Chapter 15: Surprise
Shadé
After I had left Vincent, Frank, and Troy alone in the waiting room, I was given a hospital gown to change into. I've never been in a hospital gown before. It was actually very uncomfortable since I hadn't been able to wear anything beneath it; I was just completely naked under a thin hospital gown.
Afterward, the nurse, who informed me that her name was Jenny, instructed for me to urinate into a cup. At first, I was a bit skeptical.
"Why," I asked curiously.
"We'll need it to determine whether you have any infections or if you have diabetes," she explained politely.
I nodded, understandingly and went about my business. When I was done, I had given her the full cup of warm, clear-lightly yellow, liquid. I felt odd giving another woman a cup of my urine.
As I sat and waited in an empty hospital room, I thought about what Vincent wanted to talk to Frank about. I know, in a way, it probably concerned me, but at the same time, I was scared of the outcome. The last time they had spoken in private, Vincent almost choked Frank to death and that scared me. I never knew Vincent could be so violent when he was always so gentle with me, at least when we used to be together.
The sound of the door opening brought me out of my thoughts. I watched as a tall middle-aged man with dark hair and brown eyes came into the room. He smiled invitingly at me and I returned it.
"Hello, Ms. Hakim, I'm Doctor Hans. From this point on, I'll be your gynecologist throughout your pregnancy," he greeted, outstretching his hand to me. I took it and returned the handshake.
"Now, let us discuss your urinary tests," he began, turning around and heading to a countertop nearby. "According to these test results, you're as healthy as can be; no diabetes, infections, or cancer," he said from his stance in front of the counter.
I was happy, knowing that I was healthy. I could possibly have this baby without any birth defects. "Thank you, Doctor Hans," I said graciously.
"Now, to determine how far along you are, we can either find out from the date of your last period or you can have a trans-vaginal ultrasound," he asked, turning around to face me.
I didn't know what a trans-vaginal ultrasound was, but since it had ultrasound in it, that means that I could possibly see my baby. "With this trans-vaginal ultrasound, am I going to be able to see my baby," I asked confusedly. I did want to see my baby, what future mother wouldn't?
He nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, but I'll have to tell you the procedures first to ensure that you really want to do this," his smile faded slightly as he spoke. "Not many women want a transvaginal ultrasound."
I shrugged. "It's fine. I'd like to hear the procedures. Either way I'd still want one."
"Okay. For this specific ultrasound, I'll need you to lay on this examining table. This ultrasound will be different; I'm going to be using an ultrasound transducer rod and insert it into your vagina," he paused and waited for my consent.
I felt my face form into a twisted mess. My eyes widened and my brows furrowed. He's going to stick a rod in my vagina?! I see why women do not usually get it. It sounds uncomfortable.
"U-um, can I um, bring the baby's father in too," I asked timidly. I refuse to be in a room alone with a doctor who's going to stick something up my vagina.
He nodded. "Of course. Oh, and please, on your way, do not drink any water. This ultrasound needs for your bladder to be empty," he warned before I hopped off the examining table.
I nodded and made my way to the pediatric waiting room. Oddly enough, I saw Frank and Vincent just now coming from down the hall. I ignored the confused stares of other pregnant women and focused my eyes on their faces. They didn't look angry or upset, neither one, which was a good thing.
"Frank, come here please," I said softly. I was addressing Frank, only Frank, right? Then why was Vincent coming too?
"What's wrong," Vincent asked me, but I ignored his question. I'm still not willing to speak to him.
Instead, I turned to Frank and grabbed him by his arm, tugging him along with me back to the room where Doctor Hans was waiting.
"Oh, hello, sir, I'm Doctor Hans" Hans greeted, and then, noticing Vincent standing behind us, he stiffened and bowed respectfully, "Good morning, Your Highness."
"Good morning to you as well, sir. I'm only here to see them as experience; my fiancée and I would be having a baby of our own in due time," I heard Vincent say proudly beside us.
"Congratulations, You're Highness. I truly recommend coming here for the birth of the royal heir," Hans recommended.
I frowned, feeling a bit jealous. I'm the one carrying the 'royal heir'. If only Doctor Hans knew.
"Well, let us get started, Ms. Hakim, please lay on your back here," Hans gestured to the padded examining table.
I pulled away from Frank and laid on my back. I turned to look at both Frank and Vincent who were sitting in two arm chairs off to the side. Both Frank and Vincent wore looks of confusion.
"Now, Miss, I'm going to have to prop your legs up to get a better view," Hans said cautiously. He glanced in Frank and Vincent's direction and gulped.
I turned my head back toward them and saw the anger and jealousy written all over Vincent's countenance. I, myself, swallowed the lump in my throat, afraid that Vincent may lash out on the Doctor.
"Okay," I replied. Seeing my baby is more important than Vincent's temper. If he's so damn angry then he can take his angry ass outside.
"Now wait a minute, Doctor," I heard Vincent interrupt. "What are you doing?"
"I'm performing a transvaginal ultrasound," Doctor Hans replied, his face was a mask of fear.
"Excuse me!? A trans-what," Vincent asked disbelievingly as he raised his voice.
I sat up and frowned between Vincent and Doctor Hans. "Sir, no! This is my baby and my body! If I want him to look between my legs, then that's completely up to me," I yelled, catching Vincent's attention. What a bastard! He can't decide what happens to my body or not! I know he's the crowned prince, but still.
Vincent snapped his head in my direction and glared deathly at me. For a second, I shrunk back, afraid that he'd argue with me, but then I remembered, we're in a hospital.
"Frank! You're just going to let this happen with no input," Vincent, now turned in Frank's direction, roared.
I grabbed Vincent's arm, assuring that my grip was tight on his muscled arm, and glowered at him. "Your Highness," I remembered to address him with his respectful title. "This is our child, Frank and I, as well as my body. What I do with my body is up to me. If it bothers you so, I would respect it if you would step out, please," I said softly, refraining from punching him in his nose; he was getting me upset with his complaining.
Vincent's facial expression was a mixture of anger, hurt, and affection. I have no idea why he would look at me affectionately, but at this moment, I didn't care to know.
He gently tugged his arm back as I released my grip. He made his way to the door, but not before leaning down to whisper something to Frank. "I'll take my leave; I'll be waiting for you two outside," Vincent said coldly as he closed the room door behind him.
Frank nodded and glued his eyes to Doctor Hans. I turned back to Doctor Hans. His expression was in pure shock and he was completely red-faced.
"W-well, shall we c-continue," Hans stammered as he put on a pair of teal latex gloves. Frank and I nodded.
I laid back down on my backside and positioned my legs on the metal, cushioned holders. A cold rush of air went up my hospital gown, kissing my bare thighs.
Doctor Hans approached me with a white, long rod. "Miss Hakim, this may feel a bit uncomfortable, but I'm going to need for you to relax; inhale and exhale, slowly.
I did as I was instructed and breathed in and out. My breathing meditation went on for about five seconds before I felt something hard and cold enter my vagina. On instinct, I arched my back and moaned lightly.
"Relax, Miss Hakim. Just relax," I heard Hans say calmly.
"Is this supposed to happen," Frank asked worriedly.
"Of course, this response is common among women who want this type of ultrasound," Hans answered nonchalantly.
I was relaxed now, but my vaginal walls were repeatedly gripping the rod that was inside of me. I watched Doctor Hans typing away at a computer beside us. The screen was in black and white and I couldn't really make out anything on it.
"This is inside your vagina," Doctor Hans said bluntly. "Right here is an ovary," he continued, pointing at a grey, circular object. "Over here is an embryo...and...Another embryo?"
I jerked my head up to get a better look at the computer screen and gasped. There, on the screen, were two grayish, small embryos surrounded by two black round oval shapes.
"Congratulations, Miss Hakim. You're having twins," Doctor Hans said with a warm smile.
"What," I heard Frank question at the same moment as myself. I couldn't believe that there were two little people inside of my body.
"Shadé, y-you're having t-t-twins," Frank said, stating the obvious. His voice sounded a bit louder, as if he was standing closer.
I turned my head away from the computer screen and confirmed my inquiry of Frank's position. He was standing right beside the bed, watching the screen in shock.
"Based on the sizes, you're eleven weeks along in your pregnancy," he informed.
"Eleven weeks," Frank and I repeated.
I was eleven weeks pregnant with my first babies. My babies. Seeing that ultrasound, albeit blurry, seemed so unreal to me. I was only nineteen and already having my first two children. My little munchkins were ten weeks old in my womb.
"Would you like a photograph of the ultrasound," Doctor Hans asked.
"Y-yes, of course," I nodded.
I couldn't believe I was having twins. It could be a possibility that I was having two boys, or two girls, or even one boy and one girl. Whatever the genders of the babies were, I still had to think about whether they will look like Vincent or not. Speaking of Vincent, I wasn't entirely sure if I should even tell him that I was having more than one baby.
After I had gotten the printed copy of my ultrasound, Doctor Hans reminded me that I was to have another appointment in a month.
As Frank and I headed out of the pediatric ward, I finally spoke.
"Please don't tell Vincent," I said softly, praying that he wouldn't object.
I heard Frank's heavy footsteps stop in their tracks. I would've kept walking, but he grabbed me by my shoulders.
"What!? Are you telling me that you're trying to keep this a secret!? Shadé, If you haven't noticed, those are Vincent's babies as well," Frank whisper-yelled.
I felt my eyes slightly water as I spoke. "But, I don't want him to feel like he's being overwhelmed. He's going to be a King soon. He doesn't need to worry about my children and I don't need him to concern himself with them," I retorted angrily, but still kept my voice low.
"Folashadé, listen to yourself," Frank shook me by my shoulders. "He loves you, I know he does. But, you're pushing him away," Frank said, slowly stopping his shaking of my shoulders.
I yanked his arms away from me and frowned, wiping my watery eyes. I don't need this today. I don't need Vincent at all.
"After what he did to me last month, I don't need him," I said, more to myself.
"Why are you keep telling yourself this," he asked exasperatedly as he tugged at the strands of his blonde hair.
I repeatedly shook my head as if it would keep all the hurt and stress that Vincent caused me at bay.
"Frank, I don't want a relationship with him! You know that can't happen," I nearly pleaded. I wanted to cry, thinking of the emotional stress that I've had to deal with. I'm sure that there would be more stress to come if I continued to make my life relative to his.
Frank sighed in defeat and dropped his hands from my shoulders. "Is that how you feel, Shadé," he asked in defeat.
I slowly nodded in response and placed my hands delicately on my growing belly. I was having twins; twins whose father was going to be a king, but did that mean that I needed him? Not even. I'm sure I can raise my own two children on my own. I can focus on my babies and Vincent can focus on ruling his kingdom.
Frank and I walked out of the hospital and spotted the familiar Rolls Royce, parked nearby with Troy standing outside patiently. I knew that Vincent was inside of the vehicle, but I couldn't see him. The windows were darkly tinted.
"Frank, can I sit in the front, please," I pleaded, my please resembling that of a begging child.
Frank furrowed his eyebrows, but nodded as he made way for the left backseat door.
The moment we had gotten into the car, I could feel the tension rise between Vincent and me. I refused to make eye contact with him, I was so angry.
"Well, what happened," Vincent asked curiously.
Neither Frank nor I answered his question.