Back to You

Ethan

I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders now that Mia knows about Chloe. I am still hurt by how she left but I can understand her reasons, I just wish that she had come to me instead of running. That is now in the past and I am trying to put it behind me. I was shocked when she told me about the doctor's appointment and actually asked me if I'd like to go. To be honest I'm nervous, I'm going to get to see the person growing inside her, our baby. I have no idea what's going to happen after today, but I couldn't say no.

We talk for a while about college and hockey and her work. She fixes us some sandwiches for lunch before we make our way to the doctors. Sitting in the waiting room, my knee is bobbing up and down with nerves. There are a few others waiting as well, all at different stages with one women looking like she could give birth right now. I'm not sure what to expect or even what I need to do while I'm her but Mia just sits calmly next to me scrolling through her phone. I guess she has been to numerous appointments before.

When her name is called we follow the doctor down the hall and into one of the rooms with Mia taking a seat and I sit down next to her. "Hi Mia, how are you feeling?" the doctor asks

"Pretty good, although it is getting harder to be on my feet all day at work. I'm going to talk to them about shorter shifts."

"And who do you have with you today? Normally It's Ella or your by yourself" the doctor looks at me while talking. "This is Ethan, the baby's father" she responds and I offer a smile to the doctor.

"Alright then. We will do the normal tests and measurements then we'll have a look at bub."

The doctor then proceeds to take Mia's blood pressure and gets her to lay up on a bed. Mia lifts up her top and the doctor feels around her stomach pushing on the baby, I hope that doesn't hurt it. She takes a few measurements and tells Mia everything is looking normal for being nearly 6 months.

"Dad would you like to come over here so you can have a better look?" she motions for me to move closer to the bed where Mia is laying and I stand by her side. She put some gel stuff on her stomach and moves around this wand looking thing. I focus on the screen as I watch this little person come to life. I'm in awe of what I am seeing. Even though it is just black and white and not entirely clear, you can see the head, body, arms, legs and even fingers. I'm in complete shock, I don't know what I actually expected but this is just... just I can't even put this feeling into words.

I instinctively reach out and hold onto Mia's hand and I can feel her gaze on me but I can't take my eyes off the screen. The doctor looks like she is taking a few more measurements from the ultrasound and prints out a few pictures for us to take home. I know I still haven't let go a Mia's hand but I don't want to. The doctor then changes instruments and this sound fills the room, the heartbeat. It's like a melody in my ears that I will never forget. I close my eyes and just listen, Mia gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Heartbeat is nice and strong and everything else is good, just how we like" the doctors voices pulls me out of my trance. I open my eyes and I can feel the tears still there, but I am willing them not to fall. I release Mia's hand so she can sit back up and fix her clothes. "Ok Mia, next appointment will be in 4 weeks. We are on the home stretch now and I suggest you talk to your work and see if they can reduce your shifts if it is getting to much for you" and with that she exits the room and we follow.

Nothing is said on the drive back to Mia's place. I just sit in the passenger seat looking at the ultrasound pictures that were printed out. Looking at every feature from its nose to its toes. I can't stop smiling. Once we reach Mia's apartment I walk her back up. We reach her door and there is an awkward silence, with either of us knowing what to say as she unlocks the door. "Would you like to come in?" she asks