Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 25

Robyn's pregnancy was progressing well, but because of her previous history she had an OBGYN appointment every week. Unlike with Jack, at twenty seven weeks she was actually enjoying this pregnancy, and free from the fatigue of the first trimester she was feeling good. Allie had thought over the last few weeks that she really understood for the first time the term glowing for pregnant ladies. She had a scheduled OBGYN appointment at three, but just after two she knocked at Allie's door and came in. Allie looked up smiling, "You heading to the hospital?" Her friend shook her head, "Not for twenty minutes yet. Actually I've come to ask a favour." Allie smiled and said, "Of course, anything." Robyn ran a hand through her hair. "Jeremy's secretary just called to say he's had one of his morning cases go badly wrong and he's still in the OR, just can't get away. I told her to tell him it was fine, it's just routine, no scan or anything. Thing is Allie, I don't want to go on my own, just in case anything is wrong. Would you come with me? Otherwise I'll reschedule." Allie nodded, "Of course I will. It'll be fine though Robyn." Robyn nodded and smiled, "I know, it's just always a bit nerve wracking when they search for the heartbeat and there's that delay while they find it you know?" Allie got up and hugged her friend, "I can imagine. No problem though. I'll just let Max and Dan know I'm nipping out with you. Meet you in reception at quarter past yeah?"

By three they were sitting in the doctor's office having been told she was running thirty minutes behind schedule. Allie shrugged at Robyn, "Give us chance to kick back and catch up." Across the waiting room a blonde girl sitting alone watched them with mild interest. Allie and Robyn started chatting about the office, laughing at little incidents that had gone on and after a few minutes the blonde girl cleared her throat and said, "Really sorry to interrupt, but did I hear you guys say you worked for Hunter Russell Moore?" Robyn looked at her friend guardedly, but Allie smiled across the room, "Yes, we do." The blonde girl got up and moved to sit opposite and said, "Do you know Chris Walshe? I'm Melanie, I used to work with him." Allie's face dawned with recognition and she said warmly, "Oh hi, yes, we work with Chris. He's told us a little about you." Melanie turned a little pink and said, "Oh right, then I guess you know we were a couple?" Allie and Robyn nodded and Allie said, "He speaks really fondly of you Melanie, honestly." She paused and added, "I'm Allie and this is Robyn." Melanie was too polite to say she recognised Allie and said, "How is Chris?" Robyn glanced at Allie and said, "Yeah, he's okay." Melanie looked concerned catching the hesitation in her voice and Allie had a gut instinct she should reach out a little, "To be honest he hasn't been well but he's much better, back in work." Melanie looked pained, "Oh god, I'm not in touch see. I've thought about reaching out, but I thought it might be awkward." She pointed to her bump and Robyn grinned and said, "Congratulations." Melanie laughed, "Ditto!" She hesitated and said, "We split up because I wanted kids and Chris couldn't commit. I'm actually kinda grateful he broke it off because it made me realise how much I wanted children before it was too late. I went for donor insemination." Allie and Robyn looked surprised and Melanie said, "Sorry, I'm probably oversharing." Allie reached out to take her hand, "No, not at all. I think you're really brave. Have you got friends and family to help?" Melanie nodded, "Yeah, my parents took a while to come around to the idea, but they're excited now, and I've got really close friends at work who'll have my back." Allie smiled, "Then you've got this." Melanie was contrasting Allie with what she'd heard about her in the media. She couldn't help thinking how different she was compared to what she expected, and how much she liked her so far. Melanie sighed, "I'll give Chris a call, tell him about the baby. Can I ask you not to tell him I met you before I have a chance to speak to him? I just wouldn't want him to hear it from anyone else." Allie and Robyn nodded and Allie said, "Of course. I think he'll be really pleased to hear from you." She took another leap of faith with this woman she'd only just met, and prayed she was doing the right thing, "He told my husband just how sorry he was to have hurt you because you're a good person and I think hearing from you might help him." Robyn gave her a wary look and the receptionist called Melanie's name. She stood up and said, "It was really nice to meet you both. And thanks, I'm really glad our paths crossed." Allie smiled and said, "Likewise Melanie."