Need You Now

Chapter 2: A Brief Check-UP

The only night that I was off from work was Sunday's, meaning I could sleep in and be as lazy as I wanted too. This Sunday there was a community health clinic being held by St. Judith's. I would be damned if I missed it. It was an opportunity to talk with a doctor that wouldn't end with a massive bill. The clinic was being held outdoors in Rosewood Park three blocks from my apartment and had started at 8AM.

 It was now noon and the summer heat was beating on my brow as I walked; every day my walk was becoming more of a waddle.

I could feel sweat trickling down my back under my large plain white t-shirt. I was lucky to find a pack of five on sale last week at Walmart for only $5. I bought two packs, large and extra large in size. 

Who needed cute maternity clothes anyways? 

None of my shorts fit me anymore, so I had to wear the only pants I could fit around my waist; gray sweatpants. It caused me to perspire even more in this heat, but there was nothing I could do about it for now.

I swung my water bottle as I walked, keeping an eye on my surroundings. I understood why the clinic was being held here; we were the most impoverished area of the city. That also meant we were in the more dangerous zone; Rosewood Park was full of homeless people. Most of the homeless would leave you alone. Others though, were addicts constantly on the prowl. It didn't help that a biker gang, The Vipers, ruled these streets. 

Too often I heard stories where the cops turned a blind eye to a case once they learned of The Vipers involvement.

Barely five minutes later, the set up of the canopy and tens met my eyes. 

Rosewood Park was a large rectangle that took up one block of our neighborhood. It was outlined with trees and benches. In the center was a large field where the event was set up. I could see a few homeless people, and a couple of small families, wandering around the tents as the volunteer doctors and nurses provided resources. I paused, not sure which tent to head towards. 

Figuring, it probably didn't matter I made my way to the one closest to where I had entered the park.

Under the shade of the tent sat a middle aged woman in navy scrubs, who was busy taking the blood pressure of an elderly man. Besides her was a man who looked to  be in his early thirties. He had curly, dirty blonde hair and green eyes that sparkled with life. The man wore a white coat over a purple button down shirt, and had on black slacks. 

I was confident that this man was a doctor. 

He was attentive to the elderly man speaking while the lady in scrubs beside him wrote notes down. Neither noticed my waiting form in front of their set up, which was fine with me. I knew how to be patient. Sometimes. About ten minutes later, the old man and the doctor finished their conversation, and he looked towards me. A kind smile lit up his face.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Sean Green and this is Nurse Erica Lee. How can we help you?" 

I awkwardly smiled back at him, taking a seat where the older man had sat, watching as Nurse Erica took my vital signs.

"Um, I guess I just want a quick check up if that's possible. I'm five months pregnant." 

If the doctor or nurse was surprised, they hid it well. 

Nodding his head, Dr. Green hummed.

"Well, we can do our best. I can do a general physical for you, with the help of Nurse Erica, if that would make you more comfortable. For a more in-depth exam though, it would be best for you to meet with an OBGYN. I have a few questions, if you don't mind..." 

I answered each question Dr. Green threw at me. 

What is your name? Rosalia Iris Bosques. 

What is your age? 26 years old. 

 When was my last check up? Five months ago, when I found out about my baby. 

Are my immunizations complete? Yes. 

Have you felt your baby moving? Yes, often. 

Is the father involved? No. 

Are you employed? Yes. 

Are you taking prenatal vitamins? Yes. 

And on and on he asked until he was satisfied with the health history he had gathered. Then he assessed all of my systems, telling Nurse Erica certain things to write down, every now and then. 

In total, it took about thirty minutes to complete.

"Alrighty, well there are only a couple concerns I have. You're blood pressure is a little higher than I like, but not enough to make me encourage you to admit yourself. I'm going to give you a blood pressure machine that you can take home. I suggest you keep a daily log and if your pressure ever goes above 140/90 I want you to go to the hospital."

My breath caught, worried. I watched as he shuffled some papers aside before grabbing what he was looking for.

"You could be at risk for preeclampsia, which I have a pamphlet here with information on that for you to take home. My only other concern is your weight. For your height alone you are considered underweight; since you are pregnant, it's even more so. I have a little booklet here that we give to our expectant mothers. It is packed full with information about diet adjustments to be made for underweight, and obese, mothers. I think you will find it helpful to have. It is important for you, and your baby, that you get to a healthier weight Ms. Bosques." 

I almost teared up at their kindness as I soaked in the information he shared. 

I was aware of what preeclampsia was, and happy that I came to this clinic. I'd been given a resource to monitor my blood pressure free of charge; one that I had been saving up to purchase. Now I could spend that money on the diapers and baby wipes I had been stockpiling slowly. 

I knew I needed to gain weight. It seemed I would have to start using my credit card to make larger purchases of healthier foods for the time being. As long as I could pay the minimum on my card each month, I guess it would be worth it. 

For my little girl, I would do anything.

"Thank you so much Dr. Green. Thank you." 

I made sure to express my gratitude clearly and couldn't help but to hug the man. He laughed as he awkwardly patted my shoulder. Embarrassed, I leaned back and grabbed the small bag containing my new supplies and pamphlets.

"Of course. One more thing, I would like you to visit my office when you reach six months, which should be in about three weeks I'm guessing from our conversation. I am located on the third floor of St. Judiths; here is my work card with my contact information. Give me a call a day ahead, and I will schedule you for a proper check-up, free of charge." 

His tone was soft and kind; I almost cried. 

Almost. 

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I nodded my head while grabbing his card, carefully placing it into my wallet.