Walking Fragile Lines

Bad Timing

Two long weeks passed by and Liv was still no closer to knowing what she wanted. Brian had been coming over to pick up the kids and spend time with them, and Liv had hoped that the more she saw him, the more clearer her feelings would become but she was left disappointed and conflicted. She loved him, she truly did, but every time she allowed herself to love him again, she was cruelly reminded of what he had done by her own thoughts. The stress of it all had really begun to get to her and Liv constantly felt weak and drained of all life. No matter what she did, every day life was becoming a challenge.

It was a Friday afternoon and Brian was picking Zac up straight from school so that he could take him to his parents for the weekend. He had asked Maci to go too but she had declined the offer, still feeling conflicted from the information Liv had given her. And Liv understood. She just wished it wasn't this way. After getting home with Maci from school, Liv was happy to see Bessy waiting outside with Milana, inviting them in before watching the girls race upstairs immediately.

"Are you okay Liv?", Bessy asked as Liv began to make a couple of iced teas. Liv didn't speak as she looked at her friend, it was a question she didn't really know how to answer these days. "You really don't look so good, sweetie", Bessy continued, the concern in her voice evident. Liv sighed as she handed Bessy her drink.

"I think I should see a doctor", Liv admitted. "I know they're probably gonna tell me that it's stress but - but I really don't feel good", she sighed. Liv had learnt long ago not to hide her true feelings from Bessy. Bessy slid over her cellphone as she took a sip of her tea.

"Give them a call. I'll be here to watch the girls", she smiled. Liv smiled back at her before taking the phone and dialling the number of their family doctor. She was surprised when she managed to get an appointment within the next half hour and quickly got in her car and made her way to the clinic.

After sitting in the waiting room for what felt like an eternity, the doctor called Liv in.

"Take a seat Mrs Quinn", she said kindly as she shut the door behind them. Liv did as she was told, waiting for the doctor to join her. "What can I help you with today?", she asked. Liv took a deep breath as she readied herself to discuss what was wrong, pretty certain that this was about to be a waste of time and money, but she knew Bessy would be on her case if she didn't at least get checked out.

"Well I - I've been under a lot of stress lately. But I - I started to feel really washed-out around three weeks ago?", she explained. The doctor nodded, remaining silent as she willed her to explain further. "Then I started to have these dizzy spells and now? On top of all that I just feel so drained and fatigued all the time", Liv exhaled as she shook her head.

"Okay", the doctor nodded in understanding. "And have you experienced any nausea at all?", she asked. Liv nodded as she watched the doctor beginning to make notes. "And how have your periods been?", she asked further. Liv would've heard alarm bells at the mention of her period had she not been having them, sighing in relief at her own conclusion.

"They've been pretty weak but - but I've been having them", she told her.

"You mean weak like - spotting?", the doctor asked. Liv nodded silently once more. "I see", the doctor said, going over her notes. She suddenly got up out of her seat, making her way over to the bed at the back of the room as she put on some latex gloves. "Would you mind just laying down here for a moment? I'd like to give you a quick examination", she said. Liv nodded as she made her way over to the bed and laid down. The doctor lifted up Liv's shirt, gently pressing against Liv's lower abdomen before seemingly coming to a quick conclusion as she gestured for Liv to sit up. She began to take Liv's temperature as well as checking her blood pressure as Liv waited anxiously for her to say something. "Okay. Your blood pressures a little higher than normal and I'd like to send off a blood sample for testing just to rule out pregnancy", she finally spoke. Liv nodded, feeling at ease as she knew that couldn't be what was wrong and that it was standard procedure.