the gender, or maybe it was because we hadn’t seen him or her yet, so it felt like we were only daydreaming.
“Well, this little one is shy and stubborn. I’m having trouble getting a shot of the goods. I’m going to go ahead and record the measurements, and maybe they’ll have adjusted position by then and we can get a better image.”
And yet, almost an hour later, even though Dr. Evan kept trying, he still couldn’t give us a firm idea. “I’m so sorry. Sometimes this happens. They’re stubborn critters even before they’re born. But boy or girl, your baby is measuring right on schedule and is perfectly healthy.”
I did my best to mask my disappointment.
Seeming exhausted, Wyatt wiped the ultrasound gel from his belly and adjusted his clothing. “That’s the important thing.”
“Do you have any questions or concerns?”
Wyatt bit his lip, his brow furrowing. “What is the likelihood of something going wrong in the next month and a half?”
“You mean something that will endanger the baby?”
Wyatt nodded.
“Relatively low. I can’t say you’re in the clear, because life is full of risks. But in two weeks, I want to start seeing you every week, and we’ll be checking everything that we need to keep an eye on. I think we’ve talked about this before, but I don’t have it in my notes... where have you decided to give birth?”
“At the birth center you’re based out of. We went and pre-registered last week.”
“Excellent. I’ve probably already told you all this, but it doesn’t hurt to go over it again. What will happen, then, is that when you go into labor, you’ll call and notify the center. You won’t want to come in until your contractions are about five minutes apart, and that’s really just for your comfort. The less time you spend in a medical setting, generally the less stressful it is. For most people, I mean. Some people are actually more comfortable with doctors and nurses immediately available, but we try and keep folks home as long as is healthy to reduce the work load on staff. That said, if you have any worries at all, do not hesitate to call and talk to someone.”
“Thanks, Doc.” I shook Dr. Evan’s hand.
“Oh! Don’t let me forget your photos. And if you want a DVD of the full screening, talk to the receptionist out front. They’ll mark it down and we’ll mail it to you once it’s ready.”
Outside the clinic, I asked, “Do you want to grab food in the cafeteria?”
Wyatt wrinkled his nose. “I don’t dare at this point. Too much noise, too many smells.”
“So takeout and home?”
“That sounds perfect. But first, I gotta pee. I drank so much orange juice before the scan because I heard that helps, and I’ve been holding it in for the last twenty minutes.”
For as little as Wyatt was able to hold in his tiny pregnancy bladder, getting it all out sure took a while. I nodded to folks as they went by. A few I knew by name, and I was getting to recognize more faces now that I worked day shifts, but it wasn’t until Craig came along that I felt the need to speak to anyone.
“Hey, Craig.”
The pale omega wore heavy black pants decorated with silver chains, a tight-fitting black tank top, and his dark hair was pulled into a half-pony tail. He nodded, and kept walking.
“Can we talk a minute?”
Wyatt and I had had several discussions about the reserved omega. He’d told me how Craig had comforted him that first night we’d met, and then had withdrawn so completely.
Sighing, Craig stopped, then turned to face me. “Yeah?”
“Are you upset with Wyatt?”
His frown deepened. “Why would I be upset with Wyatt?”
“I don’t know. You’d have to tell me. I really shouldn’t be speaking on his behalf but... He’s been worried he offended you somehow.”
Craig shifted on his feet, looking away. “He hasn’t.”
“Then why have you been ignoring him? I’m not saying you’re not allowed to act however you want. But Wyatt’s been through a lot... He likes you, though I honestly can’t tell why with the way you push him away.”
Craig made a face. “Yeah, I don’t hang around when people start insulting me.”
“Fuck, I’m not trying to piss you off. I just... If you are pissed at Wyatt, maybe you could tell him why? And if you’re not, maybe you can be a little nicer? I’m not your fucking dad. But I am Wyatt’s mate. And I don’t like seeing him