Conception

"Alright let's get you cleaned all up and head back to the office. We have a lot of things to go over. There are a few tests that I hope you would be interested in taking to give us an idea of how this pregnancy is going to pan out. Primarily, a genetic test. I"ma let you get all cleaned up. Meet me in my office"

My heart dropped. A genetic test? Why do I need a genetic test? Do she not believe that this is her son's child? I felt extremely insulted but I didn't want to express that. But a part of me wanted to smack this lady that I loved so much.

I forced a smile and waited for her to exit the room. I got cleaned up and I sat there for a second...

I am not taking a genetic test and I need to tell James that she has suggested something like that....

I sat for a moment, contemplating on what I was going to do next. Do I go to the office or do I make up an excuse and tell her that I have to leave? I feel like juvenile being sent to the Principal's office.My anxiety was increasing and my palms were beginning to sweat....

I picked up my purse and decided to be a big girl. I know that I am freaking out for nothing.

I went back to Mrs. Dawson's office. She was already in the process of starting me up a file. I kept rubbing my hands together, trying to get rid of the sweaty palms.

"Alright as I was saying in the ultrasound room, there are a series of tests that you can partake in to help determine how this pregnancy will go. None of them will harm you or the baby. They are all designed so that mothers can be fully informed to make whatever decisions that may come along the way. As far as the genetic test,"

"Why do I need a genetic test?" I interrupted, "do you not believe that this is James child? I am honestly somewhat offended." I snapped.

Mrs. Dawson's eyes widened. She has never even heard me remotely raise my voice.

"I don't know what you are talking about, sweetie. What I was trying to say--"

"yes you are. You and I both know that your son is on the road a lot and that we have been trying to have a baby for years and the moment I tell you that I am pregnant, you immediately want to suggest that I take a genetic test. Well fine. I will do you one better. I AM PREGNANT BUT IT MAY NOT BE JAMES BABY. There. You happy?"

Mrs. Dawson fell back into her seat and placed her hand over her chest. She was at a lost for words. As much as she has been blabbering, I just KNEW that she had something to say.

I sat there with my nose flared and I  was breathing hard, waiting to hear her speak. Maybe it is the pregnancy hormones that have me raging but I just couldn't hold it in anymore. Yes, I cheated on James. It was just once out of the whole time that we have been married. I have just been so lonely and depressed about the fact that I couldn't conceive. A day or so later James came home so of course we had sex but the dates are so close that I don't know who the father is.

"Um, Melinda, allow me to explain something to you. First, don't you ever speak to me like that. The way I feel right now, I could care less if you even spoke to me again. But secondly, obviously you don't know what genetic testing is. Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. For example, finding out if the child may have some sort of abnormality can come from the parents, sickle cell anemia, etc. It isn't a paternity test."

Oh how I wish that I could remove myself from this place. How could I be so stupid? I should have just went home like I originally planned. I didn't know that's what a genetic test was! I thought she was accusing me of cheating so I pretty much snitched on myself.

I hung my head down in my hands and began to cry. I grabbed some tissue out of my purse along with my keys, got up, and headed for the door.

"Does my son know this?" Mrs. Dawson asked right before I left her office.

"Not yet," I replied in between sniffs.

"Well I hope that you are going to do the right thing and tell him," she retorted.

I nodded my head and walked out of the door...