Chapter 10: Another Secret to Hide
A couple of weeks later, Hali went to the OBGYN office. Atem had to work that day and so he was unable to attend the appointment. She signed in at the reception desk.
"Miss Reynolds?" the nurse asked, holding a chart.
Hali followed her to an exam room. "Put a gown on. The doctor will be in soon to check you out." The nurse said.
Hali undressed and put the gown on. Just as she sat on the table, there was a knock on the door. "Morning, Hali. How are you feeling?"
"I've been better. Certainly been worse. I had morning sickness the first week, but now I'm better." Hali answered.
"When was the first day of your last period?" the doctor asked, making a note on a chart.
"August 4th." Hali said.
"All right. You're nine weeks along. Your due date is May 10th."
Hali laughed. "That's funny. That's my birthday."
"Well, with your luck, you'll be able to give birth before then. Two weeks before or after is the best. Let's see how you're doing. Lay down."
Hali obeyed as the doctor held up a stethoscope. She placed a sheet over Hali's legs and lifted her gown. She began pressing down on her lower abdomen gently. "Feels like you're coming along well."
"Please, if there's anything wrong with my baby, you tell me straight, okay?" Hali asked, looking up at the doctor.
"Promise. But likely everything's fine." The doctor pressed the stethoscope to her stomach. She listened carefully, frowning as she moved it.
"Something wrong?" Hali asked, a note of panic in her voice.
"Don't worry, Hali. It's good news. It's twins." The doctor answered.
"Twins?" Hali asked, shocked.
"I heard two heartbeats. We'll know for sure when I see you next. Maybe even the genders. I'll see you in six weeks."
"Thanks." Hali said. She got dressed ad left.
"Hali, you're back!" Hailey cried, hurrying into the living room as Hali came in. Atem looked up from the couch, his leg in a brace propped up on it. "How's the baby?" she said in a whisper loud enough for Atem to hear.
"Fine." Hali said, noting the concern on Atem's face. "Could I talk to you in the kitchen, Hailey?"
Hailey followed Hali into the kitchen. "What is it? Why couldn't you say it in front of Atem? Is it about the baby?"
"The babies are fine." Hali said flatly.
Hailey's eyes widened as she realized what Hali was saying. "How many are you having?"
"Just two." Hali said. "I'm worried about how he'll react."
"I'm wondering how that happened. Usually it's genetic or drugs." Hailey said, confused.
"What about drugs?" Atem asked, coming in. He glanced from Hali to Hailey, his eyes narrowing.
"We were saying that I need to watch what I take while I'm pregnant." Hali answered.
Atem looked suspicious for several moments before breaking into a smile. "Okay." He kissed her. "I love you."
Hali's eyes widened. "I love you, too." She said, kissing him back.