As soon as I hung up, I raced around like a lunatic to get dressed, even though the hospital was only a ten-minute drive. He’d said not to panic, but that was as good as telling an ice cube not to melt in the sun.
After I was dressed, I picked up my cell to call Rush. My finger hovered over his name in my contacts, and then I remembered Rush and I…we weren’t…whatever we were anymore. I needed to do this alone. But I was also afraid to drive, in the off chance that the bleeding became heavier. So instead, I dialed Riley.
“Hey. Where are you?”
“I’m on my way home from a beach volleyball tournament. About three blocks away from the house. Why? What’s up? Do you need something? Some ice cream and pickles, maybe?” she teased.
“No. I need a ride to the Emergency Room.”“Everything seems fine.” Dr. Daniels snapped off his rubber gloves and stood at the end of the exam table.
I took my feet out of the stirrups and sat up. “So the bleeding is normal, then?”
“The normal production of hormones when you’re pregnant can sometimes cause changes to your cervix, making it softer, and on occasion more prone to bleeding. You’re actually still spotting a little, so I’m inclined to say that’s all it is. If it were a larger amount of blood, I’d be more concerned. Your sonogram looks okay, but I’m troubled by your blood pressure. It’s a little on the high side tonight.”
“I’m really nervous…and…I had some stress today.”
“I’m sure that’s all it is. I bet it comes down naturally within a few hours. But because it’s a little high and you’ve had some spotting, I’m going to admit you overnight for monitoring. Just as a precaution. The chances of a miscarriage are slim, but it’s best you stay since you’re already here.”
I was glad he didn’t check my blood pressure again because the moment he mentioned miscarriage and admitting me, my heart started to race. No doubt my blood pressure would be speeding up to match.
Dr. Daniels went to talk to the nurse and sent Riley in to visit.
“Are you okay? The doctor said you’re staying.”
“Yeah. He said it’s just a precaution.”
She searched my face and took my hand. “You look nervous.”
I forced a smile. “I am. I feel so helpless. And I’m so mad at myself for doing that tag sale today.”
Her eyes widened. “He said the tag sale caused this?”
“No. But he asked if I’d lifted any boxes. I hadn’t really lifted any heavy ones, because I know I’m not supposed to. But I did shuffle things around a lot.”
“God. I shouldn’t have gone to volleyball. I should’ve stayed and helped you.”
“Don’t be silly. This isn’t your fault. The doctor doesn’t even think it’s mine. I just…I could’ve been more careful.”
Riley stuck around and kept me company for hours. At about ten-thirty, they finally moved me from the Emergency Room to a regular room upstairs. It had two beds, but luckily the one next to me was empty so I had the room to myself. My eyelids were so heavy that I started to doze while Riley was talking to me.
“I guess I’m boring you.” She laughed when my eyes fluttered back open.
“No. I’m sorry. I’m just so tired.”
“It’s late. And it’s been a long day. First, you were in the sun for the tag sale, and then this. I might take that bed next to you soon.”
I smiled. “You should go home.”
“You sure? What if you need something?”
I lifted the little buzzer the nurse had clipped to the railing on my bed. “I have a bell. I’ll call the nurse.”
“Okay. But call me if you need anything.” She leaned over and hugged me. “I’ll be back first thing in the morning, G. Get some sleep.”
That was the last thing I remembered before I stirred sometime in the middle of the night. When my eyes came into focus in the dark, I was confused where I was at first. But even more confused to find Rush slouched in the chair next to my bed, sound asleep. I hadn’t called him? Had I?
I sat up in an attempt to clear my head. The soft rustling of the sheets moving must have been enough to wake him
“Hey,” he whispered. “How are you feeling?”
“Okay. But…how did you know I was here?”
“Birdbrain called into work sick earlier.”
“Birdbrain?”
“Your buddy, Riley. She called in saying she wasn’t feeling well and needed to stay home. She sounded fine to me. But when I asked her how you were…she acted funny. I tried your cell to see if everything was okay, and you weren’t answering.”
“My phone died in the Emergency Room, and I didn’t have a charger.”
“I got worried and went to the house. Birdbrain wouldn’t let me in. She said you were fine and sleeping. Something was off, so I fired her ass and told her she wouldn’t qualify for the full summer season bonus that she was so close to getting.”