Anne with an E The Next Chapter

Furniture Shopping

Dr. Ward urged Ruby to take deep breaths, to calm herself in order to prevent another blood pressure imbalance. He placed a flat palm on the space between her shoulder blades, pressing firmly, but with care. "Ruby, listen to me please, you need to hear what I am saying, it's very important that you remain calm dear".

She had been laying still and crying silently, but aggressively for nearly 45 minutes. She had vomited another three times since she'd heard the news and she was only now starting to regain stable breaths, listening to Dr. Ward and Gilbert discuss what the next move was.

"Ruby" Dr. Ward said again, "I've listed some things on this sheet that I am sending home with Gilbert. It's important that you follow all my instructions carefully". He placed some viles in a white paper bag and handed it to Gilbert.

"Frequent small meals and lots of fluids, plenty of sleep and rest, reduced work, looser clothing, staying calm...these are all small things that will help regulate your morning sickness and lightheadedness. You're suffering from dangerously low blood pressure because of your pregnancy. Eventually it will regulate itself, but, you have to pay attention to the symptoms and take care of yourself to avoid getting sick like you did today. Some people have harder pregnancies than others. Your baby is going to come in September - but only if you're careful. You could miscarry if you're not more careful and that could then be a bigger health risk to you. You'll need a bit of extra support at home".

Ruby looked at Gilbert tentatively as if to say please explain....

"Dr. Ward... this is a bit delicate..." he said as he walked over and held Ruby's hand tenderly "Ruby is...not married...".

After a long pause, Dr. Ward said carefully "I see. Is the father able to support you? Maybe move onto to the next step? I know it's unexpected, but these things have a way of working out at times".

Gilbert looked at Ruby, completely unsure of this answer. Who was Ruby involved with? It seemed unlikely her friendship with Moody had progressed in this way... it certainly didn't seem like something Moody would do. "Ruby???" Gilbert asked with a question.

She looked at him and shook her head gently, signalling that the father would not be inclined to help. Ruby turned her face into her pillow and then breathed out. "He's left me...three months ago" she finally said.

Gilbert put a hand on her back and rubbed circles the way his father had with him. "I'm so sorry" he said gently. How could someone do this to Ruby, he thought.

Dr. Ward looked at his watch and then at Gilbert who took the hint. "Listen, we can't stay here all day. Dr. Ward will be seeing new patients at 1:00PM. What do you want to do? What can I do?"

Ruby eventually sat up and faced them both with in utter dejection. " I don't know what to do next" she whispered.

Dr. Ward looked at her with great empathy.
"You know Ruby.... your friends have been waiting outside and have been in tears imagining the worst. I'm most certain they love you enough to help you figure out what to do. I have a few options that I'll add to the information I've given Gilbert. If you decide you want to discuss them with me, I'll be happy to see you again".

She nodded and gave Gilbert the ok to let their friends in.

As the door to the examination room opened, Anne stood with her mouth open and eyes wet.

"What is it Gilbert?"

"Come in" he told them somberly.

Anne and Diana rushed in seeing Ruby upright in the bed and let out a cry of relief. They gathered around her bed, smoothing her hair and kissing her face. Dr. Ward stepped aside toward the door