The next day I woke up in a pool of sweat. Nightmares about today going wrong had tormented me throughout my sleep. I had envisioned every possible scenario for this going wrong, and I had to admit that this entire plan was going to fall apart. Unfortunately, it was the only plan I had, so I had no choice but to stick with it. Especially with all the people this could hurt if it went wrong.
"Amy, Mom says you're leaving in 15 minutes." Ashley called from downstairs. I huffed and raced to the bathroom to shower. As I undressed, I noticed that without the baby growing inside of me anymore, the weight I'd gained was already fading into nothing but memory. My feet were no longer swollen, and I no longer had that glow pregnant women had. All that remained of my aborted child was a small inch of fat around my stomach.
Racing against the clock, I barely had time to blow dry and brush my hair before changing and rushing out the door with my mother. The car ride was filled with silence as we road to the OB GYN. When we got there, my mother dropped me off so that she could find parking, that way I didn't have to walk as far. I rushed in, and managed to catch my doctor as she was talking to one of her receptionist. She smiled gently and led the way to her office, my mother would be stalled with the paperwork, and if anyone asked I could simply say I had been using the bathroom, which everyone knows is located near her office.
"Hello Amy." Dr. Sadowski said in a careful tone. "How are you? Any cramping or bleeding at all?" I shook my head.
"No, not really. The first day a little, and more the second day, but now I feel fine." I struggled to distance myself from the situation. My mother could sense no lies when she came in, and if Dr. Sadowski could keep her act together, so could I.
"Good, good. It's normal to have some cramping and light spotting, but due to the early termination of your pregnancy I think you'll be just fine. Now, when your mother comes in here, I'll run some tests on you and ask you a few questions. Then when the results come back I'll announce that there is something wrong. I'll take a few more tests, and then when I come back I'll tell your mother the "news." Do you think you can handle that?" Her words seemed robust and cold, and I would have been offended if it wasn't for the kind and caring tone she'd used.
"Yes, after all, that's why I'm here." She gave me the "correct" answers to her questions, and then told me to go meet my mother before she came looking for me. I got up and walked out to where my mother was, and saw her poring over clipboards, filling out my information. I took the chair next to her, and tried to stay calm. I watched the clock on the wall sluggishly show that time was passing. After what seemed like an eternity, our names were called, and we walked into the office.
The place seemed different than it had earlier. Before the room gave off an anxious vibe; scary, but hinting at major relief once the task was done. Now, the room terrified me, as if my lies were etched upon its walls.
"Hello Dr. Sadowski. How are you?" My mother said, breaking through my hysteria. The two exchanged pleasantries and minor small talk before finally coming to the reason we were all sitting here. "So we're here about the baby."
"Yes, I'm quite aware of the situation, and I think that we should run a few tests to confirm the pregnancy and make sure everythings alright." She seemed so sure of herself, how could I be so nervous, when she was the picture of cool. Even while extracting my blood she never faltered. My mother and I waited patiently, staring at the floors and walls for awhile in silence. I was sweating bullets, and new that any conversation would result in stuttering and obvious lies.
"So have you thought about what you're going to do when the baby comes?" My mother asked. I shook my head rapidly to avoid the conversation. "Well, I know it's scary to think about, but you're going to have to make a decision. Like, are you planning on keeping the baby?" I shrugged and was grateful when the door swung open, revealing that Dr. Sadowski was back and that I could avoid the question.
"Well, you're blood tests are a bit troubling. Your hCG levels appear to be somewhat lower than what we'd usually expect right now. That could be because of your age, seeing as how your body isn't quite developed as say a 25 year old, but we are going to run a few more tests just to make sure that everything is okay with the baby." I nodded, this was all according to the plan.
Dr. Sadowski left, leaving me alone with my mother again. She seemed stunned. I couldn't blame her, what she would "find out" right now was pretty tragic. "Amy, don't worry. I'm sure everything is fine." She put her arms around me and patted my head. "I know you must be worried, but I'm sure there's nothing wrong."
Minutes passed that way, with me in her arms as she hushed out reassurances. I tried to stay calm, and was grateful that Mom would think I was worrying about the baby and not my lying. After a while, Dr. Sadowski came back, with a clipboard in her hands and a somber expression on her face. This would be the hard part. I had to fake a real reaction to this, and not blurt out the truth at my mother when she started crying.
"Amy, I am very sorry to tell you this. It seems you've lost the baby." She paused for a moment as she let the words sink in. My mother let out a small sob, clearly trying to be calm for me. "Have you experienced any cramping in the last few days? This may give us an indicator as of when." We talked for what felt like hours, as she asked me countless medical questions. When she seemed satisfied, she gave me a few instructions on how to care for my body the next few days. She also recommended an appointment in the next two weeks, to check for any scarring tissue. After that, I went home in a sort of daze, amazed I'd pulled it off. The ride was silent except for the small sounds coming from my mother, indicating her attempt at silent crying. I wanted to comfort her, but I still had issues to worry about.
What if Ricky told her about the abortion? I don't know what I'd do. I know the doctor would get in trouble for lying to a parent over a minor. Plus Ashley and Ben would also be punished for helping with this scheme. This entire thing could unravel at any moment, any loose end could do it. What if Grace slipped it in? I didn't really believe her "forgiveness" act. Abortion was something she clearly felt passionate about, and this was one of the things she would cross the line for.
"Amy, we're home." My mom whispered. I realized I had drifted off in my worries, and missed most of the car trip back. As I slowly walked into the house, I prepared myself for the onslaught of tears that was sure to follow, but there was none. Mom had convinced them to give me some space, sensing that I'd needed it. I walked up to my room, keeping my expression not unlike the doctor's had been. When I got to my room, I didn't shut the door, eager to listen to what they had to say. I'd noticed Dad was home, and so was Ashley. She had also crept upstairs, fearful that she could blow this carefully planned moment. I pressed my ear to the crack of space I'd left, and listened to the conversation that ensued.
Thanks for reading! As always send me your comments on what you'd like to see or what you want explained. I know this one's kinda long, but its been awhile since I've written, so I wanted to give you guys a long chapter as a way to make up to it. I tried to stay factual about the medical stuff where I could, but if you notice a problem send me a comment and I'll try to fix it. I know the subject of abortion is dicey, but if we never talk about things then things never change. I also think there is this big misconception that girls who have abortions don't care about it. Amy is clearly struggling with it, and only did it because she knew that being a teenage parent would be difficult for both her and the child. I know this may seem wrong to some people, but hey you searched the story. I should be posting again soon, although if I don't then remember that I never forget about a story I'm just waiting for inspiration to hit me. Thanks again for reading!