Chapter 3

At the hospital, Caroline spoke with the doctor, asking for a thorough examination of her friend because Deborah wasn't feeling well and had been vomiting.

The doctor, noticing how pale the young brunette looked, immediately ordered a complete exam to identify the potential causes.

[Carrie, I’m scared.] Deborah was terrified that something might be seriously wrong with her body and her anxiety grew with each test they conducted.

“Calm down, no matter what, I’m here for you, okay?” Caroline reassured her, holding Deborah’s hands to try to ease her worries.

Deborah nodded. After a few minutes, a nurse arrived with the test results.

“Thanks, darling,” the doctor said flirtatiously as he winked at the nurse who smiled and slowly left the room. The friends chuckled at the interaction they just witnessed.

The doctor began reading the results and his expression turned more serious as he flipped through the pages.

“So, what’s wrong with my friend?” Caroline asked, unnerved by the doctor’s continued silence.

“Relax, Caroline. Your friend is healthy,” the doctor clarified.

“Healthy? Then why has she been vomiting and looking unwell—?”

“Because she’s two months pregnant. Congratulations,” the doctor interrupted, surprising both women.

“Two months…” Caroline turned to Deborah, who was in shock.

“You seem a bit surprised,” the doctor remarked at Deborah’s lack of reaction.

[Very…] Deborah was struggling to digest what she just heard.

“She says ‘Very’, but are you sure?” Caroline pressed.

“Yes, we did a thorough examination and now that we have these results, the symptoms make sense. The dizziness and vomiting are early signs of pregnancy,” the doctor explained to the incredulous friends. “I see you still have doubts. Here,” he said, pulling out a card and tearing out a page from his notepad. “This is the name of a good gynecologist for your follow-up and care. If you choose otherwise, this is the address of a clinic for an abortion.”

[What... no, no, no.] Deborah signed frantically.

“I don’t think she liked the idea of an abortion,” Caroline said, trying to calm Deborah down.

“Sorry for suggesting it,” the doctor apologized after seeing how horrified Deborah looked. “It’s just that you didn’t look too happy upon hearing the news so I thought I should at least mention it.”

“Thank you, Doctor. But she’s not happy because she just fought with her partner,” Caroline explained, trying to change the subject.

“I understand. But remember, communication is key, and I’m sure your husband will be thrilled about becoming a father.”

Deborah made a face and nodded, not wanting to explain everything to a stranger.

“Doctor, is there something my friend can take to relieve her symptoms?” Caroline asked.

“Of course,” he said, quickly writing a prescription. “These vitamins will help with the lethargy. Avoid anything that makes you feel worse and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Understood?”

Deborah nodded, taking the prescription.

[Thank you.]

“She says ‘Thank you very much’, Doctor.”

“You’re welcome. Take care,” the doctor said as they left.

Walking out, Caroline noticed her friend was lost in thought.

Pregnancy…it was wonderful news. It had once been a dream of Deborah, a longing… but why now when she was determined to get a divorce?

Doubts started entering her mind: should she still proceed with the divorce? Or could the doctor’s words be true and everything would change with the baby?

“Deborah,” Caroline’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She stopped and looked into Caroline’s eyes, seeing worry reflecting back at her.

“This pregnancy is from that time, right?” Caroline asked, distressed, recalling the day she had found Deborah bruised after a visit.

[I think so…] Deborah signed sadly.

“Deborah, what are you going to do? I know you, and abortion isn’t an option, but tell me, will you follow the doctor’s advice or continue with the divorce?”

[It’s his baby…]

“So what? You don’t know how he’ll react.”

[But it’s his baby… surely everything will change for the better.]

“My dear…”

[Carrie, I know you’re angry, but I still think I need to tell him about my condition.]

“Deborah, promise me, swear on your mother’s memory, that you’ll only ask what he thinks about having a child. Don’t tell him you’re pregnant. I don’t want him to turn and hit you until you miscarry.” Caroline said, looking into Deborah’s eyes while holding her hands.

Caroline’s words scared Deborah because the latter knew it was not a farfetched reaction to expect from Roger, so she agreed and promised to keep her word.

Deborah started to remember that day, the day she must have conceived. Sadly, the way it happened wasn’t out of love or affection. It was rough sex accompanied by blows and insults because Roger had used her as a punching bag to vent his frustrations from a fight with Sophia. The fight, like always, was because of Deborah. Sophia wanted to be the wife, not the mistress, and those hits were him blaming Deborah for ruining his life.

That event marked the final line of her tolerance of the marriage. She had never done anything to deserve such treatment and couldn’t understand why he hated her so much.

Deborah shook off the bad memories and continued walking with Caroline to the pharmacy to get the prescription.

After buying the pills, she took some and put the rest in her bag.

“Now that we have the vitamins, how about a trip?” Caroline suggested.

[But…]

“Yesterday was your birthday, and you stayed home waiting for that jerk. Today, we’re going out and eating cake,” Caroline said, grabbing Deborah’s hand to lead her toward the mall.

After some thought, Deborah agreed. It was time to enjoy life and celebrate her birthday outside the house.