The best I can hope for is for it to go without issue.
As I slide into the car, there’s Creed’s father leaning against one of the motorcycles, not even bothering to pretend that he isn’t watching us with anger-filled eyes.
That man is strange.
“Who?”
Opps.
Rothswyler turns to follow my gaze. “Oh dear, he does look unhappy. Do you want me to have a word with him?”
It would serve his grumpy self right if I let Rothswyler have a go at him. “No, he’s just a bit of a grumpy man. We had coffee together this morning.”
“Oh really, Miss Greer?” Is that Rothswyler blushing?
“Not like that. He came over to discuss Creed’s nutritional needs. I suggested my nutritionist provide a meal plan for the boy.”
“Ah…Shall I make those arrangements?”
It’s tempting. “No, I’ll take care of it myself. Did Mother send you to get me?”
“No. I wanted to see how you were settling in, and talk about you moving back to Urbium.”
Do I want to go back? Even with the odd neighborly visits, I’m still liking Silent Valley more than I ever did Urbium. “Moving isn’t an option at this point. Though I am a bit concerned about when the baby comes. There doesn’t seem to be a doctor here who specializes in delivering babies.” Or at least not one who is up to my standards.
Rothswyler shakes his head. “I do wish my brother were still with us. He would have been happy to stay in town to deliver your baby. His protégé is currently working on a government project, but I could reach out if you like.”
It would be so easy to say yes. Since I’ve moved out, life feels different. I stood up to my grumpy neighbor. I took out myown trash. My life feels like it’s changing. “Not yet.” Let me see if I can do it on my own. That feels like it should be my new goal in life.
***
I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done this alone. Tears pour down my face, and I stare at my son’s image on the screen. He’s sucking on his little thumb and smiling at me.
How am I going to do this alone?
How am I going to be enough to give him all that he needs to feel safe and loved? To grow up into a good man when his father is anything but one?
The world just got real, and I have no one by my side to tell me everything is going to be all right.
“Everything looks wonderful, Ms. Hestons. Your son is currently about ten and a half ounces and eight inches long. You’re no longer considered high risk, but we would still recommend continuing to have regular scans. We would like you to try to gain a few more pounds before your next visit. You haven’t gained anything since the start of your pregnancy.”
“Is that why I don’t have a bump yet?” It looks like I’m bloated at best.
“Not necessarily. Women carry different even across pregnancies. Your weight isn’t anything to be concerned about. But it would be good if you could gain a little. I know your mother had a hard time gaining weight during her pregnancies.”
You mean Mother dieted through them but didn’t tell you.
“At your next appointment, we will also check you for gestational diabetes, or you can wear a continuous glucose monitor for two weeks. The choice is yours, just let us know at your next appointment.”
Does anyone ever choose the drink? “I’ll wear the monitor.”
“Good choice. We’ll have the nurse help you set one up at your next appointment. Do you have any questions for us?”
No. Yes. A million, but none that you can answer right now. “No.”
“All right. If you think of any, feel free to reach out at any time. We’re at your disposal. Have you found a doctor yet in Silent Valley for us to coordinate with?”
“No. Not yet.”
