The Forbidden Woods

9 A Surprise Blessing

 

Chapter Nine

A Surprise Blessing

 

Then, the following year, on a blistering cold December day, Amy went to the doctor to find out why she had been feeling sick all the time. They took some routine blood that she’d been over due for and checked her vitals. Three days later the doctor called her at work to tell her that she was pregnant. The news was so shocking she dropped the phone. This was the last piece of news that she was expecting.

People at the office asked if she was okay but for the rest of the day, Amy was in a daze. She didn’t even seem to hear her phone busily ringing off the hook. Sensing that something was off, a co-worker directed all the extra calls to her desk. She knew that Amy must have gotten some heavy news from the person she talked to on the phone.

When it was time for her to leave, another friend had to shake Amy back to reality. She told her it was time to leave and pick up her daughter. Amy was slow to move but eventually she made it out to her SUV in the parking lot. She drove more slowly than she was supposed to, but she was still in a bit of a daze. At Sarah’s school, she tried to act fine, but eventually Sarah knew something was up.

Herald, was getting out of his car when Amy pulled into the driveway. At first glance, he could tell that something wasn’t right. After Sarah had run into the house, he stepped in front of Amy to block her path.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing I care to discuss at this particular time, thank you.” She said, pushing Herald aside and making her way into the house.

“I know something’s wrong. You always tell me everything that bothers you. So why the icy exterior?”

“Nothing is wrong. I just had a hard day at work that’s all.” She insisted.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Just leave me alone.” She yelled from behind the bathroom door.

Giving up, Herald, went to go check on Sarah, and found her playing on the swings in the backyard. Watching as Sarah played, he wished he knew what was going on with his wife. Lately she had been moody, coarse, and completely uninterested in making love. Then it hit him. He suddenly knew what it was.

He made a simple dinner that night, and it was absolutely scrumptious. Usually it was one of Amy’s favorites, but she didn’t seem to like it, or else she wasn’t hungry.

“What’s the matter with dinner?” He asked coarsely.

“Nothing, I just can’t eat right now.”

“Roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans, has always been your favorite.” He continued.

“Well it’s not my favorite anymore!” Amy said as she got up from the table and went upstairs.

Later on that evening, after Sarah was in bed, he came up to check on her. Herald, found her hovering over the toilet getting sick. Immediately he ran to her side and tried to help.

“Get out!” she screamed.

“Amy, what’s wrong?”

“Can’t you see I’m sick?” She cried as she shoved him out, and slammed the door.

When she came out of the bathroom, Herald, was waiting for her on the edge of the bed. He didn’t say a single word. He simply observed as she put on a cotton floral pattern nightgown. Then she climbed into bed. Knowing, that Amy generally falls asleep fast, Herald, knew that this might be the only chance he had to confront her.