Page 27 of An Unexpected Encounter

“Yeah, just dizzy, nauseous. Pregnancy isn’t a joke.” I can’t help but let out a small chuckle, just as a wave of nausea hits me with full force, and I scramble to stand before rushing down the hall to the bathroom. I drop to my knees in front of the toilet, barely lifting the seat in time, before all the contents in my stomach come up.

I can hear his footsteps behind me, just before he rests his hand on my back, rubbing it gently to soothe me.

“Let it all out, Selly. I brought some ginger ale and saltine crackers, but I don’t suggest opening it just yet unless you want to take a bath in it.”

“I don’t think there’s anything else left in me.” I moan as another wave takes over.

“Once you’re done, brush your teeth and come back to the living room. I’m going to make you something to eat that’s light on your stomach. Then we’re calling the doctor and scheduling your appointment.”

I nod and wave him off, not wanting him to be subjected to any more.

Ten minutes later, and what feels like thirty pounds lighter, I trudge back into the living room, flopping on the couch.

“Here!” A hand appears in front of my face, with a cell phone. “Let’s get an appointment to check on you and Chicken Nugget. They have to know about something to help with the morning sickness.”

“It’s more like all-day sickness. It never stops. Please tell me this won't last forever.” I open up my contacts and scroll to my gynecologist and hit the phone icon.

It rings and a cheery voice answers, “Women's Health. This is Cassie. How can I help you?”

“Yes, I’m a patient of Dr. Anklan and I need to schedule an appointment.”

“Your name?”

“Selena Middleton.”

I glance up at Sam, who’s setting a bowl of soup and crackers down in front of me. A soft smile graces his face as he sits down beside me.

“Ahh, here you are. It looks like you’ve already had your yearly check-up. Are you having an issue?”

“Umm, no, not a problem. I’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test, and it was positive. I was hoping to schedule an appointment to begin prenatal care.”

“How exciting. Hold on and let me see what we have available.”

Reaching out, I pick up one of the crackers and take a small bite, praying I can keep it down.

A moment later, Cassie’s voice rings out through the line. “We had a cancellation for this afternoon at two. If you’re not able to make it at that time, the next available appointment will be next Friday at eleven am.”

“Today. I’ll be there.”

“Great, we will see you then.”

I disconnect the call and set my phone on the cushion beside me.

“They have an opening this afternoon.” I let out a sigh, the corners of Sam’s mouth turning up in a smile.

“Are they going to do one of those ultrasound thingies? Will we get to hear the heartbeat?” He’s giddy with excitement as he pulls out his phone and his fingers fly across the screen.

I leave him to his research as I pick up the bowl and slowly eat the now lukewarm soup. He laughs and makes oohs and ahhs sounds beside me, but I tune him out. All I can think about is the visitor I had this morning and how he almost found out about my baby. Why do they even care what I think about them, or that I didn’t overhear the complete conversation?

The last thing he said—he’d be in touch—lets me know he’s not giving up easily.

“Look.” Sam bumps my shoulder, showing me the picture on his phone. It’s an app that gives you all the information about your baby as it’s growing inside of you. “We need to download this.”

My heart swells with love for the man beside me.

After peeing in a cup and giving what seems like all the blood in my body, they lead Sam and me to an examination room.

“I need you to remove all your clothes and place the paper top on with the opening to the front and lay this over your lap. The doctor will be with you shortly.” The cute brunette nurse leaves the room, her ponytail swinging behind her.

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