After dropping Sally at home last night, I sent Ethan a text. He didn’t reply, but I didn’t expect him to. He and Sarah probably spent many hours talking. I must admit, I’m intrigued to find out what he’ll do next. I don’t take him as the type to stick with someone who strays, but who knows. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life it’s that people surprise you all the time. I suppose life would be dull if they didn’t.

After I had sent it, I went upstairs to get ready for bed, seeing the nice shiner Kyle left me. He called last night and again today, but I ignored both. I really don’t know how many times I need to tell him it’s over before it sinks in. I was dreading him getting the divorce papers, but I can’t wait now.

Knowing I took a rather drunk Sally home last night, I was shocked she came over this morning to take me to the doctor looking bright-eyed. When I asked her how on earth she did it, she shrugged. “I have a very strong constitution.”

“Mrs. Armstrong?” Looking up, I find a young lady in a white coat standing in the doorway, smiling.

Nodding, I get up. Sally squeezes my hand. “I’ll wait here. You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks,” I reply as I walk toward the door.

Once in, my eyes immediately look at the scanning machine to the left.

“Please,” the doctor says, motioning to a chair.

Gripping my bag, I sit down and wait until she does the same opposite me. “Judging from the notes in your file, I gather that you took a bit of a tumble.” She looks up, squinting as she inspects my eye. “That looks sore.”

“It feels sore. Luckily, that’s the only thing that does.”

“You’d be amazed at the fantastic protective cocoons mothers make for their babies. A fall so early in the pregnancy shouldn’t be traumatic…unless you had a blow to your abdomen. But you’re a first-time Mum and just want to make sure everything is okay in there. That’s where I come in.” She smiles, looking down at her notes. “You’re only five weeks, you say?”

I nod. “Yes, around that. I only just found out last week.”

Motioning her hand to the machine, she says, “Okay. Take everything off from the waist down. Unfortunately, because you’re so early on, I have no other choice but to do a transvaginal ultrasound.”

Biting my lip, I get up and place my bag on the seat before walking over to the bed. The doctor pulls the curtain to give me some privacy. “Just hop on up when you’re ready.”

As quickly as I can, I take my jeans and knickers off before climbing onto the bed. “I’m ready,” I say, trying and hide my modesty as best as I can.

The doctor pulls the curtain back again, then takes a seat at the end of the bed. She picks up a wand, places a condom on it, and squeezes some jelly on the end.

My eyes widen. “That thing is going inside me?” I virtually squeal.

She smiles. “It won’t be painful. Maybe just a little uncomfortable.” I swallow nervously. “Scoot right to the end and lie back. That’s it,” she says as I shimmy down toward her. She looks up at me. “As I said, you’ll feel a little discomfort, but no pain.”

“Okay,” I answer, getting myself ready. I hate smear tests, so this should be no different. As she slides it in, I flinch a little, but once I see what’s on the screen, every other thought vanishes. “Is that...?” I lose my words.

She looks at me, smiling. “Yep. Do you see that tiny little blob there?” She circles an area that looks like a sesame seed.

I squint. “I think so.”

“Well, that’s your baby.”

I bite my lip, trying to suppress my smile. “Oh wow. That’s amazing. I know it doesn’t look like anything, but it just seems so surreal to me. I have an actual person growing inside me. I...I just can’t seem to form words.”

Laughing, the doctor removes the wand, takes the condom off, then her gloves before leaning on the bed. “Well, I can definitely confirm you are pregnant. We’ll need to book you in for a scan at twelve weeks. But, please, any discomfort or bleeding, come see me straight away. We’ll also need to set you up with a midwife, but we have plenty of time for that. Once dressed, let the receptionist know that you need to make an appointment for six weeks. I’ll contact the midwife department and get them to set up your first appointment. You should receive a letter in the mail within the next couple weeks.” She gets up, moving to the curtain. “I’ll let you get dressed.”

“Thank you.” I say, still beaming.

I quickly get dressed before picking up my bag and sitting in the chair next to her as she taps away on her laptop. When she notices I’m looking, she meets my eyes. “You’ll need to start taking folic acid. That’s very important.”

Nodding, I swallow, trying to take it all in. “Okay.”

She laughs. “Don’t look so scared. Here,” she says, grabbing a piece of paper and jotting some websites down. “Have a look at these. There’s plenty of information. Get yourself some books and magazines. Read up on it as much as you can. By the time you come back for your next scan, you’ll know more than I do.”

I take the piece of paper from her. “Thanks. I guess I’m just a little overwhelmed. I’ve had so much other stuff to deal with, knowing I’m pregnant hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

She went on to tell me about diets and what to avoid, plus what exercises I can do to help strengthen my pelvic muscles. By the time I walk out of there, my head’s spinning.

“Are you okay?” Sally asks, looking concerned. “You look as white as a sheet.”

Swallowing, I turn to her. “I...I’m just...overwhelmed. And I’m pregnant. Definitely pregnant.” I finally manage a smile and grab her hand.

She squeezes lightly, looking a little uncertain. “Can I say congratulations?”

For the first time since finding out I’m pregnant, I forget I’m getting a divorce. I forget about Kyle and Sarah. I’m going to have a baby. I’ve been dreaming of this day since I was six and got my first baby doll named Beth. I dressed her every day, patted her back, and sang songs to help her sleep.

Looking at Sally, I smile as the euphoria runs through my veins. “Yes,” I say, emphatically. “Yes, you can say congratulations.”

She hugs me. “You’re going to be a great mum.” She squeezes me before stepping back. “And no matter what happens with Ethan, I’ll be there for you. I promise you that.”

Feeling the tears well, I nod. “Thank you.”

She pats my arm. “Don’t mention it. How about we go get some lunch to celebrate?”

“Sure. I just need to book my next appointment first.” Walking up to the reception desk, I speak with the lady. She schedules me in for just over six weeks. It’s a date I certainly will not forget.

As Sally and I come out of the lift and walk toward the exit, we spot Ethan coming our way. “Shit,” I utter.

“Should we hide?” Sally asks just as he turns his head and spots us.

“Too late.”

“Hi,” Ethan says with a bright smile as he walks up. I can see the sadness in his eyes. It also looks like he hasn’t slept. He winces as he looks at my eye. “How is it?” he asks, gently placing his hand on it. It’s soft and warm, which feels nice. He pulls away, awkwardly smiling like he’s done something wrong. “It still looks very sore.” He grits his teeth.

“I’m fine. It feels a lot better than last night. Speaking of which, how are you doing?” I feel bad for him. Last night must have come as a huge shock.

“I’m hanging in there. Once I got back, I confronted Sarah. It didn’t go well, so I stayed in a hotel last night.”

“Oh no,” I say, then blurt out, “You’re always welcome to stay at my place if you need to.”

He smiles. “Thanks. That’s very kind of you. I won’t need to take you up on your offer, but we will practically be neighbours.” I frown, making him smile. “A friend of mine has a studio flat on Baker’s Street. Conveniently, his previous tenant left a couple days ago, so I’m going to pick up the keys this afternoon and move in.”

Baker’s Street is only around the corner from me. “That’s great. At least you will have somewhere to stay and think things through.”

He scratches his head. “Yeah, there is always that. Anyway, what are you doing here on a Sunday? Is everything okay?”

I start stuttering, but Sally quickly comes to the rescue. “I fainted, so Alice brought me in. They’ve taken my blood, but my blood pressure was a bit low, so they think it may be that.” I look at Sally, impressed.

“I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been scary for you. I know we doctors say to avoid this, but increase your salt intake. Also, drink plenty of water. That should help.”

Sally nods. “I will. Thank you.”

Ethan looks at me before inhaling. “Well, I best be off. I’m just dropping off these medical records for a patient who’s being transferred from St. Jude’s. He’s one of my regulars.”

“Okay,” I reply, wanting to get away. “I won’t keep you then. As I said last night, if you ever need anything…”

He smiles, starting to walk away. “Thank you. Same to you. I’m going to be at number twenty-one, if you ever need anything. Maybe a cup of sugar,” he jokes.

Sally and I chuckle. “Okay, thanks. Have a good day.”

“You, too,” he responds, walking toward the lift.

Turning to Sally, I take a deep breath. “Phew, that was close. How did you think of something so fast?”

She shrugs. “I guess I’m at my best under pressure.” She places her arm through mine. “Come on, Mum. Let’s go feed your baby.”

Smiling widely, I nod. “Let’s.”