He shakes his head, "No you don’t, Gabriel. And you’re welcome."
Standing, Reid slaps me on my back, "I’m going to head in and try to get a couple hours sleep."
Finishing my coffee, I stare out over the mountains as the sun begins to rise. I finally have mi hermana my sister, there is only one thing missing—Alba.
Chapter Thirteen
Alba
“That’s the rest of it," Sam announces closing the door to the three-bedroom condo we signed a rental agreement on last Friday. Four weeks ago, we started looking for something off campus and finally after looking at several places Leah happened upon this one located near a small walking park in a quiet neighborhood.
I have my three-month check-up today, and Leah is going with me this time. Sam is going to hang back here and get things situated. After doing some craigslist and yard sale shopping we found some bedroom furniture for everyone along with a couch and two chairs for the living room. I used what money I’ve been making from book cover designs to take care of my share of the deposit and first month’s rent and got myself a bed and dresser for my room. Everything else I needed for my personal space I had already. I haven’t even told my sister about the move and don’t plan to just yet. At the end of the day I need to do what I feel is right for me.
Sliding the glass door open that leads to the small back patio I step outside. The weather is getting pretty cold now. We are at the tail end of October and all the trees have changed their colors to variant hues of warm purples, orange, yellow and red. The small backyard we have isn’t fenced in and it has a clear view of the park.
I wrap my jacket around me a little tighter as a gust of wind blows, picking the fallen leaves up off the ground. Today I get to see the baby. My first sonogram. It’s crazy what four weeks will do. I went from not showing to a baby bump overnight. My morning sickness is almost non-existent. I’ve managed to keep my bump hidden at school wearing leggings and sweaters, trying to prevent the rumors from starting.
I hear the door slide open behind me.
"Hey, you ready?" Leah asks, poking her head outside.
"Yeah, I’m ready."
I’m lying on my back on the exam table when Dr. Turner squeezes some cold gel onto my belly. The moment the Doppler touches my skin, an image of my baby fills the screen and I gasp.
"Look at that. I didn’t even have to work for it. Baby is definitely ready for the spotlight today." She says as she clicks on various parts of the image and types away on her keyboard.
"In case you’re wondering, I’m taking the baby’s measurements. Making sure he or she is on track with growth. And so far, everything looks good."
Looking at the screen, I can see the nose and a little hand. With the flip of a switch the heartbeat fills the room and all I can think is Gabriel is missing this. Maybe I should have told him already and given him the choice to be here or not. Honestly, when it comes to Gabriel I have no clue what the right decisions are.
"Baby’s heartbeat is strong. We should be able to tell the sex in a few more weeks if you’d like to know," she smiles.
"Yeah, I’d like to know." I tell her.
Leah who hasn’t let go of my hand the entire time has a look of wonder and amazement on her face as she stares at the monitor.
"Baby is very active right now." Dr. Turner observes.
I feel flutters all the time. The first time I felt something I was lying in bed on my back while reading a book. It was a little flip flop. I don’t know any other way to describe it. I don’t think there is anything better than feeling your baby move for the very first time. The doctor wipes the gel from my stomach and helps me to sit up. Before leaving the room, she hands me my sonogram pictures.
"I’ll see you November 26th. Two days before Thanksgiving. Hopefully baby is as cooperative as he or she was today and we can get a look at the gender. You’re doing great, Alba. Everything looks as it should. I’ll see you again soon." Dr. Turner informs me.
Relief washes over me. I’ve been so worried. With all the reading I’ve been doing on pregnancy and what to expect; I’ve also read all the things that can go wrong, and it has made me a bit paranoid. Knowing everything looks good has put my mind at ease.
"Leah, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? You going home? Sam told me the other day he’s going home for a couple days."
"My mom and dad are out of the country right now with the church. I’ll be staying here," she answers in a detached way. I get the feeling she’s relieved about not going home. From what little she has told me, which isn’t a lot, her family life isn’t all that great.
"My sister keeps asking if I’m going to come home. I’m not sure I want to go back home yet. If I do decide to go, will you come with me? I won’t leave you here by yourself," I tell her.
She gives me a half smile, "Of course I would go with you."
The next day I’m on my way to my truck after leaving the counselor’s office when I literally bump into Professor Green and his hand reaches out catching me by the arm before I fall.
"Alba, I’m sorry. That was my fault, I didn’t see you," He smiles bringing himself a little too close.
I take a small step back putting some space between us, "That’s okay. I wanted to speak with you tomorrow, but since you’re already here, the counselor, Mrs. Reynolds said I needed to make sure all my assignments are caught up before I start online courses. I was going to ask if you could email her and let her know." With his hand still on my arm, I gently pull out of his grip.