Turning Of The Tide

Chapter 80

In the early hours of the following day, at 3:30 AM.

they both struggled to find restful sleep, consumed by their anxieties over their delayed menstrual cycles. Restless and anxious, they stood in the bathroom, clad in their sleepwear, taking turns to test the pregnancy strips.

Sherri was growing increasingly frantic, urging Natalie, who had been inside for five minutes, “Natalie, are you finished? Why is it taking so long for you to urinate?”

Natalie’s voice echoed from inside, “Just a moment, I’m not done yet.”

“You should come out first. The test strip must be left for 5-10 minutes to obtain accurate results. Waiting inside won’t make any difference.”

The door swung open, and Natalie emerged, clutching the test strip. It displayed a single line. “I see. I’ll use the restroom first. It’s your turn now.”

After four minutes, piercing screams reverberated from the bathroom, “Ah…”

Natalie pushed the door open and entered, glancing around. “What’s going on?”

Sherri’s face was stunned as she opened her mouth, gesturing toward the two test strips on the bathroom counter.

Natalie’s gaze followed Sherri’s gesture, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Mechanically, she turned back to Sherri, who seemed lost in thought.

The two stood there, staring at each other dumbfoundedly for a few minutes. Then, in perfect synchronization, they both exclaimed, “It’s positive.”

There was a brief pause, and they simultaneously repeated, “What should we do?”

Without skipping a beat, they said. “Stay calm.”

Both of them sighed deeply, leaning against opposite sides of the door frame. In perfect unison, they sighed, “Well…” Natalie snapped back to reality, realizing the irreversible situation they were facing. It was like hitting the jackpot, except this time, it was different. “Let’s go. We won’t find any answers in the bathroom. Staring at this test strip won’t miraculously change the result. You don’t possess any magical powers.”

Sherri followed with a gloomy expression as they exited the restroom. Both of them took their seats on opposite ends of the couch. Sherri crossed her legs and slumped, “Natalie, what do you plan to do? You just got divorced. Perhaps… you should consider…” She wanted to suggest that Natalie consider terminating the pregnancy, but as an obstetrician-gynecologist, those words proved challenging to utter.

the weight of exhaustion. She crossed her legs and leaned against the couch,

the room. The living room was engulfed in a calm stillness,

thought. “Natalie, where did you buy your last batch of contraceptive pills? Could they have expired or been counterfeit? It’s perplexing how even imported pills couldn’t prevent this. Are their

their tenacity extend even to evading the effects of birth

didn’t take them early enough. Those little critters tend to

expertise to counter, about to say,

her off. “What’s your plan then? You’re not married yet, and if Edward were

effectively diverted the discussion from the

know what to do. If Edward finds out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie contemplated momentarily, then slapped her thigh and released a deep

as she stared at her in disbelief. “Are you insane? Weren’t you planning to go abroad after the New Year? Will the

the university have

going to say. This chuld is his biological child, but we’re already divorced. This child is

blood relatives with whom she shared a true kinship. Despite the biological connection with that scumbag dad, having no ties at all felt better.

days ahead would be filled with challenges and

it’s Hackett’s ofspring. You know, after being a doctor for so many years. I’ve never performed an abortion. I couldn’t bear to endure such a procedure now that I am in this situation. If I were to carry it out, I’d likely be haunted by nightmares for the rest of

question it, she knew it was

would not let her off easily

something to be taken lightly. If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy, you’ll be

question,

be bound to a man for a lifetime. I can still cherish over 20 years of companionship and joy if I have a son. And if I have

mind. I will choose to keep the baby. If, in the future, I happen to

doesn’t happen, we can still lead fulfilling lives as independent women. We can enjoy our time together, strolling hand in

teased, “Natalie, let’s have a little fun tonight and play baby matchmaking. If I have a girl and you have a boy, we’ll pair them up. Or we can still make it work if you have a girl and I have

you? What are you even thinking?

huh? Don’t you feel sad that your godmother doesn’t want you