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.

exhaustion. She crossed her legs and leaned

calm stillness, punctuated only by the distant howl of the wind

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 little warriors really that

extend even to evading

perhaps we didn’t take them early enough. Those little critters tend to form alliances with our bodies

her expertise

quickly changed the subject, cutting her off. “What’s your plan then? You’re not married yet, and

the discussion from the topic of birth control

know what to do. If Edward finds out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie contemplated

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

I’m in my first or second year. The training programs at the university have students of all ages, some with several children already. I don’t think they would

child, but we’re already divorced. This child is mine. Please, don’t let it slip. If you do, our friendship will come to an end. I want to have a family of me

true kinship. Despite the biological connection with that scumbag dad, having no ties at all felt better. She

she knew the days ahead would be filled with challenges and hardships…

can’t bring myself to terminate its life because 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

refusal to perform abortions was widely known throughout the obstetrics and gynecology department. While others might question it, she knew it was a deeply personal choice. However, Sherri’s unmarried status posed a dilemma, how would she navigate marriage with

mother, Juana, would not let

a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly. If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy, you’ll be a single mother, which may affect your chances of finding a partner

countered with a question, “And what about you?”

with conviction. Tve given it a lot of thought. I’ve realized that one doesn’t necessarily need to be bound to a man for a lifetime. I can still cherish over 20 years

future,

independent women. We can enjoy our time together, strolling hand in hand as two wise old

tidied things up and 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 a

“You’ve been watching too many romantic dramas, haven’t you? What are you even thinking? It’s the 21st century. We don’t do baby

you’re not up for it, huh? Don’t you feel sad that your godmother doesn’t want you as her