Page 18 of Trick or Threat
Eleven
We skippolitics and head to the clinic, where I request a full workup. Pap smear, STI testing, and consultation for birth control.
I fill out the paperwork and leave the insurance stuff blank.
“Ms, how will you be paying?” She has a kind smile as she asks, not a judgmental look anywhere to be found.
“Cash please.” She rings me up and I pay, then sit by Val.
I bounce my leg as we wait.
“SANTOS,” I jump at my bio dad’s last name, but I couldn’t risk putting this in my real name.
I stand and follow the nurse.
“What brings you in today?” I know I need to be honest, but the story sounds crazy!
“No need to worry, love. You can tell me anything.” I nod and take a deep breath.
“I just moved into the sorority house, and we had a break-in last night. I had a crazy dream, but I’m afraid someone might have actually been there, now.” She frowns and looks from her computer, where she was taking notes, to my face now.
“Do you feel like you’ve had intercourse?” I cringe and shake my head.
“No, but I’m a virgin, so I really don’t know.” Her eyebrows disappear into her hairline.
“So what makes you think someone snuck into your bed?” I move my shirt and tap my shoulder.
“I have a bite mark here.” She stands and looks in the direction I indicated.
“Oh my. Okay, we’re going to run a full workup. If the doctor feels like it’s necessary, do you want a rape kit done as well?” The thought brings tears to my eyes.
“Yes,” I say shakily.
She leaves, and I change into the gown she gave me, following her instructions, then wait for the doctor to enter.
“Hello, Rosa,” The older woman smiles at me as she reads the shirt.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry you think this happened. Let’s get you some answers. I’ll start with the pap smear. First, let’s discuss the birth control options since I can perform everything at once, so it’s not so invasive.” She rattles off a few options, but I opt for the IUD since it’s less maintenance and long-lasting.
“Alright, lie back and place your feet here. Have you had a pap down before?” I nod as I get into position.
“Great, so you know what to expect. Depending on what I find, we’ll decide if the rape kit is necessary.” I blow out a big breath as she scoots closer and starts the exam.
“Good news, Rose. I see no evidence of intercourse, and more importantly, your hymen is intact. Will still run the STI panel. But I’ll leave it up to you if you want the other stuff done.” The relief I feel is so powerfully overwhelming, that I let out a small sob and shake my head, suddenly feeling ridiculous.
“No, no, I think the others will be plenty to ease my mind now. Thank you.” I’m just glad they didn’t send me off with a pat on the back, saying, ‘You imagined it all,’ or ‘It’s all in your head.’
“Well, then we’ll place the IUD, and then you’ll be free to go. You need to follow the directions I give you exactly and come back in three months to make sure it’s in the right place.” I nod and groan through the pinching sensation when the device is inserted.
I feel a constant discomfort and ache as I dress after.
Wonder if this is what it feels like after sex.
The more I think about this whole situation, the more I feel like it was all in my head. Maybe the bruise on my back was from something else. When I voice my thoughts to Val, she pulls me to a stop as we’re walking back to the sorority house.
“No, Gen, don’t make light of this. You aren’t crazy. You have definite teeth marks in that bruise. Someone bit you for sure.” Well, there goes all the hard work I did to lower my anxiety.
When we get back into our rooms, I feel the urge to fortify it. It doesn’t feel safe anymore, and I start moving furniture to block the door and make sure the windows are all closed. When I move to the roof entrance, I feel a breeze on my face.
