Chapter 6
…
Charlie and Laura sat in the reception area of Eve's office as they waited for her appointment. Jennifer, Eve's receptionist looked over at Laura a few times, wanting to say something to her for what she'd done a few days before but couldn't quite find the right words. As Laura looked p form the magazine she was reading, she caught Jennifer's gaze.
"Are you al-right dear." Laura asked.
"I…Ms West, I just wanted to apologise for my behaviour the other day. I was way out of line telling your daughter about your situation. It was very unprofessional of me, I really wasn't thinking at the time. I hope you can forgive me."
Laura got to her feet, Charlie watching the two women. Laura motioned for Jennifer to stand up, the younger woman thinking she was going to get slapped or something and was surprised when Laura hugged her.
"Your apology is accepted, I know you didn't mean to do it. Perhaps just think before you go doing something like that again, not everyone is as forgiving as me."
"Thank you Ms West."
"It's Laura."
"Thank you…Laura."
Eve's door opened, Laura's hand still on Jennifer.
"Laura, is everything al-right?"
"It's fine, Jennifer was just apologising for the other day."
"I should hope so." Eve replied, a little more angrier than she meant it to sound.
"I should get back to work." Jennifer smiled.
"Laura, are you ready?" Eve asked.
"Mm-mm, Charlie?"
"Yeah, right behind you." He smiled, following her inside before the door closed behind them.
They took a seat across from Eve, who was looking through Laura's notes.
"Right, well same as the last time. You've drank plenty of water?"
"Yes."
"And you haven't eaten too much."
"Only orange juice, I couldn't manage much this morning."
"Morning sickness?"
"Yes."
"It'll pass."
"I know, I just forgot how bad it can get."
"Well look if it gets too bad, call me. I can always give you something."
"I will thank you."
"Right, why don't you go behind the screen and removed your clothes, there's a gown ready for you."
"Okay."
Charlie watched her disappear before he turned back to Eve, who was smiling at him.
"How's Caroline doing?"
"Still in a little shock but I think she's coming around."
"It'll take time, and erm…is Laura really okay. She has a tendency to tell me what she thinks I want to hear?"
"I think she's handling it all pretty well, it'll take time I guess. She wants to tell the kids tonight, providing everything is fine with the ultrasound."
"Right, well that's good. She should be fine, she's healthy and I gave her a full medical not too long ago. I'm sure everything is fine."
Laura came around the screen, dressed in the hospital gown, Charlie smiling at her.
"Are my ears burning?" She asked.
"I was just asking Charlie is you were handling everything, you don't always tell me everything Laura. Anyway, jump up onto the table and lie back, and we'll get started."
Laura did as Eve asked, Charlie coming over to join her, as he took a seat on the stool beside her.
"You okay?" He asked quietly as Eve got the machine ready.
"Just a little nervous." She smiled.
"There's nothing to worry about Laura, just relax." Eve smiled.
"Easier said than done." She muttered under her breath.
Laura closed her eyes when Eve applied the gel to her abdomen, reaching for Charlie's hand.
"You're okay." Charlie whispered.
Laura opened her eyes when Eve began moving the device over her skin, following Charlie's gaze towards the screen as they all waited to see something. Laura heard the faint sounds coming from the screen, looking towards Eve.
"What is that?" She asked.
"That, would be your baby's heartbeat." She smiled.
"That's…oh my."
"And there…is your baby."
Laura looked at the screen, not seeing what Eve was seeing.
"Where?"
"Yeah I'm with Laura, I can't see anything?" Charlie added.
"Do you see that little rounded image right there to the left?" She asked, pointing at the screen.
"Yes."
"Laura, that's it."
"That's the baby, it's tiny." Charlie said.
"You're only nine weeks, so it's early."
"But is everything okay?" She asked.
"You're fine, the baby's fine. As I said before, you're a healthy woman. I'll monitor your blood pressure, and I want you in every two weeks for a check-up but you seem perfectly healthy. I know your morning sickness is troubling you but as I said, I can always give you something for that. You're both good."
"Oh thank god."
Charlie looked down at Laura to see tears in her eyes,
"Hey come on now, you're both fine. It's good news."
"They're happy tears Charlie…happy tears."
"That's al-right then." He smiled as he rubbed a soothing hand over her own.
"I'll let you get dressed, and I'll go and get you a picture. I won't be long."
As Eve left, Laura went behind the curtain to change back in to her own clothes, Charlie leaning on the desk when she re-appeared.
"You feel better now?"He asked.
"Much, I'm sorry for being a little dramatic."
"Don't be silly, it's completely understandable."
Charlie leaned in and kissed her for a second time that day, taking Laura by surprise.
...
To Be Continued…