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"With the measurements on screen, I'd say you're about thirteen weeks."
"Is everything okay?" I ask for Aria as she gets herself together.
"Remarkably, yes. We'll keep a close eye on things, but this brings us to the next part of our conversation." The doctor clears Aria's tummy carefully and pulls her gown back down. "I know you've been through a terrible ordeal. You do have options. Now, you also have time to think about what you want to do. If you want to keep the baby, we'll monitor you very carefully over the coming weeks. Your body has been through so much. But, if you find it too difficult to carry on with this pregnancy, you still have time to terminate. The decision is entirely yours. "
I tighten my grip on Aria's hand. She looks lost and confused. Her eyes are red raw, her skin is pale, and her body is tense. I want to make everything better for her, but I can't. I feel helpless. These decisions must be hers and hers alone. I can’t help her decide. I wouldn’t like to be the person that makes this terrible decision.
"She doesn't have to decide right now, though, right?"
"Right. You can have as much time as you need. "
"I want to leave," says Aria.
She startles me. I tilt my head and look at her softly. If I could take her away from all of this, I would. I’d do anything for her.
"I'd really like to keep you in for observation."
"No. You can't make me stay. I'm leaving. Give me the forms and I'll sign them,” she snaps.
The doctor looks from Aria to me. "If I take her home, what happens next?" I ask.
I really want to carry Aria out of here now, but I will only do that knowing that she’s safe with all the injuries she has. All I know is that the panic in her voice is soul-destroying.
"Well, she would need to come back in a couple of days for us to make sure everything is okay. She's on antibiotics now, and we'd need to run further blood tests. We'd also need to know what she plans on doing with the pregnancy. "
I nod. "Okay. Can you arrange whatever appointments she needs, and I'll make sure she comes in for them? I believe I'll be able to help Aria more at my house where she'll feel safer to rest."
I can see the doctor warring with himself. He obviously knows that Aria will be better at home with me, but his medical degree is telling him the hospital is the best place for her to be.
"I need you to know that I'm advising against this, but as Aria said, I can't force her to stay. Under the circumstances, I do understand why she doesn’t want to be here. I'll take care of everything now. The nurse will take some more blood from you first."
"Thank you, Doctor." I reach over and shake his hand. "Honey, while the nurse does your blood test, I need to go outside and tell the detective and Clay what's happening."
"Clay?" She sounds surprised.
I nod. "Yes. Clay and I own our own security business with Chris. He was with me when the detective showed up. I'll only be a minute, okay?"
She nods reluctantly. I place a kiss on her head and leave the room slowly. I feel empty from everything I've just heard. It makes me feel sick that this happens within our society.
"Hey. How is she?" Clay stands up and Al follows suit. I shake my head and motion for them to follow me down the corridor away from earshot.
"I..." I bend my knees and squat down, running my hands through my hair. “She’s coming home with me when the doctor sorts out all of her paperwork. She's terrified to stay here. She said she's the one for this guy and he won't be happy she escaped. I want to kill the bastard." I stand up. "She's thirteen weeks pregnant."
I feel sick even saying it out loud.
"That son of a bitch!" Clay snaps. "How did she take it?"
"How do you think? I'm surprised the whole hospital didn't hear the sobs coming from her. She saw the baby on the screen. I think she's confused about her feelings. The doctor has given her options, but she has a little time to think things over. "
Al shakes his head angrily. "Did she say anything else about this guy?"
"Just that Sophia will gain his attention now, and she's in a bad way as it is. I didn't want to ask too much today. She needs time, Al."
Al sighs. "Time is something we don't really have, Caleb."
"Well, tough! Use your skills and start digging. Aria is off limits to anyone other than me and my brothers. She doesn't even want her family to know yet, so do what you can on the press front. She's the victim here. Make sure you all remember that when you're trying to capture that bastard."
Al’s jaw ticks with frustration. A tick I know all too well when he’s pissed off and biting his tongue. “I knew this would happen the minute you arrived here. You’re not the goddamn police now, Caleb!”
