Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 52

The bright light from my phone screen seemed even more intense in the dimly lit backstage area. My fingers nervously traced the frayed edges of the phone case. Outside, the excitement of Coachella was growing, a palpable wave of anticipation that resonated through the floor beneath me. In just a few hours, we would be on that stage.

I was pregnant.

"Alright, I'm going to close the door now, okay Jennie?" Jisoo's voice was a gentle whisper, a soothing presence amidst the swirling anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me. I nodded and managed a faint smile. She understood better than anyone how significant this performance was to me. How important everything felt at this moment.

The sound of the door clicking shut felt like a sudden drop in pressure. It was just me, my phone, and the small, pixelated image of Dr. Vanessa smiling at me.

"Hi Jennie, it's great to see you. I'm glad you called," Dr. Vanessa said with a smile.

"Hi Doc," I responded, my voice slightly trembling. "It's nice to see you too. Thank you for making time for me on such short notice."

"Not a problem at all, Jennie," she laughed, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "We discussed this. I'm just doing my job as your doctor."

I noticed Jisoo step into view next to me, her face showing concern. She was my rock, my shield, and I needed her support more than ever. Only she, my brothers, and Yoongi were aware of the little life growing inside me. We had all agreed—keeping it a secret was crucial. The media frenzy would be overwhelming.

"So, how are you feeling, Jennie?" Dr. Vanessa asked, her tone professional yet friendly.

"Anxious is an understatement," I confessed, running my fingers through my hair. "I feel... overwhelmed. This is Coachella. It's... massive. And I don't want to mess anything up. Not for the members, and especially not for my baby."

"Okay, as I mentioned earlier, there's nothing to worry about as long as you follow my instructions."

"Did you keep up with the exercise and medications?" she inquired, and I nodded.

Dr. Vanessa nodded slowly. "Alright, so everything went well, right? No issues, and all your levels were good?"

"Yes, everything," I replied. "Jisoo just wanted to check with you because she thinks I'm not being honest with her," I added, giving Jisoo a knowing look.

"The doctor gently interjected, squeezing my shoulder. "There's no reason she can't perform. We just need to be cautious about it. And you have to look out for her."

"Early pregnancy, like yours, usually carries minimal risk, especially considering your fitness and overall health. The main concerns are fatigue and dehydration. We need to ensure you're staying very hydrated, Jennie. Electrolytes will help. And pay attention to your body. If you feel tired, take a break, even if it's just for a few minutes. A quick five-minute rest backstage is better than overexerting yourself."

Jisoo's gaze met Dr. Vanessa's on the screen, conveying a silent plea for reassurance.

"Jisoo," Dr. Vanessa spoke directly to her, "Jennie is healthy, and so is the baby. There's no need to panic. Right now, I'm more worried about her mental state than her physical health. Anxiety can be more draining than the actual performance. So, keep her calm, ensure she stays hydrated, and let her rest when she needs to. Follow my instructions closely."

"Got it," Jisoo replied, her voice steady with resolve. "I’ll be by her side."

"Great. As for the medication, there's nothing to be alarmed about, but don't forget it. It's not crucial for her, but it is for the baby. Jennie, do you have it with you?"