Page 40 of Beautiful Storm

“Thank fuck.”Oh Jesus.“I’m sorry.Shit. Ohh… I’m sorry again.”

Dr. Roland laughs. “I’ve heard worse in my lifetime.”

“Still, I’m sorry. What about eating and drinking? I haven’t been careful with my food choices. I’ve had sushi. And while I’m not a huge drinker, I have been drinking.”

“If the ultrasound comes back clear then none of those things are a concern. Just keep them in mind moving forward.”

“Of course. What do I do next?”

“Going by your last mentioned period, I’d estimate you’re about thirteen weeks along, but we won’t know for sure until you’ve had an ultrasound.”Thirteen weeks? How the hell didn’t I notice that?“Here’s a list of places we recommend.” Dr Rolandcontinues speaking, completely unaware of my internal freak-out, and I work hard to pay attention. “You should call as soon as possible as it can be hard to get appointments even if you’re past the twelve weeks. But rest assured, there’s no cause for alarm at this stage. While you wait, I suggest you look after yourself, rest, and drink plenty of water.”

“Yes, definitely. I will.”Somehow…around my fast-paced, always on my feet, demanding job.

I stand to leave, smiling despite being a little spaced-out.

“And Amelia?” Dr. Roland waves to get my attention, hitting me with her warm smile when I finally glance her way. “Congratulations.”

Congratulations?“Thank you.”I’m having a baby.

What the hell am I going to do?

Hayley’s quick to her feet when I enter the waiting area, and I’m grateful she forced me to let her come. As I walk, she stares at my face, analyzing my expression, and her own face drops. “Fuck! What’s wrong?”

“Can we talk when we get outside?”

“Okay, but you’re freaking me out.”

“Good, that makes two of us.”

I pay for my appointment and rush out the door, making it two steps before turning around to panic. “I’m pregnant, Hayley,” I blurt, almost knocking into her as she steps out the door. “I’m tired. I’m dizzy. I don’t feel like myself. And yet that thought never crossed my mind. I can’t be pregnant. I don’t have time to be pregnant.” My body shakes as reality sets in.What am I going to do? What—

Hayley grabs my shoulders to still me, before moving me away from the oncoming foot traffic. Despite standing in front of a busy medical center and pharmacy, I hadn’t noticed a single person walk by.

“I thought you were on the pill?” she asks, never one to beat around the bush.

“I was. Iam. But I'd only been taking it for a week or so when I…” I wave my hand as though that will explain what I mean, and when Hayley nods, I continue. “In short, it wasn’t as effective as usual.”

“Bloody hell.”

“Thatis an understatement.” I start walking again, needing to move as my head swarms with questions.

“Don’t hit me for asking, but didn’t you wonder why you weren’t getting your period?”

I shake my head as she moves into step beside me. “Nope, I was skipping them on purpose. They say it’s a fake period when you’re on the pill anyway.”

“Shit. I do the same thing. How are you feeling about it all?” Hayley hesitates. “You just had the divorce papers signed and—”

“What’s that got to do with anything?” I brush off her question. That’s the last thing I need to be thinking about right now.

“I’m…ah…I guess I’m getting in early to say you don’t need to go back to that asshole. We can work this out. I’ll be there for you.”

“What asshole?”

“Preston.”

I come to a halt, and someone behind me curses when they almost bump into me, not that I care. I’m more focused on Hayley. “You think it’s Preston’s?”

“You don’t?”

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