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.

too, felt the weight of exhaustion. She crossed her legs and leaned against the couch, tilting her head backward. “I

in a calm stillness, punctuated only by the distant howl of the wind and the rhythmic rustling of leaves.

where did you buy your last batch of contraceptive pills? Could they have expired or been counterfeit? It’s perplexing

extend even to evading the effects of birth control

perhaps we didn’t take them early enough. Those little

her expertise to counter, about to

cutting her off. “What’s your plan then? You’re not married yet, and if Edward were to find out…

diverted the discussion from the topic of birth control pill

what to do. If Edward finds out, he’ll probably tear me apart.” Natalie contemplated momentarily, then slapped her thigh and released a deep breath

she stared at her in disbelief. “Are you insane? Weren’t you planning to go abroad after

or second year. The training programs at the university have students of all ages, some with several children already.

her thoughts. “I know what you’re going to say. This chuld is his biological child, but we’re already divorced. This child is

she shared a true kinship.

knew the days ahead would be filled with

to keep the baby too I can’t bring 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 I were to carry it out, I’d likely be haunted by nightmares for the rest of my life. We will share in both the blessings and the hardships together”

refusal to perform abortions was widely known throughout the obstetrics and gynecology department. While others might question it, she knew it was a deeply personal choice. However, Sherri’s unmarried status posed a dilemma, how would she navigate marriage with

would not let her off easily

matter, not something to be taken lightly. If you decide to proceed

question, “And what about

remained unwavering as she responded, her voice filled with conviction. Tve given it a lot of 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

up my mind. I will choose to keep the baby. If, in the future, I

still lead fulfilling lives as independent women. We can

I have a girl and you have a boy, we’ll pair

you? What are you even thinking? It’s the 21st century. We

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

lost

belly is an embryo. It’s a bit