S2 E1 - News
Part 3 of 7
Dr. Johnson freezes for just a second but it feels like an eternity to Camille before he regains his smile, "Well, well, well, congratulations! Camille, let's get you to the exam room. Lauretta will assist you with the preliminaries." He escorts her to the door and calls the nurse. Just before she's led away, Camille has one last glimpse of Richard as he sinks into a chair. He doesn't even look up as Paul gently closes the door.
It's all Camille can do to put one foot in front of the other to follow the nurse to a small room where she's quizzed thoroughly about her medical history, cycle, current mental state, diet, and personal habits. She smiles crookedly, I'm a suspect! They know I'm guilty and they won't quit until I admit it. She wipes away one weak tear then stiffens her back, wondering what Paul and Richard are discussing.
Paul and Richard aren't discussing anything.
Paul stands by the shut door, studying Richard.
Richard is rigid, gripping the chair arms with white knuckles and staring blankly at the floor.
Paul gives him a few moments then coughs gently, "Well?"
Richard's head jerks as if suddenly waking up. He swallows drily, husks, "Well what?"
Paul sighs. If I had a dollar for every time I've had this exact same conversation… I could retire to Canada. He sighs again and begins the first dance steps of a delicate situation. Three lives hang in the balance and they don't need an insensitive doctor getting things off on the wrong foot! "So, she's pregnant?"
Richard winces, "I don't see how it's possible. She has an IUD."
"Does she? That can easily be taken care of. Anything else?"
"Um, plus additional precautions were taken."
"I see. Well, buyer beware. Anything else?" Richard seems frozen so Paul probes gently, "Are you upset with her?"
Richard shakes his head, covers his eyes, "No, I'm sure she didn't plan this."
"Are you upset with the father?"
Richard's head snaps up, eyes wide, "What?!"
Paul eases into it, "Do you know who the father is?" Richard's lips move but no sound comes out. The two men lock eyes across the sunny room.
END – part 3