The Price of Thrills

The Decision

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The waiting room of Dr. Martinez's office felt like it was closing in on me. I sat there, trying to look calm, like I was just in for a regular check-up. But inside? I was a mess. My hands couldn't stay still, fidgeting with the strap of my purse, smoothing down my shirt, anything to keep busy.

A nurse called my name, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Imani Jefferson?"

I stood up, my legs feeling like jelly. "It's Conti," I corrected automatically, then immediately felt a pang of guilt. Even here, I couldn't escape the two sides of my life.

Dr. Martinez greeted me with a warm smile as I entered her office. She was a kind-faced woman in her fifties, with streaks of gray in her dark hair that somehow made her look distinguished rather than old.

"Imani, good to see you," she said, gesturing for me to take a seat. "What brings you in today?"

I took a deep breath. "I... I think I'm pregnant."

Dr. Martinez's smile widened. "Well, let's find out for sure, shall we?"

The next few minutes were a blur of questions, a blood draw, and an eternity of waiting. When Dr. Martinez came back with the results, her face told me everything before she even opened her mouth.

"Congratulations, Imani," she said warmly. "You're indeed pregnant. About six weeks along, by my estimation."

Six weeks. My mind raced, trying to remember where I was, who I was with six weeks ago. Enzo or Darius? The uncertainty made me feel sick.

Dr. Martinez must have noticed my less-than-thrilled reaction. "Imani? Is everything alright? I thought you and your husband were planning on starting a family soon."

"We were... we are," I stammered. "It's just... it's a surprise, that's all."

She nodded understandingly. "That's perfectly normal. Even when you're planning for it, finding out you're pregnant can be overwhelming."

If only she knew just how overwhelming it really was.

"Now," Dr. Martinez continued, pulling out a notepad. "I need to ask you some questions about the father's medical history. Any genetic conditions or hereditary diseases we should be aware of?"

My heart started racing. "The father's history?"

"Yes, it's important for us to have a complete picture. Any history of diabetes, heart disease, cancer?"

I felt like I was drowning. How could I answer these questions when I didn't even know who the father was? "I... I'm not sure," I managed to say. "Can we maybe do this part later? I need to... to check with my husband about some of this."

Dr. Martinez looked at me curiously but nodded. "Of course. But please, try to get that information as soon as possible. It's important for monitoring your pregnancy."

The rest of the appointment passed in a haze. Dr. Martinez gave me a bunch of pamphlets about prenatal care, scheduled my next appointment, and congratulated me again. I left her office feeling more lost than ever.

I sat in my car in the parking lot, staring at nothing. The reality of my situation was hitting me full force. This wasn't just about me anymore. There was a life growing inside me, a baby who deserved better than to be born into this mess I'd created.

My phone buzzed, startling me. It was a text from Tasha: "Girl, where you at? I've been waiting at Cisco's for 20 minutes!"

Shit. I'd completely forgotten about our lunch plans. I quickly texted back an apology and started the car. Maybe talking to Tasha would help. She always had a way of making sense of things.