CHAPTER 4
SHANE
-Thank you. -She got up, hanging her purse over her shoulder. She quickly sent a message to Liliana.
Shane:
[I have to leave you now. We’ll talk later.] She sends the message and puts her cell phone away.
Shane walked toward the office with a mix of excitement and latent frustration over Liam’s absence. She couldn’t help but look down the hallway leading to the elevator, hoping to see Liam arrive. But not seeing him, she let out a sigh of resignation and headed toward the consultation room, feeling that each step brought her closer to a new chapter in her life.
-Hello, Shane -greeted the doctor with a warm smile as she entered-. Ready to begin?
-Hello, Dr. Daniela. Yes. -Shane replied, taking a seat. Daniela was a woman in her early thirties, with black hair and brown eyes.
-What brings you here today? The last time you wanted to start a contraceptive care method. -Shane blushed.
-This time I’m here for this. -Shane, with her purse resting on her lap, opened it and took out the four pregnancy tests that were inside a clear plastic bag. Even though she already knew she was pregnant because Liam had confirmed it, she wanted to show that she had taken a pregnancy test and not just say that her wolf boyfriend told her she was pregnant. How crazy would that have been? They could send her straight to the asylum if she said something like that.
The doctor approached the tests and examined them before smiling.
-Well. This does indeed show that you are. Have you had any symptoms?
-Yes, a lot of vomiting in the mornings or nausea. And the cravings are new, also some sleepiness, which is not usually normal for me. And to top it off, my period has ceased to exist. -Daniela laughed, and Shane couldn’t help but think that only she found that funny.
The doctor began to ask her a series of questions to determine how many months she was pregnant. According to her calculations, it was approximately 8 to 9 weeks. However, she wanted to be sure by doing an ultrasound.
9 weeks? Has it really been that long since I met Liam? Shane was shocked; it felt like just yesterday that she met him.
-We’re going to do a pelvic ultrasound. If you are really pregnant and have the weeks I think you have, you won’t need to drink a lot of water for it to show. Get on that examination table and lie down; lift your shirt as much as you can and pull down your jeans a little.
Shane left her purse on the chair and did as the doctor instructed. The doctor positioned herself beside the table and in front of a machine, put on some latex gloves, and grabbed a white bottle. As the cold gel was applied to her abdomen, Shane felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. When the screen lit up, the doctor focused on what she was seeing while moving the small device. Suddenly, the atmosphere filled with indescribable tension.
-Well, Shane, you are indeed pregnant. -Shane smiled; she already knew that, but having it confirmed was another matter-. From what I can see, I would say that next week you will be 9 weeks along.
The doctor continued examining, a furrow appearing on her face, and Shane’s heart began to race.
-Is something wrong? -Daniela looked at her and then at the screen before smiling.
-Shane, I have something to tell you… -the doctor began, and at that moment, Shane felt her heart stop.
-What? What’s happening? -she asked, her voice trembling.
-Congratulations. You are going to have triplets.
The shock hit her like a lightning bolt. A wave of emotions flooded her: fear, joy, anger, sadness. Fear because Liam wasn’t there with her to receive this news, to share such a monumental moment. Joy for the lives she carried inside her, for the surprise of three little beings that were about to arrive. Anger at Liam’s absence, for not being able to share that happiness together. And sadness, a deep sadness, for not being able to see his face when he heard the news that would change their lives forever. Because she wasn’t going to do the same as telling him later that they would receive the news together.
Tears began to well up in her eyes, mixing with a look of astonishment. The doctor looked at her with understanding, knowing that this moment was more than just a medical report; it was a moment that would define Shane’s future, a future that was now going to be much bigger than she had imagined.
-I’m s-sorry. -Shane wiped her tears with her hands, and the doctor handed her several paper towels so she could dry herself better.
-Don’t worry. Take your time while I finish examining you.
-Can we know the gender of the babies?
-not yet. Possibly between 9 to 13 weeks we might see something. But with greater certainty from week 17 to 22.
-Doc, excuse my ignorance, but how many months would that be?
-Don’t worry, you’re a first-time mother, and it’s normal not to know. It would be approximately four and a half to five months. So for now, it’s best to focus on basic care and your health, and in a few weeks, we can start thinking about the babies’ genders.
Shane nodded, still trying to process the news. The doctor finished examining her and wiped the gel from her belly with a soft cloth.
-All set, you can get off the table now -Daniela said with a smile as she handed Shane a couple of paper towels to clean herself better.
Shane got off carefully, still feeling the mix of emotions overwhelming her. She adjusted her blouse and fixed her hair while the doctor put away the equipment.
-Now let’s go to my desk -Daniela said, guiding her to the consultation area-. I need to give you some orders for blood tests and also a prescription for the prenatal vitamins you should start taking.
When they reached the desk, the doctor sat down and began writing on a sheet of paper.
-It’s important that you start taking folic acid and other vitamins that are essential at this time. You will also have a blood test to check that everything is fine.
-And the due date?
-C-sections are more advisable, so for your next check-up, we will establish the date for the C-section.
-Okay. I feel like all of this is… overwhelming. -Shane replied-. I knew there was a baby in the oven, but I didn’t expect, nor did I think, that there would be three.
-It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Having triplets is a big challenge, but it can also be a wonderful experience. Over time, you will learn to handle it all. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to you…
-Oh, no, doctor. I apologize if I gave the wrong impression. -Shane smiled awkwardly-: the father of the babies is part of the equation. He couldn’t attend today because of work. But he will definitely be at the next prenatal appointments.
-I’m sorry for assuming otherwise. In that case, it’s great that the father is involved.
Shane nodded, grateful for the doctor’s understanding. Daniela handed her the printed orders.
-Here you go. Take this to the lab for your tests, and don’t forget to buy the vitamins.
-Thank you, Dr. Daniela. I really appreciate all your help -Shane said, feeling a little calmer.
-You’re welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call me. And remember, sometimes men can be a little less emotional, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there for you.
Shane smiled, although Liam’s absence still weighed on her mind. She knew he would be excited about the news, but the idea of not sharing this moment with him made her feel even more alone.
-I will -Shane replied, feeling that determination was beginning to overcome the anxiety that had invaded her.
-Perfect. Now take care, and I hope to see you soon to continue monitoring your pregnancy.
Shane said goodbye to the doctor and left the consultation room, orders in hand and a mountain of thoughts in her head. As she walked toward the exit, she couldn’t help but think about how she was going to share this incredible but terrifying news with Liam. She was about to enter a new stage of her life, and although she felt nervous, there was also a spark of excitement beginning to grow inside her.
When she left the clinic, she paused for a moment on the sidewalk, looking at the clear sky. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to face it, to be the mother her children needed, and to find a way to do it alongside Liam, even if that meant facing the challenge of absence for now.
With her heart pounding, she took out her cell phone and decided to send a message to Liam before heading to the lab.
Shane:
[Liam, I need to talk to you. I have something important to tell you.]
With a sigh, she pressed “send” and headed toward the lab.