The following takes place between 5 pm and 6 pm
-5:00 pm-Michelle sat down heavily on the nearby chair. She was shocked. Well, not really. Deep down inside she had known. But these past few months between Tony and her hadn't exactly been smooth sailing. She had simply wanted to deny the fact. Push it out of her mind. And for awhile she had done just that. She was happy, yet also sad. She wanted a baby; she always had. Both her and Tony had always wanted a family. But now? Why now? She didn't want Tony to miss out on the first year and a half or so of his child's life. She hated having to tell him under the grim circumstances. But, one way or another, she would have to tell him.
The nurse said, breaking Michelle's train of thought, I'll have to run some other tests to see how far along you are.
Uh, sure.
Oh...and ma'am?
Michelle looked up at the nurse.


Tony moaned as he opened his eyes to the bright light that surrounded him. He moved a hand to his neck and felt the sock, cleanliness of a new bandage. He slowly sat up. His head swam and the room spun, but he managed to push the nauseated feelings aside. He slowly regained composure as he examined himself and his surroundings. He was still wearing his own clothing, minus his shoes and jacket. Also an I.V. was attached to the top of his right hand. He was in an informal, make-shift hospital room closed off to the outside by curtains. He imagined he was most likely still in the E.R. Just then, the curtain pushed aside and in came an elderly woman doctor.
How are you feeling, Mr. Almeida? She asked in a nasally voice.
Uh...what happened? Tony scoffed.
Well, it appears that your wound got infected and the tissue inside got pretty swollen, but fortunately we were able to bring the infection down.
All that mattered to Tony was that he was fine now and he needed to find Michelle.
Where's my wife?
I wasn't aware that there was any one here with you.
Tony tried to stand, but as soon as he was on his feet the room began to spin forcefully and he couldn't help but sit down again.
Mr. Almeida, just sit here awhile, The doctor said as she handed Tony a glass of water. Would you like me to page your wife...if she's here?
Tony took a drink of the water. Yes, please.
Her name?
Michelle Almeida.
The doctor left and a moment later Tony heard over the intercom: Michelle Almeida to the E.R. please, Michelle Almeida to the E.R.
Ok, all finished here Mrs. Almeida, The nurse said as she put her things away. You should have the results within the hour.
Just then Michelle heard her name being called to the E.R. She hopped off the check-up table and started to change back into her clothes.
That must be Tony, She said, pulling on her jacket.
Well, I have your cell phone number, so when I get those results I'll give you a call, okay? The nurse said.
Okay, thank you very much, Michelle shook the nurse's hand before making her way to the E.R.
She found the front desk easily but had no idea where to look for Tony.
Excuse me, Michelle approached the receptionist. I was just paged.
Are you Michelle Almeida? The woman asked politely.

Right, your husband wants to see you, The woman explained. He's in curtain-room number seven.
Michelle nodded her thanks. She made her way down the busy E.R. corridor before coming to where Tony was. The curtain was slightly open and she could see him sitting on the bed. She went in. Tony immediatly looked up and tried to stand. But was unsuccessful. Michelle rushed to his side.
Tony, are you alright? She asked, clearly worried.
Yeah, I'll be fine. Tony paused as he looked at Michelle. They embraced a moment. What have you been doing?
Actually, I saw a doctor about my morning sickness.
Tony was well aware that for the past two months Michelle had been getting sick and throwing up almost every morning, but it usually passed by noon. It was very mysterious and he didn't know what to make of it. He had only insisted that Michelle see a doctor.
Yeah, what did they say?
Michelle smiled as she patted her stomach, which she now noticed was slightly larger than before. She had thought she was gaining weight. She obviously was, just not in the way she thought.
Funny thing, She said, laughing softly. I guess I'll just come out and say this...I'm pregnant.
Oh, okay, Tony said acting almost like he hadn't heard a word she had just said. He started to say something else but then caught himself.
Michelle laughed louder. She now had a huge smile that brightened up her face. We're going to be parents.
Tony leaned back a little on the bed, clearly surprised. For some strange reason he had already guessed that that was the reason behind Michelle's mysterious illness. Tony couldn't say much, just smile back. He took Michelle's hand and looked into her eyes. He didn't need to say anything for Michelle to know what he was thinking. That's great, but I'm still going to prison.
We'll work this out Tony, She said reassuring him. It'll be okay, things will work out.
Tony had a hard time believing that, but he trusted Michelle and somehow, for once in his 36 years of living, he actually felt peace about this. A strange, overwhelming peace. But still...a peace. One that was comforting and reassuring. One that told him things really were going to be alright. That things really could work out. He just had to wait. And although he was usually pretty impatient and restless, he was okay with that. He could wait.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- okay, so the first few chapters are pretty slow. I'm just trying to cover a lot of stuff first. I promise, things will pick up and get more fast paced. Right now I'm in the process of thinking what the BIG thing is that I'm going to write about. Like sometimes it's a bomb, or a virus or something. But I don't want to copy other stories, so I'll have to make up something of my own. If anyone has any suggestions that would be great! Please R&R! Thanks so much!