Mr. Grey-Book I

9

Emilia

"Em, are you ready?" Amber called softly as she climbed the stairs.

I nodded silently, unable to find my voice. Amber reached out and took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Everything will be fine, Em. Trust me."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Amber noticed and gently poked my cheek, attempting to lighten the mood. "That's my girl," she said with a small smile.

I managed a weak smile in return before we left the house and got into the car. The ride to the clinic was silent, the weight of what we were about to do hanging heavily between us. I couldn't help but wonder if we'd be able to live with ourselves after this.

After what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, we arrived at the clinic. "Ready?" Amber asked, her cheerful tone jarring against my somber mood.

I nodded again, my throat tight, and we walked into the building. As soon as we entered, I felt dozens of eyes on me. My cheeks burned as I imagined their judgment, even though logically I knew they were all here for similar reasons.

We approached the front desk, where a petite nurse greeted us. Amber did most of the talking while I stood there, numb. The nurse asked a series of questions – allergies, contraception use, and medical history. Then came the question I'd been dreading:

"Are you 100% sure you want to go through with this?" the nurse asked, her eyes locked on mine.

I froze, my mind blank.

"Of course she is," Amber interjected.

The nurse shot her a stern look. "I'm asking Miss Clark," she said firmly before turning back to me.

I swallowed hard. "Yes," I whispered, the word barely audible even to my own ears.

The nurse nodded, setting my file aside. "Take a seat. The doctor will see you shortly."

We moved to the waiting area, joining the other women. I pulled out my phone, desperately scrolling through social media in an attempt to distract myself from the reality of what I was about to do.

When my name was called, Amber helped me to my feet. My legs felt like jelly as we walked into the doctor's office. The doctor explained the procedure in clinical detail which made my stomach churn. Then came the ultrasound to locate the fetus. A small part of me ached to see the image, but I kept my eyes firmly closed.

After settling the payment and receiving a prescription for contraceptives, we returned to the waiting room. It wasn't long before I was called to meet with the anesthesiologist, who reviewed my medical history once more.

Finally, it was time. Nurses helped me change into a thin hospital gown that left me feeling exposed and vulnerable. As they began to wheel me towards the surgical room, one stopped Amber. "I'm sorry, but you can't come in," she said gently but firmly.

Panic rose in my chest as I realized I'd have to face this alone. The nurses efficiently drew blood from my arm, and then placed an oxygen mask over my nose and mouth. As the anesthesia began to take effect, I felt my body grow heavy and numb. My last conscious thought was a prayer that I was making the right choice.

* * *

I'm not sure how much time passed, but when I finally began to stir, a splitting headache greeted me. I blinked, trying to clear my blurry vision, and realized with a jolt that I was no longer in the clinic. This room was entirely unfamiliar, and somehow I was back in my own clothes.

*Where am I?*

My heart began to race as I heard the sound of a key in the door. I scrambled to my feet, backing away as the door slowly swung open. A figure stood silhouetted in the doorway, backlit by bright sunlight.

As my eyes adjusted, I felt the blood drain from my face. My jaw dropped in shock and horror as I recognized the person standing before me.

Mrs. Grey!

"Hello, Ms. Clark," she said, her voice cold and sharp as steel. "I think it's time we had a little chat."

.