The Headturner

The Consequences

Chapter Thirty-Eight - The Consequences

The doctor had asked Anne to visit him for a follow up in four days. He wanted to get some tests done to monitor any improvements on her health. Anne made the visit during her lunch break to avoid irking David.

"I should really buy a car." Anne thought as she paid the cab driver.

She was feeling more tired than normal. She had been eating better, under Adam's strict supervision. She did not feel too energetic nevertheless. As she waited for the doctor, she contemplated on the health concerns she had and what she should ask him.

Dr. Stevens was a friendly man who seemed compassionate to Anne. He looked like he really wanted to help others and that is why he was in the profession. Anne sighed as she realized she had yet to find out what she was passionate about. Sure, her job was heading in exciting direction but was she cut out for it?

She was snapped out of her reverie when Dr. Stevens entered with her medical records. He smiled warmly at her as he looked at her hands, nails and eyes to judge her blood level.

"Hmmm. How are you doing, Ms. Miller?"

"Anne please. I think I'm progressing, somewhat." She shrugged. "I am eating small portions to start with."

He nodded, "How many small portions are we talking about?"

"Three." 

"You need to increase your consumption. You need to consume at least 2400 calories if you want to make progress."

"But that's too much." She wanted to yell but she knew he was right.

"We will make a diet plan for you, okay? I want to run some tests. I want you to come back next week. and we will see your progress." He said as he closed the folder. Before he could dismiss her, Anne decided to ask some questions too.

"Dr. Stevens?"

"Yes, Anne."

"I actually need to tell you something. Er... I haven't had my period." 

"So, you think you're pregnant?"

"No, but it has been several months since I last had my period so..."

"How long has it been?"

"About five months."

"And you didn't think to consult a doctor for so long." He shook his head. Anne sensed a big lecture coming but he just said, "It probably is because your system lacks the nutrition and blood to carry on your monthly cycle. I will write you some medicines to increase the blood in your system. Have them with orange juice. I think that will do the trick."

Anne nodded silently. Honestly, she would have preferred a lady doctor to talk about it, but she didn't want to seem like a prude.

"Anything else?" He asked as he started writing.

"I also feel tired all the time."

"It's because you are weak. Eat more calories for your body to produce energy. I have also written you medication to boost your appetite."

Anne bit her lip and took the prescription and test orders from the doctor.

"See you in a week." Dr. Stevens said. Anne nodded and left.

Her tests included blood test and urine test. She was scheduled an ultrasound for the next morning. As she was leaving the hospital, she saw her mother talking to a doctor. She had a night shift that day and she was supposed to be sleeping in the afternoon. But there she was, not in uniform, Anne wondered if that was whom Adam saw that day.

Anne looked at the time. She would run late if she would stick around any longer. So, she took a picture of them inconspicuously and hailed a cab. 

She was panting by the time she reached her desk. David saw her and her intercom buzzed.

"Ms. Miller, could you please come to my office?" It was an order, not a request. She compared how it was similar to being called to the principal's office. She looked at her watch  before entering his cabin.

"Where have you been, if I may ask?" He arched his eyebrows.

"I was on my lunch break. Did you need anything?"

"It's taken care of. For now, please file these documents and I have emailed you a link. Go through it."

Anne nodded, "Would that be all?"

David waved her off. Before she left, Anne asked, "Did you have your lunch yet?"

David looked amused at her sudden question. "Actually, I haven't. Are you offering me?"

Anne was surprised how volatile his mood was, so she decided to play along. "Yes, why not?" Then she added in a whisper, "Rumor has it, I'm getting a promotion." Then, she made a show of putting her finger over her lips, gesturing him to hush.

That earned a hearty laughter from David. "Just order something for me. I'm too busy to go out."

Anne smiled genuinely. It was not everyday that David would come out of his shell.