The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 9 - Malibu Again

Following their late night in Malibu on the evening of the Fourth of July, Greg and Susan were up early the next morning for Susan's appointment with Dr. Daniels, and they headed back through the canyon commenting to one another as Susan drove that it felt as though they'd just left.

            "Weren't we just here?" Greg asked rhetorically, fighting back a yawn as they emerged from the tunnel and out into the town of Malibu once again.

            "It seems like it," Susan agreed. "Yesterday was really nice though, don't you think?"

            "It definitely was," Greg said. "It was a good way to relax; and I am certain Richard and Marion really appreciated us doing that for them."

            "I was happy to do it, Greg. They needed it," Susan said sincerely. "Something to let them know life goes on, even if there are babies in the house."

            "Which until yesterday, I suspect was difficult for them to believe," Greg told her.

            Susan nodded concentrating on her driving as she tried not to yawn too.

            "Richard noticed you weren't drinking yesterday."

            "Did he say something?" Susan wondered.

            "They've figured out something is going on with us, Susan. They know you've been here repeatedly for appointments during the past two weeks and they're wondering why," Greg told her.

            Susan arched her brow at her husband.

            "I didn't say anything. I know it's too soon, but they are concerned. They care a great deal about us," Greg reminded her.

            "I know. True friends like Richard and Marion are extremely rare. We are very lucky to have them as friends and to live so nearby," Susan said as she pulled into the parking lot and shut off the car.

            "Are we getting out?" Greg asked when she made no move to leave the car.

            Susan nodded, took a steadying breath and closed her eyes, saying a short prayer first.

            "Susan?" Greg asked in a questioning tone.

            "Are we ready for this?" she asked.

            "Aren't we?" he questioned.

            "I would like to be, but I've got to tell you, I'm scared. What if Dr. Daniels tells us I'm pregnant? Not just a probable pregnancy, but an actual one? Or worse, what if he doesn't? What if he tells us the empty space we saw is indicative of a problem instead of a blessing?" Susan said, her fear written on her face.

            "Pray," Greg urged. "Put this in the Lord's hands, Susan. Then let's go in and hear what Dr. Daniels has to say."

            Susan nodded again. Gripping the steering wheel in her hands as she closed her eyes once more and this time recited the Lord's Prayer.

            "Okay," she said when she opened them again. "I'm ready. Let's go in."

            Greg smiled an encouraging smile as they both got out. He took her hand and together walked inside.

c

            Susan checked in with the receptionist, she and Greg found seats in the waiting room, and waited for her name to be called.