Page 92 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

“I remember that. You were supposed to check in with me.”

“I’m sorry. It’s been hectic.”

Doctor Burke reached into a cupboard for a round container. “I’m going to need a urine sample. We’ll draw some blood as well, but it will be a while before we get the results. Have you been eating well?”

“I think so. My appetite has been so-so.”

“All right. Let’s get you checked out.”

After I peed in the cup, Doctor Burke took my blood pressure, which was on the lower side but still in the normal range, listened to my heart, and checked my motor skills. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, and I waited patiently for him to return into the fluorescent-lit room. All the while, Carter waited at the front.

“I think I have the answer to your ailment.”

“Great… or not so great. What’s wrong with me?”

“There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re pregnant, Joelle. Congratulations.”

What?

“Wait, that can’t be.”

“Have you been sexually active?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“This is just from the urine test; the blood work won’t be back for about a week to confirm. You should start taking pre-natal medications, though. Here’s a sample pack for you. The nausea should ease in a couple of months, but if it doesn’t, or if it gets worse, call me. And make sure you don’t skip breakfast anymore. Do you have any questions?”

Even if I did, I wasn’t sure that I knew how to ask them at this moment. The shock factor of this news was definitely over the limit.

When we walked out of the back room, Carter stood up and pulled his fingers through his hair. “What’s wrong with her?”

“Congratulations, Mr. Clark. You’re going to be a father.”

Carter hit the floor.

Dear Nicholas,

I know you may not get this letter for a while, but I don’t know what else to do. We’ve tried calling the officer in charge of your deployment, but we couldn’t get through. My father even went to visit the base, but he couldn’t get any more information either. I need to get in touch with you. It’s an emergency. Nick, I’m pregnant, and in six months we’re going to have a baby. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’m excited for our future, and us, but nervous because I don’t want to go through this without you by my side. I don’t want you to miss the birth of our first child.

I’m feeling well and the baby is doing well too. Doctor Burke says that its heart is very strong. My morning sickness has passed and I’m eating well. Our parents are very excited to have their first grandchild, but they also wish you were here.

Wherever you are, I pray each night that you are safe. I talk to our baby and tell him or her stories about our childhood and how brave a father our baby has. I know that when you get this letter, you’ll call or write. I know you wouldn’t miss the birth, no matter where you were in the world, so I’ll keep on praying for your safety, and that somehow you’ll get this news soon.

Love always,

Joelle

Dear Nicholas,

Today I felt the baby kick. At first I thought it was gas, and then it kicked again. It was when I was tasting my new cupcake flavor: strawberry-banana. Well, the dough is banana, and the filling is strawberry. It’s delicious. I also went to the city for my first wedding consultation. They want a seven-tier cake, made up of cupcakes, with a Harry Potter theme. I’m attaching my first sketch of the cake to this letter. If it turns out as beautiful as I think it will, it will be amazing.

I’m beginning to show as well. Not a lot, but I can’t wait for this little baby. Nick, I’m scared. Not of the pregnancy or the birth, but that you won’t get the news and won’t be here. I don’t want to do it alone. I want you here, by my side. I want our baby to be held by its mother and father first.

Marge is worried about you as well. My father confirmed that you’re at an undisclosed location and probably won’t get any of my letters, but I won’t stop writing. I can’t stop hoping, because hope is all I have left.

I love you.

Joelle

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