Finding My Way Home

Untitled Part 41

Diane

I feel like I am slowly dying. I've thrown up every day for the past week. I recognize the signs, and I don't want to get my hopes up until I pee on a stick. I call my mother-in-law because I need her help. "Hi Mom, can you come over, I need your help." My throat is raw from the vomiting, and I sound bad.

"What is it, Diane? Are you sick?"

"Yeah, I can't get off the bathroom floor. Ethan's already went to work, and I don't want the kids to see me sick. I need your help."

"I'll be there in five minutes, honey. I'll take care of you."

Less than five minutes later, Mom is knocking on the bathroom door. "Come in Mom." I must look like shit judging by the look on her face.

"Oh baby, what's wrong?"

Four words reduce me to tears. Mom helps me off the floor and back into bed. I sigh in relief as I hit the mattress.

"You don't have a fever. Do you want me to call Ethan?"

"No. I need you to go to the drug store and pick up a few pregnancy tests. I think I'm pregnant." Mom's eyes fill with tears, and I start to cry with her.

"It's okay honey. I'll take care of you. Would you like a little tea and toast? It will settle your stomach."

"That sounds good Mom. Thank you, and don't say anything until I'm sure we're pregnant."

Mom holds my hand. "Don't worry. I won't say a word."

After I've had my tea and toast, I hold my breath and pray it stays in my stomach. An hour later, Mom leaves to pick up the tests, and I fall asleep. I don't know how long I've been asleep when I hear knocking on the door.

"It's me, honey, I have what you need."

I sit up and thankfully, the room doesn't spin on me. "Where are the kids?"

"Dad took them to lunch. I had to tell him, but I made him swear on a stack of bibles to keep his mouth shut. Come on; I'll help you into the bathroom."

I pee on three sticks and hold my breath in anticipation of this life-changing event. The five minutes that I must wait for the result passes so slowly; I feel like screaming. Mom sits on the edge of the bathtub and waits with me. After the required waiting period, I stand up and walk over to the vanity. When I look down, all three tests say 'pregnant.' My hand instinctively goes to my abdomen, and I cry like a baby. Mom stands beside me and holds me in her arms.

"I am so happy for you honey. Are you happy?"

"Oh God yes, I am so happy. I need to see my gynecologist as soon as possible." I call Doctor Richards, and she agreed to see me this morning. Mom comes with me, and two hours later, I am walking on clouds, and about three weeks pregnant. I know exactly how I want to tell Ethan. "Mom, I need you to take the kids tonight. I want to tell Ethan about the baby."

"Give me a minute to text Dad, and we'll take care of the kids. I think they need a sleepover at the shore and some beach time.

Congratulations, Grandpa!

OMG...really?

Yes. Diane wants to tell Ethan tonight. Let's take the kids to Cape May for a little beach time.

Hold on while I ask them.

Green light for the beach. We'll be home in thirty minutes.

Ok. I'm so happy for them.

So am I honey.

"It's all set. Dad will be home in thirty minutes. It shouldn't take long to pack a few things. I'll take care of Kellie's bag. Take a nap for a little bit, and I'll wake you when we leave."