Page 6

In all the times I imagined what it might be like to hold her hand, I never imagined she would look so pale and afraid.

I want to ask what’s going on. I want to pull her into my arms and promise that everything will be alright. That I’ll fix whatever it is. That Holt will fix it…

My mouth opens as a soft knock sounds a moment before a woman enters. She’s older than our moms, but not so old her hair is greying. She looks a bit sad. Maybe even a bit disappointed.

Her eyes cut to me and back to Faye.

To me, she says, “I’m Doctor Maddens.”

“Hi,” I manage a croak.

She nods as she settles on her stool, eyes settling on Faye. “How are you feeling, Faye?”

“Fine,” Faye lies.

The Doctor’s lips pinch. “How’s the nausea?”

Faye makes a noise between a sigh and a groan. “Awful.”

Dr. Maddens bobs her head knowingly. “I’ll give you something for that.”

“So—” Faye hedges, a new round of tears filling her eyes. “It’s real, then?”

Doctor Maddens dips her chin once more. This time, it feels final. Weighted.

She says, “The blood work came back positive. You’re pregnant.”

I flinch. Faye grips my hand tighter.

My eyes find the girl I’ve been in love with for forever—the girl that belongs to my brother. The girl that carries his baby.

I want to be sick. I’m a grown ass man and I want to cry.

I’ve never hated myself more than I do in this moment.

Doctor Madden scoots closer on her stool. “You were taking the contraceptive, Faye. What happened?”

“I—I was taking it.”

“Did you miss one or two?”

Faye looks struck, as though the doctor hit her. Even through all that I feel, I ache to stand in front of her. To shield her from the world that dares hurt her.

A sob falls from between Faye’s lips. She holds my hand tighter. “I might have—but I took it as soon as I remembered. I—I took two the next day.”

A wrinkle forms between the doctor’s eyes as she sighs.

Faye cries.

My jaw hardens as my heart riots inside my chest.

Doctor Madden looks to me. “I presume you are the father?”

Blood rushes through my veins, swimming between my ears. For a moment, I feel dizzy.

Neither of us answers. Neither of us denies her.

Doctor Madden speaks again. “I know you have a supportive family system, Faye, but I want to make it clear that there are external supports for young parents as well.” She plucks a pamphlet from her table to hand it to Faye.