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.

leaned against the couch, tilting her head backward. “I honestly don’t know.”

silence filled the room. The living room was engulfed in a calm stillness, punctuated only by the distant howl of the wind and the

buy your last batch of contraceptive pills? Could they have expired or been counterfeit? It’s perplexing how

tenacity extend even to evading

perhaps we didn’t take them early enough. Those little critters

on the verge of using her expertise to counter,

then? You’re not married yet, and if Edward were

the topic of birth control pill efficacy.

out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie contemplated momentarily, then slapped her thigh and

“Are you insane? Weren’t you planning to go abroad after the New Year? Will the university even

programs at the university have students of all ages, some with several children already. I don’t

divorced. This child is mine. Please, don’t let it slip. If

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

days ahead would be filled

want to keep the baby too I 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.

obstetrics and gynecology department. While others might question it, she knew it was a deeply personal choice.

not let

with worry. “Sherri, have you thought this through? This is 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

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 of companionship and joy if I have a son. And if I have a daughter, she can grow up to be a lifelong friend with whom

nodded in understanding. “Yes, that’s exactly how I feel. Ive made up my mind. I will choose to keep the baby. If, in the future, I happen to meet someone I genuinely

life together. But if that doesn’t happen, we can still lead fulfilling lives as independent women. We can

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

her a playful glare. “You’ve been watching too many romantic dramas, haven’t you? What are

“So you’re not up for it, huh? Don’t you feel sad