Page 17 of Playing With Secrets
I’m forcing myself to hold in all my excitement. I thought I’d be terrified of the horrible things we’ll have to face, but I want her to be pregnant. It feels right.
I open the car door for her and she slides in. Once I’m in and she tells me where we’re going, we start on our way to find out the answers to our questions.
She stares out the window, hiding her eyes. “They’re going to ask if you want to come in the room with me.”
“How do you feel about that?” I grip the wheel tighter.
I hope she doesn’t keep me out. It would send me out of the galaxy, waiting for her.
“You can come in if you want. Just be warned, they’re going to want to do a pelvic exam. I’m not sure what else they’ll do, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” Her voice is monotone. She’s shut down, and a huge part of me understands why.
“I won’t feel uncomfortable. And I’d like to go in with you. Both for myself and you.”
“Okay, now that we have that settled.” She faces me. “I’m glad you’re going in. I didn’t want you to feel pressured, but I’m not sure I can do this alone.”
Her worry and vulnerability stab me in the heart. I spend the next fifteen minutes trying to soothe her discomfort. To wrap my one true love in a blanket of support. She has me to hold and love her all the way through this.
I stress again if she is pregnant, I want it. I want it more than anything. Her emerald eyes stare my way, thanking me for my dedication.
She twists her finger around a lock of auburn curls and quietly hums “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” as we pull into the parking lot.
Does she know she’s doing it?
Once we’re inside the office, she disappears to use the bathroom. After a few minutes, the nurse comes and gets me. When I step into the room, I find Dori sitting on a table in a hospital gown, covered from the waist down by a paper blanket.
Her legs are crossed at her ankles and swing back and forth. Her hands are in her lap and her eyes flit nervously around the room as she checks out all the contents in the office. I sit in a chair next to Dori’s side.
The nurse, with an overly kind smile, begins the questions as she looks over the medical information Dori completed.
“It appears you’re late, but you haven’t taken a test until today. Is that correct?” The nurse glances up.
“Yes, that’s correct.” Dori’s voice is as timid as a frightened child.
Instinctively, I reach for her hand. She peeks at it and then quickly slides her hand into mine.
“Tell me about the symptoms and the pain you’re experiencing.” The nurse places the notes on her lap and gives Dori her full attention.
“Um… I’ve been tired and I’m late. My breasts are tender, and I’m bloated and nauseous.” Dori waits for the nurse.
It’s the first I’ve heard about the sore breasts, but I’m not surprised. It reminds me of some other symptoms she’s forgotten to mention.
I disclose more in a hurry. “She nearly fainted and has little appetite.”
The nurse takes notes as Dori’s eyes meet mine. “Thanks. I forgot about that.”
“That’s why we always like it when the dad comes along.” The nurse is still writing, but I don’t miss it.
I don’t think she was supposed to say it because it should’ve come from Dori’s doctor, but I heard it.
Dad.
Did she just say I’m going to be a father?
CHAPTER 5
DORI
Jami squeezes my hand,hurting me. I glance his way so I can figure out what is going on with him.
