Emily narrates:
"I want to know everything about the pregnancy, I'd like to know how long you have and when you have control. The truth is that I am excited that I will finally have grandchildren and I may not show it, but if my son is happy, I am happy too. I don't want to tell you with this that I don't like you, just that we need to get to know each other to get along very well. Besides, I want you to tell me about yourself, your family, your life and what you studied, Mason told me that you would like to work with him and support him in everything when you can be together, that makes me very happy I could help with the baby, so you don't have to worry about taking care of him. Of course, if you agree," I say feeling "embarrassed" by my anxious impulse.
It's all fake. I'm just trying to get him to show me his true face.
"Wow, that's a lot of questions. Regarding the pregnancy, I'm about six weeks along, I think. I have a check-up coming up. As for myself, there's not much to tell. I mean, I'm an only child, and my parents weren't really a part of my life, not much. And as for work and all that stuff about you taking care of the baby, I think it's too early to agree on that. Besides, when the baby is born, I won't want to be separated from him or her, at least for the first few months," she says, caressing her still-flat belly.
"Of course, that's totally understandable. I went through that when Mason was born, and believe me, even when I dared to leave him with my Nana, he was already quite big. So, I understand not wanting to leave the baby," I say, trying to smile.
I'm surprised that in such a brief response, she opened up about her life. I feel like she's not telling me everything, but she's not foolish enough to believe that I've had such a dramatic change from the time I first saw her until now. I hope she eats the food I brought. I know she's not eating it out of preference, just out of obligation. I can tell from her expression if she's satisfied, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, she continues eating.
I wait for her to finish eating, and when she finally does, I notice the nurse, who has been here listening to conversations that are none of her business, attending to Peyton.
"Also, I've already spoken to my nurse to stay and help me when my baby is born. Being a first-time mother, I won't know much about it, and she'll assist me in taking care of him or her. Mason hired her for her professional skills, and I believe he made the right choice, considering she'll be with me throughout the pregnancy," she says, handing the tray to the nurse.
“Oh, you have everything planned out. Well, in that case, I should take my leave. I have a medical appointment in a few hours, and I just wanted to stop by to see how you're doing," I say as I stand up to leave, but before taking a step, I turn and say, "Would it be alright if I come back another day? You know, to talk more and strengthen our bond," I finish with a smile.
“You’re welcome here anytime you want. I hope to receive you properly in the future and not in a hospital bed like today," she replies, smiling.
"Oh, dear, that doesn't matter to me. As long as you and the baby are in good health, I don't mind seeing you in bed. I could help you with anything you need, you know, womanly things like creams, perfumes, or whatever. You can count on me for anything," I say sincerely.
“You have no idea how much I appreciate that gesture from you. I hope to see you soon, and I'll let Mason know how the check-up goes," she comments with a closed-mouth smile.
“Thank you for that. See you another day," I say, leaving the room to make my way out.
I make my way to the exit, but then I turn back and go to the kitchen. I search for the nurse and find her alone, cleaning the plate from the food she had earlier.
I clear my throat to let her know I'm here. She turns and looks at me, surprised and slightly frightened.
“I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving. In case Peyton needs anything, she's alone in the room," I say, hoping to see something in her eyes that indicates I can trust her.
“Of course, ma'am. I'll go right away," she says, trying to smile.
“I'd like to know how she's been. I want to leave you my number in case she needs anything. Whatever it may be, let me know. I don't want her to lack anything. Call me anytime, day or night, for anything she needs, whether it's company or material things. Feel free to reach out," I say, handing her my card with my contact information.
“Yes, ma'am, don't worry. I'll call her, and thank you for your concern for my patient," she replies, leaving me astonished.
I smile and leave the kitchen to go on my way. Are we in the Middle Ages that she referred to Peyton as "my lady"? That was quite strange. I don't think it's a good idea to ask her to be my ally in keeping me informed about Peyton when she's alone. It's best to show interest in her to gain the trust of both of them.
At least, that's the plan, and I hope it works.
I leave and head home. I'll take a bath and then go to the appointment with the attractive doctor. I need to plan carefully what I'll say to him. I have to investigate if he's one of those doctors who can be bribed or if he's an honest professional. Having some insight into him will help me create hypotheses about what that woman is planning to tie down my son.
Time passes, and I'm already in the waiting room, feeling anxious. It's not because it's my first time seeing this type of doctor; it's just that I'm not sure if I should hint at something during this consultation or if I should schedule another appointment with some pretext to build a bit of trust with him.