Laying on the table, staring up at the ceiling, Lea knew the exact moment her world came to a screeching halt. She had called out sick from the weekend shows. Once Dean had left for the airport, she went to her doctor's office.
She knew with every breath in her body what was wrong. The only problem was knowing when she caught this particular virus.
As the doctor moved the wand across her abdomen, she saw what she was sure was her baby. This tiny little splotch on the screen.
"Well, judging by what I'm seeing, you are close to ten weeks. Once the fetus starts growing and developing more, I'll be able to narrow it down more. I'm writing you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Be sure to take one every day. If you have any questions, feel free to call. I'll have the nurse bring you some information about normal and abnormal pregnancy symptoms. I want to see you again in a month."
As the doctor closed the door, Lea closed her eyes and began to cry. She was having a baby. She had always dreamed of being a mother.
Yet, she couldn't being herself to feel the exuberant joy most women would have felt right now. She was having a baby, but she wasn't sure exactly who the father was.
She had broken up with Drew almost three months ago. Then she had slept with Dean just a couple weeks later.
She grabbed her phone and pulled up the calendar. Judging by the cities they were in, Drew broke up with her 11 weeks ago. She had slept with him just the day before.
Her trip to Hartford was just about nine weeks ago. So it really was close. God, she felt like a whore. She couldn't hold out a few more weeks. At least then, if she got knocked up, she would know the baby's father was.
Finally the nurse came in, have her a thick packet of papers, a prescription, and a reminder to schedule an appointment at the front desk.
Lea thanked her and rushed out. She needed fresh air. She felt like the room was closing in on her.
Outside, she gasped for deep breaths. She rushed to her car. Once inside, she broke down and began to cry. Her whole body shaking.
She was scared. What would Dean do? What if the baby was Drew's? Would Dean leave her? She refused to get back with Drew just because they might be having a baby.
Could she handle raising a baby alone? What about her career? She obviously couldn't wrestle from now until she gave birth.
She pulled out her phone, sent a frantic text to Dean. She fevered about calling Dr. Sampson. He could wait a few days. At least until Dean knew. He deserved that much and so much more.
After what felt like an eternity, but was more like five minutes, Dean replied.
"What's wrong, kitten? Did you get worse? Do you need one of the girls to come over?"
"Dean, we need to talk. It's very important."
"You're scaring me baby. Is everything okay? Do you want me to come home?"
"Are you on the plane yet?"
"No. Waiting for plane to be cleared for boarding."
"Will you get in trouble?"
"Even if I do, it doesn't matter. You are more important to me."
"Come home. I need you"
"Let me tell Seth that I'm not going. Then I'll be home as quickly as possible. I love you kitten."
"I love you too. Be careful. Call me when you start home."
Lea hung up the phone. She wanted to feel reassured. Yet she felt like everything that Dean and her had built together was about to come crumbling down around them.