Page 52 of The Wedding Hoax

“Yes.” Dr. Jimenez pulled a manila folder out from underneath her arm. “Eileen, we just got your scans back from the lab. It looks like you’re an excellent candidate for the spinal fusion surgery.”

“Really?” Mom’s eyes started to water. “Oh my God. I was hopeful, but I wasn’t sure. I never thought this day would come.”

Yes.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

My eyes started to water, too, as the good news sank in. I turned toward my mother, bending down to take her into my arms.

Except when I reached for her, my arms suddenly felt like two wet noodles hanging from my shoulders.

I blinked, and for a couple of seconds, my world went dark.

“Simi? Simi!” I heard my mom’s voice as I collapsed into the chair beside her.

Ugh.

I was so dizzy that the room was spinning. I brought a hand to the side of my head, hoping that somehow, I’d be able to bring everything back into focus.

“Simone? Are you feeling all right?” Dr. Jimenez asked as she walked up to me.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Well, you just fainted,” she said. “Hearing good news can sometimes have that effect on people, but I need to make sure you’re okay. Have you been getting enough sleep?”

“Honestly? No. I’ve been struggling a little in the sleep department.”

“Hmm.” She slightly tilted her head. “Are you on birth control right now? When was the last time you had your period?”

“Funny.”

“Why is that funny?”

“Because it sounds like you’re trying to figure out if I’m pregnant, but I can’t get pregnant, Dr. Jimenez. I have severe endometriosis that left me infertile.”

“Endometriosis doesn’t necessarily mean you can never get pregnant, Simone. It makes things harder, sure. But it’s usually not impossible.” She kept her focus on me as she calmly asked again, “When was your last period, Simone?”

“Actually, I think I might be late,” I quietly admitted. “But with the whole lack of sleep thing, I probably just screwed up my cycle.”

“You should take a pregnancy test. If we offered tests here, I’d certainly offer you one right now.”

“Eh. I think a pregnancy test would just be a waste of money.”

“There’s no harm in checking. If you’re right, you’re right,” she replied. “But if I’m right, I think it’s best to know as far in advance as you can.”

“Sure thing,” I finally agreed with a nod. “I’ll take a test, then. Just to be on the safe side.”

And so you’ll get off my back about it.

I knew that Dr. Jimenez meant well, but it was painful to have her suggest I get a pregnancy test when I knew better. I knew that my chances of pregnancy were astronomically small. Why did she have to remind me of that today?

And why did it still hurt so much?

“As for you, Eileen.” Dr. Jimenez turned toward my mom. “We’ll need to run a few more tests, just to make sure everything’s in order. You can stop by the nurse’s desk on your way out and they’ll help you set up the appointments you’ll need for blood work.”

“Sounds good to me, Doctor.” My mom smiled wide. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Of course.” Dr. Jimenez smiled back. “Do you have any questions for me now?”

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