Under the Influence

Stereotype

Shawnie's POV

"I think I'm pregnant."

Silence fills the room.

Dr. Washington's expression softens instantly, and her tone shifts to something steadier, more grounded.

"Okay," she says calmly. "Let's take a moment with that."

She closes her notebook gently and sets it down.

"And we're going to slow everything down."

I instantly get nervous, "Okay."

Silence settles over the room. Dr. Washington doesn't rush to fill it. She studies me for a brief moment, then speaks, her tone calm, measured.

"Okay," she says. "Let's pause there for a second."

"That's a significant statement," she continues. "Before we go any further, I want to make sure we stay grounded. Take a breath."

I do exactly that and she does it with me.

"Have you taken any tests?"

I nod. "At first they were negative. Then... a few days ago, I took one and it was positive. I took another one. Same result."

She nods once, absorbing it.

"Alright. Given that information, the next appropriate step is to confirm with a medical provider," she says. "A home test is a strong indicator, but we need clinical confirmation. Secondly, if you're pregnant you have to tell him. And we also need to talk about disclosure," she adds gently. "You're in a relationship. This is something that directly involves both of you."

"I know," I say quickly. "I just... I'm scared to tell him."

"Help me understand that," she says, her tone still even. "What specifically are you afraid of?"

I hesitate. "It's not that he doesn't want kids. He does. I just don't know if I do."

She nods slightly. "So part of this fear is about your own uncertainty, not just his reaction."

"Yeah..." I hesitate again, my hands tightening in my lap. "There's more," I say.

She gives a small nod. "Go ahead."

"I'm... really nervous about saying this," I admit. "Only one other person knows."

"Take your time," she says.

I exhale slowly. "Aubrey got me pregnant."

There's no visible reaction from her. No shift in posture, no judgment. She simply processes.

"Are you currently pregnant by him?" she asks calmly.

"No," I say quickly. "No. That was before. I'm not pregnant by him now. This baby is Chris's."

"When did this happen?" she asks.

"I got pregnant the first time Aubrey and I had sex. I hate myself for even going through with it because that day I was so pissed off at Chris... but I was also in so much pain. We both were. He had just come home from tour, and I was avoiding him. I had blocked his number, so as soon as he got back, he came to my office and we had a big blowup."