Dad remains quiet after he books me in, and we sit side by side in the waiting area in silence. The couch is soft underneathme and the place looks more like a luxury apartment than a hospital waiting room.
Money really does speak volumes. I’ve always known half the city lived a different life to the rest but since spending time with Darius, it’s never been so clear and now all I can think about.
“Amelia Haynes.”
Dad nudges my arm when I don’t move, and I stand. I go to follow the nurse when I notice I’m alone. Turning around, dad is still sat on the couch, and I frown.
“Are you not coming with me?”
“Do you want me to?”
Nodding, I breathe easier when he stands, and we follow the nurse.
She instructs me to change behind the curtain and once I’m in the unflattering gown, I get comfortable on the bed. Excitement is dizzying as she squirts cold jelly on my stomach. I don’t know what to expect but nothing prepares me for when she asks if I can hear the repetitive whooshing and explains it’s the baby’s heartbeat.
“Dad, can you hear that?”
Rolling my head to look at him, he’s smiling, and his eyes are filled with water.
“I hear it, sweetheart. It’s strong.”
The nurse smiles at us both and I swallow thickly through the hundred different emotions coursing through me.
“You’re around nine weeks along…”
I admit, I don’t really hear everything she goes on to tell me. I can’t tear my eyes away from the little computer screen.
That’s my baby. A tiny grey blob that doesn’t even resemble a baby.I’m going to love you forever, I vow and flinch when the nurse wipes the gel from my stomach.
Over the next hour, I have my blood and glucose levels checked. All manners of tests and checks. I’m given aprescription for prenatal vitamins, and I leave the hospital with my world forever changed. It’s so real now.
Back in the car, dad sits without turning the engine on. Both of us content to soak in the amazing moment we just shared.
“From today, your life will never be the same.”
“I know I’m young, Dad, but I’m ready for it.”
He smiles at me. “Yeah, I can see that.”
I stare at the scan photo all the way home and place it on my nightstand where I can fall asleep to it every night and wake up to it every morning. Rubbing my stomach, I can’t wait till I can feel him or her moving around.
All the worries and concerns I’ve had melt away. The scan has made it oh so real and a bout of excitement bolts through me.
Wrapping my hair in a towel, I dry off and pull my robe on. Walking into my room, I stop and find Clare sat on my bed, with my scan in her hand.
My dad must’ve let her in while I was in the shower.
“Are you pregnant?”
It’s not something I’m going to hide but admitting it to her could change everything yet again.
I can only nod.
“Tell me you’re joking.”
“No, I’m not, and I’m keeping it.”
“You’re eighteen,” she points out like I’m not aware of it myself.
