The REASON Series - the Complete Collection by Zoey Derrick Read Free Book Online Page B

strangest, most bizarre thing I've ever seen," Dr. Alston says, looking at me. "Well then, shall we?" She pulls on a pair of examination gloves.  
    I nod, but my heart rate increases again. I want her to turn it off so my emotions aren’t so obvious, but at the same time I find strange comfort in being able to hear the reaction my heart has to him. I suddenly wish Mikah was attached to it, too. I’m curious whether I have the same effect on him.  
    "I'm going to keep you covered, but I need to lift your gown." I nod as Mikah lays the bed back down. "That's good," Dr. Alston says, and the bed comes to a stop.
    I can still see everything she is doing. She pulls the blanket down and then gently slides it under my gown to cover my pubic area. Once the blanket is in place, she lifts the gown, bringing it to rest just under my breasts. Next to me, Mikah gasps.  
    "When was your last period, Vivienne?" the doctor asks, completely calm.  
    "Um, I don't know. Late June or early July. I discovered in August I was pregnant. The morning before I was here last."
    Mikah's hand tightens against mine and his body goes rigid. He is no doubt contemplating the significance of that last statement.  
    "Okay, and if I remember correctly, you were four or five weeks along then. So that will put you between eleven and thirteen weeks." Her hands on my belly are cold; my stomach flinches at her touch. "Sorry," she says quickly.
    I look down my body at my stomach. There are three very visible, well-defined points: Each of my hipbones are sharp against my skin, and the ominous bump from yesterday looks bigger from this angle. No wonder that skirt felt tight this morning. I hadn’t worn it since my interview at the diner almost two months ago.
    She pokes and pushes, doing what doctors do, and I flinch when some of the pressure points cause me pain.  
    "You're very skinny. Have you always been this way?"  
    I hesitate to answer her. The answer is no, I haven't. In fact, I used to be about a size ten or twelve, but I'm not sure I really want to highlight the fact that I've lost a lot of weight in the last six or seven months. The direct result of being told by Riley that I was fat — just one of the ways he had of bringing me down — and then of not being able to afford to buy food. After I left the hospital, it became increasingly difficult to take care of myself.  
    I shake my head. “No, not always.” I have no doubt that Dr. Alston is pissed off at me for not taking better care of myself. Believe me, if I could afford more food, I'd eat it. It's not like I'm not trying.  
    She gently pulls the gown back down. "Aside from your weight — which is a big issue — everything looks okay. I'll have the nurse come in and get your IV and blood work going. I'll put in for an ultrasound, and I will be back in a little while." She pulls off the gloves and starts washing her hands in the sink. "Can I get you anything?" she asks, reaching for the paper towels.
    "Another blanket would be good." I'm freezing again.
    "I'll send one in. There is a button on the side of your bed if you need anything else."  
    "What about some food?" Mikah asks her.  
    Dr. Alston nods. "Keep it light, though. Soup or pudding would be good."
    "Thanks, doctor." He looks at me. "Are you hungry?"  
    I start to shake my head and he scowls at me. It's actually pretty cute.
    "Fine, yes, I'll eat." I smile at him and his eyes light up. His answering smile is blinding. "Why does that make you so happy?" I ask.
    "Because you deserve far better than you're giving yourself, and I'm happy to give it. Whenever and however I can." I feel his hand tighten around mine. "Thank you."
    He’s thanking me ? "What for?"
    "For coming in, talking to the doctor. Being so calm about this and..." He pauses, looking deep into my eyes.  
    Something happens between us in this moment, a shift of some sort that I don’t understand, and the heart monitor broadcasts my fluttering heartbeat. Geez,