Breaking Free

46.

The day started off rough for Kierra. She'd barely slept the night before, tossing and turning in bed, feeling restless and queasy. By the time the sun peeked through the curtains, her stomach was already churning. She tried to ignore it, hoping it would pass like it sometimes did, but today was different.

As Kierra slowly sat up, the nausea hit her full force. She rushed to the bathroom, barely making it in time before she was hunched over the toilet, emptying her stomach. The wave of sickness didn't ease up even after she was done. Kierra felt drained, weak, and frustrated. She couldn't keep anything down—not even water.

Tasha, who had been getting ready in the other room, heard Kierra retching and quickly rushed to the bathroom. "Baby, are you okay?" she asked, kneeling down beside her, her face full of concern.

Kierra shook her head, resting her forehead on her arm. "I don't know what's going on, Tasha. I can't stop throwing up, and I haven't even eaten anything this morning," she mumbled, her voice shaky.

Tasha gently rubbed Kierra's back, trying to comfort her. "We're calling Dr. Adams," she said firmly, standing up to grab her phone. "This isn't normal, Kierra. You've been feeling sick for days, but this is different."

Kierra didn't argue. She was too tired, too nauseated to even think straight. As she leaned back against the bathroom wall, she watched Tasha on the phone, pacing the bedroom and explaining Kierra's symptoms to their doctor.

"Dr. Adams can see us later today," Tasha said after hanging up. "She wants to make sure everything is okay."

Kierra nodded weakly, her stomach still unsettled. "I just want to feel normal again," she whispered, her eyes filling with frustrated tears.

Tasha knelt beside her again, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "We're going to figure this out. I promise."

The rest of the morning dragged on slowly. Kierra couldn't keep anything down, not even the crackers and ginger tea that Tasha had brought to her bedside. She tried to rest, but every time she closed her eyes, another wave of nausea would roll over her, forcing her back to the bathroom.

By the time their appointment with Dr. Adams came around, Kierra was exhausted. Tasha helped her into the car, making sure she was comfortable for the short drive to the clinic. They didn't say much during the ride; the quiet hum of the engine was the only sound, broken occasionally by Tasha asking if Kierra needed anything.

When they arrived at the clinic, Dr. Adams greeted them with her usual warm smile, but it was clear she was concerned too. "Come on in, Kierra. Let's see what's going on," she said, leading them into the examination room.

Kierra leaned against Tasha as they walked, grateful for her steady presence. Once inside, Dr. Adams ran through a few basic questions, asking Kierra how long she'd been feeling this way and whether she had any other symptoms. After a short examination, Dr. Adams took a seat across from them, her expression calm but serious.

"It sounds like you might be dealing with a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum," Dr. Adams explained gently. "It's a more severe form of morning sickness, and it can cause you to be extremely nauseated and unable to keep food or fluids down."

Kierra sighed, leaning back in her chair, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. At least now she had an explanation, but it didn't make her feel any better knowing she might be facing this for the rest of the pregnancy.

Tasha squeezed her hand, her face set with determination. "So, what do we do?" she asked. "How can we make her feel better?"

Dr. Adams smiled reassuringly. "First, we'll get her some IV fluids today to make sure she's not dehydrated. Then, we can talk about medications that can help manage the nausea. It's not uncommon, but it can be tough, so we'll keep a close eye on her and make sure both Kierra and the baby are healthy."

Kierra felt a wave of relief at the mention of fluids and medication. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Adams nodded. "We'll take good care of you, Kierra. This will get better."

After the appointment, Kierra was hooked up to an IV in the clinic for a few hours, the cool fluids helping to ease some of her exhaustion. Tasha stayed by her side the entire time, holding her hand and rubbing her back whenever another wave of nausea hit.

"I hate seeing you like this," Tasha murmured at one point, her eyes full of concern.

Kierra managed a small smile. "I hate feeling like this," she admitted. "But I'm glad you're here."

Tasha kissed her temple softly. "I'm always here. No matter what."

By the time they were ready to leave the clinic, Kierra felt a little better, though she knew it would take time before the nausea fully went away. Tasha helped her into the car, and they drove home in the early evening light, the city around them buzzing with activity while they remained quiet inside their own little world.

Once they were back at the house, Kierra curled up on the couch, feeling a little more like herself now that the fluids had helped. Tasha sat beside her, scrolling through her phone to look up more information on hyperemesis gravidarum, wanting to make sure she knew everything she could to help.

"We'll get through this," Tasha said after a while, her voice steady and full of love. "It might be rough for a little bit, but we're going to be okay."

Kierra looked over at her, feeling tears sting her eyes again, but this time they were tears of gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered.

"You'll never have to find out," Tasha replied, pulling her into a gentle hug.

As Kierra rested her head on Tasha's shoulder, the weight of the day slowly began to lift. It wasn't going to be easy, but with Tasha by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would get through this—just like they always had.