Page 33 of Reticent

Distant sirens come into view. First responders arrive on the scene. The paramedics tend to me while the police ask me questions. Dru slips me my purse and my phone during the chaos. I clutch them in my hands while being lifted onto a gurney into the back of an ambulance.

* * *

I hate the ER—the smell, the sickness, the sorrow. But there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than lying under icky florescent lighting on this uncomfortable hospital cot between overly bleached, rough sheets. I’m here by myself, waiting for Hunter to get here. I called him as soon as I could. He abruptly left the restaurant as I relayed all the details I had at the time.

Over the last hour, I’ve gone through numerous tests and now the results are in. The doctor peels latex gloves from his hands and tosses them into a nearby trash receptacle. He washes his hands and sits down on a stool at my bedside. “There doesn’t appear to be any signs of distress based on the obstetric exam or the ultrasound.”

I release a relieved sigh. “That’s good news.”

“Although there aren’t signs of immediate trauma, you’ll need to watch for signs of distress, such as contractions, leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding, or a decline in the baby’s movement over the next couple of weeks.”

Worry slams into my chest at his words. “I understand, Doctor.”

“We’ll continue to monitor you and the baby for the next couple of hours,” he says, showing me a thoughtful smile. “If there aren’t any changes, we’ll prepare for discharge.”

“I’m going home?” The thought of going home alone freaks me out. Niko and Jordyn are in North Carolina visiting his dad’s family. Skylar is visiting with her dad for the weekend. What if something happens during the middle of the night?

“Only if it’s safe to do so,” the doctor assures. “The best thing you can do right now is rest.”

“I’ll try,” I say, fidgeting with the ties of my hospital gown. It’s open in the front with transducers strapped to my skin that are monitoring the baby’s vitals.

The doctor rises from his stool and leaves the room. I relax the back of my head against the pillow, feeling emotionally drained from the day.

“Yasmine?” A nurse appears in the doorway. “You have a visitor. Are you up to it?”

I adjust my bed with its remote to sit up more. “Yes. I’m expecting him.”

“I’ll send him back. Can I get you anything? A warm blanket? Something to drink?”

I shake my head. “I’m okay.”

She smiles kindly. “Press that call button if you need anything. My name is Shareen.”

“Thanks, Shareen.” I return her smile, my face tight with dried tears.

Soon after she leaves, my visitor peeks inside. “Dru?”

“Hey, Yas.” He takes tentative steps into my room and stops at the foot of my bed. “I was worried, so I thought I’d check on you. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course, it is. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

“Are you and the baby okay?”

“Looks that way. I may even go home tonight.”

His face relaxes into a smile. “Is there anything that I can do? Do you need a ride?”

“No. Hunter’s on his way. He should be here soon.”

“Right. I guess I’ll—”

“Yasmine?” The sound of my name on Hunter’s lips, anxious and pleading, ends all conversation and shifts my and Dru’s focus to the door.

Worry creases Hunter’s brows as he takes urgent strides to my bedside. “Are you okay? Is the baby okay? What did the doctor say?” He’s looking me over as if checking me for bruises.

“We’re fine.”

“Thank God.” He leans over and presses a kiss to my stomach.