Folsom (End of Men, #1)(60)

Each appointment I’ve seen a different doctor, mostly doctors I’ve never met, but occasionally one I’ve seen through Genome Y, so I’m caught off guard when I walk into the living room and Doctor Hunley is admiring a piece of artwork with Pandora and my mother. She says hello but barely acknowledges me other than that. They talk about the colors a few more minutes and then she turns to me.

“We better get started. I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of time. I have another house visit after this,” she says with a smile. “Was the machine delivered?”

“It’s been taken to Gwen’s room,” my mother says.

“Excellent. Lead the way, Gwen.” Doctor Hunley motions me forward.

I take her to my room and am about to close the door when my mother steps forward to come in too. Doctor Hunley holds up her hand.

“I’ll have you step in when I’m ready for the ultrasound.” She says it with such authority that my mom backs up and nods.

Once the door is closed, Doctor Hunley takes my hand. “We don’t have much time. I have a plan. How are you really?” she asks urgently.

“Sick with worry,” I whisper. “Have you heard anything?”

“Get undressed and follow my lead. Okay?”

I quickly undress and slip on the gown she hands me while she keeps talking under her breath.

“I’ve heard a few things. Just this week, one of my colleagues flew in from Canada and I think if anyone knows, it would be her. I’ll arrange a meeting with her. The Regions are fighting back, Gwen. Someone posted about you being kept here against your will and everyone is talking about it. A few of the vigilantes from the Black and Red Regions are talking about breaking you and Laticus out, if something doesn’t change quickly. If Governor Petite knows what’s good for her, she will release you. Or risk being overthrown.” She grimaces. “She’s not doing it fast enough for my liking.”

I stare at her and hurry to lie down where she’s tapping on the bed. My hands tremble as I pull the covers.

“Okay, we’re ready,” she calls out to my mother.

She gives me one more glance and pats my hand reassuringly before my mother steps in.

Mother stands where she can watch the screen along with me. Doctor Hunley turns the machine on and makes sure her tools are in order. Once she’s ready, she looks at us and pulls the plastic gloves higher on her arm.

“You’d think technology would’ve advanced beyond this cold liquid…brace yourself,” Doctor Hunley says, getting the wand in place.

As soon as the baby fills the screen, she starts taking pictures and logging things into her Silverbook. I stare at the baby and listen to the sound of our heartbeats. This will never get old.

“Hmm…this is…troubling.” She frowns. “Are all your dates accurate?” She points to the screen and I nod, swallowing. Her concern is scaring me. I can’t tell if she’s pretending or if something really is wrong.

“The baby is not measuring what he should be for how far along you are, and I don’t want to alarm you, but we need to do some tests right away,” she says. She looks at my mother. “Can you make sure she comes in to see me this week?”

“Surely that’s not necessary!” My mom looks at the screen. “Does the baby look healthy? Why does it matter if the measurements aren’t quite matching up?”

Doctor Hunley shoots her a sharp look. “It could mean the baby has some health defects or that Gwen’s not getting the nourishment she should be getting.” She shakes her head. “You know what, no later than the day after tomorrow.” She looks at me. “Eight o’clock on Friday morning, yes?”

“I-yes,” I whisper.

“I assure you, we will keep a close eye on you,” she says.

My mom and I stare at each other, and I start to cry.

“What if something is wrong with my baby?” The tears pour down my face. I don’t know what’s happening right now, but the thought that something could go wrong with my pregnancy is a fear I face daily.

“Just let me clear this appointment with Pandora,” Mother says, clutching her handkerchief. She moves to the door.

In that moment I realize my mother is not who I thought she was. I wonder if she ever was.

The chants of the picketers down the street fill the air and I cry harder.

“I should’ve brought one of my more advanced machines.” Doctor Hunley holds my hand and pats it. “Try to be calm. We’ll find out more during our next visit.”

My mother runs out of the bedroom door and Doctor Hunley and I don’t speak at first. I think we’re both in shock over my mother’s reaction.

“Anything else I can do before Friday?” she asks.

“See that stack of books? The one on the bottom, flip open to the back and scan my notes…post it to every news outlet…please.”

She hurries to the desk and does what I’ve asked, moving back to me quickly when she hears Mother coming back.

“Pandora prefers that you come here.”

“Fine. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow,” Doctor Hunley replies, looking at me.

“Should we keep her on bed rest until then?” Mother asks.

“Feed this girl whatever she wants and get her in the sunshine. She’s as pale as a ghost. The vitamin D will do her good until we can run more tests. I’d like to draw blood…the needles didn’t get delivered with the machine, I noticed?” Doctor Hunley’s raised brow is very intimidating. If I hadn’t gotten to know her through caring for Folsom, I’d be terrified right now.