Page 199 of The Archer Brothers

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

She looks at me and laughs. “Well, to be the bearer of news, you’re pregnant. We don’t really do vaginal exams here, but I can refer you to an obstetrician if you don’t already have one. Or offer you some pamphlets on resources.”

“Are you sure?”

“About a referral?” she asks, but I’m shaking my head. “About being pregnant?” I nod. “Yeah, HCG is present in your urine. I can send you to the lab to test your blood for another confirmation. Your OB can do an ultrasound as well, and they’ll be able to tell you how far along you are.”

And whether I’m carrying twins.

Fuck.

The doctor hands me a slip of paper with four names written down, along with my urine results. They’re nothing but a blur. She leaves, but not before putting her hand on my shoulder. “Take your time.” I nod but say nothing.

I don’t know how long I sit on the exam room table, but it’s long enough to miss a slew of texts from Nate and a handful of calls. When I leave the office, the staff stare, making me wonder what the doctor said to them. I imagine people are excited when they get results like this, but I’m not.

The drive over the bridge takes hardly any time, and I find myself sitting in the parking lot, staring out into nothing. The tap on my window startles me. Nate stands there with a concerned look on his face. I turn off the car and step out.

“What’s going on?” he asks.

“Nothing,” I lie. I hate lying, but I have to think.

“Why are you just sitting in your car?”

“Just lost in thought, is all. Thinking about everything.”

He leans in and kisses me. “I’m so proud of you. Do you want to go out and celebrate or eat in?”

I hold his hand. “Let’s eat in.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

I nod. “I am.”

Nate studies me. The way he looks at me makes me want to crawl into a hole. I kiss him, hoping to assuage his thoughts, and start walking toward our apartment. I know I have to tell him, but I want to see a doctor first, one who can show me proof, before I open the door to something that could ruin us.

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