Page 70 of Power Move
“Bert!” Mom called towards the living room. “Come help Eva!”
Dad popped his head out. “Well, shit, Eva!”
“I sprained my wrist. I cannot really carry my bags and handle that door.”
I also wasn’t allowed to lift something so heavy anymore. I hadrestrictions.
“Sure, sure. I will help the walking wounded.”
“Sit, sit,” Mom said. “You need to rest.”
I sat at the kitchen table as she took out the lasagna. Dad hauled in my luggage, bringing it upstairs.
“Do you have to see a doctor?” Mom asked.
“I went to the hospital. They referred me to an ortho person in the city. I’ve got a couple appointments lined up. I’m off tomorrow. I have an appointment with a specialist. I promise it will heal.”
“A specialist!?”
Dad came back down.
“Bert! She’s gotta see a specialist!”
“Well, kid, what did you do?”
“It was an accident. I got taken out by a colleague. He feels terrible.”
“Go sit. I will bring the food in.” Mom shooed us into the dining room.
With a heaping hunk of lasagna on my plate, I knew it was time to come clean.
“So, I need to go to the doctor tomorrow, but it’s not for my wrist.”
Mom and Dad stared at me dead on.
“I’m pregnant,” I said. “And I’m thirteen weeks. So, we’re doing an ultrasound tomorrow.”
“What?” Dad said.
“It was… an accident of sorts—a happy accident.”
“How?” Mom asked. “How did you get pregnant… by accident?”
“The typical way,” Dad said. “I’m assuming?”
“But she doesn’t… you know… with men.”
“Mom!” I laughed. “Oh my God, yes. I do. It’s been awhile, but… there was a guy. Something happened despite our best efforts, and now I’m pregnant. We’re committed to co-parenting.”
“I am… I’m going to need a minute,” Mom said.
“Does he at least have a job? Can he support you?” Dad asked.
“I can support myself, but he does have a job. And a house. And several cars,” I said. “It will be okay.”
“Several cars?” Dad asked.
“Well, he’s kind of rich. Long story. I.. I don’t?—”
