18. Chapter Eighteen #2
Sadie gives me a small smile.
Mum nods. “Understandable. I was too when I was pregnant, but it’s just to check on the baby and you.”
“And we’ll be right here,” Sadie adds enthusiastically as she grips my hand tighter.
Before I can thank them, the midwife pops her head inside the room, gracing me with a smile that doesn’t match my jitteriness.
“Hi, Laynie,” she says, deep lips curving as she closes the door behind her.
I don’t miss the tattoo on her wrist of a cross, and the corner of my mouth kicks up.
Short brown hair pulled into a short ponytail, slanted dark eyes and tanned skin.
She’s quite beautiful—tall and willowy. “I’m Fiona.
It’s nice to meet you and…” A faint Asian accent laces through her words.
“Umm, my mum and cousin,” I utter, throat tight.
Mum reaches over and shakes her hand. “Violet and Sadie. Thanks for letting us be here.”
“Of course. We try to make this as comfortable for the mother as possible. It’s usually easier that way,” Fiona explains, smiling as she takes her seat. “How are you feeling today?”
“I'm a little nervous. I don’t really know why. I’m also excited,” I rush out before I can get my thoughts in order.
Fiona smiles, prepping the machine. “Not to worry. I think everyone feels that way for their first ultrasound, but this is just to check that the baby is developing properly.”
Sadie’s fingers grip mine harder, and I look up at her as the machine makes a beeping sound. Eyes darting across, I realise it’s only the sound of it turning on. The flash of excitement ebbs, although my anxiety doesn’t seem to strain away with it. In fact, I think it only amps up.
Fiona grabs the device wrapped in plastic from the holder. Squirting some more gel on the end—and yes, it makes the goopiest, sloppiest sound you can think of—she places it on my abdomen. I flinch from the coldness, and she gives me a lopsided grin.
Who knew the gel they used would be so cold?
“All right, let's meet this little nugget,” she says, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t break my nerves.
I feel sweat on the back of my neck, and I want nothing more than to rub at it, but then I see the screen.
It’s greyscale and a little fuzzy, but I can make out my stomach and some other organs.
She keeps moving the probe further down, wriggling the stick for a good few minutes before settling on the small plum sized silhouette.
My heart flares with thrilled fretfulness.
Cheeks flushing bright pink, I stare at the screen. Fiona smiles brighter. “There it is.”
I don’t feel the pressure of the device, the goopy gel, nor hear the machines beeping.
I don’t even think I’m breathing because right now.
I’m staring at the tiny baby inside of me.
It’s so small and delicate, and I don’t care about what Scott says, I’m going to protect this little thing with my life.
“Laylay…” Sadie breathes out next to me. Inching over, she half sits on the table, staring in awe at the screen.
Mum is silent, and I reach out, putting my hand over hers. She lets out a sob.
I sniff and feel water on my face. Wait, I think it’s more tears. I don’t care because they’re tears of joy. They’re the best kind of tears.
I choke out an exhale, and I cover my mouth, my vision blurring. Fiona pushes some buttons, capturing some measurements and photos. All I can focus on is the little bean with tiny arms and legs, and a miniscule face that I can’t wait to—
“Everything is looking perfect. You won’t feel this yet, but your baby is starting to wriggle, which is also a good sign,” Fiona talks over the top of my thoughts.
It brings a grin to my face as I wipe it clean.
“It’s beautiful,” Mum coughs out, squeezing me tighter. Sadie nods in agreement.
“It’s perfect,” I utter under my breath, bringing a fresh round of tears to my lashes. It’s absolutely perfect, and I’m already in love with him/her.
Fiona finishes up, wipes my abdomen clean, and instructs me use the bathroom to relieve myself. Coming back into the room, Sadie and Mum talk quietly on either side of the table. They give me heartwarming smiles that make my fingertips fizz with delight.
“I can’t believe I got to see that,” Sadie murmurs, rushing over to hug me.
I embrace her tightly, eyeing Mum.
She stands and approaches us, pulling me into her own hug. I bury my face in her neck. “Are you as happy as I am?” she whispers in my ear.
Nodding against her, she kisses my hair before letting me go, her eyes glassed over.
“I am.”
Walking out of the room, we find Fiona out in reception. She hands me an envelope. “Just something for you to cherish.”
“Thank you.”
She smiles before handing me some papers.
“This is an outline of what to expect over the next two trimesters. Your next ultrasound will be at nineteen weeks, but until then, you might want to consider some classes for you and…” Her gaze flickering off for a second before clearing her throat.
“Well, you can come alone or bring a friend. It’s up to you. ”
“Thank you, Fiona,” I say, before she reminds me that I’m going to be a single mum.
“I’ve booked an appointment for you already.” She hands me a small card with a date written out for seven weeks’ time. “But you’re welcome to come see me if you have any questions or concerns. That’s what I’m here for.”
I head out of the clinic with Mum and Sadie, the papers and envelope clutched in my hand. As soon as we’re sitting in the car, I pull out the sonogram photos, and my eyes fill with tears for the second time.
Sadie and Mum gush over them once more, making me giggle.
“Laylay.” Sadie’s voice breaks through the tears we’re both shedding. I peer sideways at her. “You’re going to be an awesome mum.”
My heart melts at her words.
Yeah, I think I am.