A Life More Complete(18)

Shorty after the doctor enters. He’s an older man with white hair. He’s wearing scrubs and surgical mask. His voice seems loud and booming in the quiet room. He shakes Trini’s hand, squeezing it harder than necessary.

“Hello Katrina. I’m Dr. Horan. We are going to go over a few things and then we will start your procedure.” He places his hand on her knee and she flinches. “I know this is a difficult decision you have made here, but I want you to know that you’re in good hands.” The nurse enters with a clipboard and stands behind him. He begins with what I assume are typical questions, date of last menstrual period, blood type, any surgeries, any previous abortions or pregnancies. The nurse vigorously jotting down everything Trini says. She can’t tell him when her last period was. I see her cheeks flush and she looks like the little girl I met six years ago.

The doctor begins to describe the process and I notice Trini’s hands begin to shake. She grips the blanket and closes her eyes. The tears fall slowly and she quickly brings her hand to her mouth stifling a sob that threatens. The description is becoming more detailed and I can feel myself grow uncomfortable, but Trini cuts him off abruptly.

“No more. Just begin.” Her tone is severe.

“As you wish,” he says with no inflection.

Her eyes, once again clamp shut and the slightest of tears escape. I stand and reach for her hand. She turns away from me and says, “No. Don’t. Please.” Each word followed by a small, stuttering sob. I breathe in deeply and exhale. I press my lips to her forehead. I keep my composure knowing that my ruin will be her demise.





---Chapter 6---





In just under two hours we’re back in the car and on the way to Gia’s house. Trini’s asleep in the passenger seat, but she looks pained and stressed even at rest. I quickly call Gia to let her know we’ll be arriving soon.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Gia.”

“Krissy! I can’t wait for you to get here. The kids are so excited!”

“I know, me too.” I try to keep my voiced hushed so I don’t wake Trini.

“So, to what do we owe this honor? I didn’t think we’d see you until at least Christmas.”

“Oh come on,” I try to play casual. “It’s strawberry season, how could I miss it?”

“Seriously? Don’t they have strawberries in California?”

“Yes, but not like David grows them.” I giggle and so does Gia.

“I know you’re up to something, but I won’t ask. All that confidentiality and non-disclosure bullshit that goes with your job. How’s Trini?”

“She’s good. You know the usual. Thought she needed some time away and no one will follow us to bumble-f*ck nowhere.”

“True,” she says laughing.

“We should be there in about a half an hour.”

“The guesthouse is ready and the door’s unlocked. We’ll see you soon.”

“Can’t wait,” I say. I love Gia more than anything. We’ve been friends since we were eight and I miss the normalcy of our friendship and the ease of being with someone who knows me better than anyone.

We pull into Gia’s gravel driveway and before I wake Trini I text Ben to let him know we’re here. I run my hand over Trini’s shoulder to wake her. She rubs her eyes, but says nothing. She can barely look at me. We both get out and head toward the small outbuilding behind the garage. I open the door and as always Gia has outdone herself. There’s a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies on the counter of the small efficiency kitchen. She’s stocked the fridge with water, pop and beer. The place is spotless, something I’m not sure how she ever accomplishes with three kids. I point Trini in the direction of the bedroom and I turn down the air conditioning as we enter the room. She crawls onto the bed and under the overly white and fluffy down comforter and closes her eyes. She still hasn’t spoken since we left.

“Trini?” I wait for an answer, yet receive nothing. “I’ve left the medicine the doctor prescribed on the nightstand. You need to take the antibiotic and probably should take the pain medicine, too.” I pause, but again, no response. “I’m going to go to the house now. Are you okay?” Nothing. “Could you please answer, you’re starting to scare me.”

“Okay,” she mumbles from under the covers.

“I have my cell. Call if you need me. Love you, Trini,” I say as I walk out of the bedroom and in the quietest of voices I hear, “Love you, too.”