can make it there tomorrow, ”
Roy said staring her in the eyes.
Melissa looked away.
“ I'll try my best,” Melissa whispered.
Roy turned his attention back to the television.
*****
Ettie stared at herself in the mirror. The sundress she wore was very
flattering, the fabric stretched over the small baby bump which
seemed to grow overnight. She wanted to look nice, even though part
of her admonished herself for thinking that way. When she got to Dr.
Blue’s office she was surprised to see that Roy was alone.
“ Hi,” she said beaming at him.
“Where’s Melissa?”
“ I’m not sure if she can make it,”
Roy replied quietly. “Something at work came up.”
Ettie didn’t know what to say so she just nodded.
When they were shown into the examining room Ettie realized her poor
choice of attire.
“ Ettie you can get undressed and I’ll
be in in a moment,” Dr. Blue said smiling as he closed the
door.
“ Oh. I’ll wait outside too,” Roy
said turning red. “Will you ask Dr. Blue to come and tell me
what the sex is?”
“ Don’t be ridiculous. I want you in
here,” Ettie said blushing herself. “It’s just an
ultrasound. The blanket will take care of, well you know.”
“ Okay. Thank you,” Roy said grateful.
“I’ll be right back.”
The ultrasound gel was cold and Ettie giggled when the wand was
passed across her belly. Roy smiled despite himself.
“ Okay. Look here,” Dr. Blue said.
He circled something on the monitor.
“ What are we looking at?” Roy asked
eagerly.
“ That would be a penis Roy,” Dr. Blue
said chuckling. “Congratulations. You’re having a boy.”
Roy couldn’t contain his happiness. He jumped up from his seat
and kissed Ettie on the cheek laughing. His laugh was contagious and
Ettie found herself joining in.
“ My son,” he said, his smile touching
Ettie’s heart.
As they walked out the doctor’s office, both wide smiles, Roy
caught sight of Melissa.
“ Mel,” he exclaimed. “You’re
here.”
“ Am I too late?” Melissa asked.
Suddenly Ettie felt alone. She had to stop these crazy feelings. She
watched from the sidelines as Roy hugged Melissa.
“ A boy! We’re having a boy,” he
exalted.
Ettie smiled shyly at Melissa.
“ Congratulations,” she said.
“ Mel we have to go shopping. The nursery…
sports stuff. Our son,” he said laughing.
“ Of course,” Melissa said beaming.
“ Let’s go have lunch first. Ettie is
starving,” Roy explained.
“ Roy I can’t. I barely got away. The
luncheon. I have to get back, but maybe Ettie can help you pick out
some things after lunch,” Melissa apologized. “Ettie?”
she asked.
His smile fell slightly.
“ Of course. Yes I can do that. I’m
free for the rest of the day,” Ettie said.
Melissa smiled at her gratefully.
“ Okay. Thank you Ettie.” He turned to
Melissa. “Thanks for coming honey,” he said kissing her.
“ I’m sorry I was late,” Melissa
said sadly.
“ It’s okay. Really. I’ll see you
at home.”
They waved to Melissa as she drove off.
“ So what are you in the mood for?” Roy
asked Ettie.
Later, after chicken burritos and an insane amount of guacamole and
chips, Ettie drove with Roy to the nearby shopping mall. They made
their way to a high end children’s store. Roy wanted to buy
everything he saw. His excitement was infectious and Ettie found
herself enjoying picking out things to show him. As they made their
way to the furniture section.
“ This would be perfect,” Roy said
pointing out a beautiful cherrywood crib with matching changing
station, dresser, and bassinet.
“ Oh,” Ettie said.
“ You don’t like it?” Roy
questioned.
“ It’s not that. It’s gorgeous. I
just thought maybe Melissa would want to help you pick that stuff
out,” Ettie answered.
“ Melissa, well she’s been really busy
at work. Trust me she won’t mind. You heard what she said
earlier,” Roy responded.
“ Okay,” Ettie said slowly. “Well
then I