Nova [Tayvis Fanfiction]

DOPPLER EFFECT

18 Weeks Post Accident
Taylor Swift's Point of View
I lean back against the crinkling paper on the exam table, letting out a slow breath as I glance around the room. The walls are painted in muted, calming colors, but the sterile smell of antiseptics hangs in the air, making it feel anything but comfortable. I can't shake the feeling of loneliness creeping in. If Travis were here, he'd probably be holding my hand, squeezing it every time the baby appeared on the screen. But today, I just have to wait and hope Kylie makes it before the appointment begins.

Just as I'm wondering if I should text her, the door swings open, and Kylie hurries in, her face flushed as she sets her purse on the chair with a huff. "I'm so sorry for being late," she says, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "The people at the front desk were giving me the third degree because apparently you're a 'special patient' or whatever."

A wave of relief washes over me, and I smile, patting the space beside me on the exam table. "You made it—that's all that matters."

She plops down on the chair beside me, catching her breath. "I had to tell them five times you actually wanted me here. I swear, they acted like I was trying to break into some high-security vault."

I laugh, feeling the tension melt away just having someone beside me. "They're probably just used to things getting... a little intense when people find out it's me."

She gives me a knowing look. "I get it, but I wasn't leaving until they let me in."

The technician comes in with a smile, holding the ultrasound wand. "Are we ready to meet this little one today?" she asks, glancing at the screen.

I glance at Kylie, who nods, grinning in excitement. I feel a surge of gratitude, knowing that while this wasn't exactly how I pictured sharing moments like this, at least I'm not alone.

I pull my shirt up, exposing my belly, which has rounded out noticeably now at 20 weeks. The doctor grabs the cold bottle of gel, and as she squeezes it onto my stomach, I flinch a little at the chill. "Alright, 20 weeks," she says, smiling down at the monitor. "Let's check you out, little one."

I take a steadying breath, the reality of this moment sinking in all over again. "I... I want to know the gender," I say, trying to keep my voice from trembling with excitement. "If you can tell, I mean."

The doctor nods, adjusting the wand as she starts gliding it across my belly. "Sure thing. If this little one cooperates, we'll have a peek."

I feel a slight pressure as she angles the wand, then a soft thump fills the room, the unmistakable rhythm of my baby's heartbeat. It's so loud, so strong, and it echoes in my ears like the beat of a drum, grounding me in the moment. I can't help but smile, tears prickling at the edges of my vision.

Kylie reaches over, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. I glance at her, seeing a mix of excitement and warmth in her eyes, and I realize how grateful I am for her being here.

The doctor watches the screen intently, making slight adjustments as she moves the wand. "Alright, let's see if we can get a look," she murmurs, focusing as the image becomes clearer.

I can't hold back my excitement any longer. "Is it a girl?" I ask, my voice a little breathless with hope.

The doctor glances up with a smile, still focused on the screen. "You hoping for a girl?"

I chuckle, feeling a little sheepish but too excited to care. "I just want a healthy baby, of course... but yes, I'd love a girl." I turn to Kylie, nudging her gently. "What about you?"

Kylie laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, after three girls, I think I'd root for some blue in the family for a change."

"One for team boy, then," I tease, squeezing her hand.