The Nelsons' Waves (BOOK 4 VOL. 2) || PRN

(I.V) Apollo and Artemis

May 21, 1997
Chicago, Illinois

Refresh isn't the word to describe the way I've felt since returning to my home country. Transformed could be the word, however. A tinge of sadness followed me onto that private jet ride across the Atlantic, but it didn't take away my skin's sun kissed tan nor my glow. Whether it be the child I am carrying or the immeasurable quantity of orgasms had over these past two weeks, I remain bright and glowing. This brightness manages to outweigh my fears as my days return to my regularly scheduled programming. It all starts with my visit to my gynecologist who has now become my obstetrician. This time, I am taking my husband. Back to life... Back to reality, Soul II Soul once said.

The office is empty when I enter as patient zero. My usual entering and exiting through the side door comes with further protective measures, like having an appointment an hour before the office's door officially open, as I now carry two new reasons to be more careful. One is the child I bare, the other is the wedding ring on my finger.

On my own, I'd have my appointments at whatever time I could. It was never a secret that I lived near here, visiting this tiny women's health office in a little pocket of the city's more affluent corner. However, the difference from a single Lyric going to the gynecologist six years ago in comparison to Lyric going to the gynecologist with a wedding ring on and The Artist Formerly Known As Prince lingering nearby creates an entirely new wave of city whispers that's spread much quicker than myself nor my husband want to deal with. So, as I have been since returning to his company, I make use of my privilege a little more than I am used to for the sake of privacy and the little bit of sanity that comes with it.

"Good morning, Nelly!"

Judy enters with a warm grin, the aroma of clean linen following her as she passes the medical assistant on her way out. She looks beautiful in her shortened pumps and office skirt. Her blouse is Dior though it is mostly hidden beneath her white coat. Judy enters first as Sara, her favorite technician, shimmies past Mike to enter right behind her. Sara kindly smiles at my husband and I, quickly falling into the motion of gathering her necessities for my exam as Judy squirts hand sanitizer into her palm.

"Good morning, Judy," I return sweetly. I'm sure how relaxed I am in comparison to the last time she saw me is comforting. Just last month, I was a hysterical bride-to-be who'd gotten the worst news I could've imagined storming out her office in a fit of tears.

Judy turns to Chip, extended her clean hand. "Good morning to you as well," she says with a hint of teasing, still smiling as she attempts to break the ice. "It's so nice to finally meet you." She's heard about the man we called Prince, and every variation of his name, but this happens to be their first time looking one another in the eye.

Chip, continuing to enjoy the high of his own peace of mind, softly smiles. "Hi," he briefly smiles, his aura remaining in the realm of nirvana. He looks like a calm happy, the kind of happiness you only get internally... The kind you hear about coming from the peace described by monks in Tibet.

Judy takes a step back, moving out of Sara's way, and asks me, "How was the honeymoon?"

"Eventful," I say.

Having known Judy long enough, my smug smile spills the Rated R label on my secrets and memories regardless of me keeping my mouth shut. The look spreads to her. Our minds sync up and within seconds are we cackling together like the girlfriends we've become outside of this office. I catch a glance of my husband, who seems to be lightly blushing as he rolls his eyes at me. Since when did he become so coy?

"That's great," giggles Judy. "Good thing you only have one uterus, am I right?" Her jokes gets a fully formed smile out of Sara, who has been doing her best to remain a fly on the wall up until this moment. "So, since we the mister here today, I'm just going to say everything I said last time before the new stuff to catch him all up," Judy explains as she settles next to me, looking between my husband and I.