Page 47 of Deprivation

“Oh, my gosh, let me see the ring!” Mom sputters.

“Mom. Gabe didn’t propose. I got into PA school. I start in January.”

“That’s amazing, Kat. Good for you.” My dad says enthusiastically, shocking me a bit with his exuberance. I feel a hand to my back and know this is big for him. It reminds me of how choked up I got when he held my hand during Gran’s funeral. He’s not a physically affectionate person and is such an introvert that this conversation is more words than I recall hearing him speak in a while. I notice Rachel has an odd expression on her face, but chalk that up to my continued paranoia… or heartburn. I mean, she is eight months pregnant.

“Yeah, congratulations, Kat. That’s awesome. So, you have to move? Are you and Gabe going to do the long-distance thing?” Rachel chimes in. I look over at Mom, likely still recovering from the fact I didn’t get engaged.

“Yes. I can’t really commute to Norfolk. But I’ll try to get home on weekends when I can. I have to spend some quality time with my niece and nephew.” I smile at her. “Gabe says we can make it work. We’ll see.”

“Well, if Gabe is willing to make it work, you hold on to that young man, Katarina.” My mother scolds. Luckily, the conversation is cut short by the doorbell and the onslaught of guests.

* * *

Clearing up the dishes and trying to straighten up the kitchen for Mom before I leave, I notice a sharp pain in my pelvis. As I load the dishwasher, I try to recall if I’ve lifted anything heavy. I hadn’t noticed any discomfort when I went to the bathroom. I’d previously experienced a urinary tract infection, but this didn’t feel the same. I don’t think I’m due for my period. However, truth be told, the new birth control pills they’ve given me shortened my cycle to the point I barely know when I’m having one. I haven’t had any bleeding or discharge lately.

Continuing to gather things for the trash or the sink, I consider whether I should seek out medical attention. Nah, I’m sure I’m overreacting. I’m so healthy I’ve just forgotten what it’s like to have any aches or pains. I’m sure whatever this is will go away.

* * *

“Ahhhhhh!” I pull my legs toward my chest and cry out in pain. What the heck is going on? It’s 5:30 a.m. I can’t continue to put this off. Quickly dressing, I grab my keys and head for the car.Ughhh.God, please help me get to the ER in one piece.

I drive to the university medical center and find a parking spot easily, most likely due to the early hour. I check in at the counter and await my initial evaluation. Fortunately, I’m only in the waiting room for about twenty minutes before they pull me back to triage. My vitals are obtained and they whisk me back to a room. As the nurse hands me a gown, I see a familiar face jog over toward me.

“Kat. You okay? You look pale as a ghost,” Nate states as he grabs both of my arms with his strong hands.

I feel tears start to trickle down my face. “Nate, I’m scared. There’s something really wrong.”

“Where’s Gabe? Did you call him?”

“I didn’t want to wake him, but I sent a text telling him I was coming here.”

“Hell, Kat. I’m off work as soon as I get back to the station. I’ll grab my stuff and come right back.”

More tears fall. “Thanks, Nate. I hate to take you up on that. I know you’re probably exhausted and just want to go home. But I don’t want to be alone until I know what’s going on.”

“Sure, babe. Don’t think twice about it. I know you’d do the same for me.” He rubs my arms reassuringly. “You go on and change into that scorching hot frock,” he says, pointing to the hospital gown in my hands, “and I’ll see you and your pretty backside poking outwhen I get back here.”

His statement forces laughter through my tears.

* * *

Two hours later, I’m returning from ultrasound when I see Nate waiting in my room. His large presence on the tiny furniture is almost comical.

“Hey,” I greet.

“Heard anything yet?”

“No, but I’m sure they’re waiting to get the ultrasound results. The ER doctor thought I could possibly have an ovarian cyst.” I look up from speaking with Nate to see Gabe in the doorway, but instead of seeing concern on his face, he appears annoyed. Nate and Gabe have never seen eye to eye. Nate has always felt Gabe was a conniving two-timer, and Gabe quite honestly doesn’t appreciate not being treated like royalty by everyone he encounters.

“Hi, beautiful. Any word yet?” Gabe asks, again appearing irritated. I start to wonder if the frustration is directed at Nate or at me.

“No. But I just got back from a test, so hopefully it won’t be too much longer. Come sit down,” I encourage.

“Nah, I’ve got some calls to make. I’ll just be out in the waiting room. Once Nate leaves, I’ll come back and keep you company. I wouldn’t want to be in the nurses’ way with too many people in here.”

Okay, so I know that’s a lie. Waiting for Nate to offer to leave, I look over and realize he’s standing his ground. Glancing back toward the door, Gabe has already walked away. Boy, this is the most strained our relationship has been.This isn’t looking good for moving to Norfolk.

* * *

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