My sister a dentist my brother a doctor

Taylor's appointment

TAYLOR'S POV

I really didn't want to be here. Doctors' offices had always made me uneasy, scratch that, they made me downright anxious. The sterile smell of the room, the cold surfaces, and the sense of being out of control all combined into this overwhelming feeling of dread that I could never shake. The moment Austin turned his attention to me after finishing with Selena, my stomach twisted into knots. I knew it was my turn now, and I really wasn't ready for it.

"Tay, you know I won't hurt you. Let's just get this done quickly, and we can leave, okay?" Austin's voice was soft, but it didn't do much to calm my racing heart.

He had always been so gentle with me, but the thought of being poked and prodded in front of him of him seeing me so vulnerable was more than I could bear. I dragged my feet as I hesitated, then finally made my way to the exam table. I sat down on the edge, my hands gripping the sides of the table in an attempt to steady myself. I really didn't want to do this, but I knew I had to. It was just a check-up, right? So why did it feel like a thousand-pound weight was pressing down on me?

"You know the drill," Austin said, his voice calm as ever. "I'll start with the easy stuff, and if you need a break, just let me know. I'll be happy to give you as much time as you need."

I nodded slowly, trying to convince myself that it wasn't so bad. I just had to get through it.

Austin took the thermometer and gently inserted it into my ear. The soft beep was a little comforting, but the next step had me bracing myself. Without missing a beat, he wrapped the blood pressure cuff around my arm, squeezing it tight. The familiar whoosh of air and the slight pressure only made my anxiety spike further. The cuff felt suffocating, and I could feel my pulse quicken as I tried to stay still.

"You're okay, Tay," Austin said, his voice warm, almost reassuring as he gave me a sympathetic smile.

He took off the cuff, and I exhaled slowly, trying to calm the nervous energy building up inside me. He immediately reached for the stethoscope, warming it between his hands before he placed it against my chest. I flinched, and I hated myself for it. I could hear his soft chuckle, but it wasn't mocking more like he understood how hard this was for me.

"Take a deep breath, Tay. I know you're tense, but you're doing great," he said as he checked my lungs, guiding me through a few deep breaths.

I tried my best to focus on that, to keep my breathing steady, but it wasn't easy. Once he finished with my chest, he removed the stethoscope from his ears and put it back around his neck. As much as I appreciated his kindness, the next thing he said made my stomach lurch.

"We'll be done in no time, I promise. You're doing really well," he said as he reached for the otoscope.

The tool always made me feel a little uneasy, but it was necessary. He checked my ears, nose, and throat, and I couldn't help but squirm. I could feel the panic rising in my chest again, but I fought it down.

"Alright, Tay. Just one more thing," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Lay down. I need to check your stomach now."

A shiver ran down my spine. I hated this part.

"Can't we just skip that part?" I asked, my voice trembling.

I tried to sit up a little higher on the table, hoping to avoid the inevitable. Austin's expression softened, but his tone remained patient.

"I won't hurt you, Tay. You know that. I'll be quick, I promise." He added, "I'll be gentle, I swear."

Reluctantly, I laid back on the table, my muscles tight as I waited for him to start. His hands were warm as he gently pressed on my stomach, and I tried my best to focus on his words, but it was hard to ignore the uncomfortable sensation of someone's hands on you in such an intimate way. After what felt like forever, he let me sit back up and began testing my reflexes, tapping at my knees.

"Alright, that's the last part of the exam," he said, looking over at his desk. "Now, just one quick shot, and we're done."

The words quick shot made my heart stop. I froze, my legs instinctively pulling away from the table.

"No, I can't do it. I really can't," I said, the panic finally spilling over.

"Tay, I'm not going to force you, but we've got to get it done. It'll be quick, I promise." Austin's voice was gentle, but there was no mistaking the firmness in his words.

I tried to back up farther, my heart racing in my chest.

"Nope. No thank you."

Austin didn't seem fazed.

"No isn't an option, Tay. We're doing this, and I'll make it as easy as possible for you." He reached over, rolling up my sleeve.

I shook my head, desperately wishing I could just disappear.

"Please, Austin, don't do this," I whimpered, reaching to cover my arm.

But before I could, Selena's hand was on mine, holding it firmly.

"Don't touch it," she said softly, her voice calm but insistent. "It's already sterile. The faster you get it over with, the sooner it's done."

I looked at her, my eyes wide with fear, but I could see the sincerity in her face. She wasn't trying to rush me, just encouraging me to get it over with. Austin didn't waste any time. He quickly cleaned off my arm and without giving me a chance to brace myself, he stuck the needle in. I winced, my body tensing, but the worst part was already over. I barely even felt it when he pulled the needle out, and within seconds, he'd slapped a bandaid on my arm.

"You're okay, Tay. It's done," Austin said softly, offering me a small smile.

I couldn't help but jump off the table, eager to put the whole experience behind me.

"Thanks," I muttered, still feeling the sting in my arm.

We left the clinic and made our way back home, but honestly, I couldn't shake the feeling that I would have done anything to avoid that whole ordeal. I wanted to forget it and just move on, but I knew deep down that I had to face my fears—no matter how much they scared me.