Page 14 of Echos and Empires (After #3)

SEVEN

Emma sat on the edge of the bed, her stomach churning with a familiar nausea.

Last night with Chris had been amazing, everything had been in perfect sync, and even after, she’d eaten with no bouts of sickness.

But this morning, the distinct swirl of queasiness had returned, settling in the pit of her stomach like a heavy weight.

Her hand drifted absently to her stomach as troubling thoughts swirled in her mind. Maybe I was wrong to assume just because I could have sex, I was fine.

Rising unsteadily to her feet, Emma made her way downstairs and found Alex in the kitchen, meticulously organizing spices. He looked up as she entered, his hazel eyes warm and inviting.

“Hey beautiful,” he greeted her with a charming grin. “What’s up?”

Emma chewed her bottom lip, suddenly unsure. “I was thinking...would you maybe come with me to the doctor?” Her words came out rushed and uncertain. “I know you’re off today, and I know I told Chris I was fine, but I don’t feel right.”

Alex’s brow furrowed. He set down the supplies and stepped closer, searching her face. “Of course, Em. Is everything alright?” Concern laced his tone.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, voice wavering slightly. “I thought it was nothing, but the longer it lasts and the more affected I am, I can’t help but to think I could be letting something get worse. I’d feel better if you came with me.”

“Say no more.” Alex took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here for you, always. Let me just text the guys we’ll be back in a bit.”

Emma nodded gratefully, a lump forming in her throat. Whatever this was, at least she wouldn’t face it alone.

“Ranger,” she called, ignoring the way it seemed to squeeze her stomach. “Ranger, you’re in charge while we’re gone.” She let out a burp that tasted like bile and gagged.

Alex’s demeanor shifted, his playful grin replaced by a look of sharp focus. “Let’s go.” In two strides, he tugged her gently toward the door, letting the sunlight in without warning as he opened it.

Outside, the sun’s warm rays did little to dispel the chill that had settled in Emma’s bones. It was close to winter, but the jungle never felt cold…except sometimes at night and right now.

Alex’s arm remained a constant presence around her waist, a silent promise of support. They walked in tandem, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone path leading to the medical center.

For everything the island had, cars were not among them for many of the residents, and she almost missed the damn armored truck.

Emma’s mind raced, a kaleidoscope of possibilities spinning behind her eyes. What if something’s really wrong? What if... She shook her head, trying to dislodge the intrusive thoughts.

Alex glanced over, his hazel eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.

“Hey,” he said softly, squeezing her waist. “It’s going to be okay. No matter what, we’ll handle it together.” He flashed her a reassuring smile, though the tightness around his eyes betrayed his worry.

Emma leaned into him, drawing strength from his solid frame. “I know. I just can’t help but think...” She trailed off, unable to give voice to the fears swirling in her mind.

Alex nodded in understanding. “Trust me, I get it. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, yeah? One step at a time.” He cracked a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, if you get too weak, I can always carry you. Been hitting the gym just for moments like these.”

Despite herself, Emma let out a soft laugh. Leave it to Alex to find humor even in the most uncertain of times. His ability to make her smile, no matter the circumstances, was one of the many reasons she loved him.

“It’s a nice day out, nothing wrong with two people in love taking a walk to make sure they’re both fit as a fiddle.”

“Something tells me there isn’t a day in your life when you weren’t fit as a fiddle.”

“Actually,” Alex snickered. “I was the chubby kid throughout elementary school. Kids teased me that I was fat because my mom made too much food—classic Hispanic mom.”

“I cannot imagine you with anything less than your current physique.”

“Good,” he kissed her cheek, “because this is the one honed to keep you safe.”

As they approached the medical center, Emma’s grip on Alex’s hand tightened. He ran his thumb over her knuckles, a soothing gesture that said more than words ever could.

“In we go. I’ll bet you a kiss I can get you in without a wait.”

“Don’t tempt me with a good time,” she laughed, realizing a little more of her worry slipped away.

The sterile scent of disinfectants assaulted Emma’s nostrils as they entered the doctor’s office, the harsh fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow on the white walls.

Her heartbeat quickened, the clinical atmosphere returning her anxiety.

Alex’s hand remained firmly clasped around hers, a tether keeping her grounded amidst the turmoil of her thoughts.

“Hey, Teegan, my partner isn’t feeling well, and she’s been sick for about a week. Taking her back like ER protocol because her vitals aren’t completely stable.”

Teegan—a middle-aged woman with round glasses and thick black curls only nodded.

“Told you,” he grinned. “You can wait to kiss me at home.” He teased before pushing open a door three doors down that didn’t have a clipboard hanging on it.

She barely had a moment to situate herself on the paper-covered chair when the door swung open again.

The doctor, another middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, greeted them with a curt nod.

“Emma is it? You’re thinking that was a fast.” She sat in a chair opposite the bed.

“I’m doctor Madeline, and when women come in, we tend to react as fast as possible given how few of us there really are.

” Madeline turned on the computer and then looked back to Emma.

“So, what brings you in today? I see Alex has deemed it worth coming in on his day off.”

Emma swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’ve been feeling off lately. Nausea, fatigue, just not like myself.” Alex’s hand tightened around hers, a silent show of support.

The doctor nodded, typing rapidly on a keyboard she didn’t even look at. “Any changes in appetite? Sensitivity to certain smells or tastes?”

“No, not really.” Emma’s brows furrowed as she thought back over the past few weeks. “I’ve been eating new things, but not smelling anything different.” Except Ranger’s wet dog smell. “Well, I did smell my dog’s wet fur long after he left the room. Does that count?”

The doctor’s expression remained neutral, but Emma caught the flicker of something in her eyes. “I see. And your last menstrual cycle, when was that?”

The question hung in the air, the implication behind it suddenly crystal clear. Emma’s heart stuttered in her chest, her mind racing with possibilities she’d been too afraid to consider.

“I... I’m not sure. It’s not really been regular…ever.” Her voice sounded small, even to her own ears.

The doctor set down her pen, leaning forward slightly. “Emma, I’d like to speak with you privately, if that’s alright.”

Alex’s grip on her hand tightened. She knew his protective instincts flared to life underneath the calm exterior.

He turned to Emma, his hazel eyes searching hers, silently asking if she wanted him to stay.

Emma could see the reluctance etched in every line of his face, the desire to shield her from whatever lay ahead.

But she knew this was something she needed to face on her own, at least for now. With a small nod, she squeezed his hand, a silent reassurance that she would be okay. Alex held her gaze for a long moment before finally releasing her hand and standing up.

“I’ll be right outside if you need me,” he murmured, his voice low and fierce with promise. He shot the doctor a warning look, a clear message that he would not hesitate to intervene if necessary.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Emma turned back to the doctor, her heart in her throat. The weight of the unknown hope pressed down on her with enough force to crush her.

Doctor Madeline’s gaze was gentle, but Emma couldn’t shake the feeling of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.

“Emma, based on your symptoms, I’d like you to provide a urine sample. It will help us rule out certain possibilities and get a clearer picture of what’s going on.”

Emma’s heart pounded against her ribcage, the implications of the doctor’s words slowly dawning on her. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “You think... you think I might be pregnant?”

The doctor’s expression remained carefully neutral. “It’s one possibility, yes. But let’s not jump to conclusions until we have the results. UTI’s also appear in much the same way, and if the way Alex speaks of your tight-knit group, I wouldn’t rule that out.”

Emma didn’t have a chance to be utterly mortified before Madeline continued.

“The sample will give us a definitive answer and with how important kids are, I refuse to jump the gun. And knowing Alex, if he were in here, he’d tell the whole clinic.”

With shaking hands and a small laugh, Emma accepted the small plastic cup the doctor offered her after pulling it out of a cabinet.

She made her way to the adjoining bathroom, her mind reeling.

As she closed the door behind her, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror.

Wide, frightened eyes stared back at her, the gravity of the situation etched into every line of her face.

Emma took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She couldn’t deny the signs any longer—the nausea, the fatigue, the subtle changes in her body. As she provided the sample, her mind raced, piecing together the symptoms she’d been experiencing over the past few weeks.