Eternity

Seventy Two

Upon entering the exam room looking at the chart, I notice the last name and look up to see Autumn here with this teenager who looks a year younger than her "Autumn?" Closing the door as I look between them both "Hi"

"This is my little sister Amy" Autumn motions to Amy who is sitting on the exam table nervous, she has shoulder length brown hair with brown eyes and warm ivory skin "she's pregnant and needs an ultrasound"

"Alright" setting the chart down "how old are you Amy?"

"Fifteen" she answers "so Autumn told me this is discreet"

"Doctor patient confidentiality" nodding my head confirming as I have the machine be set up "how far are you Amy?"

"About thirteen weeks" Autumn says "at band camp my little sister had unprotected sex"

"I didn't know it was sex!" She complains

"Amy" she looks my way "if the man who did this forced"

"No" shaking her head quickly turning red and stuttering "No—I mean"

"She means the sex was so bad she didn't think it was sex" Autumn corrects as her sister stutters.

"Okay" lifting up her shirt exposing her belly "this gel will be cold" she flinches at how cold it is "now, I'm guessing your parents don't know?" Her mom seems like a chill person, her dad—eh he's okay.

"No" shaking her head no, I pressed the wand down and she looks around when we hear the fast heartbeat "what's that?"

"The heartbeat" moving the screen, she looks over as I point to the screen "there's your baby" she stares at the screen and begins to cry. Taking a photo "Amy, you know you have options"

"Like getting married?" She asks

"Yes" making a face "is this—I was talking about adoption or termination, not everyone at your age has a baby Amy or if they do many decide to give the baby up. Why don't you talk to our psychiatrist Dr. Turner, she can help you figure out how to tell your parents or if you simply want the baby. But while your pregnant I want you to take prenatal vitamins, this isn't a joke Amy"

Autumn and I have lunch in the little kitchen "If my sister has a baby" Autumn asks me "can I move in with Talon?"

"Talon currently has two other roommates" reminding her of Max and Jackson "but we can see about moving you and him into the room on the third floor"

"I've never had a big family before" she says "I mean a family I'm close with. Amy and I aren't that close, I take my mom's side and I'm good with my sister Ashley"

"And your dad?" I ask

Shrugging her shoulders "My parents are getting a divorce since my dad cheated on my mom, I know this and I've been trying to get my mom to see if she can get a job since she needs her own money to leave my dad"

"Do you want them divorced?" I ask

"Yeah" nodding her head "My mom is unhappy, she may act happy but she isn't—maybe she can get a job as a receptionist? Do you know anyone hiring?"

"Does she have any skills?" I ask

"She use to work as a waitress" she says "but nothing else"

"I could offer her a job at the restaurant I own" I say "is she good with talking to people and mixing drinks?"

"I'll have to ask" she says "but do you think she could work in your restaurant?"