offshore | h.s

37

GENEVIEVE CLARK

As the car glides through the sunlit streets of Sydney's eastern suburbs, I can't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. 

The day is warm, but not stifling, a perfect reflection of the mix of anticipation and anxiety that's taken residence in my heart.

It's been quite some time since I've been to an obstetrician's office. Memories of my previous pregnancy with Avery flood back, and suddenly, I'm vividly recalling those rollercoaster emotions that came with each appointment.

Hope, fear, excitement, and anxiety all tangled together.

This pregnancy, so unexpected, and with Harry at my side, it's an entirely different journey. I'm realizing that he's never experienced anything like this before, and it's hitting him in ways I hadn't fully understood until now.

Glancing at him, I see the way he stares ahead, trying to maintain composure. There's a subtle tension in his shoulders, a faint furrow in his brow. This is his first step into fatherhood, and it's dawning on me just how significant this moment is for him.

"Are you okay?" I ask, my voice gentle, seeking to provide a lifeline amidst the quiet.

He nods, the motion small but comforting. Yet, his eyes remain fixed on the road, revealing the unease beneath the surface. "Just nervous," he admits, his honesty resonating deeply with my own tumultuous emotions.

Reaching out, my fingers find his, intertwining with his in a silent declaration of unity. It's a reassuring connection, a tangible reminder that we're facing this unknown journey together. 

Harry and I step out of the car, the crisp air hitting our faces as we approach the entrance to the obstetrician's office. I can't help but feel a wave of gratitude towards Harry for making all these arrangements. The need for complete confidentiality is paramount, and he's ensured that every detail is accounted for.

Security personnel are waiting for us at the door, their presence reassuringly discreet. They nod at us as we approach, an unspoken confirmation that our privacy will be upheld.

Upon entering, we're greeted by the receptionist, a striking woman with blonde hair, sapphire eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Her warm smile instantly puts us at ease.

"Hi, guys," she says, her voice friendly and inviting. "How are we today?"

"We're good, thank you," I reply, my voice steadier than I expected.

Harry leans in, his concern evident in his tone. "Thank you so much for making all of this happen. It'll all be completely confidential, right?"

The receptionist nods with a reassuring smile. "Oh, of course. Every single appointment here is confidential."

I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that this place has been chosen with the utmost care. I need this pregnancy to remain a secret for now, something precious and intimate that only Harry and I share.

Our guide through this process hands me a clipboard, atop which rests a form. "I've just got some forms for you to fill out, Gen. Once you're done, we'll let Dr. Williams know, and she'll see you shortly after."

"Thank you," I murmur, accepting the clipboard and pen. 

After Harry and I find a seat, I pick up the medical history form, its crisp paper cool against my fingertips. I take a deep breath, attempting to calm the nerves that have been fluttering like frantic butterflies in my stomach ever since we arrived.