Tyrone choked a little, but I shook my head. “Jessica, I swear I’m not pregnant.”
“Fainting and nausea are two classic symptoms. Just pee in a cup and you can be certain.”
“No, I’m sure I’m not pregnant.”
“I also want to check your blood sugar.”
I shook my head again. “I hate needles,” I said.
“At the very least, we should check your vitals, blood pressure, temperature, et cetera.”
No and no to those suggestions. When she pulled out a blood pressure cuff, I backed up. What had I been thinking, coming to a hospital? I had been too hazy with thirst to think.
“I’m so sorry, but I don’t want any exams.”
“But…you came in. You asked for help.” She seemed rightfully confused.
Tyrone put his hand on my forearm. “Tiff, let her check you out. Jessica’s a great nurse.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Tiffany,” she said, in an I’m-about-to-give-you-a-lecture tone. “You’re refusing a blood pressure check, a temperature check, a blood draw, and a urine sample? Do I have that right?”
I nodded.
“That is literally the entire exam. Are you always like this about medical stuff?”
I nodded yes.
“Tiffany, have you ever talked to anyone about your anxiety?”
“No.” As a vampire I was supposed to give people anxiety, not have it myself. “I have a therapist, though. Dr. Rosetti.”
She nodded. “That’s good. If you don’t want me to do anything, you should go talk to her. I can’t say for sure without ruling out any other potential causes, but I think you had a panic attack. She’s actually a psychiatrist, so she might be able to prescribe something.”
“Like what?”
“You’ll have to talk to her, but an antidepressant might help.”
“What, like Prozac?”
“Yeah, something like that.”
Prozac for vampires. That seemed…
She must have seen the look on my face. “Are you worried about the side effects?”
“What are the side effects?”
“Umm, they’re variable, but some people complain of things like reduced appetite and low libido.”
My jaw dropped. Why hadn’t anyone told me about this miracle drug before? A little pill to deaden my desires and quench my thirst? Yes, please!
I texted Dr. Rosetti on the spot.
Me:had a panic attack. can i come in tomorrow?
Eleanor:Tomorrow, 6 pm?
