Chapter 7

"There must be a mistake. I can't be pregnant. I'm taking birth control." I told the doctor in as even a voice as I could manage.

"The tests we have now are very accurate. In fact, when they are wrong, it is most often a false negative and not the other way around, but we will draw some blood to be sure." The doctor had the MA take my blood. I was surprised that I didn't see my blood boiling in the vacutainer. As soon as she left the room I threw open the door bellowing for Clark. I didn't care if I made a scene.

"Lois? What is it? What did the doctor say?" Clark wore panic on his face like a mask.

I'm pregnant." I said flatly.

"How?"

"Didn't they even teach sex-ed in that po-dunk high school of yours?" I said acidly.

"Lois, I know how babies are made. How is it that you are pregnant? I thought you were taking birth control.

"Oh, don't you DARE blame this on me! You did this to me. You and that Wierds-ville town you live in, where every day is Freaky Friday. This is your fault!" I started poking him in the chest. "

"Lo-is" He tried to take my hand and I slapped it away. He tried again to take my hands and I slapped at him and then I just started blindly hitting him. I don't remember what else I said or the exact sequence of events. I heard the door open at some point and the doctor ask something of Clark, but he must have waved him off because he went away. I didn't notice what he said as I continued to rail against him.

"Don't. Don't touch me. I hate that stupid town. I hate Smallville." Tears were coursing down my cheeks. He just stood there and took it. Took the abuse I was dishing out. Took it as I called him names and cursed him.

Mommy, please don't cry. It hurts us when you're upset. Daddy is worried. I heard the voice clearly and in that instant I finally had clarity. I wonder still if my bewilderment showed on my face. I was feeling a bit lightheaded and I sagged against Clark in defeat.

"Shh. It's okay." He smoothed my hair and hugged me close to him. "We're in this together. I won't let you go through this alone."

The doctor came back in to let us know the results of the blood work, but I already knew the truth now. I couldn't tell the doctor that my baby had been talking to me. I tuned out as the doctor was giving pamphlets and information to Clark.

"Do you have any questions, Ms. Lane?" The doctor was asking.

"What could have happened to make this possible? I have taken these pills religiously."

"Are you taking any other prescription medications? There are some that have contraindications with birth control pills, causing them to lose their efficacy."

"No, I don't take any other drugs."

"Lois, what about those antibiotics that I found in your medicine cabinet earlier?"

"Antibiotics? How long ago were you taking those?"

"I started taking them in mid November--About six weeks ago."

"You've just answered your own question."

"Are you kidding me?"

"It is one of the contraindications for oral contraception. It doesn't happen often, but it can happen. You will need to stop taking your birth control pills right away, so as not to cause any harm to your baby. And I do suggest that you schedule an appointment with an Obstetrician right away so that you can discuss your options."

"Options?" Clark asked.

"If you are considering terminating the pregnancy, then you'd better do it sooner than later."

"Terminate?" Clark and I both asked in unison.

"Absolutely NOT!" Clark said sharply as he stepped behind me and slipped his hand around my waist, as if shielding the baby from harm. I was relieved to hear him say it. I shouldn't have been surprised that he would feel so strongly about abortion, but it was a relief just the same. I already regretted saying the hurtful things I said earlier, but I couldn't take back my words. It was good to know that he would stand by me—regardless of my behavior.

"Ms. Lane seemed so distressed with this news that I thought that perhaps she would be interested in knowing some of her other options."

"It's not an option." I whispered, my throat felt raw from crying and throwing up. How could I even think that was an option, as he put it? My baby—our baby was a living part of me and actually spoke to me. And in that moment I made a promise; I would never do anything or allow anyone to harm this baby.