Safety Net

2

The following week was full of nausea and foot rubs. The morning sickness had really been kicking my ass. We still hadn't told anyone, and weren't planning on it anytime soon. We knew the risks with pregnancies, being doctors and all. Everything was normal, except for this feeling I couldn't shake- Like someone was watching me. Alex tells me it's hormones- that's all he ever tells me.

I get awoken by my boyfriends lips pressing against my cheek "'Morning," He wiped the crumbs off my cheek. He had a habit of kissing me with toast crumbs on his mouth. I hated it. "For gods sake, Alex! Wash your face!" I sprung up, cranky. The baby was messing with my emotions... A LOT. Alex groaned, just loud enough for me to hear "Don't." I snapped, getting out of bed. We both got ready, occasionally exchanging glares. Today wouldn't be my day, and that's for sure.

I pushed my hair behind my ear, looking out the window as Alex drove. Something about the blue skies and fluffy white clouds gave me a sense of relaxation. "Boy or girl?" I heard a husky voice from beside me ask. I assumed he was trying to be friendly- lighten the mood. "Girl." I said, putting my hand on my stomach as I took a long and sharp breath of air. I still hadn't gotten used to the idea of a baby. I didn't really want to think about it. Don't get me wrong, I loved this baby, but it's a lot. I heard a muffled voice beside me. I didn't know what his exact words were, zoneing out. I assumed Alex was telling me it would be a boy. Stubborn was in his blood.

I closed my eyes, letting my imagination take over. I thought about my child's fingers and toes, the way her cheeks would get rosy when she was tired. I smiled, warming up to the idea. My mind raced around, thinking about the day I would give birth.

"Congratulations.. it's a beautiful baby girl." the doctor laid her in my arms, letting me see all her features. I smiled at her enchanting green eyes, the way they pulled you into her thoughts told you she was curious and kind, lovable and quiet, and of course, stubborn. She wouldn't be a karev if she wasn't stubborn. I grinned at her dirty blonde hair-

"Jo?" I snapped out of my daydream "Everything okay?" Alex asked

"I'm okay. Just thinking."

"About?"

"The baby."

Alex faintly smiled as he pulled into his parking spot. I don't think I was supposed to notice, but I did, and I adored it. He helped me out. We walked into the hospital, hand in hand. "Bye. Take it easy. Love you." He pecked my cheek. I almost repated him word for word before we went our separate ways. I met up with my best friend, Stephanie Edwards. "Steph! Wait!" I said, running after her. I stopped to throw up in the nearest trash can. Activity made me nauseous, which is weird. "Are you okay?" Stephanie asks me, and before I know it, I'm telling her something I shouldn't have.

"I'm pregant."

"Really?"

"Really."

"How far along?"

"Thirteen weeks."

Stephanie raised her hands to cover her mouth. As far as I could tell, she wasn't thrilled. "You're in the middle of your residency, Jo. What were you thinking?" She said, crossing her arms "I wasn't. This wasn't planned. I wasn't happy at first, But steph.. Theres a human being inside of me. This is my child." I said, wrapping my arms around my stomach. "Good luck." And with that, she walked away.

It stung to know she wasn't happy. I mean, I knew she was. Or, well, she would be. She wanted what was best for me--she always has--and a baby right now didn't sound like that. I just wish she would let me decide what was best.