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.

She crossed her legs and leaned against

was engulfed in a calm stillness, punctuated only by the distant howl of the

a moment. Sherri suddenly struck upon a 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 little warriors really that resilient, defying all

tenacity extend even to evading the effects of birth

out of her confusion, her gaze evasive. “Ahem, perhaps we didn’t take them early

her expertise to counter, about to say, “That’s

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

the topic of birth control pill efficacy.

letting out a sigh. “I don’t know what to do. If Edward finds out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie contemplated

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

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

interjected, anticipating her thoughts. “I know what you’re going 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 come to an end. I

shared a true kinship. Despite the biological

knew the days ahead would be filled with challenges

performed an abortion. I couldn’t bear to

gynecology department. While others might question it, she knew it was a

mother, Juana, would not let her off

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 in the future.”

question,

20 years of companionship and joy if I have

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

still lead fulfilling lives as independent

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

haven’t you? What are you even thinking? It’s the 21st century. We don’t do baby

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