Leaps and landings

63

Celeste stood at the downstairs lobby, waiting for one of the elevators to return to the first floor, having just missed one that could take her up to Dynasty Makers. She had just been going for a swim, the pool finally having opened again, and she hadn't really been planning on coming in today, but after her blood test the day before yesterday, Dr. Norton had called her and asked her to come in for a few more tests. With her swimming gear tucked into her leather tote, her heart now raced nervously and guilt of not having told Jess that Dr. Norton had called, was eating her up inside. It went without saying that she didn't want him to worry, especially when she didn't yet know what this was about.

The elevator clinged and Paris stepped out, almost rushing past her.

"Hey! Congrats on your wedding," Paris slowed down and greeted her, having not seen her in awhile.

"Hi, thanks," she said hesitantly, just wanting to head up as quickly as she could.

"Are you okay? You look kind of pale," Paris noted with concern.

"Dr. Norton just asked me to come in as soon as possible, I really don't know what's up," Celeste replied worriedly.

"Do you want me to come with you? You look like you could use some support. I was just going out for a moment, but I have an half an hour," Paris offered.

"I don't want to bother you," she replied, biting her lip nervously.

"Nonsense," Paris replied swiftly, stepping back into the elevator with her.

"Dr. Gellar, you're back!" the administrator noted as they stepped into the reception area a minute later.

"Yeah, I'm back," Paris rolled her eyes, adding "Is Walker busy right now?" demandingly.

"He should be free, I'll just let him know...," the administrator began to say, not quite finishing her though.

"Come one," Paris suggested, pulling Celeste along by her arm and stepped right into Dr. Norton's office without knocking. "Walter! Celeste Mariano to see you," she announced, Celeste only mouthing a hesitant 'hi' in greeting.

"Oh hi," Dr. Norton replied, having expected some warning. "I'm going to call you back, " he finished up his call, seeing Paris was not particularly keen on waiting. "I'm glad you could come in on such short notice," he said, after he hung up, adding, "please take a seat."

Celeste took a seat in one of the armchairs while Paris just leaned against the cabinet, her arms crossed, as if ready for a fight.

"Are you okay with having Dr. Gellar in the room as I discuss your case," Dr. Norton asked.

"Yeah, it's fine," Celeste replied in a weak voice. She just wanted to know what was up.

"We got your blood test results and I wish I had better news - the iron levels are still dropping, and I think we should go do an additional ultrasound to make sure there aren't any issues with the placenta," Dr. Norton suggested.

"You're thinking hemorrhage?" Paris asked Dr. Norton.

"It's a possibility. Either way I don't think it hurts to be extra careful in this case," he replied.

"Okay," Celeste replied in a weak voice, feeling suddenly very nervous. She hadn't had any bleeding - the thought that there could still be one made her feel very uncertain. She was relieved to feel Evie kicking - surely that was a positive sign?

They headed over to the adjacent examination room and Celeste heaved herself up to the table, folding her sweater up and leggings down, Dr. Norton not having emphasized the necessity of the examination robe. It seemed like the doctor was a little tense and hasty too, which made her worry even more.