“As best as it could. However, Friday night, you were served a lethal dose. Hadn’t we got you here sooner, you could’ve died. You would’ve died.”
Teddy’s footsteps garnered my attention. Roaman extended a hand, stopping him from exiting the room as she continued.
“There’s more–” She sighed.
Another deep breath was inhaled and then pushed out.
Silence left us all wondering what more there could possibly be. Roaman swallowed the lump in her throat. Her eyes glistened with tears. Before the words left her mouth, my heart broke. She didn’t have to say it for me to know what she was about to reveal. I felt it. I felt it in my bones.
“There–” she choked out, “There were–”
Her face contorted as if the news was causing her physical pain.
“Uh– there were signs of a fe– of a fetus.”
Gasps filled the room. Saint’s hand landed on my leg. He squeezed tightly, listening intently as Roaman continued.
“Friday, when you came in, your levels were elevated. I noticed the signs and made note of them. I had them check it out. During your tests, an ultrasound was performed. A baby– a baby in its first month of life was growing inside of you. But, as your body tried to flush itself of the toxins, it fell victim to the complete overhaul… complete system reset… Unfortunately–”
Teddy’s feet were like boulders hitting the ground. He stood in front of Saint, eyes wide with rage and heart full of hurt. I could see every breath he took and every breath he released. His body was trembling. He wore his pain on his hip like his pistols. He was wounded. Scarred.
“Somebody has to die,” he grimaced, finger pointed at Saint’s chest, “It better not be you, my nigga.”
I released my breath as he marched out of the door. Rugger was hot on his heels. I closed my eyes, allowing the information I’d received to set in.
“Anything else, Mani?”
The young, naive Rome came to the forefront. There was a time Roaman Emani Childers was my saving grace. It was her temperament and tone I related to most.
“No, baby.”
“How am I? Aside from everything you just laid on me?”
“You’re fine, thankfully. I suggest you go through with a common procedure to remove the baby from your womb. It is a swift procedu–”
“Other options?”
“Allowing it to pass naturally.”
“Miscarry?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
I shook my head. “None of this is your fault. It’s no one’s fault in this room.”
“Should you change your mind and decide to go through with–” Dr. Clemmons started.
“I won’t. Thank you, Doctor.”
“Understood. Understood. Do you have any questions?”
“Can I dance?”
Silence.
“Can I dance?” I asked again, opening my eyes.
“Yes. I don’t see why you couldn’t. However, I want you to note the risks. Your body will try to rid itself of your baby. Being that you were only in the first month of pregnancy, it–”
