“Hey Doctor!” Cassidy yells as Dr. Marsden walks past. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t know his name, his white coat definitely gives him away.
Hiding my smile, I watch as he takes a large step to turn around before coming into the room.
“I see your pack takes bed sharing to a whole new level,” he says, coming inside.
“If you’re looking for an invite, we’re taken,” Cass says drolly.
Winter presses her lips together to hide her own smile, and I make sure not to look at her again. I’ll burst into laughter otherwise. That would be awful.
“That was unprofessional,” Dr. Marsden groans. “I apologize. Can I help you with anything?”
“I want to go home. How do I make that happen?” she asks.
“The risk of infection has passed, and you’ll need to keep your stitches clean,” he muses.
Dr. Marsden stares at her for a long moment as if trying to figure out how much she knows, and Winter decides to put him out of his misery.
“She knows that we’re both pregnant, Doctor.”
“Thank goodness,” he mutters. “I really didn’t want to be the one to tell you.”
“Is that why you’ve been avoiding me?” Cass asks. “You’ve walked by my room a couple of times.”
I was too busy watching her, so it could be true. I quickly realize that she’s right when the doctor’s face flushes hot.
Ha! Oops.
“Yes, well. As far as leaving,” he deflects quickly, “I suppose you can get discharged along with Winter and Bellamy if you make sure to get follow-up treatment with a doctor. I also want you to begin taking prenatals and schedule an appointment for six weeks from now with a ob/gyn. You’ll be able to listen to the heartbeat then.”
“I’ll do all of that,” Cassidy promises. “So can I go home?”
“Yes,” Dr. Marsden sighs as we cheer.
“Awesome, thanks!” Cassidy says happily.
“I’ll make sure your discharge paperwork is ready,” he says. “I have to suggest that you think about therapy sessions. Even if it’s a group where you just listen. It could help.”
“Ugh. We’ll go if you go, Cass,” I grumble. “I hate people.”
“Same,” Winter mutters.
“Okay, we’ll find something,” Cassidy agrees. I can tell that she’s not excited about it, but what’s the harm in just listening?
“Great,” Dr. Marsden says thankfully. “We’ll have you out of here by tonight. It’s a little early, but you’re through the worst. The paperwork will go over diet and exercise, as well as when you can resume certain activities.”
The three of us understand what he means at the same time and cringe.
“There’s swelling and tears that need to heal,” Dr. Marsden explains.
Abbott walks back into the room, putting his phone away and the doctor gulps.
“I’ll get out of your hair then,” he says quickly, leaving.
“I didn’t say anything,” Abbott smirks.
“You know all too well that you give people the shits, Abbott,” Cassidy smirks.
“That’s quite a feat. Imagine giving people explosive diarrhea just by entering a room!”
