Chapter two: Reality
1275 Words
"Mattie, I need to sit down," I said, feeling lightheaded.
Mattie guided me to the couch, concern etched on her face. "Maybe we should get you to a doctor? You're not looking well."
"I'm calling an ambulance," Mattie said, already dialing.
"No, please," I begged, flushed and embarrassed. "It's just stress."
Mattie's expression remained skeptical.
"Fine," she said. "But we're getting you to the hospital."
With Mattie's support, I made my way to the hotel lobby.
"Sit here," Mattie instructed, guiding me onto a plush couch.
"I'll bring the car around."
I nodded weakly.
Mattie hurried off.
The cool lobby air helped clear my head.
Mattie reappeared.
"Ready?" she asked gently.
I nodded.
She helped me stand.
We walked together to her car.
" Hospital?" she confirmed.
I nodded again.
Mattie's expression turned resolute.
"We'll get through this."
Mattie drove me to the nearest hospital, her silence a comforting presence. As we arrived, I felt a mix of emotions: anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.
Inside the emergency room, we waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, a kind-faced doctor called my name.
"Adriana, I'm Dr. Thompson. What brings you here today?"
I explained my symptoms: nausea, dizziness, and the emotional rollercoaster. Dr. Thompson listened attentively, nodding.
"We'll run some tests first, she said;
I nodded, hoping that was all it was.
Dr. Thompson handed me a cup. "Let's start with a urine sample. We'll check for...other possibilities."
My mind racing, I took the cup.
In the bathroom, as I provided the sample, a nagging thought crept in. What if it's not just stress?
I returned to the examination room, anxiety knotting my stomach. Dr. Thompson smiled reassuringly.
"Adriana, the test results are in."
I braced myself, heart racing.
"Your urine test indicates...you're pregnant."
The words hung in the air like a verdict. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
"Pregnant?" I whispered, stunned.
Dr. Thompson nodded. "Yes, but we need to confirm and check the baby's health."
She scribbled on a prescription pad. "Go to the Obstetrics and Gynecology department for an ultrasound scan."
My mind reeled. Pregnant? How could this be?
Mattie, sensing my distress, grasped my hand.
"Let's go," Mattie said, her voice steady.
We walked to the OB/GYN department, silence between us.
At the department, Nurse Jenkins greeted us warmly.
"Adriana, please change into this gown and lay on the bed," she instructed.
The doctor will attend to you shortly.
I nodded, still in a daze.
The ultrasound room's dim lighting and gentle hum of machines calmed me slightly.
Dr. Patel, the obstetrician, smiled reassuringly.
"Let's take a look," she said.
The ultrasound wand glided across my belly.
A tiny image appeared on the screen.
My heart skipped a beat.
"There's your baby," Dr. Patel announced.
About six weeks along, based on the hormone levels."
Tears welled in my eyes.I
"Is...is everything okay?" I stammered.
Dr. Patel nodded. "All looks well. Your baby's heartbeat is strong."
Relief washed over me.
Mattie squeezed my hand.
You're going to be okay," she whispered.
Dr. Patel handed me a printout of the ultrasound image.
"A keepsake," she said with a smile.
I gazed at the tiny, fuzzy picture.
My baby.
Reality began to sink in.
My mind reeled. Chase's baby. Our baby.
Mattie's gasp echoed from the corner of the room. "Oh, Adriana..."
I couldn't process this. Chase had left me, and now...now I was carrying his child?
All I could think was: What now?
As I left the hospital with Mattie, emotions swirled inside me like a tornado. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty battled for dominance.
"How am I supposed to do this?" I asked Mattie, tears streaming down my face.
Mattie hugged me tightly. "You'll get through this, Adriana. We'll get through this together."
But what about Chase? Did I want him involved in our child's life? Could I even trust him?
As we walked to Mattie's car, the cool breeze carried whispers of my past: Chase's charming smile, our whirlwind romance, and the crushing heartbreak.
"I feel so lost," I confessed to Mattie.
Mattie's expression softened. "You're not alone. We'll navigate this together."
I nodded, taking a deep breath. For the first time since the pregnancy test, a glimmer of determination sparked within me.
I would face this. For myself. For my child.
Days passed in a blur. I struggled to wrap my head around the pregnancy. Mattie became my rock, supporting me through the chaos.
Always coming to the hotel after work to check up on me.
One evening, as we sat on the couch, Mattie asked gently, "Have you thought about telling Chase?"
I hesitated, feelings tangled. "I don't know. Part of me wants to hurt him like he hurt me, but another part..."
Mattie finished my sentence. "Wants to protect your child from him because of his behavior towards you."
I nodded, tears welling up.
Mattie's expression softened. "You need to consider your own well-being, Adriana. And the baby's."
I took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll think about it."
As the night wore on, my mind raced. Could I really keep this secret from Chase? Did I want to?
The next day;
I sat on the hotel bed, staring at the pregnancy test result. Confusion and fear swirled inside me.
A knock on the door broke the silence.
"Adriana?" Mattie called out. "You okay? I brought lunch."
"Come in," I said.
Mattie entered with a concerned smile. "Hey, I brought sandwiches. You've been cooped up in here all morning."
Mattie held me close.
"How are you feeling?" Mattie asked gently.
I looked at her with tears in my eyes.
I made up my mind. "Mattie, I've decided. I won't tell Chase."
Mattie nodded in agreement. "You don't need him, Adriana. You're strong enough."
I smiled, feeling empowered. "I'm done loving him and I want to focus on my life right now."
With newfound determination, I told Mattie. "I'm moving in with you."
Mattie's face lit up. "Really?"
I nodded. "Yes. We can start fresh together."
Mattie hugged me tightly. "I'm here for you, always."
Within weeks, I packed my bags and left the memories behind. Mattie's cozy apartment became my sanctuary.
As we settled into our new routine, I began to heal. Pregnancy cravings and fatigue became manageable with Mattie's support.
One evening, as we cooked dinner together, Mattie asked, "Are you happy here?"
I smiled, feeling grateful. "I am. I finally feel free."
Mattie smiled back. "You deserve it."
Weeks passed, and my pregnancy remained a secret, hidden beneath loose-fitting clothes. Mattie and I shared the news with no one else.
One morning, I woke up feeling restless.
"Mattie, I need to get out of this house," I said.
Mattie looked up from her laptop. "What did you have in mind?"
"I want to find a design job. Freelance or part-time."
Mattie nodded. "Your skills are rusty from disuse."
I chuckled. "True. Time to dust off my portfolio."
Mattie pulled out her phone. "I know someone who owns a design studio. I'll make a call."
Within days, I landed an interview at "CreativeSpark," a trendy design firm.
Job Interview:
I walked into the modern studio, exchanging smiles with the creative director, Emma.
"Adriana, welcome! Impressive portfolio," Emma said.
We discussed design trends, my experience, and fit.
"So, why part-time?" Emma asked.
"Honestly, I'm expecting," I replied. "Want to stay creative and engaged before the baby arrives."
Emma's face lit up. "Congratulations! We'll accommodate your needs. We have flexible projects, and our team will support you."
I beamed, feeling accomplished.
Mattie waited outside, grinning when I shared the news.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
I nodded. "Inspired."
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- Writer
