The Question Read Online Free PDF Page A

was concerned. She really wished Crystal would seek out a support group. She didn’t think Crystal was adjusting as well as she thought she was, but Gail kept her fears to herself. She couldn’t make Crystal get the help she so obviously needed.  All she could do is continue to be there for her.
     
    * * * *
     
    The two weeks passed by swiftly, and before Gail knew it, it was time to return to the doctor.  Crystal had an important meeting with her client so Rashid accompanied her. Dr. Hagan wasn’t doing a full pelvic exam on this visit.  This one was just to determine if she was to be allowed off bed rest and could return to work.
    It felt strange, sitting in the waiting room with Rashid. She noticed some of the other women in the waiting room sliding envious glances her way.  She wanted to cry out, ‘He’s not mine. I’m just a friend,’ but didn’t because really, it wasn’t any of their business.
    Still, she supposed she could understand their envy. Rashid was an attractive man and an extremely courteous one as well. He carried his power and wealth around him like an aura. You just knew he was someone important as soon as he stepped into the room.
    They called her name at the door and Rashid clasped her elbow to help her to stand before escorting her to the back. He stood by her side while her vitals were taken. Then he followed as she was directed by the nurse not to the office as she expected, but to an examination room.
    “Excuse me,” she said to the nurse. “I thought this was just a follow up from the hospital?” Gail was uncomfortably aware of Rashid’s presence.  There was no way she was undressing with him around.
    “It is. Dr. Hagan wants to check the baby’s heartbeat. You don’t have to disrobe. Just sit on the table and he’ll be in shortly.”
    Gail nodded in agreement, glad she’d worn loose-fitting trousers and a top rather than the dress she’d started to wear. When Rashid requested to come with her, she hadn’t given any thought to how much intimacy they would be forced into with his presence. 
    A few minutes later, Dr Hagan breezed into the office.  “How’s my favorite patient today?”
    Gail rolled her eyes. “I’m good. I’m eating. Can I go home now?”
    He clucked his tongue at her. “Answer a few questions for me first then I’ll answer yours.”
    A few questions turned into a barrage, some of which were directed to her, others aimed at Rashid. She was amazed at the accuracy of the answers Rashid gave, even for those questions directed to her that he answered when she hesitated. Rashid had to have been monitoring her very closely to know these things. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
    “Gail, lay back. I want to listen to the baby. Rashid, would you like to hear your child?”
    “Yes,” he answered, his posture showing just how interested he was as he watched the proceedings.
    The nurse pushed the waistband of Gail’s pants down below her still flat stomach and tucked a towel in them, overlapping the outside to protect the material.  Then she lifted her shirt until it gathered under her breast, out of the way of the goo the doctor was squeezing onto her belly.
    Dr. Hagan placed the monitor on her stomach and rolled it around. The strong, rhythmic beat of the baby’s heartbeat filled the room. Overcome by emotion, Rashid reached out and gripped Gail’s hand tightly.
    “Nice, strong heartbeat. The baby is fine. Now, for its momma,” Dr. Hagan said as he put the monitor away. The nurse wiped her stomach clean and readjusted her clothing. When she stepped out of the way, Rashid helped Gail to sit up.
    “So, what’s the verdict? Can I come off of bed rest? Is it alright for me to return to work?” she asked anxiously.
    Rashid stood by her side, saying nothing while they waited for the doctor to answer. Dr. Hagan took a seat and motioned for Rashid to do the same.  Once he was seated, Dr. Hagan directed his attention to Gail.
    “I know you want