One Night in New York

Chapter Ten

What is life, besides a few moments in time created to determine our fate? We go through life, day by day, never thinking that it will all come to a halt. Some people's stories end before they reach the final chapter, and I felt like my book was about to come to an end.

I don't recall much about the accident. I remembered my body lunging through the air, and then nothing, complete silence. That is, until I heard my name called as I awoke. I was lying on a stretcher in the back of an ambulance when I noticed Liam, who was holding his arm and sobbing next to me.

When they realized I hadn't died, they rushed me to the hospital, where I lay feeling broken and bruised. As the paramedic inserted an IV and gave me medicine to relieve the pain, I complained incessantly about my stomach. Throughout the ride, I wondered out loud about the rest of the group, and Liam assured me that they were safe and on their way to the same hospital. We had just entered the 495 when the accident occurred, sending us all to the nearby hospital.

When we arrived, I was carried out of the ambulance on a stretcher while another paramedic assisted Liam in stepping down. In the accident, he fractured his radius while attempting to grab hold of me as I flew through the air. Connie had a minor concussion, while the rest of the group had minor cuts and bruises.

The doctor then informed me that a CT scan was necessary because I had complained of abdominal pain. He asked if I thought I might be pregnant, and I assured him that I was not. I refused the scan at first, telling him I was fine, but he persisted. I reluctantly agreed and was met by transport who quickly wheeled me to the radiology department on the stretcher. Liam had tried to stay with me, but he was rushed to see an orthopedic doctor instead. As I lay in the machine, he was fit with a cast, while I lay hoping I would be able to go home soon.

The test only took ten minutes, and I was quickly transferred back to a triage room in the ER to await the results. Only fifteen minutes had passed when the doctor entered to reveal his findings. "Well, nothing is broken here, and no internal bleeding or injuries, but you are pregnant."

"I'm sorry, what did he say? I know I hit my head, but was I dreaming?" I was having a hard time comprehending what he had told me.

"How can I be pregnant? I mean, I know how, but I got a period not that long ago," I revealed to him.

I sat with a look of shock as he continued, "You really didn't know?" I just shook my head no as I was unable to muster up an intelligent response. "Well, seeing as this is the case, I feel it's best if we keep you here a few days. You know, to keep an eye on things and to make sure the baby is OK."

"Baby, he just said baby. How could this be happening? Liam is not going to handle this well, and this is not how I want him to find out." I shot up quickly as those thoughts ran through my mind.

"Dr. Benson, is that necessary? Can I follow up when I get home? I live in New York and want to get home. I am fine, and I promise I will follow up with an OBGYN this week."

"I don't think that is a good idea, Natalie. We have machines here that can monitor you and the baby to make sure you are OK, plus you have a slight concussion as well. I wouldn't feel comfortable sending you home without a few days of observation first," he explained.

Just as he was getting ready to exit my room, I grabbed his arm to stop him, "Dr. Benson, please. I don't want the father to find out this way. I promise I will get checked out first thing Monday. I'll sign an AMA, please."

He could see how serious I was as he hesitated, ultimately walking closer, "OK, fine, but I want to do an ultrasound, first, before I discharge you. Do you want me to have your husband or boyfriend come back?"