Kyle wiped his hand down and shook his head. “She really was terrible at chess.” He croaked out.
To Melanie, my sweet girl. I leave you ten million dollars. Not only because you are the main reason I have so much, but because I want you to spread those wings and use the money to fly. Explore whatever interests delight you, finance a new business, a degree, or a charity… travel the world. Whatever it is, I’m sure you will be amazing at it. Just follow your heart and find happiness. It's all I've ever wanted for you.
Kyle grabbed my hand and squeezed as I tried to blink away tears.
To Ben, I have already given you one of my most valuable possessions… my granddaughter. I hope you have cherished her the way I do.
The room was uncomfortably silent, except for the muffled sob that came through the phone.
To Griffin, I do not leave you anything of monetary value… but instead I leave you my kitchen table. You may have been a late addition to our family, but a welcome one, and there was always a spot for you.
Griffin looked shocked and glanced at each of us with tears in his eyes. When his eyes landed on my mother, she gave him a watery smile and nodded. Gram's words were true; he’d been a welcome addition to the family.
My remaining worldly possessions are up for grabs amongst my family and friends; they are then to be donated. My remaining wealth is to be donated to the charities I loved, after any debts, funeral costs, and Nancy’s outrageous fees have been paid.
Nancy rolled her eyes at the last part but finally broke character with a warm smile.
I have more words for each of you in your letters, but for now, remember how much I love each of you, remember how much you love each other, and remember I will be watching.
All my love,
Barbara Olsen.
25-Melanie
“Mrs. Landon?” A petite woman with a kind face asked from the doorway.
“That’s me.” I stood quickly and followed her into the next room.
“I’m just going to have you step on the scale and then we are going to head down that hallway.”
I nodded and followed her instructions and then accepted the thin patient gown she handed me before she left the room that she had guided me to. I sat nervously on the paper-covered table while I waited for the doctor to join me and looked at the informational posters taped to the walls.
HPV VACCINE: CANCER PREVENTION.
DID YOU KNOW? OVER 47,000 HPV associated cancers occur every year.
That’s more than I would’ve guessed.
PREGNANCY: FACT OR FICTION?
I can have caffeine while pregnant: Fact. Moderation is recommended, but there are no birth defects associated with caffeine use.
I can have X-rays while pregnant: Fact. The amount of radiation is minimal.
I can’t dye my hair while pregnant: Fiction. Most hair dyes today are mostly organic and safe during pregnancy.
I can double my food intake during pregnancy: Fiction. “Eating for two” actually only means increasing your calorie intake by approximately 300 calories a day.
A knock on the door tore my eyes from the wall.
“Good morning, Mrs. Landon, my name is Dr. Hart. How are you feeling?” A pretty woman, only a few years older than me, sat down after shaking my hand.
“I’m okay. I had a little morning sickness but nothing extreme.”
“I see on the form you filled out that your last menstrual cycle ended around seven weeks ago.” She looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded. “Okay, so that means you are about eight weeks along. We determine gestational age by the start of your last menstrual cycle.” She made a note on her tablet and then set it down with a smile. “Today, we are going to confirm the pregnancy with an external ultrasound, if for some reason we can’t hear the heartbeat with the external I will collect a urine sample and then we will do an internal.” She waved a hand towards the machine in the corner that had a series of long wands on it.
Those are way too long to be inside of me!
