Page 71 of Adonis Gates
She gave me a small smile and shrug. “You really didn’t have to come.”
“Why wouldn’t I, love?” I gazed into her eyes. “I told you if we were gon’ do this shit, we were doin’ it together.”
“I know.” She sighed heavily. “Nothing will change with us after, right?”
“Naw, baby, it won’t.” I smiled. “Quit countin’ me out.”
“I’m not, I’m just nervous.”
“You ain’t got shit to be nervous about, Jru. We locked into this shit, aight?”
“Okay,” She nodded then accepted my kiss just as the doctor entered.
“Hello, hello,” she sang and smiled. “Who do we have here today?”
“Adonis,” I extended my hand.
“This is my boyfriend, Dr. Parker.” Jru announced. “He wanted to come today and ask you some questions if that’s okay.”
“Oh, this is a pleasant surprise.” She beamed. “Of course, I’m willing to answer whatever questions I can for you today, Adonis. Partners being involved makes a huge difference.”
“I appreciate that.” I nodded, sitting back in my seat. “I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can on my own, but you know how the internet can be. I’d rather know what we’re personally dealing with and how I can help.”
“We’re,” the doctor repeated and smiled. “I love that you’re including the both of you in this. It speaks volumes.” She gave me an assuring nod. “But let’s get started. Endometriosis can be very unpredictable. We’re managing Jru’s symptoms with medication for now, but it’s not a cure.” She looked between us. “Some days she’ll be fine, but there are others where pain and fatigue will limit her. That’s something to be aware of in your day to day together.”
I nodded, adding that to my mental rolodex. “I read that diet, stress, and heavy activity can make it worse. Is there anythingspecific I should be doing—or not be doing—to make it easier on her?”
“That’s a great question,” Dr. Parker said. “Support makes a big difference. Encouraging her to rest when she needs to, being patient with her on her bad days, helping her track her symptoms—those kinds of things help. And since pain flares can be unpredictable, it’s important to communicate and adapt plans when they come up.”
“Understood. One more question…” I glanced Jru’s way briefly. “I don’t mean to make this awkward, but I’d rather ask and know than to mess something up. How does this affect intimacy? I mean, we’ve been intimate already and it was cool, but I don’t ever want to push her past her limits or no shit like that.”
“Adonis!” Jru whispered harshly. “You didn’t have to tell her all of that.”
She looked embarrassed as shit, it was cute.
“No, it’s fine.” Dr. Parker chuckled. “I’m actually glad to hear that you’re active and open to trying because I know at one point you weren’t. Many people with endometriosis have very healthy sexual relationship with their partners. There can be pain or times that things are uncomfortable, especially when trying different positions or at certain points in the cycle, but it all just goes back to communication.” She turned to Jru. “You have to tell him when things don’t feel right. You guys can try going slow, using lubricants if needed. They key is just to keep talking to one another.”
“Yeah, we probably won’t ever need lubricants, but I appreciate that, Doc.”
“Adonis!” Jru’s jaw dropped and I grinned.
“What? Am I lying?”
“Oh my God,” she covered her face and shook her head before dropping her hands and telling the doctor, “I think that’s enough for the day.”
“It’s fine,” the doctor laughed. “I’m just glad to know you have someone as engaging as him.” She turned to face me. “Adonis, you have a great attitude, and I believe that your approach and openness to all this will go a long way with Jru and really help her out. Thank you so much for coming in and talking to me today. It was very nice to meet you, and I do hope to see you again.”
“You will.” I shook her hand again. “It was nice to meet you as well.”
“Jru, do you need anything from me?” she asked my girl who shook her head.
“Thank you for seeing me today.”
“Anytime,” she smiled. “I’ll see you at your next appointment.”
When she left, Jru turned her attention to me and smiled.
“You are so embarrassing.”