Chapter 6: The Appointment She Wasn't Supposed to Mention
Daniel sat in the hospital corridor with both hands clasped between his knees.
Diane occupied the chair opposite him.
Neither spoke.
A television mounted above the nurses' station played a morning cooking show, its cheerful presenter explaining how to prepare a simple breakfast.
Daniel found the sound unbearable.
He stood and walked toward the vending machines.
Diane watched him.
"Daniel.""
He didn't turn.
"Daniel, please sit down.""
He pressed the button for a bottle of water.
"I need a minute.""
"Can we talk?""
He picked up the bottle.
"Not until you tell me the truth.""
Diane lowered her eyes.
A few seconds passed.
Then she spoke.
"I did take Maya to an appointment.""
Daniel turned slowly.
"When?""
"Several weeks ago.""
"Where?""
"At a medical clinic.""
"What clinic?""
Diane gave him the name.
Daniel stared at her.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
"Because Maya asked me not to.""
Daniel laughed once, without humor.
"She's seventeen, Diane. She's our daughter. If she has a medical concern, we deal with it together.""
"I know.""
"Do you?""
Diane began twisting her wedding ring.
"She was frightened. She didn't want you to react badly.""
"React badly to what?""
"To the possibility that something was happening.""
Daniel stepped closer.
"Something was happening. That's why she needed medical attention.""
"I was trying to protect her.""
"From me?""
Diane shook her head.
"From everything.""
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then he sat down again.
"Tell me exactly what happened at that appointment.""
Diane took a shaky breath.
"Maya came to me with questions. She was worried about some changes she'd noticed. She asked whether I could help her find out what was going on.""
"And you took her to the clinic?""
"Yes.""
"What did they tell you?""
Diane stared at the floor.
"They recommended further testing.""
Daniel's expression changed.
"Further testing for what?""
"I don't want to give you the wrong information.""
"You've already given me almost no information.""
"I know.""
"Did they tell you she might be pregnant?""
Diane didn't answer immediately.
That was enough to make Daniel stand again.
"Unbelievable.""
"Daniel, listen to me.""
"No. You listen to me. I carried our daughter into this hospital because she was crying in pain.
I thought we were going to find out what was wrong together. Instead, I'm discovering that you had information you never shared.""
Diane wiped her cheeks.
"I was going to tell you.""
"When?""
"I don't know.""
"Before or after she ended up in the emergency room?""
She looked away.
Daniel walked toward the window.
Outside, an ambulance pulled into the emergency entrance.
Its lights flashed against the glass.
He thought about Maya in the kitchen.
Her hands pressing against her stomach.
Her voice breaking as she begged her mother to believe her.
And Diane answering with three quiet words.
It's probably nothing.
The door opened.
Sarah stepped into the corridor.
"Mr. and Mrs. Carter?""
Both parents turned.
"Maya has finished speaking with us. The doctor would like to see you.""
Daniel immediately approached.
"Is she okay?""
"She's stable at the moment. Dr. Reynolds will explain the findings and the plan for further assessment.""
They returned to the room.
Maya was sitting slightly upright, with a blanket covering her legs.
Her eyes were red.
Daniel moved to her side.
"Hey, sweetheart.""
"Dad.""
He gently touched her hand.
"How are you feeling?""
"Still hurting.""
"We're going to get you help.""
Dr. Reynolds entered with another clinician.
He introduced her as Dr. Patel, a specialist who would assist with Maya's assessment.
Dr. Patel greeted the family before opening the medical folder.
"We've reviewed the ultrasound images and the information Maya shared with us. There are some important details we need to establish before deciding on treatment.""
Daniel nodded.
"Please explain.""
Dr. Reynolds looked toward Maya.
"First, I want to make sure you understand that everything we're doing is focused on your health. We won't make assumptions about you, and we'll explain each step.""
Maya nodded.
Dr. Patel continued.
"The ultrasound shows findings consistent with pregnancy. We also need to investigate an additional concern that may be related to the abdominal pain.""
Daniel leaned forward.
"What additional concern?""
"We need further examination to determine its significance.""
"Can it be treated?""
"That depends on what the additional tests show.""
Diane sat down.
For the first time, she looked directly at the doctors.
"What about the appointment at the other clinic?""
Dr. Reynolds glanced at her.
"Do you have records from that visit?""
Diane nodded.
"They're in my purse.""
"That would be helpful. If you can provide them, our team can review what was previously documented.""
Daniel turned toward her.
"You brought the records?""
Diane opened her purse and removed a folded envelope.
"I kept everything.""
Daniel looked at the envelope.
There were several pages inside, held together with a paper clip.
He noticed the clinic's name printed at the top.
Dr. Reynolds accepted the documents.
As he read the first page, his expression became more serious.
He turned to the second.
Then the third.
Dr. Patel leaned closer.
"Is there a date on the initial assessment?""
The doctor nodded.
"Yes.""
He looked toward Diane.
"Mrs. Carter, did anyone explain these findings to you at the time?""
Diane swallowed.
"Yes.""
Daniel's head snapped toward her.
"Who explained them?""
"The clinician.""
"What exactly did they tell you?""
Diane looked at Maya.
Maya stared back.
Her voice trembled.
"Mom, why didn't you tell Dad?""
Diane pressed both hands together.
"I thought I could handle it.""
Daniel stepped toward her.
"Handle what?""
Diane's eyes filled again.
"I didn't know how to tell you.""
Dr. Reynolds placed the papers on the counter.
"Mr. Carter, there's something in these records that we need to verify against today's ultrasound.""
Daniel looked at him.
"What?""
The doctor pointed to a section of the paperwork.
"Before we discuss it, I need to confirm one detail with the previous clinic.""
Daniel looked at Diane.
Then at the documents.
Finally, he asked the question that had been haunting him since the kitchen.
"How much did you know before you brought her here?""
Diane stared at him.
Her lips trembled.
May you like
And then, very quietly, she answered:
"More than I should have kept to myself.""
