Page 266 of Redeeming 6

“Is he an intravenous drug user, for example?”

“No,” I choked out, flustered. “I mean, not really.”

“Not really?”

“He was in the past.”

“Okay.” Concern flooded her eyes. “And has your partner ever been violent with you?”

“What?” I balked. “No.”

“Has your partner ever caused harm or pain to your body?”

“That’s the same question,” I snapped. “And the answer’s still no. He has never laid a finger on me, and he never would.”

“Do you feel like you’re in danger?”

“Oh my god, no,” I snapped, knees bopping restlessly. “He wouldn’t harm a hair on my head.”

“Okay.” Reaching over, she gave my knee a supportive squeeze. “I don’t want you to panic, and it’s purely hospital protocol, but we’re going to have to have more extensive blood work sent off.”

“For what?”

“To eliminate any sexually transmitted diseases not screened in your previous blood work.”

“Why?” I demanded. “Joey and I are only with each other.”

“More often than not intravenous drug users have a tendency of using contaminated needles. Not to mention the lack of inhibition when under the influence. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women in similar circumstances to present with STDs, even when they have only been with their partner. Therefore, I can’t stress to you enough the importance of protecting yourself during intercourse.”

“He’s not dirty,” I strangled out, mind completely reeling from the information she was throwing at me. “He’s a great guy. He’s smart and responsible, and in school, and has a job. He’s a Cork hurler, for God’s sake.”

“We have a service available at the hospital for young mothers that I think might be of great benefit to you—”

“No thank you.” I shook my head. “I don’t need any of that.”

“I’m going to refer you anyway and have a member from their team contact you in due course.” Ignoring my wishes, the midwife reached for my notes and resumed her scribbling before standing up and moving for the door. “I’m going to need you to wait here, Aoife. I’ll be back shortly.”

Oh god.

This was not good.

This was not good at all.

Sliding my phone out of my pocket, I quickly dialed the one number I knew would always answer me and held the phone to my ear.

“Aoife love, are you alright?”

“Mam. Can you come up to the hospital?” Clenching my eyes shut, I blew out a ragged breath before whispering, “I really need you.”

80

Leave Me Out with the Waste

JOEY

The sound of my pulse thundering in my ears was the first telltale sign that I wasn’t dead. My sister’s voice was the second.

“Shan?”

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