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 against the couch, tilting her head backward. “I honestly

in a calm stillness, punctuated only by the distant howl of the wind and the

batch of contraceptive pills? Could they have expired or been counterfeit? It’s perplexing how even imported pills couldn’t prevent this. Are

their tenacity extend even to evading the effects

confusion, her gaze evasive. “Ahem, perhaps we didn’t take them early enough. Those little critters tend to form alliances with our

the verge of using her expertise to counter, about to say, “That’s

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

effectively diverted the discussion from the topic of birth control pill efficacy.

don’t 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 breath “I want to

eyes widened as she stared at her in disbelief. “Are you insane? Weren’t you planning to go

like 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 restrict me

to say. This chuld is his biological child, but we’re already divorced. This child is mine. Please, don’t let it slip. If you do, our friendship will

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

ahead would be filled with

many years. I’ve never performed an abortion. I couldn’t bear to endure such a procedure now that I am in this

steadfast 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.

not let her off easily

“Sherri, have you thought this through? This is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly. If you decide to proceed with the

with a question, “And what

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 I can share a special bond. Whether or not I choose to

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 love and who loves me in return, someone who can accept and embrace the

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

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’ve been watching too many romantic dramas, haven’t you? What

for it, huh? Don’t you feel