She goes over everything, the importance of a balanced diet, daily movement, rest and then she mentions calculating my due date based on my last menstrual cycle. My nerves flutter, and I reach for Nickoi’s hand, lacing my fingers with his. He doesn’t say anything, but I feel him squeeze back.
She then begins asking about my medical and family history. I sit up a little straighter, preparing myself. She smiles gently. “Based on your menstrual history, you can expect your baby in July,” she says. Nickoi starts smiling.
“That’s when you born too, Mari,” she adds, chuckling.
He nods and my heart drops a little.Mari?
Wait… Nickoi born in July?
I blink, trying not to let it show, but I’m caught off guard. Mi never even know that. He never told me. And this “Mari” thing? I’m just now learning that’s even a part of his name.Mari?
On our trip, I’d asked him so many times, what his middle name was. He changed the subject both times. Kiss mi up or laugh it off like it wasn’t important. And mi never push it, cause I didn’t want to seem nosy. Now here I am, five weeks pregnant, sitting next to him, and his aunt knows more than me.
Mi feel a way.
Not angry. Not bitter. Just… left out.
Why him nuh feel like mi fi know dem things deh? Is like every time mi try know him background, him just… shut it down. Like mi not supposed to ask. I press my lips together and shift in my seat, trying to stay focused as the doctor continues.
“Okay, so Ms. Williams, you are healthy so far. You just need to get that blood pressure up,” she says, voice warm again. “I’m going to prescribe some prenatal vitamins for you.”
I nod, exhaling with relief. Thank God.
She scribbles something on a pad, then tears off two sheets and hands them to me. “This is the food list to help with your pressure, and this one’s your prescription. I’ve added your next follow-up date on top.”
“Thank you,” I say with a smile, trying to sound okay.
Nickoi speaks before I can tuck the papers in my bag. “No other over-the-counter meds she a go need?” he asks.
The doctor shakes her head. “No, sah. She alright.”
Then she looks back at me, eyes soft again. “And Zara, enjoy the journey. Don’t let anxiety steal your joy. I know it sounds cliché, but remember, you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.”
I smile. “Aww… thank you, Doctor Jacobs.”
She takes off her glasses and leans back in her chair, finally relaxing. Nickoi smiles too. “Respect enuh, Aunty.”
Aunty… Mari… July…
All of that playing in mi head while I nod and smile like everything nice.
“Yes, mi bwoy, proud of you,” she says, giving Nickoi’s hand a gentle squeeze before her eyes shift to me. Her smile widens. “And she’s very pretty.”
He chuckles, and I can’t help but smile too. “Usually yuh nuh have dem pretty girl deh, enuh,” she adds, glancing back at him. They both burst out laughing.
Mi always find it weird when professional people dip into patois like that, but somehow, it fits her.
After some more laughing and light talk, she waves us off. “See you soon, Zara.”
“Bye. Tek care,” I say, walking out behind Nickoi.
When we get to the car, I buckle my seatbelt and glance over at him as he pulls out of the parking lot. “Mari?” I try, tone light.
He laughs instantly. “Mi did know yuh a go start pan this,” he says, still grinning.
“Cause I want to know,” I laugh with him.
And she fass, that’s why she stress and har pressure low,mi inner voice mutters, full of attitude.
