Page 21 of In the Air Tonight

When she returns ten minutes later, I can tell by her expression the test was positive.

My heart sinks as I’m filled with despair. “What do I do now?”

“That’s entirely up to you.”

“How can it be up to me? I don’t know what the hell to do about any of this.”

“Would your dad be willing to help?”

“He’ll die if he hears I’m pregnant, and then he’ll want to kill the person who did this.”

“He won’t, though.”

“I don’t know. He might.”

“I have two other children, and in this situation, my first thought would be for the well-being of my child and making sure she has whatever support she needs to get through this.”

“What if he doesn’t believe me about how it happened?”

“Why wouldn’t he? Have you lied to him before?”

“Once. In fifth grade. I said I wasn’t there when kids were making crank calls, but they had my voice on a recording. It took a long time for him to get past that.”

“You were much younger then. Have you lied to him since?”

“Not once ever. I was so sad that he was disappointed in me the first time. I never want him to feel that way again.”

“I’m sure he’s seen the effort you’ve made to be truthful.”

Shrugging, I say, “I guess. He’s often gone on deployment and stuff.”

“What about your mom?”

“She has some problems. She, um… She drinks. A lot.”

“I see.”

“You’d never tell her I said that, would you?”

“Never. Our conversations are confidential.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks. That would make her mad. She doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“Do you want me to ask your dad to come in so we can talk to him together?”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course. Whatever you need, Neisy. I’m here for you.”

“You must have other patients.” I’m looking for any reason I can find to avoid having to tell my dad. “They’re waiting for you.”

“I asked my colleagues to cover for me, so I could help you.”

Her kindness has me in tears again. “That’s very nice of you.”

“It’s no problem.”

I’m sure that’s not true, but I appreciate the kindness that gives me the courage to take the next step. “I guess I have to tell my dad at some point.” It may as well be with the doctor there to help me.

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