Page 51 of A New Dawn

“Yes, it’s one of the listed causes for a false positive pregnancy test.”

“Can it cause vomiting?” It was the reason I took the test in the first place.

“It can. Did you urinate more frequently or have burning sensations around the time you took the test?”

I try hard to think back. Did I go to the toilet more often than usual? “I don’t think so, though, I can’t be sure. All I remember is feeling nauseous and incredibly tired for a few days.”

“That could have been it. But there are also certain drugs that can trigger a false reading. Anti-anxiety medications, diuretics, antihistamines, and also some fertility medication.”

That grabs my attention. “Fertility medication?”

“Yes.” But Doctor Raymond doesn’t linger on the topic. “Then there’s also user error. Now, I’m not implying you did anything wrong when taking the test, but pregnancy tests aren’t foolproof. Did you check the expiration date before using the test?”

I shake my head no. “They came from the pharmacy. Surely they wouldn’t sell out-of-date things.”

“No. They wouldn’t, but…” he keeps rattling on, but I’m not listening anymore. My mind is stuck on the fertility drugs.

Tiero wouldn’t have… I know he wanted to knock me up, but surely, he wouldn’t have slipped fertility drugs into my food or drink. Or would he?

He’s capable of kidnapping and drugging me with sedatives. Why would he stop at making me more fertile to get what he wants?

No! I don’t want to believe that of him.

As if in a trance, I interrupt Doctor Raymond and ask, “Is there any way to tell if I was on fertility medication?”

Doctor Raymond stops midsentence, an eyebrow arched.

“Your blood results didn’t show any,” he replies, frowning slightly.

“How long before the effects wear off? If I was exposed to any, let’s say three weeks ago, are there any tests you could run to find out?” Has it really only been such a short while since I last saw Tiero? It feels like a lifetime.

Doctor Raymond looks at me curiously, clearly wondering why I’m asking, but I’m sure as hell won’t be elaborating.

“It’s not my area of expertise, but I would say no. From what I know, these types of drugs leave your system after about ten days.”

Hmm. I rub my chin as I’m thinking. I guess I may never be the wiser.

“So why did I faint earlier? And if I’m not pregnant, why haven’t I had my period yet?” I ask eventually.

“You mentioned you’ve been under enormous stress lately. That’s enough to delay a period and topped with lack of food could have also caused the fainting. We’re still waiting on some test results, but they will take a couple of days to come in. Mary will schedule in a follow-up appointment for next week, and we’ll go through the results and determine if we need to take further action.”

“So I can go home?” I ask. All I want is to be alone.

Doctor Raymond nods. “Yes. I’d like you to take it easy for a few days. If you feel unwell, do come back, otherwise I’ll see you next week to discuss your results.”

I nod and slide my legs off the bed. “I’m pretty sure your boss is still in the waiting room,” Doctor Raymond says as he hands my file to the nurse.

Oh god. I’ve forgotten all about Gary being here.

Facing him is the last thing I want to do, but there is no way around it. He’s been so kind and accommodating. A lump forms in my throat and tears well up. I can’t cope with kindness right now. It will push me over the edge.

Gary is reading a book when I enter the waiting room. He rises immediately to give me a hug.

Jeez, do I look so disheveled that my boss who doesn’t know me wants to comfort me?

And I was right. His kindness is my undoing, and the tears streaming down my face can’t be stopped.

“Come on. I’ll take you back to the apartment. You can fill me in on the way.” His arm is still around my shoulder as he turns us to the door and we leave. The gesture is fatherly, and warmth spreads through my body. I welcome it because I am frozen inside.

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