Page 86 of Tiers of Joy

I grab her cupcakes and that’s when the room spins and turns to darkness.

I wake up laid on my bed in my apartment with the doc sat next to me.

“The bakery.” I say sitting up too quickly. The room spins again.

“Calm down, it’s taken care of. Here, drink some water. When was the last time you ate?” He asks.

“Um I grabbed a cookie for breakfast.” I answer.

“It’s now 2pm. You need to eat. Also I need to ask you, is there any chance you could be pregnant?” He asks.

I shake my head vigorously.

“No doc, I have the implant in.” I say pointing to it in my arm.

“Right, and when did you have it fitted? Can you remember?” He asks.

I set it on my laptop calendar. I pull out my laptop and look.

“I’ve had it in for four years and eight months.” I state smiling.

“Esme, that implant is over a year out of date.” He informs me.

“No doc, I was told five years.”

“I’m sorry. The coil is five years but the implant is only three.” He affirms.

My hands start to shake and I feel like I can’t breathe.

“It’s okay Esme, deep breaths. Let’s do a test first. Here, can you go to the bathroom and wee in this pot for me.” He hands me a little pot and I go to the bathroom.

I can’t be pregnant, I just can’t be. I go to the bathroom and come out with the pot and hand it to doc.

He dips a little strip in it and then turns to me.

“This can take a minute or so to show…oh never mind. Congratulations Esme, you’re pregnant!”

“WHAT?” I screech.

“Esme sit down.” Doc orders.

I take a seat and he sits next to me and holds my hand.

“I take it the father is Gaige?” He asks.

“Yeah, I mean I slept with Tanner a while back but he used a condom. I told Gaige I was covered with the implant. Oh shit, he’s going to think I've trapped him isn’t he?” I sob.

“Calm down. I’m sure he will be over the moon. Now, if you like I can book you in for a scan at the county hospital to determine how far along you are. Shall I ring through now and see when we can get you in?” He asks.

I nod. He makes the call and has managed to get me in for tomorrow.

I'm pregnant, fucking pregnant. God, this is a nightmare!

Doc packs up his bag and goes to leave.

“Doc!” I call after him.

“Yes Esme?”

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