Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 19

Emily stared at the doctor as she carefully examined the scan. She was eager to know the results of the tests she had just undergone and the sex of her child.

"It's a boy," the doctor said, elated. "Here, look at his head and these are his legs," she explained, pointing at the screen.

Emily didn't know how to feel. She finally knew the sex of her child, but at the same time, she always felt very unhappy whenever she remembered who the father of her child was.

"Thank you, Doctor," she said.

"And from the movements on the screen, it seems he is healthy for now," the doctor spoke gently, taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes.

Emily had always been curious about watching doctors at work. As a child, she wanted to work in the health field when she grew up. Growing up, she realized that she had unrealistic expectations with the limited life she lived. After a session of communicating with the doctor about the unborn baby's health and development, the doctor walked out of the room before returning with an envelope.

"Alright, here you go," the doctor handed over a document to her. Emily received the sealed document and proceeded to stare at it, trying to read the writing on the envelope.

"Please eat healthily and get some rest," the doctor said, "Your stress levels are off the roof."

Emily put down the document and looked up at the doctor."Thank you very much, doctor."

"You're welcome."

"Can I leave your office?"

"Sure, it's entirely your choice," the doctor smiled at her. "Or would you rather stay?"

Emily giggled nervously. "No, thank you."

"Have a nice day."

"Thank you," Emily smiled. "You too, doctor."

Emily got to her feet, took her handbag along with the document, and walked out of the office. As she emerged, she met a woman walking towards the office with her husband holding her hand. She was pregnant and had come for her baby's gender reveal too.

"I told you I was going to win," the woman said to her man.

"Well, life is not fair to men," he sulked.

They both laughed.

"As punishment, I'll treat you to your favorite dish when we get home," the man said.

"I want to be punished forever then," she said, before they both laughed again and walked past Emily.

Emily stood still, her eyes watching them until they were out of sight.

"This must be what pregnancy feels like when you have your partner," she thought.

Unfortunately, she wouldn't relate. That was her reality. What she had just seen was a fairytale.

#%*%+*^

Andre glanced nervously at Emily. She didn't even look at him, just silently stared at her drink on the table.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," he finally said.

She didn't respond verbally, only meeting his gaze.

"So, why did you start working in San Jose?" he asked, attempting to start a conversation. Noticing her lack of response, he sighed inwardly, accepting defeat. "I'm so—"

"To survive, Mr. Andre," she replied, cutting him off. Her response left him speechless for a moment.
"I mean, what about your husband in LA? Or were you just visiting?" he asked curiously.