April reached out for Jackson's and she gave it a squeeze. She took a deep breath before turning to Addison "What do the tests say?"
"The protein levels in your urine are elevated."
"Damn" Jackson said. "So it is preeclampsia."
"Yes. We'll have to monitor April closely for the time being-"
"But, her BP could skyrocket at any time" Jackson said. "There's no way to know."
"That's true, but we won't release her into her pressure is stabilized."
"But that won't mean she's completely out of the woods, will it?"
"No" Addison admitted. "It won't. "
"If April was farther along, you'd induce?"
"Yes. But at this stage in pregnancy there's no way the baby would survive outside of the womb."
"Is it in the best interest of April's health to induce?"
"Technically speaking, yes. If that's the decision the two of you were to make, it would eliminate April's risk of complication."
"But there's no way a baby could survive at 21 weeks" April said.
"No" Addison said.
"Then it absolutely isn't an option."
"April-"
"Jackson, no! It isn't an option."
"I'm going to give you two some time alone" Addison said, exiting the room.
April watched the door closed, and sat up in bed. "Jackson, I'm not terminating this pregnancy."
"Why? Because Jesus says not to?"
"Because that isn't what I want! I know it isn't what you really want either. You've been so excited about this baby. You've been working on the nursery on your days off, and I see the way you smile when you're looking at the pictures of the sonogram on your phone."
"I'm excited to be having a baby with you, but there are other ways we can do that, ways that won't risk your life."
"Addison said that if I stayed on bed rest-"
"That you could still be in danger. April, it could be another twenty weeks before you deliver, that's a really long time to be walking such a fine line. I don't need to tell you how serious preeclampsia is. You could bleed out if the placenta detaches, you could go septic, if you develop eclampsia you're risking brain, and liver damage-"
"Or I could be fine."
"It is too big of a risk."
"Not when the payoff is our baby" she smiled, placing her hand on her stomach.
"We can have another baby."
"But it won't be this one! It won't be the baby that I've felt fluttering this past week, the one I sing to when you aren't around. I love him or her so much already."
"And I love you" he said, his voice breaking. "I can't lose you."
"Hey" she smiled, moving her hand to his arm. "You are not going to lose me. I'm not going anywhere. Not when I've finally got everything I've always wanted."
"I really wish you'd just consider this" he sighed in frustration.
"Well I'm sorry, but I won't."
He walked towards the door. "I think maybe we both need a few minutes alone to think this over."
"Alright" she said, watching him walk away. "But, I'm not going to change my mind."
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The door swung open and April's eyes widened in anticipation, hoping that Jackson had changed his mind. But, instead of Jackson it was Arizona at the door. "Oh my God, are you alight? I heard a group of nurses down the hall saying you've been admitted for preeclampsia."
"Yeah. They're keeping me here until my pressure drops. Jackson's a mess."
"I can imagine" Arizona said. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine physically, horrible emotionally."
"You're worried about the baby?"
"Yeah. And my marriage. Jackson's angry that I won't consider termination."
"Oh God, I'm so sorry."
"What do you think?" April asked. "Do you think it's the wrong decision too?"
"From a medical standpoint or friend standpoint?"
"Both."
"Well, from a medical standpoint I think that you're very early in your pregnancy to be showing signs of preeclampsia and you're risking complication by continuing it. But, as a friend I think you should do what you think is best. It's your body, and your baby, and if I were in your position I'd probably do the same. I know I'd risk my life for Sofia."
"Thank you."
"But, I see Jackson's side too. If this were Callie… Just give him some time, he'll come around."
"You think so?"
"I know so."