I Am Sher-locked

14. Bleeding Colors

"You're not sick, Irene. I think you're pregnant..."

WHAT?!

*******************

Irene stared at him wide eyed for a couple of minutes, unable to speak. Could he be right? The thought scared her but honestly, not too much. Suddenly she burst out laughing, almost hysterically. It was Sherlock's turn to look at her starstruck. 

"Darling, you can't be serious", she said when she finally managed to stop laughing. "You got me there for a moment."

"Oh, I'm serious", he arched an eyebrow, almost annoyed by her reaction. 

"I can't get pregnant, Sherlock", she smiled at him. "Are you familiar with the intrauterine device?"

"Of course. It's a long-acting and reversible method of contraception, which can stay in place for three to 10 years, depending on the type", he spoke fast like he was a teacher. Then he actually realised what he had just said. "Oh. You're using one."

Irene nodded her head with a faint smile. "Yes. So, I can't be pregnant right now."

"There is always a small chance to get pregnant even if--.."

"Sherlock?", she cut him off. "No. Just no."

Sherlock nodded slowly, looking at her. "So, you're sick. I don't know what's worse..."

"Seriously now?", she chuckled. "You're impossible."

"You should let John check you", he raised his hand and pulled a lock of her hair behind her ear softly. 

"If the symptoms persist then I promise I will go to John's office to check on me. Do you agree?"

"I agree", he stroked her cheek lightly. "Now go back to bed."

"No, I don't want to sleep", she let out a sigh. "Can I join you in the living room? Unless you're working on your case and you don't want me to disturb you."

"I'm working on a case but you most certainly can join me in the living room. You won't disturb me."

"Great", she smiled warmly. 

However only one thought was on her mind. What if Sherlock was right and she was indeed pregnant? The doctor said that the IUD (intrauterine device) is 99% effective. But that 1% never bothered her until now...

Several days later

It was Sunday and the weather was very favorable for a walk in the sun. Summer was approaching and everyone was in a good mood, even Sherlock. However, Irene did not feel well at all. She had repeatedly refused to be examined by John and this had upset Sherlock but he decided to respect her decision. Maybe he assumed that her physical problems stemmed from her bad psychological state. Until that Sunday morning would bring something very unexpected in everyone's lives. 

The four of them had decided to go out for a walk but Irene woke up with terrible abdominal pain. She was locked in the bathroom, letting Sherlock believe that the reason she was late was because she was getting ready for their walk.

The pain was so horrible that she wanted to scream. Instead, she bit a towel hard and lay down on the bathroom tiles in a fetal position. It was as if someone was tearing her body apart. The painkillers she had swallowed a little while ago did not work and the pain became more intense with each passing second. For how much longer could she endure? She felt like she was going to faint.

"Irene?"

A knock on the bathroom door. It was Sherlock.

"Irene be quick, John is already here", he said after another knock.