Chapter Text
Shaw Memorial Hospital, Mid-Wilshire, LA
Lucy and Tamara make their way to the hospital for Tamara's first ultrasound scan and doctor's appointment. The two women are overjoyed and giddy with anticipation. Lucy knows Tamara has waited a long time for today, and she is quite excited for Tamara.
Ideally, it should have been Tamara’s husband, Conrad, accompanying Tamara, but he had a work emergency and is out of Mid-Wilshire. So, he personally requested that Lucy accompany Tamara for her first scan. He didn’t have to ask twice since Lucy readily agreed. Tamara has always been Lucy’s family, so she is taking a personal day from her busy life as Mid-Wilshire’s one of the youngest female captains to be with Tamara on her special day.
Lucy inquires, with excitement evident in her tone of voice, "So, Tam, tell me, are you thrilled to finally hear the heartbeat of your baby?"
"Lucy, I'm super excited; I never thought I had it myself," Tamara chuckles. Then continues, "I've always wanted to be a mother, but the prospect of nurturing a life inside me is both unnerving and calming. But I wish Conrad was here; however, I'm glad that at least I have you on this special day." Lucy gives Tamara a hug and a smile. Tamara's phone rings, and it's from Conrad. Lucy asks her to receive the call because there's still time, and she assures Tamara that she will let Tamara know if the nurse at the reception desk calls her name.
As Lucy waits for the nurse to announce Tamara's name, her mind wanders to the time of her first scan when she was pregnant with her twin sons over 17 years ago. She fondly recalls the excitement that filled Tim when they went for her first ultrasound scan. He had a wide smile plastered across his face. As soon as they caught the sound of their twins' dual heartbeats, tears of joy welled up in both of their eyes.
Lucy's train of thought is abruptly interrupted by the nurse's announcement, "Mrs. Tamara Collins Fisher, please prepare yourself; it's your turn next."
Lucy rises from her chair and scans the corridor, spotting Tamara engaged in a phone conversation with Conrad in the corner. She signals for Tamara to return, as it's her turn for her appointment next.
While Tamara's scan is being held, Lucy extends her hand in support of the younger woman. The two women are simply pleased to hear Tamara's baby's strong and steady heartbeat. After Tamara's scan is done, Lucy goes along with Tamara to see Dr. Walker, her OB/GYN. After reviewing Tamara's test results and scan report, Dr. Walker assures her that she and her baby are both in good health and there's nothing to worry about. Nevertheless, the doctor still makes some adjustments to Tamara's medicines.
After that, both ladies thank the doctor before departing Dr. Walker's office to pick up Tamara's new meds at the pharmacy. As they make their way, Lucy starts to feel dizzy and quickly takes a seat on a nearby chair. Tamara notices this, and her eyes are filled with concern, so she asks, "Lucy, are you okay?"
Lucy responds with a smile, not wanting to ruin Tamara's special day. “Yeah, yeah, I am. I've just been a little tired lately, possibly due to the stress at work. Don’t worry, Tam. Everything will be fine after I get some sleep.”
Tamara studies Lucy with a concerned expression and urges, "Lucy, you look quite pale. Perhaps you might consider getting a checkup as well since we're already in the hospital. There is no harm in being cautious. Do it for the sake of my sanity, please."
Before Lucy can oppose Tamara, she proceeds to the nurse's desk and asks for forms, which she hands over to Lucy, who reluctantly fills out the paperwork.
Lucy hands over the paperwork to the nurse, who then leads her to an examination room.
A pleasant middle-aged nurse enters the room, greeting Lucy with a warm smile. She kindly requests permission to check Lucy's vital signs and collect samples for the necessary tests. Lucy agrees.
After the nurse leaves and the doctor enters, she introduces herself as Dr. Carter, a relatively young doctor who appears to be around the same age as Tamara or even younger than her. She then starts the examination by inquiring about Lucy's medical history and recent symptoms.
Lucy hesitates but finally voices her concerns. "I've been feeling tired, and, well, my body feels different lately. I'm 48, and I understand that this is the age when menopause typically occurs, so..."
Dr. Carter nods understandingly and proceeds with the examination. After a thorough checkup, she says, "Lucy, I will ask the nurse to run some more tests too to be sure. But after my immediate assessment, I think that your symptoms are more consistent with pregnancy than menopause."
Lucy's heart races as she tries to comprehend the doctor's words. "What do you mean?"
Dr. Carter calmly, with a warm expression, restates, "Lucy, I believe you're pregnant."
Dr. Carter's words hang in the air, and Lucy feels as though the room has been stripped of all sound and color. Pregnant? At her age? It couldn't be possible. Dr. Carter must be mistaken.
Lucy's voice trembles as she responds, "But that's impossible. Following the complications at the birth of my twins at 32, my doctor said that it was impossible for me to conceive again. Moreover, I am not experiencing any symptoms like those I had during my previous pregnancy. Also, I haven’t undergone any hormone replacement therapy, IVF, or any other medical procedure. So, this can't be right."
Dr. Carter, sympathizing with Lucy's doubts, offers her reassurance. "Mrs. Chen-Bradford, I understand your concerns; however, it's important to note that every pregnancy is unique, resulting in varying symptoms. It's also worth noting that misdiagnosis exists; perhaps you've been misdiagnosed in the past. Okay, while we wait for your test results, a transvaginal ultrasound can be performed to confirm the certainty of the pregnancy. Is that okay with you?"
Lucy is still in shock, but with apprehension, she agrees to the ultrasound. Dr. Carter performs the scan, and Lucy can hear the heartbeats and see a dot on the machine that the doctor claims is her baby. She has been waiting for this sound for nearly a decade, ever since she was pregnant for the first time. She still finds it hard to believe what her senses are telling her. Unshed tears fill her eyes. She wonders. How could this be possible? What if she wakes up and finds out she's been dreaming the whole time? What if she loses this baby? Her mind fills up with what-if scenarios.
However, Lucy snaps out of her daze when Dr. Carter gently informs her, "According to the ultrasound results, it seems that you are pregnant. Based on the size of the fetus, it seems like you're in the early stages of pregnancy, approximately six to seven weeks along. It's not very common, but it's not completely unheard of to conceive naturally at your age. Miracles do happen. I mean, I do understand your concerns, and it's important to remember that you do have options when it comes to your pregnancy. There is no judgment here; abortions are still legal in LA. So, if you want to termi..."
Lucy interrupts the doctor abruptly, her voice trembling yet resolute, as she firmly states, "No... No.. I want to have this baby. All I want to know is that they're safe and healthy." She goes on to gently caress her flat stomach, finally coming to terms with the news.
Dr. Carter nods and says cheerfully, "Alright, I will refer you to Dr. Walker, our top OB/GYN, and send your test results to her office. However, if you prefer to visit your own OB/GYN, you have that option too. It is completely up to you, Mrs. Chen-Bradford."
Lucy thinks Dr. Walker has been Tamara's trusted OB/GYN for quite some time, and Tamara has nothing but lauded her, so definitely, Dr. Walker is good. Furthermore, she questions whether Dr. Baker, her OB/GYN, is the right doctor to visit now! Thus, she requests a referral to Dr. Walker.
As Lucy departs from Dr. Carter's office, the doctor warmly addresses her, "Congratulations, Mrs. Chen-Bradford." Lucy gives an acknowledging nod before leaving.
Lucy meets Tamara in the waiting area. She can see the concerned expressions visible on Tamara's face. So, she doesn't waste any time and informs Tamara about her unexpected pregnancy. Tamara's expression of surprise broadens. Tamara's mouth hangs open a little as she blinks in surprise. However, after grasping the news, Tamara reaches out to embrace Lucy. "Lucy, I can't believe it! Wow! We are going to be moms at the same time. This is such happy news, Luce. I'm so thrilled for both of us," Tamara says with a beaming smile.
Lucy informs her that she needs to meet Dr. Walker and asks if Tamara would want to join her. To which Tamara readily agrees.
When they arrive at Dr. Walker's office, the doctor greets Lucy warmly. Dr. Walker examines Lucy, reviews her test reports, and says, "Mrs. Chen-Bradford, your initial test results show no issues. Everything looks fine as of now. But as your doctor, it's my job to let you know about the complications associated with late pregnancies. Considering your age, there may be an increased chance of health risks such as miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during labor. But if you remain regular with your checkups, then any such risks can be detected early or avoided altogether."
“I'll do anything, absolutely anything, to make sure my baby is safe. Please, tell me what I need to do. I'll follow every instruction and every guideline. I just want my baby to be okay." Lucy's voice quivers with emotion, her concern and fear palpable in every word. Tamara gently clasps her trembling hand, offering a comforting gesture of support.
"Mrs. Chen-Bradford, I completely understand your concerns. It's natural to feel this way, especially with the well-being of your baby at heart. Based on the test results, there don't seem to be any complications, so you can relax. The best thing you can do right now is to stay as healthy as possible. Ensuring a balanced diet, regular exercise, and attending all your scheduled checkups will significantly help. I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you notice anything unusual or have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. We'll navigate this together, and I'll do everything in my power to help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Also, I would like to recommend you consider joining a support group called 'Mommies at 40s' to help navigate the challenges of late pregnancy. It's important to prioritize both your physical and mental well-being during this time." Dr. Walker assures Lucy in a calming and supportive voice. The doctor proceeds to prescribe Lucy prenatal vitamins and hands her a card that includes the address of the support group.
Lucy takes a deep breath and nods, her voice firm and determined despite her concerns. As she says, "Thank you, Dr. Walker." And at that moment, Lucy makes a promise to herself that whatever happens, she will do everything in her power to keep her baby safe.
As the two women make their way to the pharmacy to pick up their medications, Tamara reassures Luce, "Don't worry, everything will be okay." Dr. Walker is very good at what she does, so she will make sure that you and your baby are safe." Lucy schools her worries, as she doesn't want to dampen Tamara's big day. Thus, she smiles and embraces Tamara warmly.
The two women say their goodbyes in the hospital's open parking lot before heading home. Once Lucy is alone, she gazes up at the sky and expresses her gratefulness towards the mysterious force behind this miraculous blessing. She is overwhelmed with gratitude and joy at the prospect of becoming a mother again, no matter how difficult her pregnancy turns out to be. Her eyes brim with tears of joy, as she can't wait to share this wonderful news with Tim.