the saliva I harbored from your… biological mother while she was ten-sheets-to-the-wind. I’ll saturate my mouth with it the day they ask for my sample.” She had the grin of a devil as she lightly traced an arrow toward Daniella’s heart.

  Meg’s head flicked up and she was instantly nose-to-nose with Daniella, glaring into her eyes. “Right after that ultrasound, you changed your mind and called the agency, called off the adoption. Of course the stage parents called me A.S.A.P. Now see what a horrible fucking mess you’ve made out of this? See why you deserve to die? ’Cause now my only option is to deliver the baby and dispose of you. Yes. Then tell everyone I had a home delivery. I’ve got it all worked out perfectly. Cruz will be back in my arms knowing I gave him a child… even if it was from an… oh, say accidental specimen swap. Poor Tiffany. I believe… I believe I set it up so she’d somehow take the rap for that little mistake. Mislabeling Cruz’s specimen for Falcon’s.”

  Shock didn’t come close to what Daniella was feeling. She was horrified. “How… huh-how’d you know—”

  “The adoption? Oh hell, you made it so easy! I’m really surprised you hadn’t seen me really. You know I’ve been tracking you. I was lucky enough to keep up with you the day you pulled in to the parking lot of the first adoption agency. Was that ever a joy. You gave me my next plan, practically handed it to me.” Meg had a smug smile on her face, obviously recalling the memory. But then she started crying and pressed her palm to her ear. She turned slightly, leaned into the corner of the wall and started babbling. It didn’t take Daniella long to figure out what Meg was doing and what she had done.

  Meg sobbed and played out the part, the one of the babbling woman at the first agency. “They… they turned me down!” More fake tears. “BBecause I-I don’t know who the father is! Said it would be a problem later!” She turned to catch the horror playing on Daniella’s face and continued. “WWhat? Oh? You think… Little Miracles? That’s the name? Christian families you say? Yes… the number. Four-five-eight—” She crooned and questioned Daniella. “You get the picture?”

  I can’t believe this. Do I get the picture? Yes. I remember the details. That day came flooding back. A woman stood just inside the entrance of the adoption agency. She was sobbing so hard that Daniella couldn’t help but stop to listen. The woman was crying and telling whoever was on the other line of her cell phone that the agency basically didn’t want her baby, all because she didn’t know who the father was. She babbled something about the other man being African and how they were prejudiced. That was enough to cause Daniella to change her mind. Then the woman prattled off the name of another agency. The one Daniella opted to work with, falling right into Meg’s trap.

  It all made sense now. The story was almost too crazy to believe. How did she not figure that one out? Another question came to mind, and Daniella braved to ask. “If you followed me to the agency, how did you get inside before I did, without me seeing you?”

  Meg cackled. “It was too easy. All of it. I parked in a spot where only one car sat between us. You held the steering wheel and when you pressed your head against it, I jumped and ran into the corridor. So easy, Daniella. The adoption agency I rattled off is one we recommend for fertility failures. I know practically everyone there. And I’m sure this won’t be a shock for you, but the black market for babies exist within reputable agencies.” She paused and smiled, satisfactorily, obviously proud of her treacherous and traitorous abilities. “Any questions?” she asked in a voice as sweet as pie.

  ”Wha-wha-why wou—”

  The wicked witch emerged. “Why? You fucking ask why? Because first I had to fake this pregnancy!” She lifted her shirt, clawed at the foam belly and ripped it away from her perfectly flat stomach. She shook it and then flung it across the room.

  Daniella was horrified. “YYou… you weren’t—”

  Meg laughed hysterically. “NO. I found out I couldn’t have kids AFTER I tried numerous times to inject Cruz’s sperm into my cervix.” Spit flew from Meg’s mouth. “Don’t look so surprised, Daniella. You thought he was screwing me, didn’t you?”

  Daniella nodded. Oh, god. He never slept with her!

  “Don’t get the wrong idea, Daniella. Cruz has too many fucking morals. He won’t do anything with me until you’re divorced. Or dead.” Meg sniggered.

  She turned toward the window, threw her arms up and slapped her hands on her head. “All because that stupid fucker, James. He forced me to abort… and the son-of-a-bitch doctor screwed up my uterus.” She spoke as if she were in a different place, speaking to the ghosts of her past.

  James? “But… but I thought you s-said…” Daniella went to raise her arms to rub her forehead, but was instantly reminded of her restraints. “I-I thought—Cruz…”

  Meg slowly dropped her hands, turned, and marched toward Daniella. She grabbed the bed railing and shook it. A look of appreciation spread over her face and then she said, “Uh-huh. So you did believe my charade. Damn, I’m good.”

  “But I-I didn’t… the adoption. I didn’t cah-call—”

  “Put a cork in it. Save it for someone who cares. Oh, I’m sorry. How silly of me. You won’t be around. Darn. Better make better use of your time. Maybe say some prayers or something.” She pointed to Daniella’s swollen belly. “Cherish your last hours with that baby.”

  ~~~

  A door slammed… or more like someone kicked it open. Meg’s head shot up, horror instantly flickered in her eyes as Blake stormed into the room. When did he get here? Has he been here all along or was he not supposed to be here? Did he hear all the things that came out of Meg’s mouth? Because he’d know the baby wasn’t his if he had. And would that upset him?

  Daniella wondered if it was odd that she was thankful to see Blake. Even if he did threaten her life and that of her unborn child if she didn’t go along with one of his ultimatums. But still, an odd relief washed over her at the sound of his voice. Yes, he was sick. Yes, he was twisted, but he still loved her. Had to. If he didn’t then why would he have done everything he’d done, went along with Meg’s plan, if he didn’t love her? To agree to have his sperm… impregnate her this way all for the sake of revenge? Oh god! If he knows it’s not his… I’ve got to turn this around…

  “You said she stole him away from you. What the fuck is this, Meg? What the hell have you gotten me into? And… Fuck! You said she was pregnant with my child! You used my sperm!” Blake’s voice rose a couple of octaves each time he spoke. “You fucking lying bitch! She was already pre
gnant!”

  …Or make him think I love him and get him to think the baby is his.

  Daniella watched the drama unfold and wondered what excuse Meg would conjure up, knowing Blake would tear her down. He may be a lot of things, asshole, cruel, cheater, but one thing he wasn’t was a fool. Well, yes, he was a fool, but because he was the ultimate liar, he’d know and see right through Meg’s lies. She couldn’t help the smirk forming on her lips. She couldn’t remove it quick enough.

  He stepped next to her, softly dragged the back of his hand along her cheek. With derision, he yanked her hair and pressed his lips against hers. Hard. She sealed her lips tight, not letting him slip in his tongue. He dragged his mouth to the shell of her ear and whispered, “Open up, or you’ll be sorry.”

  Not wanting to, but seeing no way around it, she reluctantly opened her mouth to him. He swirled his tongue inside several times. She forced herself to kiss him deeper, and passionately. He groaned into her mouth and she pressed harder, urging him on. He accepted and then ended the kiss by licking her lips. He stared at her.

  She silently mouthed the words I love you. He nodded with a smile and stood straight.

  “She’s so much sweeter than you, Meg. Mmm.” He leaned over and kissed her again.

  Daniella’s stomach knotted. She missed Cruz. Missed his touch, his kisses, the way he made love to her. But more than that, she missed her husband, her protector. She wished she would have told him she was further along when she ran into him at the hospital after learning the truth. She wondered how he took the information when he met with the team of doctors the day she was taken. Would it be enough to convince him Meg was a liar? Did he know the things her lawyer revealed to her about Meg, Meg’s employee, the unknown man, obviously Blake, did he know all of this? And more importantly, did any red flags go up when she failed to show up for her meeting with the radiologists?

  “Get the hell off me!” Meg shouted, bringing Daniella out of her thoughts. Blake had Meg in a headlock. She was kicking and digging her claws into his arms.

  “Tell me the truth. Why the hell did you lie? What’s your purpose with her anyway?” Blake pulled Meg’s head back against his chest, forcing her to look at him. She swiftly went forward and in one fluid motion, she threw her head back, cracking him in the nose.

  Blood splattered everywhere.

  Releasing his hands to grab his now bloody nose, he groaned. Meg stormed out of the room and Blake dropped his hands and went after her. There were a lot of vile words passing between them, their voices trailing off after the door slammed shut.

  ~~~

  The cabin was too quiet. It seemed like hours dragged by and Daniella wondered where Blake and Meg went. Maybe they were kissing and making up. Ick. And then she thought of poor Falcon. He probably had no idea what his wife was doing. He probably only knew all of the awful things that were said of herself.

  Hours passed by. Daylight faded. Sweat dribbled down her cheek, along her ear and down into the hollow between her neck and collarbone. Her hair clung to her forehead, one stray strand dangling on her nose making it itch. She tried desperately to blow it away, but it kept landing in the same spot. Angry, she yanked against her restraints, twisted and pulled, even kicking her legs. As if that would do her any good. She started to panic.

  What if they up and left me here… how long before anybody would find me… will anyone look? Yes, Lori and Jill will, but they wouldn’t know where to look. Would Cruz notice my disappearance… will I be alive if they do find me? Her chest constricted and she couldn’t breathe.

  Oh, God! Please don’t let me and my baby die like this!

  She must have passed out or fallen asleep. Somewhere in the cloudiness of her head, she could hear voices. Meg and Blake’s voices? They were arguing. Meg shouted something about him being an idiot. And how she only said all those things about the baby being Cruz’s because she wanted to torture me further. He mumbled about her mentioning how Cruz would be back in her arms knowing she gave him a child and how she and Cruz would be proud parents of the baby. He went on to say something about it being his, then not being his—Meg shouting over him that it is his and not Cruz’s the entire time.

  ~~~

  The following morning, Meg brought in a tray of food and set it on the table. She took the lid off the plate to reveal broiled chicken, mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus. She stood and proceeded to remove the restraints from Daniella’s wrists. “Don’t get any ideas. I won’t hesitate to stab you…” she raised her hand to reveal a switch blade, “…if you so much as attempt to escape.”

  Oh how thoughtful. Feed me before you steal my baby and then threaten me… She tried not to think what came after that. Where’s Blake? She wanted to ask but not sure if she really wanted to know the answer.

  Meg twisted her face all up and said, “Eat up, eat up! You’re going to need all the energy you can get. Do you know why, Daniella?” Her words sounded like they came straight out of a horror flick.

  Daniella’s eyes opened wide. Her throat swelled and she choked back a scream.

  “Because, silly! Little Sunshine’s going to make an appearance tomorrow evening, if all goes as planned.” Meg’s expression changed. Her lips tightened into a circle, eyes wide with both brows arched high on her forehead. She raised an index finger and tapped her lips. An evil chuckle escaped her twisted mouth. She sucked in a deep breath and said, “Oh! But it’s too bad you won’t get to enjoy little Sunshine.” She enunciated each word carefully and didn’t blink an eye. “Don’t worry. You won’t be left out. Why, you get the honors of a natural delivery. The sensation of the head pushing against your pelvis, splitting it wide…”

  The thought of food sickened Daniella. How could she eat after Meg’s statement? And the way she described the delivery…

  “Eat your fucking meal!” Meg grabbed her arm in a painful grip. “Now,” she shouted and popped her in the head with her fist.

  ~~~

  Daylight passed and nightfall settled in. Blustery winds whirled through the trees, snapping branches and causing the shutters to clap against the cabin with a rap tap tap and an occasional bang!

  Daniella cried in silence. She whispered, wishing he could hear some of her last words. “Oh, Cruz. I miss you. I miss you so much. And I’ll always love you.” She gasped and gasped and gasped. “I don’t know how to get out of this.” The raw emotions she felt wouldn’t let go, and she couldn’t stop the painful sob about to emerge from her throat.

  “Cruuuuuuzzzz!”

  The headboard knocked against the far wall in the other room and a thump, thump, thump followed. It could only be one thing. Daniella’s heart thudded. Meg clamored down the hall, the patter of her steps hastened as she drew closer.

  “What. The hell. Was that?” Meg flipped the light on. She looked like… Medusa. Her ratty hair was all snake-like and her eyes were bloodshot.

  “N-nothing. I guess I-I turned to my side and a pain shot up my leg. It feels sw-swollen and bb-bruised.”

  Meg whipped the covers back and observed the swelling on Daniella’s thigh. “It’s just a hematoma. A sizeable one, but a bruise nonetheless.” She pressed a finger into it.

  “Ouch.”

  “What a wuss. It’s a damn bruise for cryin’ out loud.” Meg pulled the blanket back over Daniella’s legs and left with no further words or outbreaks.

  “Whew,” Daniella whispered.

  ~~~

  The following morning, Daniella woke to the sound of metal clanking and Meg singing ‘Hush Little Baby’.

  It took her a minute to absorb her surroundings. When she suddenly understood what Meg was doing, her heart sank into her stomach and she started to shake. She instinctively went to wrap her arms around her belly, probably a maternal instinct to protect the baby, only to be reminded of the restraints.

  “Hush little baby don’t you cry, momma’s gonna sing you a lullaby…”

  A baby warmer and an incubator. Two metal trays, one with a gr
een liner, the other with blue, instruments, metal pans, a heart monitor, IV pole, plastic tubes, a large light, the kind one would see in an operating room, little things, BIG THINGS, SOOO MANY THINGS! Daniella broke out in a cold sweat. A stifled sob escaped from her constricted chest—tears threatened to crest and spill over, but she blinked them back.

  “ …Nah nah nah nah… nah nah nah nah… And if that mockingbird don’t sing, momma’s gonna smash it to smitherines…”

  Oh no! She… she… the song. She’s insane. Capable of… of—No! She can’t have my baby. Oh please, no. Time. Gotta buy some time. Think! Think! Think!

  “You can’t deliver the baby yet, Meg! It’s too early. Please, please, please wait!”

  Meg stopped singing and rubbed her temples. “I don’t think I can, Daniella. It’s too risky for me to wait. The longer you’re gone, the sooner people will start panicking and that means they’ll start looking for you. I need you to have this baby, now. Then, well. You know. I’ve gotta clean up the mess, make sure no part of you exists in this cabin. It’s just one of those things, Daniella. People vanish all the time, never to be seen again.”

  Daniella’s heart hammered. “Who’d… who’d possibly look for me here? Thousands of miles away? You. You have time. Please. Let the baby develop further. Seven weeks is too risky. Please, Meg. If you love this baby—”

  “Stop! No sense in trying to convince me, Daniella. I am a doctor, remember? The baby will be fine. I have all the necessary equipment to ensure the best outcome. Besides, the baby is Cruz’s blood. It’ll survive.”

  There was no convincing a psychotic person to change her mind. Daniella knew she only had one possible chance.

  “A doctor? I thought doctors took oaths to save lives, not take them,” Daniella whispered. “Besides, Cruz will never love you. NEVER. You’re nothing but a psychopath and all of this will catch up to you. Your demons will haunt you one day and come back to claim you.”