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Naomi looked up from plugging in the tube. “Ask away. I can’t guarantee I’ll have the answer. If it’s complicated, you’ll need to wait for the clinic next month. Althea Matheson is our resident expert.”
Bonnie knew the nursing sister from Bialga well. She’d been the one who’d helped set up the pump four years ago. She’d been running the monthly diabetes and asthma outreach clinics here in Kurrajong Crossing as part of her job since not long after Bonnie was diagnosed. “I don’t think I can wait.”
“That bad?”
Warmth flooded Bonnie’s cheeks. “Not bad. A worry maybe?”
The nurse’s dark eyes softened. People thought she was hard, but Bonnie had received nothing but kindness from the single mother over the years. She was only a few years older than Bonnie, more Trudie’s age.
“Tell me what it is and I’ll see if I can help. Even if it’s only to direct you to more information.”
“I’ve looked on the internet, but it’s usually generic or one particular person’s experience. It might not be right for my situation.”
Naomi tidied up the tray she’d used for the minor procedure and tossed it into the special bin. Settling herself on a chair, she met Bonnie’s eyes. “What is your situation?”
“I want to know the risks if I get pregnant.”
The woman’s eyes widened, but she didn’t react negatively. “Are you pregnant?”
Bonnie bit her lip. “No. But I need to know if there’s any future for me with a family.”
“I heard Xander was home. Is he still putting pressure on you for a relationship?”
It was Bonnie’s turn to raise her eyebrows. “How did you know?”
“You probably don’t remember, but you told me once, years ago, about him wanting you to go away with him. Your nan’s health was starting to fail and I remember you were upset. It wasn’t long after I started here.”
The memory surfaced slowly. She didn’t usually talk about her own problems, and certainly not about her relationship with Xander, but she’d learned that day that Nan’s heart condition was only going to get worse.
“What a relief. I don’t really want the whole town gossiping.”
“Your secret is safe with me. Though I should tell you, there are rumours going around town. Someone must have told that reporter from Bialga something.”
Bonnie groaned. “She dropped into the inn on the weekend and saw us together.”
“And added two and two to make five?”
“Something like that.” Not even to Naomi could she mention anything about Colin. Naomi kept her own secrets and there was no way she’d talk, but loyalty to Xander and Tamara kept her silent.
“Well, you should probably talk to Althea if you are wanting detailed information about maintaining a pregnancy. You’ll know there are risks associated with diabetes. For a start, it’s not something to rush into. You need to prepare your body in advance and make sure everything is stable before you even try to fall pregnant. See a dietitian and line up an obstetrician who has experience with controlling type 1 diabetes. Althea can help with all those things.” She hesitated. “There will always be risks, but any pregnancy comes with its own problems. You could sail through it, or there could be issues.”
“But pregnancy is possible?”
“Of course. Does Xander know you’re thinking about this?”
“No. I mean it’s not something we’ve talked about. I don’t even know if he’s serious or is talking about wanting a family as some kind of ideal future.”
“I see. You need to know if he can have his ideal future with you, before you let him commit.”
A chill tightened Bonnie’s chest. It wasn’t easy hearing it put into words. “Something like that. I don’t even know if he’s the kind of guy who is frightened by illness.” Although he hadn’t been put off by it after his nightmare.
“I guess honesty is the best policy.” Her mouth twisted. “It’s a cliché, but often they contain truths.”
“And the truth is important.”
Naomi sobered. “Sometimes you want to protect people and you might decide the way to do it is to lie. It never works. In the end, the truth is what counts, no matter how painful.”
“I better let you get on with things.”
