Page 146 of The Twisted Beats

She goes on to explain she’s going to do an internal exam and a transvaginal ultrasound to make sure I don’t need a D&C, a procedure that would remove tissue from inside the uterus.

When she asks me to lie back so she can start the appointment, she takes one look at my bruised stomach and hesitates for a moment. A second later, she completes the assessments.

To my relief, I don’t need a D&C. At least there’s one thing going for me.

She helps me up, peering over at Ms. Mayze and Callum. “If you two would wait in the other room, Livianna will be right out. I just have a few personal questions to ask her. Then we’ll be done.”

Ms. Mayze agrees and leads Callum out of the room.

Dr. Galveston addresses me. “Livianna, it’s important for me to understand your situation. Can you tell me how you got the bruises on your stomach?”

I swallow and say the first thing that comes to mind. “I had an accident.”

It’s not a lie. I never intended to get kicked in the stomach.

She studies me closely. “As a medical doctor, I’m required to report any kind of suspected child abuse. Are you being hurt by anyone at home?”

“No!” My eyes round. “I fell. Nobody I love would hurt me.”

“Okay. Can you describe what happened?”

“I… I was in the mountains…and there was a snowstorm. It was really icy.”

Shit, my brain isn’t coming up with anything that sounds like it would make sense.

She tilts her head. “Where did you fall?”

“On the ice outside of the hotel. I slipped when I was getting out of the car.” My heart rate speeds up. “I tripped over myself and landed on my stomach.”

“Livianna, the bruises on your stomach… Are you sure nobody hit or kicked you?”

“I promise, no one I live with hurt me.” I blink rapidly.

How does she know? Fuck. What am I supposed to say?

“Nobody I love touched me.” I glance at the door. “They’ve all been a great help.”

“All right. I’ll just make a note and document what you shared.” She scans over her medical chart. “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

I try to calm myself and think of something so it doesn’t look like I’m about to sprint out of her office to avoid her questioning. “Yes. I’ve still been having a lot of pain. Over-the-counter medicine hasn’t been helping. Is there anything you can prescribe that could help?”

“There is. I can give you a prescription for a mild painkiller to get you through the next few days, but I’ll need to discuss it with Ms. Mayze since you’re a minor and she’s your temporary guardian.” She runs her gaze over me. “Have you thought about going on birth control?”

“Um… Not really, but I probably should.” I lower my head. This is definitely a decision my mom would want to be a part of.

I raise my gaze to the doctor. “My mom would want to be with me, so I should wait until she’s back in town.”

“Okay. I can give you some follow-up information and you can get that scheduled once you’ve spoken with her.”

“Great. Thank you.”

She writes out a prescription and gives me a brochure with the information on how to make another appointment. Sheleaves the room and I rush to get dressed. That did not go as I hoped.

The blood races through me as I practically run out of the office. I gather everyone and hurry to get them back to the car.

As soon as we leave the building and get to the parking lot, paparazzi surround us. Cameras click away as they snap pictures of us and they even have a TV camera crew in my face.

One of the people asks, “Livianna, is it true you’re pregnant?”