She made some notes. “Is it possible you missed your birth control?”
“No, I take it religiously.”
“Again, it happens. Obviously, you don’t need to take that anymore.”
“You’re sure I’m pregnant?”
“Hailee, I know this is a shock...” She wasn’t wrong about that. Pregnancy was the last thing I’d expected to hear her say. It was so far down the list, I hadn’t even contemplated it.
“Is the father on the scene?”
“It’s complicated.” My hands trembled as I tried to process what she was saying. “I’m sorry, when would I have conceived?”
“If the dates are correct, and sometimes they’re a little out, it would put it at about seven weeks ago.”
My hand instinctively went to my stomach. “I’m really pregnant?” Tears burned the backs of my eyes, but I didn’t know if they were tears of joy or despair.
“You are. I suggest buying yourself a couple of home test kits. It might provide the visual proof you need.” Her smile was reassuring but it did little to ease the storm raging inside me.
“Here.” She pulled out a leaflet and pushed it across the desk. “This explains what happens next. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the office.”
“I’m flying.”
“Excuse me?”
“Today. I’m flying to Philadelphia to meet some girlfriends.”
“You should be fine, but if you’ve been feeling nauseous then the altitude might not help. And no alcohol.”
“Of course.”
“I’m going to write you a script for some pre-natal vitamins, check your blood pressure, and then you can be on your way. Any questions?”
“I.... uh. No, I think that’s everything.”
I
t wasn’t.
But I didn’t know where the hell to start.
Dr. Jennifer took my blood pressure, handed me the script, and wished me well. I walked out of there in a complete trance, unable to think of anything else...
I was pregnant.
I barely remembered the flight to Philadelphia. I hadn’t gotten sick, I’d just been stuck in a paralyzing state of disbelief. It wasn’t until Felicity was pulling me into her arms in the arrivals lounge that I finally snapped out of it.
“Hailee, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“I’m pregnant,” I blurted out, a stream of big, ugly sobs following.
“Okay.” Her eyes went wide as she dug out her cell. “Mya,” she said. “Change of plan. We need to stop at the store for supplies then head straight to your apartment. I’ll tell you when we’re out of arrivals.” Felicity hung up. “Come on, babe. It sounds like we have some catching up to do.”
She didn’t push for answers on the ride to Asher and Mya’s apartment, and I was grateful. I still needed to assimilate my thoughts on everything. But when we pulled into their underground parking lot, I knew my reprieve was up.
I climbed out of the car and went around to the trunk to get my bag, but Flick beat me to it. “I can carry my bag,” I protested.
“Hush, you’ve got to think for two now.”