by J. B. Tilton email:
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
When Phoebe's doctor sends her to an HMO for some tests about her pregnancy, she discovers that bureaucracy demons can inhabit just about any area.
ONE
"Okay, let's just have a look," said the doctor as he prepared to take a sonogram of Phoebe's baby. "It will be just like the last time. Only I hope the machine doesn't blow up like the last one did. Again, I'm sorry about that. I just don't understand what could have happened."
"Oh, uh, that's okay," said Phoebe guiltily. "No one was hurt. I guess you just got a defective one."
Piper looked at her sister. They couldn't very well tell the doctor that Phoebe's unborn child had demonic abilities and had somehow caused that explosion. He was a mortal doctor and would probably consider them for a psych evaluation if they said anything like that.
"Okay," said the doctor, "everything seems to be fine so far. From everything I can see your baby seems perfectly healthy."
"What about normal?" Phoebe asked.
"I don't understand," said the doctor.
"Well," said Phoebe, glancing nervously .at Piper, "I mean, does it appear to be a normal fetus? Anything.... unusual about it?"
"Not from what I can see," said the doctor. "Why? Is there some reason you suspect it might be abnormal?"
"No, no," Phoebe said, "nothing specific. It's my first baby. I'm just concerned that it's normal. I could be overreacting."
"Not at all," said the doctor smiling. "Most first time mothers are very concerned about their babies. It's perfectly normal. In fact, I'd be a bit worried about you if you weren't."
Phoebe managed a weak smile at Piper. Neither had said anything but they both had been thinking the same thing. Phoebe's baby was only half human. Or rather, three-quarters human since the father was half demon. They weren't sure if it would appear to be a normal human or if it might have some demonic influence.
"We just don't want to take any chances, that's all," Piper said.
"I understand," said the doctor. "Would you like to see your baby? I'm afraid at this stage of your pregnancy you may not be able to see much but I can point it out to you."
"Sure," said Phoebe.
The doctor pointed out the fetus on the monitor. Phoebe couldn't tell much. The monitor showed mostly areas of gray and black. Something like radar screens Phoebe had seen in some old movies. But the doctor pointed out an almost insubstantial form on the screen.
"There he is," said the doctor. "As I said, you probably can't tell much. But that's your baby right there."
"You mean it's a boy?" asked Phoebe. "You called it 'he'."
"It's really too early to tell," said the doctor. "Simply a figure of speech. We should be able to tell more in a few weeks."
"Thank you, doctor," Phoebe said. "I appreciate everything you've done."
"It is my job," said the doctor, smiling at her. "Now, I don't want you to become worried. There's nothing to be alarmed about. But I'm sending you to the HMO for some tests. Nothing unusual. All perfectly routine. I send all my patients there so we can get a better idea of any possible problems later in the pregnancy."
"I see," said Phoebe. "So there's nothing to be concerned with? My baby is normal and healthy?"
"A textbook case," said the doctor. "As I said, it's just for some routine tests. Most of what they are testing for has almost no chance of occurring. I don't foresee any problems or complications with your pregnancy. The tests are just to give me a clearer picture of the baby's development."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "When should I have these tests done?"
"I'll schedule an appointment for you for next Tuesday," the doctor said. "It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours at most. Once I get the results back I'll discuss them with you. And relax. Your baby is fine. Just keep taking your vitamins and don't overexert yourself too much."
"Okay, thanks," said Phoebe.
"More tests?" questioned Piper as she drove Phoebe home. "I wonder if there's a problem he's not telling you about."
"I don't think so," said Phoebe. "I think he's just being careful. Piper, about next Tuesday."
"I'll be glad to go with you," said Piper.
"Thanks," Phoebe said. "I appreciate it. HMOs give me the willies."
"I know what you mean," Piper said. "Going to the doctor's office is one thing. Going to an HMO is like walking into a bureaucratic nightmare. I'll do what I can to help."
"Thanks," Phoebe said again. "I just hope Junior behaves himself while we're there."
"So do I," Piper said.