Neela stood at the nurse's station, staring into space and wishing for once that the ER was actually busy so that she'd have something to take her mind off things. But it wasn't busy. It was dead, for want of a better word.
Ray had managed to keep himself busy and out of the way though which was rather suspicious because Ray was never busy, even when the ER was. That must mean he's avoiding me, mused Neela. In fact, they hadn't really spoken since she found out she was pregnant two days ago.
"Earth to Neela."
Neela turned to her side to see Abby looking at her.
"Oh, hi, hello," Neela replied, somewhat dazed.
"Are you ok?" Abby inquired.
"Erm, yeah, I'm fine. Is there something you wanted?"
"A patient maybe," Abby thought out loud, looking over the almost empty waiting room.
"Yeah," Neela replied dreamily. "You ever get the urge to go cause a five car pile up?"
"I'm in if you are," Abby smiled.
Neela drifted back off into her own little world. Abby looked at her thoughtfully.
"Are you sure you're alright? You look a little spaced out."
"No, no, I'm fine," Neela replied, pausing. "Have you seen Ray?"
"I think he went to get some results from the lab. Did you guys have a fight or something?"
"No, not really. Not exactly."
"You wanna talk about it?" Abby offered.
"No," Neela replied simply, leaning forward on the counter and resting her chin on one of her hands. "I'm pregnant," she said quietly after a few seconds.
Abby looked at her, shocked. She took a deep breath, preparing to say something supportive, but her mind went blank. "Oh," was all she managed as she exhaled.
"I'm sorry," Neela said. "I shouldn't have told you that. I should be talking to Ray about this."
"Neela, it's…" Abby began but Neela interrupted, clearly on a roll.
"It's just that he's been so unrealistic about the whole thing, there's no point even talking to him about it. I mean, I don't think he understands how much responbibility's involved with having a child."
There was a pause. "You sound scared," Abby commented simply.
"I'm terrified," Neela admitted. "I just keep thinking about all these things. My job, my parents, our relationship, nothing's going to be the same."
"Well stop."
"What?"
"Stop."
"I can't stop. How can I stop?"
"Close your eyes," Abby instructed.
"What?"
"Just do it."
Neela gave her a wary look but did as she said.
"Ok," Abby said. "Just think about it. Think about that little, tiny baby inside of you right now. Think about that beautiful new life that's growing inside of you. Think about how special that makes you. Think about how you're part of something so much bigger than your job or your parents or your relationship. You're a mommy."
A tear fell down Neela's cheek. She opened her eyes, laughing a little as she wiped it away.
"Stupid hormones."
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Ray walked down the corridor to his apartment. He was idling, he knew he was. Neela got off two hours before he did so she'd definitely be home by now. He stopped at the door and got out his key as he felt a nervous feeling rising in his stomach.
Pull yourself together, Barnett. This has to stop. Someone has to be a grown-up here. Now, I know you're not used to the role but you have to support Neela and you have to make her see sense.
He put his key in the door and entered the apartment.
"Neela?" he called out but stopped as he saw her sitting on the sofa, talking into the phone. He threw her an apologetic look and closed the door quietly.
As he headed over to the kitchen he noticed Neela was talking in Punjabi. That means she's talking to her parents, Ray thought. He reached the kitchen and got himself a drink of water. He took a sip as Neela hung up the phone and headed over to him. They were both a little awkward.
"I was just talking to my mum," Neela explained.
"How is she?" Ray asked.
"Fine. I was just arranging for her and my dad to come visit."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." Neela paused. "Well, I can't tell them they're going to be grandparents over the phone, now, can I?"
Ray put his glass down on the counter, his head rushing with a million questions, not sure which one to ask.
"So, wait a minute," he began, "this means's we're having this baby?"
Neela nodded, a smile coming over her face. "That's cool, right?"
Ray could hardly contain himself. "That's very cool, Neela."
He leaned down and grabbed her around the waist, lifting her up. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"This is awesome!" Ray exclaimed.
He put Neela back on the floor but kept his arms around her, looking lovingly into her eyes. "I love you, Neela," he said, completely heartfelt.
She smiled. "Well that's good, because you're pretty much stuck with me now.
He smiled widely as he leaned in to kiss her.
