Page 105 of Broken Souls

“Really? So you felt like everything was heightened when you were pregnant?” I ask, desperately wanting to know if the pregnancy is why I've been feeling the way I have.

“Definitely. Before I was pregnant, Timothy and I were always happy, but while I was pregnant, I would snap at him constantly.”

“Oh, I should definitely speak to a doctor about pregnancy changes.”

“It only gets worse.”

“Carson, I don't want to hear that.”

“I'm just saying, the further along you get, the more intense everything is.”

Axe walks in and sees me.

“Carson, I'll let you go. Axe just walked in and I have to get back to making dinner.” We say bye and hang up. “Where have you been?”

“With Lizzy and Creed.”

“What? Why?” I frown.

“I've been stressed and it's a good distraction working my hands to the bone building their shelter.”

“Oh.”

That's another thing for me to feel bad about. Axe is spending more time with my mum than I am.

“What were you and Carson talking about?”

“Pregnancy. Can you make an appointment with Dr Cindy before I forget?” I ask.

“Yeah, we can go see her tomorrow, before you go away for the weekend.”

“Um, can I go alone?” I ask.

“Why?” He looks hurt.

“I just want to talk to a woman about what's happening to my body and feelings. I'm not going for a scan or anything,” I tell him.

“Okay, if she does give you another ultrasound though, I want to be there, so call me,” Axe affirms.

“Thank you. Dinner won't be ready for a bit.”

I'm glad instead of fighting me on this, he's accepting that I want to see the doctor alone.

“I can help,” he offers, coming around to where the food is laid out on the bench.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Come on through Elora.” Dr Cindy smiles.

I follow her into her office and we sit down. I remember last time I was here. It was my first baby check-up and it went perfectly. Dr Cindy is the kindest woman I've ever met. I understand why Axe talks highly of her. I had an ultrasound and Axe was so intrigued by the whole thing. He literally stared at the ultrasound picture for two days. Now it's a permanent magnet on our fridge.

“How are things?” she asks.

She doesn't even mention Axe's absence, which I'm thankful for.

“Axe and I have been fighting a lot. I'm just wondering if the pregnancy is making me more sensitive to everything around me,” I say.

“Every woman is different. But yes, it's common for your mood to change rapidly, especially if something upsets you. Stress is a major factor that can cause problems during pregnancy, so fighting will be an added pressure. You and Axel can come in and discuss what you're fighting about. If you don't want to, I suggest just trying to make your home a stress-free zone.”