Together Forever [Sequel to Dream Catcher]

Chapter Eighteen

Before I knew it, it was time for my ultrasound. Three weeks had flown by faster than I had ever expected. Rachael had to work today, so I asked if Marie would go with me. She was only going to be in town for a few more days and I wanted to spend as much time with as I possibly could.  When I finally got out of bed and started to get ready for the day I couldn’t help but noticed my stomach.

        I turned to look at myself in the mirror and I couldn’t get over how much my stomach had grown in that last three weeks. I didn’t expect to get a baby bump for at least another three or four months, but I was wrong. I mean, I didn’t really know how far I was, so I couldn’t really say it’s too early to be showing because I don’t know that.

        Marie was standing in the doorway watching me when I finally noticed her. She smiled and walked over to me. She placed her hand on my belly and I couldn’t help but smile.  She pulled me along and out of the apartment; it was time for the appointment.

        “Are you ready?” she asked, as I got into the car and started it.

        I sighed, “I wish I could say I was, but I’m terrified.”

        “It’ll be great, now start the car.” She said.

        “No.” I replied.

        She sighed and leaned over and started the car, “Come on Gabby now let’s go before you’re late.”

        I turned to look at her and she smiled. I pulled out of my parking spot and before I knew it I was pulling into a new one. I turned the car off and got out. Marie wrapped her arm around my shoulder as we walked into the office building. I checked in, just like the last time I was there. She handed me a cup, just like before. I did was I was supposed to and then I waited. When my name was called I jumped.

        Marie laughed a little and grabbed my hand nearly dragging me as she walked. I gave in and walked at the same pace as her. When we got into the room the ultrasound tech told me to sit down and lift my shirt.  I did as she told me and sat down and lifted my shirt. She squirts something very warm and gross feeling on my belly and I looked at Marie.

        “Well that felt gross.” I said, trying to hold back a laugh.

        She smiled, “You’re doing great.”

        “Thank you for coming with me, Marie.” I replied.

        She smiled and before I knew it the tech had a weird thing on my belly and she was moving it around. There was a screen in front of me and I wouldn’t look at it. I kept my eyes on Marie. I watched as excitement lift across her face. Her smile was so big, she was happy. I could see how excited she was to be not only my sister but to be an aunt.  She looked down and me and point at the screen. I shook my head, and she sighed.

        “Please, look.” She pouted.

        I sighed, “Fine.”

        I turned to look at the screen and when I did, I couldn’t begin to process my emotions. I could see the little, lima bean size baby inside of me. I felt a smile come across myself and I looked up at Marie. It wasn’t until she wipes away a tear that I realize I was crying.

        “Should we try and see if we can hear a heartbeat?” the tech asked.

        I smiled, “Yes, please.”