“I’m dilating properly.”
“You say that, but you can’tseeit. I’m calling the doctor.”
“Don’t call the doctor.”
“I’m calling the doctor and telling her that you’re not cooperating.”
“Mom. We’ve done this four times already. I’mfine.” And I’d be better if she’d let me rest for more than fifteen minutes at a time.
Thirty minutes, my ass.
I can still read my watch, and it’s been barely twenty since I managed to get in here to lie down.
Mom nudges me, but not hard. More like she’s testing to make sure I’m real. “Sit up and wake up and let me check your eyeballs, or I’m calling the doctor.”
My head aches, but not like I’m gonna die, so I shove to sitting and let my mother aim the damn flashlight in my eyes. Again.
Feeling like a bum for having to push back the job I was supposed to do today.
Really need to get some more help hired. This town’s big enough for three plumbers, which is great for business but really bad for that sense that I’m letting people down.
Didn’t used to care about that.
Weird how the world changes once you realize that your actions have impacts on other people and that you can use that power for good instead of being miserable.
“Is he awake?” Hannah asks from the hallway.
I mentally cringe. I don’t want to see her.
Two weeks ago, I would’ve said I didn’t wantherto seeme. Notlike this.
But now?
Now, she’s the biggest symbol of what’s wrong with my life.
“He’s awake,” Mom reports. “And his left pupil is too slow. I’m calling the doctor.”
I sigh.
Not worth arguing. Mom’s gonna do what Mom’s gonna do. Good thing the doctor knows her.
But when Hannah appears in the doorway, looking like she wants to kill me but can’t decide for what reason, I decide maybeIwant to call the doctor.
Being admitted and put in isolation for medical observation by professionals only wouldn’t be a bad way to spend a short recovery.
Might get me back on the job sooner.
And help me avoid the ass chewing that’s coming.
But you know what?
She shouldn’t have told me she’s pregnant.
I’m not her averagebest guy friendfrom grade school.
I’m the man she was sleeping with until she met her husband, and the man who’s been rooting for them to break up.
If she doesn’t realize that I think Andrew’s all wrong for her, then maybe she’s not the friend I thought she was either. And if shedoesrealize that and she’s pretending she doesn’t, then what does that really say about both of us?
