Everything we never said

Chapter one - Just something to consider

"Everything looks really good, you're doing really well Veronica" Dr Paxton tells me with cold hands pressing deep into my bladder.
"There's only one in there though right?" I ask biting my lip. "I've read twins are hereditary, the father is a twin... identical"

"You may have higher odds than someone without a family history but that is certainly nothing I can determine without an ultrasound, your blood work looks normal. It's still early days yet, we'll schedule you an appointment at eighteen weeks to get a peek inside and see what's going on" she tells me lowering my dress and covering the minuscule bump on my belly.

"Three weeks away? I'm kind of impatient by nature, I don't know how I'll manage another six months of this waiting" I sigh and sit up.

"Just enjoy the time left before you and your partner become mother and father, it goes all too quickly believe me" she smiles but I feel awkward.

"There's no father, I don't have a partner. Well obviously there's a father because this didn't happen all by myself.... I know who did this but..... we were just friends, it was an accident. We don't talk anymore" I stutter and babble nervous thinking she will think less of me now.

"I apologise. We have support services and counselling available if you would like? We find a strong support network is important especially for first time mothers, have you got family close by?" She continues like this doesn't actually surprise her.

Do I look like the kind of woman to suffer a hit and run?

"No family" I shake my head. "I have a roommate and an ex girlfriend, mostly it's just me and my cat Meatball. He takes good care of me" I smile like I'm not pathetic and bitter.

"Like I said it's early days but you should consider having a birthing partner, childbirth is the most natural thing in the world but a hand to hold goes a long way when you're emotional and exhausted. Just something to consider" Dr Paxton tells me with a smile and hands me a handful of pamphlets before she returns to her desk tucking her short Amber hair behind her ear.

She is approximately forty, polished and shiny, professional. Her smile is just warm enough not to be mocking but in no way friendly, her five star google rating is a little surprising but hey.... it's early days.

"So. We'll see each other every four weeks for routine prenatal care providing everything goes smoothly. Just watch your diet, eat plenty of green vegetables and red meat, lots of calcium rich food like milk, yoghurts and cheese. Any questions should be covered in my book but if anything is worrying you please call reception and we'll help where we can" she looks at me like our time is up.

"Oh, I'm vegan. My diet is strict but I make sure I get enough nutrients and I supplement with prenatal vitamins" I answer like I'm disappointing her further.
"We'll keep an eye on your iron levels, hopefully it won't be an issue" she smiles professionally again.

I walk from my car into my little flower shop feeling a little overwhelmed, I had a whole bunch of questions I forgot to ask and it seems I've only left with more.

I walk past the front counter just looking at the pamphlets.

Consider your options. Abortion, adoption and you..... really?

Did my obstetrician really just suggest I don't become a mother after all?

Because I'm single?
Unplanned pregnancy? Online and phone counselling support for women.

Holy hell.

"Hello? Earth to Veronica? Sweetie are you okay? It's like you didn't even hear me" Tink  approaches my desk with a large mug in her hands.
"What?" I frown but smile when I see the twin buns on either side of her blue head.