Page 74 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

“Why didn’t you ask?”

“Because if you said you were sad or in pain, I would have wanted to come back that very minute. The mission was too critical. It was critical because it threatened my family. You, West, North, and that dick brain South are my family, and I needed to make sure the fucker suffered for what he did and for what he was planning. There, I’ve said it. What is ityouwant?” I hold my breath. If she says she wants out, I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do.

“Well… I…” She clears her throat and looks down at our joined hands. “I want to see where this goes, too, but please stop telling people I’m your wife. I know I am technically, but people will look at me as if I’m stupid. ‘Oh, we accidentally got married, so were seeing where this goes’. It’s not really the actions of two intelligent people, is it?”

“You’re worried about what people will say?”

“Yes. I take it you’re not?”

“No, I’m not. Anyone who has a problem with it can fuck off.” I can feel my anger rising and need to curb it. I don’t want to fight with her. Not this morning of all mornings. Not when we find out soon if we are having a baby or not. My stomach flips, and a weird sensation comes over me.A baby. Hmm.

When we arrive at the doctor’s surgery, the nurse shows us through to the doctor’s office.

“Good to see you, Zed. It’s been a while,” Doctor Mathers says.

“Yeah, well, that’s a good thing. Don’t take it the wrong way, but the less I see of you, the better.”

“Still Mr. Charming, then. I thought when I saw you were married that you might have gotten a pleasant demeanour as a wedding present.” He laughs.

“Ha ha, you’re so funny. Now, can we get down to why we are here? Less of the chit chat.”

“Yes, Zed, certainly, Zed. So, this must be East, your lovely wife. East is an unusual name. I only know of one other, and that wouldn’t be you, would it? East McGarry?”

“Yes, that’s me,” she replies quietly. I can tell she’s worried. So am I, but whatever the outcome, we’ll get through it.

“So, what can I do for you today, East?” he talks directly to her.

“Well, there are a couple of things. I...Weneed a pregnancy test. Then, if that’s negative, I need to discuss birth control.”

“Okay, so is that all?” Doctor Mathers asks. “You could have simply bought a test.”

“No, that’s not all. She has this balance issue; she falls over all the time, like, falling over fresh air. That’s how she broke her arm.” I try to keep it civil, but I’m a little concerned as to why she didn’t mention it to the doctor.

“Okay. East, tell me about your balance issues.”

“I fall over, the ground moves, and I end up on the floor or I end up wobbling as if I’m drunk.”

“That’s great. So, first things first, can you please go and do a sample into this bottle? Bring it straight back. We will be able to answer this one relatively quickly.”

East takes the small bottle and leaves the room.

“What do you think the balance issue is?” I ask Doctor Mathers.

“I don’t know until I examine her, but the possible pregnancy needs to be established before we do anything. But congratulations on the nuptials. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Thanks.”Jerk.

You could cut the atmosphere with a knife while we wait for East to come back. Doctor Mathers isn’t keen on me, and I would have changed doctors years ago if he wasn’t the best. I’m not the best patient when I’ve had to be stitched back up or given treatment. Well, I’m an arsehole.

East returns and hands over the sample. Doctor Mathers does a couple of dip tests.

“Now, we wait. It will only take a couple of minutes, and we will have an answer. In the meantime, let’s take your blood pressure and check your ears.”

“Okay, so your ears look good, but your blood pressure is low. Do you normally suffer with low blood pressure?”

“Not that I know of,” she replies.

“Okay, so I’m going to take it again in a few minutes. I just need to check a few more things. Can you come and lie down on the bed? You will need to lift your top and just pull down your jeans to the pubic bone area.”

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