Chapter 12
Ariel
Sitting on the examination table, I wait for the doctor to come in. Veronica said that this OBGYN is the one she uses through her foundation. He gives free care to all pregnant women on the run. Women like me. He earns his money through the donations Veronica’s foundation gets. 3% is given to him. It keeps him on his feet in his practice, and allows him to provide the best care to everyone. Of course I only know this because of Veronica. I’ve yet to see the kind of care he gives considering this is my first visit. The CNA that checked me in told me that this visit would just be one to take a look at the baby’s vitals, get my first look at my baby, and find out how far along I am. After she came in, a nurse came and drew my blood to ensure that my pregnancy test was right. She said the doctor would have the test results when he came in.
After a couple minutes, the doctor finally comes in. “Ariel, my name is Dr. Greene. The blood test confirmed your pregnancy. What I’ll do now, is we will look at your baby with the ultrasound. We’ll look at the placement to make sure it’s where it should be. We will then do measurements, and give you an estimate of how far along you are. The last step will be to give you your first picture of your baby. Do you have any questions?”
“Yes. Do you have any brochures or packets to help me better understand my pregnancy, and tell me how to stay healthy?”
“We do. I’ll send you home with a folder of anything you will need to know.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Now, I’m going to hand you a cover. I’ll step out of the room for a minute, and allow you to push your gown up to free your stomach. The cover is to cover everything below so that you feel comfortable.” I nod and he steps out of the room.
A couple minutes later, my belly is on display, and Dr. Greene is putting a cool jelly on there. I shiver at it, and he smiles apologetically at me. Then he puts the ultrasound onto where the jelly was placed. It’s quiet as he moves it around my stomach and then stops it. “There’s your baby.” I look over and see a spec. It’s so tiny. I don’t speak because I can’t. I’m seeing my baby for the first time, and the feeling that’s overtaken me is a love like no other. Tears start to fill my eyes. “Based on the measurements I’m seeing, I’d say you’re 5 to 6 weeks along. Everything is looking good and as it should be. I’ll take the picture to give you, and then you’re free to go. I’ll see you every 4 weeks. The receptionist outside will set up your next appointment.”
Back at the ranch, I sit on my bed, clutching the picture of my baby. According to one of the brochures Dr. Greene sent me home with, my baby is the size of a lentil seed. So small. My baby is so small, but the strength they give me is astronomical. I had the strength to run away. I had the strength to get myself to safety.
I sit staring at the ultrasound picture until it’s dinner time. The Andrews family is already all seated around the table. It looks like pork chops are for dinner tonight. Before I sit down, I make an announcement. “Before we eat, I’d like to say something. First off, thank you so much for letting me stay and work here. You have all been incredibly kind, and that’s why I think I should tell you. I’m pregnant. It’s not just me you’re helping, but my precious cargo too.” I take out the ultrasound and show it to them. Mr. Andrews looks happy at my announcement.. Harley looks shocked but happy. Veronica already knew. Teddy looks baffled, and a dark look passes over his face. I ignore it and continue. “The father, he wasn’t a good man, which is why I had to get away.”