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“Don’t worry, she won’t even know I’m here.” When Dereck didn’t seem convinced, she reiterated. “I promise.”
Satisfied, Dereck left his sister and went into the master bedroom to find his girlfriend crouched on her floor, hissing in pain. Panic was his first emotion. A pain struck his chest making it difficult to breathe, but he pushed it aside as he rushed over to Alina, brushing the hair back from her forehead. “What’s wrong?”
Alina took a few deep breaths before she could force out the words, “It hurts.” She said nothing more, but the position of her hand told Dereck exactly where it ached.
Wasting no time, Dereck lifted her into his arms and rushed out of the room. At the sound of the commotion, Dina came bolting out of her room. “What’s going on?”
“I’m taking Alina to the doctor,” he said over his shoulder, grabbing his keys at the entry table before leaving the apartment.
For a few seconds, after they left the apartment, Dina remained frozen in place. Her brother was a doctor, and had no doubt seen a lot of horrors but never had she seen anguish so pronounced on his face before. Dereck really loved this woman. That was clear.
As usual, the traffic in the city was terrible, but thanks to the medical status on Dereck’s license plate, he was able to make it through a little quicker. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the pain in Alina’s stomach had subsided, but Dereck insisted she see the doctor. This time there was no compromising, no negotiations. If Alina only knew how his heart ached when he saw her on the floor folded up like a ball she wouldn’t even suggest leaving. There was no way Dereck was leaving the hospital until the doctor gave her a clean bill of health.
“Dr. Johnson,” the gynecologist snapped at Dereck as he paced behind her while she examined his girlfriend. “I understand your concern, but the pacing does not help. In fact, it is quite distracting.”
As a doctor himself, Dereck knew this woman needed to focus on her work, but when Alina was concerned, he was not a doctor, just a concerned lover. “Sorry,” he apologized and walked up to stand at Alina’s side until the doctor was finished.
“Has she been under any stress lately?” Dr. Felix spoke to Dereck, as she pulled the gloves off of her hands.
He looked down at Alina, who still looked a little pale. “Things have been eventful lately, but I try to shield her from it.”
“Well, you need to try harder,” the woman said with a stern look. “I don’t need to tell you what stress can do to her and the baby.”
“No, you don’t,” Dereck said, squeezing Alina’s hand. “I’ll do better. Is she alright?”
“With some rest, she should be fine.” Dr. Felix sat at the table at the side while writing on her pad. “I’m prescribing blood pressure medication for her. It’s safe to take during pregnancy.”
Then she swung around in her chair and spoke to Alina. “ I also changed your prenatal vitamins. Your weight loss concerns me, especially at this stage of pregnancy.” She printed out a piece of paper and handed it to Alina. “Follow this exactly. I want you to gain weight by your appointment next week. You hear me?”
Alina shook her head and took the paper from the doctor. After a few more instructions, Dereck was allowed to take Alina home.
Back at the apartment, he was a devoted boyfriend, tending to all of Alina’s needs to the point where she wanted him to leave her alone, but she knew he couldn’t do that. She had assured Dereck nothing was wrong minutes before she collapsed in pain and after hearing the doctor’s concerns, there was no way Dereck was going to ignore her health anymore.
He refused to leave her alone at the apartment—since Dina was gone—even to get the food items the doctor instructed her to eat. Instead, he ordered them and then prepared a hearty meal, forcing her to consume it all.
Alina couldn’t be angry. Dereck loved her and was only doing what needed to be done to maintain her health. Still, she didn’t like being treated like an invalid.
She fell asleep early that night, worn out by the events of the day.
The next morning was quiet, too quiet for an apartment with a fierce guest, but when Alina ventured into the kitchen, she discovered Dina had already left for the morning.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Dereck asked, his eyes scanning every part of her.
“I feel much better after a good night’s sleep.” Alina took her place at the table and immediately started eating the eggs.
Dereck poured some almond milk into her glass and joined her, pushing the salmon fritters closer. “ I want you to do nothing today. Just relax and I’ll handle everything for you. Whatever you need, just say.”
Alina stretched her lip. “The doctor told me to reduce my stress not go on bed rest.” She pointed to the clock on the wall. “Don’t you have to go to work, anyway?”
“I’m not going.” Dereck shook his head, and Alina immediately frowned. “How do you expect me to leave you here after what happened yesterday? What if it happens again?”
“I’ll be fine Dereck.” She waved her hand. “I could spend my day painting for the baby’s room. I’ve been meaning to finish the painting there.”
Dereck smacked his hand on the table and held her gaze. “I’m not leaving you alone, Alina. There’s no freaking way.”
The doorbell rang before Alina had a chance to refute and Dereck went to it thinking Dina had forgotten her key, but it wasn’t his sister at the door.
Dereck halted as the middle-aged couple eyed him with repulsive gazes. The bag was Lewis’ hand and if his look wasn’t so spiteful, Dereck wouldn’t have minded his sapphire eyes, equivalent to his daughter’s.
