Chapter 8: The diagnosis
"No, Joe it is only the flu. I will feel better in a few days," exclaimed Clarisse. 'I hope that is what it is,' thought Clarisse. "Alright, I will give you a few more days to get over this flu, but one more incident like yesterday, and you will have no other choice," stated Joe firmly.
Pierre needed to leave sooner than he wanted to. He left two days after the incident of Clarisse fainting. "Mom, you take care of yourself. Let me know how you are. I love you," said Pierre as he was leaving. "Phillipe let me know if she gets any worse, and when you find out what is wrong," said Pierre to his younger brother. "Ok, I will," said Phillipe.
Joe was spending every evening that he could sneak into her suite. Clarisse was still not over the flu, and she was starting to worry that it was something else. She would not admit it to Joe though. About a week later Joe needed to go to a security conference. "Clarisse, sweetheart I will be back by Thursday at about 2," stated Joe. "Ok, I will be fine," said Clarisse relieved that he would not be there to hastle her going to the doctor. Joe walked over, and gave Clarisse a passionate kiss goodbye before leaving.
Joe was gone for 3 days. He was worrying about Clarisse the whole time. In the meantime, Clarisse was still extremely tired all the time, and gave up trying to eat in the morning. Charlotte was now beginning to worry. She caught her majesty drifting off several times while doing paperwork. She also found her sleeping one afternoon. She figured that Joe would take care of it when he returned tomorrow.
Clarisse woke up on Thursday morning feeling just as bad as she had for the last two weeks. She also was beginning to notice some weight gain. 'I guess I need to exorcise a little more. Wait a minute I have not had my period this month yet. Well that explains it. The weight gain is just being bloated,' Clarisse realized while looking at the calendar. She made her way down to her office to start the day. After finishing her paper work, she decided to return to her suite. She was exhausted again. 'I am just going to sit here on the chair, and rest awhile.
At two o'clock, Joe came in her suite, and found her sleeping. 'This is going to end today. I want to know what is wrong with her. I am really worried,' Joe thought. Joe bent down, and kissed her on the lips. "Hi, how was the conference," said Clarisse as she woke up. "Fine. Clarisse this is the final straw. You are going to see the doctor. You are still sick aren't you," said Joe firmly. "No," said Clarisse lying. "Yes, you are. Charlotte told me you have not been eating in the morning, and almost drifting off to sleep while you work. Please, go to the doctor for me," said Joe. "Alright, I will go," said Clarisse resigning herself.
Clarisse sat in the doctors office waiting for the diagnosis. Dr. Jameson had been very thorough. He also took some blood for some tests. "Well I do have some good news, your Majesty," said the doctor. "What could be good about how I feel," asked Clarisse unsure what he was saying. "You mean you do not recognize the signs," asked the doctor surprised. Clarisse shook her head no. "Well you are pregnant. We have a new heir on its way," said the doctor. Clarisse sat there stunned. She composed herself, and walked out into the waiting room to Joe. "Lets go Joe. I am ready," said Clarisse trying to hold it together. Joe realized she was not willing to talk about it here in the doctor's office. He would wait.
Joe helped her into the car, and he went to close the door. "Joe, please sit here in the back with me," asked Clarisse feeling stunned. Joe got in the back with Clarisse, and told Shades to drive. Clarisse put up the privacy screen. She immediately started to cry uncontrollably. Joe took her in his arms, and comforted her. "Joe, I am pregnant," said Clarisse unsure how he would react.