Reed sits on a rolling stool, opening my file. "I see from your forms that you think you might be pregnant?"
I hesitate for a second. He's friends with Kasen. He wouldn't say anything, would he? No, there's that whole doctor patient confidentiality thing, right?
And besides, how would he know Kasen's my maybe-baby daddy?
Unless Kasen said something?
Reed's watching me and I realize that it's taking me way too long to respond. Like, an awkward amount of time.
Finally, I nod, my throat suddenly dry. "You’re not allowed to tell anyone what we talk about, right?”
“Not a word unless you give me your permission.”
“I took a home test, and it was positive. But I wanted to be sure."
"Of course." He glances at the form. He doesn't try to tell me that this isn’t really an emergency, which I appreciate. "You noted your last period was approximately eight weeks ago, and you've been experiencing nausea, fatigue, and dizziness?"
"Yes. I thought it was stress or something I ate, but..."
"But the timing lines up," he finishes for me. His manner is professional but warm, without a hint of judgment, and I find myself relaxing just a little. "We'll do a blood test to confirm. Is there anything else I should know?"
I nearly choke on the waterfall of words trying to pour out of my mouth. "It was—" I hesitate, unsure how to explain the absolute clusterfuck that is my current situation. "It was unplanned. Very unplanned. And complicated."
Reed nods, making a note in my file. "I understand. Lots of pregnancies are unplanned. Let's focus on confirming whether you're pregnant, and then we can talk about your options."
The rest of the exam passes in a blur of questions, blood draws, and a urine sample. Through it all, Reed stays calm and matter-of-fact. His bedside manner is better than I thought it’d be, considering he’s one of Kasen’s best friends. He helps me stay calm, which I really needed. I understand why he's so highly sought after by the women of Portland.
When we're done with the exam, Reed steps out. My phone buzzes again, but I ignore it. If it's another text from Kasen, I might spiral all the way into crazy town and I can't do that in public no matter how bad things get.
Reed returns with a tablet in hand, his expression carefully neutral. "Well, Wren, the results are in. Your blood test confirms you are indeed pregnant. Based on your last period, you're approximately eight weeks along."
Even though I was expecting it, the confirmation is like a punch in the face. I fall into the chair in the corner as my legs give out.
"Are you sure?" I ask, though I know it's a stupid question.
"I’m sure. The hCG levels in your blood are consistent with early pregnancy." He studies my face, his expression softening. "I know this might not be the news you were hoping for."
That's the understatement of the century.
"What are my options?" I ask, proud that my voice doesn't shake.
Reed leans back against the counter, crossing one long leg over the other. "You have several. You can continue with the pregnancy and parent, continue with the pregnancy and place the child for adoption, or terminate the pregnancy. Oregon law protects your right to choose any of these options."
I nod mechanically, trying to process the information through the haze of shock. "How long do I have to decide?"
"If you're considering termination, Oregon allows it up to the point of viability, which is around twenty-four weeks. But earlier is safer and less complicated." His tone remains factual, without pressure in either direction. "Whatever you decide, I'm here to provide medical care and support."
"Thank you," I say automatically, though I don’t really know what I’m saying right now.
Reed hands me a folder of information. "This contains resources for all options, including prenatal care schedules if you choose to continue the pregnancy, as well as information about adoption services and termination procedures. Take some time to review it and think about what's right for you."
I take the folder, clutching it to my body like I can absorb the information through my skin if I just hold it close enough. "And if I—if I decide to continue?"
He flashes me a grin and if I wasn't… whatever I am with Kasen, I might have developed a crush on hot Dr. Walker. "Then we'd schedule your first prenatal appointment, do an ultrasound, and start you on prenatal vitamins." He pauses. "Regardless of your decision, I'd recommend you start taking them now, just to be safe."
I nod, because my mouth has forgotten how to form words.
"Do you have any questions for me?" Reed asks gently.
