Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 80

In the early hours of the following day, at 3:30 AM.

they both struggled to find restful sleep, consumed by their anxieties over their delayed menstrual cycles. Restless and anxious, they stood in the bathroom, clad in their sleepwear, taking turns to test the pregnancy strips.

Sherri was growing increasingly frantic, urging Natalie, who had been inside for five minutes, “Natalie, are you finished? Why is it taking so long for you to urinate?”

Natalie’s voice echoed from inside, “Just a moment, I’m not done yet.”

“You should come out first. The test strip must be left for 5-10 minutes to obtain accurate results. Waiting inside won’t make any difference.”

The door swung open, and Natalie emerged, clutching the test strip. It displayed a single line. “I see. I’ll use the restroom first. It’s your turn now.”

After four minutes, piercing screams reverberated from the bathroom, “Ah…”

Natalie pushed the door open and entered, glancing around. “What’s going on?”

Sherri’s face was stunned as she opened her mouth, gesturing toward the two test strips on the bathroom counter.

Natalie’s gaze followed Sherri’s gesture, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Mechanically, she turned back to Sherri, who seemed lost in thought.

The two stood there, staring at each other dumbfoundedly for a few minutes. Then, in perfect synchronization, they both exclaimed, “It’s positive.”

There was a brief pause, and they simultaneously repeated, “What should we do?”

Without skipping a beat, they said. “Stay calm.”

Both of them sighed deeply, leaning against opposite sides of the door frame. In perfect unison, they sighed, “Well…” Natalie snapped back to reality, realizing the irreversible situation they were facing. It was like hitting the jackpot, except this time, it was different. “Let’s go. We won’t find any answers in the bathroom. Staring at this test strip won’t miraculously change the result. You don’t possess any magical powers.”

Sherri followed with a gloomy expression as they exited the restroom. Both of them took their seats on opposite ends of the couch. Sherri crossed her legs and slumped, “Natalie, what do you plan to do? You just got divorced. Perhaps… you should consider…” She wanted to suggest that Natalie consider terminating the pregnancy, but as an obstetrician-gynecologist, those words proved challenging to utter.

of exhaustion. She crossed her legs and leaned against the couch, tilting her head backward. “I honestly don’t

on, silence filled the room. The living room was engulfed in a calm stillness, punctuated only

moment. Sherri suddenly struck upon a thought. “Natalie, where did you buy your last batch of contraceptive pills? Could they have expired or been counterfeit? It’s perplexing how even imported pills couldn’t prevent

their tenacity extend even to evading the effects

confusion, her gaze evasive. “Ahem, perhaps we didn’t take them early

her expertise to counter, about

cutting her off. “What’s your plan then? You’re not married yet, and

discussion from the topic of birth control

a sigh. “I don’t know what to do. If Edward finds out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie

stared at her in disbelief. “Are you insane? Weren’t you planning to go abroad after the New Year? Will the university even

It’s not like I’m in my first or second year. The training programs at the university have students of all ages, some with several children already. I don’t think they would restrict

This chuld is his biological child, but we’re already divorced. This child is mine. Please, don’t let it slip. If you do, our friendship will come to an end. I want to have a family of me

kinship.

the days ahead would be filled with challenges

myself to terminate its life because it’s Hackett’s ofspring. You know, after being a doctor for so many years. I’ve never performed an abortion. I couldn’t bear to endure such a procedure now that I am in this situation. If

question it, she knew it was a

would not let her off easily

serious matter, not something to be taken lightly. If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy, you’ll be a single mother, which may affect your chances of finding a

a question, “And what about

thought. I’ve realized that one doesn’t necessarily need to be bound to a man for a lifetime. I can still cherish over 20 years of companionship and joy if I have a son. And if I have a daughter, she can grow up to be a lifelong friend with whom I can share

that’s exactly how I feel. Ive made up my mind. I will choose to keep the baby. If, in the future, I happen to meet someone

still lead fulfilling lives as independent women. We can enjoy our time together,

and you have a boy, we’ll pair them up. Or we can still make it work

a playful glare. “You’ve been watching too many romantic dramas, haven’t you? What are you even thinking? It’s the

for it, huh? Don’t you feel sad that your godmother doesn’t want you as

sighed, lost

in your belly is an embryo. It’s a bit