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Troy must not talk to Nathan about his dating life because I’m sure he would have mentioned it to me. I tell her about meeting the infamous Diane and Joseph. Stella was proud to hear that I have no fear when it comes to Diane and her past relationship with Nathan. I’m so much more of a woman than Diane is, and I have no doubts about Nathan’s feelings for the girls and me. He reminds me every single night. I briefly tell her about the possibility of leaving the hospital and taking on Nathan’s House. Like a best friend does, she's one hundred percent supportive of whatever decision I make." As much as I would like to keep going and chatting all afternoon, you my dear, have an appointment with a pair of stirrups and my cold fingers.”
“Okay, get undressed so we can get this over with. Honest, Laney, I don’t understand. Why don’t you have someone else do your paps? Do you know how uncomfortable this is for me?” Stella complains after we’ve entered the exam room after our lunch.
“Seriously, Stella, you have exactly what I have. There are no surprises. I trust you, besides, heaven forbid it happens, but if you were hospitalized with cancer wouldn’t you want me to take care of you?”
“You have a point. I would only want you.”
“Well, I only want you looking at my hoo-ha, so there. We’re even.”
“Oh, child, we are far from even. Do you even realize how many times I have had your legs spread eagle in my face? More than any friend should, Lane.”
Stella does my breast exam, maintaining the professional she is. “Are you starting soon? You’re wincing like your boobs are sore.”
“I don’t know, and why didn’t you ask me that when I came in any way. Isn’t that a typical question?”
“Look, if you don’t like my bedside manner you can always find someone else to feel you up and scrape your cervix. I wouldn’t be offended. All right, scoot down and put your heels up.”
“Hey, I was thinking about getting the depo shot. I’m tired of forgetting my pills and having to double up. One shot every three months is so much easier. What do you think?”
“Hold still, I’m inserting the speculum. If you think the shot would be better, then do it. It is easier than having to remember to take that little bastard every day. We know your memory isn’t the best.” I can feel that she stills.
“Stella, what’s wrong. What do you see?”
“Lane, when was your last period?”
“I don’t know. But I should be starting any day now. Why?”
“I need you to get dressed and go leave a urine sample.”
She takes off her gloves and helps me up. “Why do I need a urine sample, Stella?”
“Come on Laney, you’re a nurse. Why do you think?”
I think I might have blacked out for a second because the next thing I know is that I’m lying flat on my back when I was sitting up. Stella is fanning me with a pamphlet about what’s the first step to a healthy pregnancy. How ironic. “Are you serious? You think I’m pregnant?”
“I don’t want to think; I want to know. Come on, go pee in the cup and bring it back to me.”
I find my legs and make my way to the bathroom. My mind races with all the what-ifs. What if it’s true? What if Nathan didn’t want children? We haven’t talked about it yet or made any plans to expand our family. Oh, my God, am I really be pregnant?
I do the deed, and give Stella the cup. “Go back into the exam room and I’ll be back shortly.”
I do the walk of shame, or that’s what it feels like it. How could I have been so stupid? So irresponsible to get knocked up when the ink on my marriage license is barely dry. My mother is going to have a field day with this screw-up. Two pregnancies and both were unplanned. Not necessarily unwanted, but certainly weren’t in the cards on either occasion. I watch the clock tick along while I wait for my best friend to deliver the news that may forever change my life. The door opens, and the look on her face tells me everything I need to know.
“How the hell am I pregnant?”
“Girl, we both know the how, what we need to ask is the who?”
“The who?”
“Ah yeah, we need to figure out who’s the baby daddy. Nathan or Michael. Now lie back so I can do an ultrasound.”
