CHAPTER 70:

Another week had passed and it was now June 14th when AJ and Roman were preparing to have another ultrasound appointment. The two had ultimately decided to move back in together two days earlier. "I'm so excited" said AJ as she sat on the examining table. "Oh you're in a good mood Ms. Mendez" said Dr. Hernandez as he entered. "Actually…it's now Mrs. Anoa'i" said AJ. "No problem we can have registration quickly clear that up" said Dr. Hernandez.

It was true, things have slowly began to improve within AJ and Roman's lives. "Any pain, discharge, other issues?" asked Dr. Hernandez. "No" said AJ. "Just that my breasts have been a little tender, but um…I don't see a bump there yet". "You mean abdominal growth?" asked Dr. Hernandez as he began to palpitate AJ's stomach. "Yeah that" said AJ. "Well you do have what in society called 'a baby bump' is coming along" said Dr. Hernandez.

"So is the baby ok?" asked Roman. "Of course" said Dr. Hernandez. "Since this is Mrs. Anoa'i's first pregnancy, the count of her fit stamina and that every woman's development is a bit different I do say with the best of all of my medical knowledge that how her stomach is looking and feeling is normal". "How many years have you been doing this again?" asked Roman. "It'll be 11 years at the end of this year" said Dr. Hernandez. "Around the time your baby is due".

"So are we gonna be able are we gonna be able to tell if it's a boy or a girl yet?" asked AJ. "No I'm afraid not Mrs. Anoa'i" said Dr. Hernandez. "But when you come back in about 3 weeks we most definitely can". "So are you sure that my baby bump is of normal size?" asked AJ. "Absolutely. Your baby is about 4 inches long and is the size of an able" said Dr. Hernandez. "Cute" said AJ. "Doctor it said in the book I'm reading, "What to Expect When You're Expecting" says I can now talk to them".

"You're absolutely right" said Dr. Hernandez. "Your baby's hearing is beginning to develop and it's a great way of beginning the bonding process". "So wait a minute AJ can talk to the baby?" asked Roman. "Yes she can" said Dr. Hernandez. "She can read to the baby, it'll help him or her to develop their language skills once they're out of the womb". "Whatever you say" said Roman. "Shall we take a look?" asked Dr. Hernandez. "Sure" said AJ.

The doctor began the ultrasound procedures as the lights were turned off. A few moments later the baby's image could be seen on the screen. "That's the head" said Dr. Hernandez as he pointed out the different regions of the baby". "Aww look April it's waving" said Roman. "Yes it appears that they are" said Dr. Hernandez as he switched over to another section in order to hear the heartbeat, which was strong.

"I really wish that we could be able to tell" said Roman. "Me too" said AJ. "Actually…" said Dr. Hernandez. "It appears that I can make out some chances of being able to shed some light on that". "But I thought you said that we wouldn't be able to tell for another few weeks?" asked AJ. "To the trained eye an obstetrician could but it's best to wait until the 18th week for a much better determination" said Dr. Hernandez.

"So you can or can't tell?" asked Roman. "I can make an estimate but it may not be the right one" said Dr. Hernandez. "Ok we'll wait" said AJ. With that the doctor continued the ultrasound viewing.

Meanwhile, Brie arrived back from her day out at practice to find that her sister was still laying up in bed. "Nicole!?" she called out. "Nicole are you in there?" Brie opened up the door to her guest room. "There you are" she said as she sat down on Nikki's bed. "Are you ok?"

"Not so well" said Nikki. "Oh come on Nicole" said Brie. "You've been laying around for days now ever since you had that meeting with Stephanie now can you tell me what's been bothering you, other than John". "I said that I don't wanna talk about it" said Nikki as she turned around to face her sister. "I just feel like shit". "You are not shit" said Brie. Nikki sat up in her bed. "Look Brie, you and Bryan just go get ready for your date. I'll be fine". "You sure?" asked Brie. "Yeah why wouldn't I be?" asked Nikki.

"Ok then" said Brie. "But when I get back I want you to tell me what's been bothering you". With that Brie left Nikki who curled her legs up to her chest. She began to quietly sob for the next 15 minutes until she decided to go into the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror. As she stood before it, all she could think about how her life was about to change. She carefully placed her hands on her stomach and then she suddenly began to scream as she punched her right fist through the glass mirror, shattering it.

Brie and Bryan ran into the bathroom. "Nicole! Nicole what happened!?" she shouted. "Oh my God!" shouted Brie. "Nicole you're hand it's bleeding!" "No, Brie everything is fine" Nikki said while sobbing. "Everything is fine!" "Bryan go call an ambulance now!" said Brie. "Damn it Nicole what did you do!?" "I didn't do anything!" shouted Nikki. Brie quickly grabbed a towel and pulled if off of the rack to begin applying pressure.

"Oh my God Nicole!" she shouted. "I didn't do anything, absolutely…nothing" Nikki said calmly. "Absolutely nothing."